By Ali Ikram
KRS ONE stands for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everything.
The old school rapper, who has spent his long career depicting street life in the US, pulled up in Auckland Harbour a few days ago in a cruise ship.
He has more security than our Prime Minister, but a quarter century in hip hop has taught KRS ONE the power of first impressions.
FULL INTERVIEW with KRS ONE: Part 1 and Part 2
KRS ONE – real name Kris Parker – started rapping in South Bronx. His place in folklore was assured back in 1986 when he was involved in one of rap’s biggest beefs; arguing with MC Shan over where hip hop began.
“Had that battle between myself and MC Shan not happened, hip hop would be a totally different thing – it would be being interpreted by MTV,” he explains.
KRS ONE was also an early influence on gangsta rap, but in 1989 founded Stop The Violence; a group to stop the bloodshed in perpetuated.
Now, at 46, he is embracing his role as an elder statesman – founding the Temple of Hip Hop to preserve the culture, with plans to set up a hip hop-themed city.
KRS ONE’s visit was short-lived, but he will be back to play shows in Auckland and Wellington in April.
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