Boogie Down Productions – My Philosophy
By All Means Necessary is the second album from American hip hop group Boogie Down Productions, released in April 12, 1988[1] on Jive Records. After the 1987 murder of DJ-producer Scott La Rock, MC KRS-One moved away from the violent themes that dominated Boogie Down Productions’ debut, Criminal Minded, and began writing socially conscious songs using the moniker the Teacher.
Accompanied by minimalist production and hard-hitting drum beats, KRS-One covers social issues that include government and police corruption, safe sex, government involvement in the drug trade, and violence in the hip hop community.
The album’s cover art and title both make reference to Malcolm X. The cover, depicting KRS-One, references an iconic photograph of Malcolm X peering through a window while holding an M1 carbine rifle, and the title is a modification of Malcolm X’s famous phrase “by any means necessary“.[3]
As of September 25, 1989, the album was certified gold in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America.
