On this day in 1962, Scott Monroe Sterling, known as DJ Scott La Rock of Boogie Down Productions, was born in the Bronx, New York. As the original producer and DJ for rap icon KRS-One, La Rock played a pivotal role in shaping one of Hip-Hop’s most influential groups until his tragic death on August 27, 1987.
Raised by his mother, Carolyn Morant, La Rock moved between Queens and the South Bronx before settling in the Morris Heights projects. A standout student and athlete at Our Savior Lutheran High School, he initially planned to play basketball at Castleton State University but ultimately shifted his focus to music. While in college, he built a reputation spinning records at Dugan’s Bar on Friday nights, planting the seeds for a storied career.
After graduating in 1984, La Rock returned to New York, working various jobs while DJing at the Broadway Repertoire Theatre. His work as a social worker at Franklin’s Men’s Shelter led to a fateful meeting with Kris Parker—better known as KRS-One. Along with Derrick “DJ D-Nice” Jones, they formed Boogie Down Productions, ushering in a new era for Hip Hop.
In 1987, BDP released their landmark debut album, Criminal Minded, which is now regarded as one of the greatest Hip-Hop albums of all time. The Source ranked it among the “100 Best Rap Albums,” while Rolling Stone placed it in their “500 Greatest Albums” list. The South Bronx track remains one of rap history’s most iconic diss records.
Tragically, La Rock’s life was cut short just months after the album’s release. In an attempt to help DJ D-Nice resolve a dispute, he and his crew drove to the Highbridge Gardens projects in the Bronx. As they were leaving, gunfire erupted, striking La Rock in the neck. He was rushed to Lincoln Hospital but succumbed to his injuries within an hour.
His death sent shockwaves through the Hip Hop community and directly inspired KRS-One’s Stop the Violence Movement, which aimed to curb the same senseless violence that claimed his friend’s life. Despite the tragedy, KRS-One carried on the Boogie Down Productions legacy, cementing their place in Hip Hop history.
DJ Scott La Rock’s impact on the culture remains undeniable. His contributions to Hip Hop, both musically and through his message, continue to resonate. Today, take a moment to honor his legacy by revisiting Criminal Minded and reflecting on the foundation he helped lay for future generations.