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 We Live
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
"Welcome to hip-hop culture"
We stay hot like Tulsa
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, followed by a number ONE
These rappers they do-run-run
Lyrically they flashin two guns with new funds
But politically they do-run-run
When it's time to build, they chill, gettin nuttin done
[Chorus: KRS singing]
I've, heard, just about all that I can hear
We talk, and talk, but this talkin is goin nowhere
I've, been, to the summits and conferences
And the people man, they'll tell you man
Hip-Hop is the way we live
[KRS-One]
If you're down for this nation, Hip-Hop the nation
Three generations, fourth in the waitin
Look at what we facin, mainstream penetration
Everyone's a biter now, no innovation
No syncopation, lost communication
Here's what we gotta do to fix the situation
First step - know what you creatin
Hip-Hop the culture, the consciousness, a new civilization
[Chorus]
[KRS-One]
Everybody, c'mon unite now
Turn on the light now, stop all the fight now
Time to unite now, a new type of life now
No stress no strife, no gun no knife now
No board no pipe now, we seein the light now
Bein the light now, the future is right now
Hip-Hop is like WOW, ready to fight now
Sick of the hype now, just about right now
[Chorus]
[KRS-One]
I, hear, uhh, hip-hop is callin me
The fact you must see sir, rap is not all of me
I use that to reach ya, rappers be borin me
Redo the industry with a two dollar royalty
What's the agenda, to hip-hop and politics
Don't you remember? The violence we stoppin this
Kris will defend the, hip-hop populist
The solution is simple, raise up yo' consciousness
[Chorus] - sung without KRS
[KRS-One]
"Welcome to hip-hop culture"
We stay hot like Tulsa
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, followed by a number ONE
These rappers they do-run-run
Lyrically they flashin two guns with new funds
But politically they do-run-run
When it's time to build, they chill, gettin nuttin done
But they mouth yes they do-run-run
The song "The Way We Live" by KRS-One is a commentary on the current state of hip-hop culture and its relationship with politics. KRS-One begins the song by welcoming the listener to the hip-hop culture and stating that it remains hot, just like Tulsa. His next line, "Knowledge Reigns Supreme followed by a number ONE," refers to his nickname "The Teacha" and his belief that knowledge is essential in the world of hip-hop. He then goes on to criticize rappers who focus only on their material possessions and flashy lyrics, rather than using their platform to effect positive change in their communities. KRS-One argues that these rappers are politically negligent, and when it comes time to build or effect change, they do nothing but run their mouths.
The second verse of the song encourages listeners to unite and form a new type of life, one where there is no stress or strife, no guns or knives, and no boards or pipes. KRS-One believes that hip-hop is the way to restructure the culture and build a better future. He urges listeners to raise their consciousness and understand the importance of hip-hop as a culture and a tool to enact social change.
Overall, KRS-One's "The Way We Live" is a powerful message about the values and potential of hip-hop culture. He advocates for politics to be intertwined with hip-hop, and for rappers to use their platform to effect change and help create a new civilization. The song encourages unity, consciousness, and education.
Line by Line Meaning
"Welcome to hip-hop culture"
KRS-One greets the listener to the world of hip-hop culture.
We stay hot like Tulsa
Hip-hop's popularity is high and thriving like the city of Tulsa.
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, followed by a number ONE
The acronym KRS-One is explained, which stands for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone; indicating that knowledge is supreme and essential.
These rappers they do-run-run
Many mainstream rappers lack substance and staying power.
Lyrically they flashin two guns with new funds
The subject matter in mainstream rap is often violent, guns and material possessions.
But politically they do-run-run
Despite using political rhetoric in music, mainstream rappers do not contribute to the community in meaningful ways or advocate for social change.
When it's time to build, they chill, gettin nuttin done
Mainstream rappers do not use their platform to build and improve their community, choosing instead to remain complacent.
But they mouth yes they do-run-run
Despite their lack of action, mainstream rappers often claim to be activists or socially conscious in their music.
I've, heard, just about all that I can hear
KRS-One has heard enough of empty words without action.
We talk, and talk, but this talkin is goin nowhere
While conversation is necessary, it alone does not create change or progress in the community.
I've, been, to the summits and conferences
KRS-One has attended meetings and gatherings to discuss the state and direction of hip hop.
And the people man, they'll tell you man
People in hip hop culture will tell you that hip hop is a way of life.
Hip-Hop is the way we live
Hip hop culture informs and influences every aspect of life for those who participate in it.
If you're down for this nation, Hip-Hop the nation
The hip hop community can be seen as its own nation with a distinct culture and identity.
Three generations, fourth in the waitin
Hip hop culture spans and influences three generations, with a fourth generation on the horizon.
Look at what we facin, mainstream penetration
The influence of mainstream media has worked its way into hip hop culture, leading to a dilution of its principles and values.
Everyone's a biter now, no innovation
Originality and innovation are lacking in mainstream hip hop, with many artists copying styles and lyrics.
No syncopation, lost communication
Rap music has lost its sense of rhythm and flow, with many artists unable to communicate effectively through their lyrics.
Here's what we gotta do to fix the situation
KRS-One proposes a solution to the problems facing hip hop culture.
First step - know what you creatin
Artists must have a clear understanding of the art they are creating and its purpose.
Hip-Hop the culture, the consciousness, a new civilization
Hip hop culture is more than just music; it is a lifestyle, a philosophy, and a new way of living.
Everybody, c'mon unite now
The hip hop community must come together to enact change and create progress.
Turn on the light now, stop all the fight now
Hip hop culture should illuminate problems and create solutions, rather than perpetuating violence and conflict.
Time to unite now, a new type of life now
The hip hop community must come together to create a new way of living that is peaceful and progressive.
No stress no strife, no gun no knife now
The new way of life promoted by hip hop culture should be free of violence and conflict.
No board no pipe now, we seein the light now
Drugs and unhealthy habits should be avoided, with the focus on clarity and progress.
Bein the light now, the future is right now
The hip hop community should be a beacon of light and progress for the future.
Hip-Hop is like WOW, ready to fight now
Hip hop culture is inspiring and empowering, capable of creating change and fighting for what is right.
Sick of the hype now, just about right now
KRS-One is tired of the inflated and exaggerated claims made by mainstream hip hop culture and is ready to enact change.
I, hear, uhh, hip-hop is callin me
KRS-One feels a calling to create change within hip hop culture.
The fact you must see sir, rap is not all of me
KRS-One is more than just a rapper and uses his platform to espouse his beliefs and philosophies.
I use that to reach ya, rappers be borin me
KRS-One uses his music to connect and educate his audience, while many mainstream artists are uninteresting and uninspiring.
Redo the industry with a two dollar royalty
KRS-One advocates for a reshaping of the industry towards a more fair and equitable structure where artists are paid fairly for their work.
What's the agenda, to hip-hop and politics
KRS-One examines the relationship between hip hop culture and political action.
Don't you remember? The violence we stoppin this
Hip hop culture has the power to bring an end to violence and promote peace and progress.
Kris will defend the, hip-hop populist
KRS-One is a champion of the people and their culture and will fight to bring about positive change.
The solution is simple, raise up yo' consciousness
The key to enacting change within hip hop culture is through education and increased awareness.
Contributed by Victoria L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@matthewhill5178
Great song it’s hard & Banging
@Troyronald
This fire how come it gets no AirPlay???
@gillesdufief8580
Good vibrations. MC brain
@elguina2266
❤️