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..."
Tell the Devil Ha!
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
[Intro: KRS-One]
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
You must tell these devils, word, {*HA! HA!*}
You got to tell a devil {*HUH*}, then tell a devil {*HA!*}
Got.. word.. what, {*HA! HA!*}
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, huh huh {*HA!*}
Stand on the rock (.. stand up on the rock ..)
[Verse One: KRS-One]
When the devil got your soul, and you ain't got control
You know you Born Again, but you feel like you old
You put your mind on Christ, or put your mind on Kris
For everlasting life, you must listen to this
Now you could get with this, or you can get with that
I think you'll go with this, yo Christians where you at?
Oh yes it's KRS, with Church of the Harvest
With Clarence {?}, hip-hop's winning evangelist
And then there's Hezekiah, his fire brings the fire
He's takin it higher, tell 'em {THE DEVIL IS A LIAR}
I know, you thinkin bout that Y2K
And I see, this fear that makes you lose your way
But we got, somethin that is bigger than Benz
And we stand, upon the rock that cannot break
Through millineiums, don't you think we been here before?
Through millineiums, God has always opened the door
Word!
[Chorus: KRS-One]
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
You got to tell the devil {*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*}
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
Word, word up {*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*}
Word {*HUH*} {*HA!*}
{*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*}
[Interlude]
(.. be strong ..) Be strong (.. be stronnnnnnnng ..)
Be strong! Word
(.. be strong ..) Be strong (.. be stronnnnnnnng ..)
Endure! Endure!
[Verse Two: KRS-One]
Yo, if all you got is money and the little things you wear
You worry bout your car note, you worry bout your hair
Then you ain't got no faith, and you must live in fear
Now listen to me people, and listen to me clear
So like I was just sayin, I think it's time for prayin
Don't put your trust in Satan, it's Christ you put your faith in
You minimize your hatin, and stop your hesitatin
It's faith that keeps you movin, so do not be mistaken
[Chorus: KRS-One]
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
You must to tell the devil, word {*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*} word
You got to tell the devil {*HUH*} UHH tell the devil {*HA!*}
You got to tell the devil, word {*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*} word
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
Word, tell that devil, word {*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*} wo-word
You must tell the devil {*HUH*} uhh {*HA!*} uh-huh, yo
{*Ahhhhhhhhhh HA! HA!*} Yo
[Verse Three: KRS-One]
Now you listen to these lyrics, they speak into your spirit
You shiver when you hear it, but some just cannot bear it
But when you get up near it, there's no need that you fear it
It's KRS O-N-E you know me hip-hop be spirit
So you tell the devil HUH, tell that devil HA
Tell that devil HUH, tell that devil HA
You must tell the devil HUH, tell that devil HA!
Get out of my life, change your life, word
[Outro]
(.. be strong ..) (.. be stronnnnnnnng ..)
(.. be strong ..) (.. be stronnnnnnnng ..)
(.. STAND UP ON THE ROCK! ..)
The song "Tell the Devil Ha!" by KRS-One encourages listeners to stand strong against the devil and to put their faith in God. The song begins by emphasizing the importance of telling the devil to back off and rejecting his influence. KRS-One then advocates for putting one's mind on Christ and finding everlasting life through Him. The lyrics address the fear and uncertainty that people may feel, particularly in the context of Y2K, but end with a message of faith and endurance.
Throughout the song, KRS-One uses wordplay and repetition to reinforce his message. He alternates between telling listeners to tell the devil "ha" and "huh," emphasizing the power of their words in resisting temptation. The chorus repeats several times, driving home the importance of standing strong against the devil. The song ends with the phrase, "stand up on the rock," representing the solid foundation of faith and truth that is crucial in times of struggle.
Overall, "Tell the Devil Ha!" is a passionate call to resist the devil and put one's faith in God, even in the face of fear and uncertainty. Through its use of repetition and wordplay, the song reinforces the importance of using language to speak truth and resist temptation.
Line by Line Meaning
You must tell the devil {*HUH*}, you must tell the devil {*HA!*}
It is necessary to confront the demonic forces and cast them out of one's life.
You must tell these devils, word, {*HA! HA!*}
One must acknowledge the presence of evil forces in the world and take steps to resist them.
Got.. word.. what, {*HA! HA!*}
Strongly agree with the idea of resisting the devil and affirming one's faith.
Be strong! {*HA! HA!*} Word
Hold on to your faith and be strong in the face of adversity.
Stand on the rock (.. stand up on the rock ..)
Ground oneself in faith to withstand the challenges and temptations of life.
When the devil got your soul, and you ain't got control
When one succumbs to temptation and loses control of their actions, they may feel like they have lost their soul.
You know you Born Again, but you feel like you old
Even after being reborn in faith, one may still struggle with feelings of uncertainty or inadequacy.
You put your mind on Christ, or put your mind on Kris
In order to find peace and salvation, one must focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ.
For everlasting life, you must listen to this
Eternal life can only be attained by following the teachings of faith and remaining committed to one's beliefs.
Now you could get with this, or you can get with that
One can choose to follow their faith or choose a path that leads to darkness and temptation.
I think you'll go with this, yo Christians where you at?
The rapper is encouraging Christians to stay strong in their beliefs and resist temptation.
And then there's Hezekiah, his fire brings the fire
Hezekiah is a source of strength and inspiration for believers, and his passion spreads to others.
He's takin it higher, tell 'em {THE DEVIL IS A LIAR}
The enemy of faith is deceitful and must be resisted with conviction and strength.
I know, you thinkin bout that Y2K
The rapper is questioning why people are so worried about the Y2K phenomenon, rather than focusing on their faith.
And I see, this fear that makes you lose your way
Fear can cause people to lose sight of their beliefs and weaken their faith.
But we got, somethin that is bigger than Benz
The power of faith is greater than material wealth or possessions.
Through millineiums, don't you think we been here before?
Humanity has faced struggles and challenges for ages, and faith has always been a source of strength.
Through millineiums, God has always opened the door
Belief in God has been a guiding force throughout history, and will continue to provide hope and strength for those who have faith.
Yo, if all you got is money and the little things you wear
Material possessions are meaningless in the grand scheme of things, and true happiness cannot be bought.
You worry bout your car note, you worry bout your hair
Focusing on superficial concerns can distract one from their faith and lead them down the wrong path.
Then you ain't got no faith, and you must live in fear
Without faith, one may feel alone and vulnerable, leading to a life of fear and anxiety.
Don't put your trust in Satan, it's Christ you put your faith in
Believers must resist temptation and trust in the power of Christ to guide them toward salvation.
It's faith that keeps you movin, so do not be mistaken
Staying committed to one's faith is the key to finding purpose and direction in life, and must not be taken for granted.
Now you listen to these lyrics, they speak into your spirit
The rapper's message is meant to inspire listeners and provide guidance on their faith journey.
You shiver when you hear it, but some just cannot bear it
The message of faith is powerful, and may cause discomfort or resistance in some individuals.
But when you get up near it, there's no need that you fear it
By embracing the message of faith and confronting one's fears, one can find strength and courage to face their struggles.
Get out of my life, change your life, word
Believers must take a stand against evil and reject temptation in order to live a life that is true to their faith and beliefs.
(.. be strong ..) Be strong (.. be stronnnnnnnng ..)
The importance of staying strong in one's faith is emphasized, and the repetition of the phrase emphasizes its significance.
Endure! Endure!
Believers must endure the hardships and challenges of life in order to come out stronger on the other side.
(.. STAND UP ON THE ROCK! ..)
The rock symbolizes the strength and stability of faith, and believers must stand firmly on it to withstand life's challenges.
Contributed by Molly P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-kv7fb1sj6u
ALL Day & Knight/Night !!!
@alphonseyoga
best version. thanks
@english4ielts
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
@tshidisosekoati8953
Have to come back for a lesson after more than 20 years
Hip hop
@meonly8071
Tell the devil ha ya going down
@TribunPepe
the version on spotify is complete different why
@Young-M
I have no idea, maybe the censoring
@michaelgundersen2982
Its not