KRS One

Lawrence Krisna Parker (born August 20, 1965) is an emcee born in Park Slope, Brooklyn, USA. Over his career he has been known by several psuedonyms, including Kris Parker, KRS One, The Blastmaster and The Teacha. KRS One is a highly respected figure in the hip hop community and is often referenced in works by other hip hop artists.

September 11 comments and ensuing controversy

In 2004, KRS engendered a controversy when he was quoted in a panel discussion hosted by New Yorker Magazine as saying that African-Americans "cheered when 911 happened". The comment drew criticism from many sources, including a pointed barb by the New York Daily News that called Parker an "anarchist" and said that "If Osama Bin Laden ever buys a rap album, he'll probably start with a CD by KRS-One."{{ref|DailyNews}}.

Related Topics:
2004 - New Yorker Magazine - 911 - New York Daily News

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Parker responded to the furor surrounding his comments with an editorial written for Allhiphop.com{{ref|AllHiphop}}. In it, Parker said "I was asked about why Hiphop has not engaged the current situation more (meaning 911) my responds (sic) was 'because it does not affect us, or at least we don?t perceive that it effects us, 911 happened to them'. I went on to say that 'I am speaking for the culture now; I am not speaking my personal opinion.' I continued to say; '911 affected them down the block; the rich, the powerful those that are oppressing us as a culture. Sony, RCA or BMG, Universal, the radio stations, Clear Channel, Viacom with BET and MTV, those are our oppressors those are the people that we?re trying to overcome in Hiphop everyday, this is a daily thing. We cheered when 911 happened in New York and say that proudly here. Because when we were down at the trade center we were getting hit over the head by cops, told that we can?t come in this building, hustled down to the train station because of the way we dressed and talked, and so on, we were racially profiled. So, when the planes hit the building we were like; mmmm justice.' And just as I began to say 'now of course a lot of our friends and family were lost there as well' but I was interrupted."

Related Topics:
Sony - RCA - BMG - Universal - Clear Channel - Viacom - BET - MTV - Trade center - Racially profiled

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