John Singleton’s ‘Boyz N The Hood’ Soundtrack Gets Vinyl Reissue

The soundtrack to John Singleton’s provocative 1991 directorial debut Boyz N The Hood is making its double-vinyl debut on 27 September via Qwest/Ume.

This marks the first time the soundtrack has been reissued on vinyl since the album’s initial release on 9 July 1991. This special new 2LP edition will be available in two different colour options: black and translucent blue.

Singleton was just 23 years old when he wrote and directed Boyz n the Hood, making him the first African American – and the youngest person ever – to receive an Oscar nomination for best director. Singleton also served as executive producer of the soundtrack, and music was an essential part his filmmaking legacy.

This special new 2LP edition honours Singleton’s groundbreaking and indelible work, who sadly passed away this year in April 2019 at age 51.

The Boyz N The Hood soundtrack masterfully juxtaposes gangsta rap of the era alongside a select R&B, funk and jazz cuts. From the visceral force of Ice Cube’s West Coast gangsta anthem ‘How To Survive In South Central’ to Tevin Campbell’s New Jack Swing-single ‘Just Ask Me To’ to the East Coast boom-bap of Main Source’s ‘Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball (Remix)’, the Boyz N The Hood soundtrack was a snapshot of urban music circa 1991.

Two tracks on Side D had been included on the initial 1991 CD release including Quincy Jones’ sultry ‘Setembro’ and Stanley Clarke’s timely, ‘Black On Black Crime’ – with the latter making its vinyl debut here.

Boyz N The Hood is a coming-of-age film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne and Ice Cube in his feature film debut. The film follows the lives of three friends growing up in 90s South Central LA, and established Singleton as one of the most exciting filmmakers of the era and an inimate storyteller.

The Boyz N The Hood soundtrack was released during the heyday of urban film soundtracks. Following the success of 1990’s House Party and 1991’s New Jack City, the film’s soundtrack reached No.12 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.

Singleton would go on to have an illustrious filmmaking career, directing 1993’s Poetic Justice, 1995’s Higher Learning, 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, and 2011’s Abduction (his final film). Frustrated with the studio system, he took his singular vision to the small screen, co-creating the acclaimed TV crime drama, Snowfall, which began airing its third season in July 2019 on FX.

While Singleton left behind an impressive body of work, he would forever be synonymous with his debut. Boyz N The Hood proved he was a force to be reckoned with behind the lens, but also showed he deeply understood the culture he was trying to portray.

Now fans of the classic film and a new generation can explore this landmark soundtrack just as it should be, on double vinyl.

Boyz N The Hood soundtrack can be pre-ordered here. View the full tracklisting below.

Side A
1. Ice Cube: How To Survive In South Central
2. Tevin Campbell: Just Ask Me To
3. Yo-Yo: Mama Don’t Take No Mess
4. CMW: Growin’ Up In The Hood

Side B
1. Main Source: Just A Friendly Game Of Baseball (Remix)
2. Tony! Toni! Toné!: Me & You
3. Monie Love: Work It Out

Side C
1. Kam: Every Single Weekend
2. Hi-Five: Too Young
3. 2 Live Crew: Hangin’ Out
4. Too $hort: It’s Your Life

Side D
1. Force One Network: Spirit (Does Anyone Care?)
2. Quincy Jones: Setembro
3. Stanley Clarke: Black On Black Crime

Format: UK English