KRS-One doubled down on his support of Afrika Bambaataa. The veteran rapper made his latest defense of the hip-hop pioneer during a Q&A in Birmingham, England. The Boogie Down Productions member characterized the child molestation allegations facing Bambaataa as “accusations and gossip.” He also stated that anyone who had an issue with the “Planet Rock” creator should quit hip-hop.
“When you’re talking about Afrika Bambaataa, first of all, you’re talking about the person who invented hip-hop,” KRS-One said. “Not participated in it. There was no hip-hop before Afrika Bambaataa. Let’s start there. So anyone who has a problem with Afrika Bambaataa should quit hip-hop.”
KRS-One continued to stress that the victims are making accusations while hoping they would experience healing. He also reiterated a point made on the Drink Champs podcast about this being something for Afrika Bambaataa to deal with as opposed to the entire hip-hop culture.
“You don’t take accusations lightly,” KRS-One said. “I would say unequivocally right here, right now, I hope for healing. As I wrote in my statement, I hope for healing for everyone involved. First for those who are accusing Afrika Bambaataa. Accusing. No evidence, no convictions. OK, but we will at least give you the benefit of the doubt. You made these accusations against Afrika Bambaataa. OK, no problem. Bam, deal with that.”
The interviewer then asked for both sides – the victims and Afrika Bambaataa – to be given an equal platform since no one is untouchable. KRS-One claimed this cannot be the case because “our leadership has to be untouchable.” KRS said hip-hop needs to understand “some of us are infallible.” He argued that hip-hop’s leaders must be beyond reproach or the entire culture will die.
