The tune that noticed KRS-One dream he was a blunt

KRS-One is without doubt one of the purest hip-hop heads of all time. The iconic South Bronx, whose identify stands for ‘Knowledge Reigns Supreme’ (KRS), is taken into account one of many forefathers of acutely aware rap music and was one among New York’s most potent solo lyricists in the course of the Nineteen Eighties. His legendary standing won’t ever be shaken.

The emcee (actual identify Lawrence Parker) was half of the duo BDP (Boogie Down Productions) alongside his late crewmate Scott La Rock and, accompanied by Rakim, modified the best way musicians strategy lyricism regarding creativity and complexity.

Parker is also a proud pan-Africanist who, not like many rappers, is and invested within the development of black individuals worldwide versus the microcosm of the US.

KRS-One first entered hip-hop as a graffiti artist, then transitioned into rap upon assembly DJ and producer Scott La Rock, collectively forming the group and label Boogie Down Productions (BDP). In 1987, they launched their debut album, Legal Minded.

Nonetheless, La Rock was shot later that 12 months after coming into a beef between a BDP member and a neighborhood Bronx gangster. KRS-One would rapidly determine to pursue a solo profession, though nonetheless partially underneath the moniker Boogie Down Productions.

As KRS-One, the primary album he launched was Return Of The Growth Bap. The project encapsulates the East Coast sound of the Nineteen Nineties, options heavy manufacturing by DJ Premier, and was recorded on the legendary D&D Studios. 

One of the early tracks on the mission is ‘I Can’t Wake Up’ which is a conceptual tune. The lyrics hear Parker clarify a dream the place he’s blunt. Within the dream, KRS-One talks about varied rappers passing him round and smoking him, together with De La Soul, Cypress Hill, Home of Ache, Redman, and Child Capri.

Parker raps verses resembling, “I’m tryin’ to wake up, I can’t wake up / So I run and jump / Someone yelled get that blunt / So I’m running and racing / Blunt smokers are chasing / This is insane, I’m caught by House Of Pain / I’m picked up.”

It’s commonplace for a songwriter to place himself into the physique of one other character. However for a rapper like KRS-One to think about himself as a blunt being handed round was an enormous leap. Fortunately, what got here out of it was a monitor that has lived on amongst hip hop heads all through the globe.

You possibly can take heed to ‘I Can’t Wake Up’ within the video beneath.