Top 15 KRS One Songs
KRS-One epitomizes Hip Hop like no other. His philosophy, captured in the phrase “Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live,” reflects his deep connection to the culture. Known as the ‘teacha,’ a title he earned through his profound insights, KRS-One is a pillar of conscious Hip Hop. He’s not only a formidable live performer and an expert freestyler but also a powerful force within the genre. If Hip Hop were a political arena, KRS-One would undoubtedly be its President.
KRS-One stands as a testament to enduring presence in Hip Hop, demonstrating that staying true to oneself can lead to a career spanning decades. His unwavering authenticity has earned him deep respect from genuine Hip Hop fans, regardless of critics or detractors. His influence and legacy are undeniable, and any discussion about the greatest or most impactful emcees inevitably includes KRS-One at the top.
Throughout his illustrious career, spanning over 30 years, KRS-One has delivered numerous standout tracks. Focusing on the Golden Age of Hip Hop, we’ve compiled a list of the top 15 KRS-One songs released before the year 2000, including both his solo work and his contributions with Boogie Down Productions. Do you agree with our selection? Are there any essential tracks you think we’ve missed? Share your thoughts in the comments!
15. Poetry (1987)
“Well now you’re forced to listen to the teacher and the lesson / Class is in session so you can stop guessing / If this is a tape or a written down memo / See I am a professional, this is not a demo / In fact call it a lecture, a visual picture / Sort of a poetic and rhythm-like mixture…”
The opening verse of “Criminal Minded” immediately establishes the album’s core: powerful, stripped-down beats coupled with KRS-One’s sharp, thoughtful lyrics. This track sets the standard for the rest of the album, showcasing Hip Hop in its most groundbreaking and influential form.
14. Rappaz R N Dainja (1995)
“Any MC can battle for glory / But to kick a dope rhyme to wake up your people’s another story / Act like you never saw me / Cause when it comes to lyrics, I’m in a different category”
Produced by DJ Premier, this explosive track serves as the ideal introduction to KRS-One’s often overlooked second solo album. In this song, KRS delivers a clear warning to subpar rappers: they’re in serious trouble.
13. Outta Here (1993)
“Do you ever think about when you outta here? / Record deal and video outta here? / Mercedes Benz and Range Rover outta here? / No doubt BDP is old school, but we ain’t goin’ out!”
In this track, which can be viewed as a precursor to “Rappaz R N Dainja,” KRS-One issues a caution to successful rappers, suggesting that their current material gains might not endure and that lasting success in the industry isn’t guaranteed. It’s a powerful and compelling track.
12. The Bridge Is Over (1987)
“You see me coming in de dance with the spliff of sensei / Down with the sound called BDP / If you want to join the crew, well you must see me / You can’t sound like Shan or the one Marley…”
Targeting the Juice Crew and serving as a counter to MC Shan’s “Kill That Noise,” this track marks the concluding shot in the Bridge Wars. Its brilliance lies in its straightforward yet powerful composition, characterized by a menacing beat, sharp drum kicks, and a timeless piano melody.
11. Why Is That? (1989)
“Mental pictures, stereotypes and fake history / Reinforces mystery / And when mystery is reinforced / That only means that knowledge has been lost…”
Similar to “Black Man In Effect” from Edutainment, this track embodies the essence of KRS One. It’s thought-provoking and provocative, rich in wisdom and ultimately uplifting. This song stands out as one of the key moments on Boogie Down Productions’ third album.
10. Duck Down (1992)
“No I won’t let up, because of how I’m set up / I come in the jam with the crazy fresh lyrics so you get up / MCs get wet up, they met up with atypical / Subliminal, I’m original metaphysical Criminal Minder…”
One of KRS One’s most intense tracks, this song features a fierce drum beat as KRS delivers a powerful statement to lesser emcees about who truly reigns supreme in Hip Hop.
9. I’m Still No. 1 (1988)
“Rap is still an art, and no one’s from the Old School / Cuz rap is still a brand-new tool / I say no one’s from the Old School cuz rap on a whole / Isn’t even twenty years old / Fifty years down the line, you can start this / Cuz we’ll be the Old School artists / And even in that time, I’ll say a rhyme / A brand-new style, ruthless and wild / Runnin’ around spendin’ money, havin’ fun / Cuz even then, I’m still number one!”
A highlight from the exceptional By All Means Necessary album, this track features KRS asserting his status as the top emcee in 1988 and confidently predicting that he will remain number one even fifty years later. With over thirty years of influence, he’s clearly on track to fulfill that prophecy.
8. Criminal Minded (1987)
“We’re not promoting violence, we’re just having some fun / He’s Scott La Rock, I’m KRS-One”
A standout from the seminal Criminal Minded album, this track features sharp lyrics and a hard-hitting beat. Along with other influential releases like Run-DMC’s Raising Hell, Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full, Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, and LL Cool J’s early works, it played a pivotal role in the evolution of Hip Hop and marked the beginning of its Golden Age.
7. You Must Learn (1989)
“I believe that if you’re teaching history / Filled with straight-up facts no mystery / Teach the student what needs to be taught / Cause Black and White kids both take shorts / When one doesn’t know about the other ones’ culture / Ignorance swoops down like a vulture…”
In this track, KRS-One critiques the American education system’s emphasis on ‘white history’ and underscores the significance of understanding African American history. He encourages listeners to take charge of their own education if schools fail to provide a complete perspective. The message is clear: self-education is crucial.
6. Sound Of Da Police (1993)
“Now here’s a little truth, open up your eyes / While you’re checking out the boom-bap, check the exercise / Take the word “overseer,” like a sample / Repeat it very quickly in a crew, for example / Overseer, overseer, overseer, overseer / Officer, officer, officer, officer / Yeah, officer from overseer / You need a little clarity, check the similarity…”
As impactful now as it was thirty years ago, this track by KRS-One tackles the issue of police brutality against Black individuals, drawing a compelling connection between historical slavery and contemporary policing practices. It remains a poignant and powerful commentary on an enduring problem.
5. Step Into A World (Rapture’s Delight) (1997)
“Yo, I’m strictly about skills and dope lyrical coastin’ / Relying on talent, not marketing and promotion / If a dope lyrical flow is a must / You gots to go with a name you can quickly trust / I’m not sayin I’m number one, uhh I’m sorry, I lied / I’m number one, two, three, four and five / Stop wastin’ your money on marketing schemes / And pretty packages pushin’ dreams to the fiends / A dope MC is a dope MC / With or without a record deal, all can see / And that’s who KRS be son / I’m not the run of mill, cause for the mill I don’t run”
A quintessential party anthem that not only energizes fans but also challenges and teaches rivals. With its standout lyrics and impressive beat, it shines as the top track on the otherwise varied I Got Next album and stands out as one of KRS-One’s finest songs.
4. South Bronx (1987)
“Many people tell me this style is terrific / It is kinda different but let’s get specific / KRS-One specialize in music / I’ll only use this type of style when I choose it / Party people in the place to be, KRS-One attack / You got dropped off MCA cause the rhymes you wrote was wack / So you think that Hip Hop had its start out in Queensbridge / If you pop that junk up in the Bronx you might not live…”
In reaction to MC Shan’s “The Bridge,” KRS-One’s “South Bronx” delivered a powerful statement. It clearly asserted both the birthplace of Hip Hop and the dominant force in the genre. This track remains a quintessential Hip Hop anthem.
3. Love’s Gonna Getcha (Material Love) (1990)
“My family’s happy everything is new / Now tell me what the fuck am I supposed to do?”
An excellent example of narrative and message-driven music, this track is further enhanced by its compelling video, which amplifies its thought-provoking nature.
2. MCs Act Like They Don’t Know (1995)
“Flow with the master rhymer, as I leave behind / The video rapper, you know, the chart climber / Clapper, down goes another rapper / Onto another matter, punch up the data, Blastmaster / Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody / Call up KRS, I’m guaranteed to rip a party…”
A prime example of the KRS-One and DJ Premier synergy, this track features Premo’s exceptional beat paired with KRS’s commanding presence. The message is clear: true emcees must captivate an audience. As one of Hip Hop’s greatest live performers, KRS-One is perfectly positioned to deliver this truth.
1. My Philosophy (1988)
“Rap is like a set-up, a lot of games / A lot of suckers with colorful names / I’m so-and-so, I’m this, I’m that / Huh, but they all just wick-wick-wack”
This track was revolutionary, with its insights on Hip Hop’s commercialization and the influx of subpar and phony rappers still resonating today. Nearly three decades later, it remains highly relevant and influential. “My Philosophy” stands as a prophetic and brilliant cornerstone of Hip Hop, cementing its place as one of the genre’s most significant tracks ever.
Credit photo: “KRS-One Book signing” by InkwellDesignGroup is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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