Boogie Down Productions

Formed in the South Bronx by KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock, BDP were a major force in the evolution of hip-hop, as well as one of the first groups to fully embrace social and political commentary in their rhymes. Their classic 1987 debut LP Criminal Minded was rife with the Blastmaster's poignant messages laid over sparse hardcore beats. Soon after its release, Scott La Rock was murdered, but KRS kept things going with By All Means Necessary, further expounding on his lyrical teaching. BDP experienced fierce rhyme rivalry with Marley Marl's Queens-based Juice Crew, resulting in an exchange of classic dis tracks throughout the late '80s. Subsequent albums include Edutainment (1990) and Sex And Violence (1992). KRS-One is still active on the lecture circuit, and he continued to release several solo albums during the '90s. In 2002, he released the religiously themed Spiritual Minded.