RETURN OF THE BOOM BAP

Lately I've been feeling extremely overwhelmed by the mountains of new dance and pop music that comes my way on a daily basis.  I so need a break. So, with a little inspiration from A-Trak's blog, I've decided to dedicate the next 7 days to listening to as much hip hop and non-dance music as possible.  I intend to rediscover some old records that I haven't listened to in a while or hopefully find some new stuff.

Also, in making that decision and doing a little re-design of the blog, I began thinking of some albums that changed my life. KRS ONE's Return of the Boom Bap is one of those albums.  Now, in 1993 when it was released I was 4, but I came across it in middle school, about 10 years later,  actually bought it at a store and played it until I knew every word.  This was pre-DJ BRUCE, so I didn't know that I was looking for something when I picked it up, but I found i stumbled upon something special... not just a great record.

This album means a lot to me because it was one of the albums I referenced when I was trying to find myself and my position in this world during that awkward middle school faze.  I grew up in a mostly white upper-class suburban neighborhood so there weren't really many real life references to the black experience other than family around me. So, as many yute will do, they'll refer to the music for education.

This album and KRS ONE in particular were the catalysts to an intellectual awakening as well. This was the time when 50 Cent types were dominating the airwaves and the culture. And while I wore the baggy pants and white tees, I didn't necessarily subscribe to everything that that scene was promoting.  KRS was my saving grace.

KRS's lyrical prowess and storytelling ability is unmatched. His voice resonates and is unmistakable.  Even from the BDP days it was undeniable that KRS was on a mission.

I didn't realize it until recently how much this album meant to me and how well crafted it is (having DJ Premier on board dosen't hurt". Almost as much as Illmatic.  GOAT.