If you’ve followed Gang Starr then you’ve probably followed the whole Foundation. Once comprising of Group Home, Big Shug, Freddie Foxx, and Jeru amongst others, the Foundation was never known for their lyrical mastery, but more so for Premier’s production. On 98’s Moment of Truth, Krumb Snatcha stole the show from both Guru and Premier with his verse on “Make ‘em Pay.” While he wasn’t as strong on the microphone as Bumpy Knuckles or as scientific as Afu Ra, Krumb delivered a unique blend of skills that the Foundation lacked. His career trekked out to this point, where he is no longer Krumb Snatcha, but is now K.S. Even though he was under the radar for a bit, he’s gathered up Pete Rock, Large Professor and Statik Selektah for some help on the production. Even without Premier on the boards, could this release be one that fans of Krumb were expecting?
The end of the album is the beginning of a new emcee. “Begins,” produced by Pete Rock, waxes philosophically about Malcolm X’s transition from a “pimp” to a “professor” asking that rappers apply the same logic. Not only does the beat bring out a new side of Pete Rock, K.S is thoroughly impressive with his perspective and his techniques are clearly on point. Statik sticks to his dominant ways on the title track, dropping a haunting piano loop while Krumb rides the beat with political, spiritual, and societal incentives in his lyrics.
Extra P’s powerful electric guitar on “Mind Power” serves as a distraction Krumb’s rather lazy and uninterested flow, and the same can be said for Pete’s second produced joint, “Yesterday.” When he does show emotion and life on “East is Back,” it’s only to beat a dead horse- “bringing back” hip hop. “Triumph,” a track that encourages life and excitement, only leaves the listener wanting more. This is a familiar feeling throughout the entire project, and a huge flaw that drowns its overall quality.
Sadly, Hidden Scriptures is very boring. Tracking in at 75 minutes, there is obviously room for error. “Secret” is out of place as a love joint, while “L.O.V.E,” a track about the love of hip hop is welcomed, but isn’t exactly great. All of this is strangely puzzling, especially seeing what Krumb has been capable of. It isn’t that he’s bad, no. In fact, he has a lot to say as heard on “The Light,” but what’s also heard is how dry and dull K.S. can be. Hopefully on the next project, the now reborn Snatcha can deliver at an exciting pace while maintaining his positive and introspective outlook.
62/100
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The album wasn’t very good to me. If anyone out of the gangstarr foundation who was lyrical it was Jeru. Can’t front on his first two album. Preem’s beats were almost flawless, but Jeru’s lyrics were on point. (i.e., “D. Original”)
Not even Jeru… Freddie Foxx was the beat that stayed in the cave…
Good review. I agree that the album’s a bit disappointing but I think it’s still better than most of his earlier ones except of course the “Snatcha Season pt 1″ EP. I have yet to hear a full-length effort from Krumb that meets my expectations, mostly cos I grew up hearing him on beats like “Closer to God” and “Make Em Pay”. You could say he set the bar so high on those that now it’s near impossible to match that standard. I remember him being hailed by everybody with good taste as the next best thing but unfortunately that hasn’t really come through. I’ll support him regardless
I liked this album ,I hear what u sayin bout bein bored but I think Yesterday is dope and Feeling is one of Beatminerz best recent beats. KS has plenty of energy and knowledge to give the youth and the listeners.
this is a really old review. another outlet of mine didn’t post it so Kev hooked this up. This album is outdated already (I relistened to make sure this review was still true).
It’s just.. a bad album