::::
"Krs-One Hits DC"
By Jared Ball
Krs-One is a legend in the flesh. He is a pioneer, author and emcee extraordinaire. He is easily in any true hip-hop fan's top 5 of all time and to many over 25 he is often idolized. Krs is also a modern day missionary liberation theologian. Last week (February 7, 2004) he dropped in on DC to spread the gospels according to the Temple of Hip-Hop (http://www.templeofhiphop.org). In two talks, one at the University of the District of Columbia and another more intimate book signing lecture with his hosts and guests at Urban Energy (1522 U St NW) - a blistering lyricism in tow - Krs delivered poignant and, at times, lofty messages of love, power and spirit.
Simultaneously blending lyricism, history, metaphysics and philosophy (yes, he thinks very deeply) Krs moved seamlessly from emcee to his equally familiar role as The Teacher. "Rap is something you do. Hip-hop is something you live," he offered as part of a base understanding of the culture's nine elements (DJ-ing, break dancing, beat boxing, street fashion, entreprenuership, language, graffiti, rapping and knowledge).
But beyond that Krs explored the idea of hip-hop as a new "nation." Dr. King's "dream" is only seen in hip-hop he explained. He asked if we could consider ourselves as hip-hop instead of as "races" or ethnicities. He asked us to consider how the so-called "Founding Fathers" of this nation visualized themselves as new "Americans" shedding old ties to ultimately arbitrary labels. Most importantly Krs challenged his audience to see things beyond surface appearance, to see beyond narrow Western views of humanity, history and spirituality. He asked us to consider ourselves as being beyond the ascribed labels of those not qualified to give such and to, therefore, forge beyond the constraints of constructed consciousness.
Krs is living proof that hip-hop is not what television has made it to be. He is living proof that confused elders, such as many at WPFW here
in DC, have been trapped into believing a view of their own that is as constructed and narrow as the views they have of themselves. We only
are what we think we are and that has been shaped by those whose interests are not ours. Krs is on a mission, peace be unto him.
For more on Krs-One and hip-hop as it was meant to be visit Urban Energy at 1522 U St NW or at www.urbanenergycenter.com and also check out those wild and crazy cats at www.voxunion.com along with Radio CPR 97.5 FM Friday nights from 7:30pm - 9:30pm for Chaos or Community! the country's best hip-hop politics show.
Watch the Krs-One freestyle video!