KRS-One: Return of the Boom Bap (2LP) [MUSIC ON VINYL]

Why you'll love it

Music On Vinyl presses this as a 180g 2LP set with printed inner sleeves carrying the credits and a photo of KRS-One. The album reached No. 5 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and The Source named it one of its 100 Best Rap Albums.

This edition

• 2LP set
• 180g vinyl
• Printed inner sleeves
• Numbered

About the album

These days "boom bap" names a whole school of hip hop production; in 1993 it was the title of KRS-One's first solo album, and a statement of intent. By 1993 he had already led Boogie Down Productions through a string of classics; this was his first album under his own name, made at D&D Studios and Battery Studios in New York for Jive.

He brought in serious help. DJ Premier of Gang Starr produced and mixed a big share of it, with Kid Capri, Showbiz and Norty Cotto also at the boards. "Outta Here" is a reflective trip back through his own story, "Sound Of Da Police" turns a siren imitation into a hook you won't shake, and "Black Cop" first turned up on the CB4 soundtrack. "P Is Still Free" landed on the Menace II Society soundtrack, and "Mortal Thought," "Higher Level" and the title track keep the bass heavy and the lessons coming.

Robert Christgau called it his best, praising how the beats finally matched the words. KRS-One says it has sold over 300,000 copies. He styled himself The Teacher, and this is the lesson plan; attendance is strongly encouraged.

Also at Kops: more KRS-One on vinyl · browse Hip Hop / R&B

Tracklist

Listen

On Jive / Music On Vinyl (cat# MOVLP1617), a reissue of the 1993 album.