Artist: Boogie Down Productions Album: Edutainment

Year: 1990
Duration: 0:0-1

Boogie Down Productions' Edutainment: A Critical Review

Boogie Down Productions is a legendary rap group known for their socially and politically conscious lyrics. Their 1990 release, Edutainment, remains one of their most beloved and revered albums. This album not only cemented the group's status as pioneers of conscious hip hop but also showcased their versatility as musicians.

In this blog post, we will take a critical dive into Boogie Down Productions' Edutainment. We will explore the history of the group, the music genre of the album, its best songs, and its most innovative parts. We will also offer a critique of the album to determine if it stands the test of time.

History of Boogie Down Productions

Boogie Down Productions was formed in 1985 in the Bronx, New York, by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock. The duo released their debut album, Criminal Minded, in 1987, which was a seminal work in the development of hip hop.

Their follow-up album, By All Means Necessary, was a departure from their earlier, more violent approach. The album addressed issues such as police brutality and social inequality. However, it was their third album, Edutainment, that truly solidified their status as pioneers of conscious hip hop.

Music Genre of Edutainment

Edutainment is a blend of various musical genres, including hip hop, reggae, and R&B. The album is a conscious effort to educate and entertain listeners. It addresses issues such as race relations, black history, and police brutality.

The Best Songs of Edutainment

The Best Songs of Edutainment

Edutainment is a classic album, but some songs stand out more than others. One of the best songs on the album is Love's Gonna Get'cha (Material Love). The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and consumerism.

Another great song on the album is You Must Learn. The song is an ode to black history and the importance of education. It boasts a slew of historical references that are both informative and entertaining.

Most Innovative Parts of Edutainment

Edutainment is a groundbreaking album, and several parts showcase this. For instance, the song 100 Guns features a sample from a Malcolm X speech. This sample showcases the group's commitment to promoting black history and the struggles of being black in America.

Another innovative part of the album is the skits that provide a narrative thread throughout the album. The skits further highlight the group's message of education and social awareness.

A Critique of Edutainment

Despite its historical significance, Edutainment is not without its flaws. The most significant criticism of the album is its overly didactic nature. The album is so preoccupied with educating listeners that it sometimes forgets to entertain.

Another criticism of the album is its lack of diversity in sound. While there are several standout tracks on the album, it can become somewhat monotonous due to the similar sound of the songs.

In conclusion, Boogie Down Productions' Edutainment is a significant album in the development of hip hop. It showcases the group's unwavering commitment to education and social awareness. While the album may suffer from being overly didactic, it remains a landmark work in the genre.

The album's blend of various musical genres and its use of historical references are both innovative and entertaining. Edutainment is a must-listen album for anyone interested in social and political issues.