Return of the Boom Bap

KRS-One adopted a more traditional approach to album-making on his first “solo” album. By enlisting the talents of several of New York’s most respected hip-hop producers—including Showbiz, Kid Capri, and most prominently, DJ Premier, who produced about half the album—KRS was suddenly an integral member of a rap establishment that he had spent years antagonizing. His collaborations with Premier are particularly potent: “Outta Here,” “Mortal Thought,” “P Is Still Free,” and “Higher Level” all forced KRS to change up his tempo, and the songs therefore brought out unheard facets of his voice as he drew energy not only from himself but from the artists around him.

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