Kris Parker, or better known as KRS-One or The Teacher, was one of the front men of Boogie Down Productions was one of the most influential groups of the late eighties, early nineties when hardcore rap/hip-hop was beginning to take hold. KRS-One was a lyrical leader for his fellow rappers and listeners alike. He angrily spouted intellectual lyrics about political and social injustices and called for change. In 1989 he forefronted the lofty Stop the Violence Movement trying to get the youth to enact change in peaceful manners. Then, in 1993, KRS-One released his first solo album, Return of the Boom Bap, due to complaints from fans that he had become too preachy and political, he attempted to slash the lessons and add harder, street raps into this album. In 1995 he released a self-titled album immediately followed in 96 by Battle for Rap Supremacy and 97 with I got Next. There was then a break in the KRS releases, but he was working the whole time because he began to release albums quickly. In 2001 he released The Sneak Attack, Spiritual Minded in 2002, D.I.G.I.T.A.L, Kristyles, and How Bad Do You Want It in 2003 and Keep Right and Peedo and the Luna Empire Mix Tape in 2004. As prolific and angry as he has remained, commercial success measuring his success with BDP has never been recaptured, even with a public lyric battle with Nellie.

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KRS-One taught a generation how to question authority and rebel against social norms. He may have gotten a bit preachy, or bit power crazy, but the intent was good. KRS stood for a better hip-hoppin' world and for this he should be praised. Although he fell out of favor with finicky rap listeners, his music is still a learning experience. Unfortunately, the things he was seeking to change have mostly stayed the same, maybe we should have listened to KRS a little bit more?