KRS-One Explains His Absence from the Grammy’s 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

@professordaddyyo and KRS-One discuss how KRS-One turned down a personal invitation from LL COOL J.

KRS-One emphasized the longstanding neglect of hip-hop and proudly declared himself a positive hip-hop extremist. The rap legend urged acknowledgment for the genre as it approaches its 50th anniversary, highlighting its importance at the 47th year. Despite this stance, he revealed that LL Cool J, a hip-hop mogul, reached out to him regarding the Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop.But he turn  down the invitation to perform at the golden jubilee. Here's what he had to say.

"With all due respect, LL COOL J himself called me, spoke to my wife and pretty much begged for me to be on the show but we turned him down. And reason being is because I know people don’t understand this, and I say this respectfully: KRS-One is a Hip Hop extremist. I’m not violent, a violent extremist. I’m insane with this culture. I know I must have lost my mind in this
"

- KRS-One

"You ignored Hip Hop for 49 years. At the 50th year, you wanna call us? You couldn’t even call on 47 and gear it up to 50. You wait to the 50th year to call Hip Hop’s authentic teacher?”
"

- KRS-One

Andre 3000 was one of the rappers who turned down 50 years of hiphop celebrations. Andre noted  he received lucrative offers to participate in this year’s festivities, but turned them down.

"I wouldn’t want to be — I’m doing it just because I’m trying to meet an expectation. I didn’t get into OutKast for that, you know.
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- Andre 3000

About KRS One

In the realm of American rap, Lawrence "Kris" Parker, aka KRS-One or Teacha, emerges from the vibrant scene of the South Bronx. His rise to fame unfolds with the inception of Boogie Down Productions, the groundbreaking hip-hop group he co-founded alongside DJ Scott La Rock in the mid-1980s.

KRS one is known for songs like sound of da police, the brigde is over, step into a world, stop the violence, 9mm goes bang, you must learn, my philosophy and love gonna got cha.

Though the legend did not take part of 50 years of hip-hop celebrations he released a song to mark the event. Titled 50 more years of hiphop is a hard hitting rap songs, that he talks about him self and the way forward for another golden years of hiphop. Listen to the song below 

Grammy Salute to 50 years of hiphop

The 'Grammy Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop' was a spectacular event that showcased the genre's profound history and celebrated its cultural impact around the world. The event was more than a concert; it was a cultural tapestry woven with the threads of hip-hop's rich history.

Public Enemy, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, T.I., Gunna, Tyga, Too $hort, Latto, E-40, Big Daddy Kane, GloRilla, and Three 6 Mafia all delivered exclusive performances.

A highly anticipated reunion from hip-hop pioneers DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince was one of the key moments of the night. Queen Latifah' also took the stage alongside other influential female artists like DJ Spinderella, Monie Love, MC Sha-Rock, Roxanne Chante, JJ FAD, Mc Lyte, Remy Ma, and Latto. 

The event featured a non-chronological presentation, categorizing acts by style, gender, region, or affiliation, which allowed for a diverse and inclusive celebration of hip-hop's many facets. 

What is the next 50 years of hip-hop going to be like? Will it be ignored as revealed by KRS-One? 

Related: A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Star-Studded Tribute Concert 2023