Customer Reviews

Maximum Strength 2008

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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, 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.

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.

Kris drops some brand new material that has the usual characteristics. Knowledge, dope rhymes,and some good beats. This album unlike the Adventures In Emceein' (which is material from 2006) is fresh for 2008. It consists of 11 tracks and an interlude from Busy Bee. In my opinion 10 out of the 11 tracks are dope. The one I don't like is track 4, I don't really like the way he is rapping and the beat is a little off to me. Lyrically the album is dope but some of the beats are a little questionable. That is why I didn't give the album 5 stars like my previous reviews of Kris' material. While this is not my favorite Krs release it is still a good one and will entertain current Krs-One fans.

I bought this with any worries if it was garbage. I have never been let down from this legend. Real hip hop is still alive. I dont like to dog out other rappers that should not be said in here as there fans are sensative and cant take criticism. So to Kris keep doing your things you have you fans. Oh yeah he is on Duck Down label now look out more buckshot and KRS-1 would be nice.

I'm a big Krs-One fan, I believe that I have all of his albums and this one is ok, lyrically profound like always but I wish that some of the tracks the beats need to be kicking butlyrically he's there. He is the Teacher of Hip Hop. Continually On my brother, continually On.

KRS does it yet again. Tight lyrics, strong beats and that expected NY flow...KRS delivers yet again!! Buy this jam and feed your mind!!!

All I have to say is, conscious rap is NECESSARY!!! KRS is my all time favorite MC, his message is tough to listen to if you're shrouded, but if you're truly awake to part or all of it, KRS's message is altogether positive. I appreciate his consistency in his music. There is nothing bad I can say about this album. How can you diss the truth? I know I can't.

Thanks KRS, I know you're just a man but you will forever hold a place in my consciousness!!! One love!!!