KRS-One made a visit to my neighborhood in Brooklyn last night where he gave a lecture and signed his new book "The Gospel of Hip Hop: First Instrument." The event took place at the powerHouse Arena, which is described as "a laboratory for creative thought" and was a perfect setting for hip hop's "Teacha" to literally drop his knowledge onto us. (www.powerhousearena.com/)
KRS spent about an hour and a half last night talking to a crowd of eager hip hop enthusiasts searching for wisdom from the man whose name stands for "Knowledge Reigns Supreme On Niggas Everywhere." I've never witnessed the Blast Masta Kris speak in person (although I've seen him perform live on numerous occasions) and his speech delivery is even better than his rhyming delivery. He discussed various subject matter including his research on the true birth place of hip hop, when hip hop actually was born, hip hop's transformations that occur every decade, and the great divide between hip hop purists (or culturalists) and the hip hop corporate execs.
KRS-One was a witness and a participant in the hip hop summits that occurred in the early '90s, where the biggest MCs and executives would get together to devise plans on how they would preserve hip hop and its culture. He explained that the MCs who went "corporate" were actually good for hip hop. They made this decision collectively because they didn't want the record execs of the major labels to take over and reap the rewards of their hard work and artistry and then ultimately water down the pureness that hip hop is.
KRS argued that hip hop and its culture are actually a nation made up of real citizens that have created a society that is so open, honest and real that it is now a growing force throughout the entire world that can no longer be denied. He also inferred that hip hop has been a medium and life style that has allowed the oppressed the chance to take control of their own destinies and be the conductors of their own fortunes. An example he used was how DJ Premier just came back from China last week and made $40,000 for two hours of "work." I put work in quotes because can you really classify DJ Premier cutting records and doing what he is passionate about work? KRS-One acknowledged that CHANGE is one of the most difficult fears that humans have to overcome, but without overcoming this fear we will succumb to the never ending boredom of "going through the motions" every day because society deems it so. He explained that going to work every day at a job that you truly are not passionate about is the worst mistake you could ever make in your life. The current state of the economy has people scared of joblessness, but Kris argued that losing your "JOB" will enable you to finally begin your life's true "WORK." He proclaimed that your work is your purpose in life. Without your work (or purpose) you can never be "the real you." People are too afraid to be their true selves. Your work will give back to the world, further the hip hop cause and enable you to make a living by actually LIVING and enjoying whatever it is you set out to accomplish. He described hip hop as a great culture that allows its people to grow as entrepreneurs and be their own bosses. You just have to be willing to overcome your fear of change and make it happen (easier said by a once homeless man who used his desire for wisdom to make himself a millionaire).
The Blast Masta also discussed thinking outside the box about religion and hip hop. He explained how he believes in God, but not the way organized, "corrupt" religions "believe" in God. He believes God is within ourselves and that we can do magical things artistically through hip hop. He dared us to be bold, questioning authority and asking "REAL" questions about life and our purpose. KRS believes that God is Hip Hop and that we are Hip Hop and that Hip Hop is open to all who are interested. He asked: "IF A PROPHET NEVER GOES TO A STRIP CLUB, THEN HOW WILL THE HOES SEE THE LIGHT"??? This question received quite a few laughs, but he was serious. His message was that hip hop embraces everyone.
One of the most profound suggestions KRS-One made last night, was that Knowledge is overrated. Education is overrated and almost unnecessary. He discussed how he has given lectures at universities all over this country for the last 18 years and what he found in doing so is that knowledge becomes obsolete very quickly. "The truth is 1969 is not the truth in 1999." Everything you learn now will be incorrect in the future. He said, "education changes and therefore imagination is the key." Hip Hop and its medium that promotes the advancement of imagination and artistry is the key to future success.
His book is titled "The Gospel of Hip Hop" and is an 832 page opus that serves as a spiritual manual for hip hop's citizens that deeply explores hip hop's culture, history, and future as well as examines hip hop as a life path and not just a form of personal entertainment.
Watch this snippet of his lecture below if you're at all interested in being inspired by KRS-One:
One of the most profound suggestions KRS-One made last night, was that Knowledge is overrated. Education is overrated and almost unnecessary. He discussed how he has given lectures at universities all over this country for the last 18 years and what he found in doing so is that knowledge becomes obsolete very quickly. "The truth is 1969 is not the truth in 1999." Everything you learn now will be incorrect in the future. He said, "education changes and therefore imagination is the key." Hip Hop and its medium that promotes the advancement of imagination and artistry is the key to future success.
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