Special Ed Tells His Life Story (Full Interview)

Renowned Brooklyn rapper Special Ed recently sat down with VladTV to relive the early days of their careers. 22 years ago, Vlad carried out his first-ever interview with Special Ed, which played a pivotal role in shaping his career, though the intended book for which the interview was conducted didn't eventually come out. It helped him identify his passion and develop into the successful media personality he is today. Special Ed also highlighted his early life in a multi-cultural neighborhood in Brooklyn. Born to Jamaican parents, he revealed the struggles his family faced as immigrants and his encounters with the law during early adulthood. Special Ed talked about pursuing a rap career and the financial challenges he faced early in his career. He also explained his lawsuit against his record label and detailed his relationship with 2Pac. After offering his thoughts on various rappers paying homage to his music, he explained his controversial comments about NWA. To hear more, check out the full interview above.
Donate to Special Ed's Art & Literacy program: www.sealartsan...

[@mikejejenich-pb5zx]

It’s criminal that this guy isn’t recognized Or talked about enough 🎤. He was an important figure in rap in the 80s and 90s. 👋

[@TacticalTrucker]

_Special ed was the one who introduced me to hip-hop, he was my favorite rapper of all time_

[@sexy302010]

Big up to all my Caribbean peeps who knew their purpose in this country and grind by faith to make tings move. ❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@soulbrother1usa]

One of the best two hours spent listening to this man. Salute to Special ED..

[@kenterminateddq5311]

It's cool to see a hip-hop legend on VLAD TV. Thank you, Special Ed.

[@llw53one]

His name is Special Ed and he’s a super duper star 😊

[@fellpeepzofficial7740]

To write the rhymes he wrote at his age was genius. Definitely a legend and original.

[@donniejohnson5157]

This interview with SPECIAL ED is soooooo refreshing compared to today's rappers doing interviews tryna show how hard, street, opps etc

[@AmariMarvelous]

Word up. Even the art of interviews is not the same compared to back then just like the art of rap. There are some good podcast shows and individuals that give great interviews but it's something about watching interviews with some of these legends that you pay more attention to because it's more down to earth and the wisdom, experiences that they share with the audience is refreshing to say the least.

[@damxn7303]

Just discovered him a few days ago…and he’s already in my top 10

[@918GmadeDaStreamer]

capp 😂 jkjk 😂

[@mrclark9105]

😂

[@ShymelDaGod]

Better late than never

[@mred2071]

His Revelations album is mad underrated

[@storminnorman3990]

Nothing but Love & Respect for Ed! Grew up on his music. Him & Lord Finese on my top 5 👊🏿🤛🏾✊

[@jerseymontana1310]

Big facts!

[@tanyawhite4864]

Had Special Ed in High Rotation in my college days. Loved this guy. Note Special Education is also for the Gifted and Talented, not just those with learning challenges. Vlad, a person can have a head injury resulting in a learning challenge. This is why we have evolved from language and notions of retardation. You like sharing knowledge with us so here's my share to you. 😊

[@RexGarvin-oq3ev]

The Bottomline, When These Guys Get Older As Men,Their Logical Mind Takes Over. Due To The Fact, They Have Been There Done That. Special Ed Had His Wake Up Call. He's Trying To Wake Up Others. The Black Youth Is Slowly In The Process Of Elimination. The Music Industry Is Very Deep On Many Levels. Thank You Special Ed. Hang In There My Brother. Getting Older Ain't No Joke.

[@easy8325]

Special Ed is a good dude.

[@je9212]

Flatbush, East Flatbush was crazy in the 1980s and 90s , Shower posse , untouchables in vandaveer, Church ave , New Kirk ave , Parkside,tennis court E.18st,..E.21st ..poison clan ,puma boys,pay hays,Renkers posse, RRC,the 90z crew,spanglers posse, v.i.p ,gullymon posse, Zoe,s etc🔥

[@Dirty2Clean1980]

He’s absolutely right about the special ed kids. I was considered gifted and was going to do high school work in 3rd grade. My moms didn’t have the bread to send me to the school. The next year they said I was add and had a behavioral problem put on ridlin and put in special ed. I dropped out in the 7th grade got my ged 12 years later and than got a bachelors with a 4.0 gpa the whole time.

[@dezerismith7529]

Wow and they gave you Ritalin,hope I spelt it right?😏

[@NatHenrickClarke]

I have a friend who took a chip or something from a computer keyboard and put it in his car amp and it worked, the dude can fix anything and found himself in special Ed all through school.

[@dystanysam9896]

same here , I just only it was my dyslexic that had. Throw me off I was also considered begin gifted as well didn't found this out after HS.I've just learned how to teach myself and finding others ways its just take me time to caught up.

[@wayneruddock324]

Love Special Ed… still remember all the lyrics from his legal album. come on , lets move it!!! This man was my first introduction to hiphop.

[@RedHorseAdventures]

I got questions: First, I thought you had it made… I thought every other month you got a brand new car? You had a little island of your very own? What about your dog, did he really have a solid gold bone? Sounds like people snatched all that 😂 (Perhaps THEY BOOSTED and THEY SHOPLIFTED 😂) Man, I have been on your music from jump street, never knew much about you the person, but I’m so glad you are the chill OG and happy to say I am a fan. ✌️

[@Aquatic_Amigo]

Special ED The Magnificent

[@sabriariley7854]

He's absolutely still beautiful 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 OMG‼️‼️‼️‼️👑 I used to literally drool over this man 😅

[@user-vg7vi1sf5x]

That mission joint was an anthem back in the day.

[@ryanwhyte29]

Ed!!! As a Flatbush massive….🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️🙇🏽‍♂️🔥

[@michaelsmith-ws2mb]

Only vlad can make an interview about someone’s life and constantly make it about himself.

[@jablowme1850]

It ain’t a vlad interview if doesn’t mention himself. Cavario though …… oooohh man .. he’s the GOAT

[@sexy302010]

Facts and more facts

[@criticalthought4910]

Stop whining. It's an interview technique to make the person feel comfortable

[@jablowme1850]

@@criticalthought4910 oh my bad I didn’t realize it was you technique that clarifies everything🤦🏻 as you can tell. By my first comment this is obviously first interview I’ve ever seen in 44 years on this earth. Thank you for educating me. 🤦🏻 like I was saying previously they suck at interviews and talk about themselves to much. Vlad could have him is guest tell the most interesting story dying to be asked another question and his responses OK OK

[@sdonald83]

@@criticalthought4910but he does that even when they are comfortable…. Don’t be a fanboy

[@jakesbackinmotion1854]

True OG sharp as a tack

[@StonyBrook-nu1dk]

Special Ed sound like he rapping even though he doing a interview

[@lakeshiaanderson6904]

He is still gorgeous 😍😍

[@gregbrancwash]

Comment fellas, this can’t be the top comment

[@traybae2_]

You shudda seen him in his prime….GAAAAAAWD DAYUM he was fine lol

[@gregbrancwash]

@@traybae2_ What you mean? He in his prime now!

[@aeerjordan4994]

​@@gregbrancwashI'm a man and I think he is fine boo

[@grinchoi1]

@@gregbrancwash😂😂😂

[@tamk7503]

Very smart and careful on what he says love him❤

[@tamk7503]

Love from bk east Flatbush and Flatbush 🗽

[@alejandroroberts9870]

One of his best yet👌🏾

[@bandogsandbulldogs]

Great interview.... Glad to hear Ed speak. I grew up and lived blocks away from " The Dollar Cab Lab" and knew Ed both from the "VIP" (Vanderveer International Posse) members I knew from School that were in the "I got it made" video. (Shout out to Mark and Rhamel Garroway, Smore, and CR TONEY). Back to Ed, just a great and humble human being and a great representation of the strong West Indian roots in Flatbush Brooklyn.

[@smittybenzo4693]

"I'm creatively superior YO, I never lose I never lost cuz I'm the boss I never will cuz I'm still the champion CHIEF ONE won't lose until...

[@jordanwood183]

Special Ed is super dope. If you can find old Eminem, I mean really old tapes that are unreleased, his cadence sounds similar to Special Ed in parts. You can tell a young Marshall was listening to this legendary rapper. Cool interview for sure.

[@kirkanderson1683]

Em sounded like Masta Ace, he even said that was his dude.

[@jojosaylor8996]

No I don't hear the similarities

[@kirkanderson1683]

🤷🏿‍♂️ Cool, when I first heard Em (old em) me and my circle use to talk about . He later on spoke about how Ace was one of his major influences on an interview. It connected the dots for us.

[@DerrickABrooks]

Special ed is a smart dude and Vlad did good interviewing him

[@ericahenderson7093]

He's still fine❤

[@jamalramz7897]

One of the best interviews! Thanks for growing up. It’s time to bring them back. Come together hip hop yall move the world forward

[@PassportBrosAndBlondeManWeaves]

This was way better than the drink champs interview only because Nore was pissing me off

[@CertifiedSampleFairy]

I would have loved that book, hopefully someone could find a way to get it into the public.

[@toviaclayton]

He still look good ❤

[@ThisisDizzle2]

Great interview and good to hear Ed’s story. We’re about the same age and I’ve been rocking with you from the beginning.

[@josephswabe5584]

Ed never lied when he said Big reminded him of himself.

[@Cymatic18]

I didn't realize how similar they were until he mentioned. I think BIG is a perfect mix of Special ED, KING T and Big Daddy Kane. All rolled into one!

[@josephswabe5584]

@@Cymatic18 yeah. It's funny how it is. Biggie was wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more creative though.

[@mikedoran4959]

I liked the fact special ed mentioned howie tee and also CD - 3. That took me back to the song get tough and success

[@chenieves8976]

WORDS CAN GET YOU LINED. BLUE SKY WORLD RIP. TOOK. 1❤

[@lstruggy]

Wow 🤩 what a treat great interview Vlad 👏🏽 nice to hear some of the backstory behind the hits behind the stars pre and after everything 🫡

[@TheGrroovyGuru]

This guy is IMPRESSIVE!

[@biggdogfresh2263]

He stay charlotte nc now saw him in concord mills shopping with he's daughter

[@ebonyjet9249]

Ed still fioneeee..good interview

[@Vincent-jw1oz]

IM 50 NOW, I WAS 15-16ish I WAS LOCKED UP ESSEX COUNTY YOUTH HOUSE NEWARK NJ , I GOT IT MADE WAS THE JAM . WE WATCH ON THE BOX , LONG TIME AGO,

[@roddollaz]

I remember watching the I Got It Made video as a very young kid and thinking to myself I can rap if I want to and it started my love for Hip Hop

[@deemir6947]

The original Magnificent IS my favorite ✊🏾🎤🎛🖤

[@tentoesdowninn.philly8676]

Think about it to this day was an unmatched in creativity video

[@DiegoQSmall]

Whole other kind of Respect! For this brother.! Dope interview.

[@Zho_Nomics]

I met my BM from Flatbush she was from Panama good times

[@lvhandyrepairllc7102]

Hitman Howie Tee should be interviewed

[@pbskrstdoc-p9231]

Heard he's a lawyer now

[@ericharison8733]

I still hate the fact that every interview ends up turning into a let’s talk about 2Pac. Can you just to the person you are interviewing and talk about just that person and turn that person’s interview into what about 2Pac

[@mikec8480]

2pac historical 🎉

[@77Creation]

In fairness, ‘Pac knew everybody.

[@HarMageddo]

Vlad is obsessed with Tupac

[@TheKenzoidElkhorn]

I like how C Murder did his remake of I got it made .

[@NewYorksMostWanted]

Numero Uno.

[@pierrereynoldsmusic1618]

Great guest!

[@communingwithGod]

What a legend ❤

[@ELL1975]

"A dog wit a solid gold bone 🦴"

[@briandowdelljr8974]

Powerful interview!! Much respect to Special Ed....💯💪💪

[@XiiXiByNikki]

Just Saw Him In Harlem @ The 50th Anniversary Of Hip Hop Event At Marcus Garvey Park... He Looked Great... LOVE HIM

[@lawsantim2364]

Man Special Ed really was wise beyond his years. Got some money at 18 and bought 2 apartments with it. That was some really grownup adult thinking. Very smart.

[@domosito4472]

The most Guyanese looking dude I’ve ever seen lol

[@user-hj8oo6hk1w]

He’s Jamaican

[@videobrownsville]

​@@user-hj8oo6hk1wthere are Guyanese people living in Jamaica

[@princeluv4804]

Jamaican homey

[@thecrepesoul]

Part black part Indian.

[@StonyBrook-nu1dk]

Indo Jamaican just like supercat

[@RGHD912]

Special Ed, was the rt name this bro was special! Deserves more credit!

[@RenniefosterRF]

Very good conversation, down to earth. Respect to Special Ed.

[@mrnajee1]

Thank you Ed for speaking the truth about Big & Pac. I have been at the center of many of debates about that very same thing. I'm in my 50s and were present during that time and it is crazy how ppl can even begin to make those claims like the Kane's, KRSs, etc... didn't exist. Because of the continued push of that narrative between the two, kids almost 3 generations later, know who each of them are and no one else.

[@chrisb6296]

Good point. In the UK they think UK rap history started 20 years ago

[@quentonmurray4773]

This is a Special entertaining interview 👌🏾 VLAD, thank you.

[@PRABSP]

SPECIAL ED??! ABSOLUTELY LEGENDARY! SPECIAL ED WAS EVEN ONE OF THE BEST RAPPERS BACK IN DA DAY!! BIG RESPECT!!! THIS VIDEO IS A PLATINUM MOMENT. ONE LOVE!❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Horroractress]

My new favorite rapper period. ❤

[@chillwilc]

GREAT INTERVIEW

[@mrbabyears]

How did i miss this.

[@juliofuertes-xj7jj]

Bk style legend excellent Job vlad special ed 💯💯💯

[@chenieves8976]

SHOUT TO THE LO L CREW. THANK YOU FOR NOT MESSING W ME. WOO. 1

[@killascottymac]

you should make him a regular

[@kmoney860]

Great interview vlad love special ed Legendary. I hope you interview me 1 day I’m Gary and I’m going to change the world with my music I’m coming

[@missladybug73]

26:56 - "The Magnificent" was my favorite. I choreographed my dance routine in college to that song 🎵 ❤

[@PeachezTheParalegal]

😍😍Oh my💫💫

[@kenpeart166]

Wah a gwaan big up ed ..the magnificent...sample ska riddim...bad nuh rass lol

[@unknown-vh7uj]

I DESPISE how the culture vulture says ..... OKAY after the culture speaks. The tone of vlad is disrespectful. I hate this devil

[@sherieewilson6316]

Love Special Ed ❤

[@JulioRodriguez-jj6wx]

Wahoo La Verdad Que Cresi Olléndo La Musica De (Expecial ED) Para Los 80 Saludos Desde PR. 😎💪🇵🇷🏝🔥

[@johnfitzgerald2716]

Great interview

[@BarkingForBroccoliBG]

Ya idol the highest title numeral uno

[@chenieves8976]

HAVING MONEY N GOING BACK YOU GOTTA HAVE BETSEY ON U. 1❤

[@tr9478]

Canarsie brooklyn

[@bretro23]

🔥 interview

[@WillStephen1977]

Right on this means a lot

[@marvinhagler4721]

It says a lot of someone who took a "Personal" conversation on a phone call chopped it up and put out what they wanted...WHO did that??

[@altongrovez4631]

That was a great 2pac interview 👏 👍

[@chenieves8976]

IM NOT A NY RICAN BUT IM SPEAKING SO THAT LEEK KNOWS. 1❤24

[@chenieves8976]

A MILLION MILES N RUNNING. IM IN NY. N ALOT OF MFS BE RUNNING. 1❤

[@chrisb6296]

Ed >>>

[@L.Adavesworld1942]

Wow....very disrespectful! Or m I tripping? .....no mention of Chub Rock, he was on the "Brooklyn Dodgers" song too right?

[@thecrepesoul]

He said his name twice. Chubb Rock was on the second version with OC and Jeru.

[@L.Adavesworld1942]

Alright.....cool!

[@chenieves8976]

CEASE. N KIM N FOXX. FOREVER LUV. YOU DIGG. 1❤24

[@April-tm7uv]

You seem like you lived a hard life you were a handsome young man

[@ShamelessPlug718]

These labels make all this money off artists and them dont want to pay em. That shit should be illegal

[@user-vl6wd5wu2f]

I dont know what Vlads talking about, i prefer special Ed to any rapper

[@onfuntaparker7106]

One my favorite rapper got all his albums youngest in charge started me off

[@davecoppenrath]

Raise ya hand if you ever even heard of this guy 😂

[@CharlesWilkinson-yc3dm]

If your young or your a white person that wasn't even listening to rap music back in the day you were to heavy metal 80s rock bands an country music like most white people were back in those days an the only reason you even got into listening to rap music is because of Eminem you may not know who Special Ed is but us older black people an real hip hop fans definitely know who Special Ed is.

[@terenceswain84]

​@@CharlesWilkinson-yc3dm Facto!!!💯💯💯

[@esseen100]

Quiet New Jack 😂