We're All In The Same Gang, a thread on how the posse cut turning 30 today, came about and its impact in LA. The track featured NWA, Ice-T, Digital Underground, MC Hammer, King T, Def Jef, and more.

In 1988, Public Enemy and KRS One formed the Stop the Violence Movement to promote anti-gang messages. They dropped Self Destruction. The single featured KRS-One, Chuck D MC Lyte & Kool Moe Dee. The single spread anti-gang & violence content in Hip Hop.

After learning about this song, Mike Concepcion, a Crips founder, who had been wounded and paralyzed, sought to make the same records for LA youth. He approached artists individually to get their commitment.

Mike showed up with friends at the Anaheim Celebrity Theatre to speak with NWA and ask Dr. Dre to produce the single. Above the Law & JJ FAD, also signed to Ruthless agreed to join the track. Credit: Ben Westhoff/ Original Gangstas (2017)

Mike had artists confirmed, but didn't have a label to release the record. This changed when Mike & the Crips provided security for MC Serch after 3rd Bass dissed MC Hammer. Russell Simmons helped Mike broker a deal with Warner Bros, which released the single.

After getting NWA involved in the project and getting a deal with Warner Brothers, more artists including MC Hammer & Ice-T agreed to join. Yo! MTV Raps featured a segment of the video's behind the scenes. Credit: Felicia Viator, To Live and Defy in LA (2020)

The video was filmed in the Nickerson Gardens Projects in Watts and featured the artists and Watts residents. Blood & Crip sets from the LA area provided security for the artists & temporarily had a truce. Credit: Richard Harrington (1990/ LA Times)

The single was a commercial & critical hit, making it to #1 on the Rap Charts & #30 on Billboard and going Gold. It was also nominated for Best Rap Performance by Duo/ Group at the 1991 Grammys.

The truces established for the video shoot helped broker the Watts Truce, just days before the LA Riots started. Their example is credited as helping other gangs & sets establish peace treaties & decrease gang violence in LA. Credit: Alfred 3X Hathaway, 1992.

This single paved the way for other LA gang affiliated artists to work together, including Westside Connection, Bloods & Crips, and Nipsey Hussle & YG.