KRS-ONE is, simply put, one of the most influential rappers of all time. In the early ’80s, he more or less invented alternative hip-hop, taking on political and social issues at a time when most other rappers were still boasting about their bling. To realize that his critique of hip-hop in “My Philosophy” (when he was part of Boogie Down Productions) came out in 1988 is stunning: “See I’m tellin, and teaching real facts/The way some act in rap is kind of wack/And it lacks creativity and intelligence/But they don’t care cause the company is sellin’ it.” KRS always seemed a step ahead; around that same time he won what some consider the first real MC battle, against MC Shan, and started the Stop the Violence Movement that nearly united East Coast hip-hop. After Nas put out Hip-Hop Is Dead in 2006, KRS-One released Hip-Hop Lives. And it does, thanks in large part to him. Dirtbag Dan, Ocalaholics Krew and DJ Aspect open.
Avalon Nightclub
Friday, Sept. 9
8pm; $15.
