Adventures In Emceein [PA]

Performer: KRS-One
Producer: Bam Beats; Panauh Kalayeh; Chris Max Pinset; Duane Ramos; Adam Shmeans Smirnoff; Enoch; Nick Kasper; Alex Track; Mic; Robert Hernandez; Lounge Lizzards; Stevie J.; Adam Deitch
Distributor: E1 Distribution (USA)

Notes: Personnel: Vince Flores (guitar). Liner Note Author: Jeffrey Collins. Fresh of his critically acclaimed 2007 collabo with Marley Marl, the teacher is back with his 12th solo album, ADVENTURES IN EMCEEIN'. More of a compilation album of recent material than a new project, ADVENTURES IN EMCEEIN' features 20 never-before-heard tracks recorded between 2004 and 2007. Lyrically, Kris touches on a range of contemporary issues and collaborates with a handful of fellow conscious rappers including Chuck D, Dwayne da Rock, Peedo, S-Five, Non-Stop, and MC Lyte. Nas, Rakim, and Just Blaze also appear on spoken-word interludes to give shouts to the Blast Master. Midway through KRS-One's Adventures in Emceein, Nas (often the torch-bearer for much of KRS-One's preaching) calls KRS "the greatest MC of all time" and repeats that designation for posterity's sake. It's hard to argue with Nas, considering KRS-One's unmatched longevity, much of which has been characterized by relevance and excellence. Nas appears at the opening of "The Real Hiphop" -- a subject that is the hallmark of practically every KRS recording. Just like every other album over the past 20 or so years -- especially the recent ones -- Adventures in Emceein deals with the preservation of hip-hop and the necessity of teaching, or as KRS puts it on "What's Your Plan?," "All I'm trying to do is educate the young ones." The result is a series of largely static songs that, although they spring from an inspired artist incessantly motivated with the notion of the greater good, will probably bore most listeners. There is affecting production in spots ("I Got You") and KRS seems immune to serving up garbage rhymes, with the social critique of "Our Soldiers" highlighting the substance void of both music and political talking heads. Still, many of the songs sound like recycled KRS stock. Some are downright corny, such as "Alright." Yeah, it's always nice to hear, arguably, the greatest to ever do it, but it's become increasingly less of an event. ~ Vincent Thomas

Kris "KRS-One" Parker was the driving force behind the group Boogie Down Productions, purveyors of a politically conscious rap style dubbed Edutainment. KRS-One, which stands for Knowledge Reigns Supreme, began his solo career with 1993's RETURN OF THE BOOM BAP, and devoted himself to defining, promoting, and preserving the true spirit of hip-hop. (The Blastmaster even went so far as to start the Zulu Nation-esque Temple of Hip-Hop Kulture in the late 1990s.) Though controversial, and occasionally inconsistent in his politics, KRS-One remains one of the most respected and sought-after MCs ever.

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