What makes Smoke Some Kill by Schoolly D notable?

This album is significant as it helped set the tone for the emerging gangsta rap genre, influencing artists like Ice-T and N.W.A. Its explicit content led to discussions about censorship in music, showcasing hip-hop's role in addressing societal issues. Released in 1988, Smoke Some Kill was Schoolly D's third studio album, following his influential self-titled debut. By this time, he had established himself as a key figure in shaping gangsta rap, with his sound evolving to include more complex narratives and hard-hitting production.

Who is Smoke Some Kill for?

Smoke Some Kill works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, provocative themes for deep engagement and gritty beats for late-night vibes.

How many songs are on Smoke Some Kill?

Smoke Some Kill has 14 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Smoke Some Kill

Schoolly D · 1988

54 min · 14 tracks · hip-hop

Raw and provocative beats intertwine with unapologetic lyrics, defining the gritty essence of late '80s hip-hop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Smoke Some Kill — The title track encapsulates the album's ethos, merging aggressive lyrics with a heavy beat that reflects urban struggles and street life.
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Mr. Big Dick — This track employs braggadocio and humor while critiquing masculinity and power dynamics within the context of hip-hop culture.
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We Don’t Rock, We Rap — This track's defiant proclamation emphasizes the authenticity of rap over other music genres, positioning Schoolly D firmly within hip-hop's narrative landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The album's raw beats and explicit lyrics capture the essence of late '80s hip-hop while influencing future gangsta rap.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a confrontational tone, followed by a series of tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace.
Several tracks feature repetitive hooks and aggressive beats, creating a raw and unpolished sound characteristic of late '80s hip-hop.
The lyrics often address themes of street life and social issues, with explicit language that reflects the genre's provocative nature.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 5/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for focused listening
provocative themes for deep engagement
gritty beats for late-night vibes
consistent flow encourages full album
intense energy for active participation

Maybe skip if you

prefer light, upbeat tracks
dislike lyrical complexity and depth

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1988, Smoke Some Kill was Schoolly D's third studio album, following his influential self-titled debut. By this time, he had established himself as a key figure in shaping gangsta rap, with his sound evolving to include more complex narratives and hard-hitting production.
Stylistic neighbors: Kool Keith· Ice-T· Geto Boys