Boogie Down Productions Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Hip Hop Electro East Coast hip hop Turntablism Hardcore hip hop Conscious hip hop old school hip hop rap gangster rap golden age hip hop bronx hip hop

Members

Select a Boogie Down Productions band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

D-Nice

Roles:

Rapper DJ

Groups:

The Flavor Unit MCs The Stop the Violence Movement

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KRS-One

Roles:

Rapper Music Producer

Groups:

Soul Assassins Zulu Nation The S.T.O.P. Movement Group Therapy The Stop the Violence Movement 12:41 The Celebrity Three

Needs more gear

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Kenny Parker

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Needs more gear

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DJ Scott La Rock

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

Groups:

12:41

No gear added

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Val Douglas

Roles:

Bassist

No gear added

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Jerry Johnson

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

Groups:

Steel Pulse

No gear added

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Jamalski

Roles:

Singer Rapper

Groups:

Zulu Nation The Stop the Violence Movement

No gear added

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Levi 167

Roles:

Rapper

Groups:

12:41 The Celebrity Three

No gear added

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Rebekah Foster

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

Groups:

The Stop the Violence Movement

No gear added

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Nass-T

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Stop the Violence Movement Nass-T Boys Army

No gear added

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Kevin Batchelor

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

No gear added

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Willie D

Roles:

Singer Rapper

Groups:

Geto Boys

No gear added

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Dwayne Sumal

Roles:

Music Producer

No gear added

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Pamela Scott

Roles:

Singer

Groups:

The Stop the Violence Movement

No gear added

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Red Alert

Roles:

Singer Music Producer

Groups:

Zulu Nation Native Tongues Posse Bronx Vice

No gear added

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Ms. Melodie

Roles:

Rapper

Groups:

The Stop the Violence Movement

No gear added

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Sidney Mills

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer

No gear added

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About

Boogie Down Productions was a seminal hip hop group originating from the Bronx, New York, that emerged in the mid-1980s. The group was co-founded by the influential MC KRS-One (vocals, lyricist) and DJ Scott La Rock (DJ, producer), with notable contributions from members such as D-Nice (DJ, rapper). Known for pioneering both hardcore and conscious rap, Boogie Down Productions deftly combined elements of East Coast hip hop, turntablism, and Jamaican ragga. Following the tragic death of Scott La Rock, KRS-One became the driving force behind the group, steering their sound towards socially aware and politically charged themes, earning him the moniker "The Teacher."

How to Sound Like Boogie Down Productions

The sound of Boogie Down Productions is characterized by its minimalistic and raw energy, focusing on the powerful delivery of KRS-One's vocals over straightforward, yet impactful beats. The group's early work was marked by sparse, gritty backdrops, often constructed with the E-mu SP-1200 sampler, which provided a rugged, lo-fi aesthetic that became a hallmark of their style. The Neumann U 87 was instrumental in capturing the clarity and weight of KRS-One's voice, ensuring his incisive lyrics cut through the mix. For DJs and producers looking to emulate their vibe, incorporating vintage turntables like the Technics SL-1200 can help recreate the authentic, old-school scratch techniques that were pivotal to their sound. This combination of raw beats, commanding vocals, and socially poignant lyrics crafted a soundscape that was both innovative and deeply rooted in the urban experience of the late '80s.

Discography

Criminal Minded (Hot Club Version)

1987

Criminal Minded

1987

Man & His Music

1988

By All Means Necessary (Expanded Edition)

1988

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip-Hop (Expanded Edition)

1989

Edutainment

1990

Live Hardcore Worldwide

1991

Sex & Violence

1992

Get the Boogie Down Productions Sound

Want to sound like Boogie Down Productions? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.