Austinist Show Preview: KRS-One @ Mohawk Saturday

The good folks at the Mohawk are doing their part once again to host some really incredible hip-hop talent in this town. Recently, they brought in Ice Cube, and in March they’re bringing back Kool Keith, which you’d be a fool to miss. But in the meantime, Hip Hop pioneer and legend KRS-One is playing on Saturday, January 24th.

As far as hip hop goes, he’s seen and done it all. Calling yourself a rap fan without at least knowing his name would be a farce. He started in a group called Boogie Down Productions that began with him and DJ Scott La Rock in the mid 80s. In 2008 at the BET awards he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in music and culture as well as the Stop the Violence Movement, which he began in the late 80s after a string of violent acts he experienced beginning with the death of La Rock. A lot of his rhymes are rooted in political and social issues. He’s a pioneer of the MC battle, earning him the nickname The Blastmaster. Then, as he took a stance against violence, the nickname became “The Teacha.” And, that’s what he still does now. He’s in his 40s now, but he’s still got the stones for it. He has put out a string of fourteen or so albums in his solo career, and the number of albums and collaborations he’s put out in the past few years suggests no signs of slowing.

Many sights and sounds of Texas hip hop’s up-and-comers will be witnessed in the show’s opening hours, from the more hardcore to the laid back to the indie remixed. Zeale, Brooks City, Crew54, Dubb Sicks and Cali Zack will all do their best to win a fan or two and turn the head of KRS-One. It's also going to be hosted by Austin's own Bavu Blakes.

KRS-One Official
KRS-One MySpace
Zeale Myspace
Brooks City MySpace
Crew54 MySpace
Dubb Sicks MySpace
Cali Zack MySpace