I once told KRS-One that I love him in front of a room of about a hundred people. True story.
“I love you” wasn’t exactly the way I was planning on greeting one of my Hip Hop heroes, but that’s how it went down. Looking back, I’m realizing there are some things about this moment that feel worth sharing. I’ll try to do that here…
For those who aren’t familiar with KRS-One, he’s widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in rap music and Hip Hop culture. Personally, he’s been one of the most important artists in my life and in my own artistic development. KRS was originally the lead rapper of a legendary group called BDP, and as a kid my older brother and I listened a lot to their tapes (cassette tapes that is, for those who might be a little younger). One of KRS’ nicknames is The Teacha’ — and for us he definitely was. His lyrics continually delved into highly relevant, critical themes: racial and economic justice; Black American history, culture and identity; religion and spirituality; philosophy, politics, health and wellbeing — all delivered through masterfully crafted rhymes over super funky beats.
I was around ten or eleven when I started listening to BDP’s music, and it was life-changing. My mind and heart were opened and deeply schooled. Within a year or two I was writing my own rhymes.
Fast forward twenty plus years. I’m standing in front of a packed room in a gallery space in Mid City L.A., and KRS-One is standing just a few feet to my left. The event is being held by Street Poets Inc, one of my home communities, and an arts-education nonprofit. We’re gathered to present KRS with an award for his accomplishments as an artist and cultural leader. I was invited to co-host the event together with Street Poets colleagues, and I’m about to say a few words and present him with the honor. I’m nervous as hell. As I think about what to say, one of KRS’ lyrics keeps coming to mind. A lyric that impacted me a lot as a kid:
“The stereotype must be lost / That love and peace and knowledge is soft.”
As this lyric passed through my thoughts, I was trying to pay attention to what I really felt I needed to say. I realize now that this kind of inward listening was a practice I’d been developing, especially through songwriting and live performance. In my experience this can be a challenging practice because sometimes what comes back as an answer — what I can sense needs to be said — is uncomfortable, vulnerable or even potentially embarrassing. In this case, standing next to KRS, this was especially true because I had the feeling that the most authentic thing I could do is to tell him I love him. Not what I was planning on, and not what you imagine saying to your longtime idol when you first meet them. But I felt committed to being as true as I could be to what I felt, and being in his presence actually helped give me courage.
So I spoke about the impact his music had in my life. Then I quoted his lyric: “The stereotype must be lost / That love and peace and knowledge is soft...” I told him how much this line had stuck with me over the years and I told him that I know it might sound strange, but the most honest thing I could say to him was “I love you.”
What happened after that wasn’t embarrassing. It was powerful. Somehow the feeling was communicated that we both knew what I meant. I can’t remember what either of us actually said, but it was like I said, “I think you know what I mean,” and he responded “I know exactly what you mean.” There was something present we could both feel. It was what his lyric was pointing to — a strength, a force — and for a moment we stood together and acknowledged it.
It’s this strength, this presence, that inspired this new project, “Love Bravely.” It’s the experience of love as a force.
In the next line of the same BDP song, “Why is That?,” KRS goes on to tell us that putting this kind of force into action can be even “stronger than war.” I’m interested in learning how to be strong in this way. And in a time of so many different kinds of wars, this feels more critical than ever. That’s what this project is about.
I also know it isn’t easy. In my own experience I’ve seen how this force asks me to grow and learn. It often asks me to do things that may be uncomfortable, vulnerable or risky, in order to show up for something bigger. It asks me to focus more and more on how I can support the whole — the collective — even when this means I might not get what I personally want out of a situation.
In a way what I’m talking about could sound unusual, but more and more I’m connecting with folks who — like KRS that night — can feel the same thing I’m feeling. More and more, I’m talking with people from all walks of life and all different parts of the world who are sensing this strength — feeling it, and feeling a strong call towards it. Many of us are feeling a need to deepen our relationship with this force of love, and we’re sensing that somehow we need it to move forward — for our own health, for our relationships, and to meet the challenges of the world we’re living in.
This isn’t an abstract idea, but actually a practical step. Like any skill or practice, when we give it our attention, time and effort, it can grow and become more clear. It can take all kinds of forms and directions.
Love Bravely is a new form this practice is taking in my life. My hope is that the words themselves, “Love” + “Bravely” can be meaningful for others, and I know that they’re also a reminder to me. The name is a way to remind myself to continue with the practice of listening inwardly, and it’s also encouragement to be brave enough to stay true to what I hear when I listen. I know that many of us are working to find courage in many different ways in this time, and I’m grateful that I can start this project in connection with all of you. Thank you for joining us as we take this step.
Love Bravely is a cross-genre music project and creative community founded by rapper / singer-songwriter, Matre, in collaboration with a wide network of musicians, artists and creatives. For more information visit us on Substack. Stay tuned for our first song release, “Fire Pond,” dropping January 27th.
Our work is made possible by a community of supporters. To join this community and help this work flourish, you can become a monthly contributor on Patreon or make a one time donation here. Thank you!
KRS-One continues to release powerful music, to perform and lecture widely, and is the founder of The Temple of Hip Hop.
Both Street Poets and Rhythm Arts Alliance continue to do deep, transformative work with the arts, supporting and empowering youth and adults in the L.A. area and beyond.
This song is incredible. It reminds me of this quote from Peter Roth:
Human relationships would be infinitely simpler if the question of right and wrong played no part in them. Being right condemns one’s soul to a considerable degree… Being right makes little or no difference in a social tableau, but being interested in the other person makes an enormous difference to every individual in society. Interest makes us stronger…The question of right and wrong becomes one of alleviating suffering. We all suffer but we can all help, perhaps just by listening with interest.“
Thank you Matt for making this message clearer and louder for the world to hear.
Love this new project Matre. This was good medicine for me today.
I have fond memories of bumping Edutainment with you.
Sending you lots of love. Bravely!