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Spring Music Guide 2003 KRS-One Support: Hieroglyphics, Date: May 11, noon-9pm. Free. San Jose State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose. www.latenitebillypresents.com Current Album: The Mix Tape (2002) Vitals: The living embodiment of hip-hop Breakthrough: Criminal Minded (1987) Current Single: "Ova Here" (2002) Scouting Report: The Bronx Bomber made hip-hop's future safe by preserving its past, from "Criminal Minded" to "The Bridge Is Over" to "MCs Act Like They Don't Know" to "Step into a World (Rapture's Delight)." KRS-One is hip-hop's conscience; while other rappers brag about their gold chains and Bentleys, KRS-One expands the parameters of lyricism, pondering time travel while lambasting enemies and authority figures with blunt force. Pop rapper Nelly most recently felt the wrath of KRS-One when he intimated on "Rock the Mic" that KRS-One should retire. KRS responded with "Ova Here," which contained the couplet "Yo, Nelly, you ain't for realm and you ain't universal / Your whole style sounds like an *NSYNC commercial." Today, the Blastmaster stays relevant by moderating battles, speaking at universities, putting out records and touring. Last January, KRS-One absolutely massacred Spy nightclub with a set that stretched over three decades. This event, dubbed "Hip-Hop Appreciation Day," will celebrate hip-hop's four elements--rapping, Djing, breaking/popping and graffiti art--with performances by local hip-hop artists and is totally free. (TI) Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]