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By All Means Necessary

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description By All Means Necessary Overview

By All Means Necessary is the second studio album by Boogie Down Productions, released in 1988 after the death of group co-founder DJ Scott La Rock. Led by KRS-One, it marked a stronger turn toward socially conscious writing, addressing violence, racism, government, and the responsibilities of hip-hop artists. Its title and cover reference Malcolm X, while tracks such as "My Philosophy" helped define the politically engaged style of East Coast hip-hop.

help By All Means Necessary FAQ

What tragedy preceded Boogie Down Productions' By All Means Necessary?

The album was created following the 1987 shooting death of the group's co-founder and DJ, Scott La Rock. This tragedy heavily influenced the album's pivot toward socially conscious and anti-violence themes.

When was By All Means Necessary released?

The album was released in 1988 by Jive/RCA Records. It is widely considered one of the foundational texts of conscious and political hip-hop.

What is KRS-One's persona on By All Means Necessary?

Following the death of Scott La Rock, KRS-One adopted the moniker "The Teacher" for this record. He used the album to address street violence, government corruption, and the crack epidemic from an educational standpoint.

What are the most famous tracks from By All Means Necessary?

The album features the iconic anti-police-brutality anthem "Sound of da Police." "My Philosophy" is another standout track where KRS-One emphasizes the artistic integrity and lyrical focus of hip-hop.

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