by Kevin Lockett

Created on: June 17, 2009   Last Updated: June 18, 2009

In some ways it is disrespectful to call this form of Hip Hop music Gangster rap

While some albums are littered with excessive sex and violence, this pioneering form of Gangster rap were more than simple thuggish posturing and Iceberg Slim quotes, artists like Ice T, NWA and others spun tales that were not being covered by CNN or Dan Rather.

Tales about the complexity of gangs, the underground phenomenon of police brutality and the struggles of living in poverty on the west coast. Tales that most Hip Hop fans, especially ones in New York, did not know existed.

Here is a sampling of some of the seminal recordings of the Gangster rap era. Some of these recordings are well-known, while others may surprise, but each of these has part in play in the evolution and at later devolution of this genre.

Schooly D-Gangster Boogie/P.S.K.

Allegedly Philly rapper Schooly D was the first rapper to use Gangster in Hip Hop on the song Gangster Boogie in 1984. But it was the often sample song PSK (ark Side Killers) which set the template for Ice T's first Gangster Rap release, 6 in The Mornin.

Ice T- 6 in The Mornin/Power

Many consider this the first Gangster Rap recording on the west coast. After appearing in the film Breakin, Ice T decides to give people a real glimpse of the street on his first hit recording. On his album Power Ice T, goes deeper into the life of a hustler as he talks about the thrills and the dangers of the street. Although Ice T is now a respected TV actor on Law & Order, 6 in The Mornin and Power are crucial elements of the rise of Gangster rap.

Boogie Down Productions-Criminal Minded

Before KRS-One was the teacher he was holding a gun on BDP's debut album. Regarded as one the first Gangster rap albums KRS-One and the late DJ Scott La Rock give gritty details of the streets of New York with songs like 9mm Goes Bang, Super Hoe and Criminal Minded. Years since its release, KRS-One has become a successful lecturer and protector of Hip Hop culture, but in 1987, a Uzi not a book, was his power of choice.

Ice Cube-Death Certificate

In 1991, former NWA member Ice Cube brought Islam and introspection into the Gangster rap genre. Splitting the album two halves, Ice Cube dealt with the mentality of a thuggish individual. The death side Ice Cube focused on how sex (Nappy Dug Out, Look Who's Burnin) and violence (Man's Best Friend, Wrong N* to F* Wit ruled the individual's life. While the life side, explored the individuals, conversion

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