Survival Skills

Survival Skills

2009’s Survival Skills is a cross-generational gathering of New York rap’s most faithful adherents, led by two of its icons: Brooklyn rap legend Buckshot and hip-hop’s original elder statesman, KRS-One. The album’s recipe is as simple as it is crucial: skillfully crafted verses about urban truth; somber but aggressive beats; no gimmicks. Amid the cast of guest stars, Buckshot plays the wily assassin, while KRS arrives on his tracks like a gust of thunderous wind. Even among more famous rappers, these two are the true stars of standout tracks like “Oh Really,” “Survival Skills,” and “The Way I Live,” which features the royal presence of Mary J. Blige.

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