Hip-Hop Game Changer: KRS ONE Disses Nelly

It started out innocently enough, KRS ONE dissing Nelly on a song called Prophets vs. Profits. After all, KRS ONE was the unofficial spokesman and protector of all things hip-hop. Why wouldn't he call out a rapper with sup par lyrics and overzealous promotion. It was his job to govern the hip-hop universe and react to threats to its authenticity. He could not have possibly predicted the response. Instead of heeding the words of the Blastmaster a new, younger generation of fans sided with the imposter. They labeled KRS as a hater and jealous of the success Nelly was able to achieve. It was the first time we would see the evolution of hip-hop. No longer would the nicest MC come out of the projects with a ball cap and a starter jacket. The nicest MC would be the one making the most money. The movement from the street corners to Wall St. symbolized the transition into the bling era and KRS ONE was no longer the voice and conscience of hip-hop. Without a conscience, hip-hop went astray and fell into the hands of greedy, corporate marketing execs. Subsequently we ended up with the likes of the Ying Yang Twins, Mike Jones, and Gucci Mane. When the all mighty dollar is the barometer for what's good and what's bad, content and substance will suffer. With one song KRS ONE lost his influence. Hip-hop greatness is now measured in dollars and cents, not lyrics and beats. Pity.