Boogie Down Productions

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Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions.jpg
Boogie Down Productions members in 1987 (clockwise): KRS-One, Scott La Rock and D-Nice
Background information
Origin The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Genres East Coast hip hop
Discography Boogie Down Productions discography
Years active1986–1992
Labels
Past members

Boogie Down Productions (BDP) was an American hip hop group originally composed of KRS-One, D-Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. DJ Scott La Rock was murdered on August 27, 1987, five months after the release of BDP's debut album, Criminal Minded . The name of the group, Boogie Down, derives from a nickname for the South Bronx section of New York City. The group pioneered the fusion of dancehall reggae and hip hop music and their debut LP Criminal Minded contained frank descriptions of life in the South Bronx during the late 1980s, thus setting the stage for what would eventually become gangsta rap.

Contents

Members

BDP's membership changed throughout its existence, the only constant being KRS-One. [1] The group was founded by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock, with producer Lee Smith, who was essential in the production of the songs on Criminal Minded, being added as a member shortly after. [1] From those beginnings, BDP members and collaborators included Ced Gee of Ultramagnetic MC's, Lee Smith, Scott La Rock, D-Nice, Henry Wilkerson PoppyDa, Kenny Parker (KRS-One's younger brother), Just-Ice, ICU, McBoo, Ms. Melodie, Heather B., Scottie Morris, Tony Rahsan, Willie D., RoboCop, Harmony, DJ Red Alert, Jay Kramer, D-Square, Rebekah Foster, Scott Whitehill, Scott King, Chris Tait and Sidney Mills. BDP as a group essentially ended because KRS-One began recording and performing under his own name rather than the group name. [1] Lee Smith, who has co-producer credit on the original 12" "South Bronx" single, was the first to be jettisoned by KRS-One and the future new label after Scott's death.

In the liner notes on BDP's 1992 album Sex and Violence, KRS-One writes: "BDP in 1992 is KRS-One, Willie D, and Kenny Parker! BDP is not D-Nice, Jamal-Ski, Harmony, Ms. Melodie, and Scottie Morris. They are not down with BDP so stop frontin'." Steve "Flash" Juon of RapReviews.com claimed that this initiated the ultimate breakup of the group. [2]

Cultural influences and impact

"The Bridge Wars"

A conflict arose in the late 1980s concerning the origins of hip-hop, and BDP made conscious efforts in its early work to establish its interpretation of the issue. The origins of hip-hop to many, including BDP, are believed to be from the Bronx. A rival hip-hop collective, known as the Juice Crew's lyrics, were misunderstood to contain a claim in the song "The Bridge" that hip hop was directly a result of artists originating from Queensbridge. Boogie Down and KRS retorted angrily with songs such as "The Bridge is Over" and "South Bronx," which started one of the first notable hip hop wars as MC Shan, Marley Marl, Roxanne Shanté and Blaq Poet all released songs featuring verses personally attacking KRS and Scott La Rock. But the Bridge Wars were short-lived, and after Scott La Rock's death, KRS began to concentrate on socially conscious music.

While Criminal Minded contained vivid descriptions of South Bronx street life, BDP changed after Scott's death. [1] Lee Smith was dropped and KRS-One adopted the Teacha moniker and made a deliberate attempt at creating politically and socially conscious hip-hop. BDP was influential in provoking political and social consciousness in hip-hop, for example in "Stop The Violence" on 1988's By All Means Necessary .

Jamaican inspirations

The Jamaican influence in Criminal Minded is well illustrated by the use of the "Mad Mad" or "Diseases" riddim started in 1981 with reggae star Yellowman's song "Zunguzunguzeng." BDP used this riff in the song "Remix for P is Free," [3] and it was later resampled by artists such as Black Star and dead prez. As an album regarded by many as the start of the gangsta rap movement, [1] Criminal Minded played an important role in reaffirming the social acceptance of having Jamaican roots. BDP referenced reggae in a way that helped to solidify Jamaica's place in modern hip-hop culture. [4]

Political and social activism

From its start, BDP affected the development of hip-hop and gave a sincere voice to the reality of life in the South Bronx, a section of New York City clouded with poverty and crime. With Criminal Minded, the group combined the sounds of LaRock's harsh, spare, reggae-influenced beats and KRS-One's long-winded rhyme style on underground classics such as "9mm Goes Bang" and "South Bronx," the album's gritty portrait of life on the streets (as well as the firearms that adorned its cover) influenced the gangsta rap movement that began in earnest two years later. [5]

BDP's influence in the creation and development of gangsta rap highlights the cultural significance and impact of the type of music BDP and other early hip-hop artists like it created. This subgenre of hip-hop is most closely associated with hard-core hip-hop and is widely misinterpreted as promoting violence and gang activity. This misinterpretation or stigma is closely related to Boogie Down Productions and the general purpose behind their underlying themes of violence. For instance, the cover art of Criminal Minded displays the two artists in the group brandishing drawn guns and displaying other firearms. [1] This is not an encouragement of the violence described in BDP's music, but a portrayal of the violence in the South Bronx as a means of expression, escape, and even condemnation. This album art is not meant to advocate violence but to challenge the conception of a criminal, to assert that those who are really criminally minded are those who hold power.[ citation needed ]

BDP's music became significantly more politically astute after Scott La Rock's death. [6] KRS-One published four more albums under the title Boogie Down Productions, and each was increasingly innovative and expanded from the thuggish imagery of Criminal Minded, exploring themes like black-on-black crime and black radicalism, using a riff on the words of Malcolm X, "by any means necessary", which became the title of the second BDP album, and remains one of the most political hip-hop albums to date. [5] It was in this album that KRS defined himself as the "teacha" or "teacher", symbolizing his emphasis on educating his audience members and fans about relevant social issues surrounding the African-American experience.

During his time in association with Boogie Down Productions, KRS-One joined other rappers to create the Stop the Violence Movement, which addressed many of the issues brought up in BDP's music and is the most conscious effort displayed by KRS-One and BDP of political activism and engagement. The movement created the single "Self-Destruction" in 1989 through the collaboration of BDP (KRS-One, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie), Stetsasonic (Delite, Daddy-O, Wise, and Frukwan), Kool Moe Dee, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Just-Ice, Heavy D, Biz Markie, and Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav), with the aim of spreading awareness about violence in African-American and hip-hop communities. [7] All proceeds from this effort went to the National Urban League.

Discography

Studio albums

Related Research Articles

Gangsta rap or gangster rap, initially called reality rap, is a subgenre of rap music that conveys the culture and values typical of urban gangs, reality of the world and street hustlers. Emerging in the late 1980s, gangsta rap's pioneers include Schoolly D of Philadelphia and Ice-T of Los Angeles, later expanding in California with artists such as N.W.A and Tupac Shakur. In 1992, via record producer and rapper Dr. Dre, rapper Snoop Dogg, and their G-funk sound, gangster rap broadened to mainstream popularity.

The new school of hip hop was a movement in hip hop music, beginning in 1983–84 with the early records of Run–D.M.C., Whodini, and LL Cool J. Predominantly from Queens and Brooklyn, it was characterized by drum machine-led minimalism, often tinged with elements of rock; rapped taunts, boasts, and socio-political commentary; and aggressive, self-assertive delivery. In song and image, its artists projected a tough, cool, street b-boy attitude. These elements contrasted sharply with funk and disco, novelty hits, live bands, synthesizers, and party rhymes of artists prevalent in the early 1980s. Compared to their older hip hop counterparts, new school artists crafted more cohesive LPs and shorter songs more amenable to airplay. By 1986, their releases began to establish hip hop in the mainstream.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott La Rock</span> American disc jockey (1962–1987)

Scott Monroe Sterling, known by the stage name DJ Scott La Rock, was an American hip-hop disc jockey and music producer from the Bronx, New York. He was a founding member of the East Coast hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. He was also known for his association with the rapper KRS-One who was a member of Boogie Down Productions.

<i>Criminal Minded</i> 1987 studio album by Boogie Down Productions

Criminal Minded is the debut studio album by hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, released on March 3, 1987 by B-Boy Records. It is considered a highly influential hip hop album and one of the first in the gangsta rap genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self Destruction (song)</span> 1989 single by The Stop the Violence Movement

"Self Destruction" is the only single by the Stop the Violence Movement, a group formed by American rapper KRS-One in 1988 in response to violence in the hip hop and African American communities.

The Bridge Wars was a hip hop music rivalry during the mid-to-late 1980s and early 1990s, that arose from a dispute over the true birthplace of hip hop music and retaliation over the rejecting of a record for airplay. The Bridge Wars originally involved the South Bronx's Boogie Down Productions, led by KRS-One, and Marley Marl's Juice Crew, hailing from Queensbridge. KRS-One and Marley Marl have since officially retired the feud, with the release of their collaborative 2007 album Hip Hop Lives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juice Crew</span> American hip hop collective

The Juice Crew was an American hip hop collective made up largely of Queensbridge, New York–based artists in the mid-to-late 1980s. Founded by radio DJ Mr. Magic, and housed by Tyrone Williams' record label Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice Crew helped introduce New School artists MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Masta Ace, Tragedy, Craig G and Kool G Rap. The crew produced many answer records and engaged with numerous "beefs" – primarily with rival radio jock Kool DJ Red Alert and the South Bronx's Boogie Down Productions, as well as the "posse cut", "The Symphony".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden age hip hop</span> Hip hop music from around 1985–1995

Golden age hip hop refers to mainstream hip hop music created from the mid or mid-late 1980s to the early or early-mid 1990s, particularly by artists and musicians originating from the New York metropolitan area. A precursor to the new-school hip hop movement, it is characterized by its diversity, quality, innovation and influence on overall hip hop after the genre's emergence and establishment in the old-school era, and is associated with the development and eventual mainstream success of hip hop. There were various types of subject matter, while the music was experimental and the sampling from old records was eclectic.

<i>By All Means Necessary</i> 1988 studio album by Boogie Down Productions

By All Means Necessary is the second album from American hip hop group Boogie Down Productions, released in April 12, 1988 on Jive Records. After the 1987 murder of DJ-producer Scott La Rock, MC KRS-One moved away from the violent themes that dominated Boogie Down Productions' debut, Criminal Minded, and began writing socially conscious songs using the moniker the Teacher.

<i>Live Hardcore Worldwide</i> 1991 live album by Boogie Down Productions

Live Hardcore Worldwide is a live album released by Boogie Down Productions. It is a career-spanning collection that was recorded in the US, Paris and London. The release features KRS-One prominently.

<i>Sex and Violence</i> (album) 1992 studio album by Boogie Down Productions

Sex and Violence is the fifth and final album released by hip hop group Boogie Down Productions. The next year, 1993, the group's lead member, KRS-One, would begin recording under his own name.

<i>Man & His Music (Remixes from Around the World)</i> 1987 remix album by Boogie Down Productions

Man & His Music is a 1987 remix album by hip hop group Boogie Down Productions honouring the memory of DJ Scott La Rock. The album was re-issued on September 23, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ms. Melodie</span> American rapper

Ms. Melodie, the stage name of Ramona Parker, was an American emcee. She was associated with KRS-One's group Boogie Down Productions (BDP) and was for a time married to KRS-One. She was described by Vibe as "one of the ladies who could sonically spar with the fellas, spit raw lyrics, rhyme from a female's perspective, and hold their own."

<i>A Retrospective</i> (KRS-One album) 2000 compilation album by KRS-One

A Retrospective is a compilation album by American rapper and record producer KRS-One. It was released on August 22, 2000 via Jive Records, and composed of previously released songs from the rapper's previous studio albums as part of Boogie Down Productions, as well as his solo studio albums. The track "Essays on BDP-Ism" was the last track ever featured DJ Scott La Rock.

This is the discography of American rapper KRS-One.

"The Bridge Is Over" is a 1987 song by Boogie Down Productions from their debut album Criminal Minded, performed by rapper KRS-One and produced by DJ Scott LaRock and KRS-One. The song's intro samples "The Bridge" by MC Shan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B-Boy Records</span> American independent hip hop record label

B-Boy Records was an American independent hip hop record label formed by Jack Allen and William Kamarra in 1986, and situated at 132nd Street and Cypress Avenue in the Bronx, New York City. Its most notable signing was Boogie Down Productions, and it released Boogie Down Productions' first singles, "South Bronx" (1986) and "The Bridge is Over" (1987), and the group's landmark debut album, Criminal Minded (1987). Other acts that recorded for the label included JVC Force, Cold Crush Brothers, Levi 167 and Jewel T.

"South Bronx" is a song by American hip hop group Boogie Down Productions, released as the lead single from their debut studio album Criminal Minded (1987). The song's title references New York City’s South Bronx area and is the representative anthem of the titular inner-city.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KRS-One</span> American rapper

Lawrence "Kris" Parker, better known by his stage names KRS-One and Teacha, is an American rapper from The Bronx. He rose to prominence as part of the hip hop group Boogie Down Productions, which he formed with DJ Scott La Rock in the mid-1980s. KRS-One is known for his songs "Sound of da Police", "Love's Gonna Get'cha ", and "My Philosophy". Boogie Down Productions received numerous awards and critical acclaim in their early years. Following the release of the group's debut album, Criminal Minded, fellow artist Scott La Rock was shot and killed, but KRS-One continued the group, effectively as a solo project. He began releasing records under his own name in 1993. He is politically active, having started the Stop the Violence Movement after La Rock's death. He is also a vegan activist, expressed in songs such as "Beef". He is widely considered an influence on many hip-hop artists.

The discography of Boogie Down Productions consists of five studio albums, one live album and two compilation albums.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Larkin, Colin, ed. (2003). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Eighties Music (Third ed.). New York City: Virgin Books. pp. 78/9. ISBN   1-85227-969-9.
  2. ↑ "Boogie Down Productions :: Sex and Violence :: Jive Records". Rapreviews.com. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  3. ↑ "YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on February 17, 2014.
  4. ↑ Marshall, Wayne. "Follow Me Now: The Zigzagging Zunguzung Meme", May 10, 2007.
  5. 1 2 "KRS-One" . OxfordAASC.com. 2005. doi:10.1093/acref/9780195301731.013.42050. ISBN   978-0-19-530173-1 . Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  6. ↑ Iverem, Esther. "Violent Death Halts Rap Musician's Rise." The New York Times , August 31, 1987
  7. ↑ Nielson, Erik (July 2010). ""Can't C Me": Surveillance and Rap Music". Journal of Black Studies . 40 (6). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications: 1254–1274. doi:10.1177/0021934708328906. S2CID   145713976.
  8. ↑ "Boogie Down Productions discography". RateYourMusic. Retrieved October 31, 2019.

Bibliography

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