There’s no shortage of reasons why Schoolly D is a trailblazer. Off the top, he is indeed the undisputed creator of gangster rap. He is a rapper’s rapper; influencing iconic emcees who’ve gone on to shape generations of rappers. He was an entrepreneur before it was commonplace for rappers to be businessmen. During the ’80s, he was embraced by fans abroad and began to tour globally and perform with giants of punk such as The Clash. His music has been sampled a multitude of times throughout many genres. In the early ’90s, Schoolly was recruited by acclaimed director Abel Ferrara to provide music for his films, including cult classics “King of New York” starring Christopher Walken and Laurence Fishburne and “Bad Lieutenant” starring Harvey Keitel. He also composed for Ferrara’s “The Blackout” featuring Hollywood legend Dennis Hopper.
For over three decades, Schoolly D’s music has continued to be licensed for film, including 2018’s “White Boy Rick.” He created the intro track for the hit cartoon series, Alpha Teen Hunger Force, which boasts an astonishing eleven seasons on the air. As a graphic artist, he created a one-of-a-kind visual brand with his distinctive line-art depictions of himself. As a musical force, he built a legacy that is unrivaled. He remains an irreverent and enigmatic figure, years after his genre-defining timeless and minimalistic masterpieces “Gucci-Time,” “P.S.K.” and “Saturday Night.” In this in-depth interview, Schoolly discusses his storied career, an upcoming album, and insight into a lifetime of uncompromised creativity that shows no sign of slowing down. Take time and dig deep into the world of one of the most distinctive and historic artists in Hip Hop history. -Israel Vasquetelle
