30 Years Deep: Wise Intelligent’s Killin’ U… For Fun

Today, March 12, 2026, marks exactly thirty years since Timothy Grimes, better known in the hip-hop world as Wise Intelligent, released his first solo project, Killin’ U… For Fun. For those who followed the 90s scene, Wise was synonymous with the sharp and eloquent energy of the Trenton, New Jersey trio Poor Righteous Teachers (PRT). However, 1996 was a turning point—the moment this “teacher” decided to step outside the group’s framework and test his skills on his own terms.

The mid-90s were a tough era for “conscious” emcees. While the charts were dominated by Biggie, Pac, and the rising wave of mafioso rap, Wise Intelligent remained loyal to the doctrine of the Nation of Gods and Earths (Five Percent Nation). The album was released through a partnership between Contract Recording Company and Profile Records, at a time when PRT was battling major label bureaucracy. Kevon Glickman recognized the potential to showcase Wise as the most technically gifted emcee of his generation, free from corporate filters.

The sonic identity of the album was almost entirely crafted by the legendary Tony D (Anthony Depula). His ability to create “thick” jazz textures perfectly complemented Wise’s fast and syncopated flow. Tracks like “My Sound” and “Steady Slangin‘” are prime examples of that “butter-smooth” production that defined the Trenton sound of that era. Tony D masterfully used eerie bass lines and hypnotic piano loops, giving Wise the space to explore various vocal styles, from traditional rapping to ragga-chanting.

One of the most intriguing stories surrounding this release is the controversy over the cover art. Wise originally intended to use a photograph depicting the lynching of an African American, serving as a direct and brutal commentary on America’s history of violence. The title Killin’ U… For Fun was ironic in that context. However, Profile Records and distributors deemed the visual too radical for retail shelves, forcing a change to the cover we all know today. Reportedly, only 100 copies of the “Advance” version with the original artwork exist, making it a holy grail for crate diggers.

Trivia buffs still debate the track “I’ll Never Kill Again.” It features Foxy Brown, but the voice doesn’t sound like Inga Marchand (the famous Foxy from The Firm). The guest vocal is high-pitched, almost childlike, leading to theories that it was a different artist or a very early, unpolished recording before Foxy became the “Ill Na Na” . Regardless, the song remains a highlight due to its strong reggae fusion.

Lyrically, Wise was at his peak here. In “Black Juice,” he directly called out corporations like Timberland and Ralph Lauren for exploiting Black culture, while in “Shitty Inna City,” he showed rare vulnerability, discussing how he remained broke despite having four albums out.

While Killin’ U… For Fun might not have reached the commercial heights of other 1996 blockbusters, it stands as a monument to artistic integrity. Wise Intelligent proved that one could “kill the ego” for the sake of higher knowledge and that a true emcee doesn’t need to chase trends to stay relevant. Thirty years later, these joints still hit with the same power, reminding us of an era when every bar carried weight.