Fri 7/25 @ 7:30PM
KRS-One, real name Lawrence Parker, was one of the pioneering 80s generation of hip-hop artists who spearheaded the genre’s breakthrough into the mainstream. A New York City native, he was originally part of Boogie Down Productions but continued to make a name for himself on his own. Although raised in a violent background, he became known for being an activist for peace, justice and self-awareness, taking a different tack at a time when gangsta rap was starting to make a big impact. He founded groups such as the Stop the Violence Movement and the Temple of Hip Hop to encourage the genre’s social consciousness.
KRS-One was the headliner at Cleveland’s 2023 FreshFest at Rid-All Farm, which typically features a legacy hip-hop act as its headliner (This year’s headliner at the September festival is MC Lyte.) He spent as much time onstage sharing his ideas and philosophies as he did rapping.
This week he’ll be at the Rock Hall where he’ll present an introduction to hip hop, taking listeners on a musical journey of more than four decades. His performance in the Foster Theater will be followed by a conversation with the Rock Hall’s Vice President of Education Jason Hanley.
Get tickets here.