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In a time when many a true Hip-Hopper is in dire need of a set of guidelines to live by, two of the genre's long burning stars combine to give the culture a respectable look, as well as drop a few gems for new generations to marinate on...
After a great intro track where Buckshot and KRS-One recruit west coast spinmaster DJ Revolution to devastate some chorus cuts, you run smack dab into a pair of really bland joints. The Havoc laced and aptly titled "Robot" and the Mary J. Blige assisted, Black Milk produced "The Way I Live" are both less than great efforts. I know I could've lived without them being included on this LP anyway. Sadly, those two joints were the two singles Buck and Kris chose to leak early to generate their pre-release buzz....A pity really, especially since this album has so many other notable appearances and tracks that far eclipse the double folly.
Small amounts of mis-spent time aside, "Survival Skills" does have a meaty bulk of dope records that start pretty much after the third track. It's at that point when the BDI Thug and The Teacha start trekking over familiar, yet updated territory and do so with a heavy amount of success. The two vets amaze and do a decent job of hangin' with their young guest contributors. Buck is heard in his usual steady form and Kris is still pretty engaging in his rhymes. They both hit you with a lil' bit of their trademark fodder and while maybe they're not as sharp as they once were, it's like seeing MJ come back on the court and shoot around a bit. Still entertaining as heck to many. Buck and Kris actually make a potent one-two punch with one man providing the mentality of a wise, former street tough and the other dropping knowledge, making every verse count. The chemistry is present and while KRS tends to overlap Buck at times just through sheer skill, it's not glaringly noticable.
Whether your an old Boot Camp fan or one of KRS's many longtime BDP pupils you'll definitely find something to be gratified by on this album. Searching for a powerful political tinged banger that reminds you of Kris's classic, un-abridged social commentary? Peep out "Runnin' Away", where the Criminal Minded one delves back into his Jamaican accented rhyme flow aside everyone's favorite revolutionary Immortal Technique. The latter of whom issues one of the rawest and most controversial 16's of 2009. Or if you desire something more braggadocio and violent-like most of the narratives from Buck's earliest and best work-then you'll be giddy for "Hear No Evil" or "Murder 1". Two stark constructions that highlight Mr. Blake's considerable and understandable paranoia for the system.
Even the more experimental jaunts into new themes seem to work out well. Case in point, "Think Of The Things", which features Somali rapper/poet K'Naan joining forces with the legendary pair over a somber DJ Mentplus beat, for a serious talk about absentee fathers and how that mess is running far too rampant nowadays. The song is a definite high point for the album that showcases a multifold of softer, more tender tones aimed at giving some helpful advice to Dads and even daughters and mothers.
The Production is amazing in spots and you shouldn't be surprised.....Illmind, Moss, Khrysis, Marco Polo, Coptic and 9th Wonder all contribute to an able-bodied lineup of beatsmiths who's musical backdrops commingled well. The only qualm I have, and I feel a tad bit overly critical even saying it but, no Beatminerz? Come on Buck!
In the end Buck and KRS manage to remain afloat and survive the treachery that is being a combined twenty two plus years deep in the game while trying to present a new album that is relevant. Drawing back on their fundamentals for the most part, is what led to their salvation. "Survival Skills" is appropriately titled because both of these artists have yet again figured out a way to endure and outlive many of their peers.
A Purehip-hop pick at 8 outta 10....
-BIG D O
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