Disco de KRS-One: “The Mix Tape”

Regardless of what anybody says, this mini-album is still fresh and top-notch -- Krs-One style. This is NOT just a CD that focuses on dissing Nelly. Just because it has the song "Ova Here" on this, doesn't mean that the rest of the subject matter is pin-pointed in that direction. Krs-One expresses his usual knowledge on tracks like "The Message 2002" and "Splash." Even a song like "Down the Charts" is very real with the message of the modern Hip Hop industry. The beats were raw and Krs-One's delivery is amazingly hype as expected. Yeah, everyone who was disappointed with his previous effort on "Spiritual Minded" should at least appreciate the Blast Master's revival. This CD sounds very similar to "The Sneak Attack," another album that I really enjoyed. But then again, only the truest of Krs fans would still love this effort. It's nowhere near the status of his earlier projects with BDP and "Return of the Boom Bap" -- but it still exists in its own credentials. If you love Hip Hop, you'll definitely feel this album, because that's what this delivers the most.

Unless of course you don't know anything about Hiphop, you should remember when Kris ripped MC Shan with The Bridge Is Over. Now hes back to rip Nelly. The only difference is Shan had/has skills, Nelly is a much easier target. Brought about by Nelly's #1 "I'm tired of people judging what's real Hiphop/Half the time, you'll be them n****s that f***in album flop". Don't expect too much out of this album though. Kris just released it to hold the fans over until Kristyles.

In response to the Daily News story, KRS released a statement on Thursday to explain his words.

"Like everyone," he wrote, "I was shocked to read that I and other African-Americans actually 'cheered when 9-11 happened,' and that I have 'declared my solidarity with Al Qaeda.'

"I would never just say something as crazy as 'we cheered when 9-11 happened'!" he continued. "I was making an objective point about how many hip-hoppas as well as the oppressed peoples of the world felt that day."

The rapper said that when he was asked why hip-hop has not "engaged the current situation more [meaning 9-11], my response was 'because it does not affect us, or at least we don't perceive that it affects us. September 11 happened to them.' I went on to say that 'I am speaking for the culture now; I am not speaking my personal opinion.' "

KRS said that after he stated that the hip-hop community's response to the attacks was "Mmmm ... justice," he had hoped to say, "Now of course, a lot of our friends and family were lost there as well," but was interrupted.

In the lengthy statement, KRS went on to explain that his words were taken out of context and that some of what he said may have been misunderstood because "I am a poet and I speak poetically."

With regard to his statement about America committing suicide in order for the world to become a better place, KRS explained: "If you want to go beyond voting, American interests must put a gun to its head and commit suicide, because as long as we are only interested in American interests, we go out and invade the rest of the world."

Though he was saddened by 9-11, the rapper said, he and many members of his community who were "racially profiled and harassed by the World Trade Center's security" felt a "sense of justice, a sense of change, a wake-up call watching the Twin Towers fall."

"For the record," the rapper said, concluding his statement, "I am an American philosopher. I speak and seek truth." KRS apologized "if the slander that the Daily News has printed regarding my political views has offended anyone in any way."

"However," he added, "we do have a voice and a point of view, and if you are not prepared to hear what hip-hop has to say about its view of world events, then don't ask!"

The Prophets vs Profits cd was hot! Unfortunately the samples weren't cleared and they had to leave off some of the best songs. This mixtape is still most definitely worth buying though.

Whoever said KRS-ONE fell off must not know anything about Hiphop and rap music. On some of KRS-ONE's latest albums he has spit some of the sickest rhymes over some of the sickest beats. Listen to his self-titled album - that's one of the best Hiphop albums ever made. Or take The Sneak Attack - now that's the definition of Hiphop. Or Take Spiritual Minded - like Kool Moe Dee said:

"[Spiritual Minded] was one of the more- I can't even tell you have many different flows he had, how much elequant essence he had, it was one of the best lyrical performances that he ever did. But it wasn't known about a) cuz it wasn't on a major label, b) it was talking about spirituality, and we seem to shun away from it."

Not only is KRS one of the best MC's ever, but he has also made some of the greatest contributions to Hiphop Culture. He's a living legend. It's like you have to be dead to be honored, for real. The skills are there, the music is there, the heart is there. If you don't feel him it must be cuz he's over your head.

The Mix tape is a pretty good buy. I got it not really knowing which direction he would go after the Nelly battle and the Spiritually Minded album. It seems to me that KRS-One is giving us a taste of what's to come in his upcoming Kristyle album. I have always held the belief that his message isn't what holds him back from reaching millions...it's his uncompetitive production. This album has great lyrics, and there are some shining examples of beats and boom-bap production. But ultimatly, the album can't receive 5 stars because of the lesser quality production in a few songs. Overall though I think KRS-One fans should buy this album immediatly, but those who haven't ever heard KRS-One or purchased his albums should wait until Kristyle comes out. It is rumored to be doctored up by Dr. Dre, so I can't imagine the production on Kristyle slipping at all. In fact, I have the distinct feeling Kristyle will be KRS-One's largest selling album to date. I just hope KRS didn't have to pay Dre too much for the production. Wouldn't it be nice for the best lyricist in the world to combine talents with one of the best producers in the world?

Overall, if you know and like KRS-One you simply have to have this album. If you are just getting into KRS-One, try his self-titled album or The Sneak Attack first and wait for Kristyle to drop.

BO BO BO BOYAKA!!!

hahah, krs has STILL got it, not that he never never had it. Still coming wit the PHAT beats and still with the PHAT rhymes that still have the PHAT messages. KEEP ON ROCKIN THE MIC KRISS!!!