The KRS ONE interview is now available online. Getting this interview took a lot of hustle man. We lined up the interview ahead of time with his manager, who said he would be available for an interview after the sound check, but things don’t always go according to plan. We were at the Opera House at 7pm and no KRS in sight. When KRS-ONE finally pulled up to the Opera House at around 11pm, there were about a dozen other camera crews waiting to pounce on him. The SUV he was in, pulled off and returned with only his DJ, who was his acting manager for this visit. I explained to him our situation and how we had been guaranteed an interview before his set, but he was like, “Good Luck.”

So we waited, and waited, and then about 15minutes before he was due to go on stage I noticed a tall brotha in a hoodie across the street, and another dude who I recognized was Minista Zin of the The Temple of Hip Hop. I said to myself “That’s gotta be KRS.” So I followed my hunch and approached the scene, and when I realized it was KRS, I tried not to act surprised, but I also didn’t want to be rude and interrupt their conversation. However my presence alone made them pause, and I immediately filled the silence by giving daps to Minista Zin, “Whad up Zin” and then to KRS. I think this helped break the ice since I’m sure KRS ONE is used to people recognizing him first and completely ignoring Zin. BTW, Minista Zin looks nothing like your ordinary Minister, decked out in robes.

I explained to KRS-ONE that I didn’t want to bait out their hideout, but Cyphers cameras are here with lights that can turn this dark alleyway into daylight with a flick of a switch. I suggested that we go deeper into the alleyway to stay hidden and we would conduct the interview from there. They said cool, but they needed a bit of time to finish their discussion, which was cool with me cause I still had to round up the camera crew. Ngardy (Producer of many hats) who was operating camera #1 was already outside, but Johnny who was on Camera #2 was inside backstage setting up the stationary lights for the possibility of a backstage interview. I think I set a new world record for getting past Opera House security (which is tighter than a US Boarder crossing), and getting backstage to find Johnny and then back to the alleyway again.

Now just a few minutes into the interview, KRS-ONE’s DJ approaches the scene and was like “We are on stage, NOW.” At this point I have only asked about 2 of my 20 questions. Luckily KRS was like “Keep the cameras rolling and follow me to the stage.” So the interview continued and I was able to get a few more questions in but we still needed more. I tried to get the rest of my questions answered after his set, but his time was limited. To finish the interview we had to wait until he returned to T.Dot a few months later for the Rock The Bells tour.

Now you would think it would be easier to get a one on one interview now, but wrong. You see all of KRS-ONE’s interviews have to be approved by his manager, who was a different person this time. So once again we are back to square one, and to make matters worse, bigger broadcasters like MUCH and CBC were present to take priority. However due to the persistence of Ngardy, who had lined up the interview ahead of time and our willingness to not go away, we were able to get slotted in. Once again, about 3 questions in, his manager was like “We need you on stage NOW.” Being the cool brotha that he is, KRS was like “Walk with me to the stage.” Talk about déjà vu yo! So I had to prioritize my questions to get the juice we needed and away it went.

Once again I would like to big up Shaun Bolden @ Beanpie for all these photos. All and all I think the struggles we went through to get this interview gives it more value, at least in my eyes. It’s all about being at the right place at the right time, and then being prepared to act fast when the opportunity arises. Big up Ngardy and Johnny, the ultimate “change-of-plan-on-the-fly“ Crew. Enjoy
http://www.aux.tv/video/Cyper-KRS-One-Buckshot/

Whad Up Fam

Is there anyone who has done more for the progression of Hip Hop other than KRS-ONE?  I think the only person that comes close is Africa Bambaataa who was the first to pronounce Hip Hop as a culture by exposing the first 4 elements of Hip Hop.  KRS-ONE furthered the teachings of Bam and introduced another 5 elements to the list and helped create the Stop The Violence Movement. That’s just a brief description of what KRS has done for the progression of the culture.  This brotha was rocking stages when a lot of y’all were still swimming in your daddy’s nuts.  I think I was around 7 years old when he released his first album Criminal Minded.  He has been able to stay relevant throughout the decades and is still putting on hype shows, dropping fresh tracks and has remained true to his teachings.  Like a fine wine, KRS only gets better with time.

When I hear the words KRS-ONE, what immediately comes to mind is the phrase “Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live.”  When I heard those words for the first time a few decades ago, it struck a major cord in my brain that still resonates to this day.  I hope the new generation of Hip Hoppers are continuing to dig deep into the history for some valuable lessons.

Back in the summer I was blessed with the opportunity to meet up with KRS-ONE on two separate occasions.  Our Cypher cameras were able to capture some of his extraordinary stage and community presence and we also got an in-depth interview profiling his past, present and future.  Big up my man Shaun Bolden just chillin’ in the cut to get these candid photos. Yall’ ain’t ready for Beanpie.  The KRS-ONE interview will air this Friday @9pm on AUX (channel 107 Rogers).  A week later it will be available online for the world to see.  Also Ian Kamau, an ill Emcee out of T Dot will be featured in the same episode as KRS ONE.  It’s only fitting since Kamau is one to speak nothing but truth when ever he blesses the mic.

Now you know I always try to spread the love around.  Last week I posted an interview with Marco Polo, who is an ill producer, and Torae who is a sick Emcee.  This week I wanna show love to the DJ, with this interview we did on DJ Nana.  If your reading this and wondering who DJ Nana is, all I can say is the brotha never stops working.  He is based out of T.Dot but his reach goes far out to places like South Africa.  He overstands the roll of the DJ and can create a disgusting beat off the MPC 2000.  Very well rounded artist, and I only hope yall take the time to learn more about his contributions to Hip Hop.  I’ve posted his interview bellow.  In case you cannot see it just follow this link http://www.aux.tv/video/Cypher-110-DJ-Nana/