THE DARKSIDE OF A HIP-HOP LEGEND: Behind the Scenes with KRS-One
Several tour members referred to KRS as “The Great Conniver” and depicted him as having a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex. Contrary to the title of his new album “Keep Right”, a**ociates close to KRS say he is doing everything wrong.
New York, NY (PRWEB) July 9, 2004 -- Coming off a hectic KRS-One tour schedule, EOD, a Bronx-born MC and entrepreneur, had some explicit words for his longtime idol. After a chaotic KRS show at Nanci Rayguns, a Richmond nightclub, several tour members referred to KRS as “The Great Conniver” and depicted him as having a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde complex. Contrary to the title of his new album “Keep Right”, a**ociates close to KRS say he is doing everything wrong.
With the club temperature feeling like a burning inferno, it was no surprise that a catfight broke out between two drunken females in the front row. The show seemed to be going down hill until EOD and Ox, a new rapper from Atlanta, grabbed the microphones. They dropped a few highly energized verses and brought the crowd back to attention.
“The vibe wasn’t right,” said EOD. “So we had to spit some good spirits to uplift the crowd.” When the show ended, there were over a dozen performers who were part of KRS’ entourage claiming to be left behind. As they converged in front of the nightclub, they shared similar stories about KRS promising to pay them, and then pulling a disappearing act.
One dancer broke out in tears because she was paid no money, had no where to stay, and couldn’t afford the ten hour drive back to Atlanta. “His people are preying on hungry artists because they know hungry artists are like obedient slaves,” EOD continues. “They do whatever it takes to get put on!”
As more people began protesting about KRS’ apparent deceptions, EOD seemed to be appointed as spokesperson for the entire group. With the stature of a 6’5” ballplayer, EOD instantly commands attention. “KRS was like a rapping Mandela,” EOD continues. “Now it seems like he’s just perpetrating and conniving the people who depend on him.”
These strong feelings get even stronger a minute later, “You can’t be surprised, this is typical industry stuff,” EOD continues. “People just expect more from KRS than the typical shady rapper bit.”
EOD was closer to the rap legend than many others on the tour. He was handpicked by KRS to not just open shows, but to also perform along side him. They shared the performance stage, and also worshiped together at the Inspirit Truth Center in Atlanta. “I felt even more betrayed cause I thought he was a loyal character,” EOD says. “I’m about the truth, your word is still your bond in my book. I guarantee that the truth will be heard.”
HHWMag reporter, Phil Mckenzie, caught up with EOD a week later outside a New York recording studio. The Bronx MC was wrapping up production on some new songs. “I just finished Criminal Minded 04,” referring to a gritty yet catchy song about his dealings with the Blast Master KRS. “It’s time for the truth,” EOD shouts while pa**ing out a couple of CDs.
After listening to three cleverly metaphoric songs, it is hard to deny EOD as a serious lyrical contender, in the ring with a Hip-Hop legend. The buzz about “Criminal Minded 04” is spreading rapidly across the Internet, and can be heard at sites like
www.HipHopWorld.net . In the song, EOD poses some serous questions about KRS’ character. The stage is set for another heartfelt Hip-Hop battle.
Metaphor, KRS’ road manager, had no comment at press time. Following the song review, HHWMag contacted EOD to praise his creativity, and also to sneak in some last minute questions.
HHWMag: What’s fueling your fire to attack KRS so hard?
EOD: I’m not attacking him. It’s all in the spirit of real Hip-Hop. My music is about truth. I respect KRS the artist, but I’m not feeling Chris the person! I appreciate what he represents to Hip-Hop, but now I know the real person. He had cats driving from Atlanta to Richmond, from VA to Cali. That’s a 3-day drive, and all they had was his WORD! Thank God I’m not starving for doe, so I was able to take planes back and forth. It was all love during the shows and then afterwards he forgot everything he promised. He’s breaching contracts left and right.
HHWMag: How did you hook up with KRS in the first place?
EOD: He caught me performing at the Inspirit Truth Center in ATL, and handpicked me to perform with him on tour. The tour started 2 days later and I was willing to drop everything to make it happen. That ain’t easy in my position. I have a business to run. Time is money man! I had a lot at stake, but when KRS personally gave me his word on things, I figured it was good as gold.
HHWMag: Aren’t you worried about the backlash of attacking a notorious battle champ?
EOD: Hell no-he attacked me! I’m 100% confident in my lyrical abilities. I thank God for them everyday. KRS don’t wanna hear about all the people he left stranded, thousands of miles from home, with a toothbrush and $5 dollars in their pockets! When you shit on people enough, eventually you get some on yourself! That’s what’s happening now. You spit on me, I spit on you and the streets feel me! It’s all in the song man. I was raised to live and die by my word. If your word is phony your whole purpose it worthless!
