Tif's tales: Rapping with KRS-One
I had no idea Midnight Sun commenter Tif was so tied into the local hip-hop scene. Either that or he's a compulsive liar. You decide.
In this multi-part series, Tif will talk about some of his encounters with hip-hop icons. Today, it's hip-hop pioneer KRS-One. Take it away, Tif:
Though I toured the country performing a "Hip-Hop is Dead" piece, I am, despite the rumors, a fan of hip-hop.
I am not a fan of rap and since that's enough fodder for a thesis, we won't go that route.
My fondest memories are hosting shows with my partner DJ P-Funk. He would headline with artists, open the stage for local artists, and include all the elements of hip-hop in his shows.
There would be plywood outside for graffiti artists, breakers and dancers on the floor, he would be spinning on the tables, beat boxers would be on stage and of cource the emcees. We did these shows at The Ottobar, Fletchers, and Sonar. ...
One of my favorite emcees was KRS-One (pictured). When KRS or Teach as we called him came to town he would give us every possible bang for our buck.
He would rhyme on stage that he wasn't going to stop despite the club's closing requirements. He would invite every emcee in the house to do their own freestyle.
After a few Bmore visits, I remember encouraging a Bmore club owner's younger brother to come with me for the opportunity to rhyme on stage with KRS-One. It was like a scene from "8 Mile."
I shoved him on stage after Teach's invite. His arms were sweaty and his knees weak; he was nervous but on the surface he was calm and ready. The youngster grabbed the mic and started ripping with nodded acknowledgement from Teach and he just exploded. That's the energy that Teach brang.
(Baltimore Sun archive photo)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
