"MC's Act Like They Don't Know"
Single by KRS-One
from the album KRS-One
ReleasedAugust 28, 1995 (1995-08-28)
Recorded1995
GenreEast Coast hip hop, Hardcore hip hop
Length4:55
Label
Songwriter(s)Lawrence Parker
Producer(s)DJ Premier
KRS-One singles chronology
"Free Mumia"
(1995)		 "MC's Act Like They Don't Know"
(1995)		 "Rappaz R. N. Dainja"
(1995)
Music video
"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" on YouTube

"MC's Act Like They Don't Know" is a song from KRS-One's 1995 eponymous album. It contains production from DJ Premier that samples "Yesterdays" by Clifford Brown, and interpolates "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow. Its lyrics deal with how many rappers who achieve positive chart positions and other commercial awards cannot perform well live.

Album appearances

Besides appearing on KRS-One and on the "MC's Act Like They Don't Know/Represent the Real Hip-Hop" single, it has appeared on many compilation albums. It appeared on compilations including 1996's Hip Hop's Most Wanted, 1997's Gangsta Hip Hop, Vol. 5, Hot Joints, Vol. 1, 1999's Best of D&D Studios, Vol. 1, 1999's Discover the Rhythm of Hip Hop, 1999's Ill Rated, 1999's Real Hip-Hop: Best of D & D, Vol. 1, 2000's A Retrospective, 2002's Hip Hop, Vol. 2, 2002's Rappers Delight and 2003's Best of Rapture's Delight.[1]

Cover versions

In 2010 a new version of the song appeared on the mixtape album 'Survival Kit' which is a tribute to KRS One and his collaborative partner Buckshot. This new version of the song features Sha Stimuli, Promise, J.A.M.E.S. Watts and Fashawn and is available for free download at duckdown.com

Samples

Lyrics from "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" are sampled in "Anticipation" by M.O.P., "Rise of the Machines" by Jedi Mind Tricks and "Hardcore Hip Hop" by Rawcotiks.

Track listing

A-side
  1. MC's Act Like They Don't Know (LP Version) (4:44)
  2. MC's Act Like They Don't Know (Instrumental) (4:44)
B-side
  1. Represent the Real Hip-Hop (Street) (3:20)
  2. Represent the Real Hip-Hop (Clean) (3:20)
  3. Represent the Real Hip-Hop (Instrumental) (2:50)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1995) Peak
position
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[2] 59
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[3] 9
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[4] 35
US Billboard Hot 100[5] 57

References

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