Another deluxe reissue of one of hip hop's classics from Get On Down! For many 1988 stands out as the true "Golden Era" of hip hop. Many classic albums were released that year, not the least of which was Boogie Down Productions' By All Means Necessary. In the wake of the fatal shooting of the group's DJ and producer, Scott La Rock, KRS One was determined to keep BDP going. He moved on from the East Coast street tales of Criminal Minded, gave himself the moniker of "Teacher" and took on more social issues. The album he created still sounds fresh today. I can't lie, I was a big fan of this record years after it came out, and it still hits me. From the opening lines of "My Philosophy" to the All the People sampling "I'm Still #1" this album redefined rap. Other standouts included the reggae inspired "Stop the Violence" and the drug trade corruption tales of "Illegal Business." Don't miss the classic safe sex anthem "Jimmy," either (never trust a big butt and a smile). Just based on the album's cover alone, an ode to the famous Ebony Magazine Malcolm X photograph, By Any Means Necessary was able to make one the biggest statements in hip hop history that is just as important today as it was in 88. Faithful repress, includes fold out poster.

• music label: Get On Down 1988 / 2014

reviewed by Kool Moby 05/2014