Krumb Snatcha: Hidden Scriptures

Krumb Snatcha
Hidden Scriptures
(Str8 ENT)

Ever since his scene-stealing verse on Gang Starr’s 1998 disc, Moment of Truth, Krumb
Snatcha has been an underground mainstay. Known to drop a jewel or two, the Massachusetts MC has made a name for himself with indie re-leases like 2002’s Respect All Fear None and 2004’s Let the Truth Be Told. On his latest, Hidden Scriptures, Krumb looks to drop another gem on ’em.

With production from Da Beatminerz and Statik Selektah, the album wins with strong musicality. Thanks to Pete Rock’s signature drum kick and chunky bass line, the old-school ode “Yesterday” conjures memories of the mid-’90s, while Krumb shows gratitude on the Kanye West–sampled “Feeling” (“I’ve been blessed to do what I love/Give back to the game, a pound and a hug”). He even rewrites history from a street perspective on “Garden of Eden.”

Unfortunately, KS’s forward strides begin to get overshadowed by stagnation, as exemplified by the premature coastal declaration “East Is Back” and the listless “Underground Ambassadors.” Krumb also fails to punctuate Large Professor’s funky electric guitar lick on the brainy “Mind Power.”

Hidden Scriptures unravels an array of intellectual diatribes, from biblical teachings to the World Trade Center bombings, but never manages to establish much continuity. Perhaps a few more revisions would have helped bring Krumb and his Scriptures out of the Dark Ages and into the light. —KEVIN L. CLARK