Buckshot a.k.a. The BDI Thug

March of 1997 marked a milestone in Duck Down history. The collective of: Buckshot, Smif N’ Wessun (Tek N' Steele), Heltah Skeltah (Ruck, a.k.a. Sean Price and Rock), and O.G.C.: Originoo Gunn Clappaz (Starang Wondah, Top Dog, and Louieville Sluggah) formed the super group, The Boot Camp Clik. The world of hip-hop would never again be the same. The Clik was fierce, unmatchable in skills and techniques with their debut release, For the People.”
The album was a different sound heard, opposed to the previously recorded track, “Cession at Da Doghillee," which appeared on Smif N’ Wessun’s, Da Shinin'. Perhaps fans were too eager to compare it to Black Moon. Never the less, For the People, contained aggressive rhymes and unique production that made it a diamond in the rough. 
Creating what is known as the Boot Camp Clik sound, each member’s individual talents and abilities were highlighted, with Buckshot serving as the silver lining. All that listened couldn’t help but intrigued and wonder what next in-store for the BCC. A remix for, “Night Riders,” was recorded featuring Aaliyah, but the single was never released, due to conflicts between record labels.

The year, 1999 was complex for Buckshot. Black Moon released their sophomore album, War Zone. It was their first full-length album in over 5 years. Featuring guest appearances from Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, M.O.P., Heather B and produced by Da’ Beatminerz, the album sold over 200,000 units. 
However, later that year Buckshot's solo release, BDI Thug, was not as warmly welcomed. 

"Niggas love to stomp on your feet when you're going down the ladder, but when they see ice on you they want to pull you up only for your ice and not for you," said Buckshot.

Although it produced the hit-singles, “Breath Control” and “Boom Bye-Bye,” fans were on the fence. The experimentation in sound and rhyme scheme had some hailing it as a brilliant work, while others were perplexed by the melodic rhymes and deviation from the traditional “Buckshot Shorty” sound. Regardless, as an artist and as an emcee, Buckshot has never been one to go the conventional route. 

For some unknown reason, the summer seems to play an important part in Duck Down Enterprisez’s survival and rejuvenation. In July 2002, the label ended its 2 year search for a new distribution deal, inking a 3 year contract with the top ranked independent company, Koch Distribution. For the first time, Duck Down was in the fore front, entitled and holding ownership of all master recordings, as well as individual responsibility for the label’s marketing and promotion. 

With the powerhouse, Koch Distribution backing the label, the Boot Camp Click stunned the masses with their second full-length album, The Chosen Few. Singles such as, “Welcome To Bucktown USA (feat. Supreme of The Reps & Scratch of The Roots)” and “The Chosen Few: Live For This” contained more uplifting sounds, than heard on previous releases. 
Perhaps this was due to the production talents of Da’ Beatminerz, Alchemist, and Hi-Tek to name a few. What ever the cause, the album sold over 60,000 copies, making it one of Duck Down’s most successful releases. 
Following in 2004, Black Moon came back with, Total Eclipse. The album topped off at #47 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Charts and ranked #23 for independent albums.
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