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..."
Dayz Ahead
KRS-One Lyrics
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Holy hip hop
You know the type, all in your city
Word up
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
Let's come together once and for all
Before our children cannot walk in the mall
Before we cannot talk or walk at all already aviation is stalled
Now everybody wants to drive, bringing our highways to a crawl
Just about three weeks on back
I was talking to a journalist about my album, the sneak attack
Now I know, why I felt that way
Why the cards God revealed to me was dealt that way
Be prepared for the unexpected, that was the theme
But if your booty's shaking, you can't know what that means
Look, we all, in the, same, game
It's that world bank game that got struck with two flame
But we, yes the people, are struck with true pain
'Coz the world Bank'll do the same under a new name
We gotta recognize the prize and the people at the door
No more lies, you can no longer ignore
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
The respect I give to you, you give to me
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
The respect I give to you, you give to me
I know
(Know what?)
I know
(What you know?)
What do I show?
(What you show?)
Captivating lyrical flow
(They don't play it on radio)
Yeah, but the spirit know
But only a few can hear it though
The metaphysical lyrical blow
The minute you're in it and hear it, yo
See the evil and clear it, yo
See that for as many that died there was twice as many miracles
Uh, so let the dead bury their dead
Life is but a dream and in the dream we gotta get ready for bed
Better we look ahead instead, to the ones that survived
Pray for them too, 'coz there grace of God kept them alive
Yes, we mourn for the dead and will still kill for them
But what about the injured that must still rebuild again?
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
The love I give to you, you give to me
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
The love I give to you, you give to me
To all the people, that never lost someone
Consider the cost of the loss of a lost daughter or son
These cowards slaughter and run
And to know that there's more than just one
Makes you wanna store up your gun
And withdraw all the funds, but
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victorya
The love I give to you, you give to me
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You've gotta see yourself in victory
The respect I give to you, you give to me
The song Dayz Ahead by KRS-One is a call to action for unity and resilience in the face of darkness and adversity. KRS-One highlights the importance of recognizing the pain and suffering that surrounds us but also encourages us to shine the light that's in our hearts and see ourselves in victory. The reference to "God core" and "urban inspirational" suggests that the song is rooted in spirituality and faith, which is a theme that can be seen throughout KRS-One's music.
KRS-One acknowledges that the days ahead may be difficult and that the world is facing a variety of challenges. He urges us to come together as a community before it's too late, particularly for the sake of our children. He references the impact of personal choices on the world around us, such as the overcrowding of highways. The song's message is particularly relevant to the challenges we face today, from political turmoil and social injustice to environmental crises and global pandemics.
Despite the dark days ahead, KRS-One offers a message of hope and empowerment. He reminds us that we are all in this together and that the love and respect we give to others will ultimately come back to us. The song encourages us to believe in ourselves, our abilities, and the power of our collective actions to create a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
God core, urban inspirational
The music being made is inspired by and dedicated to God, with a focus on urban experiences and struggles.
Holy hip hop
This type of music is a holy expression of a cultural phenomenon, hip hop.
You know the type, all in your city
This music is a product of the community and can be found throughout the city.
I know that the dayz ahead are dark
The future looks uncertain and challenging.
But you can shine the light that's in your heart
You have the power to bring positivity and hope to the future through your own actions and beliefs.
You've gotta see yourself in victory
Success is possible if you believe in yourself and your ability to overcome challenges.
The love I give to you, you give to me
Showing love and support for others can create a positive cycle of kindness and compassion.
Let's come together once and for all
It's important for the community to unite and work towards common goals.
Before our children cannot walk in the mall
If we don't address societal issues, our children may be limited in their freedom and ability to enjoy everyday activities like shopping at the mall.
Before we cannot talk or walk at all already aviation is stalled
If we don't address societal issues, even basic forms of transportation like airplanes may be affected.
Now everybody wants to drive, bringing our highways to a crawl
The overwhelming focus on cars as transportation is causing traffic and other issues on highways.
Just about three weeks on back
A few weeks ago.
I was talking to a journalist about my album, the sneak attack
KRS-One discussed his album, titled The Sneak Attack, with a journalist.
Now I know, why I felt that way
KRS-One now understands why he was feeling a certain way during the interview.
Why the cards God revealed to me was dealt that way
KRS-One believes that his path and experiences are divinely influenced.
Be prepared for the unexpected, that was the theme
The theme of KRS-One's album is to expect the unexpected and be prepared to face challenges.
But if your booty's shaking, you can't know what that means
If you're focused on superficial or worldly things, you may not fully understand the deeper meaning and importance of life.
Look, we all, in the, same, game
We are all participating in the same game of life.
It's that world bank game that got struck with two flame
The corrupt system of the world bank has been exposed and criticized.
But we, yes the people, are struck with true pain
The corruption and fallout of the world bank affects individuals and causes significant pain for many.
'Coz the world Bank'll do the same under a new name
Even if the world bank is rebranded or restructured, there is potential for the same corrupt practices to continue.
We gotta recognize the prize and the people at the door
It's important to recognize the value of success and the individuals who may be trying to prevent or promote it.
No more lies, you can no longer ignore
It's time to face the truth and take action, rather than ignoring important issues.
But only a few can hear it though
Not everyone is able to recognize or understand the deeper meaning and importance of the music and its message.
The metaphysical lyrical blow
The music and its message have deep, spiritual significance.
The minute you're in it and hear it, yo
Once you truly understand the music and its message, it has a profound impact on you.
To all the people, that never lost someone
For those who haven't experienced the loss of a loved one.
Consider the cost of the loss of a lost daughter or son
Think about the emotional and personal costs of losing a child.
These cowards slaughter and run
Those who commit violent and destructive acts are cowardly and show no remorse.
And to know that there's more than just one
Unfortunately, such violent acts are not isolated incidents and may happen again.
Makes you wanna store up your gun
The fear and uncertainty caused by such events may make you want to arm yourself for protection.
And withdraw all the funds, but
You may also want to withdraw from society or take drastic measures to protect yourself, but that may not be the best course of action.
The respect I give to you, you give to me
Respect and kindness create a cycle of positivity and compassion.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Y, LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind