Hip Hop

Hip is the Knowledge, hop is the Movement. Hip and Hop is Intelligent movement.
- KRS-One

“Heaven is not a place you go to, it is a place you grow to.” —Edgar Cayce

"IN THE END, the last days of others became the first days for us! ALL PRAISE, GLORY AND WORSHIP BE TO GOD—the Love that rescued us from oppression and ignorance!

And to all future generations of Hip Hop, know this; it is this Love that has delivered this gospel to OUR PEOPLE for OUR correction and survival. This gospel comes to us as the physical manifestation of GOD’s grace and love for Hip Hop.

I am but one of many who was saved by such Love. In my time (your past) I am called teacha; I was present at the first time. I am the first born. I am from the Age of Leo, and I have come to call our Hip Hop nation into existence.

To all future generations of Hip Hop, I am the b-boy who destroys all negative circumstances everyday spiritually.

I am the emcee who reaches above poverty skillfully; the divine word-warrior known in my time as the Blast Master.

I am the graffiti writer who thinks and grows spiritually; I draw peace, love, unity and joy.

I am the DJ who delivers justice while cuttin’, mixin’ and scratchin’ with life.

I am the beat boxer whose body expresses art through sound; I play GOD’s instrument.

I am the fashion that uncovers the fear and shame hidden in oppressive nations.

I am the language that loves and never gets understanding amongst grown-up educators; I am the utterance of my culture.

I am known as Knowledge Reigning Supreme; I build and destroy, heal and inspire with the right combination of words.

I am the entrepreneur who presents expert negotiating that repeatedly escapes poverty’s routine experiences, never exploiting unlimited resources. In my time I am self-created and self-sustained.

I AM HIP HOP! I am not just doing hip-hop, I am Hip Hop! I am the Watchman in the tower of Hip Hop’s Inner City urging my people to turn from sickness, hatred, ignorance and poverty, and be restored to health, love, awareness and wealth. I am “the Teacha”—a witness to the activity of GOD within and around Hip Hop...

Nowhere else in the World is the King’s Dream so accurately expressed as within Hip Hop. Nowhere else in the World is there an international culture that is truly home to all races, classes, ethnicities and religious beliefs without prejudice other than Hip Hop. Sure, individuals may practice such a vision, but as for the social structures and foundations of whole communities, none can match the inclusive nature of Hip Hop today—even the African American community itself has not risen to the character and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Nowhere else in the World is a person truly judged by the “content of their character” as opposed to the “color of their skin” than within Hip Hop. Hip Hop even fulfills the King’s economic strategies for lower income and poor people. HIP HOP IS THE PROMISED LAND."

- The Gospel of Hip Hop: First Instrument, the first book from the I Am Hip Hop, is the philosophical masterwork of KRS ONE. Set in the format of the Christian Bible, this 800-plus-page opus is a life-guide manual for members of Hip Hop Kulture that combines classic philosophy with faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Hip Hop as a life path. Known as “The Teacha,” KRS ONE developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Brooklyn, New York, engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected emcees in Hip Hop history. Respected as Hip Hop’s true steward, KRS ONE painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as “Hiphoppas,” can and should preserve its future.

"The Teacha" also discusses the origination of Hip Hop Kulture and relays specific instances in history wherein one can discover the same spirit and ideas that are at the core of Hip Hop’s current manifestation. He explains Hip Hop down to the actual meaning and linguistic history of the words “hip” and “hop,” and describes the ways in which "Hiphoppas" can change their current circumstances to create a future that incorporates Health, Love, Awareness, and Wealth (H-LAW).

Committed to fervently promoting self-reliance, dedicated study, peace, unity, and truth, The "Teacha" has drawn both criticism and worship from within and from outside of Hip Hop Kulture. In this beautifully written, inspiring book, KRS ONE shines the light of truth, from his own empirical research over a 14-year period, into the fascinating world of Hip Hop.

- KRS ONE is a philosopher, activist, author, lecturer, and emcee. Since founding canonical Hip Hop act Boogie Down Productions in the mid-1980s, he has released a granite-solid catalog of 19 full-length albums, along with a star-studded list of collaborations. In 1988 he founded the Stop the Violence Movement, a collective of artists, activists, educators, and entertainers exploring the roots of violence while working to promote the development of positive conflict resolution methods; he is currently producing an album celebrating the organization’s 20th anniversary, with contributions by Nelly, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, The Game, Hakiem Green, Grant Parks, Duane “Da Rock” Ramos, and many others. KRS ONE is an accomplished public speaker who has delivered lectures at over 500 colleges, universities, and other venues. In addition to The Gospel of Hip Hop, he is the author of The Science of Rap (1995) and Ruminations (Welcome Rain, 2003). Currently, KRS-One is touring the United States with Stop the Violence, urging America’s urban centers to seek non-violent conflict resolution over revenge and war."