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..."
We Dem Teachas Feat. Keith Stewart
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Civil rights movement anti-war
Comin straight off the block, we dem teachas
Always makin that dough, on the hustle
This is the scholar anthem
Throw yo' hands up
If you a soldier, throw yo’ hands up
I'll never stop talkin 'bout Malcolm X
And I’ll never stop talkin
'bout havin safe sex
I'll never stop shoutin out Marcus Garvey or
Kwame Toure or Robert Marley
I'll never ease up on red, black and green
Or teachin what Martin Luther
King's dream mean self-esteem, self-creation
Make yourself man, you in a wealthy nation!
Forgеt inflation, you are your own mason
Build yourself, set your foundation
Knowlеdge Reigns Supreme
That's why when you hear KRS
You know what it means stand up'!
Comin straight off the block, we dem teachas
Always makin that dough, on the hustle
This is the scholar anthem
Throw yo' hands up
If you a soldier, throw yo' hands up
Check it I’ll never stop showin the love man
I’ll never stop hangin up
Pictures of Harriet Tubman
I'll always be a learner, like Nat Turner
Spittin out words to take your mind further
Any time you see my face
You seein peace love unity all in this place
When enrollment’s down, crime is up
And if you can't hold your
Ground your time is up
But if you don't know your
Ground you holdin WHAT?!
Assumptions, when the storm hit's you
(hit's you) straight out of luck
Feelin like you crashed your truck
That's when the teacher shows up stand up!
Comin straight off the block, we dem teachas
Always makin that dough, on the hustle
This is the scholar anthem
Throw yo’ hands up
If you a soldier, throw yo' hands up
C'mon! Where my scholars at?
Y'all can holla back
Knowledge and overstanding, we on top of that
We show you right where the
Commas and them dollars at
We hangin out where them educated mommas at
Follow that, where my educated poppas at?
We in the street too
Movin when it's time to act
We dem teachas, tell me where your mind is at
Fear, doubt, no we do not follow that!
There, courage man, we need to bottle that
Cause all these kids nowadays hear
A lot of crap
And they feelin like they gotta follow that
That's why the teacher is
Bringin the scholar back
Comin straight off the block, we dem teachas
Always makin that dough, on the hustle
This is the scholar anthem
Throw yo' hands up
If you a soldier, throw yo' hands up
The lyrics to KRS-One's song "We Dem Teachas" featuring Keith Stewart convey a message about the importance of education, knowledge, and empowerment within the context of the civil rights and abolitionist movements. The song celebrates the role of educators and scholars in society, emphasizing their dedication to making a positive impact and their hustle to earn a living.
The lyrics reference historical figures and events associated with the civil rights movement and the fight against oppression. Malcolm X is mentioned as a figure whose ideas and teachings are still relevant and important. The lyrics acknowledge the need to promote safe sex and emphasize the importance of prominent figures like Marcus Garvey, Kwame Toure, and Bob Marley in raising awareness and inspiring change.
The song also emphasizes the importance of self-esteem, self-creation, and building a strong foundation. It encourages listeners to take pride in their cultural identity and diversity, symbolized by the phrase "red, black, and green" representing the colors of Black liberation movements. The lyrics suggest that individuals should strive for personal growth, self-sufficiency, and self-empowerment within a prosperous nation.
Through the portrayal of Harriet Tubman and Nat Turner, the lyrics highlight the role of historical figures who fought for freedom and equality. KRS-One expresses his commitment to continue spreading knowledge and wisdom to help others expand their minds and progress further. The lyrics also address societal issues such as crime and education, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and a strong educational foundation to uplift communities and combat negative influences.
The song ultimately calls for unity, peace, and understanding among scholars. It encourages listeners to embrace education and think critically, challenging assumptions and acknowledging their personal power. The lyrics portray teachers as leaders, inspiring students to rise above obstacles and societal expectations. The repetition of the phrase "throw yo' hands up" signifies a call to action, urging individuals to stand up for their rights and actively engage in personal growth and community development.
Line by Line Meaning
Civil rights, abolitionist movement
Referencing the historical movements that fought for civil rights and the abolition of slavery
Comin straight off the block, we dem teachas
Coming directly from the streets, we are educators
Always makin that dough, on the hustle
Always making money, hustling and working hard
This is the scholar anthem
This song represents the anthem for scholars and intellectuals
Throw yo' hands up
Raise your hands in celebration or agreement
If you a soldier, throw yo’ hands up
If you are committed to the cause, raise your hands
I'll never stop talkin 'bout Malcolm X
I will always continue to discuss and promote the ideas of Malcolm X
And I’ll never stop talkin 'bout havin safe sex
I will always emphasize the importance of practicing safe sex
I'll never stop shoutin out Marcus Garvey or
I will always show respect and recognition to Marcus Garvey
Kwame Toure or Robert Marley
And also to Kwame Toure and Bob Marley
I'll never ease up on red, black and green
I will never stop promoting and representing the colors of the Pan-African flag
Or teachin what Martin Luther King's dream mean self-esteem, self-creation
And I will always teach the meaning of Martin Luther King's dream, emphasizing self-esteem and self-creation
Make yourself man, you in a wealthy nation!
Realize your potential, as you live in a prosperous nation
Forget inflation, you are your own mason
Don't worry about economic inflation, you have the ability to build your own future
Build yourself, set your foundation
Develop yourself and establish a strong base for success
Knowlеdge Reigns Supreme
Knowledge is the most powerful and influential force
That's why when you hear KRS
That's why when you hear KRS-One's music
You know what it means stand up'!
You know it's time to take action and stand up for what you believe in
Check it I’ll never stop showin the love man
I will always continue to express love and support
I’ll never stop hangin up
I will always hang up pictures
Pictures of Harriet Tubman
Specifically pictures of Harriet Tubman, a symbol of bravery and resistance
I'll always be a learner, like Nat Turner
I will always have a thirst for knowledge, like Nat Turner
Spittin out words to take your mind further
Delivering powerful words to expand and enlighten your mind
Any time you see my face
Whenever you see me
You seein peace love unity all in this place
You see the values of peace, love, and unity in everything I do
When enrollment’s down, crime is up
When education enrollment decreases, crime rates increase
And if you can't hold your
And if you are unable to hold onto
Ground your time is up
Your time is running out
But if you don't know your
But if you don't understand your
Ground you holdin WHAT?!
What are you really holding onto?!
Assumptions, when the storm hit's you
False beliefs and assumptions, when a crisis affects you
(hit's you) straight out of luck
Leaving you without any luck or solutions
Feelin like you crashed your truck
Feeling like you have suffered a major setback
That's when the teacher shows up stand up!
That's when the educator arrives and encourages you to stand up and face the challenge
C'mon! Where my scholars at?
Come on! Where are my intellectual and academic individuals?
Y'all can holla back
You all can respond and express your support
Knowledge and overstanding, we on top of that
We prioritize knowledge and deep understanding, we excel in that area
We show you right where the
We guide you towards
Commas and them dollars at
Understanding the importance of financial literacy and success
We hangin out where them educated mommas at
We spend time and associate with educated women
Follow that, where my educated poppas at?
Follow that, where are the educated men?
We in the street too
We are also present in the streets
Movin when it's time to act
Taking action when the moment calls for it
We dem teachas, tell me where your mind is at
We are the educators, share with me your thoughts and mindset
Fear, doubt, no we do not follow that!
We refuse to give in to fear and doubt
There, courage man, we need to bottle that
Instead, we should capture and preserve courage
Cause all these kids nowadays hear
Because the current generation of kids often hear
A lot of crap
A lot of false information or negativity
And they feelin like they gotta follow that
And as a result, they feel pressured to adhere to that
That's why the teacher is
That's why the educator is
Bringin the scholar back
Reviving and promoting the scholarly mindset
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Querubim SeuAnjo
Foda, que som pesado KRS One Emceein