It’s been a beleaguered couple of years for KRS-One. In 2015, in the heat of a battle with a fan, the veteran MC said some words that were taken as a diss of LL Cool J. Weeks later, the MC born Kris Parker, made a formal apology to the Queens legend, via an off the top freestyle.

KRS-One Apologizes to LL Cool J For Dissing Him, With A Detailed Freestyle (Video)

Fast-forward to the Summer of 2016, and KRS found in a controversy with another Queens MC, his longtime microphone rival, MC Shan. In several interviews, Shan insisted that the infamous “Bridge Wars” that took place between Shan’s Juice Crew from Queens and KRS’ Boogie Down Productions collective from The Bronx, were never fully decided, and he challenged Kris to a head-to-head battle to settle the score, once and for all. That set off a fresh new round of diss records between the two verbal combatants.

KRS-One Responds To MC Shan’s Battle Bars With A Brutal Diss Record (Audio)

Perhaps the most damaging words used against KRS, however, were his own. Controversial remarks he made in support of Afrika Bambaataa, who has faced a barrage of sexual abuse claims, did not sit well with many, who thought KRS was being insensitive to Bambataa’s alleged victims. When asked to clarify his remarks, Kris doubled down and said anyone who has a problem with Bambaataa should quit Hip-Hop.

KRS-One Says Anyone Who Has A Problem With Afrika Bambaataa Should Quit Hip-Hop (Video)

Now, in 2017, whether in response to perceived damage to his legacy, or just purely to remind the world that he is one of the finest MCs in Hip-Hop history, KRS has released some of his best music in years, with his new album The World Is Mind.

As with the title of his debut solo album, The World Is Mind is a return to the boom bap. While KRS’ rhymes have never been in question, his beats have not always been consistent. From the opening track of this album, it is clear that Kris has that heat, and the quality continues throughout. On the heels of the 30th anniversary of his landmark Boogie Down Productions album, Criminal Minded, this is a potent reminder that he’s still FRESH for 2017…