And I Know Because Of KRS-One...

Keeping with today's theme of classic MC pioneers (Slick Rick The Ruler), I thought it appropriate to also pay respects to the Blastmaster himself, KRS-One. Hailing from the South Bronx, NY, KRS completely redefined what an MC was, and perhaps introduced the idea of a socially conscious rapper.

KRS first came onto the NY hip-hop scene with DJs Scott La Rock and D-Nice, together forming Boogie Down Productions (BDP). This group gained early fame through battling rival rappers, especially those of the Juice Crew, a rap collective including hip-hop legends Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane, and Kool G Rap among others. This group was from the famed Queensbridge Houses, and thus the rivalry between BDP and the Juice Crew became known as the Bridge Wars.



Unfortunately, DJ Scott La Rock was shot and killed in 1987, months after BDP's debut release "Criminal Minded." This tragic event had a great impact on KRS, who soon organized the Stop The Violence movement, along with the song "Stop The Violence." In contrast to BDP's more violent and gangsta-themed debut, KRS's subsequent albums have dealt with themes of social ignorance, self-empowerment, and the importance of originality in hip-hop, among many other issues. Despite some controversy concerning his outspoken and fearless attitude, KRS-One has and always will be viewed as one of the most proficient, intelligent and unique forefathers of hip-hop. He has recently written a 600-page book entitled "The Gospel Of Hip Hop."



Former rivals KRS and Marley Marl released a collaborative album in 2007, entitled "Hip Hop Lives", officially ending the Bridge Wars feud.



Sublime pays respect to the Teacher...