Not much this time. “A Lot 2 Live 4” acknowledges the challenges of inner-city life while it encourages daily prayer and perseverence.
The boys brag about everything from their income (“It Don’t Stop”), talent (“Take Em Out,” “Freak Da Funk,”) and how tough they are (“Da Bomb”) to ways they’ve impacted youth fads, including braided hair for guys and wearing their pants backwards. The title track sanctions weapons use (“give me a 30-30 half caliber half gauge”). Haughty rebellion throughout.
Although Chrises Smith and Kelly haven’t crossed the line into explicit gangsta rap, Kris Kross has sold out to a more aggressive street sound that Entertainment Weekly called “harder, less mall-friendly.” Da Bomb lacks the positive pop elements of the duo’s first record, and publicists say the change resulted from the boys growing up. At this rate, future releases will require a parental advisory sticker.
