Special Ed, born Ed Archer, impacted the rap game in 1989 at the young age of 16 with his dazzling and criticaly acclaimed debut album, "Youngest in Charge," on Profile Records. With Producer "Hitman" Howie Tee on the boards and DJ Aksun on the turntables, Special Ed sent ripples through the urban landscape with his first single, the now classic and world renown hit, "I Got It Made." The album also spawned the legendary hits "I'm the Magnificent" and "Taxin'." Prior to being signed by Profile, Ed's ability to manipulate words in a smooth rhythmic pattern earned him street honors as he gained respect freestylin' in ciphers in and outside of schools in his neighborhood Flatbush, Brooklyn and throughout the five boroughs. Ed followed up his acclaimed debut album with the 1990 release of "Legal," which garnered more accolades thanks to revered and memorable songs like "On a Mission" and "C'mon Let's Move It." With a combination of witty style, West Indian tinged intonations, and unique lyrical flows; Ed left an indelible impression on the late 80's and early 90's hip hop game. At the height of his success, Ed also delved onto acting appearing on The Cosby Show and in the classic urban drama, "Juice." Ed also appeared on the title cut to Spike Lee's film "Crooklyn" (1994) and participated in the Crooklyn Dodgers along side Masta Ace and Buckshot. Following his third album "Revelations" in 1995, Ed took a step away from the mic and focused on producing. Ed produced tracks for such hip hop luminaries as Tupac and Notorious B.I.G., as well as underground artist Thirsten Howell III. In 1999, "The Best of Special Ed" was released. In recent years, Ed has never been far from the spotlight, most recently features on the hit "Don't Make a Wrong Move" on Snoop Dogg's 2002 Doggystyle All-Stars "Welcome to the House Vol. 1" which also featured Kane and Prodigy and was heralded as one of the best tracks on the album. Still recoginzed throughout the world as a hip-hop legend, Special Ed now teams back up with Howie Tee, as well as producers Soopa Fly, Mark Spark and Scott Scorch to bring the world "Still Got It Made." A collection of heaters which takes the listener back to the essence of lyrical skills and great beats that made him famous. The album also features production by Ed himself and guest appearances by Snoop Dog, Daz, Young Roscoe, Rampage and Gotti (Boo & Gotti). "Still Got It Made" is also the debut album from Ed's own newly formed label, Semi Records. SOURCE: http://www.semirecords.com/ I Got It Made (snippet) Youngest In Charge Special Ed 4 used & new from $38.95 Still Got It Made Special Ed $15.98

Last updated by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist Aug 18, 2008.

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

ScHoolboy Q
Friday, Oct 16 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley

Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Connect

Featured Content

Loading… Loading feed

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

DJ Rhythm Brings Back the ’90s Vibe With New Single “Back To The Hotel”

Growing up in McFarland, California, and now residing in Porterville, independent music artist DJ Rhythm is bringing nostalgic energy back to the music scene with his latest single, “Back To The Hotel.” Inspired by the unforgettable sounds of the 1990s, the track captures the smooth rhythms, romantic atmosphere, and laid-back vibes that defined an influential era in music.Although DJ Rhythm has only been actively producing music for a few months, his connection to music goes back nearly two…See More
9 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
14 hours ago
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

Elevation (1st Fridays) with Nina Sol, Mind Motion & Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist) at Golden Ratio, Oakland

November 6, 2026 at 9pm to January 1, 2027 at 1:45pm
FRIDAY, NOV 6 True Skool presents ELEVATION (1st Fridays)Featuring:Nina Sol (Elements) Mind Motion (Pirate DJs) Renoir (aka Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist)@ Golden Ratio, 1517 Franklin St., Oakland 21+ / Doors 9pm / FREE B4 10pmFree B4 11pm with RSVP: http://bit.ly/elevationfirstfridayABOUTELEVATION is a brand new party series! Curated by…See More
14 hours ago
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Sconey G Delivers a Powerful Message of Success and Growth with New Single “Case Closed”

Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Sconey G is turning life lessons into inspiration with his latest single, “Case Closed.” Raised between Chicago and Milwaukee and now based in Oklahoma City, the independent artist continues to build a legacy rooted in perseverance, ambition, and personal growth.With a musical journey that began unofficially in 2000 and professionally in 2005, Sconey G has spent two decades sharpening his craft while expanding…See More
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Monday
TEAM BIGGA RANKIN posted a discussion

Roscoe Dash X Drumma Boy - I Wanna Rock

oscoe Dash is an RIAA-certified Diamond recording artist, songwriter, and emerging actor whose voice and creative instincts helped shape the sound of a generation.His career has moved through several defining eras, beginning with the breakout energy of “All the Way Turnt Up” and continuing through his contributions to major records such as Waka Flocka Flame’s Diamond-certified “No Hands” and Big Sean’s “Marvin & Chardonnay.”Roscoe has also built a legacy as a songwriter, contributing behind…See More
Monday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Tampa Mystic posted a blog post

Yung ELz Showcases His Versatility with New Single “4 A.M.”

West Los Angeles recording artist Yung ELz is bringing a fresh perspective to the independent hip-hop scene with his latest single, “4 A.M.” Inspired by real-life experiences, relationships, and late-night emotions, the record highlights his versatility while offering listeners a glimpse into his personal and creative world.Growing up between West Los Angeles and Compton, California, Yung ELz developed a…See More
Saturday
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

HUGEL (WIN TICKETS) at Hearst Greek Theatre, Berkeley CA

November 7, 2026 from 6pm to 11:30pm
ENTER TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS. WINNER WILL BE DRAWN RANDOMLY AND ANNOUNCED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO EVENT. Saturday, November 07, 2026HUGELOchokDERON b2b DarmonHearst Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA Doors: 5:00pm | Show: 6:00pm…See More
Oct 15
Editor's Pick posted videos
Oct 15
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Oct 15
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

UNDISCOVERED SF Golden Hour Night Market at Victory Hall, San Francisco, CA

October 24, 2026 from 4pm to 10pm
For its tenth anniversary, UNDISCOVERED SF is bringing the night market vibes back for the first time since the pandemic. In partnership with Victory Hall, formerly known as the iconic nightclub 330 Ritch, this year's themes "Golden Hour" and "Made With Mahal," make an intimate but electric return. With DJ sets by Hoochi, Vieux Carre, Boogie Brown, and performance by The Top Chefs of…See More
Oct 14

© 2026   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service