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..."
The Conclusion
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something strong in our spirits attacks those
Who feel as though it's filled with everything they have yet to reach
In reality, it has nothing to do with us
Because when we truly love ourselves, we can see the truth
The blacker the berry, the louder the spirit
Black lives have mattered before the saying even existed
The color of our skin, the texture of our hair and our unique features
The light we possess will forever outshine any darkness thrown our way (hey)
When you have the courage to be yourself
And share the gifts that you were been blessed with
You give others the art of knowing that they can too
Be a reflection of what it is that you desire
Your soul is beneath no one and your soul is superior to no one
Your greatness awaits to walk with you in your destined path
I bet you were expecting to hear something different
Probably hoping I'd serve you some tea more specific to business of ours
But I'm just too gifted to be here on bullshit you see
Evolution is key, and stagnation ain't me
Nah, I'd rather admire the beauties of life finding solace
In places it'll take most more time to acknowledge
In this song, KRS-One explores the concept of self-love and individuality. He starts by comparing each person to a diamond, emphasizing that we all shine in our own unique way. He acknowledges that there are people who may try to belittle or attack others out of their own feelings of inadequacy, but he points out that their negativity has nothing to do with the person being attacked. When we truly love ourselves, we can see through the negativity and recognize our own worth.
The lyrics also touch on the importance of embracing one's cultural identity. KRS-One references the phrase "the blacker the berry, the louder the spirit," highlighting the significance of black lives and their contributions even before the phrase "black lives matter" became popularized. He emphasizes that qualities like skin color, hair texture, and unique physical features should not be reasons for one to feel the need to conform or "die to fit in." Instead, we should celebrate our differences and stand out as individuals.
The song further encourages listeners to have the courage to be authentic and to share their unique gifts with the world. By doing so, they inspire others to recognize their own potential and can become a guiding light for others. KRS-One emphasizes that no one's soul is beneath or superior to another's; we all have our own greatness waiting to be discovered and manifested in our individual paths.
KRS-One then addresses the expectations or assumptions that listeners may have had about the song. He refuses to engage in trivial matters or gossip, asserting that he is too gifted to waste time on such things. He instead focuses on personal growth and the evolution of oneself. The line "evolution is key, and stagnation ain't me" conveys his commitment to continuous self-improvement. He expresses his preference for seeking solace and appreciating the beauties of life, which may require more time for others to acknowledge and appreciate.
Overall, this song encourages self-love, embracing one's uniqueness, and sharing one's gifts with others. It calls for personal growth, authenticity, and appreciating the beauty of life. KRS-One emphasizes that each individual has the potential to make a positive impact and should not be limited by societal expectations or negativity from others.
Line by Line Meaning
We are all diamonds reflecting in the light in our own special way
Each of us is unique and shines brightly in our own way, just like diamonds reflecting light.
Something strong in our spirits attacks those
There is a strong force within us that challenges and confronts those who underestimate us.
Who feel as though it's filled with everything they have yet to reach
Those who feel lacking in their own achievements and potential.
In reality, it has nothing to do with us
Those feelings of inadequacy have nothing to do with our true selves.
Because when we truly love ourselves, we can see the truth
When we have genuine self-love, we can perceive the truth about ourselves and others.
The blacker the berry, the louder the spirit
The more melanin we have, the stronger and more resilient our spirit becomes.
Black lives have mattered before the saying even existed
The value of black lives has always been significant, even before the phrase 'Black Lives Matter' came into existence.
The color of our skin, the texture of our hair and our unique features
Our physical attributes such as skin color, hair texture, and distinct features.
Why die to fit in, when we were born to stand out?
There's no need to sacrifice ourselves to conform when we were born to be exceptional.
The light we possess will forever outshine any darkness thrown our way (hey)
The positive energy and qualities we possess will always conquer any negativity that comes our way.
When you have the courage to be yourself
When you are courageous enough to embrace your true self.
And share the gifts that you were been blessed with
And share the unique abilities and talents you have been bestowed with.
You give others the art of knowing that they can too
By doing so, you inspire others to believe in their own ability to do the same.
Be a reflection of what it is that you desire
You become a living example of what you aspire to be.
Your soul is beneath no one and your soul is superior to no one
No one is beneath or superior to you in terms of the worth and essence of your soul.
Your greatness awaits to walk with you in your destined path
Your true greatness is waiting to accompany you on your predetermined journey.
I bet you were expecting to hear something different
I wager that you anticipated a different message or perspective.
Probably hoping I'd serve you some tea more specific to the business of ours
Most likely, you desired me to provide insider information or gossip relevant to our affairs.
But I'm just too gifted to be here on bullshit you see
However, I possess too much talent and insight to waste my time on trivial matters.
Evolution is key, and stagnation ain't me
Progress and growth are essential, and I refuse to remain stagnant.
Nah, I'd rather admire the beauties of life finding solace
No, I prefer to find solace and joy in appreciating the wonders of life.
In places it'll take most more time to acknowledge
In locations or aspects that many others may take longer to appreciate.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Clifford Joseph Harris, Deyjah Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ROAMWITJ
Rap is something you do, HIP-HOP is something you live. KRS-ONE ๐ค๐ฏ
ROAMWITJ
@La John3 I was actually referring to the 5 ELEMENTS of HIP-HOP...emceeing, deejaying, breakin, grafitti, and beatboxing. You may not understand what KRS-ONE meant when he said any of that about pertaining to Hip-Hop as a way of life or know who he is. Thanks for your explaining what Hip-Hop is to you.๐ค๐ฏโ๐ฝ
ROAMWITJ
@La John3 So in your opinion those events encompass all of Hip-Hop because of these events...I get it Hip-Hop hasn't been a good experience for you except for Ice-T and Easy-E.
D-Boogie Wit Da Goodies
@La John3 you obviously didnโt understand any of that. The NBA is hip-hop, NFL Is Hip-Hop, Boxing is Hip-Hop. When Dion Sanders went to the league he was Hip-Hop. Hip hop is our culture, a lifestyle, not the lifestyle of the rich and famous like how you making it seem.
Joey Trotta
KRS is so ahead of his time still to this day, heโs dropping shit thatโs more conscious then anyone
Dug Nice
Problem is not enough people wants to actually buy conscious music, which is why the youth rarely makes it.
Jam World
Facts
Lou Faulk
Yes sir he's one of the best who ever done it๐ฏ
Questmasta197 jarvis
He's not ahead of his time if you follow hip-hop culture you know we all think and try to spread the message like he is doing .
Philip Goldstein
I keep telling them Hip Hop and rap are NOT the same, rap is all the littles & the babies