Home / Quotes / Quote by KRS-One

Quote by KRS-One

“I think music should be free. I think all communication should be free. I think people should respect artists, and there should be a certain respect for artists who give their music away for free. If your music winds up on Napster and you approve of it, then the person downloading your music should at least go to your concert, should at least purchase your songs.”

Quote by KRS-One

Author

KRS-One

KRS-One, born Kurtis Mantronik, is an American rapper, music producer, and poet. Born on August 20, 1965, he is one of the key figures in hip-hop music. Known for his profound social commentary and poetic flow, KRS-One's work has had a significant impact on the development of hip-hop. more

“To me, that's the biggest problem with hip-hop today is the fact that everyone believes that all of hip-hop is rap music, and that, when you say "hip-hop," it's synonymous with rap. That when you say "hip-hop," you should be thinking about breakdancing, graffiti art, or MCing - which is the proper name for rap - DJing, beat-boxing, language, fashion, knowledge, trade. You should be thinking about a culture when you say, "hip-hop.".”

Thinking Believe Art Problem Today Culture Language Fashion Trade Rap Graffiti Rap Music

Author:KRS-One

“I think that hip-hop should be spelled with a capital "H," and as one word. It's the name of the culture, and it's the name of the identity and consciousness. I think hip-hop is not a product, but a culture. I think rap is a product, but when hip-hop becomes a product, that's slavery, because you're talking about people's souls.”

Thinking Soul Culture Consciousness Identity Slavery Rap

Author:KRS-One

“I think that all journalists, specifically print journalists, have a responsibility to educate the public. When you handle a culture's intellectual property, like journalists do, you have a responsibility not to tear it down, but to raise it up. The depiction of rap and of hip-hop culture in the media is one that needs more of a responsible approach from journalists. We need more 30-year-old journalists. We need more journalists who have children, who have families and wives or husbands, those kinds of journalists. And then you'll get a different depiction of hip-hop and rap music.”