Jesse Bonds Weaver Jr., known professionally as Schoolly D, was born on June 22, 1962, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His formative years were spent between Philadelphia and Georgia, shaping his artistic perspective.
In the mid-1980s, Schoolly D teamed up with DJ Code Money, crafting a distinctive hip hop sound marked by hard-hitting beats and lyrics that candidly addressed urban life, violence, drugs, and sexual themes. His 1985 single "P.S.K. What Does It Mean?"—referring to the Park Side Killers—emerged as a pioneering track in gangsta rap, laying groundwork that would influence numerous artists including Ice-T and N.W.A. The raw production and aggressive style of this record have resonated throughout music history.
In 1986, he featured in the Dutch documentary Big Fun in the Big Town, which highlighted his impact on the early hip hop scene globally. During this period, he also embraced an Afrocentric philosophy, collaborating with figures like KRS-One to infuse themes of Black empowerment into his music.
Schoolly D has made significant contributions to film soundtracks, working with renowned director Abel Ferrara on films like King of New York and Bad Lieutenant, where his song "Signifying Rapper" was notably featured. He also composed scores for films such as The Blackout and collaborated with Joe Delia for 'R Xmas.
In the 2000s, he released the album Funk 'N Pussy, which included collaborations with artists like Chuck D. Beyond music, Schoolly D reached new audiences through his work on the cult animated series Aqua Teen Hunger Force, providing the theme music and narration. In December 2022, he released a new independent album, Cause Schoolly D Is Crazy.
