Schoolly D

1962-06-22 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Jesse Bonds Weaver Jr. (born June 22, 1962), better known by the stage name Schoolly D (sometimes spelled Schooly D), is an American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Schoolly D was born Jesse Bonds Weaver Jr. in West Philadelphia, and spent part of his youth in both Philadelphia and Georgia. In the mid-1980s, Schoolly D began collaborating with DJ Code Money, developing a raw style of hip hop characterized by gritty beats and lyrics focused on urban street life, violence, drugs, and sexual bravado. His 1985 self-released single "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?" (short for "Park Side Killers") is widely considered one of the first gangsta rap songs and helped shape the foundation of the subgenre. This groundbreaking record influenced future artists like Ice-T and N.W.A., and its stripped-down, aggressive production has been sampled and referenced for decades. In 1986, he appeared in the Dutch hip-hop documentary Big Fun in the Big Town, further exposing his influence on early hip hop culture internationally. Around this time, Schoolly D also adopted a more Afrocentric philosophy, aligning himself with artists like KRS-One to bring themes of Black empowerment and cultural pride into his work. He contributed music to several Abel Ferrara films, including King of New York and Bad Lieutenant. Notably, his track "Signifying Rapper", based on the folk tale and influenced by Led Zeppelin’s "Kashmir", was used in Bad Lieutenant but later removed due to legal action over sample clearance. Schoolly D also composed original scores for films like The Blackout and 'R Xmas, collaborating with composer Joe Delia. In 2006, he co-wrote the soundtrack to the indie sci-fi film Order of the Quest alongside Chuck Treece. His 2000s output included the album Funk 'N Pussy, released by Chord Recordings, featuring collaborations with Chuck D, Chuck Chillout, Lady B, and a drum and bass remix of "Mr. Big Dick" by Sneaker Pimps. Beyond music, Schoolly D became known to a new generation of fans through his contributions to the cult animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, where he provided theme music and occasional narration. He also appeared on Space Ghost Coast to Coast and created the song "Sharkian Nights" for 12 oz. Mouse. n December 2022, Schoolly D independently released a new album titled Cause Schoolly D Is Crazy