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..."
Wachanoabout
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We gonna take it to the back of your brain (tell 'em!)
We put it on the side of a train (tell 'em!)
We gonna make it so simple and plain
Revolutionary people, yo this ain't a game! (tell 'em!)
How many y'all really ready for change? (tell 'em!)
Or do you really want to keep it the same? (tell 'em!)
If you down for the struggle, yo remember these names
Kwame Toure (Whachanoabout)
Martin Luther King (Whachanoabout)
Malcolm X (Whachanoabout)
Medgar Evers (Whachanoabout)
If you really want to change the game
Take a little time and study these names
Frederick Douglass (Whachanoabout)
Booker T. Washington (Whachanoabout)
If you want injustice to end
Take a little time and study these men
Marcus Garvey (Whachanoabout)
Nat Turner (Whachanoabout)
Let me tell you about the struggle my friend (tell 'em!)
We want freedom, I'm a say it again (tell 'em!)
We want freedom, not more money to spend (tell 'em!)
You got to listen to this message I send, come on!
Let me talk to you a little bit more
Our ancestors, tell me, what you dissin' 'em for?
Break the cylce of first I like, then I don't like
You raise and praise me up to tear me down like Michael?
KRS loves his people
I walk with my people, not above my people
Teach my people, I try to reach my people
With real truth, evidence and real proof
Thurgood Marshall (Whachanoabout)
W.E.B. DuBois (Whachanoabout)
Carter G. Woodson (Whachanoabout)
Nelson Mandela (Whachanoabout)
If you really want to change the game
Take a little time and study these names
Elijah Muhammad (Whachanoabout)
Noble Drew Ali (Whachanoabout)
If you want injustice to end
Take a little time, man, study these men
Kwame Nkrumah (Whachanoabout)
Sékou Touré (Whachanoabout)
We gonna take it to the back of your brain (tell 'em!)
We put it on the side of a train (tell 'em!)
We gonna make it so simple and plain
Revolutionary people, yo this ain't a game! (tell 'em!)
How many y'all really ready for change? (tell 'em!)
Or do you really want to keep it the same? (tell 'em!)
Edutainment - this the reason I came
If you down for the struggle, just remember these names
Remember these names, remember these names, remember these names! Rock!
"Africans in America burned down over 290 cities in the '60's to get 289 powerless mayors in the '80's"
What you really want to debate me for?
What you hate me for? What you take me for?
Always sayin' "Amen" and "As-Salamu 'Alaykum" for
If I can't speak my mind, even if it may be raw
New ideas is what they pay me for, but here's an old one
The Feds[? ] are gonna save us, sure
Since '89 I be coming again, with peace, love, and unity
Remember these men
Kwame Toure (Whachanoabout)
Martin Luther King (Whachanoabout)
Malcolm X (Whachanoabout)
Medgar Evers (Whachanoabout)
Frederick Douglass (Whachanoabout)
Booker T. Washington (Whachanoabout)
Marcus Garvey (Whachanoabout)
Nat Turner (Whachanoabout)
If you really want to change the game
Take a little time and study these names
If you want injustice to end
Take a little time and study these men
In KRS-One's song "Wachanoabout," the rapper calls for social justice and political revolution. He uses a repetitive chorus that urges listeners to "tell 'em" as he lists famous black activists and leaders throughout history, instructing the audience to study their lives and teachings. He spits out names like Kwame Toure, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, and Medgar Evers, among others, emphasizing their contributions and the necessity of change. KRS-One also implores listeners to move beyond superficial admiration of public figures and instead engage with their ideas and philosophies. He cautions against hypocrisy and encourages people to speak their minds, even if their message is controversial.
Beyond the lyrics, the song's title, "Wachanoabout," is a call to action. The phrase is a play on "what you know about" and is used to challenge people to engage in political awareness and action. KRS-One is urging his listeners to educate themselves on the struggles and accomplishments of black people throughout history and to strive for progress.
Overall, "Wachanoabout" is a powerful song with a clear message. KRS-One uses his platform to push for change and to motivate his audience to do the same.
Line by Line Meaning
We gonna take it to the back of your brain (tell 'em!)
We're going to present some information that may challenge your current beliefs or mindset. Get ready for it!
We put it on the side of a train (tell 'em!)
We're going to make this message loud and clear so that everyone can hear it, just like graffiti on the side of a train.
We gonna make it so simple and plain
We're going to break down complex ideas into simple language so that everyone can understand.
Revolutionary people, yo this ain't a game! (tell 'em!)
We're serious about this message and the need for change. We're not just playing around.
How many y'all really ready for change? (tell 'em!)
Are you ready to make a difference and fight for change? We're asking for commitment.
Or do you really want to keep it the same? (tell 'em!)
If you're not willing to make changes, things will continue to remain the same.
Edutainment - this the reason I came
Education and entertainment are combined, and that's why I'm here to spread this message.
If you down for the struggle, yo remember these names
If you're willing to fight for change, remember these important people who also fought for change in the past.
Kwame Toure (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Kwame Toure?
Martin Luther King (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Martin Luther King?
Malcolm X (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Malcolm X?
Medgar Evers (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Medgar Evers?
If you really want to change the game
Take a little time and study these names
If you want to make a difference, take the time to learn about the important people who have fought for change in the past.
Frederick Douglass (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Frederick Douglass?
Booker T. Washington (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Booker T. Washington?
If you want injustice to end
Take a little time and study these men
To end injustice, it's important to learn about the accomplishments and experiences of important figures in history.
Marcus Garvey (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Marcus Garvey?
Nat Turner (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Nat Turner?
Let me tell you about the struggle my friend (tell 'em!)
I'm going to tell you about the long-standing struggle for equality and justice
We want freedom, I'm a say it again (tell 'em!)
The ultimate goal is freedom, and this message needs to be repeated and emphasized.
We want freedom, not more money to spend (tell 'em!)
The struggle is about more than just material wealth. What's important is freedom and equality for everyone.
You got to listen to this message I send, come on!
Pay attention and take this message to heart.
Let me talk to you a little bit more
I want to continue this important conversation.
Our ancestors, tell me, what you dissin' 'em for?
Why would you criticize or disregard the important work and sacrifices of our ancestors?
Break the cyclе of first I like, then I don't like
Instead of constantly changing your mind, make a commitment to learn and understand the important issues at hand.
You raise and praise me up to tear me down like Michael?
Why is it that people sometimes build up and celebrate individuals only to later tear them down?
KRS loves his people
I have love and respect for my community and want to fight for their rights and equality.
I walk with my people, not above my people
I'm not trying to lead or dominate the community, but rather to stand with and support them.
Teach my people, I try to reach my people
I am committed to educating and empowering my community.
With real truth, evidence and real proof
I am committed to presenting honest and factual information to support my arguments.
Thurgood Marshall (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Thurgood Marshall?
W.E.B. DuBois (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of W.E.B. DuBois?
Carter G. Woodson (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Carter G. Woodson?
Nelson Mandela (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Nelson Mandela?
Elijah Muhammad (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Elijah Muhammad?
Noble Drew Ali (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Noble Drew Ali?
Kwame Nkrumah (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah?
Sékou Touré (Whachanoabout)
Do you know and understand the legacy of Sékou Touré?
If you want injustice to end
Take a little time, man, study these men
To end injustice, it's important to learn about the accomplishments and experiences of important figures in history.
Rock!
Let's do this! Let's make a change and rock the world!
"Africans in America burned down over 290 cities in the '60's to get 289 powerless mayors in the '80's"
This quote underscores the long-standing struggle for real and effective change in the United States.
What you really want to debate me for?
Why argue with me when we should be working together for change?
What you hate me for? What you take me for?
What's the real reason for any hostility or dislike towards me?
Always sayin' "Amen" and "As-Salamu 'Alaykum" for
People often offer prayers or affirmations of peace and goodwill, but what are they actually doing to support these values?
If I can't speak my mind, even if it may be raw
I believe in honesty and transparency, and I will not hold back from expressing my true thoughts and feelings.
New ideas is what they pay me for, but here's an old one
People often seek out new and innovative ideas, but sometimes the best solutions come from looking back at important lessons and strategies from the past.
The Feds[? ] are gonna save us, sure
Some people may have faith in the government to solve all of the problems, but realistically, we need to take action ourselves and fight for change.
Since '89 I be coming again, with peace, love, and unity
I've been spreading this message of peace, love, and unity since 1989, and I'm not stopping anytime soon.
Remember these names, remember these names, remember these names!
These names represent important figures who fought for change and should be remembered and honored.
Contributed by Aiden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.