What black guy doesn't rap? Many may think so, and they will not be far from the truth. Most decent citizens are also sure that all benchmarks are hooligans, violators of the law. This is also close to the truth. Boogie Down Productions, a band with a black line-up, is a good example of this. Acquaintance with fate and creativity will make you think about many things.
Line-up of Boogie Down Productions
Boogie Down Productions formed in 1985. The line-up included 2 black guys from the South Bronx, New York, USA. This is a pair of friends Kris Laurence Parker, who took the pseudonym KRS-One, and Scott Sterling, who called himself Scott La Rock. Later, Derrick Jones (D-Nice) joined the guys. After Scott La Rock's death, Ms. Melodie and Kenny Parker.
At first glance, the name "Boogie Down Productions" may seem strange. There are no mysteries hidden here. The phrase "Boogie Down" just contains the popular name of the Bronx, the quarter in which the founders of the group lived. The guys decided that it would be clear to everyone where they came from, what problems they live with.
Creation of the Boogie Down Productions Collective
Kris Parker was born in prosperous Brooklyn, but from childhood he was distinguished by a restless disposition. The mother tried to pacify her son, actively controlling his life. From her guardianship, as well as the hated school system, the boy fled at the age of 14. Kris left the house, wandered the streets. He did what he liked: played basketball, painted graffiti. At the same time, the guy did not lead a completely reprehensible lifestyle. Chris liked to read smart books, had a lively mind.
For theft and hooliganism, the young man went to prison, but did not serve his sentence for long. After his release, he was given a room in a hostel. Here he quickly found friends of interest. The guy started rapping. Here Chris met a young lawyer. Scott Sterling lived nearby, visiting the orphanage while doing social work.
Participants' Musical Experience
The guys who created BDP had no musical education. For each of them, rap was a hobby. KRS-One, before creating his own team, managed to participate in another project "12:41". Scott La Rock has been DJing in his spare time. The guys combined their skills in a common team.
Beginning of creativity
KRS-One wrote and performed the lyrics, Scott La Rock composed and played the music. This is how the work of the team, created in 1986, was built. The guys quickly went to record a couple of singles. "South Bronx" and "Crack Attack" were immediate hits on the radio. They were spotted on the DJ Red Alert show. Soon the guys started working with ULTRAMAGNETIC MC'S.
Kool Keith helped the guys record their debut album "Criminal Minded" on B-Boy Records. The first collection made a splash. In the hip-hop chart in the country, the record took only 73rd place, but acquired a status role for the direction. Later, this album is recognized as a landmark for the birth of gangsta rap. The album was noticed by such stars as Rolling Stone, NME.
Brand Advertising
The guys from BDP first started advertising the Nike brand. Before that, only Adidas and Reebok were iconic for rappers. Advertising at that time was built solely on their own preferences and interests. There were no financial components here.
The album "Criminal Minded" impressed many. After his recording, KRS-One meets Ice-T, who helps him get Benny Medina. With a representative from Warner Bros. Records guys began to negotiate about signing a contract. Only formalities remained, but a tragic accident prevented it.
Death of Scott La Rock
The newest member of the group, D-Nice, got into trouble. One day, while seeing off a girl, he was attacked by her ex-boyfriend. He threatened with a gun, demanded to leave her alone. D-Nice escaped with a fright, but told his bandmate about the story.
Scott La Rock came with friends. The guys tried to find the offender, but he disappeared. Soon his “support group” appeared, a fight ensued. The guys were separated, Scott disappeared in the car, but shots followed from the side. The bullets went through the skin, hit the head and neck of the musician. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Further activities of the Boogie Down Productions group
After the death of Scott La Rock, the signing of a contract with a recording studio fell through. KRS-One has decided not to put the group on hiatus. The functions of the composer and DJ were performed by D-Nice. Other musicians were also involved in the work. The wife of KRS-One, Ramona Parker under the pseudonym Ms. Melodie, as well as his younger brother Kenny.
At various times, Rebekah, D-Square worked in the group. BDP signs a contract with Jive Studio. Since 1988, the band has been releasing albums every year. Apart from the debut, there were 5 of them. The texts touch upon various topical problems of modern society.
KRS-One chose the preacher style for himself. He was even invited to give lectures to students, which he did, with pleasure having traveled to different universities in the country. In 1993, Boogie Down Productions officially ceased to exist. KRS-One did not interrupt his musical career, he began to engage in creativity on his own, using a long-chosen pseudonym.
