KRS-One found himself catching heat from critics after the rap legend defended Afrika Bambaataa while the “Planet Rock” performer was in the midst of child molestation allegations.
Rather than backing off his support, KRS doubled down on his views about the situation during a Q&A in Birmingham, England.
“When you’re talking about Afrika Bambaataa, first of all, you’re talking about the person who invented Hip Hop, not participated in it,” said KRS-One. “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.”
The Bronx-born emcee went on to speak about the men that have accused Bambaataa of sexual abuse, and he argued some members of the Hip Hop community should never be publicly attacked.
“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,” stated KRS. “Okay, but we will at least give you the benefit of the doubt. You made these accusations against Afrika Bambaataa. Okay, no problem. Bam, deal with that.”
He added, “Some of us are infallible. Some of us are going to have to be untouchable or our entire culture is going to fall.”
