Stop the Violence Movement
| "Self-Destruction" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single by The Stop the Violence Movement | |
| Released | 1989 |
| Format | 12-inch single |
| Recorded |
Power Play Studios Chung King |
| Genre | East Coast hip hop, golden age hip hop, hardcore hip hop, Conscious rap, political hip hop |
| Label | Jive |
| Producer(s) |
KRS-One, D-Nice Hank Shocklee (Assoc.) |
The Stop the Violence Movement was begun by rapper KRS-One in 1989 in response to violence in the hip hop and African American communities.
In 1988, during a concert by Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy, a young fan was killed in a fight. The killing occurred shortly after Scott La Rock, a founding member of Boogie Down Productions, was killed in a shooting. KRS-One responded to these deaths by forming the Stop the Violence Movement to advance a vision of hip hop that would restore what he called hip hop's original principles to the music industry. Composed of some of the biggest stars in contemporary East Coast hip hop, the movement released a single, "Self Destruction", in 1989, with all proceeds going to the National Urban League.[1] A music video was created, and a VHS cassette entitled Overcoming Self-Destruction—the Making of the Self-Destruction Video was also released.
"Self-Destruction" was produced by KRS-One and D-Nice of Boogie Down Productions (Hank Shocklee of the Bomb Squad is credited as an associate producer), and featured the following:
- Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One, D-Nice & Ms. Melodie)
- Stetsasonic (Delite, Daddy-O, Wise, and Frukwan)
- Kool Moe Dee
- MC Lyte
- Doug E. Fresh
- Just-Ice
- Heavy D
- Public Enemy (Chuck D & Flavor Flav)
The song samples "You Can Have Watergate, Just Gimme Some Bucks & I'll Be Straight" by the JB's.[1]
"Self-Construction" (Self-Destruction 2008)
KRS-One relaunched the campaign to record a 2008 version of the song titled "Self-Construction," produced by Duane DaRock with the contribution of over 55 artists, which included David Banner, The Game, Nelly, Redman, Awol One, 2Mex, Rah Digga, Lil' AJ, Ne-Yo, Talib Kweli, Method Man, Styles P, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Cassidy, Wise Intelligent, Rakaa, Gernado, MC Lyte, 50 Cent, and various others. Recording of the track took place in Los Angeles from February 7 to February 9 at the Los Angeles Recording School.
Self-Destruction 2009
KRS-One once again relaunched his campaign in the late 2008 in order to provide his new years resolution. This version includes Twista, Syleena Johnson, Phil G, Crucial Conflict, Kenny Bogus, Straw and Pugz Atomz.
DJ Kay Slay also produced a version of "Self Destruction" that samples the original more heavily. It features MCs Sheek Louch, Busta Rhymes, Papoose, Bun B, Uncle Murda, and Jay Rock.
Another version was made by a group of MC's from Jersey City spearheaded by rap trio the Heat this version is extremely similar to the original—it even mimics the flow of the original MC's (youtube Heataz81).