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..."
The Message 2002
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Another Inebriated beat
You know what time it is, straight for the street
KRS-One, hold tight! Look, look
[Chorus One: KRS-One]
Crack - don't mess with that
Speed - don't mess with that
Greed - don't mess with that
Knowledge - yeah, mess with that
God - yeah, mess with that
College - yeah, mess with that
A job - yeah, mess with that
Look look; dealing - don't mess with that
Crying - don't mess with that
Stealing - don't mess with that
Lying - don't mess with that
Meditation - mess with that
Forgiveness - mess with that
Education - mess with that
Hip-Hop - we lovin that
[Verse One: KRS-One]
I rhyme for respect y'all, intellect y'all
Not sex y'all, move that neck y'all, correct y'all
Checks y'all, cash y'all, don't last y'all
With cops y'all to blast y'all, harass y'all
Flash y'all as they pass y'all, through the glass y'all
These videos gas y'all cause they trash y'all
I ask y'all this fact y'all
Unaired y'all, these cops y'all they scared y'all
They fear y'all they hear y'all they hate y'all
Less than 40,000 a week, they make y'all
Cops y'all with black feet, livin from week to week
Walk crooked beats in the streets y'all
They greet y'all with the heat y'all, to defeat y'all
It's deep y'all, hear what I teach y'all, and speak y'all
[Chorus Two: KRS-One]
Hate - don't mess with that
Trends - don't mess with that
? - don't mess with that
Revenge - don't mess with that
Truth - yeah, mess with that
Skills - yeah, mess with that
Proof - yeah, mess with that
Build - yeah, mess with that
Wars - don't look for that
Freaking - don't look for that
Whores - don't mess with that
Cheating - don't mess with that
G.E.D. - mess with that
Science of mind - mess with that
Family - mess with that
Hip-Hop - we lovin that
[Verse Two: Shuman]
Yeah, yo.. aiyyo, yo
Who seein us, with an overdose level of free in us
They bring the heat to us
They don't really want the beat in us
Take heed to us
While they plottin and schemin to be deletin us
Best believe in us, they not defeatin us
Them glocks wanna bust
With twenty-one shots to put the leak in us
So they can bloody the street with us
What does it mean to us
You know what they need from us
Give cream to us, hide the lies and deceit from us
That doesn't equal us
Who's ready to get in the Jeep with us
Form a fleet with us and take back the street with us
Meet with us, drop bombs in the street with us
Never saw it comin, attack on the sneak with us
Thus, they can't compete with us
We flow through your veins like DJ's
When they cut, you'll be bleedin us
I came with Kris to heat it up
Showin my body's the temple, hip-hop is the lock
Now put the key in us
[Chorus One]
[Verse Three: KRS-One]
Truth y'all, facts y'all, proof y'all, black y'all
Time to check this map y'all, are we goin back y'all?
Let's make a pact y'all, come together watch your back y'all
Stay in tact y'all, never whack - gimme dap y'all
Comin at y'all, headcrack y'all with the facts y'all
Police y'all, on the attack y'all if ya black y'all
So if this is fact y'all, when we rap y'all
over the track y'all, why we rap about crack y'all?
That's whack y'all, we trapped y'all
Holdin the gat y'all just to kill another black y'all
Clak clak clak y'all, it's like that y'all
KRS-One yo, let's take it back y'all, listen!
[Chorus Two]
In the song "The Message 2002," KRS-One encourages listeners to focus on positive pursuits such as knowledge, God, and education, while warning against falling prey to destructive habits including drug use, greed, and stealing. He also comments on the struggles faced by the black community, particularly when interacting with police.
In the first verse, KRS-One raps about valuing intellect and respect over material possessions, and criticizes the negative influence of music videos. He notes that some police officers may be scared of and prejudiced towards black people, and emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Shuman, the featured guest artist in the second verse, speaks on issues related to street violence and the need for unity and action in the community. He also references hip-hop as both a form of activism and an art form.
Overall, the message of the song is one of empowerment and resistance against systemic oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
Crack - don't mess with that
Do not get involved with crack, as it is dangerous and addictive.
Speed - don't mess with that
Avoid using speed, as it has harmful effects on your physical and mental health.
It's whack - don't mess with that
Stay away from things that are uncool, low-quality, or inferior in nature.
Greed - don't mess with that
Do not succumb to greed, as it can lead to a destructive and selfish lifestyle.
Knowledge - yeah, mess with that
Acquiring knowledge is valuable and beneficial for personal growth and development.
God - yeah, mess with that
Believing in God and embracing spirituality can bring peace, guidance, and purpose to life.
College - yeah, mess with that
Pursuing higher education can enhance career opportunities, expand knowledge, and promote personal growth.
A job - yeah, mess with that
Having a stable job can provide financial security, independence, and a sense of purpose.
Look look; dealing - don't mess with that
Do not engage in drug dealing, as it is illegal and dangerous.
Crying - don't mess with that
Avoid crying or wallowing in self-pity, as it is not productive or helpful in solving problems.
Stealing - don't mess with that
Do not steal or commit acts of theft, as it is immoral and illegal.
Lying - don't mess with that
Avoid lying or being deceitful, as it damages trust, relationships, and personal integrity.
Meditation - mess with that
Practicing meditation can bring mental clarity, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall wellness.
Forgiveness - mess with that
Forgiving others and letting go of grudges can improve relationships, reduce stress, and promote inner peace.
Education - mess with that
Investing in education and learning can enhance knowledge, skills, and opportunities for personal growth and success.
Hip-Hop - we lovin that
Hip-Hop represents an art form, culture, and movement that celebrates creativity, expression, and social awareness.
Hate - don't mess with that
Avoid hatred or intolerance towards others, as it breeds negativity, violence, and division.
Trends - don't mess with that
Do not blindly follow trends or fads, as they are often temporary and superficial.
? - don't mess with that
Avoid engaging in activities or behaviors that are unclear or confusing in nature.
Revenge - don't mess with that
Do not seek revenge or retaliate against others, as it perpetuates a cycle of harm and negativity.
Truth - yeah, mess with that
Seeking and speaking the truth is important for personal integrity, honesty, and authenticity.
Skills - yeah, mess with that
Developing and improving skills can enhance personal growth, career opportunities, and overall success.
Proof - yeah, mess with that
Evaluating evidence, facts, and proof can improve decision-making, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Build - yeah, mess with that
Creating and building things, ideas, or relationships can bring a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and growth.
Wars - don't look for that
Avoid conflicts, wars, or violence, as they bring destruction, loss, and suffering.
Freaking - don't look for that
Avoid engaging in promiscuous or casual sexual activities or relationships, as they can harm one's health, reputation, and self-respect.
Whores - don't mess with that
Do not engage in prostitution or exploiting others for personal gain or pleasure, as it is morally and legally wrong.
Cheating - don't mess with that
Do not cheat or deceive others in academic, personal, or professional settings, as it is unfair and unethical.
G.E.D. - mess with that
Acquiring a General Education Diploma (G.E.D.) can provide opportunities for personal growth, career advancement, and higher education.
Science of mind - mess with that
Studying and applying the science of the mind, such as psychology or neuroscience, can enhance one's understanding of human behavior, emotions, and mental health.
Family - mess with that
Valuing and supporting one's family, as well as building healthy relationships, can bring happiness, love, and belonging.
Yeah, yo.. aiyyo, yo
An introduction to the next verse, with an exclamatory, rhythmic tone.
Who seein us, with an overdose level of free in us
People are observing and monitoring us with suspicion and fear, due to our rebellious or non-conformist attitude.
They bring the heat to us
They are trying to intimidate or harm us with violence, aggression, or oppression.
They don't really want the beat in us
They do not appreciate or respect our music or artistic expression, and are trying to suppress it.
Take heed to us
Pay attention and listen to us, as we have an important message and perspective to share.
While they plottin and schemin to be deletin us
They are secretly planning and conspiring to eliminate or silence us, due to our opposition or defiance towards them.
Best believe in us, they not defeatin us
Despite their attempts to harm or suppress us, we are strong, resilient, and unbeatable.
Them glocks wanna bust
They are ready and willing to use guns or weapons against us, to exert their power or control.
With twenty-one shots to put the leak in us
They are determined to inflict severe or lethal harm to us, with multiple gunshots.
So they can bloody the street with us
They are not only targeting us, but also want to cause chaos, violence, and destruction in the streets.
What does it mean to us
We need to ask ourselves what is the significance, purpose, or impact of our actions or choices.
You know what they need from us
We need to understand what our oppressors or enemies want from us, and not play into their schemes or desires.
Give cream to us, hide the lies and deceit from us
They are offering us money, power, or privilege, while disguising their true intentions or manipulations.
That doesn't equal us
We should not accept or tolerate their false promises or illusions, as it goes against our values, beliefs, and dignity.
Who's ready to get in the Jeep with us
Who is willing to join us in our struggle, resistance, or revolution, and face the risks and challenges ahead.
Form a fleet with us and take back the street with us
We need to unite and collaborate to reclaim our power, voice, and freedom in our communities or society.
Meet with us, drop bombs in the street with us
We should organize meetings or gatherings to share our ideas, strategies, or actions, and challenge the status quo.
Never saw it comin, attack on the sneak with us
We will surprise and strike our enemies with unexpected, sudden, or covert moves, without giving them a chance to prepare or defend themselves.
Thus, they can't compete with us
By overpowering and outsmarting our oppressors or adversaries, we will establish our superiority, influence, and victory.
We flow through your veins like DJ's
Our music, message, or energy is contagious and influential, like the rhythmic beats of a DJ's song.
When they cut, you'll be bleedin us
If they try to censor or silence us, they will only cause us to become stronger, more resilient, and more popular among our fans or supporters.
I came with Kris to heat it up
The rapper, Shuman, is collaborating with KRS-One to bring a powerful, energetic, and thought-provoking performance.
Showin my body's the temple, hip-hop is the lock
Shuman values and respects his body as a sacred space, and believes that hip-hop is a powerful and transformative art form.
Now put the key in us
The audience or listeners should connect with and appreciate Shuman's art and message, and become inspired or motivated by them.
Truth y'all, facts y'all, proof y'all, black y'all
KRS-One emphasizes the importance of seeking and presenting truth, facts, and evidence, especially in regards to African American experiences or histories.
Time to check this map y'all, are we goin back y'all?
It is crucial to evaluate, reflect, and assess the situation or progress in the African American community, and determine if we are moving forward or backwards.
Let's make a pact y'all, come together watch your back y'all
A call for unity, solidarity, and mutual support among African Americans, in order to overcome challenges, obstacles, or threats.
Stay in tact y'all, never whack - gimme dap y'all
Stay true to your identity, integrity, and values, and acknowledge and respect each other's authenticity, skills, and accomplishments.
Comin at y'all, headcrack y'all with the facts y'all
KRS-One intends to challenge and enlighten the audience with his truthful, insightful, and powerful lyrics and message.
Police y'all, on the attack y'all if ya black y'all
The police have a tendency to discriminate, harass, and oppress African Americans, based on their race, ethnicity, or culture.
So if this is fact y'all, when we rap y'all
If what KRS-One is saying is true, then the audience needs to pay attention and take action, especially through the medium of rap.
over the track y'all, why we rap about crack y'all?
An observation that many rap songs focus on negative or destructive themes, such as drug addiction or violence, instead of uplifting or inspiring messages.
That's whack y'all, we trapped y'all
KRS-One challenges and criticizes the rap industry for promoting and perpetuating negative stereotypes, while also acknowledging that African Americans are often trapped in oppressive, violent, or disadvantaged environments.
Holdin the gat y'all just to kill another black y'all
A reference to the gun violence and self-destructive behaviors that many African Americans engage in, often leading to their own demise or harm.
Clak clak clak y'all, it's like that y'all
An onomatopoeic representation of gunshots, and a reminder of the deadly consequences of violence and self-harm.
KRS-One yo, let's take it back y'all, listen!
A call to embrace and celebrate the pure, authentic, and positive message of rap and hip-hop, and reject or challenge the negative, superficial, or destructive trends of the industry.
Contributed by Isaiah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.