Hip-hop icon KRS-ONE to perform in Columbus in May
Rap icon KRS-ONE, who rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with Boogie Down Productions, has been added to the entertainment lineup for the Riverfront Culture Fest taking place during the Ohio Black Expo, which runs May 25-28.
The influential rapper, along with singer-drummer Sheila E, will perform May 27 at Genoa Park.
Early-bird tickets for the Riverfront Culture Fest are $15 for a single day and $25 for both days (May 27 and 28). Early-bird sales end Feb. 28, after which tickets are $20 for one day, and $35 for both. Tickets can be purchased at ohioblackexpo.com.
Born Lawrence “Kris” Parker, KRSONE (”KRS” stands for “Knowledge Reigns Supreme) came onto the rap scene in 1986 with late DJ Scott Larock, releasing their first single, “South Bronx.” He has since recorded more than 20 albums and was dubbed the “conscience of hip-hop” by Rolling Stone for his principles of peace, love and unity. The 57-year-old also has authored three books and lectured at more than 500 universities nationwide.
KRS-ONE’S performance at the Riverfront Culture Fest will include a hiphop tribute with special guests. There also will be appearances by Mix Master Ice of the old-school hip hop group UTFO (”Roxanne, Roxanne”), and J Rawls, a Columbus hip-hop musician, producer, disc jockey, educator and speaker known for his work with artists including Mos Def and Talib Kweli.
Other highlights of the fest will include an opening parade, food trucks, vendors and more.
The Ohio Black Expo - an event focusing on Black life, business, health and culture - will launch on May 25 with a business conference at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, continuing there the following day with health and wellness workshops, happy hour events and a kick-off party before culminating in the Riverfront Culture Fest in Genoa Park.
bpaschal@dispatch.com