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 Only One
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let me tell you right not and the whole world
You are the only one
I saw them guys you were with
I don't flash platinum watches and drop-top whips
But you can rest assure you're my perfect fit
Every dollar that we get, we be earning it
Or leaving you at home so I can quickly forget
Yo, with me it's the opposite, you swerve the jeep
You the queen of your house, you earn your keep
And I respect that, in high school we both got left back
We both were divorced and had setbacks
But you should never let that depress you
God has blessed you
Yo, here's what KRS do
Support your goals, keep you warm when it's cold
It ain't about now it's about when we get old
[Chorus: x2]
Let me tell you right now and the whole world
You are the only one
In my heart you are that number one girl
You are the one (one, one, one)
Even when your hair aint done with no curl
You are the only one (one, one, one)
Crazy why love making we already did
Shit, that's why we got four kids
Romantic, our parenthood we planned it
On the queue two to England, cross the Atlantic
Respect, you don't have to demand
It's like you got the perfect husband and your friends cant stand it
Especially when I watch the kids
And when you come home I ain't trying to find out what you did
It flips theirs leave, 'cause they looking for the player
A little boy trying to pay theirs cell phones and pagers
But with me you living with the savior
We be up in the temple of hip-hop, or chilling with the mayor
I thank the creator
We don't need what they handing out
This is what your man is about
It's like peace and much love
Trust and respect
Your friends may have diamonds but they ain't get that yet
They may have the burghettes and cars and private jets
But all they're really good for is sex
[Chorus]
We be hanging out late night at Denny's
Having conversations about every and any
Many people want what we got
A relationship that just keeps getting hot like hip-hop
You know I'm not the regular guy
You know I can't be compared
You know when the drama comes I aint scared
My name rings bells in the street
You can say my name in any hood your protection is complete
Thugs be right on their feet
Saying 'What, your man is Kris?'
You don't worry miss
[Chorus]
But most of the time you're with me and the kids
Mind at ease, chilling out at Chucky Cheese's
These are my kids, I know what their need is
I know what the doctor bill in school to which in fee is
My daughter, I know who she is
And all my sons know exactly what being free is
[Chorus]
No, you might not get the drop-top three
But all your kids want to be like me
Their father, and even when times is getting harder
There's only one name you could trust, Kris Parker
[Chorus]
Uhh
Send this out to you
You and yours, word
It's that time yo, that's word
[Chorus]
The lyrics of KRS-One's "The Only One" express love, admiration and support for his partner. He acknowledges her worth and the fact she is his perfect match, even though he doesn't have the flashy things other guys have. He reminisces about their high school years and how they both faced setbacks, but he remains committed to supporting her and respecting her goals. He assures her that she doesn't have to worry about him leaving her and pledges to keep her warm when it gets cold. He acknowledges that they have gone through difficult times, but stresses the importance of focusing on what they have when they get old. The song highlights the bond and mutual respect shared between KRS-One and his partner.
Overall, the song celebrates the joys and challenges of a long-term relationship, and acknowledges the importance of trust, respect, and communication.
Line by Line Meaning
In case you ain't know, check it
Let me tell you something important
Let me tell you right not and the whole world
I want to announce to everyone how I feel
You are the only one
You are my one and only love
I saw them guys you were with
I noticed the people you were hanging out with
I don't flash platinum watches and drop-top whips
I don't care about material possessions to impress you
But you can rest assure you're my perfect fit
You are the perfect match for me
Every dollar that we get, we be earning it
We work hard for our money
Yo, you never have to worry about me taking a trip
You do not have to worry about me running off
Or leaving you at home so I can quickly forget
I will never forget about you
Yo, with me it's the opposite, you swerve the jeep
I am always there for you and we work together
You the queen of your house, you earn your keep
You are a strong and independent woman who takes care of her own
And I respect that, in high school we both got left back
I admire your perseverance and dedication, we both faced challenges in the past
We both were divorced and had setbacks
We both had failed marriages before
But you should never let that depress you
You should not let your past bring you down
God has blessed you
You are blessed by God
Yo, here's what KRS do
This is what I do
Support your goals, keep you warm when it's cold
I will always support your aspirations and be there for you during tough times
It ain't about now it's about when we get old
Our love is not just for now, it is for the future as well
[Chorus: x2]
Here comes the chorus
Crazy why love making we already did
Our love for each other is so strong that we have created a family together
Shit, that's why we got four kids
We have four children because of our strong love for each other
Romantic, our parenthood we planned it
Our family was formed through our romantic planning
On the queue two to England, cross the Atlantic
We have traveled together to many places, including England
Respect, you don't have to demand
I always show you respect, you do not even have to ask for it
It's like you got the perfect husband and your friends cant stand it
I treat you so well that your friends are envious of our relationship
Especially when I watch the kids
I take good care of our children
And when you come home I ain't trying to find out what you did
I trust you and do not need to question your actions
It flips theirs leave, 'cause they looking for the player
Other men might try to seduce you, but I am not like them
A little boy trying to pay theirs cell phones and pagers
Other men are preoccupied with material possessions and not truly devoted to love
But with me you living with the savior
I am like a savior to you, always there to protect and care for you
We be up in the temple of hip-hop, or chilling with the mayor
We enjoy different activities, from going to hip-hop venues to meeting important people
I thank the creator
I thank God for bringing us together
We don't need what they handing out
We do not need material possessions to be happy
This is what your man is about
I am about love, not wealth or status
It's like peace and much love
Our relationship is peaceful and loving
Trust and respect
We trust and respect each other
Your friends may have diamonds but they ain't get that yet
Your friends might have material possessions, but they do not have what we have
They may have the burghettes and cars and private jets
Your friends might have fancy cars and private planes
But all they're really good for is sex
However, they cannot offer what true love can
[Chorus]
Here comes the chorus again
We be hanging out late night at Denny's
We enjoy spending time together at casual places
Having conversations about every and any
We have deep conversations about anything and everything
Many people want what we got
Many people envy our strong relationship
A relationship that just keeps getting hot like hip-hop
Our love continues to grow and stay strong, like the genre of hip-hop music
You know I'm not the regular guy
I am not like other men
You know I can't be compared
I cannot be compared to anyone else
You know when the drama comes I aint scared
I am not afraid of any challenges that may come our way
My name rings bells in the street
I am respected by many in the community
You can say my name in any hood your protection is complete
I am well-known and respected enough to protect you anywhere we go
Thugs be right on their feet
Even tough guys are intimidated by me
Saying 'What, your man is Kris?'
They are surprised that you are with me
You don't worry miss
You do not have to worry about anything because I am here for you
[Chorus]
Here comes the chorus again
But most of the time you're with me and the kids
We spend most of our time together with our children
Mind at ease, chilling out at Chucky Cheese's
We relax together at family-friendly places like Chucky Cheese's
These are my kids, I know what their need is
I care for our children and know them well
I know what the doctor bill in school to which in fee is
I am aware of the cost of their healthcare and education
My daughter, I know who she is
I truly know and understand our daughter
And all my sons know exactly what being free is
Our sons are raised to value their independence
[Chorus]
Here comes the chorus again
No, you might not get the drop-top three
I might not be able to give you everything materialistic
But all your kids want to be like me
Our children look up to me as a role model
Their father, and even when times is getting harder
I am their father and will always be there for them, even during tough times
There's only one name you could trust, Kris Parker
You can always trust me, Kris Parker, no matter what
[Chorus]
Here comes the chorus one last time
Uhh
A sound effect
Send this out to you
I dedicate this song to you
You and yours, word
You and your loved ones
It's that time yo, that's word
This is the time to appreciate our love
[Chorus]
The final chorus
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SEAN COMBS, DARON TAVARIS JONES, MICHAEL KEITH, QUINNES PARKER, MARVIN E SCANDRICK, CARL THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@slikdarelic
all this is, is a word correction.. thats it.. corrections are in quotations.. much respect for the upload.
In case you aint know, check it
Let me tell you right not and the whole world
You are the only one (one, one)
I saw them guys you were with
I don't flash platinum watches and drop-top whips
But you can rest assure you're my perfect fit
Every dollar that we get, we be earning it
Yo, you never have to worry about me taking a trip
Or leaving you at home so I can quickly forget
Yo, with me it's the opposite, you swerve the jeep
You the queen of your house, you earn your keep
And I respect that, in high school we both got left back
We both were divorced and had setbacks
But you should never let that depress you
God has blessed you
Yo, here's what KRS do
Support your goals, keep you warm when it's cold
It aint about now it's about when we get old
(Chorus 2x)
Let me tell you right now and the whole world
You are the only one (one, one)
In my heart you are that number one girl
You are the one (one, one, one)
Even when your hair aint done with no curl
You are the only one (one, one)
Let me tell you right now and the whole world
You are the only one (one, one)
Crazy why love making we already did
Shit, that's why we got four kids
Romantic, our parenthood we planned it
On the "QE2" to England, cross the Atlantic
Respect, you don't have to "demand it"
It's like you got the perfect husband and your friends cant stand it
Especially when I watch the kids
And when you come home I aint trying to find out what you did
It flips theirs "lid", 'cause they looking for the player
A little boy trying to pay their cell phones and pagers
But with me you living with the savior
We be up in the temple of Hip-Hop, or chilling with the mayor
I thank the creator
We don't need what they handing out
This is what your man is about
It's like peace and much love
Trust and respect
Your friends may have diamonds but they aint get that yet
They may have the "baguettes" and cars and private jets
But all they're really good for is sex
(Chorus)
We be hanging out late night at "Denny's "
Having conversations about every and any
Many people want what we got
A relationship that just keeps getting hot like Hip-Hop
You know I'm not the regular guy
You know I can't be compared
You know when the drama comes I aint scared
My name rings bells in the street
You can say my name in any hood your protection is complete
Thugs be right on they feet
Saying What, your man is Kris?
You don't worry miss
(Chorus)
But most of the time you're with me and the kids
Mind at ease, chilling out at Chucky Cheese's
These are my kids, I know what their need is
I know what the doctor bill in school "tuition" fee is
My daughter, I know who she is
And all my sons know exactly what being free is
(Chorus)
No, you "may" not get the drop-top 3
But all your kids want to be like me
Their father, and even when times is getting harder
There's only one name you could trust, Kris Parker
(Chorus)
uhh
send this out to you
you and yours....word
it's that time "yaw".....that's word
let me bring it..
@kaiyeem
This song is beyond description, no words can do it justice, Classic, Iconic and legendary. The love he shows for his wife and kids is something to be admired, followed and replicated to make our world a better place to live for generations to come. Krs 1 will always be my number one favorite rapper / teacher.
@salsulsad
he's not a rapper he's an emcee
@riccitarpey1604
A real artist. He is a legend. It's a fact, not an opinion. Puts his heart and soul into this. Lyrically, amazing the flow is incredible. Hip hop sucks these days. For me personally, this song is awe inspiring.
@laveepinealgoddess111
KRS is one of the most positively recognized artist who always vibrates greatness through music. His lyrics uplift and provide solutions to all people…I truly believe his soul is constantly reincarnating….❤❤❤❤
@ironmike-putsallkindavideo7840
This Song is BEAUTIFUL, its a shame its not played on the RADIO tho
@keithblevins6519
He doesnt want his songs on the radio for a reason though
@shagojo84
Goosebumps everytime I listen to this song
@FEBword79
Word up.
@michellebranic4329
It’s been so long since I heard this … it brought back some great memories ❤
@Spekadash
Remember listening to this as a kid. It is up there as my favorite song all time. I bothered it not on apple music, that how much I love this song.