The sophomore release from rappers D-Smooth and K-Buc and singer Jennifer Newman (the follow up to the 1997 Welcome To The New Era) finds them moving in the same direction as quite a few other rap groups: aiming to make music more dependent on melodies rather than beats.
Musically, their range is diverse. "Channel 3" has a nice classical/Gregorian chant touch, and "Common Ground" is a ska jam featuring the Insyderz. "Keep Moving, Keep Going" reminds me of Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side" - both in its ongoing guitar riff and the shady characters described in the song. The title track boasts some nice flamenco-flavoured acoustic guitar - not exactly "street," but it works. "How Deep Is Your Love" utilizes the old The Bee Gees hit to expound upon the mysteries of love, and "Child Of God" is a fast, ferocious, bilingual jam session.
Lyrically, KIIS are a lot more upfront than their music would suggest. "True Love Waits," for example, deals with sex-related matters in a plain, straight-talking way. Movie buffs should keep their ears peeled for veiled references to Titanic and Saving Private Ryan in some of the songs.
However, for all its good points, a lot more practical thought could have gone into the design of the CD cover. It might be stylish to look at, but the song lyrics, credits and "thank you" notes are illegible.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Josh MarihughK2S isn't in it for the Benjamins. They're in the game for Christ and Christ alone, and their fourth album, Better Dayz, features some great music from the group, as well as a pair of songs featuring guests from the world of Christian music. This group is the latest to be a part of "Six Degrees of Crystal Lewis." The lady who seems to be everywhere is here for a fantastic song called "How Deep is…The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Maurice LoftonI didn't like this album at all. The production was good, but the lyrics were as corny as a bowl of corn puffs. I've listened to two of K II S's last albums and I don't know where they went wrong. Back to the drawing board, fellas. 1 tockSimilar sounding releases
2001PriesthoodKeepin' It Real
1997GritsFactors of the Seven2003Mark JCity of Pain
1996The CMC'sEveryday Death Sentence
2005Bobby BishopGovernment Name
1996T-BoneTha Hoodlum's Testimony
