South Bronx 2002
KRS-One Lyrics


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This what you call hardcore, fat gospel.. street gospel

[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my people at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my heart is at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] C'mon let's bring it back
[all] South South, Bronx!

[KRS-One]
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!

[Chorus: repeat 2X]
[KRS] Yo where it started at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my people at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my heart is at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] C'mon let's bring it back
[all] South South, Bronx!

[KRS-One]
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!

[Chorus]

[KRS-One]
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 down; better 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..

[Chorus] - 1/2

{*no beat*}
[KRS] Yo where it started at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my people at?
[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] Yo where my heart is at?




[all] South South, Bronx!
[KRS] C'mon let's bring it back!!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of KRS-One's song "South Bronx 2002" are a powerful statement about the state of hip-hop culture in the early 2000s. The song is a call to action, urging listeners to reconnect with the raw, authentic roots of hip-hop in the South Bronx, where it all began. KRS-One takes listeners on a journey through the different neighborhoods of New York City, highlighting the struggles and challenges that urban communities face, from poverty and crime to police brutality.


Throughout the song, KRS-One emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, rejecting the commercialization of hip-hop and remaining committed to the art form's original message of social and political activism. He encourages listeners to reject the mainstream narrative of hip-hop culture, which he sees as promoting violence, materialism, and misogyny, and to instead embrace a more uplifting and empowering vision of the future.


Ultimately, "South Bronx 2002" is a powerful reminder of the potential of hip-hop as a force for positive social change, and a call to arms for all those who believe in hip-hop's transformative power.


Line by Line Meaning

Raw rhymes for raw times
I deliver authentic and powerful lyrics to address the struggles of our current society


My albums are underground, but this blessing is all mine
My music may not be widely recognized, but I consider it a gift and source of inspiration


And when it's tour time, we open more minds
During my tours, I aim to expand the listeners' perspectives and introduce them to new ideas


You need to rethink who you think is the 'Greatest of All Time'
It's important to reconsider the criteria for determining the best in the music industry


I'm raw like Freddie Foxxx is
I possess a raw and unfiltered style similar to Freddie Foxxx


Hardcore like The LOX is, Scott LaRock is where Tupac is
I embody a hardcore and intense approach to rap, similar to The LOX, and pay homage to Scott LaRock and Tupac Shakur who are influential figures in hip-hop


Where hip-hop is, Digital-ly Underground like Shock is
I thrive in the hip-hop scene and share the same underground spirit as Digital Underground, just like Shock G


Oh yes -- I know where the top is
I am aware of the mainstream success and recognition in the music industry


But I'd rather rhyme about how crooked some of these cops is
Instead, I choose to focus on shedding light on the corrupt behavior of certain police officers


My synopsis ain't pretty
The overall summary or analysis I present might not be pleasant or attractive


I'd stay off them plains and out the city if I were you
If you were wise, you would avoid dangerous situations, such as being caught up in illicit activities outside the city


Do what you gotta do
Continue doing what you think is necessary in your circumstances


But while you wave them flags, remember Amadou .. Diallo
While you show your patriotism, don't forget the tragic incident involving Amadou Diallo as a reminder of injustice


Here's what we gotta do, follow
Let me guide you towards the necessary actions we need to take


I'll put hip-hop in you if you're hollow
If you lack substance or depth, I will inject hip-hop culture and its values into your being


Those that already filled, STILL take swallows
Even those who have attained success in the industry still face challenges and hardships


Goin over potholes with Tahoes
Navigating difficult and risky situations while driving luxury cars like Tahoes


You don't think +I+ know? Huh! I'm lookin at you right now
Don't underestimate my awareness and insight, I am observing your actions at this moment


You ain't dancin in the club, you in your car, sittin down
You prefer to listen to music in the comfort of your car rather than actively engaging with it in a club environment


You in the crib, on the low
You spend most of your time at home, keeping a low profile


You got them headsets on the go
You always have your headphones on while on the move


You just saw me at the show - oh you don't know?
You recently attended one of my live performances, but apparently, you are not familiar with me


It's the Temple of Hip-Hop, comin, with a whole DIFFERENT flow
I represent the Temple of Hip-Hop, bringing a unique and distinctive style of rap


Yo where them hoes at? I don't know
I have no information about the whereabouts of any women you may be referring to


But wherever God at, I'ma go
Wherever there is spirituality or a higher power, I will align myself with it


I give 'em a hard rap AND a flow
I provide a strong and intense delivery of lyrics, combined with a smooth and rhythmic flow


That's why when they call back for the show, with no video
Despite not having a music video, people still reach out to book me for performances


We get up and go!
We immediately spring into action and fulfill our commitments


In every single hood in the WORLD I'm called Kris
I am recognized and respected in diverse neighborhoods worldwide by the name Kris


It's the truth for ya, it's the proof for ya
I'm here to provide you with truth that can serve as evidence or confirmation


My Cristal passes more bars than lawyers
My lyrics and messages have a greater impact than the arguments put forth by lawyers


The underground sound, this is not easily found
The type of music I create, the underground sound, is not readily accessible or mainstream


You don't need no rings to be down
Authenticity and loyalty cannot be measured by material possessions or status symbols


This is past the platinum and gold
My music goes beyond the superficial standards of success like platinum and gold records


We already had 'em, it's old
We have already achieved those accolades in the past, they are no longer important


Here's the truth if it be told, gather 'round
I present the genuine and unfiltered truth, so come closer and listen


Philosopher style is known to be wild
My style of rap is often associated with philosophical ideas and is perceived as bold and untamed


If you only holdin' them guns, who's holdin' your child?
If your main focus is on weapons and violence, then who is taking care of and nurturing your child?


You got to be thinkin', you KNOW that you shrinkin'
You must engage in critical thinking and realize that your influence and impact are diminishing


When the art of Navigation has been reduced to a Lincoln
The creativity and innovation in the music industry has been limited to conforming to mainstream expectations


Change the dial! I was free then and I'm free now
Switch the radio station to something different! I was independent in the past, and I am still independent now


You free, runnin' to MTV? I don't see how!
You claim to be liberated, yet you chase after mainstream exposure on MTV, which contradicts true freedom


You know the real from the fake, you know they stealin' they cake
You have the ability to differentiate between authenticity and deceit, recognizing that some artists are being exploited and not benefiting financially


You know it ain't about the art, it's all about what they make
You understand that the focus in the industry is on profit rather than genuine artistic expression


You know the radio's late, you know they play what you hate
You are aware that the radio plays music that does not align with your preferences


That's why you got that Kay Slay tape, tryin' to escape
That's why you own a mixtape by DJ Kay Slay, attempting to find an alternative to mainstream radio


You know the love of the cars and the rims
You are familiar with the obsession and desire for luxurious cars and flashy rims


Tattooed arms and Timbs, are also called sins
Engaging in materialistic behaviors like getting tattoos and wearing branded Timberland boots can be considered immoral or sinful


You know you got to pay for these spins
You understand that artists have to pay for their songs to be played on radio stations or promoted


You know the rap magazines be wack from beginning to the end
You are aware that most rap magazines fail to produce meaningful content and are generally uninteresting


I never was a king and I'm not the Pres
I have never claimed to be a king or hold a position of power like the President


I'm a teacher like that reefer goin' straight to your head
I'm an educator, similar to how the effects of marijuana directly impact your mind


I'm a preacher tryin' to bring my people back from the dead
I see myself as a religious leader, attempting to revive and engage the minds of my community


I'm a leader tryin' to keep you all away from the feds
I take on the role of a leader, guiding and protecting my audience from government authorities


You my sister, I'll be tryin' to get you out of the bed
I am dedicated to empowering and motivating my female listeners to rise above their circumstances


I'm a philosopher sayin' what has GOT to be said
As a philosopher, I speak the truth that must be expressed and heard


I don't FILL you with lead, I bring that KNOWLEDGE instead
I enlighten and educate you with knowledge instead of filling your mind with destructive ideas


FOLLOW this dread, I'll take you from A to Zed
Embrace and follow these teachings, and I will guide you through every step, from the beginning to the end


Who am I? Just a scholar called K-R-S
I am KRS-One, a knowledgeable and insightful scholar


You can spend your money on others but THEY AIN'T BLESSED
You may invest your money in other artists, but they do not possess the same level of blessings or divine favor


You can spend your money on drugs and STILL BE STRESSED
Even if you waste your money on drugs, your stress and problems will persist


Look around for conscious rappers, yo there AIN'T NONE LEFT
Search around, and you will realize that there are very few conscious rappers left in the industry


I'm holdin' it down, better yet I'm holdin' up
I am maintaining my presence and influence in the rap game, and in fact, rising above the rest


Waitin' for some young buck to come and sip from the cup
I am patiently anticipating a young and talented individual to embrace and learn from my experience and knowledge


And continue with the menu puttin' new knowledge in you
And subsequently, they will carry on the legacy of spreading enlightenment and introducing fresh concepts


I got a question and a lesson 'cause I KNOW what you been through
I have both a thought-provoking question and a valuable lesson to impart because I understand the hardships you have endured


But...
However...


I never was a king and I'm not the Pres
I have never claimed to be a king or hold a position of power like the President


I'm a teacher like that reefer goin' straight to your head
I'm an educator, similar to how the effects of marijuana directly impact your mind


I'm a preacher tryin' to bring my people back from the dead
I see myself as a religious leader, attempting to revive and engage the minds of my community


I'm a leader tryin' to keep you all away from the feds
I take on the role of a leader, guiding and protecting my audience from government authorities


You my sister, I'll be tryin' to get you out of the bed
I am dedicated to empowering and motivating my female listeners to rise above their circumstances


I'm a philosopher sayin' what has GOT to be said
As a philosopher, I speak the truth that must be expressed and heard


I don't FILL you with lead, I bring that KNOWLEDGE instead
I enlighten and educate you with knowledge instead of filling your mind with destructive ideas


FOLLOW this dread, I'll take you from A to Zed
Embrace and follow these teachings, and I will guide you through every step, from the beginning to the end


Who am I? Just a scholar called K-R-S
I am KRS-One, a knowledgeable and insightful scholar


You can spend your money on others but THEY AIN'T BLESSED
You may invest your money in other artists, but they do not possess the same level of blessings or divine favor


You can spend your money on drugs and STILL BE STRESSED
Even if you waste your money on drugs, your stress and problems will persist


Look around for conscious rappers, yo there AIN'T NONE LEFT
Search around, and you will realize that there are very few conscious rappers left in the industry


I'm holdin' it down, better yet I'm holdin' up
I am maintaining my presence and influence in the rap game, and in fact, rising above the rest


Waitin' for some young buck to come and sip from the cup
I am patiently anticipating a young and talented individual to embrace and learn from my experience and knowledge


And continue with the menu puttin' new knowledge in you
And subsequently, they will carry on the legacy of spreading enlightenment and introducing fresh concepts


I got a question and a lesson 'cause I KNOW what you been through
I have both a thought-provoking question and a valuable lesson to impart because I understand the hardships you have endured


But...


South South, Bronx!
This is a call and affirmation for the South Bronx, representing our community and culture


Yo where it started at?
Let's acknowledge and pay homage to the birthplace of hip-hop, the South Bronx


Yo where my people at?
Where are my fellow individuals from the South Bronx who relate to and support our culture?


Yo where my heart is at?
I am emotionally and passionately connected to the South Bronx


C'mon let's bring it back!
Let's revive and celebrate the spirit and essence of our community, culture, and hip-hop in the South Bronx!


South South, Bronx!
Once again, let's affirm and recognize the significance of the South Bronx in our lives




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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