There aren’t many MCs on the level of KRS-One: an old-schooler,
father of conscious hip hop, first MC to use reggae-style
delivery, and winner in 2008 of the BET Lifetime Achievement
Award for his work in the Stop The Violence Movement.
Even though, as mentioned above, KRS-One is often thought of
as the inspiration for today’s conscious rappers, that
wasn’t how he began his career. He and DJ Scott La Rock
released their first album as Boogie Down Production under
the title Criminal Minded (1987), and despite the
claim in the title track that "we’re not promoting violence,
we’re just having some fun," there’s the clear threat of
"pulling out a nine" and the kind of brinksmanship that’s
common in hip hop. The cover of Criminal Minded
depicts KRS-One and Scott La Rock draped in ammunition and
carrying guns. This album is occasionally credited with
spawning hardcore and gansta rap.
After Criminal Minded came out and sold well, Scott
La Rock was tragically shot and killed while attempting to
mediate a neighborhood dispute. The death of his partner
and friend affected KRS-One greatly, and his tone changed.
His lyrics became increasingly political and his next
release, By All Means Necessary (1988), reflected a
much more observant and responsive side of KRS-One, as
opposed to a self centered battle-rap style.
After four releases under the name Boogie Down Productions
which were actually solo, KRS-One made Return of the Boom
Bap (1993), maybe one of the best hip hop albums ever
made. That’s all I have to say about that.
Fifteen amazing albums later, and KRS is turning 44 this
year, still at the top of his game. He’s not only made an
album every year, he’s also been busy outshining other MCs
on their releases:
- Leah Manners
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