Any hip-hop head who doesn't know who Kris Parker is lying about their so-called "knowledge" of hip-hop music. Kris Parker is KRS-One, a man who has been hailed by many to be the greatest rapper of all time. After a long hiatus, KRS-One, the self-proclaimed T'cha has returned in 2003 to release yet another album to add to his near flawless discography entitled Kristyles. Unfortunately, the release wasn't as perfect as he expected...
There are indeed, two versions of this album. One version, released by Koch Records, is the incorrect version of the album and is completely chopped up from KRS-One's original vision. A lot of his original tracks, like the special Jam Master Jay Tribute, were removed from the album so that KRS-One could score less points. The track order was mumbles and entire pieces of the album were missing in the final version. However, being the warrior that Kris is, he decided to strike back and release his own version of the album. This version of the album is the true "underground version" of the album, and is even titled correctly, which is Kristyle, without the "s". Though this album is harder to find than the label version, i felt compelled to share this with the consumers so that they'll know the true version and perhaps seek after it. Well, with that said, please read the f*ckin review. Thank You...
Track List & Rating
1. The Kristyle (5 Stars)
2. Interlude (NOT RATED)
3. Ya Feel Dat? (5 Stars)
4. Somebody (4 Stars)
5. Peter the Dreamer (4 Stars)
6. Aint the Same (5 Stars)
7. Underground (5 Stars)
8. Gunnin Em Down (4 Stars)
9. Survivin f/ Shuman Taketha & Priest (5 Stars)
10. On the Streets with Gato Interlude (NOT RATED)
11. How Bad Do You Want It? f/ Pito & Gato (5 Stars)
12. Alright with Me f/ Truck Turner (4 Stars)
13. Jam Master Jay Intro (NOT RATED)
14. Jam Master Jay Tribute (NOT RATED)
15. That's It f/ Mad Lion (3 Stars)
16. Nothin in the World is Impossible (4 Stars)
17. Aint no Stoppin Us (4 1/2 Stars)
18. True Story (5 Stars)
19. Stop It f/ Mad Lion (3 Stars)
20. The Only One f/ Mad Lion (4 Stars)
Kristyle opens up, as most KRS-One albums do, with a classic. This time, the title track entitled "Kristyle". Throughout the years, KRS-One has been known to lay the preverbial smack down on emcees across the globe. Since his debut with Boogie Down Productions, he has battled tons of emcees. While are more lesser known, underground freestylists, others are pretty popular (Melle Mel, MC Shan, Nelly), he has either come out victorious (the majority of the time), or fallen with pride. On this song, Kris makes it clear that the very mentality of a battle rapper is still very much in his system. KRS drops some braggadiocio questioning commercial rap with lines like "How they gonna battle me with the same game i taught em?". This is a perfect introduction to the album and the production provides just the perfect nostalgia needed to kick this off on the right foot. The track is relatively short, but it gets to the point rather quickly.
The first major highlight off this album is "Ya Feel Dat". The first instantly recognizable thing about this song is the production, which is perfectly old-school based. The pounding guitar and drum mixes, along with bass gives the song a very "Late 80s" hip-hop feel to it, and perfectly nostalgic for that time. The song's beat is pretty simple, but very listenable, specially for fans of KRS' BDP days. But this song is an instant classic not because of the beat (though it heavily adds to it), but for the lyrics. KRS-One pokes fun at commercial rap and commercial radio, claiming he doesn't give a f*ck if hes played or not, as long as he has his respect. Respect is something that KRS has always stood for over money and riches. Some of my favorite lines from this album are focused on poking fun at the materialistic mentality of commercial rap: "My wrists ain't lit up! I don't even live that life, Gold, diamonds, platinum, I give to my wife - you see, Diamonds are a girl's best friend, not mine, You got it, FINE - but what about that rhyme?, Can you rhyme? Can you spit it quick, like watermelon pits at a picnic? Ha!, Or are you just dressed up with nowhere to go?, Or is the record company the pimp and you the ho?". To top off this paragraph: this is a classic.
"Aint the Same" follows suit, by having KRS rap about true hip-hop life, comparing it to materialistic, commercial rap. KRS shows off a vocabulary which shows that even though he is a veteran, he can still stand side by side lyrically with the young talent coming up in the underground. Of course, even though the song pokes fun at commercial rap, its got some serious hip-hop social commentary, which is something we find him doing on every album of his. The production is easily listenable, with a minimalistic string accompaniment over simple drum and bass. Kris' lyrics are truthful, honest, and well-written, which is a testament to the career of this man and how he... simply put, will not fall off.
KRS-One decides to grab the bull by the horns and stand-up on "Underground". This is yet another hip-hop conscious track, but this time, a bit more angry, venomous, and specific. KRS-One decides to not only explain the power of underground hip-hop music, but also shout-out a handful of its respected artists. Such top names like Gangstarr, Talib Kweli, Doug E. Fresh, Nas, The Outsidaz, M.O.P., and such other artists get call-outs from the teacher, which to me must be a true honor. Basically, this is one of KRS' best joints of his career, and it really makes one proud to be a head. His repeat use of the word "underground" adds even more of a powerful edge to it. For example: "To be underground simply means that you're down, for the struggle, get 'em up, that's UNDERGROUND, You could be a classy lady or a wh*re, But if you protest the war, for sure, you UNDERGROUND, If the government can't see you, or deceive you, You love your people, believe you UNDERGROUND, If you refuse to play the game, you go against the grain, You ridin the train, you UNDERGROUND - get it!".
Even though its not typical KRS-One material, i feel that "Survivin" should be covered due ot that very fact. KRS-One decides to switch to some street poetry on this track, rapping introspectively about the poverty in the streets and the violence that plagues our youth. KRS and his crew of Taketha and Priest (no, not Killah Priest), join up to collaborate on this very dope song with eye-opening lyrics about the subject. The excellent choice of subject matter, backed by well-written lyrics, harmonic R&B vocals, and a very dope beat provide a great atmosphere.
The introspective material continues on "How Bad Do You Want It". KRS-One manages to beautifully mix introspective, thought-provoking poetry with a tiny bit of hip-hop commentary. KRS-One successfully switches between his topics as he reminds us about not selling out, but also doing your very best to feed your family. He says that being successful can happen without selling out is possible, but it requires true talent, which has been proven both true and false in time. Besides all of these topics, KRS-One also touches on selfishness, pride, as well as loyalty, and even goes so far as to make great points about whether money will affect friendship (which at times, it does). This is definetely the kind of creative material that should be on every single KRS album, and usually is. Besides the lyrics, the haunting, orchestra-like production adds even more to the feel of the track, which is quite good if i do say so myself.
"Jam Master Jay Intro" and "Jam Master Jay Tribute" are two short interludes which sort of play in the same beat and scratch style that Jam Master Jay played in, as well as samples of his beats. Basically, this serves as a reminded to the innovative talents and efforts exhibited by Jam Master Jay before his passing last year. This tribute is more of a celebration to his life, than a mourning to his death, and that is a beautiful thing. Rumors around the internet claim that KRS-One was specially angry due to the fact that these tributes were left off the final album. Luckily, if you can find this version of the album, you'll have them.
Sadly, Kristyle isn't without its flaws. One of the major flaws found here is the guest appearances of Mad Lion. For those of you who don't know, Mad Lion is an extremely annoying and can kill the song. Think of Lil Jon, only underground. On "Thats It" and "Stop It", Mad Lion comes along to sort of tarnish a potentially dope song. KRS-One's rhymes are indeed, excellent as expected, but Mad Lion's worthless "cookie-monster-like" screaming is annoying to the ears. Listening to Mad Lion is like listening to the Baha Men with soar throats, and god knows thats a torture. Though the songs are decent, Mad Lion makes them annoying. Luckily, this is the only major flaw found on this album.
The last song worth covering would have to be the unbelievable classic "My Story". KRS-One goes WAYYYY back to the past, reminiscing about growing up in his rough neighborhood, but finding peace in his music and his friends. The track is an eye-opening storyteller about the past of KRS-One, as he gives the heads an amazing history lesson. He decides to cover lots of topics including the death of his former partner DJ Scott LaRock, and how he managed to overcome his obstacles and seemingly transform into a leader and a pioneer in hip-hop culture. KRS-One goes on to rap about his challenges and the rough times, but also exclaims that the respect that he gains is worth it. This is one of those thought-provoking songs which is simply unforgettable. Add beautiful scratch effects and a memorable beat and youve got something special to put on repeat.
The true underground version of Kristyle proves to be far superior than the label release. This very situation shows the idiocy and corruption found in the music industry, and how many times artists are treated poorly. Its rather ironic that these type of things that KRS always oppose just happened to happen to him, and recently too. Even though this album isn't his best work ever, its proves that even though he has an amazing amount of years in this game, he is still fresh, innovative and intelligence. The knowledge found in Kris Parker's head is past pretty much anybody in hip-hop right now. If you can find a copy of the underground version of this album, i highly suggest copping it and learning something. On this album, KRS-One reminds us that "Rap Music is something we do... Hip-Hop is something we live..."
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.