KRS-One (Lawrence Parker) is a legendary rapper, activist, philosopher, educator, and hip-hop pioneer. Known as The Teacha, he emerged in the 1980s as a founding force of socially conscious hip-hop, blending sharp lyricism with messages of empowerment, justice, and community uplift. As co-founder of Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One helped shape hip-hop’s golden era, using his platform to address issues of poverty, violence, and racial inequality. Beyond music, he established himself as a cultural icon and intellectual voice, founding the Stop the Violence Movement and delivering lectures at universities, schools, and cultural institutions around the world. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to using hip-hop not only as an art form, but as a tool for education, transformation, and social progress.. His “edutainment” philosophy has inspired generations of young Black and Brown communities to embrace knowledge, pride, and empowerment through the arts. His legacy mirrors Sound Business Inc.’s mission to nurture talent and opportunity in Harlem. The Harlem Spotlight Award honors KRS-One’s enduring influence as an artist, educator, and activist whose workcontinues to uplift communities from Harlem to the world.