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KRS-One

From Alfawiki
KRS-One
Born
Lawrence Parker

(1965-08-20) August 20, 1965 (age 61)
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)Rapper, activist
Years active1980s–present
Known forCo-founder of Boogie Down Productions, "Stop the Violence Movement"

Lawrence Parker (born August 20, 1965), better known by his stage names KRS-One—an acronym for "Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone"—and Teacha, is a rapper originating from the Bronx, United States. He first rose to fame as part of the hip-hop ensemble Boogie Down Productions, which he co-founded with DJ Scott La Rock during the mid-1980s. KRS-One is celebrated for tracks such as "Sound of da Police", "Love's Gonna Get'cha (Material Love)", and "My Philosophy". After the release of their initial album, Criminal Minded, the group faced tragedy when Scott La Rock was murdered; nevertheless, Parker continued Boogie Down Productions as a solo endeavor. He began issuing music under his own name starting in 1993. Known for his political engagement, he initiated the "Stop the Violence Movement" following La Rock’s death and promotes veganism, themes evident in songs like "Beef". His contributions have established him as a pivotal figure within hip-hop culture.

Early life

Born in Brooklyn, New York City, in 1965, Lawrence Parker’s mother was American, while his biological father hailed from Barbados. During his childhood in Harlem, he suffered intense physical abuse inflicted by his American stepfather. After his mother ended that marriage, Parker and his brother relocated first to the Bronx and subsequently to Brooklyn due to financial difficulties. Despite the moves, hardship persisted as his mother’s new partner continued abusive behavior, prompting Parker to run away multiple times. At 16 years old, he permanently left home and endured periods of homelessness in New York City before eventually residing in a group home located in the Bronx.

Hip-hop

Parker cultivated a deep affinity for New York’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, refining his talents both as an MC and a graffiti artist. In 1984, upon leaving the group home, he stayed at a homeless shelter in South Bronx where he acquired the nickname "Krishna," inspired by his interest in Hare Krishna beliefs. It was there that he connected with Scott Sterling (DJ Scott La Rock), a youth counselor; together they formed a DJ-MC duo. Adopting the moniker KRS-One (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone), they launched Boogie Down Productions and released their landmark debut album Criminal Minded in 1987.

Beyond music, KRS-One is recognized for his activism, founding initiatives such as the Stop the Violence Movement and Human Education Against Lies (H.E.A.L.) to foster peace and educational awareness. He also created the Temple of Hip Hop with the mission to safeguard and promote hip-hop’s cultural and spiritual dimensions, striving to "decriminalize hip-hop" while enhancing its identity and self-worth. In a 2003 interview, KRS-One emphasized hip-hop’s power to unite diverse groups around ideals of justice and liberty, referencing artists including Eminem, Dr. Dre, Russell Simmons, Beastie Boys, MC Search, Run DMC, and Aerosmith as exemplars of this cultural force.

Early Influences

Reflecting on early New York hip-hop in his track "Outta Here," KRS-One acknowledges influences from groups like Run-DMC and Whodini, whose music he heard on the Awesome Two’s radio program broadcast via WHBI. He identifies Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded alongside Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full (1987) as groundbreaking albums that cemented both acts as pioneers within hip-hop. Additionally, KRS-One points to his own album By All Means Necessary (1988) and Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (1988) as significant works that heightened social awareness within rap music.

Boogie Down Productions

KRS-One initiated his musical journey as a member of Boogie Down Productions (BDP), alongside DJ Scott La Rock and Derrick "D-Nice" Jones. In 1986, BDP responded to MC Shan's "The Bridge," which was interpreted as asserting Queensbridge as hip-hop's birthplace, with their own track "South Bronx." This exchange sparked a notable rivalry, featuring Shan's "Kill That Noise" and BDP’s "The Bridge Is Over" released in 1987. KRS-One’s live confrontation with MC Shan is widely regarded as one of the earliest authentic MC battle raps, solidifying his status as "The Blastmaster."

Originally, Parker and Sterling created the group "Scott La Rock and the Celebrity Three." However, following the exit of other members, they rebranded themselves as Boogie Down Productions. Their 1985 single "Success Is the Word," produced by David Kenneth Eng and Kenny Beck, achieved modest commercial recognition.

In 1987, BDP unveiled their debut album Criminal Minded, distinguished by KRS-One holding a 9mm firearm on its cover. Tragically, later that year Scott La Rock was fatally shot while attempting to mediate a conflict involving D-Nice.

KRS-One was among the pioneers to incorporate Jamaican musical elements into hip-hop, evident in songs like "Remix for P Is Free." Dancehall influences are especially clear in BDP’s popular track "The Bridge Is Over," which shares its melody with Super Cat’s 1986 dancehall hit "Boops." This fusion earned KRS-One recognition for connecting Jamaican sounds with American hip-hop culture.

Following Scott La Rock’s death, KRS-One carried on with BDP, releasing By All Means Necessary in 1988. This album featured contributions from beatboxer D-Nice, rapper Ramona "Ms. Melodie" Parker, and DJ Kenny Parker. The group’s lyrical themes grew progressively more political throughout subsequent releases: Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop (1989), Edutainment (1990), Live Hardcore Worldwide (1991), and Sex and Violence (1992).

KRS-One led efforts such as the H.E.A.L. compilation and the Stop the Violence Movement, gathering prominent emcees for the 1989 anthem "Self Destruction." Transitioning from his earlier aggressive "Blastmaster" image, he adopted the persona of "The Teacha," promoting a humanistic philosophy while retaining his original nickname throughout his career.

Solo career

After producing five albums under Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One embarked on his solo path with the 1993 release Return of the Boom Bap. This project included collaborations with producers like DJ Premier, Kid Capri, and Showbiz, who crafted the track "Sound of da Police." His self-titled 1995 album KRS-One featured guest appearances from artists such as Channel Live, Mad Lion, Busta Rhymes, Das EFX, and Fat Joe.

In 1991, KRS-One contributed to R.E.M.'s single "Radio Song" from their album Out of Time. By 1995, he had produced the majority of Channel Live's album Station Identification.

His 1997 release I Got Next featured the lead single "Step into a World (Rapture's Delight)", which sampled punk/new wave band Blondie and included a remix with mainstream artist Puff Daddy. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, becoming his highest-selling solo effort despite surprising some fans due to its commercial collaborations.

In August 1997 on BBC Radio 1, KRS-One openly criticized both the station and Jive Records for insufficient support of underground hip-hop but expressed admiration for host Tim Westwood. Although plans were made for a 1999 album titled Maximum Strength, it was ultimately shelved despite releasing its lead single "5 Boroughs" on The Corruptor soundtrack. KRS-One parted ways with Jive Records following his 2000 compilation A Retrospective.

In 2000, KRS-One teamed up with DJ Tomekk along with German rappers Torch and MC Rene on "Return of Hip Hop (Ooh, Ooh)," which charted in Germany for nine weeks.

After stepping down from his A&R position at Reprise Records in 2001, KRS-One resumed recording albums including The Sneak Attack (2001), the gospel-rap project Spiritual Minded (2002), followed by releases such as Kristyles, Digital (2003), Keep Right (2004), and Life (2006). He also established the Temple of Hiphop organization dedicated to preserving hip-hop culture.

In 2007, KRS-One collaborated with veteran producer Marley Marl on Hip Hop Lives, an album that attracted attention partly because of their past involvement in the Bridge Wars and as a response to Nas' Hip Hop Is Dead. Although critics praised it, some noted it would have had greater impact if released two decades earlier.

KRS-One worked alongside Canadian group Hellafactz, Jay-Roc N' Jakebeatz, and producer Domingo. After resolving financial disagreements, they issued the digital single "Radio" in 2008, dedicated to underground MCs lacking mainstream radio presence. In 2009, he appeared on projects by veteran artists including Masta Ace, Ed O.G., and Cormega.

That same year saw KRS-One join forces with Buckshot for the album Survival Skills. Its lead single "Robot" was released in May; the album debuted at number 62 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales near 8,500 copies and received widespread critical acclaim.

In 2010, artists such as Ruste Juxx and Torae paid tribute to KRS-One and Buckshot through the free mixtape Survival Kit, featuring fresh takes on classic tracks. Additionally, KRS-One voiced Chris Cringle in Nike's Most Valuable Puppets commercials and performed at SUNY New Paltz's "Rock Against Racism" event. He narrated the documentary film Rhyme and Punishment in 2011 about incarcerated hip-hop artists and contributed to the soundtrack of You Got Served: Beat the World.

KRS-One toured Australia for the first time in 2012, opting to travel by cruise ship due to his fear of flying.

In December 2020, he released his twenty-third solo album titled Between da Protests, followed by his twenty-fourth effort, I M A M C R U 1 2, in February 2022.

Stop the Violence Movement

Initiated by KRS-One around 1988 or 1989, the Stop the Violence Movement aimed to combat violence within hip-hop and African American communities. The catalyst for this initiative was the tragic death of a fan at a concert featuring Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy, alongside the fatal shooting of BDP member Scott La Rock. The movement brought together leading East Coast hip-hop artists and produced the 1989 single "Self Destruction," with its proceeds directed to the National Urban League. Accompanying the release was a music video and a VHS titled Overcoming Self-Destruction – The Making of the Self-Destruction Video. Production credits for "Self-Destruction" include KRS-One and D-Nice, with Hank Shocklee serving as associate producer.

Temple of Hip Hop

KRS-One established the Temple of Hip Hop as a ministry, archive, school, and society (M.A.S.S.) focused on safeguarding and advancing hip-hop culture. Its mission includes funding educational facilities that store hip-hop’s historical records and organize lectures. The organization interprets hip-hop as not only a cultural expression but also a political movement and spiritual practice, encouraging participation in Hip Hop Appreciation Week every May. It champions socially aware music and education through various channels such as DJs, MCs, and radio platforms.

KRS-One characterizes hip-hop as an energetic consciousness rather than a tangible entity, emphasizing its resistance to traditional historical recording methods. He advocates for understanding hip-hop’s history through its ideas and roots instead of racial or ethnic classifications. Additionally, Hip Hop History Month in November, initiated by the Universal Zulu Nation, is acknowledged within this framework.

Gospel of Hip Hop comments

During an interview with AllHipHop about his book The Gospel of Hip Hop, KRS-One expressed:

In my view, within a century this book will serve as a new religious foundation on earth ... I believe I possess the authority to connect directly with God without relying on organized religion or intermediaries. I composed The Gospel of Hip Hop to liberate people from prevailing misconceptions. While I hold respect for Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, their era has concluded. ... In one hundred years, what I am conveying will be universally understood, and people will question why it needed explanation.

These statements attracted extensive media attention, including coverage by The A.V. Club, which referred to the book as a "600-page hip-hop bible; blueprint for rap religion," highlighting KRS-One’s bold vision to create a sacred text for a new spiritual dimension within hip-hop.

Personal life

Parker is an outspoken advocate for veganism.

Tragically, his stepson Randy Parker was discovered deceased in his apartment in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 6, 2007. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be suicide by gunshot wound to the head.

His son Kris Parker (born 1992), known professionally as Predator Prime, is pursuing a career as a music producer and DJ.

Political views

In 2004, Parker stirred controversy during a The New Yorker panel when he remarked that "we cheered when 9/11 happened." He subsequently clarified on Hannity's America that his comment referred to people celebrating the establishment taking a blow rather than endorsing loss of life.

Parker endorsed Republican candidate Ron Paul in the 2012 presidential race and criticized President Barack Obama on Alex Jones' radio program, alleging Obama represented the "New World Order" disguised under a black identity.

Throughout the 2016 presidential election cycle, Parker expressed doubts about Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders concerning their handling of police brutality issues. While he acknowledged some positive aspects in Republican Jeb Bush’s policies, he noted they did not fully align with his views. Regarding Donald Trump, Parker recognized Trump’s early engagement with hip hop but warned that other politicians like Bill Clinton had also maintained similar ties in the past.

Break the Chain

In 1994, KRS-One collaborated with artist Kyle Baker to produce a 32-page comic book titled Break the Chain, which featured the protagonist Big Joe Krash and was published by Marvel Comics. This comic was distributed alongside a four-track cassette tape by KRS-One, initially proposed by Marshall Chess as an educational package combining music and comics. The project highlighted the importance of dismantling the "slave mentality" cycle. Additionally, KRS-One created an animated music video featuring Big Joe Krash.

Awards

Studio albums


Boogie Down Productions albums

Collaboration albums


Filmography

Year Title Role Remarks
1988 I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Himself
1993 Who's the Man? Rashid
1997 Subway Stories: Tales from the Underground Vendor
1997 Rhyme & Reason Himself
1997 The Cut Judge
2000 Boricua's Bond
2000 Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme Himself
2002 The Freshest Kids Himself
2003 2Pac 4 Ever Narrator
2003 Beef Himself
2003 Hip-Hop Babylon 2 Himself
2003 Soundz of Spirit Himself
2003 5 Sides of a Coin Himself
2003 MuskaBeatz Himself
2004 War on Wax: Rivalries in Hip-Hop Himself
2004 Beef II Himself
2004 And You Don't Stop: 30 Years of Hip-Hop Himself
2004 Hip-Hop Honors Himself
2004 Keep Right Himself
2005 The MC: Why We Do It Himself
2005 The Art of 16 Bars: Get Ya' Bars Up Himself
2005 Zoom Prout Prout Himself
2006 A Letter to the President Himself
2007 Bomb It Himself
2008 The Obama Deception Himself
2009 Good Hair Himself
2011 'Rhyme and Punishment' Narrator
2011 GhettoPhysics Himself
2012 Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap Himself
2012 Hidden Colors Himself
2014 True Detective

"Who Goes There"

2015 Hustlers Convention Himself
2018 Luke Cage Himself

" Can't Front on Me


Publications

Title Publication Year
The Science of Rap (self-published, 1996, currently unavailable) 1996
Ruminations (Welcome Rain Publishers, 2003, currently unavailable) 2003
The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument 2009

Further reading

External links

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