On this day May 16, 1989, Brooklyn rapper Special Ed released his debut album Youngest in Charge, which showcased his lyrical talent and clever wordplay at just 16 years old. The album reached number 73 on the Billboard 200 and helped cement Special Ed’s reputation as one of the most promising young voices in the golden age of hip hop.
Produced by Howie Tee, Youngest in Charge blended smooth beats, upbeat production and witty rhymes that balanced confidence with a laid back style. The lead single I Got It Made became an instant underground hit and is still considered a classic of old school hip hop. Other standout tracks included Think About It and I’m the Magnificent.
Special Ed’s youthful charisma and technical skill made the album a standout in a year filled with major hip hop releases, proving that age was no barrier to making an impact in the genre.
Fun fact: Special Ed wrote many of the tracks on Youngest in Charge while still attending high school in Brooklyn.
Produced by Howie Tee, Youngest in Charge blended smooth beats, upbeat production and witty rhymes that balanced confidence with a laid back style. The lead single I Got It Made became an instant underground hit and is still considered a classic of old school hip hop. Other standout tracks included Think About It and I’m the Magnificent.
Special Ed’s youthful charisma and technical skill made the album a standout in a year filled with major hip hop releases, proving that age was no barrier to making an impact in the genre.
Fun fact: Special Ed wrote many of the tracks on Youngest in Charge while still attending high school in Brooklyn.
