Enter the Vault with The Teacha
The ground floor of 140 Peachtree Street once held a bank vault that protected the city’s financial treasures. Today, its golden door swung open not for money—but for wisdom, as Hip-Hop pioneer KRS-One arrived for an exclusive South Atlanta Magazine photo shoot and interview.
Known as The Teacha, KRS-One stood in his element, surrounded by heavy metal and heavier metaphors. The vault—once a symbol of protection and power—now served as a fitting backdrop for a man whose voice and lyrics have stored decades of cultural wealth.
“The Music Is the Calling Card”
Born Lawrence Parker in the Bronx, KRS-One exploded onto the scene in the 1980s with tracks like:
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“South Bronx”
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“The Bridge is Over”
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“Criminal Minded”
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“Love’s Gonna Getcha”
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“Sound of da Police”
Now in his fourth decade of performance, KRS-One still tours, lectures, and releases music on his own terms. “Back then we were saying to society, ‘We exist,’” he said. “That’s what Hip-Hop was for us. A declaration.”
Hip-Hop as Higher Learning
“There can never really be justice on stolen land.”
— KRS-One, “Sound of da Police”
Songs like “Black Cop” and “Sound of da Police” remain chillingly relevant. Written in the early 1990s, these tracks still echo in today’s social climate, especially following the murder of George Floyd. But for KRS-One, these are more than protest anthems—they’re historical documentation.
“Songs like these voice the views of the so-called marginalized,” he explained. “They are global critiques, not just American ones.”
Beyond the Bars: Legacy and Lectures
KRS-One isn’t just an emcee. He’s a lecturer, philosopher, and educator. His “Temple of Hip Hop” hosts weekly sessions, and his lecture series, Black Ourstory, offers a deep philosophical dive into Black history.
Recent works include:
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“Don’t Fall For It”
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“Black, Black, Black”
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Short film: “Street Light”
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Album: “Between Da Protests”
All of this underlines his core belief: Hip-Hop is a culture, not just music.
Hip-Hop Is a Family Business
KRS-One doesn’t walk alone. His wife and manager Simone G. Parker, and their children are deeply involved in the business. Their last family tour was in Europe in 2019, and according to Simone, it was “an unforgettable experience.”
“Home is wherever the family is,” said KRS. “Touring does that.”
A Culture That Keeps Giving
Despite his love for classic “boom bap,” KRS-One isn’t anti-evolution. “I enjoy some of today’s music,” he admitted. “But it doesn’t give me the same feeling. What they call Hip-Hop today—it’s not what we meant it to be. But that’s okay. Make your own lane.”
And if you’re wondering—yes, 80s and 90s Hip-Hop is still alive and thriving. He reminds us that legends like Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, and Big Daddy Kane are still touring and captivating audiences.
On Legacy, Loss, and “Departing Earth Aimed Toward Heaven”
Reflecting on the passing of fellow artists DMX, Shock G, and Black Rob, KRS-One offered this:
“They’re in a better place. They were all fighting parts of themselves they wanted to change. Their influence will never be forgotten.”
He ended with an acronym crafted by his wife, Simone:
D.E.A.T.H. = Departing Earth Aimed Toward Heaven
Final Class Notes from The Teacha
From boomboxes to Black excellence, KRS-One has turned his career into a curriculum. His enduring mission? Educate through art. Provoke with purpose. Lead through lyrics.
Before exiting the vault and slipping into the Atlanta sunset, he reminded us:
“I live in America. But more importantly—I live in Hip-Hop.”