Criminal Minded
Boogie Down Productions · 1987
69 min · 20 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · old-school hip-hop
Raw, unapologetic beats and sharp lyricism reflect the gritty realities of urban life in late '80s New York.
Why this album works
'Criminal Minded' is considered a cornerstone of hardcore hip-hop, influencing countless artists and marking a shift towards more aggressive lyrical content. The track 'The Bridge Is Over' famously sparked a rivalry with Queensbridge rappers, showcasing its cultural impact and securing the album's place in hip-hop history.
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys layered, dense sonic textures
- Context
- When 'Criminal Minded' was released in March 1987, Boogie Down Productions, led by KRS-One, was on the cusp of redefining East Coast hip-hop. This debut album followed their earlier single 'South Bronx,' which had already made waves in the burgeoning hip-hop scene, setting the stage for a new wave of socially conscious rap.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Kool G Rap· KRS-One· Dr. Dre
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Poetry 5:03
- 2 South Bronx Standout 5:11
- 3 9mm Goes Bang Standout 4:20
- 4 Word From Our Sponsor 3:55
- 5 Elementary 4:07
- 6 Dope Beat 5:16
- 7 Remix for P Is Free 4:21
- 8 The Bridge Is Over Standout 3:27
- 9 Super-Hoe 5:31
- 10 Criminal Minded 5:20
- 11 Poetry (instrumental) 2:14
- 12 South Bronx (instrumental) 2:16
- 13 9mm Goes Bang (instrumental) 2:15
- 14 Word From Our Sponsor (instrumental) 2:15
- 15 Elementary (instrumental) 2:14
- 16 Dope Beat (instrumental) 2:14
- 17 Remix for P Is Free (instrumental) 2:15
- 18 The Bridge Is Over (instrumental) 2:15
- 19 Super-Hoe (instrumental) 2:13
- 20 Criminal Minded (instrumental) 2:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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