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 donโt 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 canโt 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..."
Return of the Boom Bap
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Boom Bap Original Rap
Boom Bap Original Rap
See how it sounds(bo!) a little unrational(bo!)*4
Verse 1
Now bad boy squad and bad boy crew
another silly sucker wants the champion belt
but like a microwave these days I make em melt
Return Of The Boom Bap means jus that
it means return of the real hard beats and real rap
the ladies in the place like it jus like that
Im a around the way gay with a baseball cap
you know my style, you know my name
I'm chillin at the top, but I'm still the same
I never crossed over, never went pop
you know Krs will give you real hip hop so..
Chorus
See how it sounds(bo!) a little unrational(bo!)*4
Verse 2
People always callin me a top celebrity
cuz when I'm on the mic
I like to speak freely
You hear me chattin lyric but Im not an MC
A one poetic member of the crew B.D.P.
I looked around the nation but I simply couldn't find
another entertainer wit a rhyme like mine
I pick up the mic and I tear up the phone
At this point in the party I should be left alone
but uh-oh uh-oh Ive come to show
a brand new flow
Is the flow wack? NO!
listen to the pro
come to the show in a b-boy stance..bogle in the dance
bogle and a bogle and a bogle in the party
Here's a likkle stylee, come an wake up everybody
Boom Bap original rap
Boom Bap, Boom Bap original rap
Refreshin when you hear it hard rap is all that so...
Chorus
Verse 3
Bogle in the dance, bogle in the dance
bogle in a, bogle in a, bogle in the party
Bogle in the dance, bogle in the dance
bogle in a, bogle in a, bogle in the party
On and on to the PM Dawn
I buck two shots and you squad is gone
you add a little street in your R-a-p
but never do you wanna challenge B.D.P.
cuz smashin up a crew, one-two is the least
when a sucka wants ta battle that just gets me geesed
I never backed down from to an MC feud
never on stage KRS got booed
stayed hardcore never changed my attitude
I got the hip hop juice for the hip hop food
I eat when I drink, an I drink when I eat
when I speak, what I speak
what I speak is not weak
now Boogie-down, boogie down, boogie down produc
wit the buck buck buck buck buck buck BUCK!
Throw ya hands high in the sky
wave em around, cuz I get down
down to the nitty, to the nitty, to the gritty
peace to all the hardcore kids in the city so....
Chorus
Outro:
Fresh for 1993 you S U C K A S! ! ! ! ! !
The song "Return of the Boom Bap" is a celebration of the return of real rap and hard beats, which KRS-One believes has been missing in recent times. In the song, KRS-One makes a declaration that he will never cross over to the mainstream or go pop. He recalls his roots and how he earned his reputation as a real hip-hop artist, while others sold out to the mainstream. KRS-One also uses the song to address his status as a top celebrity and why he's still committed to making original rap music.
In the first verse, KRS-One is confronting the competition, who he believes wants to take the champion's belt from him. He cautions them that he's a microwave who makes rappers melt. In the second verse, KRS-One is focused on demonstrating his lyrical prowess, emphasizing the power of his rhymes and his unique style of rapping. The chorus serves as a reminder that Boom Bap original rap is back and is all that anyone needs to hear. In the final verse, KRS-One throws shots to other rappers, reminding them he has never backed down from an MC feud and will fight anyone who tries to challenge B.D.P.
Line by Line Meaning
Boom Bap Original Rap
This song is a classic example of the original boom bap hip-hop, with its signature hard-hitting drum beat.
Boom Bap Original Rap
Repeating the first line of the song emphasizes its importance, and how it represents the return to real hip-hop.
See how it sounds(bo!) a little unrational(bo!)*4
The repeated 'bo!' sound is a representation of the old school sound effects used in hip-hop, highlighting how KRS-One is taking it back to the roots.
Now bad boy squad and bad boy crew
KRS-One is referencing the popular rap group Bad Boy Entertainment, and how everything he creates is in service of the fans of hip-hop.
everything I do, I do jus for you
The artist's commitment to creating authentic hip-hop is motivated by his passion for the genre and his fans.
another silly sucker wants the champion belt
Other artists may want the title of the 'best rapper' but KRS-One views that as trivial and insignificant.
but like a microwave these days I make em melt
KRS-One's music is so good that it is like a microwave, quickly heating up and melting away the competition.
Return Of The Boom Bap means jus that
The title of the song explains what is happening in the industry. Hip-hop is returning to its roots, to 'boom bap' style beats.
it means return of the real hard beats and real rap
KRS-One is emphasizing that hip-hop has lost its way and that 'boom bap' style represents the authentic sound.
the ladies in the place like it jus like that
Even though this is a hardcore style of music, women are still drawn to its beats and complexity.
Im a around the way gay with a baseball cap
KRS-One is a down-to-earth artist who hasn't compromised his style, even as he's become more famous.
you know my style, you know my name
KRS-One is confident in his sound and his reputation in the music industry.
I'm chillin at the top, but I'm still the same
Despite his success, KRS-One has stayed true to his roots and does not let the fame change who he is.
I never crossed over, never went pop
KRS-One has stayed true to his hip-hop roots and never bought into the mainstream pop sound.
you know Krs will give you real hip hop
This line highlights the artist's identity as an authentic hip-hop artist - he only produces unadulterated hip-hop.
People always callin me a top celebrity
KRS-One has been recognized as a famous celebrity in the hip-hop world, but he does not let this change his approach to making music.
cuz when I'm on the mic
KRS-One's talent with the microphone is so impressive that it has led to his celebrity status.
I like to speak freely
KRS-One is authentic and stands by his beliefs, refusing to compromise his message for the sake of popularity.
You hear me chattin lyric but I'm not an MC
KRS-One does not see himself as a typical 'master of ceremonies' because he is more of a lyrical poet.
another entertainer wit a rhyme like mine
KRS-One's lyrical complexity and raw skill is unmatched in the industry.
I pick up the mic and I tear up the phone
When KRS-One performs, he is a force to be reckoned with, electrifying and captivating his audience.
At this point in the party I should be left alone
After performing, KRS-One should be able to rest, but he has more to give and wants to keep the party going.
but uh-oh uh-oh Ive come to show
KRS-One holds himself to a high standard and always wants to give his best performance.
a brand new flow
KRS-One is always innovating and challenging himself to try new things in his music.
Is the flow wack? NO!
KRS-One is confident in his abilities and is sure that his new sound is not 'wack'.
listen to the pro
Listeners should trust that KRS-One knows what he is doing and should not judge his new sound based on expectations.
Boogie-down, boogie down, boogie down produc
This line refers to the Bronx as 'boogie-down', where KRS-One is from, and the music he creates.
wit the buck buck buck buck buck buck BUCK!
This sound effect highlights KRS-One's rhyming ability, showcasing how it is part of his identity as a performer.
On and on to the PM Dawn
KRS-One is committed to his music and can keep going all night, even after other artists have gone to bed.
you add a little street in your R-a-p
Other artists try to make their music sound gritty and tough by bringing in references to the street and its culture.
but never do you wanna challenge B.D.P.
Other artists are not willing to take on KRS-One and his group B.D.P. because they know they will lose.
when a sucka wants ta battle that just gets me geesed
KRS-One is always up for a challenge and loves to compete, especially with other rappers who do not measure up to him.
I never backed down from a MC feud
KRS-One is not intimidated by other artists and has never been afraid of a feud.
never on stage KRS got booed
KRS-One is confident in his vocal abilities and has never been booed offstage or mistreated by his audience.
stayed hardcore never changed my attitude
KRS-One has not changed his demeanor or beliefs over time, despite the changes in the industry and the artists that have come and gone.
I got the hip hop juice for the hip hop food
KRS-One is a purist and has the raw talent to be successful in hip-hop, creating the perfect recipe for success.
I eat when I drink, an I drink when I eat
This line represents KRS-One's love for hip-hop- he's always thinking about and producing it.
when I speak, what I speak
KRS-One's words are powerful and impactful, and he uses them to inspire his listeners.
what I speak is not weak
KRS-One's lyrics are full of substance and meaning and cannot be ignored.
Throw ya hands high in the sky
This is an invitation for the audience to engage and participate in the music by dancing and partying hard.
wave em around, cuz I get down
KRS-One is a performer that the audience loves to dance and party to, making him all the more beloved in the hip-hop world.
down to the nitty, to the nitty, to the gritty
KRS-One's music is all about the raw, gritty reality of life that people can resonate with.
peace to all the hardcore kids in the city so...
KRS-One is acknowledging the hardcore hip-hop fans in the city who have been with him through it all.
Fresh for 1993 you S U C K A S! ! ! ! ! !
This line is a nod to the constantly evolving nature of hip-hop, and how KRS-One is still fresh and relevant in 1993.
Contributed by Adalyn N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
WU-TANG FAMILIA โช
0:00 KRS-One Attacks
2:51 Outta Here
7:20 Black Cop
10:19 Mortal Thought
13:39 I Can't Wake Up
17:13 Slap Them Up
21:13 Sound of Da Police
25:32 Mad Crew
29:57 Uh Oh
34:03 Brown Skin Woman
38:43 Return of the Boom Bap
42:30 P is Still Free
47:28 Stop Frontin'
50:48 Higher Level
SUPPORT THIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH BITCOIN, THANKS
Adress Wu Tang Familia #bitcoin #btc : 33RYQX41Lws7snNd6Rbb4rq9cyq2mgpoTi
WU-TANG FAMILIA โช
0:00 KRS-One Attacks
2:51 Outta Here
7:20 Black Cop
10:19 Mortal Thought
13:39 I Can't Wake Up
17:13 Slap Them Up
21:13 Sound of Da Police
25:32 Mad Crew
29:57 Uh Oh
34:03 Brown Skin Woman
38:43 Return of the Boom Bap
42:30 P is Still Free
47:28 Stop Frontin'
50:48 Higher Level
SUPPORT THIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH BITCOIN, THANKS
Adress Wu Tang Familia #bitcoin #btc : 33RYQX41Lws7snNd6Rbb4rq9cyq2mgpoTi
Chris B
Mad crew
Lonnie Snow
One of my favorite Mc's Of All Time
Jay Moore
Zellweger I
Jay Moore
Z
Dante' Green
โ@Lets Play Minecraft as a former soldier, i can tell MP's don't argue or harass. if they come to get you, you're guilty of something...and they're just bringing you in
Martin Foy
One of the greatest albums in hip hop. Itโs not even a question or up for debate. So grateful as a lost teen. I felt like this found me. Iโm 46 at the end of this month and Iโm so thankful to be a part of this shit!!!!! THE REAL SHIT!!!! Peace and blessings ๐โ๏ธ๐ช
Robert Culpepper
KRS ONE is a national treasure
theG
THIS ALBUM IS LEGENDARY!!
nikomedia
Brilliant on every level. KRS came back with a vengeance on this one.Just hip hop at its rawest.