MC Shan

"Down by Law" is the debut studio album by American rapper MC Shan, released on October 10, 1986 by Cold Chillin' Records. The album was produced by MC Shan's mentor Marley Marl and features guest appearances from Juice Crew members Biz Markie, Craig G, and Kool G Rap.

The album's title, "Down by Law", is a reference to the 1986 film of the same name, which was directed by Jim Jarmusch. The album's cover art features a photograph of MC Shan standing in front of a graffiti-covered wall, with the album title and his name written in graffiti style.

The album's lead single, "The Bridge", became one of the most iconic and influential hip hop songs of the 1980s. The song's lyrics, which were written by MC Shan, contain a reference to the Queensboro Bridge in New York City and the borough of Queens, where MC Shan and Marley Marl grew up. The song's beat, which was produced by Marley Marl, is based on the sample of "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

In addition to "The Bridge", the album also includes other notable tracks such as "Left Me Lonely", "Juicy Fruit", and "Marley Marl Scratch". The album has been credited with helping to popularize the "golden age" sound of hip hop, which was characterized by the use of samples from classic soul and funk records.

Despite the success of "Down by Law", MC Shan's follow-up albums did not achieve the same level of commercial or critical acclaim. However, he continued to release music and perform live, and remains an influential figure in the history of hip hop.

In 2012, the album was reissued on CD by Traffic Entertainment Group, with bonus tracks from MC Shan's debut EP, "Born to Be Wild". In 2017, the album was reissued on vinyl by Get On Down, with a bonus 7-inch single featuring the songs "The Bridge" and "Juicy Fruit".

"Down by Law" has been widely regarded as a classic of 1980s hip hop and an important example of the "golden age" sound. It has been cited as an influence by numerous artists, including Nas, who included the album in his list of the top 50 hip hop albums of all time. The album has also been included in numerous "best albums" lists, including Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Albums of the 1980s and Spin's list of the 100 Greatest Albums, 1985-2010.