Krs-One

Hip-Hop Master Teacher

Krist Parker, also known as KRS-ONE (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone), is one of the most important and influential rappers in the industry whose ascent from street kid to rap revolutionary to acclaimed lecturer and intellectual is the stuff of hip-hop legend. Born in Brooklyn, Parker was raised by his mother and quickly learned…

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Full Bio

Krist Parker, also known as KRS-ONE (Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone), is one of the most important and influential rappers in the industry whose ascent from street kid to rap revolutionary to acclaimed lecturer and intellectual is the stuff of hip-hop legend.

Born in Brooklyn, Parker was raised by his mother and quickly learned how to survive on the streets as his family frequently moved from borough to borough. In 1981, Parker left home to pursue a career as a philosopher and an emcee. As one of the city’s many homeless citizens, he sought shelter in a men’s shelter, where he met social worker Scott Sterling, also known as DJ Scott La Rock. The two teamed up and created Boogie Down Productions, producing the album Criminal Minded in 1987. After Sterling was killed while trying to break up a street right, Parker became one of the major influences behind the Stop the Violence Movement.

Parker has played a crucial role in bringing a social and political conscience to hip-hop through such groundbreaking albums as By All Means Necessary, Criminal Minded, Edutainment, and Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip-Hop. As a solo artist, he has continued to expand the genre’s thematic and musical boundaries, rapping on albums for artists as diverse as R.E.M. and Shabba Ranks. He has garnered 16 gold and platinum recording awards for his 15 albums.

He has written several books, including The Science of Rap, Ruminations, and The Gospel of Hip-Hop. He has been honored by the United Nations, VH1, Billboard magazine, and The Source magazine. His music has been sampled by star artists such as Ja Rule, P. Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, Sublime, Mos Def, and Dr. Dre.

Krist “KRS-ONE” Parker has lectured at over 500 universities and colleges nationwide. A blunt and outspoken rapper, intellectual, and activist, he passionately speaks about industry politics, respect, and the linguistics of hip-hop. In a time when hip-hop’s culture, art, beauty, and depth seem to have been trampled on by a desperate and impoverished generation, Parker firmly stands as the preservation of hip-hop itself.

Testimonials

Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS

Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC

Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY

I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY

Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS

Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER

The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER

Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY

Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY

It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!