KRS-One ‘Stops the Violence’ in the Chi

 Chasity Chaos, NBC5 Street Team  Video

If Hip Hop was a family, KRS-One would be that cool ass uncle. You know the one I’m talking about. The uncle that you would look up to and go to for advice because he is one of the few people in the family that’s been where you’ve been and that has already arrived at the destination you’re trying to get to; the only adult in your family that really understands you, doesn’t judge you, and mentors you instead of lecturing you.

Beyond his obvious skills as a lyrical mastermind, KRS-One is one of the few MCs that has taken their involvement in music beyond that of pure showmanship and cultivated it into the constant development of Hip Hop as a culture.

For those of you that don’t know, KRS-One is an essential pioneering figure in Hip Hop. Known to some as “The Teacha,” he is said to be on of the greatest MCs to ever hold the mic. KRS-One has been active in the Hip Hop game for well over 20 years. He is most widely known as a member of the historical Hip Hop group Boogie Down Productions.

In 1989 as a response to the ever growing violence in Black communities (KRS-One’s business partner and fellow group member Scott La Rock died after being engaged in a violent event) and Hip Hop (during a concert by Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy, a young fan was killed in a fight), KRS-One galvanized into action and formed the Stop the Violence Movement. Comprising of some of the biggest stars in contemporary East Coast Hip Hop at that time – Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie) Stetsasonic (Delite, Daddy O, Wise (DJ) & Frukwan) Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Just-Ice, Heavy D, Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav) – the movement released a single (‘Self Destruction’) in 1989 with all proceeds going to the National Urban League. ‘Self-Destruction’ was produced by KRS-One and D-Nice of Boogie Down Productions.

Fast forwarding to today, over ten years after the birth of the Stop the Violence Movement, KRS-One has reincarnated the movement. Now the movement is aimed at raising funds for edutainment using the fundamental core elements of Hip Hop to educate the world against gun crime, violence, and other major social issues in the local neighborhoods, without any discrimination.

With a revitalized concept in mind, KRS-One decided to roll through Chicago in order to spread his message of nonviolence. (His presences in Chicago could not come at a better time considering the recent uproar of violence among CPS (Chicago Public School) students.) He has been a prized guest of Chicago for the past few days, appearing Flawless Barbershop for a BBQ, Cubby Bear for a fundraising concert, Stagg Elementary School for a lecture, in addition to appearing at numerous radio stations throughout the Greater Chicago Area.

Tomorrow, April 15th, during KRS-One’s last day in Chicago, he will lecture at Crane High School at 10am, attend a Township Hall Meeting at Michelle Clark High School at 7:30pm, and end his day with the “Stop the Violence” reception at Blu 47 which will be held from 7pm to 10pm. I hope to catch some of you out there supporting KRS-One and his vision at some of the events tomorrow.

Be Peace!

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