KRS-One

KRS-One (born Kris Parker) was the leader of Boogie Down Productions, one of the most influential hardcore hip-hop outfits of the 80s. At the height of his career, roughly 1987-1990, KRS-One was known for his furiously political and socially conscious raps, which is the source of his nickname, the Teacher. Around the time of 1990s Edutainment, BDPs audience began to slip as many fans thought his raps were becoming preachy. As a reaction, KRS-One began to re-establish his street credibility with harder, sparer beats and raps. 1992s Sex and Violence was the first sign that he was taking a harder approach, one that wasnt nearly as concerned with teaching. KRS-Ones first solo album, 1993s Return of the Boom Bap, was an extension of the more direct approach of Sex and Violence, yet it didnt halt his commercial decline. Still, he forged on with a high-quality self-titled 1995 effort and 1996s Battle for Rap Supremacy, a joint effort with his old rival, MC Shan.