Return of the Boom Bap

KRS-One's first solo album keeps the force of Boogie Down Productions while giving his voice a different set of rhythmic settings. DJ Premier's contributions are central to its hard drum breaks and sharply cut samples, leaving space for verses that move quickly between argument, autobiography and performance.

“Sound of da Police” uses its repeated call as both a hook and a challenge. “Outta Here” looks back at the rapper's own beginnings. That combination of public address and personal history gives the record more than one kind of authority.