Boogie Down Productions

Wow, this new remastered version of KRS ONE and Scott La Rock's debut sounds way better. Even if you own the older version, it's worth buying again. Anyway ...

If you consider yourself a Hip Hop head, and you don't own this, you should reconsider calling yourself that. This was one of the first real Hip Hop albums to be put on wax ... Hip Hop was obviously around over a decade before this, but it only stayed in the streets, and in basements. If any Hip Hop act was lucky, that'd get a demo. This inlfuenced a wide range of artist's including; Biggie, 2Pac, Wu Tang, The Fugees, Nas, Jay Z, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, even Sublime (to name a few)and finally N.W.A. A big misconception is that N.W.A were the first gangsta rap act. N.W.A. POPULARIZED gangsta rap, they didn't create it. Listen to the song "9mm Goes Bang" (actually listen to the full song, not a 30 second sound clip) I dare you to say that's not gangsta rap. That song was written years before this album was released, and even this album was released before "Straight Outta Compton" N.W.A sample clips from this, and "By All Means Necessary" on their debut album. Look how influential N.W.A has been over the years, and look what really influenced them - This right here. N.W.A is how I found this. Unless you do full on research, you'll never know the full impact this has had on underground, and mainstream rap. If you're a youngster, and you're willing to check this out - put yourself in the time period this came out - flat top boxcut hair doos, old school Nike Dunk's, and Air Forces, jean jackets, ghetto blaster boom box's that you'd crash a party with, or just plain cold chill on the curb, or front stoop with while enjoying a 40 oz. and a blunt. Ah, the golden age of Hip Hop.

This is more than a record. It is a religious sacrament. It is raw as f**k but it blow up any high-fi system at the same time. Deejay Scott LaRock's is guided by the holy spirits, Ouija board style. KRS-One blasts like a master...and it will blow your mind. This record is more than just a timepiece, it's a religion. Not only do the beats blast my head, but the lyrics are more infectious than a Vanilla Ice mushroom. Best when listened to driving down the west side highway, greened. I highly recommend this record for someone who craves something a little more human. It sounds like something that was recorded in the basement of your local high school by trespassers in the night, with a voice so loud it will crunk down on your cranium. Listen to the mindf*ck part on Sponsor, then listen to that part again and again and again and again and on into infinity.

This is one of the first records me and my brother bought as a kid! Classic KRS. Scott La Rock....RIP. One!

On of the greatest albums of all time.

lyrically krs one is one of the best there ever was, the is album is proof. i paid 25.99 for this cd and it was worth it i still play it at least once a week. the song south bronx made this album, and diss tracks like the bridge is over are amazing to say the least. not saying i don't like the juice crew, but that krs one is an amazing performer.

top 5 tracks

South Bronx
Remix For P Is Free
Criminal Minded
The Bridge Is Over
9mm Goes Bang

In my opinion this is not the best album by BDP or KRS-ONE, but what it is definitely is the foundation or blueprint for everything that has come after it ...and not only for the members involved in creating it...but rap music on a whole. It has very simple stripped down production with sharp poigniant lyrics that doesn't try to make you dance..it goes for the gut. It's brilliance is in it's simplicity and boldness and honesty.

nuff said

Not every song is a classic on this album... but My Philosophy is enough to make this album great.

KRS is pissed and more focused than ever. During the making of this album, Scott La Rock, DJ and Producer of BDP was shot and killed. During the making of "My Philosophy" in fact...which in my opinion is when Kris started showing his true colors. It was positive and negative, educational and entertaining..which had become the mantra of KRS ever since. On this album he tells you that Illegal Business controls America. He tells you to enjoy love, but make sure to wear a jimmy hat. He tells you how sometimes love is gonna get you. On this album you learn what the "word" "Unrational" means. Damn..I miss this kind of hip hop.

By All Means Necessary
"Fresh! For 1988, you suckers!" was the signature line from "My Philosophy", the first single off Boogie Down Productions' masterpiece second LP, By All Means Necessary. In the interim between their debut on 1987's Criminal Minded and the summer release of By All Means, founding member DJ Scott La Rock was tragically murdered. Frontman KRS-One soldiered on, bringing junior member D-Nice and KRS's brother Kenny Parker into the mix as turntable operators.

Produced by the artist and engineered by Ivan "Doc" Rodriguez, KRS-One maintains the momentum of Criminal Minded with streetwise battle raps, but he incorporates more narratives about ghetto lifestyles and the dangers of street violence. The lyrics to "I'm Still #1" are loosely based on a rhyme contest between KRS and rap legend Melle Mel at NYC's Latin Quarters. "Illegal Business" dismisses the easy targets of the "War on Drugs" policy, making the point that the illegal drug trade is not divorced from the American economy. "Jimmy" makes a case for safe sex, and could be considered a sequel to "Super-hoe". The reggae shuffle of "Stop the Violence" of course features the unforgettable hook, "1, 2, 3, the crew is called BDP, and if you want to go to the tip-top, stop the violence in hip-hop, why-oh!"

The most surprisingly enjoyable song is "Ya Slippin'": "So assume you're doomed when you step in the room; I'll be the witch and you'll be the broom.." taunts KRS, as he rhymes over Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" guitar riff combined with his own, slowed-down "Poetry" rhythm track. "Necessary" is a sonically-sparse nod to spoken word poetry at the end of the LP, a first for rap albums. This album could be re-released with remixes (such as an alternate take of "I'm Still #1"), and perhaps even a drum-&-bass remix of "Necessary" that surfaced in the late 90's.

this record along with several others at the time advanced hip-hop to another level. if anyone who is a lyricist wishes to learn how to construct rhymes and make it listenable to the audience, grab the teacher!

Yo Im a old schooler to the heart and this album you should have in your old school rap collection. "My Philosophy" is the one jam I remember playing on the radio back in Chicago 1988 and it blew my mind. The beat and the lyrics and the way KRS-ONE flows on this track is unbelievable. "Stop the Violence" was another that would get major air time,but my personal favorite was Illegal Business.

After three flawless albums, KRS ONE decided to make number four. At the time this came out, you'd think he'd run out of idea's, and slip at least a little bit, but "Edutainment" says otherwise. This album is is one of many great examples of how Hip Hop use to be ... a completely different, artistical world. If this album only had the song "Love's Gonna Get'cha" It still would be worth 5 stars. That song alone proves how well KRS can craft, and perfect a story with a lesson, talent, and originality. Aside from that, the whole album is PURE Hip Hop. You also get bangin' licks like "Blackman In Effect" "Edutainment" "The Homeless" "The Kenny Parker Show" "The Racist" and "30 Cops Or More" ... actually the entire album is strong, track to track. If you've never heard this, seriously - give it a try, you can thank me later!

Straightened hair may be temporary, but KRS-One's influence on Hiphop is permanent. And this CD is just one of the reasons why. The beats and music are slammin' and the lyrics are boombastic-fantastic. It gets better and better everytime I spin it. I've heard it said that KRS is too political, or too "conscious", or all about his philosophy, but how is that even a complaint? I like music that rocks me, or makes me want to dance, or drops the funky beatdown like James Brown with a badge, but that is merely the minimum requirement. It has to do all that AND make me think, otherwise, why bother? If I wanted music to go braindead to, I'd just tune into top 40 radio and put my head under a truck tire. If you want more from your music than something to eat up your time while the world floats past you, BUY THIS ALBUM, then check out the rest of KRS's incredible catalog. Peace.

With this 1990 release, Boogie Down Productions was steamrolling their way to legendary status. This was back when BDP dropped fresh material every year from '87 (Criminal Minded) until '92 (Sex & Violence), so that's not necessarily as easy as it may sound. With classic tracks like "Love's Gonna Get 'Cha", "Ya Strugglin' ", "House Ni***s", "100 Guns" (Ja Rule bit this joint), "Beef", and "Blackman In Effect", you know that the album is, at the very least, doper than most other 1990 hip hop releases. But there are solid tracks laced throughout the album and there are no fillers. Personally, I can't imagine why anyone would give this album less than 5 stars, but that's just me. This album is just as fresh now as it was 17 (oh my god, 17 years?!!!) years ago.

As far as flaws, I can't think of any. Sure, KRS gets political, so obviously it's going to rub some people the wrong way (like most political stances do), but I loved it and saw nothing wrong with it. The beats are strictly b-boy styled boom bap vibes and nothing less. If you ain't feelin' that, then you may be browsing the wrong genre for your music.

Edutainment is just that -- educational entertainment. There isn't a beat that KRS One can't get busy on and he entertains the masses with knowledge instead of dreams of material prosperity. Hip hop heads all around the world (myself included) recognize him as one of the illest to ever stand in front of a microphone. The production is on point, so what more could you ask for? I recommend grabbing this album if you cross paths with it.

Standout Tracks: The Homeless, Ya Strugglin' feat. Kwame Toure, Beef (My Favorite), Ya Know The Rules, Love's Gonna Get 'Cha (Material Love), House Ni***s, Blackman In Effect, Original Lyrics feat. Special K, and 100 Guns

Classic CD from back in the day. If you want to hear real hip hop from the Bronx, listen to this.

This album is great but totally different.
This and Blueprint of Hiphop are so unique from BDP's other albums.
While I like the old albums better, this new style still earns 5 stars.
Too bad they're in the past.
I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since this one came out, seems like yesterday.

After two successful albums (Criminal Minded, By All Means Necessary) the Blast Master dropped what would be, number three. This album doesn't get as much recognition, but it's rightfully labeled a classic. As usual, KRS ONE delivers history, facts, and positivety in a remarkable Hip Hop fashion. "The Style You Haven't Done Yet" "Why Is That?" "Jack Of Spades" and "You Must Learn" have gotta be my favorites on here. KRS ONE's creative lyrics, mixed with his unique delivery, combined with his sweet beats (he produced the entire album) makes for a strong timeless classic.

If you're into KRS ONE, especially his BDP years, and don't already own this, do yourself a favor and pick it up. If you're a Hip Hop fan, especially of the Golden Age, you'll dig this one as well.

KRS-ONE has now proven for 20+ years that he knows how to make great, timeless, and flawless music. This "Ghetto Music: The Blueprint Of Hip-Hop" album which dropped in '89 is no exception to the high standards of a legendary career, you just can't go wrong with songs like "The Blueprint", "Jack Of Spades", "You Must Learn", "Hip Hop Rules", and "Ghetto Music", mcs take note, this is the blueprint.

BDP threw a sweet curve with this classic. A great album all the way thru. I think this was the last Album where everything from top to bottom was just great and fresh creatively done. I like the other that followed especially sex and violence but this was the last classic to me of BDP. Interestingly enough this album featured his then sister in law Harmony who went on to do a solo album featuring Pound Cake do yall remember that? and of course his then wife now ex Ms. Melody i actually liked Ms. Melody's flow He did a great job with her i especially love the record she did called Live on Stage. What i am saying is this album spun off some great creativity.(period) Now let me go check for some old Ice-T classics.

KRS One and the Boogie Down Production crew is the epitome of late '80s hip-hop. This album combines hardcore beats with social commentary including police brutality, racism, and religious truths. A must buy for all true hip-hop heads.

This album is first BDP album that I can't say is a complete classic..however there is classic material on this album (Why Is That, You Must Learn, Who Protects Us From You, Hip Hop Rulez), but I felt that Ghetto Music, and World Peace sound wise were to much of a departure of what came before it. The album doesn't feel as tightly knit as other BDP work..but no question, this is still a highly enjoyable album

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
The beginning of the KRS-ONE legacy--, June 4, 2007
By Hype Currie "scholar of pop culture" (Detroit, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews

Criminal Minded: The beginning of the KRS-One saga

Put together by an ex-social worker and his formerly homeless client, Boogie Down Productions' DJ Scott La Rock and KRS-One introduced Criminal Minded to the hip-hop public in early 1987, after a year or so of dropping 12-inch singles on the indie B-Boy Records, and making a name for themselves in New York's underground hip-hop circles. The 10-track, groundbreaking album by BDP is definitely up there with the greatest rap albums of all time. The production by the artists (and according to many interviews, an un-credited Ced Gee of the Ultramagnetic MC's) brought a new sampling aesthetic to hip-hop, focusing heavily on then-dusty James Brown sides from the 60's & 70's. In KRS-One's rhymes listeners can hear a rapper whose intention is not just to entertain but to educate. The album opens with "Poetry", with a trademark James Brown scream; KRS declares "I'm not an MC, so listen--call me poet or musician". "9mm Goes Bang" is a reggae-driven tale of street revenge, focusing on the fictional "crack dealer named Peter". The Bronx-based act made instant rivals in the Queens-based Juice Crew, as evidenced in songs "South Bronx" and the perennial "diss record" favorite "The Bridge is Over" (with an oblique nod to Billy Joel at the end). "Dope Beat" samples AC/DC's "Back in Black", making for an influential rap/metal combo. The title track reinterprets the opening lines of the Beatles' "Hey Jude" with subversive results. In the ensuing years since the LP's first release, the album has fallen in and out of print several times. Fortunately, Traffic Entertainment (formerly Landspeed) has secured the catalog rights, and made the album available again.

Subsequent re-releases (such as "The Best of B-Boy Records: Boogie Down Productions" and "The Blastmaster Tapes") have tacked on a few bonus tracks or an entire instrumentals disc. Enclosed here is an entire disc of 12-inch mixes, alternate takes, radio interview/promo snippets, as well as an Enhanced-CD-Rom version of the original "The Bridge is Over" music video. Depending on whether one owns some of the previous re-releases, there is definitely some overlap here. Still, for a newcomer to the B.D.P. legacy or hip-hop in general, this is a can't miss.

if you own already own criminal minded on cd you can leave this one alone,it's nice to own a videoclip from bdp but for the other extra's : forget it .it's the same thing b-boy records did before :use the little material they own from bdp and re use it over and over .if you like this sort of product check ultramagnetic's critical beatdown and shan's down by law re issued versions they both have real previously unreleased on cd versions that are worth having,like krs himself already said on the second album :b-boy records you just can't tr..t,just one live version that's ok.wait for a jive records version.

SEX AND VIOLENCE, Although commerically his worst selling album of all the BDP albums, lyrically and production wise, is his best as he ridded the rap world of X-Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers and the soft as mallow pie PM Dawn on the singles "We In There" and "Build and Destroy". The 12" single remix of the "We In There" single includes a track on the other side called "Feel The Vibe, Feel the Beat" where he basically massacres that track and ended PM Dawn's and his former homey D-Nice's career.

This had to be the first KRS-ONE lp that I could actually listen to the tracks more than I could just the lyrics. KRS-ONE was going through a lot personally before this album, the divorce from his wife Ms Melodie, the beef with former homie D-Nice, and the fact that east coast rap at that time in 1992 had taken a back seat to West Coast Rap being dominated by NWA, ICECUBE, Ice-T, Too Short, Snoop, D.O.C., Geto Boys, Compton's Most Wanted, DJ Quik. West Coast rap had become the rage and the afro-centric, edutainment rap that the KRS's, the Rakims, the Public Enemy's, the Queen Latifah's, Jungle Brothers and Tribes of the East had continue to build on top of the foundation already laid down, had started to crumble. East Coast rap was being largely ignored by Yo MTV Raps, The Video Jukebox at the time, the two largest video players of rap videos. Unfortunately, this album like a poster said earlier came two years before Illmatic started the resurgence of East Coast rap again but lyrically was one of the better albums hands downs that was released that year. Though, this album will never get the mainstream props that Criminial Minded, By All Means Necessary, Edutainment, Return of the Boom Bap and his self titled, KRS-ONE albums receieved but real hip hop heads know that no MC would have dared come at KRS on any level after this.

If this album was released today, everyone would think it was so new and fresh and diverse. A shame since this album came out in 1992. What does that say about our current hip hop now?

It just never ceases to amaze me how KRS-One stayed on top of his game in the late 80's and early 90's. With BDP's final album Sex And Violence, Kris was going through a lot of problems with his personal life, which included a divorce from his wife, Ms. Melody (many know her from the "Self Destruction" single), and apparently was reducing the people in his BDP circle (according to the linear notes). Not to mention what he did at the P.M. Dawn concert. So there was some stuff going on while recording this album.

When I first heard this album, I was damn near blown away. Everything here is on point. Every song here is amazing in its own way, as it has it's own message. "Drug Dealer" is a song about doing something positive instead of selling drugs. On "Questions and Answers", Kris goes at those fradulant magazines and does his own self interview (Don't diss The Source though. Their chief editor give him 4 1/2 mics for this LP.) Even "13 And Good" is a interesting story about hooking up with an underage girl, with an unusual ending to the plot.

When he is not kicking messages, Kris' mic skills are still on point. On the amazing "Like A Throttle", he goes with a vingence over a dope beat. The next "Build And Destroy" he gets a lot off his mind, going towards if rappers who are true to the Islam nation are legitimate in their rhymes. The final track "The Real Holy Place", Kris questions Christianity and the credibility of the Holy Bible. Even Freddie Foxxx shows off on "The Origonal Way", and drops a long facinating verse on "Ruff Ruff".

With producers like himself, Kenny Parker, Prince Paul, D-Square, and Paul Joey, along with Willie D and Sidney Mills, help create this great album. It's very unfortunate that this was BDP's least selling album. I guess everyone's ear was heading out to the west coast, because they were dropping classic albums aroung this time. Sex and Violence should be enjoyed by all fans of east coast or early 90's rap. In the words of Kris himself, this album is "Fresh for 1992, you suckas!!" Peace.

Lyrics: A+
Production: A
Guest Appearances: A+
Musical Vibes: A

Top 5 Tracks:
1. Like A Throttle
2. 13 and Good
3. Drug Dealer
4. Sex and Violence
5. Ruff Ruff (featuring Freddie Foxxx)

Honorable Mention:
1. Build and Destroy
2. Sex and Violence
3. We In Here

so far, my fave tracks:

1)Duck Down(sick,wicked drum beat.)
2)Like a throttle(club banger. how could you not dance to this one ?)
3)We In There- good loop.
4)Build And Destroy- This song gives a black eye to The Poor Righteous Teachers AND X-Clan.("Too many teachers in the class spoil the school.After awhile you got blabberin' F***in fools.")

("What are you doing for yourself, Black Man,
tryin' hard to be the original man? who?
the first man with the first tan on the first land with the first clan?
WHO GIVES A D*** ?!")

Sucker,Wack Or Booty M.C.'s Need NOT apply. Krs-One made that abundantly clear on this album.("I don't battle to win or lose i battle to ruin your whole career.")


old-school hip-hop with a message as well...

what more can my ears ask for ? :D

When I first picked up this CD used, the only thing I knew about KRS-One was that Sublime knew "because of KRS-One".

He didn't even have his face visible in the album insert. So, I didn't even know who was blowing my mind with the best verbal poetics I had ever heard.

Like I said, I bought it used, so, of course, there was a skip on Poisonous Products. I loved this album, I just hated having skips on any of my CDs. So, after owning it for a couple of years, I sold it back to the same store and bought a pack of smokes. Biggest mistake of my music listening career.

Even with the skip, it was a grade A essential to my collection.

Years later, I have every KRS-One album except this one and Live Hardcore Worldwide. But that is going to change as soon as I get me some extra duckets. No, I won't be ordering them from Amazon. It is just as cheap to go to my local music store and have them order 'em up for me. That way I can contribute to the local economy.

KRS-One is the best rapper of all time, period. And this album is just another essential chapter in his audio-autobiography.

AN UPDATE:

Finally, I got this back in the catalog. And it sounds better than ever to me. I forgot that Prince Paul produced three of the tracks. This whole album is great. The beats are really hardcore and the music is fresh and funky. This came out right after KRS unloaded some extra baggage in the form of some of his BDP posse (especially the ex-wife); and one really senses a lightness and freedom in KRS's delivery as a result. KRS has so many albums he could have his own top ten, and this one would definitely be at or near the top. But they're all too good to have to choose a favorite. Just buy 'em all!

Sex & Violence--

Released in the winter of 1992, this fifth studio album from Boogie Down Productions found its frontman, KRS-One in a state of transition. In his personal life, he was recently divorced from wife and fellow rapper Ms. Melodie, and had been recently sued by a former manager; the `BDP crew' was whittled down to DJ Kenny Parker and sideman Will `Willy D' Broady (in the liner notes a bitter KRS takes the time to point out that others "are not down, so stop frontin'"). West coast-based rap acts were coming into their own as a collective, from Ice Cube to Cypress Hill. The Geto Boys gave a southern face to gangster rap and east coast-based rap had a handful of new faces like Black Sheep and Naughty by Nature. What's more, a trend of infighting began with some of BDP's fellow politically-minded peers like X-Clan and Poor Righteous Teachers, who took to criticizing KRS on records or interviews. KRS-One's response to all of this was not as the pacifist he had gained a rep for being, but to come out with guns blazing, Criminal Minded style. The stark cover art by Robert Williams lets listeners know this will not be the average hip-hop statement. This was perhaps KRS-One's angriest album since his first, taking swipes at various perceived enemies, both internal and external to hip-hop culture.

Throughout the LP there are superb production values by the artists (DJ Kenny Parker & KRS-One), and guest collaborators Prince Paul ("Who are the Pimps?", title track) and Pal Joey ("Duck Down"). "Questions and Answers" takes on hip-hop journalism with a skeptical eye; "Build and Destroy" questions whether Islam-influenced rappers are just bandwagon-hopping; "Say Gal" bashes backstage groupie behavior. "Drug Dealer" admonishes street-level drug merchants to at least try to go legit; appealing to civic-mindedness in drug lords may seem uncouth, but in KRS' worldview, "organize and legitimize your business; remember, everybody else did this." The album's other subversive track is "13 & Good", a tale of a disco club hookup gone terribly wrong: Guy meets girl at nightclub, they go home to be intimate, girl admits to being 13, gets mad, calls her cop father who's apparently on the `down-low'... This predates R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" songs by over 10 years, by the way. The album hearkens back to By All Means Necessary with a spoken-word closer, "The Real Holy Place", where KRS waxes philosophic about contemporary religious trends.

The anger reflected on this album spilled over into real life, as KRS & crew would bum-rush alternative-rap act PM Dawn at a performance and physically remove them from the stage. Album sales were overshadowed by rap's newer superstars (and likely the Soundscan system which wasn't kind to anyone who didn't post big numbers in their first week). As a result, this is arguably the most slept-on release from BDP. A deluxe re-release should include the excellent remix to "We in There" and any other bonus material.

This is one of my all time favorite albums from Krs-One and Scott La Rock. This still sounds good today even after over 20 years being out. I can say I can listen to this album from start to end with out skiping a song. How many albums today can you say that about stop thinking hard about that the answer is none. I am still a fan of Krs-1 today as he is what hip hop is all about and there is not a fake thing to him. Learn your history and buy this album.

AIN'T SAYIN' NUTHIN' MORE THAN THIS: MY FAVORITE HIP HOP ALBUM PERIOD!!!!!! HITS YOU IN THE HEAD AND DOES NOT TAKE A BACKWARD STEP!!!!! MY KINDA HIP HOP!!!!!

Two decades ago Boogie Down Productions released their debut album "Criminal Minded" (1987). I was six years at the time and only came across this release in recent years. The Bronx group at this time consisted of KRS-One (A.K.A. Lawrence Parker), D-Nice (A.K.A. Derrick Jones) & DJ Scott La Rock (A.K.A. Scott Sterling). Production comes from Ced Gee, Scott La Rock & KRS-One. Scott La Rock was killed at the age of twenty-five in 1987 leaving behind a wife and baby son. This is one of the early notable gangster rap albums, after Scott La Rock's death KRS-One turned to conscious Hip Hop. My favorite track on this release is "9MM Goes Bang", KRS delivers raw lyrics, and a memorable chorus. Old school Hip Hop heads will probably shake their head at me but the first time I heard the lyrics to this release, 50 Cent was reciting them in his movie "Get Rich Or Die Tryin". KRS rhymes with confidence over a "Dope Beat" (for the time). On "South Bronx" & "The Bridge Is Over" the crew represents their hood while dissing Queensbridge. The title track "Criminal Minded" is another strong cut which has been sampled from (like many other parts of this album) over the years. Boogie Down Productions "Criminal Minded" is a memorable release which I recommend to new and old fans alike - good chance some of your favorite MC's of today were bumping this back in the day.

Well I did not read any reviews for this as I am sure there all good. What can I say that has not been said about this Classic album. First of all you can start with the cover which gets your attention. You have Scott La Rock and Krs-1 just stareing at you which makes you wonder wow what is this going to sound like. I have had this for close to 20 years now and it still sounds as good as it did the first day I opened the record. I dont really have a favorite on here as almost all of the songs are great but I would have to go with South Bronx as that is what reminds me of pure Hip Hop and its the birth of Hip Hop also. I can imagine in my mind like the rest of us what Krs-1 is talking about block parties and just having a good time. Then Criminal Minded which even at 37 years of age makes me me get excited about hip hop and still hold out hope for good music. They say Hip Hop is dead I dont know if it is dead more like it is stalled and waiting for a kick start.

this is criminal minded by bdp,what more should i say,straight up classic

Live Hardcore Worldwide--
Released in the spring of 1991, Live Hardcore Worldwide documents several live concert performances by Bronx-based Golden Age rap group Boogie Down Productions. Culled together from performances in the USA, the UK, and France, frontman KRS-One rhymes with much confidence throughout all the selections. He is aided by various members of the `BDP' family of co-vocalists and DJs like Kenny Parker, D-Nice, Ms. Melodie, and Jamal-Ski. However, this was recorded well before videos became a defining element of the music's promotion and also predates the contemporary trend of `posse-heavy' rap shows which leave much to be desired for the rap enthusiast.

A balanced selection of songs is performed from BDP's then-catalog of Criminal Minded, By All Means Necessary, Ghetto Music and Edutainment. "Poetry", "Stop the Violence", "Jack of Spades", "Jimmy", "South Bronx" and more are heard here, bolstered by thankfully competent audio techs (another potential drawback for many rap concerts). Despite the handful of posse members, this is not the rap show where the main person lets someone else do half the rhyming; there is also no lip-synching. The one downside is that some songs are only performed in excerpted form. There are a couple of unreleased songs performed here, like "The Eye-Opener", which makes this more than just a live-greatest-hits disc. If this was to be re-released, it should include a DVD with the concert footage.

I got this cassette when it first came out and have never heard anything like it, and NEVER will. Back then I was rockin' it on my small box with 30 watts and it was STILL LIVE. I'm listening to that same cassette now, 2006. This was creation from above. KRS & BDP--dem bwoy na play 'round pon dis 1, overstand. Sound-CRISP, Lyrics-CRISP, Riddims-CRISP. De 'ole cassette jus sweet. GOD know.

STRAIGHT!!!!!!!!!!

When I was younger I had this on tape and I listened to it over and over until the tape wore out. This is such an incredible example of a case where the live stuff is ten times better than the studio stuff. The unbelievable rawness and delivery of lyrics -- the beats, the melodies, it's all top notch.

Most of the rap I've heard live today sounds very scattered and out of time, where the music and the lyrics sound like they are two things -- not the case with this. This sounds like it all belongs together.

By far the best live rap/hip-hop I've ever heard.

I always appreciated BDP, owned their records, know KRS One's lyrics, hooks, etc...but I don't think I really got the importance of this crew until I heard this set...BDP and their peers, the whole the class of '88 (Big Daddy Kane, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, I could go on for days) were as raw ever...not to mention that every great track from this era was full of flavor (THINK the piano sample in Kool G Rap and Polo's Road to Riches)...the fact that you are even reading reviews on this record right now let's me know with almost 99% certainty you'll quickly understand what I am talking about the second you hear this...dancehall fans watch out for the kuff, stalag, death in the arena riddims, as well as '9MM' over an answer version, and one of my favorites, the koloko...bottom line: this is the blueprint...

I listened to this when I had it on tape so many times, the tape wore out and I had to buy another one. It is a compilation of live KRS-1/BDP concerts in NY, Europe, London, ect. KRS-1 is a better MC live than on CD. And that is not a disrespect in the least because on CD he is still the greatest. The only way he would lose in a rhyme battle is if he battled himself. Side A is better than side B, but both are dope. The first 15-20 minutes are so hype, especially when they make the transition from "Jack of Spades" to "My Philosophy", this is so hype that at times it has caused me to lose control of my bodily functions. Another hype part is his freestyle over the "I am still #1 beat". The bottom line is: If you could only buy one KRS-1/BDP album, BUY THIS ONE! If you don't like this one, maybe you should start listening to guns and roses. This album gets a 5 (almost a 6!) on the Mark D hype scale. (See the "More About Me" section for more details on the scale.)

Not every song is a classic on this album... but My Philosophy is enough to make this album great.

KRS is pissed and more focused than ever. During the making of this album, Scott La Rock, DJ and Producer of BDP was shot and killed. During the making of "My Philosophy" in fact...which in my opinion is when Kris started showing his true colors. It was positive and negative, educational and entertaining..which had become the mantra of KRS ever since. On this album he tells you that Illegal Business controls America. He tells you to enjoy love, but make sure to wear a jimmy hat. He tells you how sometimes love is gonna get you. On this album you learn what the "word" "Unrational" means. Damn..I miss this kind of hip hop.

By All Means Necessary
"Fresh! For 1988, you suckers!" was the signature line from "My Philosophy", the first single off Boogie Down Productions' masterpiece second LP, By All Means Necessary. In the interim between their debut on 1987's Criminal Minded and the summer release of By All Means, founding member DJ Scott La Rock was tragically murdered. Frontman KRS-One soldiered on, bringing junior member D-Nice and KRS's brother Kenny Parker into the mix as turntable operators.

Produced by the artist and engineered by Ivan "Doc" Rodriguez, KRS-One maintains the momentum of Criminal Minded with streetwise battle raps, but he incorporates more narratives about ghetto lifestyles and the dangers of street violence. The lyrics to "I'm Still #1" are loosely based on a rhyme contest between KRS and rap legend Melle Mel at NYC's Latin Quarters. "Illegal Business" dismisses the easy targets of the "War on Drugs" policy, making the point that the illegal drug trade is not divorced from the American economy. "Jimmy" makes a case for safe sex, and could be considered a sequel to "Super-hoe". The reggae shuffle of "Stop the Violence" of course features the unforgettable hook, "1, 2, 3, the crew is called BDP, and if you want to go to the tip-top, stop the violence in hip-hop, why-oh!"

The most surprisingly enjoyable song is "Ya Slippin'": "So assume you're doomed when you step in the room; I'll be the witch and you'll be the broom.." taunts KRS, as he rhymes over Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" guitar riff combined with his own, slowed-down "Poetry" rhythm track. "Necessary" is a sonically-sparse nod to spoken word poetry at the end of the LP, a first for rap albums. This album could be re-released with remixes (such as an alternate take of "I'm Still #1"), and perhaps even a drum-&-bass remix of "Necessary" that surfaced in the late 90's.

this record along with several others at the time advanced hip-hop to another level. if anyone who is a lyricist wishes to learn how to construct rhymes and make it listenable to the audience, grab the teacher!

Yo Im a old schooler to the heart and this album you should have in your old school rap collection. "My Philosophy" is the one jam I remember playing on the radio back in Chicago 1988 and it blew my mind. The beat and the lyrics and the way KRS-ONE flows on this track is unbelievable. "Stop the Violence" was another that would get major air time,but my personal favorite was Illegal Business.