Classic Material | Intelligent Hoodlum - "Intelligent Hoodlum"

ItzYourz411
Jan 23
2 min read

The debut album from Juice Crew member, Intelligent Hoodlum aka Tragedy (later known as Tragedy Khadafi) is the self-titled Intelligent Hoodlum, released on July 10, 1990, via A&M Records.

Percy Chapman (Intelligent Hoodlum aka Tragedy aka MC Percy P) began his career at the age of 15, as one half of the duo Super Kids, along with Queensbridge producer DJ Hot Day. That caught the attention of Marley Marl, who in 1986 produced the duo's single "The Tragedy (Don't Do It)", and "Stunt of the Block".

Chapman then became the youngest member of the Juice Crew alongside artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante and MC Shan. In 1987, he appeared as MC Percy on the B side of the 12" "Juice Crew All Stars" and on the last Super Kids single, "Hot Day Master Mix" appearing on tracks "Hip Hop Kids Live At U.S.A" and "Go Queensbridge".

He was convicted that year (he was only 16 years old) for robbery charges followed by serving time in the Elmira Correctional Facility.

In 1988, at the age of 17, under the new name Tragedy, he appeared alongside fellow Juice Crew members on the Marley Marl compilation album In Control Vol.1, on the solo tracks "The Rebel" and "Live Motivator".

While in prison, Tragedy became a Five Percenter and began working under the alias "Intelligent Hoodlum",and released the self-titled album Intelligent Hoodlum on A&M Records. The album was produced by Marley Marl (with co-production by Large Professor) and contained the singles "Back to Reality", "Black and Proud," and "Arrest the President".

Album Overview

Produced primarily by the legendary Marley Marl, with co-production from Large Professor and Joe Burgos, the project is a cornerstone of conscious hip-hop from the Queensbridge projects. The album reached number 52 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and is recognized for blending street-level lyricism with social and political commentary.

Key Singles and Tracks

The album features several tracks that became staples of early 90s East Coast hip-hop:

"Back to Reality": A standout single that addresses personal growth and societal struggles.
"Black and Proud": A politically charged anthem reflecting the artist's Five Percenter beliefs.
"Arrest the President": A provocative track addressing police brutality and government corruption.
"Trag Invasion": Showcases the raw lyrical ability that influenced later Queensbridge legends like Nas.

Legacy

At just 18 years old, Tragedy established himself as a prominent voice within the Juice Crew through this release. The album served as a precursor to the "reality rap" style that would dominate the mid-1990s, influencing seminal works like Nas's Illmatic.

Intelligent Hoodlum - Intelligent Hoodlum (Full Album)