KRS-ONE (Review May 22nd, 2006)

Published in BCNWEEK
Issue #2
May 26 - June 1, 2006

“This is a mic check. Check,check one . ..check one ...one,one,one,one.” What happened to two? Three? If you were waiting for the “two”last Sunday in the Apolo, you walked home disappointed. There was only One. There is only one KRS-One. For those who don’t know nada about hip-hop, KRS-One is one of her godfathers. Known as “the teacher” and most often criticized as too much of a preacher, his influence on hip-hop is unquestionable. KRS, as a part of Boogie Down Productions, built a forceful career on aggressive, socially pertinent lyrics for the people and similarly hard-hitting beats from his friend and DJ Scott La Rock, shot to death in 1987 while trying to stop a fight. KRS’s political lyrics have always kept him out of the mainstream and when he emphasized “Fuck MTV!” at the end of a verse last Sunday night, underground hip-hop heads in the house didn’t hesitate to cheer. A “fuck George W.Bush” was also warmly received.
Even without a presence in mainstream music culture, this One rapper has achieved fame and respect working with impressive energy to make himself, his music, and his message known.That’s what stood out Sunday night: energy. The Apolo wasn’t sold out; wasn’t filled to the brim. Hip-hop shows that are filled are rare here in Barcelona. But the crowd lacked for nothing when KRS hit the stage with several of his best known songs as starters including “MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know,” “South Bronx,” and what seems to be a worldwide favorite,“Sound of the Police.” Using the delicate art of MCing which, within hip-hop culture has about forty different meanings, perhaps the most important of which is Move the Crowd, KRS kept hands waving in the air (like they just didn’t care) and bodies jumping to the beat. The Apolo was infused with the unmistakable hip-hop energy unique to good hip-hop shows. And when he called local break-dancers to the stage (with the help of a Spanish translator, an idea that has never occurred to the other famous rappers that have played either the Apolo or Razzmatazz) his dedication to the street, and to the people was apparent. Later he called for beat boxers and two rose to the challenge. It was dope, impressive and inspiring to see breakers and boxers on stage doing their thing alongside one of the padres of the culture we adore. The end of the concert lagged a little, as KRS seemed to tire and complained about the sound equipment, lack of bass, and mic levels, but overall it was buenisimo. So,thanks for the show KRS, and thanks for teaching. And in the words of the late Sublime guitarist, Bradley Nowell,“In school they never taught ‘bout hamburgers or steak, Elijah, Mohammed or the Welfare State ... but I know ...and I know because of KRS-One.”