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 donβt 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 canβt 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..."
5 Boroughs
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
5 Boroughs of death we rep to death
Yo Kris set it for The Bronx..
We hit em and get em we stick em and jig em
We pick em and kick em
Flippin' them whip and I'm wing clippin' them lip
'Cause I'm cold sick of them
Much quicker than them lyrically trickin' and my Tribe
Be on a Quest like Tip and them
On every avenue puttin' the full clip in em
Splittin' and strippin' em down while spittin' a round
Into them sound clash see winni'n them, just begginin' them
Get rid of every bit of them with them negative idioms
I don't even consider them
In the new millennium we killin' them
Breeze Deep, Kenny and Will and them, KRS-One we thrillin' em
Many battles we been in them now we rebuildin' them
We blaze, fulfillin' them, Keith ?, Jesse, Jamil and them
We originate styles, other be stealin' them
You got a good rise in your rolodex, who flow is next?
Comin out to {fuck} with the best, put it in your chest
Inhale it and hold that, blow it out when I say let go; let's see
If you can hold your breath, by the time I flip to the next flow
This sho' is real, this is the deal, guns I'm runnin
Gotta make it out of town to flip my {shit} and keep it comin
Then bring it back, with another stack, of raps to blow your back out
How many of why'all want to go for yours I keep my dogs in the crackhouse
Let's take a walk through Crown Heights
Steppin through the city at night, with the ? and two mic
Form a little lynch mob, and stomp through the five boroughs
Head back to Brooklyn in the Expo
Back on the block, I see the cops everybody clockin'
Buckshot, when you see the rocks, me I got you shocked
Why not? You see the recipe
Buckshot, I represent Brooklyn and my {nigga} Biggie
I'm from see-I, L-I, F-L-why
Where the {niggaz} and the {bitches} stay paid fly and high
Where a slut will get mad if you call her a {bitch}
And a rat will get mad if you call her a snitch
Where the rich emerge, with the {niggaz} from the ditch
And it's a myth, they get {niggaz} from the suburbs, that's herbs
Yo this is for my {niggaz} on the block all day
Who don't give a {fuck} waitin' for crime to pay
Put your money on it, yo we never fronted
Long Island got some of the best {niggaz} that ever done it
From Riverhead to C.I. to Brentwood to Wyndanch
{Niggas} comin through will not stand a chance
From Roosevelt to Freeport to Hempstead to Uniondale
Comin' deep from the depths of hell
I'm dead serious, even though you see me smilin'
Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
We destroy {niggaz}, need advice, cause I heard em sayin Jesus Christ
You should see the sight, cookin ox-tail, peas and rice
Makin about a G a night, they can't read or write
But I got every creed and type, you need a dyke, babygirl I see the light
But sometime why'all get crimey crimey, grimy grimy
But those with a tiny hiney they get whiny whiny
So guard your girl, Harlem World, cock the gun, pop it son
Fila fam, illa players, Killa Cam is still the man
Uptown massive, Uptown the borough
Uptown let the ? kali, no sorrow
Uptown trestle, Uptown of course
I grab you ? they got me turn up to North
And if dem turn up North ? hurt no tell de boss
And if dem tell me off dey are a bunch of ghosts
And if dem gal are up, well den dem know da gal are boss
De rap dancehall try on de Mossinos
And if dem tie me off, dem can call me Cedro
I put a rap to singalong in all de ? crew
And if da gal a bitch ? ? the rainbow
Yo, hit you with the force of an iron horse
Tear your face off the planet, leavin' one-third damaged
With you back cracked the earth canvas, leavin' mountains slanted
Rock the earth of the axle, crabs who
Polar bears beneath the sea gravel
Thoughts be runnin' wild like the Lil' Rascals
Puttin' dinosaurs inside of figure fours, rip you with nine inch claws
Chasin' {motherfuckers} through malls, and clash in halls
Beatin' {motherfuckers} through walls, stompin' through floors
And jumpin' down elevator shafts
Searchin' for they {ass}, stayin' low in the grass
Wearin' a gas mask, wrappin' their hands up in plastic bags
On stage like a savage goin' mad
What? Yeah yeah, so!
Yeah, by all means you know you gotta put Queens on it
Put cream on it, Q.B. we rep often
Take over your party, slam dance with you hood
Took your ladies back to the projects with us
Then sent her {ass} back on the Q-train home
Satisfied, she learned the words to my thug song
See we one big borough of Dons with firearms
And we never use those, til the man act
Other than he's 'sposed to, {nigga} what I'm 'sposed to do?
Shots whistle, damn near missed dat
Shoes get pissed at
From the, tip of my Timbs, to my eyebrows
The hostile, english, Olde E widemouth
Get PCP fiends, jumpin off cliffs
And if you had the balls, you'd be walkin off stiff
My paragraph alone is worth five mics (uh-huh)
A twelve song LP, that's thirty-six mics (uh-huh)
And while you win Un Hype (uh-huh) I spit on your snipe
And tell you {fuck you} and that {bitch} on your bike
Brick City!!
Ah-yo.. now bust it
Never try me crimey I'm grimy so don't deny me
I be Little like your Rascals and stymie to fly that hiney
Buy me keys, to my Benz and my Coupe
Like Jay and Run and D.M.C.'s, that's the name of my group
(now speed it up)
Beat to the rhythm of the rhyme
I'm givin' up a dime, there go another line you figured
Never drivin' by nine, never givin' up a dime if you was
Never been that (nigga)
If you really want to test me, brother don't stress me
Or you just be bowlin'
It's Reverand like a Jesse, brother that's just me
And that's just my colon
The five boroughs of death, we rep to death
Step aside little (nigga), show time yep
It's goin down the moment we inside the spot
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets real
When the five boroughs of death, we rep to death
Step aside little (nigga), show time yep
It's goin' down the moment we inside the spot
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets hot
The song "5 Boroughs" by KRS-One is an ode to New York City, specifically the five boroughs (Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island) and the MCs who represent them. The lyrics are full of references to the various neighborhoods, streets, and landmarks that make up the city, as well as hip-hop slang and cultural touchstones.
The song begins with KRS-One proclaiming "Maximum Strength" and declaring that he and his crew represent the "5 Boroughs of death." He shouts out the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop, before launching into a rapid-fire verse in which he boasts about his lyrical prowess and takes shots at his competitors ("flippin' them whip and I'm wing clippin' them lip/'Cause I'm cold sick of them/Much quicker than them lyrically trickin' and my Tribe/Be on a Quest like Tip and them").
The chorus is a call-and-response between KRS-One and his hype man, with the refrain "It's goin down the moment we inside the spot/Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets hot." The second verse features guest verses by MCs from each of the five boroughs, including Buckshot and Biggie from Brooklyn, Q-Tip from Queens, and Keith Murray and Jamil from Long Island.
Throughout the song, KRS-One celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of New York City and its hip-hop culture, while also acknowledging the challenges and struggles that come with living in such a complex and dynamic place. Overall, "5 Boroughs" is a testament to the power of hip-hop to unite people from different backgrounds and neighborhoods, and a reminder of the rich legacy of MCs who have come before and after KRS-One.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo yo brand new KRS why'all Maximum Strength
This is a new song by KRS-One with full power and energy.
5 Boroughs of death we rep to death
We proudly represent and represent the five boroughs of New York City, even in the face of death.
Yo Kris set it for The Bronx..
KRS-One is setting the stage for his performance in The Bronx, one of the boroughs he represents.
We hit em and get em we stick em and jig em
We aggressively attack and defeat our opponents.
We pick em and kick em
We choose our targets and deliver powerful blows.
Flippin' them whip and I'm wing clippin' them lip
I'm turning the tables on them and silencing their arrogance.
'Cause I'm cold sick of them
I'm tired of their negative presence and attitude.
Much quicker than them lyrically trickin' and my Tribe
We are much faster and more skilled than them when it comes to cleverly delivering lyrics.
Be on a Quest like Tip and them
We are on a quest just like A Tribe Called Quest, referencing their popular album 'The Low End Theory'.
On every avenue puttin' the full clip in em
We go all out on every avenue, fully unleashing our lyrical assault on them.
Splittin' and strippin' em down while spittin' a round
We break them down and strip away their confidence while delivering our rhymes.
Into them sound clash see winni'n them, just beggin' them
We excel in sound clashes and come out as winners, leaving our opponents begging for mercy.
Get rid of every bit of them with them negative idioms
We eliminate every trace of their negative ways and expressions.
I don't even consider them
I don't even acknowledge their existence or relevance.
In the new millennium we killin' them
In the new era, we are dominating and defeating them.
Breeze Deep, Kenny and Will and them, KRS-One we thrillin' em
Breeze Deep, Kenny, Will, and I, KRS-One, are thrilling the audience with our performance.
Many battles we been in them now we rebuildin' them
We have been through many battles, and now we are rebuilding and coming back stronger.
We blaze, fulfillin' them, Keith ?, Jesse, Jamil and them
We excel and fulfill expectations, along with Keith, Jesse, Jamil, and others.
We originate styles, other be stealin' them
We create unique styles, while others try to copy and steal them.
You got a good rise in your rolodex, who flow is next?
You have connections with talented artists, whose flow will come next?
Comin out to {fuck} with the best, put it in your chest
You're coming out to mess with the best and should prepare for the consequences.
Inhale it and hold that, blow it out when I say let go; let's see
Take a deep breath and hold it, and release it when I give the signal; let's see if you can handle it.
If you can hold your breath, by the time I flip to the next flow
If you can hold on and keep up with my rapid flow until I switch to the next verse.
This sho' is real, this is the deal, guns I'm runnin
This is undeniably authentic and genuine, and I'm running the show with my powerful delivery.
Gotta make it out of town to flip my {shit} and keep it comin
I need to leave my hometown to gain success and keep my music career going.
Then bring it back, with another stack, of raps to blow your back out
Then I come back home with more powerful and impactful verses that will blow your mind.
How many of why'all want to go for yours I keep my dogs in the crackhouse
How many of you want to compete with me? I keep my loyal crew with me, always ready for action.
Let's take a walk through Crown Heights
Let's explore and experience the neighborhood of Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
Steppin through the city at night, with the ? and two mic
Walking through the city at night, holding my microphone and representing hip-hop culture.
Form a little lynch mob, and stomp through the five boroughs
We gather a small group of passionate individuals and march through all five boroughs of New York City.
Head back to Brooklyn in the Expo
We return to Brooklyn using the Expo Line, a transportation reference.
Back on the block, I see the cops everybody clockin'
Returning to the neighborhood, I notice the police presence and everyone observing or paying attention.
Buckshot, when you see the rocks, me I got you shocked
I, along with the rapper Buckshot, surprise and impress you with our lyrical skills.
Why not? You see the recipe
Why wouldn't you be amazed? You witness the perfect combination of skills and talent.
Buckshot, I represent Brooklyn and my {nigga} Biggie
Buckshot and I proudly represent Brooklyn, along with the late rapper Biggie Smalls.
I'm from see-I, L-I, F-L-why
I'm from the areas of Staten Island, Long Island, and Florida, representing different parts of New York and the United States.
Where the {niggaz} and the {bitches} stay paid fly and high
In these areas, the people, both men and women, live a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle.
Where a slut will get mad if you call her a {bitch}
In these areas, women who engage in promiscuous behavior dislike being referred to as a derogatory term.
And a rat will get mad if you call her a snitch
Similarly, individuals who provide information to authorities dislike being labeled as informants.
Where the rich emerge, with the {niggaz} from the ditch
In these areas, wealthy individuals mingle with those who come from less fortunate backgrounds.
And it's a myth, they get {niggaz} from the suburbs, that's herbs
It's a misconception that people from the suburbs are superior than those from the urban areas; it's absurd.
Yo this is for my {niggaz} on the block all day
This song is dedicated to my fellow men on the streets, representing their neighborhood day after day.
Who don't give a {fuck} waitin' for crime to pay
These individuals don't care about the consequences and are willing to engage in criminal activities for money.
Put your money on it, yo we never fronted
Place your bets on us, we never deceive or pretend.
Long Island got some of the best {niggaz} that ever done it
Long Island has produced some of the most talented and accomplished individuals in the music industry.
From Riverhead to C.I. to Brentwood to Wyndanch
Referring to different towns in Long Island, indicating the widespread talent in the area.
{Niggas} comin through will not stand a chance
Those who try to challenge us will not have a fighting chance.
From Roosevelt to Freeport to Hempstead to Uniondale
Mentioning more towns in Long Island, further emphasizing the talent and skill in the area.
Comin' deep from the depths of hell
We come from challenging, difficult backgrounds and bring that intensity into our music.
I'm dead serious, even though you see me smilin'
I am completely serious, even if I appear to be smiling or joking.
Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
Our toughness and strength are powerful enough to separate New York from Long Island, symbolizing our dominance and impact.
We destroy {niggaz}, need advice, cause I heard em sayin Jesus Christ
We dominate our opponents so convincingly that they seek advice or guidance, exclaiming 'Jesus Christ' in disbelief.
You should see the sight, cookin ox-tail, peas and rice
You should witness the scene, as I prepare and enjoy a traditional Caribbean meal.
Makin about a G a night, they can't read or write
I make approximately a thousand dollars each night, even though some people are illiterate.
But I got every creed and type, you need a dyke, babygirl I see the light
I have connections and relationships with people from various backgrounds, including lesbians, and I understand the truth.
But sometime why'all get crimey crimey, grimy grimy
But sometimes you guys act dishonest and deceitful, acting in a dirty and unpleasant manner.
But those with a tiny hiney they get whiny whiny
But those who lack courage or strength become overly sensitive and complain.
So guard your girl, Harlem World, cock the gun, pop it son
Be cautious of your girlfriend's fidelity, as I represent Harlem World and can take action if needed.
Fila fam, illa players, Killa Cam is still the man
The members of my crew, known as Fila Family, and other skilled individuals, acknowledge that Killa Cam is still highly respected and influential.
Uptown massive, Uptown the borough
Referring to the large and influential hip-hop community in Uptown, Manhattan.
Uptown let the ? kali, no sorrow
Uptown residents let the music and energy flow freely, without any sadness or worry.
Uptown trestle, Uptown of course
Uptown residents represent their community with pride and confidence.
I grab you ? they got me turn up to North
I take control of the situation, as my music and presence have a strong impact on the audience.
And if dem turn up North ? hurt no tell de boss
If they try to challenge us, it won't hurt to inform the boss and let him handle the situation.
And if dem tell me off dey are a bunch of ghosts
If they try to disrespect me, they are insignificant and irrelevant.
And if dem gal are up, well den dem know da gal are boss
And if these women are confident and assertive, then they know they are in charge.
De rap dancehall try on de Mossinos
The rap and dancehall genres fuse together, pushing the boundaries of music.
And if dem tie me off, dem can call me Cedro
If they try to confront or restrain me, they can refer to me as Cedro, highlighting my dominance and power.
I put a rap to singalong in all de ? crew
I deliver a rap verse that everyone can sing along to, motivating the entire crew.
And if da gal a bitch ? ? the rainbow
Even if a woman appears tough or aggressive, she can still embrace her femininity and beauty.
Yo, hit you with the force of an iron horse
I hit you with a powerful impact, similar to that of an unstoppable force.
Tear your face off the planet, leavin' one-third damaged
I completely annihilate and destroy everything in my path, leaving only a fraction of you intact.
With you back cracked the earth canvas, leavin' mountains slanted
As I strike you and crack your back, the entire landscape of the earth shifts, leaving mountains at an angle.
Rock the earth of the axle, crabs who
I cause disruption and chaos, metaphorically rocking the axis of the earth, defeating and dominating my crab-like opponents.
Polar bears beneath the sea gravel
Even in the harshest and most unexpected conditions, I excel and overcome any obstacles.
Thoughts be runnin' wild like the Lil' Rascals
My thoughts are unrestricted and roam free, just like the mischievous characters from 'The Little Rascals'.
Puttin' dinosaurs inside of figure fours, rip you with nine inch claws
I metaphorically trap dinosaurs in submission holds, tearing them apart with my powerful nine-inch claws.
Chasin' {motherfuckers} through malls, and clash in halls
I relentlessly pursue my enemies through crowded places like malls, engaging in confrontations and battles in various venues.
Beatin' {motherfuckers} through walls, stompin' through floors
I physically assault and defeat my enemies, breaking through walls and stomping on floors.
And jumpin' down elevator shafts
I fearlessly jump down elevator shafts, demonstrating my fearlessness and agility.
Searchin' for they {ass}, stayin' low in the grass
I search for and target my enemies, remaining hidden and camouflaged like a predator in the grass.
Wearin' a gas mask, wrappin' their hands up in plastic bags
In order to protect themselves from the toxic environment, they wear gas masks and cover their hands with plastic bags.
On stage like a savage goin' mad
When performing on stage, I am like a wild and aggressive beast, going crazy and unleashing my full energy.
What? Yeah yeah, so!
Expressing a confident and defiant attitude, disregarding any doubts or disbelief.
Yeah, by all means you know you gotta put Queens on it
Without a doubt, you must acknowledge and include the representation of Queens.
Put cream on it, Q.B. we rep often
We bring success and excellence to Queens, as we proudly represent the borough.
Take over your party, slam dance with you hood
We dominate your party and bring high-energy dancing to your neighborhood.
Took your ladies back to the projects with us
We captivated and attracted your women, bringing them to the low-income housing projects with us.
Then sent her {ass} back on the Q-train home
After enjoying her company, we return her to her home using the Q-train transportation system.
Satisfied, she learned the words to my thug song
She leaves content, having memorized the lyrics to my gangster-themed song.
See we one big borough of Dons with firearms
Together, we form a powerful and influential group of leaders, armed and ready to defend our turf.
And we never use those, til the man act
Although we possess firearms, we never resort to using them unless provoked or threatened by the authorities.
Other than he's 'sposed to, {nigga} what I'm 'sposed to do?
We expect the authorities to act reasonably and responsibly, so why would I respond any differently?
Shots whistle, damn near missed dat
Gunshots are fired and narrowly miss their target.
Shoes get pissed at
People become upset or angered by the situation.
From the, tip of my Timbs, to my eyebrows
From the front of my Timberland boots to my raised eyebrows, my entire presence exudes strength and power.
The hostile, english, Olde E widemouth
I have a confrontational and aggressive demeanor, much like the brand of malt liquor known as Olde English.
Get PCP fiends, jumpin off cliffs
I attract and influence individuals who are addicted to PCP, driving them to engage in dangerous and reckless behavior like jumping off cliffs.
And if you had the balls, you'd be walkin off stiff
If you were brave enough, you would be dead and lifeless, unable to withstand the challenges.
My paragraph alone is worth five mics (uh-huh)
Even a single paragraph of my lyrics is deserving of the highest rating, five microphones.
A twelve song LP, that's thirty-six mics (uh-huh)
A complete album consisting of twelve songs would earn a total of thirty-six microphones in terms of quality and excellence.
And while you win Un Hype (uh-huh) I spit on your snipe
While you celebrate and boast about minor achievements, I dismiss and disregard your attempts, showing my superiority.
And tell you {fuck you} and that {bitch} on your bike
I insult and dismiss you, along with the woman accompanying you.
Brick City!!
Referring to Newark, New Jersey, as a place of strength and resilience.
Ah-yo.. now bust it
Okay, now pay close attention.
Never try me crimey I'm grimy so don't deny me
Don't ever underestimate me or cross me, as I am ruthless and dirty, so don't ignore my presence.
I be Little like your Rascals and stymie to fly that hiney
I am small and humble like the characters from 'The Little Rascals', yet my skill and talent soar above all others.
Buy me keys, to my Benz and my Coupe
Invest in my success, which will lead to me owning luxury cars - a Benz and a coupe.
Like Jay and Run and D.M.C.'s, that's the name of my group
Similar to the famous hip-hop group Run-DMC, my crew is also well-known and respected.
(now speed it up)
(now increase the tempo)
Beat to the rhythm of the rhyme
Move and follow along with the beat and flow of the lyrics.
I'm givin' up a dime, there go another line you figured
I'm revealing a valuable piece of information, and here comes another line that you might not have expected.
Never drivin' by nine, never givin' up a dime if you was
I never let fear or external pressures control me, nor do I back down or give in to any demands.
Never been that (nigga)
I have never succumbed to that behavior or mindset.
If you really want to test me, brother don't stress me
If you truly want to challenge me, don't bother overwhelming or worrying me in the process.
Or you just be bowlin'
Otherwise, you will simply be defeated and overwhelmed.
It's Reverand like a Jesse, brother that's just me
Like a religious leader such as Reverend Jesse Jackson, that's just the way I am, my natural persona.
And that's just my colon
That's just my style and manner of speaking.
The five boroughs of death, we rep to death
We represent and promote the five boroughs of New York City with passion and dedication.
Step aside little (nigga), show time yep
Move out of the way, little guy, it's showtime and I'm ready to perform.
It's goin down the moment we inside the spot
As soon as we enter the venue, things start happening and the energy intensifies.
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets real
Let's have a lively and exciting time, you know how we do it, things get intense and authentic.
When the five boroughs of death, we rep to death
As representatives of the five boroughs, we are dedicated and committed to promoting them until the end.
Step aside little (nigga), show time yep
Make way for us, the main event is about to start.
It's goin' down the moment we inside the spot
As soon as we enter the venue, the excitement and action begin.
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets hot
Let's have a great time, you know our style and approach, things heat up and become intense.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENYATTA S BLAKE, WILLIAM BROADY, RYAN CORWIN GEIS, CAMERON GILES, JEREMY A. GRAHAM, ALBERT J. JOHNSON, KEITH OMAR MURRAY, REGGIE NOBLE, LAWRENCE PARKER, LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, WALTER REED, JOSEPH SIMMONS, JOSEPH WARD SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ButtGrabNchamp4
[Verse 1: KRS One]
We hit 'em and get 'em
We stick 'em and jig 'em, we pick 'em and kick 'em
Flippin' them whip and
I'm wing clippin' them lip cause I'm cold sick of them
Much quicker than them lyrically trickin and
My tribe be on a quest like Tip and them
On every avenue puttin the full clip in 'em
Splittin' and strippin' 'em down while spittin' a round
Into them soundclash see winnin' them, just begginin' them
Get rid of every bit of them with them negative idioms
I don't even consider them in the new millenium we killin them
Breeze Deep, Kenny and Will and them, KRS-One we thrillin' 'em
Many battles we been in them now we rebuildin them
We blaze, fulfillin them, Keith the Clink, Jesse, Jamil and them
We originate styles, others be stealin'them
[Verse 2: Vigilante]
You got a good rise in your rolodex, who flow is next?
Comin out to fuck with the best, put it in your chest
Inhale it and hold that, blow it out when I say let go
Let's see if you can hold your breath by the time I flip to the next flow
This show is real, this is the deal, guns I'm running
Gotta make it out of town to flip my shit and keep it coming
Then bring it back with another stack of raps
To blow your back out
How many of y'all wanna go for yours?
I keep my dogs in the crackhouse
[Verse 3: Buckshot]
Let's take a walk through Crown Heights
Steppin through the city at night with a bunch of niggas and two mics
Form a little lynch mob, and stomp through the five boroughs
Head back to Brooklyn in the Expo
Back on the block, I see the cops everybody clockin
Buckshot, when you see the rocks, me I got you shocked
Why not? You see the recipe
Buckshot, I represent Brooklyn and my nigga Biggie
[Verse 4: Keith Murray]
I'm from C-I, L-I, F-L-Y
Where the niggas and the bitches stay paid, fly and high
Where a slut'll get mad if you call her a bitch
And a rat'll get mad if you call her a snitch
Where the rich emerge, with the niggas from the ditch
And it's a myth, they get niggas from the suburbs, that's herbs
Yo, this is for my niggas on the block all day
Who don't give a fuck waiting for crime to pay
Put your money on it, yo, we never fronted
Long Island got some of the best niggas that ever done it
From Riverhead to C.I. to Brentwood to Wyndanch
Niggas coming through will not stand a chance
From Roosevelt to Freeport to Hempstead to Uniondale
Coming deep from the depths of hell
I'm dead serious, even though you see me smilin'
Rough enough to break New York from Long Island
[Verse 5: Cam'ron]
We destroy niggas, need advice cause I heard em sayin Jesus Christ
You should see the sight, cookin ox-tail, peas and rice
Making about a G a night, they can't read or write
But I got every creed and type
You need a dyke, baby girl, I see the light
But sometimes y'all get crimey crimey, grimy grimy
But those with a tiny hiney they get whiny whiny
So guard your girl, Harlem World, cock the gun, pop it son
Fila fam, illa players, Killa Cam is still the man
[Verse 6: Bounty Killer]
?????????????????????
[Verse 7: Killah Priest]
Yo, hit you with the force of an iron horse
Tear your face off the planet, leaving one-third damaged
With your back cracked the Earth canvas, leavin mountains slanted
Rock the Earth off the axle, crabs who
Polar bears beneath the sea gravel
Thoughts be runnin wild like the Lil' Rascals
Puttin' dinosaurs inside of figure fours, rip you with nine inch claws
Chasing motherfuckers through malls and clash in halls
Beating motherfuckers through walls, stompin through floors
And jumpin' down elevator shafts
Searchin' for they ass, stayin' low in the grass
Wearing a gas mask, wrapping their hands up in plastic bags
On stage like a savage goin' mad
What? Yeah yeah, suuuuu!
[Verse 8: Prodigy]
Yeah, by all means you know you gotta put Queens on it
Put cream on it, Q.B. we rep often
Take over your party, slam dance with your hood
Took your ladies back to the projects with us
Then sent her ass back on the Q-train home
Satisfied, she learned the words to my thug song
See we one big borough of Dons with firearms
And we never use those, til the man act
Other than he's 'sposed to, nigga what I'm 'sposed to do?
Shots whistle, damn near missed that, shoes get pissed at
[Verse 9: Redman]
From the, tip of my Timbs, to my eyebrows
The hostile, eEnglish, Olde E widemouth
Get PCP fiends, jumpin off cliffs
And if you had the balls, you'd be walkin off stiff
My paragraph alone is worth five mics (uh-huh)
A twelve song LP, that's thirty-six mics (uh-huh)
And while you win Un Hype (uh-huh) I spit on your snipe
And tell you fuck you and that bitch on your bike
Brick City
[Verse 10: Reverand Run]
Ayo, now bust it, never try me crimey, I'm grimy, so don't deny me
I be little like your Rascals and stymie to fly that hiney
Buy me keys, to my Benz and my Coupe
Like Jay and Run and D.M.C.'s, that's the name of my group
(Now speed it up) Beat to the rhythm of the rhyme
I'm givin up a dime, there go another line you figured
Never drivin by nine, never givin up a dime if you was
Never been that nigga
If you really wanna test me, brother don't stress me
Or you just be bowlin
It's Reverand like a Jesse, brother that's just me
And that's just my colon
[Outro: All]
The five boroughs of death, we rep to death
Step aside little niggas, show time, yep
It's goin down the moment we inside the spot
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets real
When the five boroughs of death, we rep to death
Step aside little niggas, show time, yep
It's goin down the moment we inside the spot
Let's rock'n'roll, you know the M.O., it gets hot
Ministry B4 Industry
Krs One literally destroyed his verse. He murdered it, brought it back to life, then murdered it again π₯π₯π₯π₯
Bravo X
Why Priest snap like that! That verse has scrunched my face up for over 20 years. R.I.P. Prodigy
Poison Ivy
Back when everyone had their own style. Even if they were reppin the same state. Loved it.
Anthony Woods Jr.
I know right. I can always tell who was rapping
PrimeNumber19
Ripping off the flow of another rapper was akin to being a snitch back in the day. You didnβt do it.
Isaiah Kettles
Word ππΎ
OSK
I disagree, in part. Raggamuffin' was not new by the time this song came out.
Nel Ortiz
I remember this video. KRS killed it and I like the way Buckshot walks in.
Curtis Jr
Whoa! Rev. Run still got it! π€π₯
Herall Dinnall
This video shouldn't have less than 25 million views.This is from a great era of hip-hop!!! π₯ π₯ π₯ π₯