While Criminal Minded was basically about sex and crime, BDP radically changed after Scott's death, becoming the most popular conscious rap group besides Public Enemy. Boogie Down Productions pioneered the fusion of Raggamuffin and hip hop music.
The membership of BDP changed continuously throughout its existence, the only constant being KRS-One. BDP members and collaborators included Kenny Parker (KRS' brother), Run, Keith Murray, McBoo, Ms. Melodie, Scottie Morris, Willie D., Robocop, Harmony, DJ Red Alert, DJ Jazzy Jay Kramer, D-Square, Rebekah, and Sidney Mills. BDP as group essentially ended because KRS-One began recording and performing under his own name, rather than the group name.
Albums
Criminal Minded (1987)
By All Means Necessary (1988; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop (1989; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Edutainment (1990; RIAA Certification: Gold)
Live Hardcore Worldwide (1991)
Sex and Violence (1992)
Remix albums
Man & His Music (Remixes from Around the World) (1987)
Live albums
Live Hardcore Worldwide (1991)
Compilations
Word (with Ms. Melodie) (1992)
A Retrospective (2000)
Best of B-Boy Records (2001)
Blast Master Tapes: Best of the B-Boy Sessions (2006)
South Bronx Teachings: A Collection of Boogie Down Productions (2011)
The Essential KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions (2014)
Singles
From Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip Hop:
1989: "Why Is That"
From Edutainment:
1990: "Love's Gonna Getcha"
From Sex and Violence:
1992: "Duck Down"
1992: "13 & Good"
1992: "We in There"
You Must Learn
Boogie Down Productions Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's calm yet wild the style that I speak
Just filled with facts and you will never get weak in the heart
In fact you'll start to illuminate knowledge to others in a song
Let me demonstrate the force of knowledge
knowledge reigned supreme
The ignorant is ripped to smithereens
'Cause I don't accept everything that you're telling us
What are you selling us the creator dwellin' us
I sit in your unknown class while you're failing' us
I failed your class 'cause I ain't with your reasoning
You're tryin' make me you by seasoning
Up my mind with see Jane run, see John walk in a hardcore New York
It doesn't exist no way, no how
It seems to me that in a school that's ebony
African history should be pumped up steadily, but it's not
and this has got to stop, See Spot run, run get Spot
Insulting to a Black mentality, a Black way of life
Or a jet Black family, so I include with one concern, that
You must learn
Chorus: Just like I told you, you must learn (twice)
I believe that if you're teaching history
Filled with straight up facts no mystery
Teach the student what needs to be taught
'Cause Black and White kids both take shorts
When one doesn't know about the other ones' culture
Ignorance swoops down like a vulture
'Cause you don't know that you ain't just a janitor
No one told you about Benjamin Banneker
A brilliant Black man that invented the almanac
Can't you see where KRS is coming at
With Elie Whitney, Holly Selosy, Grand Bill Woods
made the walky-talky
Lewis Latterman improved on Edison
Charles Drew did a lot for medicine
Garrett Morgan made the traffic lights
Harriet Tubman freed the slaves at night
Madame CJ Walker made a straightin' comb
But you won't know this is you weren't shown
The point I'm gettin' at it it might be harsh
'Cause we're just walkin' around brainwashed
So what I'm sayin' is not to diss a man
we need the 89 school system
One that caters to a Black return because
You must learn
Chorus
"You Must Learn" by Boogie Down Productions is a powerful and thought-provoking song that outlines the importance of knowledge and education, particularly for African Americans. The lyrics start with the line "Just like I told you, you must learn," emphasizing the urgency and importance of gaining knowledge. The style of the song is described as being both calm and wild, which perhaps reflects the dualities of life that the artists are trying to represent.
KRS-One, the lead rapper, fills the song with facts and knowledge, promising that if listeners take in what he is saying, they will "never get weak in the heart." He also raps about the force of knowledge, which reigns supreme and can even rip apart ignorance. The song then delves into the importance of learning African American history, particularly in school. KRS-One criticizes the school system for not teaching enough about African American history, arguing that it is essential for all students to learn and understand this history to fully appreciate and contribute to American culture.
The chorus "Just like I told you, you must learn" emphasizes the message that education is an ongoing process, and that we can never stop learning. Overall, the lyrics of "You Must Learn" are a call to action for everyone to seek knowledge and to never forget the contributions of African Americans to the fabric of American society.
Line by Line Meaning
Just like I told you you must learn
Listen closely and pay attention, because there's important information you need to know
It's calm yet wild the style that I speak
Even though I'm using strong language and making a point, I'm doing it in a calculated and assured way
Just filled with facts and you will never get weak in the heart
All the knowledge I'm presenting is factual and true, and it will strengthen you to know it
In fact you'll start to illuminate knowledge to others in a song
Once you learn this information, you'll want to share it with others and spread the word through music
Let me demonstrate the force of knowledge
Watch me show you the power of having knowledge and using it to make a point
knowledge reigned supreme
Having knowledge is the most important thing, above all else
The ignorant is ripped to smithereens
Those who lack knowledge or choose to ignore it will suffer the consequences
What do you mean when you say I'm rebellious
Why do you view me as a troublemaker just for questioning what I'm being taught and demanding better education?
'Cause I don't accept everything that you're telling us
I'm not going to blindly believe everything I'm being taught without questioning it or doing my own research
What are you selling us the creator dwellin' us
What kind of education system are you giving us that doesn't acknowledge African contributions to knowledge and history?
I sit in your unknown class while you're failing' us
I'm in a classroom where my needs and interests as a Black student aren't being met, and it's affecting my education
I failed your class 'cause I ain't with your reasoning
I'm not going to pass a class or accept a lesson just because it's what my teacher wants me to believe without question
You're tryin' make me you by seasoning
You want me to conform and think the way that you do, but I won't let that happen
Up my mind with see Jane run, see John walk in a hardcore New York
You're teaching me basic, irrelevant information that doesn't apply to me or my community
It doesn't exist no way, no how
The kind of education I need and deserve isn't currently available, and that's a problem
It seems to me that in a school that's ebony
In a school with mostly Black students, it makes sense to prioritize teaching African history and culture
African history should be pumped up steadily, but it's not
We should be learning about African history and contributions on a regular basis, but that's not happening
and this has got to stop, See Spot run, run get Spot
I'm tired of being taught basic information that doesn't help me grow or understand my identity as a Black person
Insulting to a Black mentality, a Black way of life
The education system is failing Black students by not catering to our unique cultural and intellectual needs
Or a jet Black family, so I include with one concern, that
This isn't just about me, it affects all Black families and communities, and we need to demand better education for our children
I believe that if you're teaching history
I think that history education, especially for Black students, needs to be approached differently
Filled with straight up facts no mystery
We need to be learning factual, relevant information about our history and contributions to society
Teach the student what needs to be taught
We need to prioritize teaching students what's actually important and relevant to their lives and identities
'Cause Black and White kids both take shorts
Black and White students are both being failed by a subpar education system that doesn't teach them what they need to know
When one doesn't know about the other ones' culture
Ignorance and misunderstandings arise when students aren't taught about other cultures and perspectives
Ignorance swoops down like a vulture
Not having knowledge about other cultures and perspectives leaves people vulnerable to ignorance and prejudice
'Cause you don't know that you ain't just a janitor
Students need to know that they're capable of being more than just a janitor or other menial job, and education can help them achieve that
No one told you about Benjamin Banneker
Our education system is failing us by not acknowledging important Black historical figures like Benjamin Banneker
A brilliant Black man that invented the almanac
Banneker is a prime example of a Black historical figure who should be taught in schools
Can't you see where KRS is coming at
Can't you understand my perspective and my demands for better education for Black students?
With Elie Whitney, Holly Selosy, Grand Bill Woods
There are many more important historical figures than just the typical ones that get taught in schools
made the walky-talky
These figures contributed to society and innovation in countless ways that are often overlooked
Lewis Latterman improved on Edison
We need to teach students about important Black figures like Lewis Latterman, who made significant contributions to technology and society
Charles Drew did a lot for medicine
Charles Drew is one of many Black figures who had a massive impact on medicine and healthcare, yet he's often not acknowledged in education
Garrett Morgan made the traffic lights
Despite being responsible for a major invention that impacts daily life, Garrett Morgan isn't widely taught in schools
Harriet Tubman freed the slaves at night
Harriet Tubman, an important Black historical figure, should be widely taught in education for her contributions to the abolition of slavery
Madame CJ Walker made a straightin' comb
Even minor Black historical figures, like Madame CJ Walker and her contributions to beauty products, deserve recognition and acknowledgement in education
But you won't know this is you weren't shown
If important Black historical figures and contributions aren't taught in education, students won't know about them and won't be able to appreciate their impact on society
The point I'm gettin' at it it might be harsh
I understand that my message is critical of the education system, but it's a necessary conversation that needs to be had
'Cause we're just walkin' around brainwashed
The education system has failed us by indoctrinating us with harmful, irrelevant, or incomplete information
So what I'm sayin' is not to diss a man
I'm not trying to attack or insult anyone personally, but critique the system that has failed us
we need the 89 school system
We need a new education system that prioritizes Black students and acknowledges the contributions of Black history and culture
One that caters to a Black return because
We deserve an education system that acknowledges and caters to our unique culture and history as Black people
You must learn
Education and knowledge are essential for realizing our full potential and for pushing back against a system that has failed us
Chorus: Just like I told you, you must learn (twice)
Reiterating the importance of education and knowledge and emphasizing that it's a message that needs to be spread and taught to everyone
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: LAWRENCE KRSONE PARKER, D. CAMERON, TYRONE ARMSTRONG, RAY SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hebrew Kale
Just like I told you you must learn
It's calm yet wild the style that I speak
Just filled with facts and you will never get weak in the heart
In fact you'll start to illuminate knowledge to others in a song
Let me demonstrate the force of knowledge
knowledge reigned supreme
The ignorant is ripped to smithereens
What do you mean when you say I'm rebellious
'Cause I don't accept everything that you're telling us
What are you selling us the creator dwellin' us
I sit in your unknown class while you're failing' us
I failed your class 'cause I ain't with your reasoning
You're tryin' make me you by seasoning
Up my mind with see Jane run, see John walk in a hardcore New York
It doesn't exist no way, no how
It seems to me that in a school that's ebony
African history should be pumped up steadily, but it's not
and this has got to stop, See Spot run, run get Spot
Insulting to a Black mentality, a Black way of life
Or a jet Black family, so I include with one concern, that
You must learn
I believe that if you're teaching history
Filled with straight up facts no mystery
Teach the student what needs to be taught
'Cause Black and White kids both take shorts
When one doesn't know about the other ones' culture
Ignorance swoops down like a vulture
'Cause you don't know that you ain't just a janitor
No one told you about Benjamin Banneker
A brilliant Black man that invented the almanac
Can't you see where KRS is coming at
With Elie Whitney, Holly Selosy, Grand Bill Woods
made the walky-talky
Lewis Latterman improved on Edison
Charles Drew did a lot for medicine
Garrett Morgan made the traffic lights
Harriet Tubman freed the slaves at night
Madame CJ Walker made a straightin' comb
But you won't know this is you weren't shown
The point I'm gettin' at it it might be harsh
'Cause we're just walkin' around brainwashed
So what I'm sayin' is not to diss a man
we need the 89 school system
One that caters to a Black return because
You must learn
I believe that if you're teaching history
"Alkebulan" is the original name
Of Africa, now stripped of it's fame
It's good to know that in ancient times
Egyptians developed all sciences of the mind
To the point where they ruled the planet
But Rome, Greece, and Persia wasn't havin' it
They attacked, and won the war
But it wasn't enough, they had to get to the core
Cause in that time it was Alkebulan
That ruled religion, politics, and man
In order to destroy the Egyptian race
They had to wipe the sciences from off the face of the planet
So they proceeded to ban it
Then replace it with Christianity
And it's, been that way, all the way to today
Learn what we teach; hear what we say
But here comes the K-the-R-the-S-the-O-the-N-the-E
The BDP and we rhyme intelligently
Let me continue with Theodosyius
A Greek ruler not known to most of us
He, in the fourth century A.D.,
Calls the Egyptians fools you see
Two years later, Justinian rules
Six A.D., was it for schools
As a result, ignorance had swirled
Over Christian Europe and Greco-Roman worlds
This went on for a thousand years
Of ignorance, stupidity, and tears
Now comes the seventeenth century hardness
Europe, began to come out of it's darkness
So Johann F. Blumenbach, a German
Came out of nowhere and started confirming
White supremacy and men of colors
Before this time, all men were brothers
It was Johann, who went on to say
There are five different colors in the world today
That's caucasian, malayan, and mongolian
American-Indian, and ethiopian
Yet, the ignorance gets scarier
He believed whites were superior
According to his idiotic fountain
The purest whites were from the Caucas mountains
J. A. Blofener, and H. S. Chamberlain
Both supported this outrageous racism
This went on to what the master race should be
And why they killed the Jews in Germany
Here is the reason why I'm so concerned
Because you, must, learn!!!!
Samuel Momodu
One of the greatest songs in Hip Hop history.
Airfixx _
Amazing record, but I prefer the album version.....
Richard Adlam
Yeah the album version was the boom bap
Terrence Stith
for all the youngsters who wonder why many of us old schoolers are critical of (most of) "todays rap"..this video gives you the answer 100%. Shout out to the youngsters though. We believe in you and believe you can elevate Hip Hop back where it needs to be..Just understand..THIS is the blueprint (see what I did there)
Natalia
Truth
Stipem
True af
Mr. T Pain 60 58
Use your platform to help us to learn. We need to know shit. YOU MUST LEARN. 🤔
Tg midaz👑💫
I'm 30 and this is facts 💯
Randolph Nicholson
That third verse is one of the best verses in Hip Hop history!!
ANYTHING GOES VIDEOS (Part - 2)
remind me of NAS's Last verse in his song - "I KNOW I CAN"