mural

KRS-One Honored With Mural In Neighborhood Where He Was Once Homeless

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This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, and New York City is giving a nod to KRS-One. The Boogie Down Productions icon has been involved in the culture since its inception, and he’s grown to be a respected artist, activist, and teacher. FOX 5 News reported that KRS was recently honored in the Big Apple with a stunning mural on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. His initial reaction was a shocked “Wow!”

“There is no award that is above this,” the “Self Destruction” icon said. This mural was carefully constructed to celebrate not only KRS-One but Hip Hop’s 50th. The mural’s location also touched the rapper’s heart because he grew up in that neighborhood, and it was a humbling, full-circle moment.

Read More: Bow Wow Receives Response From Hip Hop Alliance’s KRS-One, Kurtis Blow, & Chuck D

“I grew up here,” he told the news outlet. The powerful artwork stopped him in his tracks. “KRS-One grew up in this neighborhood and was less than every single person here. I was homeless. I might have slept right there.” The placement was important for the mural’s creator, Jorit. The Italian street artist explained to Fox 5 the impact KRS has had on Hip Hop culture.

“KRS-One is aggressive, but he always looked to unite the aggressiveness and force of rap with positive messages,” Jorit shared. KRS was asked what he learned from Hip Hop, and he replied, “I can do anything.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 17: Big Daddy Kane and KRS 1 perform during TrillerVerz at Barclays Center on October 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Read More: KRS-One Teams With Slick Rick & Big Daddy Kane For Hip Hop Alliance Video

Hundreds of thousands of people turned into Verzuz in real-time to watch KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane join together. The union was supported by several of their Rap pioneer peers, many of which we haven’t heard from in decades. Verzuz prides itself on celebrating Black culture and music, and they promise more will come in 2023 following a minor legal setback.

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Pop Smoke’s Mural Reportedly Vandalized

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It’s been nearly three years now since Pop Smoke’s tragic murder from a fatal home invasion gone wrong. He was only 20 years old. Unfortunately, a mural put up in his memory was allegedly vandalized yesterday.

DJ Akademiks took to his Instagram to report the news. “Someone vandalized Pop Smoke’s mural in Brooklyn,” reads the caption from the streamer. “Word to my dead[,] yall n*ccas are mad childish like wtf,” says a screenshot of a Snapchat of the damage. Based on the photo, it appears as though somebody is responsible for writing “Woo K” over top of the mural.

The mural was finished shortly after his passing, in July of 2020. It honors the late rapper’s legacy in Canarsie, Brooklyn, where Pop grew up. According to Complex, Hattas Public Murals is responsible for undertaking and painting the tribute.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and fans of the late and beloved Pop Smoke. Much love to you all. And thank you to the community of #Canarsie for your overwhelming support as we painted this memorial mural,” the company wrote in an Instagram afterwards.

Four men have since been charged in Pop Smoke’s murder. They broke into the rented home while intending to rob the rapper of his jewelry. They took his watch during the invasion and subsequently sold it for $2,000. The alleged shooter is only 15 years old.

Ever since the “Dior” rapper’s untimely death, his estate has released two posthumous albums. The first of which is Shoot For The Stars Aim For The Moon. Releasing just five months after his passing, the project serves as a celebration of life and honors his legacy through songs like “Make It Rain” and “Got It On Me.”

The second one, Faith, saw a release in July of 2021. However, it isn’t as successful as its predecessor in continuing the Brooklyn native’s legacy. Fans and publications alike critique the album for containing too much filler content. Additionally, a common sentiment is that it has too many songs that are seemingly unfinished.

Long Live Pop Smoke. It’s certainly heartbreaking to see someone do this to a mural meant to honor him and his music.

What’s your favorite song of his? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in music and pop culture.

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