KRS-One, originally a member of the hip hop crew Boogie Down Productions, is known for setting the path for both hardcore rap and socially conscious political rap.
Youth and early career
Born Lawrence Parker in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1965, the future KRS-One grew up with his brother Kenny and their single mother in assorted inner city neighborhoods of Brooklyn and the Bronx. According to interviews with The Source Magazine, one fateful day when he was 12 years old, he and his brother Kenny prepared a pan of flavored rice, which was to be the family's dinner for the evening. The hungry pair ate the whole thing, and when their mother came home from work, she kicked them out of the apartment in a fit of anger. They stayed away for two days before younger Kenny decided to go back home, while Lawrence opted not to return. He spent the better part of the next seven years homeless, much of it at local libraries.
In his late teen years, Lawrence Parker fell in with some illegal drug dealers and became a courier. Using a bread delivery truck as a cover, Parker and his partner drove around town to make drops. During one of their trips, a police car pulled up behind them with flashing lights. Parker's partner panicked, and led the cops on a chase for several miles which ended with the truck crashing and the two being apprehended. At the trial, the judge made the commentary that the only reason the police had initially tried to pull them over was because they had private plates on a commercial vehicle, there was no original intent to search for drugs.
Parker, still a minor, claimed he was a ward of the state, and got sent to a juvenile home for his sentencing, after which he was moved to a Covenant House youth homeless shelter. It was there that he met Scott Sterling, a recent college graduate who just started working at the shelter as a social worker. Parker discovered that Sterling moonlighted as a hip hop DJ under the name Scott La Rock. By this time, Parker had earned the nickname "Kris" from the relationship he had developed with local Hare Krishnas that evangelized near the shelter. Heavily influenced by Eastern philosophies, he was also an aspiring rapper, and practiced routines in verbal spars with the other shelter residents.
Parker and Sterling, along with two other fellows, decided to form a rap group together, initially calling themselves "Scott La Rock and the Celebrity Three". That was short-lived, however, as the two peripheral members quit, leaving Parker (now calling himself KRS-One) and Sterling. They then decided to call themselves "Boogie Down Productions". Success is the Word, a 12-inch single release on indie Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records (under the group name "12:41") did not enjoy commercial success. Soon after, the pair approached another NY indie, Rock Candy Productions, for a deal. As it turns out, the entertainment company was allegedly a front for a pornography operation, but Parker and Sterling convinced the boss to front them the money to record an album, under the newly created subsidiary label, B-Boy Records. After a few 12-inch single releases, the Criminal Minded album finally surfaced in 1987.
Criminal Minded featured many dis tracks that attacked other hip hop emcees and tracks about street crime ("wa da da deng wa da da da deng, listen to my nine millimeter go bang"). KRS One and La Rock appeared on the cover of the album holding firearms, a controversial precedent that would be followed by many rap artists in the years to follow. Musically, the album was based around James Brown samples and reggae influences. They also sampled hard-rock band AC/DC on "Dope Beat". During these years, KRS-One was also famously involved in a hip hop battle with MC Shan, of Queensbridge. KRS objected to MC Shan calling Queensbridge the home of hip hop, and attacked him viciously on a seminal battle rap, The Bridge Is Over.
Later career and emphasis on political issues
Following the fatal shooting of Scott La Rock in 1987, Boogie Down Productions (BDP) became increasingly political. KRS One was the primary motivation behind the HEAL compilation and the Stop the Violence Movement. KRS One attracted many prominent emcees to appear on the 12-inch single "Self Destruction." As Parker adopted this more conscientious, less violent approach, he stopped calling himself "The Blastmaster" (his battle rap nickname), and instead began calling himself "The Teacha", turning the nickname KRS-ONE into the backronym "Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone".
On his first solo album, 1993's Return of the Boombap, KRS worked together with producers DJ Premier (Gang Starr), Showbiz and Kid Capri. The catchy yet very hardcore track "Sound of da Police" is featured on this album. His second album, KRS One featured Channel Live on the track "Free Mumia", a political protest song about Mumia Abu-Jamal, an imprisoned African-American and Black Panther member who a vocal group of activists on the political Left claim is innocent of the crime of which he was convicted. Other prominent guest artists on KRS One included Mad Lion, Busta Rhymes, Das EFX and Fat Joe.
In 1997, Parker surprised many with his release of the album I Got Next. The record included a remix of the single "Step into a World" which featured a sample from the 1970s rock group Blondie by commercial rap icon Puff Daddy. "Heartbeat", featuring Angie Martinez and Redman, was based on the old school classic "Feel the Heartbeat" by the Treacherous Three. These collaborations with notably mainstream artists took many fans and observers of the vehemently anti-mainstream KRS One by surprise. However, in August 1997 KRS One appeared on Tim Westwood's BBC Radio 1 show and vociferously denounced the DJ and the radio station more generally, accusing them of ignoring his style of hip-hop in favour of commercial artists such as Puff Daddy.
In 1999, there were tentative plans to release an album called "Maximum Strength"; a lead single, "5 Boroughs", was released on The Corruptor movie soundtrack. However, KRS apparently decided to abort the album's planned release, just as he had secured a position as a Vice-President of A&R at Reprise Records. KRS moved to southern California, and stayed there for two years, finally ending his relationship with Jive Records with A Retrospective in 2000. The next year, he resigned his position at Reprise and in 2001 The Sneak Attack was released on Koch Records. In 2002, he released a gospel-rap album, Spiritual Minded, surprising many longtime fans. Parker had once denounced Christianity as a "slavemaster religion" which African-Americans should not follow. He founded the Temple of Hiphop, and released a new album, Kristyles, in mid- 2003, which was preceded by KRS-One: The Mixtape. In the summer of 2004 he released Keep Right.
KRS One's latest CD Life, was released in June 2006, and another CD, Adventures in Emceein on Koch Records is slated for later in the year. KRS has also confirmed for his next album of new material, expected to be out in 2007, he will be working with Marley Marl.
September 11 comments and ensuing controversy
In 2004, KRS engendered a controversy when he was quoted in a panel discussion hosted by New Yorker Magazine as saying that Blacks "cheered when 911 happened". The comment drew criticism from many sources, including a pointed barb by the New York Daily News that called Parker an "anarchist" and said that "If Osama bin Laden ever buys a rap album, he'll probably start with a CD by KRS-One."
Parker responded to the furor surrounding his comments with an editorial written for AllHipHop.com. In it, Parker said "I was asked about why hiphop has not engaged the current situation more (meaning 911), my response was 'because it does not affect us, or at least we don’t perceive that it affects us, 911 happened to them'. I went on to say that 'I am speaking for the culture now; I am not speaking my personal opinion.' I continued to say; '911 affected them down the block; the rich, the powerful those that are oppressing us as a culture. Sony, RCA or BMG, Universal, the radio stations, Clear Channel, Viacom with BET and MTV, those are our oppressors those are the people that we're trying to overcome in hiphop everyday, this is a daily thing. We cheered when 911 happened in New York and say that proudly here. Because when we were down at the trade center we were getting hit over the head by cops, told that we can’t come in this building, hustled down to the train station because of the way we dressed and talked, and so on, we were racially profiled. So, when the planes hit the building we were like, 'mmmm, justice'. And just as I began to say 'now of course a lot of our friends and family were lost there as well' but I was interrupted..."
07. Its A Struggle
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's all a struggle (tryin to make it day to day)
It's all a struggle (from my hood to around your way)
It's all a struggle (single parents all by theyself)
It's all a struggle (diseases decreasin your health)
It's all a struggle (fiends swearin that's they last puff)
It's all a struggle (hustler tryin to avoid handcuffs)
(No matter what you do, who you are or where you from)
It's all a struggle, and most people's struggles are doubled
You ain't the only one with a challenge facin some trouble
Look at the woman chewed up by the dog with no muzzle
Or the workers that got trapped underground in that tunnel
Some kids are playin in pools, others in puddles
When they listen to the news the propaganda is subtle
But it's time for you to know that the cryin got to go
Release the guilt that you built and let it flow
Slow and low, that is the tempo
Move slow and on the low, this you gotta know
You don't get the muscles without the hard struggles
You ain't the only one out here tryin to get dough
From the hustler to the preacher to the government leaders
From the airline pilot to the chef to the teachers
We linked in the same huddle, in the same tussle'n'bustle
Cause at the end of the day, it's all a struggle
[Chorus]
It's all a struggle - but don't let the challenges bug you
Or the government drug you, or the thieves in the street
Beat and mug you - build your tunnel under the rubble
Come up on the other side eye to eye with the trouble
Look at the Twin Towers crumble
Look at the religious leadership stumble, everybody struggles
But not everybody comes through nifty, it's fifty/fifty
The city itself will outrun you quickly
Whether you be healthy or sickly
Whether you be wealthy or thrifty, ugly or pretty
Everybody's tryin to get 50's and 100's
I taught this at UCLA just off Sunset
Now run get "Ruminations"
It's a book that I published for the healing of this nation
In just a few chapters we run through, some possible solutions
Cause at the end of the day
[Chorus]
It's all a struggle
KRS-One's song It's All a Struggle is a reflection on the challenges of life that affect everyone – from the poorest to the richest, from the black to the white. The chorus emphasizes that no matter what we do, where we come from or who we are, it's all a struggle. The verse describes some of the struggles that people might face, such as single parenthood, diseases, addiction, and poverty. However, KRS-One encourages us not to let these issues bug us, drug us or beat us down. Instead, he urges us to face our challenges head-on and build our tunnels under the rubble.
The song speaks to the experience of disadvantaged communities in America, who face a range of social and economic challenges. It encourages people to believe in themselves and persevere in the face of adversity. At the same time, it acknowledges that structural inequality exists and that some people face greater struggles than others. It reminds us that we are all part of the human struggle, but we are not alone in facing it.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all a struggle (tryin to make it day to day)
Everyday life is a struggle, regardless of who you are or where you come from.
It's all a struggle (from my hood to around your way)
The struggle is universal, and not limited to any specific area or group of people.
It's all a struggle (single parents all by theyself)
Single parents face unique challenges, and many do so alone.
It's all a struggle (diseases decreasin your health)
Physical ailments can take a toll on one's well-being and quality of life.
It's all a struggle (fiends swearin that's they last puff)
Addiction can be a difficult cycle to break, and many struggle with it on a daily basis.
It's all a struggle (hustler tryin to avoid handcuffs)
Those who engage in illegal activities often live in constant fear of being caught and punished.
(No matter what you do, who you are or where you from)
The struggle is universal, and affects everyone without exception.
(Rich poor black white, at the end of the day)
Regardless of one's socio-economic status or race, everyone faces struggles in life.
It's all a struggle, and most people's struggles are doubled
Many people face multiple and compounded struggles in life.
You ain't the only one with a challenge facin some trouble
You are not alone in facing difficult challenges and obstacles in life.
Look at the woman chewed up by the dog with no muzzle
Tragic incidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how seemingly safe one's environment may be.
Or the workers that got trapped underground in that tunnel
Disasters can strike at any time, and anyone can become a victim.
Some kids are playin in pools, others in puddles
Life experiences can greatly differ for people, even those in close physical proximity to one another.
When they listen to the news the propaganda is subtle
News media often employs subtle messaging to sway public opinion according to their own interests and agendas.
But it's time for you to know that the cryin got to go
It's important to move beyond negative emotions and actively take steps towards improving one's situation.
Release the guilt that you built and let it flow
Holding onto feelings of guilt can be counterproductive and hinder progress.
Slow and low, that is the tempo
Slow and steady progress is often more realistic and effective than trying to rush through challenges.
Move slow and on the low, this you gotta know
Making incremental progress quietly and under the radar can be a wise approach in certain situations.
You don't get the muscles without the hard struggles
Challenges and struggles can help build strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
You ain't the only one out here tryin to get dough
Many people are working hard to improve their financial situation and achieve stability.
From the hustler to the preacher to the government leaders
People from all walks of life face struggles and challenges, including those in positions of power and authority.
From the airline pilot to the chef to the teachers
People from all professions face unique challenges in their line of work.
We linked in the same huddle, in the same tussle'n'bustle
Despite our differences, we are all united in the human experience of facing challenges and struggles.
Cause at the end of the day, it's all a struggle
No matter how different our situations may be, the universal experience of struggling and overcoming adversity unites us all.
It's all a struggle - but don't let the challenges bug you
It's important to persevere in the face of challenges and not let them become overwhelming or all-consuming.
Or the government drug you, or the thieves in the street
External forces can add to the challenges we face in life, and it's important to stay resilient and persevere in the face of these obstacles.
Beat and mug you - build your tunnel under the rubble
Though we may face aggression and brutality from others, it's important to keep moving forward and stay focused on our goals and aspirations.
Come up on the other side eye to eye with the trouble
Though we may not be able to avoid or completely overcome our struggles, we can face them head-on and emerge stronger for having persevered.
Look at the Twin Towers crumble
The tragic events of 9/11 serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and often devastating nature of life.
Look at the religious leadership stumble, everybody struggles
Even those in positions of authority and power are not immune to the struggles and challenges of life.
But not everybody comes through nifty, it's fifty/fifty
Though some may ultimately emerge victorious from their struggles, many others will not be as fortunate.
The city itself will outrun you quickly
Life can move quickly and it's important to stay focused and driven in order to keep pace.
Whether you be healthy or sickly
Physical health can have a significant impact on one's ability to cope with and overcome life's challenges.
Whether you be wealthy or thrifty, ugly or pretty
External factors such as wealth or physical appearance do not exempt one from the challenges and struggles of life.
Everybody's tryin to get 50's and 100's
Money is a common motivator and goal for many people, regardless of their situation or background.
I taught this at UCLA just off Sunset
KRS-One has used his platform to share his perspectives and wisdom on overcoming struggles with others.
Now run get "Ruminations"
KRS-One recommends his published book, "Ruminations", as a resource for those seeking guidance and solutions in navigating life's struggles.
It's a book that I published for the healing of this nation
KRS-One's book is intended to inspire and educate readers on how to overcome challenges and strive towards personal growth and healing.
In just a few chapters we run through, some possible solutions
The book offers focused guidance and solutions for tackling life's challenges within a clear and concise format.
Cause at the end of the day
Despite our differences and unique struggles, we are all united in the universal experience of facing and overcoming adversity.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: J. ORTIZ, KRS ONE, MIKE HERARD, VIC PADILLA, J Ortiz, Michael Herard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Keith Blevins
Whoever disliked this has never struggled
simon lukiko
THE TEACHER IZ HERE RIGHT HERE YOU WHAT AM SAY
gaurd3
Real talk before Real talk