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 2002
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[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
[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!!
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