Boogie Down Productions, also known as BDP, was an East Coast hip-hop group that was originally formed in 1986 by MC KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock. Founding member Scott LaRock was murdered in 1987, shortly after the group's debut album Criminal Minded was released. Boogie Down Productions originally embraced the aggressive though realistic tableaux of ghetto life, which gave the group instant street credentials. After the murder of Scott La Rock, KRS-One devoted himself to writing material focusing on socially and politically conscious topics, earning him the nickname "The Teacher." After La Rock's death, Boogie Down Productions recruited DJ D-Nice into the group.

The group’s use of frank descriptions of life in their South Bronx neighborhood combined with Fusion Dancehall Reggae and "spare, minimal" beats set the stage for what would eventually become the phenomenon that is “Gangsta’ Rap”.http://music.aol.com/artist/boogie-down-productions/biography/1000012 Many hip-hop aficionados argue that Boogie Down Productions was singularly important and one of the most influential hip-hop groups of the 1980’s. BDP paved the road for future hip-hop artists with their hardcore, conscientious and often politically minded rap. The lyrics featured in Boogie Down Production’s tracks not only chronicled the lifestyle of East Coast rap, but it also helped to shape the emerging hip-hop culture.http://music.aol.com/artist/boogie-down-productions/biography/1000012

Boogie Down Productions released their second album ‘’By All Means Necessary’’ in 1988, making it one of the first rap albums whose primary devotion was to social commentary. The album featured militant, deeply personal tracks such as, ‘’My Philosophy’’ and ‘’Stop the Violence’’.

In 1989, BDP released an even more politicized, intellectual album, ‘’Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop’’. KRS-One found his audience growing and mainstream interest piquing as he took on issues including: black-on-black crime, police brutality, education, and spirituality. Eventually, KRS-One began writing editorials for The New York Times.

After the 1992 release of ‘’Sex and Violence’’, KRS-One retired the Boogie Down Productions name and went on to release albums under his own name. His first album to be released under the KRS-One moniker was titled ‘’Return of the Boom Bap’’ and made its debut in 1993.http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/boogie_down_productions/bio.jhtml

• 1987: Criminal Minded
• 1988: By All Means Necessary
• 1989: Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop
• 1990: Edutainment
• 1991: Live Hardcore Worldwide
• 1992: Sex and Violence