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..."
Ova Here
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
First of all, I don't know who y'all saw on this stage before me, aight?
I don't know who y'all gonna see on this stage after me, true?
But this is REAL HIP HOP! Worrrrrd UP!
I'm gonna find out tonight, where the real hip-hop
[Hook] + (live response)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
Blaow Blaow!!! Blaow Blaow!!! Clear em out clear 'em out!!! Word!
Yo Nelly! You ain't Fo'Reel and you ain't Universal
Your whole style sounds like a N'Sync commercial
Ignoramus
I'm the baddest
With the mic apparatus
Challengin' the God of rap is madness
I'll snatch your status
With this ugly lookin' billboard you could stop them
But I got enough albums to make my own top ten
You limited, like the spread of traffic
You bite my style off the radio so when you speak you bet I hear the static
You better chill out like Chuck, I kick like three Norrises
One of my sixteen bar rhymes is eight of your choruses
Of course it is ridiculous
Watch out, I be in the club inconspicuous
Gotcha on your hands and knees!
Ain't it about time for some real MCs?
[Hook] + (live response)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
(Uh!) Uh! We on the hunt tonight
When you see me comin', I don't front – I fight
People say I'm contradictin, cause I'm all about peace
To say the least
With a violent history
It ain't no mystery
These rappers wanna get with me
My people don't see that; all they hear is: "Stop hittin' me!
Stop beatin' me KRS!"
You want to help my career, Nelly? Well, you can help if you don't exist!
I think it's 'bout time we stop these pop-rappers
Fuck these pop-rappers!
Hip-hop DOES matter to me!
Does it matter to you,
My crew?
If it does, you know what the hell to do:
Throw your guns in the air!
Pump it like, "yeah!"
Let these bitch ass rappers know we in here!
Go to the shows huh, boo 'em off stage
Tell 'em KRS told you they at the end of they days!
Let me tell you: let's give hip-hop a lift,
And don't buy Nelly's album on June 25th
That'll send a message to all them sellouts
House nigga rapper, your bottom done fell out
You don't even know how!
I told you: I wasn't talkin' about you then, but I'm talkin' about you now!
Blaow! one to the knees! Blaow! one goes right through!
Even St. Louis don't like you!!!!
In KRS-One's song "Ova Here," he proclaims that real hip-hop is present where he's performing. He asserts that he may not know who performed before him or after him, but the real hip-hop is happening in that space right now. KRS-One criticizes rappers like Nelly who he believes are not authentic and are promoting their music in ways that are misleading to the audience. He calls Nelly "ignoramus" and states that his entire style is like a "N'Sync commercial." KRS-One is confident in his ability as a rapper and knows that he has the talent to make it big without having to resort to such tactics. He calls for real MCs to step forward and take their place in the industry, challenging the pop-rappers to do better or get off the stage.
The lyrics in the hook of the song are repeated four times and serve as a rallying cry for the audience, shouting out the real hip-hop is present at the moment. The song also contains a live response from the audience, cheering KRS-One on as he performs. The verses highlight KRS-One's skill as a rapper and his ability to engage with his audience, drawing them into his message.
Line by Line Meaning
First of all, I don't know who y'all saw on this stage before me, aight?
I am not aware of the performers who have been on stage before me.
I don't know who y'all gonna see on this stage after me, true?
I am uncertain about the performers who will be on stage after me.
But this is REAL HIP HOP! Worrrrrd UP!
This performance is true to the essence of hip hop.
I'm gonna find out tonight, where the real hip-hop
I will determine tonight where true hip hop is.
The real hip hop is ova (Here!!!!)
The genuine hip hop is present here.
Blaow Blaow!!! Blaow Blaow!!! Clear em out clear 'em out!!! Word!
The audience is being encouraged to show their appreciation for authentic hip hop.
Yo Nelly! You ain't Fo'Reel and you ain't Universal
I am addressing Nelly and pointing out that he is not authentically hip hop.
Your whole style sounds like a N'Sync commercial
Nelly's style is comparable to that of a pop act.
Ignoramus
Nelly is not intelligent or aware of the true essence of hip hop.
I'm the baddest
I am the most skilled and talented rapper.
With the mic apparatus
I am skilled in the art of using a microphone.
Challengin' the God of rap is madness
Attempting to challenge me, the most skilled rapper, is foolish.
I'll snatch your status
I will take away your status in the rap industry.
With this ugly lookin' billboard you could stop them
Even with a billboard that is not aesthetically pleasing, I can still be successful.
But I got enough albums to make my own top ten
I have released multiple albums that have been successful enough to make my own top ten list.
You limited, like the spread of traffic
Nelly's talent is limited, similar to the congestion of traffic.
You bite my style off the radio so when you speak you bet I hear the static
Nelly has copied my style from the radio, causing static and distortion in his own music.
You better chill out like Chuck, I kick like three Norrises
Nelly should calm down like Chuck Norris, as I am so powerful, I kick like three of him.
One of my sixteen bar rhymes is eight of your choruses
My 16-bar rhymes have more depth and substance than eight choruses in Nelly's songs.
Of course it is ridiculous
It is absurd to compare Nelly's talent to mine.
Watch out, I be in the club inconspicuous
I am able to blend in at a club without attracting too much attention.
Gotcha on your hands and knees!
I have forced Nelly to submit to my superior talent and skill.
Ain't it about time for some real MCs?
I am advocating for the promotion of authentic hip hop artists.
We on the hunt tonight
I am actively searching for authentic hip hop artists during this performance.
When you see me comin', I don't front – I fight
I am not one to pretend or back down in the face of a challenge.
People say I'm contradictin, cause I'm all about peace
Though I promote peace, some individuals criticize me for also addressing conflict in my music.
With a violent history
My past music has been characterized by conflict and aggression.
It ain't no mystery
This fact is well-known and not a secret.
These rappers wanna get with me
Other rappers want to compete with me due to my superior talent.
My people don't see that; all they hear is: 'Stop hittin' me!
Some individuals do not recognize my superiority and only complain about my direct approach.
You want to help my career, Nelly? Well, you can help if you don't exist!
Nelly is not a true hip hop artist and therefore cannot contribute positively to my career.
I think it's 'bout time we stop these pop-rappers
The music industry should promote and prioritize authentic hip hop over pop-influenced rap music.
Fuck these pop-rappers!
I hold a negative view of pop-influenced rap music and its performers.
Hip-hop DOES matter to me!
Authentic hip hop music holds value and importance to me.
Does it matter to you, My crew?
I am questioning whether my crew values authentic hip hop as much as I do.
If it does, you know what the hell to do: Throw your guns in the air!
My audience should show their support for authentic hip hop by raising their arms and showing enthusiasm.
Pump it like, 'yeah!'
My audience should show excitement and energy for authentic hip hop by pumping their fists and shouting affirmations.
Let these bitch ass rappers know we in here!
Other hip hop artists should be aware of and respectful of our presence in the industry.
Go to the shows huh, boo 'em off stage
Audiences should demonstrate their preference for authentic hip hop artists by booing pop-influenced rap performers off stage.
Tell 'em KRS told you they at the end of they days!
I want other performers to be aware that their careers are coming to an end due to their lack of authenticity.
Let me tell you: let's give hip-hop a lift
I am advocating for the promotion and revitalization of authentic hip hop music.
And don't buy Nelly's album on June 25th
I am expressing my disapproval of Nelly and personally recommending individuals do not purchase his album.
That'll send a message to all them sellouts
If individuals do not support pop-influenced rap artists, it will send a message to the industry to prioritize authentic hip hop.
House nigga rapper, your bottom done fell out
Nelly is not a true hip hop artist and has experienced a decline in success as a result.
You don't even know how!
Nelly is not even aware of the true essence of hip hop culture and what it means to be an authentic hip hop artist.
I told you: I wasn't talkin' about you then, but I'm talkin' about you now!
Previously, I may not have been specifically referring to Nelly, but I am now criticizing his lack of authenticity and talent.
Blaow! one to the knees! Blaow! one goes right through!
I have taken down Nelly, both physically and in terms of success and status in the rap industry.
Even St. Louis don't like you!!!!
Nelly is not even respected or supported by his hometown of St. Louis.
Contributed by Hudson G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@phix01
Nelly was a Man of the Moment. KRS-One is a Man of the Movement.
@2dads370
This message makes no sense.
@williamallen2565
Amen, the most consistent MC in raps history!!!!
@dabaryammalak9265
@2 Dads clear them ears out!
@capitolmobrecords8720
@2 Dads it takes sense to understand the message.
@forkyou2356
@Capitol Mob Records and he doesn't have one
@SidniOrchids
If I was a hip hop artist, this is one artist I wouldn’t want to face. KRS ONE goes hard! He’s a RHINO!
@downsouthn.o.1537
Facts. cant beat him in a battle at all.
@Goodborni
Nelly dissing KRS-One !?
We need to stop him!
What's next now?
Beyonce battling Rakim !?
@nerd885
drake battling kool g rap xD