Artist: Boogie Down Productions Album: Criminal Minded

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

Digging into Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded: A Critical Review

Hip hop music has been around for several decades now and one of the pioneers of the genre is Boogie Down Productions. Criminal Minded, their debut album, has been widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in hip-hop history. Released in 1987, it laid the foundation for the gangsta rap era and cemented the group's place in music history. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the album, the artist, the genre, and everything in between.

Boogie Down Productions was formed in the mid-1980s by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock. The group's music was heavily influenced by the political and social issues of the time, and this is reflected in their lyrics. Criminal Minded was released in 1987 and was a landmark album in hip hop history. It featured tracks that addressed issues of racism, crime, and poverty, and it showcased the raw, unfiltered style that would come to define gangsta rap.

The album is often cited as the first true gangsta rap album and it set the standard for the genre. The beats are simple yet effective, and KRS-One's flow is unparalleled. The production value may not be as high as other contemporary albums, but it doesn't detract from the overall quality of the music. KRS-One's lyrics are razor-sharp and his delivery is confident and commanding.

One of the standout tracks on the album is South Bronx, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time. It's a blistering attack on the New York rap scene and its origins in the Bronx. KRS-One's rhymes are dense and complex, and his flow is relentless. Other standout tracks include The Bridge is Over, Super-Hoe, and Criminal Minded.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is the way it samples other songs. The group used samples from James Brown, George Clinton, and other funk legends, giving the album a soulful feel. The group also used samples from movies and news broadcasts, adding to the overall political and social commentary of the album.

While the album is certainly groundbreaking and influential, it's not without its flaws. Some of the lyrics are misogynistic, homophobic, and violent, which can be off-putting for some listeners. It's important to understand the context of the time and the social issues that the group was addressing, but it's still a valid criticism.

Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded is a classic hip hop album that changed the game. It defined the gangsta rap genre and set the standard for future generations of hip hop artists. While some of the lyrics and content may be problematic for today's listeners, it's impossible to deny the impact and influence of the album. It's a must-listen for any fan of hip hop and an important piece of music history.