On "This Is What It Is," KRS-One raps, "You done heard the thugs, now hear from the philosophers." Indeed, if there's a flaw in this fine album, it's the faint whiff of patronizing braggadocio. Tracks such as "I Was There," "All Skool" and "Over 30" call unnecessary attention to his seniority, prompting you to tune him out like you would Grandpa reflecting on the old days. But overall, Hip-Hop Lives is a total success, once again demonstrating the talent that has made KRS-One a legend.