Keep Right cover

Keep Right

KRS-One · 2004

51 min · 23 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · political hip-hop

Dynamic beats and incisive lyrics blend to create a conscious hip-hop manifesto layered with cultural references.

Why this album works

Though not a commercial blockbuster, *Keep Right* is significant for its exploration of hip-hop history and culture, showcasing KRS-One's commitment to education through music. The album features remixed tracks and spoken-word interludes that pay homage to influential figures in hip-hop, reinforcing its cultural importance.
Best for
dynamic flow with interludes thought-provoking lyrical insights engaging call-and-response moments
Context
By the time KRS-One released *Keep Right* in 2004, he was an established figure in hip-hop, known for his political and socially conscious themes. This album followed his previous work, *Kristyles* (2003), marking a continued evolution of his sound while reaffirming his status as a voice for social justice within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Nas· Dr. Dre· Ice-T

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Club Shout Outs 1:00
  • 2 Are You Ready for This 3:04
  • 3 Illegal Business Remix 2004 Standout 3:45
  • 4 The Prayer of Afrika Bambaataa 0:39
  • 5 You Gon Go? 4:32
  • 6 Phucked 3:08
  • 7 A Call to Order: Spoken by Afrika Bambaataa 0:31
  • 8 Everybody Rise Standout 2:23
  • 9 Stop Skeemin’ 2:56
  • 10 … And Then Again … 1:51
  • 11 My Mind Is Racing 2:37
  • 12 Here We Go 1:41
  • 13 Me Man 1:45
  • 14 Feel This 2:25
  • 15 Dream 1:03
  • 16 I Been There 2:28
  • 17 Freestyle Ministry (Server Verbals) 2:17
  • 18 The I 2:49
  • 19 Bucshot Shoutout 0:19
  • 20 Rap History Standout 1:18
  • 21 Let ’em Have It 3:28
  • 22 Still Spittin’ 4:32
  • 23 The Cutclusion 0:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata