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 Sneak Attack
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're comin strong we're movin on (yeah)
It's time to rise and unify
Keep comin strong (uh huh, uh huh, uh huh)
Just keep movin on
Yo, where's my people at?
We be where the elite be at
We comin with a sneak attack
In fact, best believe we back
What we rap it heats the track
Kenny Parker sees to that
My job is to teach these cats
Present the clear speech they lack
And show 'em how to eat from rap
We keep it tight we keep it right
(that's right) we're comin strong
(uh huh
Yeah) we're movin on (tell 'em again)
(Uhh) It's time to rise and unify (yeah
Yeah)
Keep comin strong (uh huh, uh huh, uh huh)
Just keep movin on
You know why the devil can't get with me?
Cause he's a liar, I've got victory
You can stick with me, my click is free
Negativity, that doesn't live with me
These rappers on one, I've skipped to three
These rappers on A, I've skipped to C
My image, heads ain't quick to be
So I thank you for pickin me
I know why people got to know
These wack rappers got to go
Let a MC rock the show
I'll show 'em how it 'posed to go
We forgot simply what we supposed to know
We still must defeat the foe
So what you got the dough? Your
Words don't make us glow
In fact they make us slow
How long this gonna take to know
You ain't gotta be a hoe?
We keep it tight we keep it right (yeah)
We're comin strong
(yeah, yeah) we're movin on (uh huh)
(Tell them again) It's time to
Rise and unify (yeah)
Keep comin strong (uh huh, uh huh, uh huh)
Just keep movin on
Look at the teacher, I stay attuned
People are blessed when I walk in the room
Snakes don't stop me, and if they did
They'd be askin for a tag 'fore they kids
Medical students lose it when
I enter any hospital
Doctors wanna talk music
And whatever's topical
It's all logical, I perform the impossible
Through words I put hip-hop in you listen
Here's what we got to do, unify
Defeat the flesh
Defeat the beast in you and I
Win or lose I never shout
Believe in yourself and never doubt
Discipline is simply a better route
We keep it tight - we keep it tight
We keep it right - we keep it right
We're comin strong - comin strong
We're movin on - movin on!
It's time to rise - it's time to rise
And unify - unifyyyy
Keep comin strong - comin strong
Just keep movin on - keep on movin on
We keep it tight - we keep it tight
We keep it right - we keep it right
We're comin strong - we're comin strong
We're movin on - movin on!
It's time to rise - it's time to rise
And unify - it's time to unify
Keep comin strong
Just keep movin on - keep on movin on
Just keep movin on - keep on movin on
Just keep movin on - we
Gotta keep on movin on
Just keep movin on - wake up and realize
Just keep movin on - that
You just keep movin on
Just keep movin on - it's time to realize
Just keep movin on - that
You gotta keep movin on
Just keep movin on - keep movin on
Keep movin on
Just keep movin on - you gotta keep movin on
You gotta take that time
Just keep movin on - you gotta realize
That it's time
- keep on movin on, keep on movin on
The song "The Sneak Attack" by KRS-One is an anthem for unity and positivity in the hip-hop community. The chorus sets the tone with the repeated message of "keep comin' strong" and "just keep movin' on" as a call to action for listeners to persevere through any challenges or obstacles they may face. KRS-One positions himself as a mentor and leader for aspiring artists by stating his responsibility to "teach these cats" and "show 'em how to eat from rap."
Throughout the song, KRS-One addresses themes of division, negativity, and the struggle to maintain integrity while navigating the music industry. He speaks to the idea that success doesn't come from chasing fame or wealth, but rather from staying true to oneself and lifting up fellow artists. The line "we forgot simply what we supposed to know" encapsulates this sentiment - KRS-One is calling for a return to the roots of hip-hop, where creativity, community, and social commentary were the driving forces behind the music.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant in its call for unity and self-discipline. KRS-One urges listeners to "defeat the flesh" and "defeat the beast in you and I," referencing the negative tendencies and impulses that can lead artists astray. He advocates for self-belief, reminding listeners to "believe in yourself and never doubt" as well as for a commitment to hard work and discipline as "a better route."
Overall, "The Sneak Attack" is a rallying cry for hip-hop artists and fans to come together, stay focused on their goals, and prioritize community and positivity over division and negativity.
Line by Line Meaning
We keep it tight, we keep it right
We maintain strong and correct principles.
We're comin strong, we're movin on (yeah)
We are progressing with vigor and determination.
It's time to rise, and unify
It's time to lift ourselves up and come together.
Keep comin strong (uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!)
Continue pushing forward with energy and enthusiasm.
Just keep movin on
Keep moving forward despite any obstacles.
Yo, where's my people at?
Where are my acquaintances?
We be where the elite be at
We inhabit the same places and social spheres as the wealthy and powerful.
We really never need the gat, we comin with a sneak attack
We don't depend on guns, we surprise our opponents with unconventional tactics.
In fact, best believe we back
In reality, we are present and prepared.
What we rap it heats the track
Our lyrics are fiery and dynamic.
Kenny Parker sees to that, my job is to teach these cats
Kenny Parker ensures our music thrives while my role is to educate other artists.
Present the clear speech they lack
Offering well-articulated speech that others lack.
And show 'em how to eat from rap
Demonstrating how to succeed in the rap industry.
You know why the devil can't get with me?
Do you know why Satan can't corrupt me?
Cause he's a liar, I've got victory
Because he is deceitful, but I have already won.
You can stick with me, my click is free
You are welcome to stay with me, my group has no limitations.
Negativity, that doesn't live with me
Negative thoughts and feelings do not affect me.
These rappers on one, I've skipped to three
These other rappers are still progressing, but I'm ahead of them.
These rappers on A, I've skipped to C
These other rappers are just starting, but I'm already in the middle.
My image, heads ain't quick to be
My reputation is not easily obtained.
So I thank you for pickin me
Thank you for identifying my talent and potential.
I know why people got to know, these wack rappers got to go
I understand why people recognize that low-quality rappers need to be excluded.
Let a MC rock the show
Let a skilled rapper perform and impress the audience.
I'll show 'em how it 'posed to go
I will demonstrate how everything should proceed.
We forgot simply what we supposed to know
We have simply forgotten what we need to understand.
We still must defeat the foe
We still need to overcome our obstacles.
So what you got the dough? Your words don't make us glow
Why are your material possessions impressive? They don't have a positive effect on us.
In fact they make us slow
In reality, they slow us down.
How long this gonna take to know you ain't gotta be a hoe?
How long will it take for you to understand you do not have to be promiscuous?
Look at the teacher, I stay attuned
Observe the teacher, I remain aware and focused.
People are blessed when I walk in the room
People feel good when I enter the room.
Snakes(?) don't stop me, and if they did
Negative or deceitful people do not hinder me, and if they did
They'd be askin for a tag 'fore they kids
They would require my help before their children.
Medical students lose it when I enter any hospital
Medical students get excited when I arrive at any hospital.
Doctors wanna talk music and whatever's topical
Physicians want to discuss music and current events.
It's all logical, I perform the impossible
It's all rational, I accomplish the unthinkable.
Through words I put hip-hop in you; listen
Listen carefully as I teach you rap through my lyrics.
Here's what we got to do, unify
This is what we must do, come together.
Defeat the flesh, defeat the beast in you and I
Overcome the physical and animalistic nature in both you and me.
Win or lose I never shout, believe in yourself and never doubt
Whether I win or lose, I remain calm, and you should always have faith in yourself and avoid doubts.
Discipline is simply a better route
Being diligent and structured is a superior path.
Just keep movin' on, keep on movin' on
Don't stop, continue moving forward.
Just keep movin' on, it's time to realize
It's time to understand the importance of moving on.
Just keep movin' on, that you gotta keep movin' on
Don't halt, push forward constantly.
Wake up and realize
Become aware and understand your circumstances.
You gotta take that time
You have to allocate time and energy.
Keep on movin' on, keep on movin' on
Continue pushing forward without stopping.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind