Search - KRS-One :: Maximum Strength 2008

Maximum Strength 2008

Johnathan Thacker | 06/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the months leading up to this release, the impression was given that this was going to be a rereleased version of KRS's shelved 1998 album that was to be his last for Jive. Original versions of the projected track listing included some of the well known songs that were to be on the original, such as the posse cut 5 Boro's with Redman, Keith Murray, Rev. Run, Buckshot, Killah Priest, Vigilante, Prodigy and Cam'ron, which wound up on the Corrupter soundtrack, as well as a track recorded with Wyclef - before Wyclef made the horrible career decision (considering his vocal abilities) to sing more than MC.



This is not that album. I'm not sure what happened, but when I picked up my copy today it had "2008" tagged at the bottom of the original cover, and i noticed a very different track listing. I'll admit I was disappointed at this turn of events, as I'd always wanted to hear the lost KRS album from the late 90's.



Once you get past the change up, it's hard to be upset about what you actually do get here. Continuing the momentum he built off his Marley Marl collaboration, this is a very strong effort. I've only given it a once through - which was partially interrupted by several distractions during the last few tracks, so I don't really feel qualified at this point to give an ellaborate review breaking down all of the songs.



I just wanted to point out that this is not the original maximum strength, but it is a solid release. Sometimes there is a tendancy among users on Amazon to throw out 1 star ratings and trash something just because it's not exactly what they thought it was. I wanted to offset that and let people what this is, and that even though it might not be what you were expecting, it's definitely worth picking up if your a KRS fan."

KRS-One "Maximum Strength"- 4 Stars

Shaun Borowski | Buffalo, NY | 06/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"KRS-One, the legend himself, comes back for his second album of 2008, "Maximum Strength". This was originally supposed to contain a mixture of unreleased material, but the idea got scratched. What was left, was a solid collection of pure KRS-One. As I stated on my previous KRS-One review, his lyrics are on point 90% of the time. This time is no different. KRS, as always, diversifies his topics from politics, to battle type rhymes, to intellectual, informational, hip hop, and to party jams (not the typical "party" type jam). Great lyrics, lukewarm production. I personally, have come to expect this from the recent KRS releases (except "Hip Hop Lives"). The production is handled by Duane "Da Rock" Ramos and Oh No, I believe. Perhaps Kris takes this sort of production so that his lyrics shine even more, even though they would on a Pete Rock beat. There are no guest spots on the album, except for an interlude from the Chief Rocker Busy Bee, and some background singing in a song or two. Overall, this album ranks slightly higher than his previous release. Kris Parker, your music is still being heard, and is still great. Don't quit anytime soon, sir.



Lyrics- 8.5/10

Production- 7.5/10

Guest Appearances- N/A

Overall Sound- 8/10



4



-Shaun B."

Kickin Rhymes Skillfully Over (the head of) Nearly Everyone

Bjorn Turok | 06/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As much as we all have nostalgia for his older albums, I'm gonna hafta go out on a limb and say this is KRS-One's best CD yet. The rhymes, the music, and the energy of this release are proof positive that KRS is just as relevant to Hiphop, and to society in general, as he ever was. You'd think it was a mattress the way this album has been slept on, but such is life, ya dig? No matter what spectrum of Hiphop you represent or identify with, you've got to give it up to KRS for trying to bring some much needed unity to the Hiphop community.



After jamming to these 12 tracks repeatedly in every possible sequence for over a week now, I haven't grown tired of the album yet, if that tells you anything about how much this album has been rockin my noggin. Track 2 and track 12 are my favorites, as of right now.



Look, you've done made it this far (seeing as you're browsin' the page), so do yourself a big favor and "pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!"



Piece, er...I mean, Peace."