The BDP Album
KRS-One · 2012
43 min · 14 tracks · hardcore hip-hop
A vibrant blend of classic boom bap beats and incisive lyrics, reflecting KRS-One's enduring commitment to hip-hop's roots.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tote Gunz Start here — This track encapsulates the raw energy of the album, featuring hard-hitting lyrics that address street life while showcasing KRS-One's signature flow.
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Forever — In 'Forever', KRS-One reflects on his legacy and the timeless nature of hip-hop, blending introspective verses with a catchy hook that resonates with listeners.
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The Solution — 'The Solution' stands out for its philosophical musings on societal issues, showcasing KRS-One’s role as a thought leader within hip-hop.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid writing and production but lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent boom bap style, with tracks that maintain a steady mid-tempo rhythm.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and creating a sense of interaction.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with gradual build
- socially conscious lyrical themes
- focused listening for reflection
- vibrant energy for engagement
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reaffirms KRS-One's status with strong lyrical content and production after a quiet period.
- Themes
- street life struggles· hip-hop legacy· societal critique
- Career context
- Released in 2012, The BDP Album marked KRS-One's return to the forefront of hip-hop after a period of relative quiet. This album followed his earlier work and sought to reaffirm his status as a leading voice in conscious hip-hop, bridging his storied past with contemporary themes and sounds.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nas· Rakim· Public Enemy
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Hustle
The beat shifts unexpectedly, allowing for an intricate rhyme scheme that emphasizes hustle culture.
This structural choice highlights KRS-One's technical skill while challenging conventional song dynamics, reinforcing his messages about perseverance.
Tracklist
- 1 Kenny Parker Intro 1:25
- 2 Tote Gunz Start here 3:23
- 3 Forever 2:25
- 4 All Day 4:09
- 5 The Solution 3:31
- 6 Cypher (remix) 3:49
- 7 Introducing 3:08
- 8 I Do This for You 1:23
- 9 Comin’ In 2:52
- 10 Do It 3:15
- 11 The Hustle 3:14
- 12 Times Up 3:15
- 13 2012 3:34
- 14 What It Is / Outro 4:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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