Description
Boogie Down Productions – By All Means Necessary – 180 Gram Orange Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Boogie Down Productions’ revolutionary sophomore album
Lacquers cut by Cicely Balston, AIR mastering
Pressed on 180g orange vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Elijah Watson
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
By All Means Necessary is the second studio album by the influential hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions (BDP), released on May 31, 1988. The album is often regarded as one of the most important releases in the history of hip-hop, known for its socially conscious lyrics and its role in shaping the genre’s political and intellectual direction. KRS-One, the group’s lead MC and lyricist, took a more prominent role on this album following the death of DJ Scott La Rock in 1987.
With its themes of self-empowerment, anti-violence, and political awareness, By All Means Necessary is a landmark record in the development of conscious rap, shifting the focus from the raw street tales of their debut album ‘Criminal Minded’ to more overt social and political commentary.
Boogie Down Productions originally consisted of KRS-One (Lawrence Krisna Parker), DJ Scott La Rock, and D-Nice. After the success of their debut album ‘Criminal Minded’ in 1987, tragedy struck when Scott La Rock was shot and killed in a senseless act of violence. The loss of his close friend and collaborator had a profound impact on KRS-One, leading him to take a more socially conscious and philosophical direction in his music.
By All Means Necessary reflects this shift, as KRS-One delves into issues such as violence, systemic racism, black empowerment, and the responsibilities of hip-hop artists. The album’s title and cover art are a nod to Malcolm X, with KRS-One recreating the iconic photo of the civil rights leader looking out of a window while holding a rifle.
By All Means Necessary is known for its hard-hitting beats and direct, socially conscious lyrics. KRS-One uses the platform to address critical issues affecting the black community, with both wisdom and urgency.
‘My Philosophy’ – One of the most iconic tracks on the album, ‘My Philosophy’ is a manifesto for KRS-One’s new approach to hip-hop. Over a funky, bass-heavy beat, he reflects on his shift from gangster rap to socially conscious lyricism, preaching the importance of knowledge and responsibility in the hip-hop community.
‘Stop the Violence’ – A key song on the album, ‘Stop the Violence’ directly addresses the issue of gun violence in black communities. Inspired by the death of Scott La Rock, KRS-One calls for unity and peace, urging listeners to break the cycle of violence and uplift their communities.
‘Illegal Business’ – This track critiques the hypocrisy of the U.S. government’s war on drugs, pointing out the systemic inequalities and corruption that plague drug policy and enforcement. KRS-One exposes the double standards in law enforcement and how they disproportionately affect African Americans.
‘I’m Still #1’ – A powerful statement of self-confidence and artistic dominance, this song showcases KRS-One’s sharp lyricism and battle-ready delivery. It reaffirms his position as one of hip-hop’s most important voices, while also celebrating the resilience and strength of the black community.
‘Part Time Suckers’ – In this track, KRS-One takes on ‘part-time’ MCs who lack authenticity and commitment to the craft. The song serves as a critique of superficial rappers who are only in the game for fame, in contrast to KRS-One’s dedication to using hip-hop as a platform for education and empowerment.
‘Jimmy’ – With a lighter, more humorous tone, ‘Jimmy’ is a cautionary tale about safe sex, told through KRS-One’s storytelling and clever wordplay. The song stands out for its directness in discussing sexual health, using humor to convey an important message about the dangers of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
‘T’cha-T’cha’ – This track emphasizes KRS-One’s role as a teacher (‘T’cha’ is short for ‘teacher’) in the hip-hop community, reinforcing his belief that artists should use their influence to educate and inspire their audience. The song highlights his commitment to the idea that knowledge is power.
‘Necessary’ – The title track sums up the album’s message: that achieving social justice and personal empowerment by any means necessary is crucial. The track ties together the themes of revolution, resistance, and self-awareness that run throughout the album.
By All Means Necessary marks a distinct shift toward socially conscious and politically engaged hip-hop. The themes of the album revolve around non-violence, systemic racism, black empowerment, and the role of hip-hop as a tool for education and social change. KRS-One addresses the inner-city struggles of the black community, while encouraging self-awareness and unity as a means to overcome those challenges.
The album’s production remains minimalist, much like its predecessor ‘Criminal Minded,’ but incorporates more samples from jazz, funk, and soul, creating a groove-driven sound that complements KRS-One’s powerful lyrical delivery. The beats, while not overly polished, are raw and effective, allowing the focus to remain on the messages behind the lyrics.
By All Means Necessary was both a critical and commercial success, reaching No. 18 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earning KRS-One recognition as one of the most socially conscious voices in hip-hop. Critics praised KRS-One’s intellectual depth, his ability to tackle difficult social issues, and his role as a moral and political leader within the hip-hop community.
The album is often cited as one of the key releases that helped define the conscious rap subgenre, paving the way for other politically-minded artists like Public Enemy, Dead Prez, and Talib Kweli. It remains a quintessential album for hip-hop fans who appreciate socially relevant and thought-provoking music.
By All Means Necessary is considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and a cornerstone of the socially conscious movement in rap. It solidified KRS-One’s reputation as a ‘teacher’ and one of the genre’s most respected thinkers, influencing generations of hip-hop artists who use their platform to address social justice and community uplift.
For fans of hip-hop with substance and those looking to understand the role of the genre in addressing social and political issues, By All Means Necessary stands as a powerful example of how hip-hop can inspire change and provoke thought. The album remains as relevant today as it was in the late 1980s, serving as a reminder of the potential of music to shape minds and communities.
Track Listing
My Philosophy
Ya Slippin’
Stop The Violence
Illegal Business
Nervous
I’m Still #1
Part Time Suckers
Jimmy
T’Cha – T’Cha
Necessary
