I never ever ran from the Ku Klux Klan, and I shouldn’t have to run from a black man.
- Kool Moe Dee, “Self-Destruction,” from Stop the Violence All-Stars’ Self Destruction, 1989
You got to have style, and learn to be original.
- KRS-One, “My Philosophy,” from Boogie Down Productions’ By All Means Necessary, 1988
Teach the student what needs to be taught.
‘Cause black and white kids both take shorts
When one doesn’t know about the other one’s culture,
Ignorance swoops down like a vulture.
‘Cause black and white kids both take shorts
When one doesn’t know about the other one’s culture,
Ignorance swoops down like a vulture.
- KRS-One, “You Must Learn,” from Boogie Down Production’s Ghetto Music – The Blueprint of Hip-Hop, 1989
Ignorance is a poison and knowledge will nourish.
- KRS-One, “Word From Our Sponsor,” from Boogie Down Productions’ Criminal Minded, 1987
Are you tired of lyrical liars, passing fliers,
Wannabe MC’s, but really good triers,
Tripping over mic cords, getting you bored,
A total fraud, this kind of thing I can’t afford!
Wannabe MC’s, but really good triers,
Tripping over mic cords, getting you bored,
A total fraud, this kind of thing I can’t afford!
- KRS-One, “Mortal Thought,” Return of the Boom-Bap, 1993
It’s not about a salary, it’s all about reality.
- KRS-One, “My Philosophy,” from Boogie Down Productions’ By All Means Necessary, 1988
Rebel, renegade, must stay paid.
- KRS-One, “I’m Still #1”, from Boogie Down Productions’ By Any Means Necessary, 1990
