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..."
Plan Up Your Family
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Plan up your family ha high me say
Plan up your family ha high
Yeahhh
This one's dedicated to the girl you see
and all bwoy big D livin in the ci ty I sing
Uhhhhh
Sex is part one but every story has a sequel (try)
Not to live with your parents now people
Let part two be planned by you not fake (why?)
Cause your baby you'll start to hate (cry)
Like if you can't afford a sausage
You on edge, baby cries, you throw him in the garbage
You know the stories that you hear in the news
Babies being killed, infants being abused (right)
Do people life they live like a movie
Yellin, "Do me! Do me!" Too much loose booty
They want to be Blowfish like Hootie (chill)
Premature pregnancy is ill
You never hear the other side of the story (like)
Like what happens after you hit the shorty
Right (right), you check it before you get butt naked
Heed the science in the record
Yeah
This one dedicated to the girl, you see
And all bwoy big D, livin in the city, I say
Yeah, yeah
You know the time y'all, you know the time y'all
Hear the rhyme y'all, time to free your mind y'all
School's open here's the message comin next
Some dumb-ass kid feels proud he had sex
("I knocked it out! Yeah I'm the mack and I'm all that!")
Nine months later, you can't afford Similak (why?)
You look back on your life, you say it can't be
I never asked or planned to have a family
Thinkin back in bed you was a happy camper
And uhh, now your partner can't find the Pampers
Every day more sex you pursuin (sex is good)
But think about what you doin
Everybody yellin revolution
But still on the ave cruisin, not seeing we losin
Control your life and choose your direction
With sex and foreplay use protection
Control your life and choose your direction
With sex and foreplay use protection
Yeah this one's dedicated to the girl you see
And all bwoy big D, livin in the city, I say
You know
I got to add this last piece to the song
So no one gets me wrong, and we can live long
Havin a child is good for your health
But how you gonna have a kid yo, when you a kid yourself?
It's your life, not hers, or his (true)
Now you want someone to come and watch your kids? (ooh)
You try to give em to your moms, she ain't with it
And with no sisters, a job you can't seem to get it
Now you applyin for welfare, medicare for health care
Now your whole life is goin nowhere
I'm gonna say it, you might not respect it
But most pretty little girls wind up pregnant
You want to wear tight clothes and act loose
But now someone gave you the truth! Yo
In the song Plan Up Your Family, KRS-One is calling on young people to take responsibility for the consequences of their sexual actions and plan their families. He warns of the dangers of unplanned pregnancy and urges people to take control of their lives by using protection and choosing their direction wisely. The song is meant to be an eye-opener for young people who may not fully understand the long-term implications of their actions.
KRS-One starts the song by telling his listeners to check themselves before it’s too late and encourages them to plan their families. He warns that sex is only part one of a bigger story and that the sequel can be planned by them rather than being fake. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding premature pregnancy and the consequences of having a child when one is still a child themselves. He highlights some of the stories that are often heard in the news of babies being abused or killed by parents who are not prepared to take care of them. KRS-One urges his listeners to heed the warning signs and to be responsible for their actions.
He goes on to talk about how some people are too quick to engage in sexual activity and how they can be proud of it. He warns young people that they need to be careful and to think about the consequences of their actions. He talks about how some people are pursuing sex every day without any thought for the future. KRS-One encourages people to take control of their lives, choose their direction wisely, and use protection. He concludes the song by reminding everyone that having a child can be good for one’s health, but it’s important to be responsible and plan for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
You better check this
Listen up, pay attention
Plan up your family ha high me say
Make a plan for your family's future, I urge you
Plan up your family ha high
Have a plan for your family's future, I repeat
This one's dedicated to the girl you see
I'm writing this song for all the young women out there
and all bwoy big D livin in the ci ty I sing
and for all the young men living in the city, I'm singing
Sex is part one but every story has a sequel (try)
Having sex is just the beginning, but there are consequences
Not to live with your parents now people
Don't continue to depend on your parents, grow up
Let part two be planned by you not fake (why?)
Plan for the future and take control of your life because a fake plan won't work
Cause your baby you'll start to hate (cry)
If you have a baby before you're ready, you'll regret it and feel overwhelmed
Like if you can't afford a sausage
If you're struggling financially, you won't be able to provide for your child
You on edge, baby cries, you throw him in the garbage
When you can't handle the stress, you may act rashly and harm your child
You know the stories that you hear in the news
You've heard about tragic stories of baby abuse and murder
Babies being killed, infants being abused (right)
These tragedies happen too often and need to stop
Do people life they live like a movie
People often ignore the reality of their lives and pretend they're in a movie
Yellin, "Do me! Do me!" Too much loose booty
People are too focused on having sex instead of being responsible
They want to be Blowfish like Hootie (chill)
People want to be famous like the band Hootie and the Blowfish, but need to calm down
Premature pregnancy is ill
Having a baby before you're ready is not a good situation
You never hear the other side of the story (like)
People only think about their immediate desires, but not the consequences
Like what happens after you hit the shorty
Like what happens after you have sex with someone younger than you
Right (right), you check it before you get butt naked
You need to think ahead and make smart choices about sex
Heed the science in the record
Listen to the advice and warnings in this song
You know the time y'all, you know the time y'all
It's time for change, you know it's time for change
Hear the rhyme y'all, time to free your mind y'all
Listen to the message in this song and open your mind to new ideas
School's open here's the message comin next
I have an important message for you during back to school season
Some dumb-ass kid feels proud he had sex
Some young people are irresponsible and proud of their sexual experiences
('I knocked it out! Yeah I'm the mack and I'm all that!')
They brag about their sexual experiences like it's an achievement
Nine months later, you can't afford Similak (why?)
Nine months later, you realize you can't afford to take care of a child
You look back on your life, you say it can't be
You reflect on your past choices and regret them
I never asked or planned to have a family
You didn't plan to have a child and didn't think about the consequences
Thinkin back in bed you was a happy camper
You weren't thinking about the future when you were having sex
And uhh, now your partner can't find the Pampers
Now you have to deal with the responsibilities of parenthood
Every day more sex you pursuin (sex is good)
You continue to pursue sex without thinking of the consequences
But think about what you doin
Think about the decisions you're making and the consequences that come with them
Everybody yellin revolution
Everyone wants change for the better
But still on the ave cruisin, not seeing we losin
But you're still hanging out on the streets instead of improving your life
Control your life and choose your direction
Take control of your life and set goals for yourself
With sex and foreplay use protection
When engaging in sexual activity, be responsible and use protection
I got to add this last piece to the song
I have one more thing to say in this song
So no one gets me wrong, and we can live long
I want to make sure my message is clear and we can live happy and long lives
Havin a child is good for your health
Having a child can be good for you, but only if you're ready for it
But how you gonna have a kid yo, when you a kid yourself?
It doesn't make sense to have a child when you're still a child yourself
It's your life, not hers, or his (true)
You need to take responsibility for your life and your actions
Now you want someone to come and watch your kids? (ooh)
You want someone else to take care of your child instead of being a responsible parent
You try to give em to your moms, she ain't with it
You try to pass on your responsibilities to your mother, but she refuses
And with no sisters, a job you can't seem to get it
You're unable to find a job and have no family support
Now you applyin for welfare, medicare for health care
You have to rely on government assistance for basic needs
Now your whole life is goin nowhere
You're stuck in a cycle of poverty and can't seem to get ahead
I'm gonna say it, you might not respect it
I'm going to be blunt, even if you may not like it
But most pretty little girls wind up pregnant
Sadly, many young girls become pregnant because they weren't informed or responsible
You want to wear tight clothes and act loose
You want to dress provocatively and act irresponsibly
But now someone gave you the truth! Yo
This song gave you the truth about responsibility and consequences of actions
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: FEMI OJTUNDE, FELTON C. II PILATE, MARVIN WHITEMON, EARL T. STEVENS, DANELL STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind