Schoolly D, born as Jesse B. Weaver Jr., is an American rapper and producer who is considered one of the pioneers of gangsta rap. He was born on June 22, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Schoolly D grew up in a tough neighborhood in Philadelphia and began his music career in the late 1970s as a DJ.
In 1984, Schoolly D released his first single, “P.S.K. What Does It Mean?”, on his own label, Schoolly D Records. The song, which was an ode to the Park Side Killers gang in Philadelphia, became an underground hit and helped to establish Schoolly D as a serious rapper.
In 1985, Schoolly D released his debut album, “Schoolly D,” on Jive Records. The album featured the hit single “Gucci Time,” which became an instant classic in the world of hip hop. The album also included tracks that explored the darker side of urban life, such as “P.S.K. What Does It Mean?” and “Maniac.”
Throughout the 1980s, Schoolly D continued to release music that pushed the boundaries of rap. He was known for his graphic lyrics, which often dealt with violence, drug use, and sex. He was also one of the first rappers to use samples from rock music in his tracks.
In 1987, Schoolly D released his third album, “Saturday Night! The Album,” which was produced by DJ Code Money. The album featured the hit single “Am I Black Enough for You?”, which became one of Schoolly D’s most popular songs. The album also included tracks that explored themes of racism and social injustice.
In addition to his music career, Schoolly D has worked as an actor and producer. He has appeared in several films, including “King of New York” and “A Low Down Dirty Shame,” and has produced music for other artists, including Ice-T and Naughty by Nature.
Today, Schoolly D is recognized as one of the pioneers of gangsta rap and a trailblazer for the genre. His contributions to hip hop have been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which included him in its “Hip Hop: A Cultural Odyssey” exhibit in 2015. Schoolly D continues to perform and record music, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of hip hop.
