Today, Aug. 20, marks the birthday of one of hip-hop's most legendary MCs, KRS-One. The rapper is now 53 years of age.

Since the release of his debut album, Criminal Minded, with Boogie Down Productions in 1983, Kris Parker a.k.a. KRS-One has not only been one of the greatest rappers of all-time but one of hip-hop's staunchest advocates and thinkers. Over the years, he has released over two dozen albums and has been responsible for some of rap's most enduring songs including "South Bronx," "The Bridge Is Over," "My Philosophy," and "Sound Of Da Police."

Over the course of a career that has stretched more than 30 years, KRS has dropped over numerous solo albums, including Return of the Boom Bap (1993), KRS-One (1995), I Got Next (1997), The Sneak Attack (2001), Spiritual Minded (2002), Kristyles (2003), Keep Right (2004), Life (2006), Adventures in Emceein (2008), Maximum Strength (2008), The BDP Album (2012), Now Hear This (2015) and most recently, The World Is Mind (2017).

Long noted for his social commentary and his championing of hip-hop, KRS-One has even given guest lectures on the historical importance of hip-hop on the college level while also serving up his own opinion on the state of the U.S., which he has said is overflowing with racism.

Happy Birthday, KRS-One!

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