"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" is a song from KRS-One's 1995 eponymous album. It contains production from DJ Premier that samples "Yesterdays" by Clifford Brown, and interpolates "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow.[citation needed] Its lyrics deal with how many rappers who achieve positive chart positions and other commercial awards cannot perform well live.
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"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" | ||||
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Single by KRS-One | ||||
from the album KRS-One | ||||
Released | August 28, 1995 (1995-08-28) | |||
Recorded | 1995 | |||
Genre | East Coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop | |||
Length | 4:55 | |||
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Songwriter(s) | Lawrence Parker | |||
Producer(s) | DJ Premier | |||
KRS-One singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" on YouTube | ||||
Besides appearing on KRS-One and on the "MC's Act Like They Don't Know/Represent the Real Hip-Hop" single, it has appeared on many compilation albums. It appeared on compilations including 1996's Hip Hop's Most Wanted, 1997's Gangsta Hip Hop, Vol. 5, Hot Joints, Vol. 1, 1999's Best of D&D Studios, Vol. 1, 1999's Discover the Rhythm of Hip Hop, 1999's Ill Rated, 1999's Real Hip-Hop: Best of D & D, Vol. 1, 2000's A Retrospective, 2002's Hip Hop, Vol. 2, 2002's Rappers Delight and 2003's Best of Rapture's Delight.[1]
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In 2010 a new version of the song appeared on the mixtape album 'Survival Kit' which is a tribute to KRS One and his collaborative partner Buckshot. This new version of the song features Sha Stimuli, Promise, J.A.M.E.S. Watts and Fashawn and is available for free download at duckdown.com
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Lyrics from "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" are sampled in "Anticipation" by M.O.P., "Rise of the Machines" by Jedi Mind Tricks and "Hardcore Hip Hop" by Rawcotiks.
Chart (1995) | Peak position |
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US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[2] | 59 |
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[3] | 9 |
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[4] | 35 |
US Billboard Hot 100[5] | 57 |
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Studio albums |
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Compilation albums | |
Mixtapes | |
Instrumentals |
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Extended plays | |
Singles | |
Featured singles | |
Related articles |
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