Boogie Down Productions (BDP) was a hip-hop group formed in the Bronx, New York City, in 1985 by KRS-One (born Lawrence Parker), DJ Scott La Rock (born Scott Sterling), and D-Nice (born Derrick Jones). The group is widely regarded as one of the most influential in the history of hip-hop, particularly in the development of socially conscious and politically aware rap.
BDP released their debut album, “Criminal Minded,” in 1987 on B-Boy Records. The album was produced by KRS-One and Scott La Rock and was heavily influenced by the sounds of reggae and dub music. It included the classic tracks “South Bronx” and “The Bridge is Over,” which famously feuded with Queens-based rapper MC Shan and his crew in response to his song “The Bridge,” which was seen as a challenge to the Bronx’s supremacy in hip hop.
In 1988, BDP released their second album, “By All Means Necessary,” on Jive Records. The album was produced by KRS-One following the murder of Scott La Rock in 1987, and it marked a shift in the group’s style and content. The album was more focused on social and political issues, and included tracks like “Stop the Violence” and “My Philosophy,” which became one of BDP’s most well-known songs.
BDP continued to release music throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with albums like “Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop” (1989) and “Edutainment” (1990). The latter album was particularly focused on education and included tracks like “Ya Know the Rules” and “Beef.”
In addition to their music career, BDP was heavily involved in community activism and education. KRS-One was a major proponent of the “Stop the Violence Movement,” which aimed to address the issue of violence within the hip-hop community. He also founded the Temple of Hip Hop, a cultural organization that aimed to preserve and promote hip hop’s positive aspects.
Today, Boogie Down Productions is recognized as one of the most important groups in the history of hip hop. Their music was influential in the development of socially conscious rap, and their commitment to activism and education has had a lasting impact on the hip-hop community. KRS-One remains a respected figure in hip hop and continues to perform and record music.
