Research Paper On Lawrence Parker

Lawrence Parker also known as KRS-One, which is an anagram for Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone, left home at sixteen in 1981 to pursue a new type of musical art and expressionism: that of an emcee. By 1987, he and his musical partner, DJ Scott La Rock, would release their first ever album under the group name Boogie Down Productions, it was called “Criminal Minded”. The debut album of KRS-One and Scott La Rock featured the two on the cover draped in ammunition and brandishing multiple guns. This album is credited for providing the template for what would soon become “Gangsta” and “Hardcore” rap music. Soon after, they were rejected by the community’s most popular radio DJs, Mr. Magic and Marley Marl. This led to discontent between

KRS-One adopted his trademark melody from the artist Yellowman that was a type of singing referred to as “Zunguzung”. KRS-One also adopted his mannerisms, such as his speech patterns, and colloquialisms from the Jamaican community attributable to his adoration and fascination with reggae artists, Bob Marley. Who inspired him to premeditatedly set himself apart from the vocal styles and familiarities of that of the soon to be popular rap artist of the late 80s and early

In the song “The Bridge Is Over” he prominently features the snare and bass drum heavily, which is the calling card of the “Boom Bap” style for years to come. Another song that was also under the group name Boogie Down Productions, “South Bronx”, also exemplifies the snare and bass enriched style of the newly advancing sub-genre while also culminating the new culture of Hip-Hop rivalries by responding to Marley Marl’s group “The Juice Crew” about a difference in opinion of where the genre itself is based. The hit solo single by KRS-One titled “Sound Of Da Police” features a gentrified version of the snare and bass enthused “Boom Bap” style years later, which included heavier and more in depth production. This song commented on the overbearing and aggressive presence of the police in low income and African-American dominated communities, which was a hot button issue for many famous acts such as the