KRS-One

KRS-One, born Lawrence Kris Parker on August 20, 1965, in The Bronx, New York, is a pioneering figure in hip hop and one of the genres most respected artists. Known as The Teacha, KRS-One has been a vocal advocate for using hip hop as a tool for education, social awareness, and empowerment. He gained prominence in the mid-1980s as a founding member of Boogie Down Productions (BDP), a group known for blending hard-hitting beats with politically conscious lyrics. Their debut album, Criminal Minded (1987), is considered a landmark in hip hop.KRS-One is also a central figure in the development of conscious rap, addressing topics such as racism, poverty, violence, and self-empowerment. His solo work, beginning with Return of the Boom Bap (1993), continued his legacy of thoughtful lyricism and activism. He is also the founder of the Stop the Violence movement, advocating for peace in the hip hop community.Over his decades-long career, KRS-One has released numerous albums, authored books, and lectured worldwide on the culture and philosophy of hip hop. His influence on the genre is immeasurable, earning him the status of a living legend.