KRS-One Requires Emcees to Obtain Their Flowers Whereas They Can Nonetheless Scent Them

KRS-One, a towering determine in hip-hop with a fame for being unapologetically outspoken, has as soon as once more made waves along with his candid critique of the style he helped form. Throughout a latest look on 97.9 The Field, the Boogie Down Productions frontman took goal at a troubling pattern in hip-hop: the elevation of artists to legendary standing solely after they’ve handed away.

The dialog was sparked by the demise of rapper and radio character Fatman Scoop, who handed away on August 30. KRS-One, whereas praising Scoop, lamented the truth that such recognition usually comes too late. “It’s a disgrace we’re speaking about him on this approach,” KRS-One stated. “Hip-hop gotta cease doing that. Solely when dudes cross, that’s after they get on.”

KRS-One’s feedback mirror a broader frustration with how the tradition usually overlooks expertise throughout an artist’s lifetime, solely to rejoice them posthumously. “We should always’ve been taking a look at Fatman Scoop when his profession was blowing up,” he continued, noting that Scoop by no means acquired the radio play or recognition he deserved whereas he was alive. This sample, in keeping with KRS-One, is a big situation within the hip-hop group.

When requested by the interviewer whether or not different genres honor their deceased artists extra appropriately, KRS-One didn’t maintain again. “Different genres suck,” he remarked bluntly. “We don’t give a fck about them. Hip-hop runs sht.” For KRS-One, hip-hop, as probably the most influential style in up to date music, ought to set the usual for the way artists are appreciated and remembered.

This isn’t the primary time KRS-One has voiced his considerations in regards to the path of contemporary hip-hop. Throughout a 2023 panel on the Essence Competition, he shocked the viewers by labeling trendy rappers as “traitors” to the style’s unique intent. “What folks name rap or hip-hop in the present day is a shame to our tradition,” he declared. “An absolute betrayal, disrespect, and a shame… If you already know what unique hip-hop is all about and also you select to do the other, you a traitor.”

Whereas KRS-One has proven respect for up to date artists like Kendrick Lamar, it’s clear that he believes hip-hop has strayed too removed from its roots. His name to motion is a reminder to followers and the business alike: recognize the expertise in entrance of you earlier than it’s too late. For KRS-One, the time to provide artists their flowers is now, whereas they’ll nonetheless odor them.