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 Way It's Going Down
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Adam Dice, how you get hardcore like this?
You better watch out
They all lookin for you now
K-R-S, O-N-E, comin back for y'all
I do a little more than
Videos and rap for y'all
Known by almost every star
New rappers, old rappers
This'll rock for any y'all
The edutainment from the pavement
Kris'll flatten y'all
I'm like a fitted to my enemies
I'm cappin y'all what happened y'all? Them
Corporations backin y'all
You're so desperate you can't see
That they be stabbin y'all
This that realness, come on you can feel this
Whether fresh fruit or tax? my
Raps you can peel this
Them conscious lyrics hear it
It ain't new to me i see my influence done
Flipped the whole industry
Everybody's conscious now and it's great
Ain't nuttin gon' stop us now
Y'all but the hate
And wait - hate can't stop us either
Cause Knowledge Reigns Supreme
KRS the Teacher
Da dee dee, da dee
Dee dee dee dee da dee day
KRS, son come'll back most every day
You have got to understand that we don't play
Throw your hands up if you like
The way it's goin down
Look at this, look at this, LOOK'!
Grown men on the TV still jiggy
Still on the television
Holdin up they pinkie
Little children lookin at 'em
Thinkin that it's pretty
But let me introduce you to
That gritty inner city
Where the cops be +Kurupt+ like
My man from dogtown if I unite with +Daz+ we
Could shut 'em all down
Hip-Hop, East West, North South we lovin it
It's time for new leadership
Time for self-government
Put a fist up! Every real club we rip up
I spit raw conscious lyrics to lift Kris up
Never give up, see the real OG's know me
But these young'uns be buggin they
Think they can hold me
I'm holy! I'm livin a different dimension
I keep the crowd jumpin
Like hydraulic suspensions
Releasin your tension with every lyric
I mention the truth
Eight years, ain't that enough PROOF?!
In KRS-One's song "The Way It's Going Down," the lyrics convey a sense of urgency, a call to action, and a critique of the current state of the music industry. KRS-One, also known as Kris, asserts his presence and achievements in the rap game, highlighting his longevity and influence among both new and old rappers. He challenges the commercialization and corporate backing of many artists, exposing their desperation and shortsightedness in pursuing success. Kris emphasizes his commitment to delivering authentic and conscious lyrics that resonate with his listeners, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and self-awareness. He acknowledges the increasing consciousness within the industry and celebrates it, suggesting that despite the hate and opposition, nothing will stop the progression of this movement.
The lyrics also touch upon the influence of media representation on young minds, particularly in the inner city. Kris criticizes the portrayal of "grown men on the TV" who are still caught up in superficiality and materialism, holding up their pinkie fingers as a symbol of their shallowness. He introduces the gritty reality of the inner city, where the police are corrupt and highlights the need for unity and leadership. Kris calls for a change in the status quo and advocates for self-governance within the Hip-Hop community. He asserts his dedication to uplifting the culture through his raw and conscious lyrics, referencing his years of experience and the evidence of his impact.
Overall, "The Way It's Going Down" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that addresses societal issues, calls for action, and celebrates the strength and influence of conscious rap.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah
Expressing agreement and enthusiasm
Adam Dice, how you get hardcore like this?
Impressed by the intensity and authenticity of Adam Dice's style
You better watch out
Cautioning against potential dangers
They all lookin for you now
Referring to the increased attention and scrutiny Adam Dice is facing
K-R-S, O-N-E, comin back for y'all
KRS-One is making a comeback for his fans
I do a little more than
KRS-One is involved in more than just
Videos and rap for y'all
Creating music videos and performing rap
I been in many cars
KRS-One has experienced numerous vehicles
Known by almost every star
Well-known and recognized by most celebrities
New rappers, old rappers
KRS-One is respected by both emerging and established artists
This'll rock for any y'all
His music appeals to all
The edutainment from the pavement
KRS-One's blend of education and entertainment
Kris'll flatten y'all
KRS-One will surpass and defeat his competitors
I'm like a fitted to my enemies
KRS-One is tightly connected to his enemies
I'm cappin y'all what happened y'all? Them
Taking down and eliminating his enemies
Corporations backin y'all
The support of corporations is enabling his enemies
You're so desperate you can't see
His enemies are blinded by desperation
That they be stabbin y'all
Corporations are betraying and harming his enemies
This that realness, come on you can feel this
Expressing the authenticity and relatability of his music
Whether fresh fruit or tax? my
KRS-One's music resonates regardless of political agendas
Raps you can peel this
His lyrics can be dissected and analyzed
Them conscious lyrics hear it
His conscious and thought-provoking lyrics should be heard
It ain't new to me i see my influence done
KRS-One recognizes his impact and influence on others
Flipped the whole industry
His influence has drastically changed the music industry
Everybody's conscious now and it's great
The increased awareness and consciousness in music is positive
Ain't nuttin gon' stop us now
There are no obstacles that can hinder their progress
Y'all but the hate
The only thing holding them back is hatred
And wait - hate can't stop us either
Even hatred cannot prevent their success
Cause Knowledge Reigns Supreme
Knowledge is the most powerful and influential force
KRS the Teacher
KRS-One is an educator and mentor
Da dee dee, da dee
Repetitive sounds to create an energetic atmosphere
Dee dee dee dee da dee day
Continuation of the energetic atmosphere
KRS, son come'll back most every day
KRS-One consistently makes a comeback on a daily basis
You have got to understand that we don't play
Emphasizing their seriousness and dedication
Throw your hands up if you like
Encouraging audience participation and enjoyment
The way it's goin down
Appreciating the current direction and state of affairs
Look at this, look at this, LOOK'!
Drawing attention to something significant or shocking
Grown men on the TV still jiggy
Adults maintaining a youthful and trendy appearance on television
Still on the television
Continuing to be featured on television
Holdin up they pinkie
Displaying a symbol of vanity and materialism
Little children lookin at 'em
Younger generations observing and emulating their behavior
Thinkin that it's pretty
Attracting the admiration of impressionable children
But let me introduce you to
Now let me show you the reality
That gritty inner city
The harsh and challenging environment of urban areas
Where the cops be +Kurupt+ like
The corrupt and aggressive behavior of law enforcement
My man from dogtown if I unite with +Daz+ we
Highlighting the potential strength and impact of unity
Could shut 'em all down
Capable of overpowering and defeating the corrupt system
Hip-Hop, East West, North South we lovin it
Expressing a universal love and appreciation for Hip-Hop across different regions
It's time for new leadership
Calling for fresh and innovative leadership
Time for self-government
Advocating for individuals to take control and govern themselves
Put a fist up! Every real club we rip up
Encouraging unity and resistance against oppression
I spit raw conscious lyrics to lift Kris up
Using his lyrical skills to uplift himself and inspire others
Never give up, see the real OG's know me
Persevering and remaining determined, respected by original gangsters
But these young'uns be buggin they
However, the younger generation is bothering them
Think they can hold me
Believing they can restrain or control him
I'm holy! I'm livin a different dimension
Feeling sacred and existing in a higher realm
I keep the crowd jumpin
Maintaining an energetic and lively audience
Like hydraulic suspensions
Similar to the bouncing effect of hydraulic car suspensions
Releasin your tension with every lyric
Relieving listeners of their stress through his words
I mention the truth
Always expressing the truth
Eight years, ain't that enough PROOF?!
Highlighting the longevity and consistency of his career as evidence of his credibility
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Charles Jankel, Derek Hussey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind