The song "KRS-One attacks" starts off with this line: "We will be here forever, do you understand that? Forever and ever." And judging from his long list of career accomplishments, it is hard to dispute his claim. Like Coca-Cola Classic, you can always count on Kris to come out every year with a joint to make you go, "Oh shit!" Every year. Go ahead and count, yo. Every year. From Criminal Minded in '87 to Sex and Violence in '92, he has been about one thing--real hip-hop. But album number seven has a new approach. This is not a BDP album. It is a KRS-One solo album, which means that he can work with people outside his traditional BDP family. It was a good move on his part. This disc is a treat, not only does Kris rip it on the mic, but with DJ Premier, Kid Capri and Showbiz helping with the beats, his whole sound seems rejuvenated. Containing the same amount of tracks as the number of semesters he's been rocking albums, Return serves up instant gems. "Outta Here" is a flavorful and personal detailing of the trials and tribulations of the rap rat race. On "I Can't Get Up," our hero dreams that he's a blunt being passed around a host of dope MCs. And "Mad Crew," quite simply, is the latest entry in the long series of KRS freestyle winners. Cont'd below and listen...
Lyrically, KRS still dazzles--in both content and style--when his pen hits the paper. On "Sound Of Da Police" and "Higher Level," he offers the straight-forward conscious lyrics he is famous for. And for all of you rockers enthusiasts, he gives you a healthy dose of Caribbean flavor with "Uh-Oh" and "Brown Skin Women." All in all KRS-One keeps his end of the bargain and provides you with real hip-hop. And not only does Return showcase his commitment, but in light of last year's commercially disappointing Sex and Violence LP, it gives him a forum to ask what is probably the most serious question facing hip-hop today: "How many real hip-hoppers in the place right about now?" Think about it. - The Source (November, 1993). The production on this LP was dope, a near classic (to me).
