Boogie Down Productions was originally composed of KRS One, D Nice, and DJ Scott La Rock. The latter was murdered on August 27, 1987, after the release of BDP’s debut album Criminal Minded. The name of the group, “Boogie Down”, derives from the alternative name for The Bronx section of New York City.

While Criminal Minded was basically about sex and crime, BDP radically changed after Scott’s death, becoming the most popular conscious rap group besides Public Enemy. Boogie Down Productions pioneered the fusion of Raggamuffin and hip hop music.

The membership of BDP changed continuously throughout its existence, the only constant being KRS One. BDP members and collaborators included Kenny Parker (KRS’ brother), Run, Keith Murray, McBoo, Ms. Melodie, Scottie Morris, Willie D., Robocop, Harmony, DJ Red Alert, DJ Jazzy Jay Kramer, D-Square, Rebekah, and Sidney Mills. BDP as group essentially ended because KRS One began recording and performing under his own name, rather than the group name.

Albums
Criminal Minded (1987)
By All Means Necessary (1988; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop (1989; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Edutainment (1990; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Live Hardcore Worldwide (1991)
Sex and Violence (1992)

Compilations
Man & His Music (Remixes from Around the World) (1997)
Best of B-Boy Records (2001)

Singles

From Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop:
1989: “Why Is That”

From Edutainment:
1990: “Love’s Gonna Getcha”

From Sex and Violence:
1992: “Duck Down”
1992: “13 & Good”
1992: “We in There”