Knowledge

Brooklyn, New York City. Home of fancy coffee shops, expensive condominiums, and trendy neighborhoods. But in 1995, Brooklyn was not synonymous for “gentrification.” Back then, Rudy Giuliani was Mayor of New York and he was in the midst of a serious war against crime. In 1995, Giuliani’s New York registered its lowest crime rate since the 1970s. From 1,156 homicides then to roughly 300 homicides now, the Big Apple has come a long way.

In the heart of Brooklyn stood the “Doghilee,” stomping ground for the crew known as the Boot Camp Clik. BCC, which helped spearhead New York’s hardcore rap scene, was comprised of four unique groups: Black Moon, Smif N Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, and O.G.C. Emerging with Black Moon’s seminal debut album, Enta Da Stage, BCC cemented their status with Smif N Wessun’s debut, Dah Shinin.

Released January 10, 1995, Dah Shinin is celebrated for the synergy between Smif N Wessun’s two members, Tek and Steele, and the cohesive, gritty production courtesy of Da Beatminerz. In 1998, The Source placed the album in its list of 100 Best Rap Albums.

What You're about to hear is Tek and Steele take us through the backstory and the making of their quintessential classic. They talk about:

- Their relationships with Biggie and Tupac
- Going to high school with Maxwell and Sean Price
- Being inspired by the work of Roy Ayers
- And what the Doghilee actually was.

This is "You Must Learn."

"You Must Learn" was produced and edited by Peter Oasis, written by Dharmic X and executive produced by Evan Auerbach of @upnorthtrips. Special thanks to Dru Ha and Duck Down Records for the love.

"You Must Learn" was recorded in your mothers basement next to your favorite blogger somewhere in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. 

Please subscribe to "You Must Learn" on iTunes, Stitcher and wherever great podcasts can be found.

Knowledge

BrettMo