KRS-One has hit back at the New York Daily News, after the newspaper
ran an article that labeled him a “Hip-Hop Anarchist.”
In yesterday’s (October 14th) popular Rush & Malloy’s
daily gossip column, the paper accused the Bronx bred rapper of defiling the
memory of people who were killed in the 9/11 attacks on the United States at
the New Yorker Festival, where KRS was a panelist.
The article also accused KRS of siding with Al Qaeda, the terror
organization that is blamed for orchestrating the deadly attacks.
“Like everyone I was shocked to read that I and other
African-Americans actually ‘cheered when 911 happened’ and that
I have ‘declared my solidarity with Al Qaeda,’” KRS said in
a statement. “When I read my words taken out of context I was shocked
and disappointed that the Daily News would go this far to assassinate my character
and distort my views.”
KRS called the piece irresponsible journalism and pointed out
that the magazine never attempted to follow up or even interview him to clarify
his statements.
“I was making an objective point about how many Hiphoppas
as well as the oppressed peoples of the world felt that day,” KRS continued.
“I am a philosopher and a critical thinker, I speak truth and I urge people
to think critically about themselves and their environment. Yes, my words are
strong. Yes, my views are controversial. But to call me a terrorist is simply
wrong!”
KRS said that he never intended to disrespect the memories of
those who lost their lives and said that he was making a statement.
“I was just as saddened as everyone else on 9/11,”
he continued. “However, for many of us that were racially profiled and
harassed by the World’s Trade Center’s security and the police patrolling
that area as well as the thousands of American protesters that spoke out against
the World Trade Organization months before in Seattle, Washington there was
a sense of justice, a sense of change, a wake up call watching the twin towers
fall.”
Read the KRS One’s full rebuttal here: https://allhiphop.com/editorial/?ID=218
