The Sneak Attack
| Company type | Studio album |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 24, 2001 |
| Founder | KRS-One |
| Products | Hip hop music |
The Sneak Attack marks the fourth solo studio release by American artist KRS-One, arriving on April 24, 2001, through Koch Records. Sessions for the album were conducted at Unique Recording Studios in New York City, Embassy Recording Studios in Los Angeles, and 7888 Recording Studio located in Woodhaven, Queens. The production roster includes Kenny Parker, Domingo, BJ Wheeler, Fredwreck, Grand Daddy I.U., Mad Lion, MC Jazzy Jeff, alongside KRS-One himself.
Within the United States, the album reached number 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, climbed to number 9 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and secured the top spot on the Independent Albums ranking.
The track titled "Hush" was incorporated into the soundtrack of the video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.
Critical reception
Overall, The Sneak Attack garnered mostly positive critiques, achieving a Metacritic aggregate score of 69 based on eight mainstream reviews.
Sonicnet applauded KRS-One’s fervent vocal delivery, likening him to "the teacher back in front of the classroom." Nathan Rabin from The A.V. Club emphasized its raw, classic hip-hop essence paired with steadfast anthems. NME characterized the album as a lyrical sermon set to upbeat rhythms, highlighting KRS-One's street-savvy political commentary and adept microphone technique.
Some reviews offered a blend of praise and critique: Alternative Press confirmed KRS-One’s sustained cultural significance; Rolling Stone commended his authoritative presence combined with more uplifting themes; meanwhile, Blender pointed out that extended spoken-word segments detracted despite vigorous rapping. Vibe recognized his intensity but found the beats somewhat repetitive, and Entertainment Weekly noted that compelling lyricism was occasionally overshadowed by outdated production choices.
Personnel
- Lawrence "KRS-One" Parker – primary artist, scratches (track 4), producer (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 18), mixing (tracks: 3, 5, 6, 8, 12–14, 16, 18), songwriter (tracks: 2–19)
- Harold English – backing vocals (track 1), co-producer, engineer (tracks: 1, 12, 14), editor (tracks: 2–6, 8–11, 13–16), engineering assistant (tracks: 17, 19)
- Nyce of the Breeze Team – additional vocals (tracks: 5,15), songwriter (track15)
- April S. Williams – additional vocals & songwriter (tracks:7,16), mixing (track16)
- Hezekiah Walker Choir – additional vocals (tracks:11,19)
- William "Willie D." Broady – songwriter (tracks:2,10)
- Kenny Parker – producer (tracks:2,7,11,16), mixing (tracks:7,16)
- Ayyub Cave & MC Jazzy Jeff – producers (track4)
- Domingo Padilla – producer (tracks:9,10,14), mixing (tracks:9,10), additional mixing (track4)
- Bruno J. Wheeler – producer & mixing (track15)
- Farid "Fredwreck" Nassar – producer (track17)
- Oswald "Mad Lion" Priest – producer (track19)
- Matt Hathaway – engineer (tracks:2,5,9,11,14,18), mixing (tracks:2,11,18), editing (track18)
- John Anderson – engineer (tracks:3,4,6–10,13,15,16), mixing (tracks:4,7,15)
- "Filthy Rich" Richard Ahee – engineer (track10)
- Milton Chan – engineer & mixing (tracks:17,19)
- Engineering assistants include Kaori Kinoshita, Lys, Max Velez, Doug Robertson II, Mike "Music Rocka" McCalla, Aaron K., Mike D., Makery Pacius and Jowan.
- Simone Parker – executive producer
- George DelGiorno – design
- Benoît Peverelli – photography
- Adam Jaynes & Cliff Cultreri – A&R
- Dee Sonaram – marketing
- Duncan Stanbury – lacquer cut
- Scott "DJ Scott La Rock" Monroe Sterling – oversight
Charts
Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart| Chart (2001) | Highest ranking |
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