KRS-One, also known by numerous names is an individual said to epitomize the essence of an MC. Lawrence Parker was born in the Bronx, New York on August 20, 1965. His name appeared on the rap scene with his Boogie Down Productions counterpart DJ Scott LaRock in 1986 and made history from that day to the present. Also known as “Kris Parker”, “The Blastmaster”, “The Teacha”, and “The Philosopher”, KRS is credited as being one of the greatest MCs in rap. Growing up in the Millbrook housing projects, KRS often accompanies Hare Krishnas, places associated with a new religious movement associated with traditional Hindu Scriptures, and was given the name “Krishna” which then turned to “Kris” and eventually “KRS-One”. KRS-one became his graffiti tag short for “Kris Number One”. He then decided to use this name when he eventually found his way to the stage. He also created an acronym for the name, “Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone.” KRS-One and Scott LaRock met at the Bronx’s Franklin Avenue Armory Shelter where LaRock was a social worker. They began making music but at the beginning, were rejected by DJ Mr. Magic and Marley Marl, which eventually started The Bridge Wars. KRS and Scott were initially called “Scott La Rock and the Celebrity Three”. It wasn’t until the other two members quit that they formed Boogie Down Productions. The duo released Criminal Minded, their debut album in 1987. The album was said to set the template for hardcore and gangsta rap. Later that year, Scott La Rock was killed in a shooting trying to settle a fight beween D-Nice and local gang members. KRS-One also was credited with being the first MC to incorporate Jamaican style into hip-hop. Despite the death of LaRock, Parker wanted to keep Boogie Down Productions going and released By Any Means Necessary in ’88. KRS was responsible for H.E.A.L and the Stop the Violence Movement, sparking the “humanist” era in Parker’s career. He dropped the nickname “Blastmaster” and embraced “The Teacha”. Four Boogie Down Production albums later, KRS decided to work on his own. He released his first solo album, Return of the Boom Bap, in 1993. He worked with DJ Premier, Kid Capri and Showbiz creating the popular song “Sound of da Police”. In ’95, he created his second album, KRS-One. “Free Mumia” was a song protesting the persecution of hip hop by C. Delores Tucker. Surprising many, KRS came out with another album, I Got Next, in 1997. On July 6th, 2007, his stepson, Randy Hubbard Parker committed suicide by gunshot to the head. It was said that randy suffered from severe depression and a memorial service was held on the day that would have been his 24th birthday. Lawrence Parker is one of the pioneers of hip hop, his body of work displays the epitome of an MC. He continues to influence the rap game and will go down in history as one of the best EVER.