You Must Learn – Smif N Wessun (Episode 2)
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.
