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..."
What's Your Plan?
KRS-One Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Song: What's Your Plan?
Yeah we live this
It gets kinda hard sometimes
Tryin to help those who dissin
You at the same time
But this the life of the T'cha
This for the hood, rise up y'all
Why y'all keep shittin on me?
On the internet
Cats think they spittin on me
But if you read they shit, they be real corny
For my downfall, they get real horny
All I'm tryin to do is educate the young ones
I got some guns, but we ain't no dum dums
Yo come son let me show you the way out
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, we never play out
Or fade out
This a lifetime thing, you in darkness
Heartless
Complainin about the light I bring?
Well stay there then
I guess you ain't my friend
But remember, hip-hop, it ain't gon' end
And there in the future, we gon' see
Who really was the slave, and who was free
Who sold out the culture, to be on TV
Nah, it won't be me
Rappers wanna stop me pop me drop me
Lock me lock me top me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Critics wanna hit me get me clip me
Rip me strip me trip me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Players wanna slap me cap me
Crap me attack me, out rap me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Others wanna rush me dust me bust me
Lust me cuss me hush me
But they really up to no good - c'mon, man!
Now some of y'all buggin, cause I am hip-hop
But you are too, you just kyan't get dat
As a man thinketh, so is he
I am hip-hop, and so are we
And so is she, and so is he
I'm the only one teachin
And you wanna diss me
Why? Am I really that important?
Are you so desperate
Any life you'll shorten?
Well nah kid - I'ma live on and on
You gonna respect me now
And not when I'm gone
I see how y'all did, JMJ
He paved your way but all you
Wanna get is your pay
I always be the knowledge giver
Preach you, uneasy
Yo take your 30 pieces of silver
And hang yourself, by the end of this verse
But remember, the last shall be first
Rappers wanna stop me pop me drop me
Lock me lock me top me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Critics wanna hit me get me clip me
Rip me strip me trip me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Players wanna slap me cap me
Crap me attack me, out rap me
But they really up to no
Good - what's your plan?!
Others wanna rush me dust me bust me
Lust me cuss me hush me
But they really up to no good - c'mon, man
Kris loves hip-hop, everybody knows that!
We came out of poverty and we ain't goin back
A 60 cent royalty, don't settle for that
Yo do what you gotta but
Don't remain in the trap
We all cryin out for leadership
But if the leader steps up and you diss him
What we gon' get?
YOU'?! You ain't even got a better plan
You can't even take hip-hop to a better land
You yourself ain't even a better man
Look who follows you - KRS
Even got better fans
Sure you get grands, and that's all good
But your video shows that
You sold your manhood
So are you really eligible to challenge me?
Especially you writers that never made a CD?
Especially you deejays that get shit for free
You can't play Kane or PE
- what's your plan?!
In "What's Your Plan?" by KRS-One, the rapper addresses various individuals who are trying to undermine him and his mission. He acknowledges that it can be challenging to assist those who criticize him while staying true to himself. However, KRS-One is determined to continue reaching out to his community, promoting education, and uplifting the hood.
The first verse calls out those who disrespect him online, emphasizing that their attempts to belittle him are ultimately ineffective. He acknowledges that some people may complain about the knowledge and positive influence he brings, but he confidently asserts his commitment to hip-hop's longevity and integrity. KRS-One suggests that in the future, people will recognize those who have sold out and compromised the culture for personal gain, while he remains steadfast in preserving the essence of hip-hop.
The chorus mentions various groups who try to hinder KRS-One's progress: rappers, critics, players, and others. He highlights their malicious intentions while asking them directly, "What's your plan?" This line suggests that these individuals have no constructive intentions but instead seek to hinder, harm, or undermine his work.
In the second verse, KRS-One responds to those who question his place in hip-hop. He asserts that he is a part of the culture just like anyone else, and he encourages others to recognize and understand their own connection to hip-hop. He challenges those who try to diss him, questioning if they are truly significant or merely desperate for attention. Referring to the late Jam Master Jay, he criticizes those in the industry who only care about personal gain rather than honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.
Continuing with the chorus, KRS-One addresses different groups of people, reiterating their ill intentions and questioning their motives. The lyrics emphasize that these individuals have no positive or purposeful plans, reinforcing their lack of credibility.
In the final verse, KRS-One reminds listeners that he loves hip-hop and has worked hard to uplift himself and the community. He cautions against settling for unfair treatment and encourages others to strive for better. He criticizes those who disrespect him as lacking a better plan or a vision to elevate hip-hop to a higher standard. He questions their authority to challenge him, particularly noting writers who have never released a music project and DJs who expect free music but refuse to support influential acts like Big Daddy Kane or Public Enemy.
Overall, "What's Your Plan?" is a defiant and thought-provoking song that addresses those who undermine KRS-One's influence and dedication to hip-hop. He challenges their intentions and reaffirms his commitment to uplifting his community while calling out the lack of vision and integrity among his detractors.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah we live this
We are fully immersed in and dedicated to this hip-hop culture
It gets kinda hard sometimes
It can be challenging and difficult at times
Tryin to help those who dissin
Attempting to support those who criticize us
You at the same time
While also dealing with their negativity
But this the life of the T'cha
However, this is the life KRS-One (T'cha) has chosen
And he's still gon' reach ya
And he will still try to reach and teach you
This for the hood, rise up y'all
This is for the community, let's come together and uplift ourselves
Why y'all keep shittin on me?
Why do you continue to disrespect me?
On the internet
Especially on social media platforms
Cats think they spittin on me
People believe they are disrespecting and outperforming me
But if you read they shit, they be real corny
But if you analyze their lyrics, you will realize they are actually mediocre
For my downfall, they get real horny
They get excited and thrilled at the prospect of my failure
All I'm tryin to do is educate the young ones
All I am attempting to do is provide knowledge and guidance to the younger generation
I got some guns, but we ain't no dum dums
I possess firearms, but we are not foolish or violent individuals
Yo come son let me show you the way out
Hey, young one, allow me to guide you towards a better path
Knowledge Reigns Supreme, we never play out
The power of knowledge is paramount, and it will always endure
Or fade out
It will not lose relevance or significance
This a lifetime thing, you in darkness
Hip-hop is a lifelong commitment, and you are currently lacking understanding
Heartless
You are lacking compassion and empathy
Complainin about the light I bring?
You are complaining about the positive influence and enlightenment I provide?
Well stay there then
If you prefer to remain in your current state of ignorance and negativity, go ahead
I guess you ain't my friend
I suppose you are not truly supportive or understanding of me
But remember, hip-hop, it ain't gon' end
However, remember that hip-hop culture will never cease to exist
And there in the future, we gon' see
In the future, we will witness and understand
Who really was the slave, and who was free
Who was truly enslaved by societal expectations and who experienced true freedom
Who sold out the culture, to be on TV
Who betrayed the integrity of the culture in order to gain fame and visibility
Nah, it won't be me
No, I will not be the one to compromise my principles
Rappers wanna stop me pop me drop me
Other rappers desire to hinder, harm, or eliminate me
Lock me lock me top me
They want to restrain and suppress me
But they really up to no
But in reality, they have no genuine intentions
Good - what's your plan?!
They are acting with malicious intent - what is their true agenda?
Critics wanna hit me get me clip me
Critics want to attack, belittle, or censor me
Rip me strip me trip me
They want to tear me apart, strip me of credibility, or trip me up
But they really up to no
But in reality, they have no genuine intentions
Good - what's your plan?!
They are acting with malicious intent - what is their true agenda?
Players wanna slap me cap me
Other individuals in the hip-hop scene want to physically harm or diminish me
Crap me attack me, out rap me
They want to degrade me, attack me, or outperform me in terms of lyrical skills
But they really up to no
But in reality, they have no genuine intentions
Good - what's your plan?!
They are acting with malicious intent - what is their true agenda?
Others wanna rush me dust me bust me
Other individuals want to aggressively confront, disrespect, or defeat me
Lust me cuss me hush me
They desire to objectify, verbally abuse, or silence me
But they really up to no good - c'mon, man!
But in reality, they have no genuine intentions - come on, seriously!
Now some of y'all buggin, cause I am hip-hop
Some individuals are confused or bothered because I embody and represent hip-hop culture
But you are too, you just kyan't get dat
But you are also part of hip-hop culture, you just fail to understand it
As a man thinketh, so is he
A person's thoughts shape and define who they are
I am hip-hop, and so are we
I am hip-hop, and all of us are part of this culture
And so is she, and so is he
Men and women are equally part of hip-hop culture
I'm the only one teachin
I am the one who is providing knowledge and education
And you wanna diss me
And yet, you choose to disrespect and criticize me
Why? Am I really that important?
Why? Do I hold such great significance in your eyes?
Are you so desperate
Are you truly in such dire need
Any life you'll shorten?
That you would shorten anyone's life?
Well nah kid - I'ma live on and on
Well, no my friend - I will continue to exist and thrive indefinitely
You gonna respect me now
You will come to admire and regard me with respect now
And not when I'm gone
And not only after I have departed
I see how y'all did, JMJ
I observe how you treated Jam Master Jay
He paved your way but all you
He created the path for you, but all you
Wanna get is your pay
Are concerned about is your financial gain
I always be the knowledge giver
I will forever be the one providing and sharing knowledge
Preach you, uneasy
Guiding and teaching you, even when it makes you uncomfortable
Yo take your 30 pieces of silver
Take your payment or reward, even if it symbolizes betrayal
And hang yourself, by the end of this verse
And suffer the consequences of your actions, as indicated by the end of this verse
But remember, the last shall be first
Nevertheless, remember that those who were initially overlooked will ultimately be recognized and valued
Kris loves hip-hop, everybody knows that!
KRS-One has a deep love and passion for hip-hop, and this is widely known!
We came out of poverty and we ain't goin back
We emerged from a state of poverty, and we are determined never to return
A 60 cent royalty, don't settle for that
Don't accept a meager royalty of 60 cents, demand more
Yo do what you gotta but
Do whatever it takes to succeed, but
Don't remain in the trap
Don't stay trapped in a cycle of mediocrity or exploitation
We all cryin out for leadership
We are all in need of someone who can provide strong leadership
But if the leader steps up and you diss him
However, if a leader emerges and you choose to disrespect him
What we gon' get?
What kind of outcome can we expect?
YOU'?! You ain't even got a better plan
YOU?! You don't even have a superior or more effective strategy
You can't even take hip-hop to a better land
You are incapable of elevating hip-hop culture to a higher level
You yourself ain't even a better man
You yourself are not even a better individual
Look who follows you - KRS
Consider the type of individuals who support and follow you - KRS-One
Even got better fans
Even the fans who support KRS-One are of a higher quality
Sure you get grands, and that's all good
Certainly, you might earn large sums of money, and that's acceptable
But your video shows that
But your music videos clearly demonstrate that
You sold your manhood
You have surrendered your integrity and masculinity
So are you really eligible to challenge me?
So, are you truly qualified to confront or compete with me?
Especially you writers that never made a CD?
Particularly the writers who have never released a music album themselves?
Especially you deejays that get shit for free
Especially the DJs who receive music for free
You can't play Kane or PE
You cannot even play songs by Big Daddy Kane or Public Enemy
- what's your plan?!
So, what is your genuine strategy or purpose?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FEMI OJTUNDE, FELTON C. II PILATE, MARVIN WHITEMON, EARL T. STEVENS, DANELL STEVENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind