KRS-One (born Lawrence Krisna Parker on August 20, 1965) is an American rapper and producer. He rose to fame as part of the rap group Boogie Down Productions, which he co-founded with DJ Scott La Rock in the mid-1980s. He is often cited as one of the most influential and important figures in hip-hop culture. KRS-One is known for his politically charged lyrics and activism, as well as his influence on other hip-hop artists. He has released numerous solo albums and collaborated with many other hip-hop artists, including Public Enemy, Naughty by Nature, and Busta Rhymes. He has also produced and featured on albums of other artists, including the Beastie Boys and A Tribe Called Quest. KRS-One has been recognized for his activism, and was named one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” by Time magazine in 2008.
| Name | KRS-One |
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1965 |
| Genre | Hip Hop |
| Years Active | 1986–present |
| Labels | Jive, White Label Records, Koch, Duck Down Music |
| Origin | South Bronx, New York City, United States |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Associated Acts | Boogie Down Productions, Channel Live |
10 Best KRS-One Quotes
“The most powerful tool that we have is our mind.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“When you’re a master of something, your job is to teach.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“You can’t be a real hip-hop artist without being a teacher.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Hip-hop is not dead, it just changed its look.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Hip-hop was always about teaching.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Hip-hop is a culture that is meant to be studied.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“The power of hip-hop is that it can create change.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“The power of hip-hop is in the people, not the artist.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Hip-hop is about making sure you’re teaching truth.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“The power of hip-hop is not in the artist, it’s in the people.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
6 KRS-One Quotes About Boogie Down Productions
“Boogie Down Productions was my dream come true.”
– KRS-One, from Rolling Stone
“Boogie Down Productions was the first rap group to make the connection between hip-hop and education.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“The idea of Boogie Down Productions was to bring something out of the Bronx that was gonna be real.”
– KRS-One, from MTV
“Boogie Down Productions was the first hip-hop group to really have a message.”
– KRS-One, from Revolver Mag
“Boogie Down Productions was more than just a rap group…it was a movement.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“I created Boogie Down Productions to be the voice of the voiceless.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
8 Inspirational KRS-One Quotes
“I’m not a rapper. I’m a teacher.”
– KRS-One, from The Guardian
“I am not a hip-hop artist. I am an artist who uses hip-hop as his primary tool.”
– KRS-One, from CNN
“I always tell people, ‘Don’t just move your body, move your mind.’”
– KRS-One, from HuffPost
“I don’t want to be famous. I want to be effective.”
– KRS-One, from The New York Times
“I’m like your uncle. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I’m going to tell you the truth.”
– KRS-One, from Phoenix New Times
“Rap music is the only place where we can still hear the voice of the people.”
– KRS-One, from Rolling Stone
“I never wanted to be a rapper. I wanted to be a leader.”
– KRS-One, from Vibe
“The greatest weapon of oppression is our lack of knowledge.”
– KRS-One, from NPR
5 Famous KRS-One Quotes
“Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Hip hop is the answer, but you have to know the question.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“I’m not an artist, I’m a teacher.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“I’m not here to change the world, I’m here to document the change.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
5 KRS-One Quotes About Love
“It’s not just a matter of love, it’s a matter of understanding how to make love work.”
– KRS-One, from DJ Booth
“The thing about love is, you don’t need to explain it, it just happens.”
– KRS-One, from Vice
“If you love something, then you’ve got to keep at it.”
– KRS-One, from NPR
“Love is a decision. You decide to love and you decide to stay loving.”
– KRS-One, from Vice
“Love is a process of self-discovery and self-empowerment.”
– KRS-One, from DJ Booth
6 KRS-One Quotes About Life
“I believe that life is a process of evolution, and evolution is a process of growth.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Life is about understanding who you are and then loving yourself.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Life is a song, so be sure to sing it.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Life is a balance, so balance it.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Life is a journey, so keep going.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
“Life is a gift, so enjoy it.”
– KRS-One, from YouTube
7 Quotes About KRS-One
“KRS-One is hip-hop’s most outspoken critic, its most passionate spokesperson, and its most articulate professor”
– AllMusic, from AllMusic
“KRS-One is the undisputed leader of hip-hop culture”
– Rolling Stone, from Rolling Stone
“KRS-One is an hip-hop icon who has been releasing music for over two decades and is still going strong”
– Hot New Hip Hop, from Hot New Hip Hop
“KRS-One is one of rap’s most influential voices”
– Pitchfork, from Pitchfork
“KRS-One is an American rapper and hip-hop artist who has had a great influence on the evolution of hip-hop music”
– Ranker, from Ranker
“KRS-One has been a key influence in the evolution of hip-hop music, from its early beginnings in the Bronx to its global status today”
– Discogs, from Discogs
Interview with KRS-One
Frequently Asked Questions About KRS-One
1. What is the most famous KRS-One quote?
KRS-One, also known as The Teacher, is a renowned hip-hop artist, activist, philosopher and teacher. He has been a major influence in the hip-hop genre since 1986 and is best known for his pioneering work in the political and socio-cultural aspects of the genre. He has released 16 solo albums and has been featured on numerous albums and compilations. Throughout his career, KRS-One has shared his wisdom and knowledge through his quotes and words of advice.
The following are some of the most famous KRS-One quotes:
- “Rap is something you do, hip-hop is something you live”
- “Never accept defeat, never stop trying”
- “Hip-hop is the pulse of the people”
- “Never let anyone tell you who you are”
- “The power of education transcends all barriers”
- “It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re at”
- “Knowledge is power, and knowledge is self-empowerment”
KRS-One’s most famous quote is “Rap is something you do, hip-hop is something you live”. This quote was first featured on his debut album Criminal Minded in 1986 and has become an iconic phrase that has been used throughout the hip-hop genre. The quote speaks to the ethos of hip-hop and its importance in the lives of its practitioners. It is a reminder that hip-hop is more than just a style of music, but a culture and a way of life.
2. How has KRS-One influenced hip-hop culture?
KRS-One has had a profound impact on hip-hop culture. He has been a major influence on the development of rap music, hip-hop culture, and social consciousness. Here are some of the ways he has influenced hip-hop culture:
- KRS-One has been one of the most influential voices in hip-hop, advocating for conscious rap lyrics and positive messages in rap music.
- He is credited with popularizing the phrase “hip-hop” and pushing for its recognition as a legitimate art form.
- KRS-One has been a major influence on the evolution of rap music and hip-hop culture, from early rap to the more conscious styles of today.
- He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of hip-hop artists and has been involved in numerous activism campaigns.
- KRS-One has also been an influential mentor to many prominent hip-hop artists, providing guidance and inspiration.
KRS-One’s influence has been felt across the entire hip-hop culture, and his impact is sure to be felt for generations to come.
3. What is the origin of the name KRS-One?
KRS-One, also known as Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone, is a stage name of one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time, Lawrence Krisna Parker. The origin of the name is a combination of two elements.
- KRS: This stands for Knowledge Reigns Supreme. This was a phrase that KRS-One used to describe his style of hip hop and his approach to the rap game.
- One: This element of the name is derived from the fact that KRS-One believes in the unity of all people and that we are all “One.”
By combining Knowledge Reigns Supreme and One, KRS-One created a name that encapsulates his beliefs and his mission to spread knowledge to the world. His mission, as stated in one of his most famous quotes, is to “bring peace, love, and having fun to hip-hop culture.”
4. What does KRS-One Stand For?
KRS-One stands for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone. It is a moniker used by American hip hop artist and activist Lawrence Krisna Parker. The acronym KRS-One is a reference to his own personal philosophy, which is based upon five pillars: Knowledge, Self-Empowerment, Responsibility, Spirituality, and Unity.
The five pillars of KRS-One’s personal philosophy are as follows:
- Knowledge: Learn, understand and apply the knowledge necessary to become the best version of yourself.
- Self-Empowerment: Believe in yourself and be empowered to make decisions that will lead to success.
- Responsibility: Take ownership of your life and be responsible for your actions.
- Spirituality: Connect to a greater power and look within for guidance.
- Unity: Respect and value other people’s opinions, and work together for the common good.
KRS-One is a prolific artist and has released fifteen solo albums and multiple collaborative albums. His works often explore the themes of knowledge, self-empowerment, responsibility, spirituality, and unity. His quotes have become popular among hip hop fans for their wisdom and insight.
5. What are some of KRS-One’s Most Thought-Provoking Quotes?
KRS-One is one of the most influential rappers in hip-hop history, and his words have shaped the genre for decades. Here are some of KRS-One’s most thought-provoking quotes:
- “Today’s education is tomorrow’s reality.”
- “We have to be willing to look at our own issues and our own flaws before we can expect another nation to take responsibility for theirs.”
- “Hip hop is not just about music. It is about lifestyle, it is about knowledge, it is about expression, it is about culture.”
- “We must recognize that life is a gift, and that each day is a gift in itself. Life is short, so don’t waste it.”
- “I’m not a role model. I’m an example. I’m an example of what not to do.”
Conclusion
KRS-One is an influential figure in hip-hop culture, and his quotes are just as important. His words provide inspiration and a message of hope to many people. He has been an important figure in pushing hip-hop forward and continues to be a leader in the genre. He is a true master of his craft, and his quotes have the power to move people and make them think. KRS-One is an artist who has made a lasting impact on hip-hop culture, and his words should be remembered for years to come.
