by Stephen Thomas ErlewineAgain working with a variety of collaborators, including DJ Muggs, Redman, and Rich Nice, KRS-One turns in a hard-hitting, vital set of street-level hip-hop with I Got Next. By working consistently and keeping his ambitions modest, KRS-One has turned into the most consistent rapper of his generation, turning out a series of remarkably strong records. I Got Next doesn't offer anything new for the rapper, but it's a well-constructed set that is thoroughly compelling, both musically and lyrically. It proves that it's possible to age gracefully within hip-hop.