In 1989, KRS-One brought together leading East Coast hip-hop artists for “Self Destruction”, a charity single opposing violence. The track mattered because it adapted the established all-star benefit-song format to rap while retaining the energy, creativity and directness of a major collaborative hip-hop record.

The project emerged from the Stop The Violence Movement after violence affected Boogie Down Productions’ community, including DJ Scott La Rock’s 1987 killing and the death of a fan at a 1988 concert. Contributors included Kool Moe Dee, Heavy D, Doug E. Fresh and Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav; LL Cool J, prevented from performing by his label, helped MC Lyte write her verse. Produced by KRS-One, D Nice and Hank Shocklee, the single received heavy hip-hop radio and MTV exposure and raised more than $100,000 for the Urban Defense League.