The Bomb Squad is known for their groundbreaking work with Public Enemy. As the force behind such classics as It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, Yo! Bum Rush The Show and Fear Of A Black Planet, the team of Hank Shocklee, Keith Shocklee and Eric "Vietnam" Sadler and G-Wiz have some undeniable masterworks under their collective belts.
But there is more to the Bomb Squad than just Public Enemy records. Here are five Hip-Hop classics that you may not have known were products of the Squad.
"Keep Risin' To The Top" - Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew
The Bomb Squad's sonic boom was noticeably quieter on this 1988 hit from Doug E. Fresh. "The World's Greatest Entertainer" scored with this upbeat ode to getting yours, with a little help from Hank, Eric and Co.
"Teenage Love" - Slick Rick
Doug E. Fresh's former Get Fresh Crew cohort MC Ricky D also got some heat from the Bomb Squad. On his smash 1988 album The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick, The Ruler delivered this tribute to being young and in love. It's still one of The Bomb Squad's most smoothed-out productions.
"Sobb Story" - Leaders Of the New School
The Leaders Of The New School got their unique name from The Bomb Squad and P.E. frontman Chuck D. They also got some of the production team's most unique beats, perfect for the young emcees screwball personas. And one of the best was this classic track about needing a car.
"Once Upon A Time In the Projects" - Ice Cube
When Ice Cube split from N.W.A., he initially thought things would stay cordial enough for him to continue working with former bandmate Dr. Dre. Alas, it was not to be, but after a trip to New York City, Cube fell in with Public Enemy and the Bomb Squad agreed to hel producer his debut album. The rest is rap history.
"B.B.D. (I Thought It Was Me)" - Bell Biv DeVoe
Unlike their cohorts in New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe didn't link up with R&B superproducers like Teddy Riley or L.A. & Babyface. Instead, Ronnie, Ricky and Mike teamed up with Hip-Hop producers, like The Bomb Squad--who gave them this forever danceable new jack classic about a girl who ain't gonna be tied down.