Underground
KRS‐One Lyrics


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What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

It's time that I open with a thunder sound
Now look around your own town for the underground
Yo, you rhymin' for the tv, or a million CD's?
You ain't a mc, you ain't underground
You could be platinum or gold, hot or cold
But it's the respect you hold that's underground
When the critics don't get, that for the streets you spit it
When your lyric they fear, that's underground

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

Yo, white kids, black kids, skinny kids, fat kids
Them asian cats be underground
Chicanos, Palestinians, Milano's, fuck the lone ranger
Where's Tanto? That's underground
Freddie Foxxx, Blackalicious, Kweli
M.O.P., Gangstarr that's underground
Mad lion, Smif-n-Wessun, Buckshot
Armageddeon T.S. That's underground, uh

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

Yo, the t'cha returns, I told y'all I went to Cali to learn
And that shit was underground
If the cops be eyein' you, 'cause survive is what you try to do
Yo I'm wit you, you underground
If it's justice you want, and you protest the ice they flaunt
You want skills that's underground
Yo it's not about a rugger rapper, or an actor
It's about your subject matter that's underground
Look

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

Chevonne Dean from Ruff Ryders, all the Outsiderz
Young Zee, that's underground
When all your money's spent, and you're still hangin on
To 50 Cent (get it) you underground
When you rep the collective consciousness of hip-hop
Not hip-pop, you underground
Yo it ain't about jewels, bitches and cars
It's about Nas, that's underground, yo

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

To be underground simply means that you're down
For the struggle, get 'em up, that's underground
You could be a classy lady or a whore
But if you protest the war, for sure, you underground
If the government can't see you, or deceive you
You love your people, believe you underground
If you refuse to play the game, you go against the grain
You ridin' the train, you underground, get it

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

Yo, yo, that blast from the past, like Grandmaster Caz
Bam and flash, that's underground
Doug e. Fresh, lord finesse, KRS
If you listenin' to this you underground
Turn it up now KRS about to show you how
They go wow, blaow for the underground
Mr. Walt, Evil Dee, KRS, BDP
Kenny p, that's underground, do it

What does it mean to be underground?
It means you gotta be free to be underground
Yo, you got your own key when you're underground
If you're listening to me yo you underground

(Alright) Turn it up ah, turn it up ah
Turn it up ah, turn it up ah




Turn it up ah, turn it up ah
Turn it up if you underground, listen

Overall Meaning

KRS-One’s “Underground” is a song dedicated to the hip-hop subculture and the history and values it represents. The chorus asks what it means to be underground, and the verses answer the question by describing the qualities that define the subculture. KRS-One emphasizes the importance of freedom, authenticity, respect, and activism in hip-hop, and contrasts these values with the commercialization and mainstreaming of the genre. To be underground, according to KRS-One, means to be true to oneself, to speak for the streets, to protest and resist the powers that be, and to be part of a collective consciousness that transcends individual success or ego.


The first verse sets the tone by challenging rappers who seek fame and fortune instead of artistic integrity and social relevance. KRS-One criticizes the industry and the critics who don’t understand the value of street knowledge and raw artistry. The second verse celebrates the diversity and unity of the underground, praising MCs of different races, nationalities, and styles, who share a common love for hip-hop and a critical consciousness. The third verse urges listeners to be proud and vocal about their underground status, regardless of their social status or background, and to keep pushing for change and progress.


“Underground” is not only a song but also a manifesto, a call to arms, and a tribute to the pioneers and followers of hip-hop. KRS-One’s message resonates with many hip-hop fans and artists who see the subculture as a movement, a culture, and a way of life that embodies the spirit of resistance and creativity. The song is also a reminder that hip-hop, despite or because of its influence and impact worldwide, remains a marginalized and subversive form of expression that constantly challenges the status quo.


Line by Line Meaning

What does it mean to be UNDERGROUND?
The singer is introducing the topic of being underground and asking about its meaning.


It means you gotta be free to be UNDERGROUND
Being underground requires freedom to create without mainstream constraints.


Yo, you got your own key when you're UNDERGROUND
Being underground gives you the keys to your own artistic kingdom, allowing you to create on your own terms.


If you're listening to me yo you UNDERGROUND
If you are open to new perspectives and ideas, you can be part of the underground movement.


It's time that I open with a thunder sound
The artist is announcing their presence with authority.


Now look around your own town for the UNDERGROUND
The underground can be found everywhere, not just in big cities.


Yo, you rhymin for the TV, or a million CD's?
If you're only creating music for commercial purposes, you're not really underground.


You ain't a MC, you ain't UNDERGROUND
If you're not a true MC with a message to deliver, you're not really part of the underground scene.


You could be platinum or gold, hot or cold
Commercial success and critical acclaim don't determine whether you're truly underground.


But it's the respect you hold that's UNDERGROUND
True underground artists command respect through their lyrics, ideas, and message.


When the critics don't get, that for the streets you spit it
When the mainstream media and critics don't understand that you're speaking for the streets, then you're truly underground.


When your lyric they fear, that's UNDERGROUND
True underground artists make people think, challenging them with meaningful lyrics that can be challenging and difficult to digest.


Yo, white kids, black kids, skinny kids, fat kids
The underground transcends race, gender, and body type.


Them Asian cats be UNDERGROUND
Asian artists can be just as underground as anyone else.


Chicanos, Palestinians, Milanos, fuck the Lone Ranger
Artists from different cultures and backgrounds can all come together in the underground scene.


Where's Tanto? That's UNDERGROUND
Referencing the Lone Ranger's sidekick, Tonto, KRS-One is making a statement about the need to question traditional narratives and seek out new voices.


Freddie Foxxx, Blackalicious, Kweli
True underground icons like these artists are still making music.


M.O.P., GangStarr that's UNDERGROUND
Hip hop groups like M.O.P. and GangStarr have remained underground icons despite their talent and influence.


Mad Lion, Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot
More examples of talented underground hip hop groups.


Armageddeon T.S. that's UNDERGROUND, UHH!
Talented underground hip hop artists like Armageddeon T.S. are often overlooked by the mainstream, but are truly worth listening to.


To be underground simply means that you're down
Being underground is about being down for the struggle and fighting for what you believe in.


for the struggle, get 'em up, that's UNDERGROUND
Artists who use their platform to speak out on social and political issues are truly underground.


You could be a classy lady or a whore
Being underground doesn't depend on your gender or sexual identity.


But if you protest the war, for sure, you UNDERGROUND
Artists who stand up against war and injustice are still pushing for change and are therefore underground.


If the government can't see you, or deceive you
Artists who refuse to buy into the government's propaganda and lies are truly underground.


You love your people, believe you UNDERGROUND
If you're fighting for your community and your people, you're truly part of the underground.


If you refuse to play the game, you go against the grain
Artists who resist commercialization and try to stay true to their message are true underground.


Yo, yo, that blast from the past, like Grandmaster Caz
Referencing an old school hip hop legend, Caz, KRS-One is celebrating the history of the underground.


Bam and Flash, that's UNDERGROUND
More references to underground hip hop legends.


If you listenin to this you UNDERGROUND
If you're open to new ideas and different perspectives, you are part of the underground scene by proxy.


Turn it up now KRS about to show you how
The singer is gearing up to drop some serious knowledge about the underground scene.


They go wow, BLAOW for the UNDERGROUND
True underground artists can have just as much impact as mainstream artists, even if they don't get the same recognition.


Mr. Walt, Evil Dee, KRS, BDP
More examples of talented underground hip hop artists.


Kenny P, that's UNDERGROUND - do it!
Another reference to a talented underground artist.


Turn it up ah, turn it up ah
The singer is getting the listeners pumped up and engaged.


Turn it up if you UNDERGROUND - LISTEN!
True underground artists are worth listening to, and are a valuable part of the hip hop community.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Trevor Anthony Lawrence, Dawaun W. Parker, Andre Romell Young, Mark Christopher Batson, Marshal B. III Mathers

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

MJBThePeacekeeper

I'ma drop a freestyle on this throwback beat. Fuck whoever talk shit....

To the listeners bump this; ladies blow a kiss
if you truly support me then raise up your fist
nothing I say is hypocritical nor even equivocal
so I'ma give all of y'all a piece of my own cerebral
gimme some dap for bustin' out a hot rap
spittin' to a beat that's got some tremendous boom bap
originally 'rap' meant to informally converse with each other
speak freely to your friends but not around your mother
currently it means rhythmatically verbalize your words
in creative and jazzy ways nobody's never heard
my self-expressions are a little extraordinary
my mom is the same way too; I guess it's hereditary
in that case I still feel like I'm socially ostracized
up with the trendy lifestyles I don't wanna be recognized
the cube root of 13,824
is the number of bars MJB is spittin' raw
in this rhyme; so cherrish my presence at this time
even though I'm 29, I'm still lyrically in my prime
living life peacefully
Aspiring Wittiness Enriches Spontaneous Obscurities & Methods Equally
energetically A.W.E.S.O.M.E and greatly intellect
I just put neologistics and philosophy in full effect
laced y'all with another acronym and a bit of math
don't respect my innovation then feel my wrath



All comments from YouTube:

game r00m

This guy makes me want to start a rap career again

Kissamies

This is something I'll call hip hop. Loved this always.

Filipe Costa

Dope comment.

ProtectedSouls4

if you bump this shit in ya ride it rumbles dumb hard.. love it

Jason Lennan

Since noone else has mentioned it, this song has the loudest bass ever created, I like to crescendo repeat the opening bump so loud into the 1st verse it shakes the house, try it!

jim haglund

one of the best hop-hop tracks ever....

Bl4sch3k

If you're listening to this yo you're underground!

Michael Cunningham

This joint right here makes everything right in the world.....💯 Study up 🧐

warren burns

KRS ONE keeping it real on another reload,no sell out.

Chris Fish Dawg

Still Bumpin Knowledge Reigns Supreme, that's Underground!🎧💪🔥🔊🎛️🎤📣🎶🎵🎼🎹🥁

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