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..."
I'm On The Mic
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you least expect it
(This is just one style)
[Verse 1:]
We back up in this piece like yeast to bread
Underground you gotta find me like an Easter egg
No need to beg, I hit the club hard on the red
I travel the country by car, by foot and leg
What's worse than being behind is being ahead
Prophetic visions of President Jeb
Five storms hit Florida on his head and nobody said
"What's the meaning of this? It's like God is dead"
In the minds of the people hanging onto a thread
You gotta go where your heart is led
I spit truth but some cats, they just got the hardest head
As you can see, I'm artist-led
I take it to the black, to the green, and to the darkest red
I write, recite and of course go off the head-top
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, man - don't forget that
[Chorus:]
KRS and I'm on the mic
(Class is in session, so you can stop guessin')
KRS and I'm on the mic
This is just one style
KRS and I'm on the mic
Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody
KRS and I'm on the mic
Listen
[Verse 2:]
Here's the mission, plain and straight
We gotta nurture and develop what we create
Hip-hop is our activity on the planet
Today it's just an album; tomorrow they examine it
In the future, someone's crammin' fast
'Cause they want at least a B in their hip-hop class
I ain't even askin' you how
If our ancestors built nations, why you ain't buildin' one now?
Technology is not civilization
Civilization is not about the tools that you're making
You have an opportunity, at a new stop
Truly living hip-hop is a chance at a new park
You can play a new part: Develop new DVDs, new books, new art
Open new food marts with hip-hop food charts and food carts
Playing 2Pac while you shop (Do it)
What's the sense of being a recording artist
At a recording company for a year or two
If after the third or fourth year they can't even hire you?
In fact there is really nothing there for you
If your life is not a can of goo
Hip-hop is not a product; hip-hop is me and you
What I spit will see you through
I'm freein' you with knowledge of G-O-D in you
[Chorus]
[Verse 3:]
Foot soldiers, let's go - we got this
The freedom to be really you that's what hip-hop is
What can we really do? Reach for the top, kid
Those that seek the bottom they shot stop and lock, kid
We the inevitable, most credible
And most are leaning back with the terrible squad
Here to beat knock hard, this is the real truth
Everything I spit be backed up with real proof
Welcome to the underground
Don't look for me in the mainstream, this is a whole 'nother sound
Sound set we rock music in the streets
In the schools and over the Internet
Feel it yet? You ain't hear me yet
You ain't really ready to get near me yet
Y'all fear and fret
[Chorus]
In "I'm On The Mic," KRS-One incorporates his signature conscious lyrics and dense verses to paint a picture of the hip-hop industry and its potential for greatness. He introduces himself by likening himself to yeast in bread, a necessary and thriving component of the underground hip-hop scene that often goes overlooked. He then contrasts his own approach to success with that of others, noting that while people may be searching for CDs, he is selling books instead. KRS-One also acknowledges the state of the country and its political leadership, specifically mentioning President Jeb Bush and the impact of devastating hurricanes in Florida. He urges listeners to follow their hearts and use hip-hop as a means of building a better future, whether that involves creating new art, technology, or community initiatives.
Throughout the song, KRS-One emphasizes a number of themes, including the importance of education, community, and authenticity within hip-hop culture. He contrasts the potential of hip-hop to build and empower with the mindset he sees too often in the mainstream music industry: a focus on creating a product for mass consumption rather than a meaningful artistic experience. Ultimately, KRS-One sees himself and his listeners as foot soldiers in a movement toward true freedom and self-expression through hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
When you least expect it
This is just the beginning, stay alert for everything that follows
We back up in this piece like yeast to bread
We are back and stronger than ever, like yeast in bread that makes it rise
Underground you gotta find me like an Easter egg
I am hidden like an Easter egg, you have to search for me because I exist in the underground
No need to beg, I hit the club hard on the red
I do not need to beg, I make my own way, I hit the club hard and leave an impact
While you check for CDs I'm sellin' books instead
While others are looking for CDs, I am selling books that contain knowledge and wisdom
I travel the country by car, by foot and leg
I explore the country by any means necessary to spread knowledge through my music
What's worse than being behind is being ahead
It is better to be making progress than to be stagnant, even if it means leaving some behind
Prophetic visions of President Jeb
I have seen the future, and it includes President Jeb Bush
Five storms hit Florida on his head and nobody said
Despite the natural disasters that occurred during Jeb Bush's presidency, no one questioned his role in the events
"What's the meaning of this? It's like God is dead"
People questioned the meaning behind the natural disasters and if its occurrence means that God is no longer present
In the minds of the people hanging onto a thread
People are struggling and living paycheck to paycheck, barely making ends meet
You gotta go where your heart is led
Follow your heart and do what you love, even if it may seem risky
I spit truth but some cats, they just got the hardest head
Some people refuse to listen to the truth because they are stubborn
As you can see, I'm artist-led
I am independent in creating my art and not influenced by outside factors
I take it to the black, to the green, and to the darkest red
I take my art and message to all people, regardless of race, income or social status
I write, recite and of course go off the head-top
I write and perform my own music spontaneously, from the top of my head
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, man - don't forget that
Knowledge is power and a key element that can lead to success and positive change in the world
Here's the mission, plain and straight
The mission is clear and straightforward
We gotta nurture and develop what we create
We must take care of our artistic creations, help them grow and flourish
Hip-hop is our activity on the planet
Hip-hop is not just a music genre, it is a way of life and a cultural movement
Today it's just an album; tomorrow they examine it
Hip-hop music today is just an album release, but later on, it will be studied and analyzed by scholars and future generations
In the future, someone's crammin' fast
In the future, people will be rushing to learn about hip-hop and its history
'Cause they want at least a B in their hip-hop class
People will want to get a good grade in their hip-hop classes and learn as much as possible
I ain't even askin' you how
I don't need to ask you how you're doing; I know what I must do
If our ancestors built nations, why you ain't buildin' one now?
If our ancestors were able to build great nations, then we should be able to do the same
Technology is not civilization
Advanced technology does not mean we are more civilized as a people
Civilization is not about the tools that you're making
Being civilized does not depend on the tools we make, but on our attitudes and values
You have an opportunity, at a new stop
We have a chance to start anew and make a difference
Truly living hip-hop is a chance at a new park
Living the true hip-hop lifestyle is like visiting a new park; there is so much to explore and discover
You can play a new part: Develop new DVDs, new books, new art
We can contribute to hip-hop culture by creating new forms of media and art
Open new food marts with hip-hop food charts and food carts
We can merge our love for hip-hop with food culture by creating hip-hop-themed restaurants and food trucks
Playing 2Pac while you shop (Do it)
We can incorporate hip-hop music into our daily lives, even while shopping
What's the sense of being a recording artist
Being a recording artist should mean something more than just releasing music
At a recording company for a year or two
Being signed to a recording company for a short period of time does not guarantee success
If after the third or fourth year they can't even hire you?
If even after several years of releasing music for a recording company, they still can't offer you a job, then what's the point?
In fact, there is really nothing there for you
Being signed to a recording company does not necessarily mean you will find success or fulfillment in your career
If your life is not a can of goo
If you are not happy and content with your life, then what's the point?
Hip-hop is not a product; hip-hop is me and you
Hip-hop is not just a commodity to be sold, it is a culture and a way of life that includes every individual
What I spit will see you through
The knowledge and wisdom I share through my music will help you persevere through difficult times
I'm freein' you with knowledge of G-O-D in you
I am sharing knowledge that will empower you and free you, which comes from a higher power
Foot soldiers, let's go - we got this
We, as foot soldiers for the hip-hop movement, can make a difference and create positive change if we work together
The freedom to be really you that's what hip-hop is
Hip-hop culture allows us to express ourselves freely, without limitations or constraints
What can we really do? Reach for the top, kid
We can aspire to achieve greatness and reach our highest potential
Those that seek the bottom they shot stop and lock, kid
Those who choose to remain at the bottom will never be able to move forward and progress
We the inevitable, most credible
We are unstoppable and highly respected in the hip-hop community
And most are leaning back with the terrible squad
Most people are not taking action and are content with mediocre work, which is supported by those with low standards
Here to beat knock hard, this is the real truth
I am here to make an impact and spread the real truth through my music
Everything I spit be backed up with real proof
Everything I say is backed by evidence and real-life experiences
Welcome to the underground
Welcome to the world of underground hip-hop where the real talent and creativity resides
Don't look for me in the mainstream, this is a whole 'nother sound
I am not interested in mainstream success, my focus is on creating a unique and distinct sound
Sound set we rock music in the streets
We play our music out in the open, in the streets for all to hear
In the schools and over the Internet
We spread our message and music through schools and the online community
Feel it yet? You ain't hear me yet
You may feel the energy and power of my music, but you have not yet understood my message fully
You ain't really ready to get near me yet
If you have not yet fully embraced the true hip-hop culture, then you are not yet ready to understand or get close to me
Y'all fear and fret
Many people are afraid to embrace hip-hop culture fully and may be hesitant to make significant changes in their lives
Contributed by Luke A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.