Following the 1987 murder of his partner Scott La Rock, KRS-One assumed control of Boogie Down Productions and turned it into one of hip-hop’s most respected and enduring names. The Essential picks up with the first songs that KRS made following La Rock’s death, and in many ways “My Philosophy,” “Stop the Violence,” and “Illegal Business” set the stage for the 10 years that followed, which are charted in this stellar 31-song program. Though he has always been respected as an emcee, KRS also produced most of his own work, which makes this collection a showcase for one of rap’s first auteurs.