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..."
Essays on BDP-ism
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got the time
You've got the time
Am I supposed to stand here?
Scott, turn up the master so I can hear, and talk faster
I'm the Blastmaster, 'cos I'm blasted
I know a lot of y'all are shocked that I've lasted
But Blastmaster is a subtitle, KRS-One is more vital
And more lethal and more vicious
As the suckers always say, "He just dissed us
He got a problem, yo, he's conceited"
I'm not conceited, they just couldn't beat it
'Cos when I'm in a club I like to mingle
Seconds later they're playin' that single
Loud as a collision and pumped up dramatically
So the people in the place will automatically
Time it, and dance right behind it
Those that have it on tape will rewind it
It's not surprising, we rock parties
Anywhere, anyone, anybody
Some sound shoddy, like cardboard
But I'm blessed, praise the Lord
You see I like to study, I like money
I like eatin' wheat bread with honey
But to none of these am I addicted
I like to remain free and unafflicted
With the sickness of attachment
The material road of entrapment
Those that walk this road become weak
They can't think, they can't speak
Unself-sufficient, 'cos they're leeching
I'm not dissin', I'm simply teachin'
Well if you notice, not once
Have I said Scott's name to gain fame
See it's a shame that they're blinded
If they had a piece of paper I'd sign it
That's called an autograph, this is called a class
I've only come to educate the mass
Of young people, to this there's no sequel
Just a message, be peaceful and loving, but not a sucker
And stay away from negative motherfuckers
They only pull you down with their hate
But wait, here's somethin' to meditate
You've got the time, I've got the time
Down ratin' statements you always seem to make
You never wanna create 'cos b-boys you don't affiliate
You're self-whipped 'cos you claim it's not a gift
To execute the rhyme on time without a shift
You only utter negativity, never productivity
For the b-boy talent or b-boy productivity
Yet when all the currency comes in tax free you wanna see me
My name is Kris and now you guessed this
I got X-ray vision and I'm lookin' through your game
It's the same, what a shame, now take aim on what I shall obtain
Absolute respect from you, con, 'cos now you know it
I'm Blastmaster KRS One, short for poet
I do not read the paper, I read the dictionary
'Cos nuclear destruction, yeah, AIDS just doesn't scare me
The girls be lookin' sweeter, the cops be lookin' meaner
Carryin' bigger gun, shoot the people for fun
If you could realize this you won't be called a toy
But yet a b-boy, and I know you'll enjoy
Just coolin' out without a doubt, livin' life a little different
Yeah, different, never innocent, with a little delligence
I am only 20, yet here's my present level
Just one of the Boogie Down Production crew rebels
Our reputation grows as the music gets vicious
I will succeed while you suckers make wishes
Time and time again I prove to be exciting
But time and time again you prove to be biting
I need no judge, no jury, no lawyers
With DJ Scott La Rock, better known as The Destroyer
You've got the time, I've got the time
You've got the time, I've got the time
You've got the time, I've got the time
You've got the time
The lyrics of KRS-One's song Essays on BDP-ism express the artist's reflections on his career and his beliefs about music, life, and society. In the first verse, KRS-One talks about his role as a rapper and how he is often labeled as conceited by others who cannot match his level of skill. He also expresses his appreciation for his fans and how they respond to his music. In the second verse, KRS-One criticizes negative attitudes and behavior, promoting peace and positivity instead. He also urges listeners to avoid materialism and stay true to themselves.
The overall theme of the song is self-reflection and self-improvement. KRS-One's lyrics focus on his personal growth as an artist and as an individual, and he encourages others to do the same. The repetition of the lines "You've got the time, I've got the time" serves as a reminder that time is a valuable resource, and we should use it wisely to achieve our goals.
Overall, Essays on BDP-ism is a powerful message of self-awareness and cultural critique, reflecting the artist's deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got the time
I have some time to share with you
I've got the time
I am available to spend time with you
You've got the time
Again, I have some time to offer you
Am I supposed to stand here?
What is expected of me in this situation?
These bright lights, I'll probably get a tan here
The environment is well lit, it might change my skin complexion
Scott, turn up the master so I can hear, and talk faster
Scott, increase the volume of the master so I can hear better and speak quickly
I'm the Blastmaster, 'cos I'm blasted
I am called the Blastmaster because I am proficient and confident of my skills
I know a lot of y'all are shocked that I've lasted
Many people are surprised that I have been successful for a long time
But Blastmaster is a subtitle, KRS-One is more vital
Blastmaster is just a nickname, KRS-One is the essence of my existence
And more lethal and more vicious
I am aggressive and more dominant than the others
As the suckers always say, "He just dissed us
Some people say that I am provoking them
He got a problem, yo, he's conceited"
People accuse me of being conceited when I do not have any issues
I'm not conceited, they just couldn't beat it
I am not conceited, they just cannot match my skills
'Cos when I'm in a club I like to mingle
I enjoy socializing when I am in clubs
Seconds later they're playin' that single
Seconds later, they play my song
Loud as a collision and pumped up dramatically
The song is played really loudly, like a collision, and with a lot of energy
So the people in the place will automatically
As a result, people in the club will subconsciously
Time it, and dance right behind it
Dance to the beat, bang on it perfectly in sync with the song
Those that have it on tape will rewind it
Those who have the song on tape will replay it
It's not surprising, we rock parties
It is not unreasonable, we make parties enjoyable
Anywhere, anyone, anybody
Anywhere, anyone, any place
Some sound shoddy, like cardboard
Some sound substandard and like inexpensive material
But I'm blessed, praise the Lord
I am fortunate and grateful to the Lord
You see I like to study, I like money
I enjoy learning and making money
I like eatin' wheat bread with honey
I like eating wheat bread with honey as a topping
But to none of these am I addicted
However, I am not overly attached or dependent on any of these things
I like to remain free and unafflicted
I prefer being free and not constrained by anything
With the sickness of attachment
Being too dependent on things like material possessions is not healthy
The material road of entrapment
Being too attached to material things will enslave you
Those that walk this road become weak
Being too attached to material things will make you vulnerable and dependent
They can't think, they can't speak
Being too attached to material things will hinder your ability to communicate and reason properly
Unself-sufficient, 'cos they're leeching
Being too attached to material things will make you dependent on others, you become a liability
I'm not dissin', I'm simply teachin'
I am not censuring or criticizing, I am educating
Well if you notice, not once
If you observe closely, I have not mentioned Scott's name for publicity
Have I said Scott's name to gain fame
I have not used Scott's name to boost my notoriety
See it's a shame that they're blinded
It is unfortunate that people cannot see the truth
If they had a piece of paper I'd sign it
If they had paper I would sign my autograph
That's called an autograph, this is called a class
This is how I sign an autograph, this is how I impart knowledge
I've only come to educate the mass
I have come only to educate the general public
Of young people, to this there's no sequel
Specifically the young generation, there is no continuation to this message
Just a message, be peaceful and loving, but not a sucker
The message is simple, be kind and endearing, but not gullible
And stay away from negative motherfuckers
Avoid negative people who will bring you down
They only pull you down with their hate
They will only bring you down with their enmity
But wait, here's somethin' to meditate
Here is something for you to reflect on
Down ratin' statements you always seem to make
You always make negative comments
You never wanna create 'cos b-boys you don't affiliate
You do not create anything because you do not associate with b-boys
You're self-whipped 'cos you claim it's not a gift
You are punishing yourself because you do not regard creativity as a talent
To execute the rhyme on time without a shift
Can't execute lyrics on time without losing rhythm
You only utter negativity, never productivity
All you ever say are negative things, you never produce positive things
For the b-boy talent or b-boy productivity
You do not recognize the creativity and productivity of b-boy culture
Yet when all the currency comes in tax-free you wanna see me
However, when I make money tax-free, you want to befriend me
My name is Kris and now you guessed this
My name is Kris, and now you know it
I got X-ray vision and I'm lookin' through your game
I have perceptive insight that enables me to see through your facade
It's the same, what a shame, now take aim on what I shall obtain
Your behavior is disappointing, aim to focus on my achievements
Absolute respect from you, con, 'cos now you know it
I expect your complete reverence because you now understand my worth
I'm Blastmaster KRS One, short for poet
I go by the name Blastmaster KRS One, and I am a poet
I do not read the paper, I read the dictionary
I do not read tabloids, I study words in the dictionary
'Cos nuclear destruction, yeah, AIDS just doesn't scare me
The fear of nuclear destruction and AIDS does not scare me
The girls be lookin' sweeter, the cops be lookin' meaner
Girls look more attractive, and the police look more intimidating
Carryin' bigger gun, shoot the people for fun
The police officers carry bigger weapons and are eager to shoot people
If you could realize this you won't be called a toy
If you realize the truth, you will not be considered an inferior to this culture
But yet a b-boy, and I know you'll enjoy
Instead, you will recognize the creativity and productivity of this culture
Just coolin' out without a doubt, livin' life a little different
Just chilling out without any anxiety, living life a bit uniquely
Yeah, different, never innocent, with a little delligence
Yes, uniquely different, never naive, with a little intelligence
I am only 20, yet here's my present level
I am only 20 years old, but this is my current level of achievement
Just one of the Boogie Down Production crew rebels
I am just one of the Boogie Down Production crew members who are revolutionaries
Our reputation grows as the music gets vicious
As our music becomes more aggressive, our reputation becomes more renowned
I will succeed while you suckers make wishes
Whilst you gossip, I will succeed
Time and time again I prove to be exciting
I repeatedly prove to be exhilarating
But time and time again you prove to be biting
But time and time again, you prove to be envious and malicious
I need no judge, no jury, no lawyers
I do not require legal support or justice system to prove my worth
With DJ Scott La Rock, better known as The Destroyer
My DJ partner is Scott La Rock, and also known as The Destroyer
You've got the time, I've got the time
You still have some time, and so do I
You've got the time, I've got the time
Again, you have some time, and so do I
You've got the time, I've got the time
Once more, you have some time, and so do I
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind