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..."
Things Will Change
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Good looking, word
DJ Revolution, word up
Let's do this, kid
Here we go!
[Chorus]
Good life, good wife, a little food for thought
I need (I need) food, clothes, and a whip with rims
I need God in my life
I need family and friends
(I need) money, power, respect, I need love
I need world peace, homeless to eat, no drugs
I need every race and creed to be one
Every nation, every face and seed to see sun
You need to listen to this
You need to listen to Kris
You need to have peace at least
You need spiritual bliss
You need a lyrical twist
Do you know what a miracle is?
Before we begin, you may need a kiss
I suggest either one from J to O-one from the lips
Either way what I'm saying, yo, is bound to uplift
You need checks, you need cash
You need intellect
You need to be moving fast
You need that big respect
You need to be rolling in a car
Going to a bar that's far
Makin' the deal to make you a star
You need to ask yourself, now do you know who you are?
Where you goin'? How many steps you took so far?
You need patience, you need to control your mind
If you read and don't act, then you're wasting your time
We need better leaders, we need better preachers
We need a three-thousand dollar raise to all teachers
[Chorus]
You need some meditation
You need rejuvenation
You need assistance right now with your situation
You need some contemplation
You need a combination
�A combination of will power and concentration
You need some syncopation
With regular relaxation
But you can't, 'cause you runnin' and racin' and chasin'
You need to slow down, maybe you should speed up
One sayin' "lay down," the other's sayin' "leap up"
You gotta keep up
I suggest you start to speak up
A lawyer, a doctor, a rapper; you wanna be what?
Whatever it is, you gotta visualize
You need to focus for real, and stop livin' them lies
The time you givin' them guys
You could be workin' upon the goal you hold
Yo, you must realize
Yo, you need to be wise
Yo, you need to be alive, there could be no revenge or deceit in your eyes
Rise!
[Chorus]
Gimme what I need
Do it with speed
Change the situation around, plant new seeds!
I roll with a righteous team of adults
Forget the insults
We plan to get results
You can call us a cult, you can call us a gang
But when it comes to Hiphop, no, you cats can't hang
When the Gatts go bang
And the telephone rang
Telling you to come to identify the remains
That's when you feel the pain
And my name comes as comfort, ease and all stress and strain
You need to know the game
You need to know the meaning of your own name
Reprogram your own brain
Ask questions with no shame
How you think you gonna master your craft if you don't train?
Perfecting your skill, that's the aim
Perfect your skill, and you'll always have money and fame
C'mon!
[Chorus]
What I, uhh, what I need
(House on the hill)
That's what I need
(Cash credit on my bill)
That's what I need
(All my dreams fulfilled)
That's what I need
(New whip that I can wheel)
What I need
(With the chromed out grill)
Uh huh, that's what I need
(And the girl that can chill)
That's what I need
(And my spirit all healed)
That's what I need
(That's what I need)
That's what I need
(That's what I need)
That's what I need
(That's what I need)
That's what I need
(That's what I need)
That's what I need
That's what I need
(That's what I need)
In the song "Things Will Change," KRS-One reflects on the various things people commonly desire, and contrasts them with the things they truly need. Throughout the song, he lists out material possessions, like a house with a court, clothes, and a car with rims, as well as abstract concepts, like world peace or spiritual bliss. However, he ultimately argues that while these things may be desirable, they are not as important as having a sense of self-awareness, patience, and control of one's own mind. He suggests that true success comes from perfecting one's craft, and that this is what leads to both material wealth and recognition.
One interesting fact about "Things Will Change" is that it was featured in the 2007 video game Saints Row 2. Additionally, the song's hook, "Hands in the air," has become a common chant used by crowds at live shows. The song was also included in KRS-One's 2015 album Now Hear This, which was well-received by critics.
The song's beat was produced by DJ Revolution, and KRS-One's lyrics contain many references to other prominent figures in hip-hop, such as rappers Jay-Z and Rakim. The song was released in 2001 as part of the album The Sneak Attack, which was KRS-One's seventh studio album.
Overall, "Things Will Change" represents KRS-One's philosophy of self-improvement and awareness, and is set to a catchy, upbeat instrumental that has made it a fan favorite. The song urges listeners to focus on what really matters in life, while still having fun and enjoying themselves.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for "Things Will Change" are not readily available, as it is a rap song that does not feature traditional guitar or piano parts.
Line by Line Meaning
A good time, a good vibe, and a house with a court
I want to have a fun time, a happy mood, and a house with a basketball or tennis court
Good life, good wife, a little food for thought
I want a comfortable life, a loving wife, and some intellectual stimulation
I need (I need) food, clothes, and a whip with rims
I require basic necessities such as food and clothing, as well as a car with fancy rims
I need God in my life
I need spirituality and a connection with a higher power in my life
I need family and friends
I require a support system of loved ones around me
(I need) money, power, respect, I need love
I desire financial stability, influence, recognition, and love in my life
I need world peace, homeless to eat, no drugs
I long for world peace, for those experiencing homelessness to have access to food, and for drug addiction to cease to exist
I need every race and creed to be one
I desire for all races and religions to come together as one united human race
Every nation, every face and seed to see sun
I want every nation, individual, and generation to have equal opportunities and prosper
You need to listen to this
You must pay attention to what I am saying
You need to listen to Kris
It is essential to listen to me, KRS-One
You need to have peace at least
You should aim to have inner peace in your life
You need spiritual bliss
You need to experience a state of supreme happiness and enlightenment
You need a lyrical twist
You need my unique style of words and music to elevate yourself
Do you know what a miracle is?
Have you pondered the meaning of true miracles?
Before we begin, you may need a kiss
As an introduction, a kiss may help to set the mood
You need checks, you need cash
You require financial stability and means to support yourself
You need intellect
You need to cultivate intelligence and critical thinking
You need to be moving fast
You need to have the drive and energy to move forward in life quickly
You need that big respect
You require admiration and recognition from others
You need to be rolling in a car
You want to be driving in a car
Going to a bar that's far
You want to go to a bar located some distance away
Makin' the deal to make you a star
You want to pursue a career path that will bring you fame and success
You need to ask yourself, now do you know who you are?
You need to introspect and contemplate your identity and purpose in life
Where you goin'? How many steps you took so far?
Have you set a clear direction for yourself and evaluated your progress so far?
You need patience, you need to control your mind
You require the ability to be patient and control your thoughts
If you read and don't act, then you're wasting your time
If you acquire knowledge but never put it into practice, it is futile
We need better leaders, we need better preachers
Society requires better role models and advocates for positive change
We need a three-thousand dollar raise to all teachers
We need to reward and value the important role that educators play in society with significant pay raises
You need some meditation
You require a mental exercise such as meditation
You need rejuvenation
You need a process of renewal and restoration
You need assistance right now with your situation
You require help to get through your current circumstances
You need some contemplation
You need to reflect and think deeply about important matters
You need a combination
You need a mixture of different factors or characteristics
A combination of will power and concentration
You need a blend of determination and focus
You need some syncopation
You need some variation in your rhythm or pace
With regular relaxation
With consistent periods of rest and recuperation
But you can't, 'cause you runnin' and racin' and chasin'
However, you cannot relax since you are constantly busy or pursuing something
You need to slow down, maybe you should speed up
You either need to slow your pace or accelerate your progress, depending on the situation
One sayin' "lay down," the other's sayin' "leap up"
Some people advise resting while others encourage action
You gotta keep up
You need to maintain your momentum and stay motivated
I suggest you start to speak up
I advise that you begin to express your thoughts and opinions more boldly
A lawyer, a doctor, a rapper; you wanna be what?
What profession do you aspire to enter - law, medicine, music, or something else?
Whatever it is, you gotta visualize
Whatever your goal, you must mentally picture it
You need to focus for real, and stop livin' them lies
You must truly concentrate and stop leading a deceptive or fake existence
The time you givin' them guys
The time you spend on activities or people that are not good for you
You could be workin' upon the goal you hold
You could instead be actively pursuing the objective you desire
Yo, you must realize
You need to comprehend and appreciate
Yo, you need to be wise
You need to be intelligent and judicious
Yo, you need to be alive, there could be no revenge or deceit in your eyes
You need to be authentic and honest in your intentions without harboring a grudge or dishonesty
Gimme what I need
Provide me with the things I require
Do it with speed
Complete it quickly
Change the situation around, plant new seeds!
Transform the current circumstances and create new opportunities
I roll with a righteous team of adults
I associate with a group of mature and virtuous individuals
Forget the insults
Ignore any negative comments or criticism
We plan to get results
We intend to achieve positive outcomes from our endeavors
You can call us a cult, you can call us a gang
People may label us in different ways, but it is not an accurate portrayal
But when it comes to Hiphop, no, you cats can't hang
We excel in the genre of Hiphop and surpass others in the field
When the Gatts go bang
When guns are fired and a violent situation arises
And the telephone rang
When receiving an unexpected phone call
Telling you to come to identify the remains
Notifying you that you need to identify the body of someone who has passed away
That's when you feel the pain
When the reality of loss or tragedy hits you, it becomes painful to handle
And my name comes as comfort, ease and all stress and strain
By mentioning my name, it brings a sense of calm and relief, releasing the tension and hardship
You need to know the game
You must understand the rules and nature of the situation
You need to know the meaning of your own name
You should know what your name signifies or symbolizes
Reprogram your own brain
You need to change your way of thinking and patterns of behavior
Ask questions with no shame
You should feel free to inquire and gain knowledge without fear or embarrassment
How you think you gonna master your craft if you don't train?
You cannot expect to improve and excel at something if you do not practice and learn continuously
Perfecting your skill, that's the aim
The goal is to keep improving and honing your abilities
Perfect your skill, and you'll always have money and fame
If you improve your skills and work hard, financial success and recognition will follow
You need
It is critical that you require
Uh huh, that's what I need
Yes, that is what I require
(And the girl that can chill)
A girlfriend who can relax and be calm
(And my spirit all healed)
To have my soul and emotions fully healed and in a state of peace
(That's what I need)
That is crucial for me to have in my life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
J W
One of my favorite KRS-One songs. Bump it everyday on my way to work! Feeling that morning funk?! Man, turn this on with the volume a tad-up and you ill feelings go out the window. As motivating as anything in your life while sitting in traffic to your mundane job!
McGavel
Amazing song..One of my new favs. I got to shake KRS-One's hand in Eugene, OR when he did a lecture at LCC (Lane Community College). The things he talked about were amazing. He stressed the idea that we must all, "Become the creators of ourselves." He said, "There is a 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 year old you...just HOPING you make the right decisions today." I moved back to OR, found out a friend was in jail. I wrote him a letter told him about that and he said jail was the wake up he needed
Stephen Jackson
Great story
Bender Shade
KRS will live forever! MAD LOVE.
ForeignObjekt3223
KRS IS THE REASON WHY I WRITE GRAFFITI AND MCEE. "THANK YOU KRS"
J
KRS is a pure gift that will keep on giving to hip hop forever 💯
Sameer Mustafah Raza
This is what u call true HIPHOP!
Pascal DEVAULT
The best rapper and MC since his first album in 1987. How to be the best and to be still underground, to let some fake rappers exist while he is the one. How to make poetry, speak, rhyme and rap and be worldwide understandable. He won everything a rapper should ever win, and the best is respect from Everyone. KRS-ONE forever!
mrkingssizesnicker
The Greatest MC Of All Time!
Chef Polo
this one of the best songs ever i believe he done in my opinion