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..."
South Bronx
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my heart is at?
South South, Bronx
C'mon let's bring it back
Raw rhymes for raw times
My albums are underground, but this blessing is all mine
And when it's tour time, we open more minds
You need to rethink who you think is the "Greatest of All Time"
I got this -- I'm raw like Freddie Foxxx is
Hardcore like The LOX is, Scott LaRock is where Tupac is
Where hip-hop is, Digital-ly Underground like Shock is
Oh yes -- I know where the top is
But I'd rather rhyme about how crooked some of these cops is
My synopsis ain't pretty
I'd stay, off them plains and, out the city if I were you
Do what you gotta do
But while you wave them flags, remember Amadou Diallo
Here's what we gotta do, follow
I'll put hip-hop in you if you're hollow
Those that already filled, still take swallows
Goin over potholes with Tahoes
You don't think +I+ know? Huh! I'm lookin at you right now
You ain't dancin in the club, you in your car, sittin down
You in the crib, on the low
You got them headsets on the go
You just saw me at the show oh you don't know?
It's the Temple of Hip-Hop, comin, with a whole different flow
Yo where them hoes at? I don't know
But wherever God at, I'ma go
I give 'em a hard rap and a flow
That's why when they call back for the show, with no video
We get up and go
Yo where it started at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my heart is at?
South South, Bronx
C'mon let's bring it back
South South, Bronx
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my heart is at?
South South, Bronx
C'mon let's bring it back
South South, Bronx
Peep it out while I tell ya like this
In every single hood in the world I'm called Kris
It's the, truth for ya, it's the proof for ya
My Cristal passes more bars than lawyers
The underground sound, this is not easily found
You don't need no rings to be down
This is, past the platinum and gold
We already had 'em, it's old
Here's the truth if it be told, gather 'round
Philosopher style is known to be wild
If you only holdin them guns, who's holdin your child?
You got to be thinkin you know that you shrinkin
When the art of Navigation has been reduced to a Lincoln
Change the dial! I was free then and I'm free now
You free, runnin to MTV? I don't see how
You know the real from the fake, you know they stealin they cake
You know it ain't about the art, it's all about what they make
You know the radio's late, you know they play what you hate
That's why you got that Kay Slay tape, tryin to escape
You know the love of the cars and the rims
Tattooed arms and Timbs, are also called sins
You know you got to pay for these spins
You know the rap magazines be wack from beginning to the end
BO
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my heart is at?
South South, Bronx
C'mon let's bring it back
South South, Bronx
I never was a king and I'm not the Pres
I'm a teacher like that reefer goin straight to your head
I'm a preacher tryin to bring my people back from the dead
I'm a leader tryin to keep you all away from the feds
You my sister I'll be tryin to get you out of the bed
I'm a philospher sayin what has got to be said
I don't fill you with lead, I bring that knowledge instead
Follow this dread, I'll take you from A to Zed
Who am I? Just a scholar called K-R-S
You can spend your money on others but they ain't blessed
You can spend your money drugs and still be stressed
Look around for conscious rappes yo there ain't none left
I'm holdin it downbetter yet I'm holdin up
Waitin for some young buck to come and sip from the cup
And continue with the menu puttin new knowledge in you
I got a question and a lesson cause I know what you been through
But
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where it started at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my people at?
South South, Bronx
Yo where my heart is at?
South South, Bronx
C'mon let's bring it back
South South, Bronx
The South South Bronx, boyeee
KRS-One's "South Bronx" is a song inspired by the roots of hip-hop and its origins in the Bronx, New York City. The song is an ode to the neighborhood, and a celebration of hip-hop culture. The lyrics are political, socially conscious, and hard-hitting, making a strong statement about the state of black America at the time.
KRS-One's rhymes are passionate and full of energy. He speaks about the need for awareness and for a return to conscious lyrics as opposed to the current commercialized trend. He also speaks about police brutality and violence in the community. The lyrics are delivered in KRS-One's signature style, which is raw and aggressive, yet intelligent and poetic.
The song is a tribute to Kool Herc, one of the pioneers of hip-hop, who is credited with creating the breakbeat, which is the foundation of hip-hop music. The song's beat samples a track from James Brown, one of the most sampled artists in hip-hop history, and features scratching by KRS-One.
Line by Line Meaning
This what you call hardcore, fat gospel street gospel
This is the epitome of hardcore, authentic, and truthful street gospel music.
Raw rhymes for raw times
My lyrics are unfiltered and reflect the harsh realities of our current times.
My albums are underground, but this blessing is all mine
While my albums may not achieve mainstream success, I consider my ability to share my message as a blessing.
And when it's tour time, we open more minds
During my tours, we aim to expand people's perspectives and expose them to new ideas.
You need to rethink who you think is the 'Greatest of All Time'
You should reconsider your opinion on who you believe is the greatest artist in history.
I got this -- I'm raw like Freddie Foxxx is
I possess natural talent and authenticity, similar to the rapper Freddie Foxxx.
Hardcore like The LOX is, Scott LaRock is where Tupac is
My music embodies the intensity and aggression found in artists like The LOX, and Scott LaRock's influence on Tupac's style is evident.
Where hip-hop is, Digital-ly Underground like Shock is
I reside where hip-hop culture thrives, similar to Digital Underground, Shock G's iconic rap group.
My synopsis ain't pretty
The summary of my perspective and observations may not be pleasant or appealing.
I'd stay, off them plains and, out the city if I were you
If I were in your position, I would avoid dangerous situations, such as confrontations with law enforcement or crime in urban areas.
Do what you gotta do
Take action and make choices that are necessary for your well-being and survival.
But while you wave them flags, remember Amadou Diallo
Amidst your patriotic displays, don't forget about the injustice inflicted upon Amadou Diallo.
Here's what we gotta do, follow
I'll now provide instructions on what we need to do, so follow my lead.
I'll put hip-hop in you if you're hollow
If you lack substance or authenticity, I will inject you with the essence of hip-hop culture through my music.
Those that already filled, still take swallows
Even those who have achieved success and recognition in the industry still continue to absorb and appreciate new influences.
Goin over potholes with Tahoes
Navigating through the obstacles and hardships of life, especially in urban neighborhoods, symbolized by the metaphorical potholes, often using SUVs like Chevrolet Tahoes.
You don't think +I+ know? Huh! I'm lookin at you right now
Don't underestimate my awareness and knowledge. I can see and understand your current situation.
You ain't dancin in the club, you in your car, sittin down
You are not actively participating in the vibrant social scene of the club; instead, you choose to isolate yourself in your car.
You in the crib, on the low
You prefer to stay at home, keeping a low profile and avoiding attention.
You got them headsets on the go
You always have headphones on, listening to music wherever you go.
You just saw me at the show oh you don't know?
You recently attended my performance, but it seems like you have no idea who I am.
It's the Temple of Hip-Hop, comin, with a whole different flow
I represent and embody the essence of the Temple of Hip-Hop, delivering a unique and distinct style.
Yo where them hoes at? I don't know
I'm not concerned about the presence or location of promiscuous women.
But wherever God at, I'ma go
I prioritize spiritual connection and will follow wherever God's presence is felt.
I give 'em a hard rap and a flow
I provide a powerful and intense delivery in my rap verses.
That's why when they call back for the show, with no video
Despite lacking visual media or music videos, when they request my presence for performances, I always deliver.
We get up and go
We immediately take action and respond swiftly.
Yo where it started at?
Let's remember and acknowledge the origin of hip-hop culture.
Peep it out while I tell ya like this
Pay close attention and listen carefully as I explain it to you like this.
In every single hood in the world I'm called Kris
I am recognized and respected as Kris in every neighborhood across the globe.
It's the, truth for ya, it's the proof for ya
I bring you the unadulterated truth and evidence to support it.
My Cristal passes more bars than lawyers
My lyrical prowess surpasses that of even the most skilled and eloquent lawyers.
The underground sound, this is not easily found
My music represents the authentic and often overlooked underground sound that is not easily accessible.
You don't need no rings to be down
You don't require material possessions or symbols of status to be a part of this culture or movement.
This is, past the platinum and gold
My music transcends the superficial measures of success like platinum and gold album certifications.
We already had 'em, it's old
We have already achieved those accolades, and they no longer hold significance.
Here's the truth if it be told, gather 'round
I will now reveal the truth, so come closer and listen attentively.
Philosopher style is known to be wild
My style is characterized by philosophical insights and is often perceived as rebellious or unconventional.
If you only holdin them guns, who's holdin your child?
If you prioritize violence and weapons, who is taking care of and protecting your children?
You got to be thinkin you know that you shrinkin
You should be aware that by limited yourself to a narrow perspective, you are diminishing your potential.
When the art of Navigation has been reduced to a Lincoln
When the artistry and skill of navigating through life has been reduced to merely driving a Lincoln car.
Change the dial! I was free then and I'm free now
Switch to a different radio station! I was free in the past, and I am still free from societal constraints.
You free, runnin to MTV? I don't see how
You claim to be free, yet you conform and rely on mainstream media like MTV. I find it hard to understand your perspective.
You know the real from the fake, you know they stealin they cake
You possess the ability to differentiate authenticity from falsehood. You are aware that some artists are stealing their success.
You know it ain't about the art, it's all about what they make
You are aware that commercial success is prioritized over artistic integrity in the industry.
You know the radio's late, you know they play what you hate
You recognize that the radio plays music that goes against your personal taste.
That's why you got that Kay Slay tape, tryin to escape
That's why you possess a mixtape from DJ Kay Slay, as it allows you to escape the mainstream music you dislike.
You know the love of the cars and the rims
You are familiar with the obsession and admiration for cars and flashy rims.
Tattooed arms and Timbs, are also called sins
The cultural practices of having tattooed arms and wearing Timbs (Timberland boots) are sometimes criticized or labeled as sinful.
You know you got to pay for these spins
You are aware that artists pay for their songs to be played repeatedly on the radio.
You know the rap magazines be wack from beginning to the end
You acknowledge that rap magazines often lack substance and quality throughout their publications.
I never was a king and I'm not the Pres
I never claimed to be a king or a president; I am simply a humble individual with a message.
I'm a teacher like that reefer goin straight to your head
I fulfill the role of an educator, imparting knowledge and wisdom to my listeners, much like the effects of marijuana on the mind.
I'm a preacher tryin to bring my people back from the dead
I assume the duty of a preacher, attempting to revive and awaken my community from their apathy or ignorance.
I'm a leader tryin to keep you all away from the feds
I take on the role of a leader, guiding and protecting you from the control and influence of law enforcement.
You my sister I'll be tryin to get you out of the bed
I care for you as a sister and will make efforts to motivate and inspire you to overcome your struggles and laziness.
I'm a philospher sayin what has got to be said
I embrace the role of a philosopher, expressing the truths and insights that need to be voiced.
I don't fill you with lead, I bring that knowledge instead
Instead of engaging in violence or harming you, I provide you with enlightening knowledge and information.
Follow this dread, I'll take you from A to Zed
Embrace and follow my guidance, and I will lead you through a comprehensive journey of knowledge, from A to Z.
Who am I? Just a scholar called K-R-S
I am simply a knowledgeable scholar and educator known as K-R-S.
You can spend your money on others but they ain't blessed
You may choose to support other artists, but they do not possess the same level of spiritual favor and impact.
You can spend your money drugs and still be stressed
Even if you invest your money in drugs, you will still experience emotional and mental distress.
Look around for conscious rappes yo there ain't none left
Search for artists who promote conscious and thought-provoking rap, but you will struggle to find any remaining.
I'm holdin it downbetter yet I'm holdin up
I am not only maintaining my presence and relevance in the industry, but I am also thriving and elevating my status.
Waitin for some young buck to come and sip from the cup
I patiently anticipate a young and talented individual to emerge and benefit from the wisdom and knowledge I offer.
And continue with the menu puttin new knowledge in you
This individual will carry forward my mission and continue sharing new insights and information with others.
I got a question and a lesson cause I know what you been through
I possess a question and a lesson because I understand and empathize with the struggles you have encountered.
But
However,
The South South Bronx, boyeee
Referring to the South South Bronx with enthusiasm and energy.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, SCOTT MONROE STERLING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gabriel Martinez
Back then we took rap very serious!!!!!
Not just anyone could get on the mic
Jefferson Martin
Glad it changed and got more diverse
SHNASTDOG The King of SHNAST
Nowadays every illiterate mumbling child with auto tune thinks they can rap while they rap off beat and repeat words. And they don't really say shit anymore
Idivine Clark
Super duper facts!
Sean Kiesling
The story behind this song is amazing
D.j Dead Homie
Look up Mark Mar Drink Champs 21:00 mark
Lifeless Gaming
Look up BDP vs juice crew YouTube video
Trvml8o
What is it?
Lewesley Acklin
If I stayed in the Bronx I would play this EVERYDAY riding in my car , in the hood or on the train 💪💯
Natalia
I remember loving this song when it came out in 1987. I'm still jamming to it 32 years later. 2019