2008 was a banner year for K-Rino as the man dropped four albums during the year. The "Triple Darkness" series was ambitious in its own right as K-Rino dropped a series of three CDs between January and March. After taking a few months off, K-Rino returned stronger than ever in November as he ended the year with the superb "The Blood Doctrine." Four CDs in a year would be impressive for any rapper, but for a man running his own label this accomplishment is even more impressive. When you listen to the music and experience the high quality found on all four CDs it is hard not to crown K-Rino the hardest working rapper of the year. Most rappers would be burned out by the time the fourth CD rolled around, but with "The Blood Doctrine" K-Rino saved the best for last. Through fifteen dark and thumping tracks, K-Rino drops sharp and rewind-worthy lyrics about relevant topics.

I always say it's difficult to describe just how dope K-Rino is on the mic and nothing has changed on "The Blood Doctrine." The man drops some of the craziest concept tracks you will find. "Long Lost Daddy" is a heartfelt track where K-Rino puts himself in the shoes of a father and son who didn't find out about each other until each had grown. Rino plays both voices in the track and tells a vivid and riveting story of a child born out of an affair and a secret kept hidden for years. That concept track is topped by "The Debate" where K-Rino plays three roles. He first drops a verse as a moderator in a debate between a creationist and a evolutionist and then drops verses arguing for both sides of the debate. It's truly one of the best rap tracks I've ever heard and one which should be peeped by any rap fan. Not all of "The Blood Doctrine" is brilliant concept tracks as K-Rino tackles more general topics with skill. "Too Far" is K-Rino's tale of struggling and maintaining in this world. "Ain't Nothing Changed" is an upbeat track declaring K-Rino doesn't roll with trends and stays true to himself. Perhaps the dopest track on the CD is the dark and depressing "The World" where K-Rino laments on the depressing condition of the world as he sees it:

"I feel like life's walls are closing in on me
This world put its spin on me, I got a two ton jacket of sin on me
No hopeless doubt, a race to get out
Nothing to joke about, we living in the actual time the prophets spoke about
My view on life and my perspective is that when things get hectic
God is not the first option selected nor the second
Got a million drugs to stop the pain with and Satan came with awkward language
Now he's shocked and anguished hoping that Barack can change it
My tainted mind is dizzy, And now it seems every time I need a sign where is he?
Called God but his line was busy
We in and out of prison, trying to make our living
In an unforgiving system that's money and power driven
The conditions seems immutable, A plethora of wakes and funerals
The frequency of a youth's mind is untunable
Truth and falsehood never coincided, just collided
How can the devil save your home when his own house is divided?"

The album is full of serious and introspective reflections on life. "Look At Me Now" is K-Rino's celebration of his successful career and life. "Past, Present, Future" is another dope concept track where K-Rino travels time zones to reflect on his actions. "Don't Like None" is a scathing criticism of corrupt police departments and justice systems. "Forty-8 Lashes" is another serious lyrical display where K-Rino murders emcees. "How Can I" is another reflective track where K-Rino questions the evil he sees around him and the difficulty of doing good faced with it. The only somewhat weak track comes with "Dominatin The Game" where Rino kicks a sick sports metaphor but comes a little weak on the hook.

Overall, "The Blood Doctrine" is easily the best CD I've heard from K-Rino. I'd highly recommend this CD to anyone that considers themselves a rap fan and I'd go as far as saying you shouldn't use that label if you haven't peeped at least one of K-Rino's albums. The man is easily the best emcee you haven't heard yet. The album is a textbook in the art of emceeing as few rappers can come close to the lyrical mastery that is K-Rino. On top of being high quality lyrical display, K-Rino backs those lyrics up with bumping beats and cohesive and entertaining concepts and hooks. Even as a fan I can admit that K-Rino doesn't always have the best beats or hooks, but on "The Blood Doctrine" that is not a problem. The result is one of the year's best CDs. This CD, combined with K-Rino's recent cameo on Scarface's "Emeritus" should guarantee that rap fans stop sleeping on the game's best kept secret.

Music Vibes: 9 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 9 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 9 of 10

Originally posted: January 6, 2009
source: www.RapReviews.com