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..."
Lord Live Within My Heart
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord live within my heart.. Lord don't you ever stop..
Fill me up with what I need.. just have to ask I shall receive..
[KRS-One]
Look, look!
Ba-bi-di-ba-bi-dang-a-dang-diggy
How many rappers can actually hang with me?
In they style, I have no more Faith like Biggie
I battle on many levels, I shatter so many devils
'Fore you challenge me you better know the essentials
It's the K to the are to the S, to the uno
You know, if you don't know your crew know
When you hear the thunderin sound, you under the ground
You can tell by the way we jumpin around
It's the teacher, breakin it down
I'm an upright MC, these others they be crawlin around, word
[Repeat: x2]
Lord live within my heart.. Lord don't you ever stop..
Fill me up with what I need.. just have to ask I shall receive..
[KRS-One]
Yeah yeah, word up, look, look!
You know when the teacher returns, just get ready to learn
Just get ready to earn, health, love
Awareness and money to burn, I'm not really concerned
How the Benz just turn, 'round the corner
For our sons and daughters to yearn, stand firm
If you lookin at these hooks you becomin a mad worm
Danglin from the pole of the fisher, the corporate fisher
The talent scout and no doubt ready to get ya!
[Repeat]
Lord live within my heart.. Lord don't you ever stop..
Fill me up with what I need.. just have to ask I shall receive..
[KRS-One]
Look look look look!
I'm anything BUT regular, not even similar
I get rid of the SIN in ya when I spit at ya, my new literature
Now who forever been with ya? THE TEACHER!
Who remembers the kid in ya? THE TEACHER!
I'm winnin ya, or winnin a convert when the rhyme splurt at the concert
Forget the times that hurt, if the mind's alert let the mind work
Uh! Let the body divert
To get to the top of the mountain, you've got to climb dirt
So come on climb through, don't get stuck lookin behind you
It'll blind you, however I'm here to remind you
Many of you lost you've got to find you
You'll be found you simply by you finding you, see'mon!
[Repeat: x4]
Lord live within my heart... Lord don't you ever stop...
Fill me up with what I need... just have to ask I shall receive...
The song Lord Live Within My Heart is a powerful prayer and a call to faith. KRS-One starts each verse by urging the listeners to pay attention and look at him, showcasing his wit and lyrical prowess. He then proceeds to talk about his unique style, and how he has no more faith in the style of other rappers. He talks about battling devils on many levels, and challenging anyone who thinks they can face him.
The chorus is a plea to God to fill our hearts with what we need, and to never stop doing so. KRS-One urges his listeners to remain firmly grounded, be aware, and stay true to themselves in the face of challenges. He says that we need to climb through the dirt to get to the top of the mountain, and that we can only find ourselves by taking that journey.
Overall, Lord Live Within My Heart is a profound song that urges us to have faith, to trust in God, and to remain true to ourselves in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord live within my heart.. Lord don't you ever stop..
May God's presence always dwell in me, never leaving my side
Fill me up with what I need.. just have to ask I shall receive..
Grant me the strength and resources to overcome obstacles, as long as I ask for it
Ba-bi-di-ba-bi-dang-a-dang-diggy
Silly nonsensical sounds to grab attention and emphasize superiority in skill
How many rappers can actually hang with me?
Challenging other rappers to step up and show their skills
My style is that Kris-style, it's witty
My rap style is unique and clever, reflecting my personality
In they style, I have no more Faith like Biggie
I don't have faith in other rappers' styles, similar to how Biggie had fallen off in KRS-One's opinion
I battle on many levels, I shatter so many devils
I face challenges and obstacles in many aspects of my life, overcoming them with ease
'Fore you challenge me you better know the essentials
Before attempting to compete with me, make sure you have all the crucial skills and knowledge
It's the K to the are to the S, to the uno
Introducing himself in his signature abbreviation
You know, if you don't know your crew know
If you're unaware of my skill and reputation, your friends and fans are
When you hear the thunderin sound, you under the ground
My music and rap is so powerful it can shake the ground beneath you
It's the teacher, breakin it down
Referring to himself as the teacher, able to deliver valuable knowledge and wisdom through his music
I'm an upright MC, these others they be crawlin around, word
Proudly stating his integrity and moral values, compared to other rappers who have compromised their principles
You know when the teacher returns, just get ready to learn
When KRS-One comes back with new music, fans should prepare to receive valuable lessons
Just get ready to earn, health, love
By following KRS-One's teachings, fans can gain wealth, happiness, and wellbeing
Awareness and money to burn, I'm not really concerned
Elevating awareness and wisdom is more important than material wealth to KRS-One
For our sons and daughters to yearn, stand firm
His music and guidance aims to inspire the younger generations to strive for success
If you lookin at these hooks you becomin a mad worm
Listeners becoming hooked on his songs may experience intense emotions and excitement
Danglin from the pole of the fisher, the corporate fisher
Mainstream record labels and corporations are luring young and inexperienced rappers with fame and fortune
The talent scout and no doubt ready to get ya!
These entities actively search for new talent to exploit and profit from
I'm anything BUT regular, not even similar
He's not like other rappers, with a unique style and personality
I get rid of the SIN in ya when I spit at ya, my new literature
His music and lyrics aim to cleanse listeners of their sins and negative emotions
Now who forever been with ya? THE TEACHER!
The one who's always been with listeners, guiding and teaching them is KRS-One
Who remembers the kid in ya? THE TEACHER!
KRS-One remembers and acknowledges the listeners' inner child and potential
I'm winnin ya, or winnin a convert when the rhyme splurt at the concert
He's either winning over a new fan or helping a current fan become more invested in his music at concerts
Forget the times that hurt, if the mind's alert let the mind work
Don't dwell on past negative experiences, but instead stay focused and let your mind do the work
To get to the top of the mountain, you've got to climb dirt
Success and achievement requires hard work and perseverance
So come on climb through, don't get stuck lookin behind you
Keep pushing forward and don't let past failures hold you back
It'll blind you, however I'm here to remind you
Focusing too much on the past can prevent you from seeing opportunities in the present, KRS-One is reminding listeners of this
Many of you lost you've got to find you
People may feel lost or off track in life and need to realign with their true selves
You'll be found you simply by you finding you, see'mon!
The path to self-discovery and fulfillment comes from within, and KRS-One is encouraging listeners to pursue it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, SIMONE ALLEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind