Customer Reviews

Spiritual Minded

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

Ok ok here is the deal. KRS-ONE is an all time great. All time meaning last year, the year before and next year as well. I gave 4 stars however 3 1/2 are probably more like it. This does not mean that I don't like the CD. Really the CD is balanced between greatness and not-so-greatness. I was surprised to see KRS doin Gospel. Is it gospel though.

I bought the CD and have enjoyed it a lot. I just skip tracks and pretend it's a great EP. Because, there are a few tracks that are not only outright immature but offensive to the ear. Very poor R&B vocals throughout.

TO REDEEM THE PROJECT THOUGH, KRS COMES TIGHT ON THE OTHER SONGS. I bold that because it is important. He makes my mind come alive. I appreciate that. Also, his delivery and diction make him a true MASTER OF CER.

If he is truely a Christian, and not just another one pimpin out the Gospel, I can tell that he is dealing with some issues. Such as trancendental Meditation, any god is ok, and who is God not goddess. These are some things he says in a few of the tracks. He advocates that type of meditation, says to manifest in your life whatever you believe god to be, and seems to be confused as to whether God is God or goddess. KRS Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

In a quick conclusion I still recomend this CD and I am serious about that. I feel that it is just prematurely released.
Had KRS waited a while longer and let God work on him a bit more it could have been masterpiece quality. It had that potential. Sounds more like a demo though. Gods timing is important.

GO BUY IT NOW it is a wise investment nonetheless and a far better place to invest your cheese.

You might think, "KRS-ONE, doing gospel rap?", but he pulls it off with great effect and impact. The rhymes are classic Blastmaster...he is the best of all time, forget what you heard. Who else could rap about gaining a higher spiritual consciousness, living your life right, and attaining love in one's life and still be dope on the lyrics. Please believe it! Most people knock KRS because his beats are not "hooky" or flashy like your average MC...but that is because he is not your average MC. The beats bang for the styles he kicks...he has substance over slickness and knowledge for these young people lost in the muck of this everyday hip-hop. This is a winner! Some of the cuts are not my cup of tea...too sappy, the singing, the melodies...but I really can not hate on it. As a total package I would recommend it.

This album is straight up PHAT. KRS-One, arguably the greatest MC of all time, takes it to another level by espousing faith in Jesus Christ. His trademark boldness and authority, combined with a righteous gospel message, is just what the hip-hop community needs. Though as a Christian I don't agree with Louis Farrakhan's religious views, I compare KRS-One to Farrakhan in that he makes clean and holy living sound manly, strong and desirable (which, in fact, it is). He spits lyrics that denounce fornication, hatred and materialism (which, by the way, are destroying the black community) and still manages to come off harder than any gangsta rapper out there. The beats are vintage BDP (minimalist, head knod, and hardcore) and his flow is, of course, on point. His guests rock well, particularly T-Bone, who boasts a ridiculous flow on "The Struggle Continues.'' KRS does spit a few contradictions - promoting transcendental meditation and saying that any manifestation of God is legit - but I chalk that up to his newness to the Christian faith. In time, perhaps even by now, he will realize that those views contradict Christ's message. But the contradictions are sparse and overall, the gospel message shines bright. Because of KRS-One's status in hip hop, this may be the album that pushes gospel hip hop into the mainstream hip hop community. For those haters, you're trippin' if you think there is no legit gospel rap out there. You probably haven't heard anything but DC Talk or some other wack crew. And don't call Kirk Franklin hip hop. There is plenty of dope gospel hip hop (real hip hop) out there. In fact, because underground (true) hip hop is more valued in the Christian community than in the mainstream radio rap community, much gospel rap is superior to the mess that's promoted on the radio. Check it out for yourself. Go to a Christian bookstore and peep these artists: Breathe Eazy; The Cross Movement; New Breed; Tunnel Rats; Obadiah One; King Cyz; Nuwine; T-Bone; Fourth Avenue Jones; Lil' Raskull; Elle R.O.C.; DJ Maj; Prime Minister. Finally, to say that gospel hip hop is corny is ridiculous. The message is not what makes hip hop corny, it's the flow or the beats. And gospel MCs can flip it as well as secular ones. True hip hop kicks any message, whether conscious, gangsta, storytelling, fun, black power or gospel. Don't be fooled into thinking that hip hop has to be gangsta to be hardcore. KRS-One crushes that philosophy on "Spiritual Minded.''

Can you handle the TRUTH and CONSCIOUSNESS of KRS? He is not only at the TOP of HIS game, he is at the TOP of THE game of HIP-HOP! Obviously, everyone has their own opinion about KRS and this new album. As for me, KRS, his crew, and this album is UNSURPASSING. The beats are TIGHT AND BANGIN. The rhythms are BOUNCIN. The rhymes are SUBLIME. The lyrics are GLORIOUS. The rappin is HARD. Now I ask you, what more can you ask for?

There are very few who can hang with the likes of KRS ..., and all others who had part in this album. Beautiful job!).

KRS is not trying to please you, or me, or any person. He doesn't have to. He is doing what he does out of his love for hip-hop, truth, and consciousness. Now THAT is REAL! This album is TRULY INSPIRED. Not only that, it is HOT! And without unnecessary bombardment of [harsh] talk and cuss words. KRS and CREW are a TRUE INSPIRATION! AN UNQUESTIONABLE 5 STARS FROM ME!

I came across this album while trying to find some info on Cee-Lo's (GoodieMob) solo project. God works in mysterious ways. I've been a fan of KRS-One from the days of Scott LaRock (Rest In Paradise) and stand strong on the statement that he is the G.O.A.T (South Bronx 2002...know dat!) When I saw KRS doing a gospel Hiphop CD, I said to myself that if he pulled this off, hands down he would forever hold the title. I'm a youth minister at my church, a huge music fan and have one of the most unique views of Christianity that most Christians probably wouldn't overstand (Ain't Ready-Track 15). Honestly, I've tried listening to gospel Hiphop and seem only to find subpar artist trying this because they didn't have the skills to make it in the industry. Well, the Teacha has taught again! I'm a big fan of artists like Common, Talib & Mos Def, Goodie, OutKast and KRS because they have lyrical skill to go along with excellent subject matter. KRS didn't disappoint on this project. Matter of fact, it was the lyrical excellence of KRS that got me past some of the poorly produced tracks. Most of the beats were nice and KRS rode them well. However, getting past the singing (pick a key...any key!) was a rough task. One should not get friends to sing on albums just to be nice. This is the only reason I would not give this project 5 stars. Don't let the "gospel" tag fool you. This is exactly what the title states...spiritual. It inspires and challenges those who know and intrigues and prods those who don't. Pick this up. And when you do, pay special attention to my particular favorites: "Take Your Tyme" (I have two daughters. You'll understand when you hear it.) "South Bronx 2002"- KRS never looses his edge. "Never Give Up"- Read the insert to see the translation of the Cantonese chorus...so deep. "The Conscious Rapper"- new insight. "Trust"- uplifting. "Ain't Ready"- the rawest track on the album. KRS just plain ol' RIPS on this one. The rock track and KRS's flow mesh beautifully and challenges the status quo of what you THINK Christianity is! Very powerful. This project is a blessing to the Hiphop Kulture and deserves to be heard. Don't miss your blessing...Peace.

It has been a long time since I have heard a record with this much thought, and heart put into it. It makes me happy to hear that someone actually cares about the spiritual side of life. KRS-one brings it to a whole new level with what he speaks about on this album. He lets one know that there is more to life than the material things that so many other artist's talk about.

As a longtime fan of KRS ONE, I was anxious to hear this latest album. KRS, in my opinion is the measuring stick for what an MC should possess: a unique voice, clever rhyme schemes, mind provoking content matter, etc). Love him or hate him, one has to admit he has challenged listeners as a battle rhymer and a conscious rhymer. There have been moments in his career when he may have been seen as contradictory, but he has never apologized for his style (which by the way is unparalled). Spiritual Minded is a good album along the lines of some of his earlier work such as Ghetto Music or Edutainment. KRS ONE is good for hip hop because he has the ability to maintain that raw battle MC edge while dropping nuggets of wisdom here and there. His choice to pursue a more spiritual focus is unique in that hip hop is really starving for some substance right now. For those who really follow KRS ONE, the Christian tone of this album may confuse you due to some of the things he has said on his earlier recordings. I don't have a huge problem with this only because everyone contradicts themselves at one time or another and because true hip hoppers are smart enough to listen to a conscious MC and investigate for themselves and make their own decisions. The main issue with this album is the production. Issues with production have been dogging KRS throughout his whole career. Fortunately he has the lyrical strength to rhyme over any beat. The issue of production came up during the albums after By All Means Necessary (Ghetto Music, Edutainment, Sex and Violence). I personally liked the production and rhymes but many others didn't. Then he brought one of the best beatmakers in the game on board - DJ Premier for Return of the Boom Bap and the KRS-ONE album. The production on I Got Next and Sneak Attack were also good. For KRS to do an hip hop album with a "gospel" feel is not a problem. The problem is that some people feel that traditionally gospel rap has been stigmatized as a style that lacks good production. I am feeling most of the songs on this album like "Never Give Up", "Conscious Rapper", "Ain't Ready", and "Know Thy Self". But some songs while good on lyrical content, the production just doesn't match his voice. Overall I like this album. I think it is good for hip hop because it needs a facelift. Peace.

I've been watching Hip Hop almost since it began. When BDP released "By All Means" and Public Enemy released "Takes a Nation" there began in Hip Hop and music a counter-cultural force which built up into what is present day Hip Hop. But at the time...please hear this....AT THE TIME the albums were released they did not seem at first listen to have that dramatic of an impact. It is the same with KRS-One's "Sneak Attack" "Spiritual Minded" and the upcoming "Kristyle". Three albums in less than a year and a half, and the music momentum is building again toward a change in HIP HOP's message. A lot of the teenagers who grew up listening to pop rap are beginning to see that it doesn't have the staying power of underground rap music. And the key idea to take away from these latest albums isn't about "which God does KRS believe in", or "production isn't up to par" etc. The main change that is occurring is that Hip Hop is evolving into more than just a type of music. And even though underground Hip Hop doesn't sell as much as pop rap, the Hip Hoppas who grow up and are influenced by music change their own tastes every year. And yet the underground movement is getting stronger.
The reason you must buy this album is so you can look back and say that you saw this change coming, or that you were a part of this paradigm shift in Hip Hop culture. The reason you have to buy this album is because you ARE Hip Hop.

Don't get left behind.

Yo as a true hip-hop head and an emcee I must say that when I heard this album I was trully impressed with the growth of KRS-ONE.

I have been listening to Kris ever since Criminal Minded. On Spritual Minded there are some songs that yes I feel the beat could have been better however, as allway with REAL HIP-HOP if the emcee is dropping science you learn to listen to the artist which Kris is besides there are a good amount of hot beats like "Take your Time"

This album is a Spirtual album and I recommend this to anyone that loves hip-hop and has children, the only thing corny about this album is the people that can't respect growth and knowledge.

This album is filled with "HOT" Hip-Hop quotes from the blast master like "If your allways holding a Gun whos holding your child" and "Mo money Mo money you be yelling this out and on TV can't you see you be selling us out"

This is true medicine for the sick and a resurrection for the dead, KRS-ONE brotha I thank you.

Peace and God-Bless

Koast 2 Koast ent.

WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE ALBUM I WAS JUST GETTING A FEEL FOR THE BEATS. MOST MOVED ME BUT ABOUT 2 OF THE SONGS OUT OF THE 20 TRACKS FELL SHORT OF MY EXPECTATIONS.I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING KRS ONE SINCE 1986 AND I HAVE BEEN EDUTAINED ON MANY LEVELS.THIS ALBUM IS NOT A GOSPEL RAP ALBUM ALTHOUGH THE CHRISTAIN WILL BE PLEASED WITH CERTAIN TRACKS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN THEIR WALK WITH THE LORD. THIS ALBUM CORRECTS THE IMPROPER VISION OF WHAT HIP HOP REALLY IS AND SETS THE STAGE FOR LISTENERS TO IDENTIFY WHERE OTHER ARTIST FALL FLAT OF WHAT IS NEEDED FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF HIP HOP. HIP HOP BEING ME AND YOU.I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL TO BUY THIS PRODUCT. I PLAY IT ALL THE TIME.MY FAVORITES ARE "TAKE YOUR TIME" WHERE HE SPEAKS TO YOUNG LADIES ABOUT DATING,"TRUST" WHERE HE TELL US TO TRUST OUR LORD,"KNOW THY SELF" WHERE HE GIVES ANOTHER VIEW OF BEING 'ICED OUT AND ROCKED UP' HE ASKED THE QUESTION' WHAT'S THE POINT IF YOUR GETTING LOCKED UP', MY PERSONAL FAVORITE IS "SOUTH BRONX 2002" THE BEAT IS BANGING, THE LYRICS ARE IN BATTLE RAP FORM BEATING DOWN ALL CHALLENGERS AND EXCEPTING ALL CHALLENGES AND THE HOOK JUST GET YOU OPEN.ANYBODY THAT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT REAL RAP MUSIC WILL BE CAPTIVATED BY THIS ALBUM.FREEESSSH FOR 2002 MY BOTHERS AND SISTERS.PEACE