Round 2: KRS vs Nelly

KRS Himself Responds!

Last summer a producer and friend asked me to spit some lyrics on a
song he was producing for an artist named Tone-Def. Of course, I
immediately agreed to do the project. For me, it was an opportunity
to support a friend that, over the years, has never ceased to support
me. After some weeks, I finally got a chance to lay down some lyrics
and complete the song. Such lyrics were my artistic attempt to answer
those that had a problem with my views on "real" and "fake" Hiphop.
In hind-site, I should have just left it alone and let people think
whatever they wanted to think. But I didn't.

Before I had dropped my lyrics on Tone-Def's recording, I had been
receiving e-mails, conversations and articles criticizing (and
praising) my various positions regarding what I've called "real
Hiphop" and "fake hip-hop." I believe it is important for Hiphoppas
to grow up and unite around a set of principles designed for our
continued health, love, awareness, and wealth. However, others feel
that the "organizing" or "institutionalizing" of Hiphop,
diminishes its freedom of expression. I respect such concerns. But
when I see Hiphop's culture being turned into a corporate product
because we have no set of cultural principles, I can only think about
the plight of future Hiphoppas and how my role today shall affect
their freedom tomorrow.

With this in mind, I released two songs: "Hot" and "Get Yourself Up,"
both of which pointed out the immaturity and irresponsibility of many
rappers, and how we basically enslave ourselves to interest that
stagnate Hiphop's ability to culturally survive and develop. No…my
lyrics were not directed at Nelly in particular. They were directed
to the general criticisms I had been hearing (especially from
rappers). I had already heard Nelly's song "Number One"
which stated: I'm tired of hearing rappers saying what's real hip-
hop/ … but there album flops! Although I did think his statement was
a bit aggressive for a new comer, I did not take it as a direct "dis"
to me. Even though such a statement showed little respect for
Hiphop's cultural continuity and the opinions of Hiphop's pioneers, I
took Nelly's lyric as him defending himself against his critics. But
everywhere I went someone was either directly, or indirectly, asking
me about what I thought of Nelly's song Number One? Some would even
ask me about the similarities between his use of the chorus "uh-
ooooooo" on his song "……………….." and my use of the same chorus some
five years before on the song "………………….". Each time I heard such
gossip, I would dismiss it and try to bring the focus of the
conversation to Hiphop's unity and preservation.

After a few months, not only is the Tone-Def song released, but an
interesting e-mail goes out with the song implying that this
recording is my answer (dis) to Nelly's song "Number One." This was
simply not the case! However, the message was out and the gossip
intensified. It wouldn't be long before I would receive phone calls
from Nelly's former attorney and his road manager asking me if the
rumors were true? Was I dissin Nelly? I explained to them that the
lyrics I laid down on the Tone-Def recording was an artistic battle-
type rhyme directed at all of my criticizers. That it was not
directed to Nelly in particular, but I could see how people might
take it as such. Therefore, I went on to tell them to tell Nelly that
I am in no way trying to cause a battle with him, and that maybe we
should do something together. Although Nelly's road manager and I did
spend some time contemplating the pros and cons of such a battle, I
informed him that I was writing books, developing the Temple of
Hiphop's membership, and promoting Hiphop Appreciation Week (May
13th - 20th 2002). I went on to explain how I am somewhere else in my
life these days, and that battling rappers is a bit childish for me.
Nevertheless, I also instructed them to take caution because I, and
my army, are always prepared for any threat. Supposedly, they relayed
this message back to Nelly who responded with how he respected and
admired KRS and that he did not have me in mind when he wrote "Number
One." I left it at that.

But the gossip kept growing. Finally on April 16, 2002 on BET's 106th
and Park, Nelly and another artist were being interviewed. Nelly was
asked----------------------------------------- to which he responded--
------------------------------------------. Of course, his response
didn't help to turn down the flames of confrontation. BET even put an
early picture of me on the screen. Something I found interesting, as
if they too were hyping up this controversy. Then I picked up the
latest D.J. clue mix tape and Nelly is recorded there
saying-------------------------------------------------! I don't
know, but it seems as if Nelly is being pushed into a position where
he has to protect himself, his image, his credibility, and his
manhood. I don't blame him, in his position you have to say
something. However, I wonder where all of this is leading to? How
does an emcee battle between KRS and Nelly help Hiphop? As many of
you should know by now, I am forever prepared to accept any emcee
challenge, and I do so eagerly ready to deliver historical ass
whippings to any emcee in doubt. But, the year is 2002, and not 1987.

I have grown from being "Criminal Minded" to being "Spiritual
Minded." I am not so quick to just smash a rapper (on several levels)
because I know I can. KRS is a lot more disciplined these days. In
the past I've been called "contradictory," "egotistical,"
and "arrogant" for responding to similar challenges yet projecting an
image of peace and humility. What shall I be called today if I
respond? I have soldiers, students and secret disciplies in St.Louis
ready to respond right now, but am I not the elder in this situation?
I do not just talk "Spiritually Minded," I am "Spiritually Minded."
And in the spirit I can see that many people praise my efforts in my
face, but behind my back they seek to find anyway they can to set up
my demise! In the spirit I can see an opportunity, not in battling
and conquering Nelly, but in battling and conquering myself! The
temptation to release another Hiphop classic at the expense of
Nelly's credibility and career is great, but it is not overwhelming.
In the spirit I can see the opportunity to strengthen Hiphop's Unity,
not indulge in a battle that leaves us both without wisdom. In the
spirit, this whole thing look's like a set-up! I could see if the
battle was with someone on my cultural level like Big Daddy Kane,
Doug E Fresh, L.L. Cool J, Rakim, Kool G Rap, M.C. Shan, etc. But a
battle with Nelly is simply a mix match that leaves Hiphop
imbalanced. Not that I claim to be above or below Nelly's talent, but
that I am the elder in this situation and it is wisdom and moderation
that must be considered first before rushing to quench the thirst for
confrontation.

Therefore, I shall remain silent, and observe. I do have an
atomically charged, lyrically activated emcee bomb ready for
detonation. But what does the use of such a weapon prove when the
original cause of the confrontation was built upon gossip and the
need to use controversy to sell a record. I shall not be lured into
such traps! I have no beef with Nelly, lyrically or otherwise. I wish
him no harm, and may no harm come to him. For everything is
temporary, even gossip and the need of others to drink from the cup
of confrontation. I wish Nelly great success this year with his new
project. As for me, I will be celebrating Hiphop Appreciation Week
(May 13th - 20th 2002). I will be giving thanks to God, to Hiphop and
to my supporters for the longevity and peace I have received and
continue to enjoy. Let us all think about our roles in Hiphop and how
our actions today shall affect our children tomorrow. Let us tell our
children about Hiphop as a strategy that enhances the quality of
inner-city life. Let us remember that we are not just doing
Hiphop, we are Hiphop! There it is!

-KRS-One

For more information on KRS-One go to http://digablerecords.planet-
hiphop.com or email Lisa "Chase" Patterson at meridian@planet-
hiphop.com. For more information on Nelly, go to
http://www.stlhiphop.com.