Once upon a time Hip hop was only notorious in the boroughs of New York. Two of those boroughs would be at war when The Bronx's KRS-One, leader of the Boogie Down Productions (w/ D-Nice and DJ Scott La Rock) crew would face off against MC Shan of Queens bridge, Member of the Juice Crew. Over a misunderstanding of where Hip hop was created KRS fired shots at MC Shan and Marley Marl on their debut album Criminal Minded. This LP was created literally about three decades ago and does it hold up? Let's see.
Poetry
A record scratching opener, very old school feel and it still works. KRS declares himself a poet and I wouldn't argue with that.
South Bronx
So why don't you wise up, show all the people in the place you are wack. Instead of trying to take out LL you should take your boys off the crack
This mark D-Nice's only appearance on this album. He never really did a ton of work in BDP, infact i wonder what his position was exactly but that's a thought for another day. This is the one of the earliest diss tracks that could shake up the Hip hop world. Aimed at MC Shan he doesn't hold back.
9MM Goes Bang
I Knew this crack dealer by the name of Peter, had to buck him down with my nine millimeter
A classic of hip hop story telling, KRS guns down a crack dealer and a week later his boys show up demanding revenge and he has to barely escape to meet with Scott La Rock down the block.
Word From Our Sponsor
A slight ear shredding intro and we walk into a good song. Thank God. There's a very old school radio like sound entering every now and again to represent the title. Oh and D-Nice was the beatboxer according to this song...kinda useless on an album but why not have him hang around.
Elementary
Not only is he a poet but KRS is the school teacher for elementary rappers. Reppin' how he was loved and hated at the time, I doubt this track brought too many more friends to the table.
Dope Beat
Taking out MCs on the 1,2,3 No matter how they claim to be in society
A track to show off the crew's talent. The beat actually samples AC/DC's Back in Black and they rock this shit. Scott La Rock ends with shouting out a few DJs and rappers, probably so they'd still have friends in the game by the end of this album.
Remix For P Is Free
More early Gangsta rap on the album and maybe a little threat by KRS to beat down women who try to rob him. What? She wanted his crack, and KRS ain't backin' down from a hooker yo. It's solid either way.
The Bridge is Over
I figured out Magic Mouth is used for sucking. Roxanne Shante is only good for steady fuckin'! MC Shan and Marley Marl is really only bluffing!
The track that shut down the Juice Crew, supposedly this shit was so hot when it dropped you could hear it being played in Queensbridge. The very borough it's dissing. Also KRS's voice was notably sampled in Pusha T's Nosetalgia.
You better change what comes out ya speaker...
Super-Hoe
No it's not the latest Marvel movie. Scott La Rock has boned every woman in the city in every way possible according to KRS-One who promotes his friend's sexual behavior. Somewhat tame by today's standards, but I'm sure it was not well perceived in 1987 by the public.
Criminal Minded
Our title track is essentially another promotion of how dope BDP is, how many women they fuck, MCs they destroy and a few other things. Given their rep by now you can excuse this type of track, and it's great anyhow so that just adds on to it.
Scott La Rock Mega Mix (Bonus)
The title is literal. It's just a mix of Scott La Rock's work. Alright for what it is. About seven fucking minutes long though.
The Highlights:
South Bronx
The Bridge is Over
9MM Goes Bang
The Lowlight:
Scott La Rock Mega Mix
The Gem:
Elementary
Is it Worth a Purchase?
If you're a hip hop head you've probably already heard/own this album. But if not, this is one of the greatest albums of the 80s you can find. It's a shame Scott La Rock died after this album, but BDP kept on moving.
Overall Grade: A
Til Next Time, SOUTH BRONX! and One Love.
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