Live and Die for Hip Hop

"Live and Die for Hip Hop" is a song by American hip-hop duo Kris Kross, released as the second and final single from their third album, Young, Rich & Dangerous (1996). It is their ninth and final single overall, and features Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Mr. Black, and background vocals by R&B singer Aaliyah. The song contains a sample of "Baby Come to Me" by Regina Belle.

"Live and Die for Hip Hop"
Single by Kris Kross featuring Aaliyah, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri and Mr. Black
from the album Young, Rich & Dangerous
Released	February 8, 1996 (1996-02-08)
Recorded	1995
Studio	Krosswire Studio (Atlanta, Georgia)
Length	3:43
Label	So So Def Ruffhouse Columbia Sony
Songwriters	Jermaine Mauldin Shawntae Harris Mr. Black Narada Michael Walden Jeffrey Cohen
Producer	Jermaine Dupri
Kris Kross singles chronology
"Tonite's tha Night" (1995) "Live and Die for Hip Hop" (1996)
Aaliyah singles chronology
"The Thing I Like" (1995) "Live and Die for Hip Hop" (1996) "If Your Girl Only Knew" (1996)
Audio video
"Live and Die for Hip Hop" on YouTube

Promotion

A music video was released. Kriss Kross, Aaliyah, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri and Mr. Black performed the single on the television programme Video Soul on January 16, 1996.

Commercial performance

It was not as successful as "Tonite's tha Night", however it did gain some success, making it to number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 11 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. A remix was made featuring DJ Clark Kent.

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "The new and mature Kris Kross will easily continue picking up props and credibility with this second single from the fine Young, Rich And Dangerous. Employing samples of 'Baby Come to Me' by Regina Belle and 'I Can't Believe' by Mother's Finest, producer Jermaine Dupri lays a chilled, soulful musical vibe for the lads to flex their rhyming muscles—which they do with jock-grabbin' confidence. Smooth enough to make the grade at top 40 radio. Check it out."

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Live and Die for Hip Hop" was directed by David Nelson and premiered on BET, MTV, MTV 2, VH-1 and Fuse in 1996.

Single track listing

1. "Live and Die for Hip Hop" featuring Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Mr. Black and Aaliyah (extended LP version) - 4:49
2. "Live and Die for Hip Hop" (radio extended version) - 4:49
3. "Live and Die for Hip Hop" (LP version instrumental) - 3:43
4. "Live and Die for Hip Hop" featuring DJ Clark Kent (DJ Clark Kent Mix) - 3:47
5. "Live and Die for Hip Hop" (DJ Clark Kent Mix Instrumental) - 3:47
6. "Tonite's tha Night" featuring Redman (remix) - 3:22

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Live and Die for Hip Hop"

Chart (1996)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100	72
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)	11