Just as some are quick to deem Hip Hop dead, two of the culture’s most revered figures, legendary MC KRS-One and pioneering producer Marley Marl, are here to reinforce that it is alive and well. In the 1980’s it would have caused a major stir to have the duo, from rivaling groups Boogie Down Productions and the Juice Crew respectively, unite to release an LP. In 2007 it isn’t quite as monumental as one would hope, but it’s still a step in the right direction.
As you would gather from the album title, the majority of the subject matter focuses on the power and relevance of Hip Hop as a musical and cultural movement. KRS and Marley do a fine job of this on standout cuts such as the exuberant This Is What It Is and the excellent title track. The ‘Teacha’ breaks down some of the philosophy behind Hip Hop and emphasises the fact that Hip Hop is a culture of not just observing and learning, but participating as well. As he succinctly puts it, “Hip Hop is more than music - Hip is the knowledge, Hop is the movement”. Another highly important, and simultaneously unfortunate issue affecting Hip Hop, more so on the music side, is brought to the light on Kill A Rapper, as Kris talks about the still unsolved murders of Hip Hop’s fallen soldiers and the authorities apparent lack of care and effort exerted into solving these crimes. These are the types of tracks where KRS-One truly excels, as one of Hip Hop culture’s leading activists.
I Was There serves as a lesson for both listeners and Hip Hop historians/authors, who Kris calls out on the opening of the track, as he outlines his involvement in Hip Hop, on both the cultural and business side. The closing track, House Of Hits, featuring the legendary Busy Bee (watch Wild Style if you don’t know) on the hook, is an even more potent message, possessing possibly the best beat on the album. On the closing of the track Marley Marl goes over the all-star list of artists who recorded at the studio that the aforementioned track is named after, even dropping a sly reference to 50. With the years of experience and success between the two you can appreciate the fact that they deserve their share of bragging rights, even if it does get overdone at times.
While it does ultimately achieve its objectives effectively, it is presented in a somewhat outdated style at times and occasionally tends to come off as a little preachy and self-righteous. This won’t necessarily garner the attention of the younger generation, who you would presume is one of the audiences they are directing their message to. It will be interesting to see how this album ages over the years, as it doesn't really hit you with the same classic feeling on first listen, and doesn't posses the same replay value of their earlier releases. At the end of the day though, if you want some perspective and knowledge of where Hip Hop came from and where it could be headed in the future,this is a nourishing serve of brain food.
Available Through Koch Records
