Ruminations [With CD]

by KRS-One and Annabeth Albert

Book Overview

KRS-One, a.k.a. Kris Parker, is undoubtedly one of the most important and influential pioneers of hip-hop, and his ascent from homeless street kid to rap revolutionary to acclaimed lecturer and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566492742
• ISBN13: 9781566492744
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Welcome Rain Publishers
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Dope, insightful

A book that really makes you think. A good beginning as a published author for Kris. As to the klowns that gave KRS 1 star, quit being a hater and realize that kris still is and always be one of the greatest emcees in hip hop history. The kat that hated on kris' last few album probably supports trash like Chingy and Nelly.

Everything you'd expect from KRS and more...

Wow, ADL123, do you believe everything the media tells you? I mean seriously, there is a chapter in this book about the spiritual meaning of 9/11! And nothing even closely related to that quote is to be found! Even if he said that, the context of what he really meant would be way over your head anyways. This book is outstanding, he barely even talks about the rap scene until the last two chapters. So many things he pointed out in this book have caused me to change the way I view things in life. KRS is an incredible mind and figure, and it's sad that when he says something that's taken out of context it's the only way he ever can get even a shred of attention from the media and our society. And Kris always has something important to say, regarding this secular world of ours or beyond.

Reflection on the past, present, and future of Hiphop music

Rapper, lecturer, metaphysician and intellectual and well-known figure of Hiphop culture KRS-ONE (an acronym of Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone), presents Ruminations, a deep and abiding reflection on the past, present, and future of Hiphop music, highlights the challenges threatening the music industry, and illuminates the profound influence that African-American and urban culture has had on mainstream America. Sober, in-depth, insightful observations from a music industry insider comprise an unforgettable and thought-provoking combination of manifesto, cogitation, and window to the opportunities of the future.

The best book I've ever read

I just finished what may be one of the most important andimpressive books I've ever read, "Ruminations" by KRS ONE.When it finally arrived in the mail I was very excited to readit, I'm one of KRS' biggest fans and think it is criminal just how unappreciated he can be. I believe that he is not onlyone of the great minds in hip hop but one of the most brilliantminds period. As Digital Underground says he deserves someheartbeat props as I'm sure hundreds of years from now hisgroundbreaking and progressive philosophies will be trulyadmired.Although I've only read the book through once so far and realize I will need a few more reads to harvest all the jewels Ican say already that this is a book that should be read by all.I wasn't quite expecting what I got, even Tavis Smiley whodoes the introduction was saying how he was blown awayby what KRS offers. The book is not anecdotal at all, it ispretty much packed with idea after idea and is very scholarlyand serious. Don't expect an autobiography or a conversationalas-told-to book, there are funny and light moments but KRS is really looking to inspire and provoke here rather than to entertain.The first part of the book and my favourite is titled Urban Inspirational Metaphysics and includes some hardcorephilosophy teachings. He's really outlining how he thinkswe can be better people and what we need to learn andunlearn in order to get there. There is then a big sectionon the reparations issue, then one chapter each on history, language, voting, September 11th, and then two on hiphop. You could actually be forgiven for forgetting that KRSis an emcee for the first three quarters of the book. Thetitle Ruminations is really appropriate because it is trulyKRS the philospher/theologian/motivational speaker/activist/deep thinker speaking his mind on various issues, not justthe rapper.The book isn't perfect. I would have welcomed a bit more humour at times, the last chapter is actually almost his wholefirst book "The Science of Rap" from 1995 reprinted. That isn'treally a problem though since it wasn't a widely distributedbook so I'm sure it will be seen for the first time by most.Also, when discussing the self KRS is a stauch believer in mindover matter. I think with all the recent scientific evidencecoming out about the overwhelming role genes and physiology playin a lot of human behaviour that it would have been nice if hedealt with that to a degree.Bottome line, what this book will make you do is think, KRSlikes to think outside the box, make you see things in a new way.He's a visionary and an idealist who sees the vastness of humanand societal potential and is not satisfied until that potentialis reached. As KRS said on Sex and Violence "If there's onething I know, if there's one thing I know, it's that the truthcan always be questioned" The perspectives offered byRuminations are guaranteed to shake up some of your old truths. There's also a CD that comes with the book which includes anintro from

we are hiphop...........

Ruminations is an oustanding book. Where there is no vision...."the people will perish." Kris gives us his vision, inspires us to awaken our own vision, and encourages us to continually increase our awareness and personal power. It's amazing that so few people realize that thought, word, and action are the fundamental tools we use to create our own unique destiny. He has been telling us this for years, as have many other great Teachers! When ya'll gonna listen!! Simple universal truths consistently applied is all we need to advance as people regardless of our differences. Most people are not able to apply this vision in their daily lives because of laziness, fear, and social conditioning. Heroes have discipline. The clarity in this book is phenomenal. For those of you who are searching for a way to liberate your soul...to express your Self and be your Self..this book will help you in your journey. Many people in our society are living day to day in a life of reaction, a life they hate, a life they never planned for, yet fell victim to someone elses plan. Because of ignorance, most people are mental slaves trapped in an endless cycle of poverty, misery and negativity/niggativity. We in Hiphop reevaluate this whole United States of America, because we don't like what we see. We have higher expectations. We expect more of ourselves than any institution in this country could ever expect of us. This is why we're dissatisfied with the performance of many individuals who call themselves "leaders." It takes more than graduate school degrees and high ranking government positions to impress the Hiphop community, let alone lead us, it takes: skills, conviction, and intellect to be held in high esteem by us. The spoken word pieces, message from Cornell West, and Hiphop lectures on the CD are an excellent addition to the book. Of course, Kris eloquently illuminates our artform of Hiphop, our strategy to break the chains of mental slavery, free our minds, and evolve into civilized human beings because after all: We decide what Hiphop is and what it isn't, not anyone else.Peace...I too am Hiphop....Join this movement Y'all!!!!