By All Means Necessary cover

By All Means Necessary

Boogie Down Productions · 1988

47 min · 10 tracks · hardcore hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop · old-school hip-hop

A bold examination of social issues layered over hard-hitting beats and incisive lyricism.

Why listen to this

Best for
steady, consistent energy levels thought-provoking lyrical content mid-tempo reflective moments
Context
By All Means Necessary is Boogie Down Productions' second album, released in 1988 after their acclaimed debut Criminal Minded. At this point in their career, KRS-One had solidified his status as a prominent voice in hip-hop and was beginning to incorporate more socially conscious themes into his work.
If you like
hardcore hip-hop, East Coast hip-hop, old-school hip-hop

By All Means Necessary is an album by Boogie Down Productions, released in 1988. A bold examination of social issues layered over hard-hitting beats and incisive lyricism. This album is significant for its impactful message against violence and crime in urban communities, particularly highlighted by the track 'Stop the Violence.' It showcased KRS-One's commitment to addressing social issues through music, earning critical acclaim and solidifying the group's place in hip-hop history during a time of rising tensions in American cities. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does By All Means Necessary sound like?

A bold examination of social issues layered over hard-hitting beats and incisive lyricism. Rooted in hardcore hip-hop and East Coast hip-hop.

What makes By All Means Necessary by Boogie Down Productions notable?

This album is significant for its impactful message against violence and crime in urban communities, particularly highlighted by the track 'Stop the Violence.' It showcased KRS-One's commitment to addressing social issues through music, earning critical acclaim and solidifying the group's place in hip-hop history during a time of rising tensions in American cities. By All Means Necessary is Boogie Down Productions' second album, released in 1988 after their acclaimed debut Criminal Minded. At this point in their career, KRS-One had solidified his status as a prominent voice in hip-hop and was beginning to incorporate more socially conscious themes into his work.

Who is By All Means Necessary for?

By All Means Necessary works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, thought-provoking lyrical content and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on By All Means Necessary?

By All Means Necessary has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·47:26

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 My Philosophy Standout 5:41
  • 2 Ya Slippin’ 4:56
  • 3 Stop the Violence Standout 4:42
  • 4 Illegal Business 5:21
  • 5 Nervous 4:13
  • 6 I’m Still #1 5:13
  • 7 Part Time Suckers 5:32
  • 8 Jimmy 4:16
  • 9 T’cha – T’cha 4:35
  • 10 Necessary 2:57

Release Date

May 31, 1988

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

47 min 26 sec