HULKHATETIMETRAVEL

Gang Starr is the quintessential Hip-Hop group, one MC and one DJ.  Dropping six classic albums over 15 years DJ Premier & Guru (gifted unlimited rhymes universal) are Hip-Hop icons.  News came out yesterday (2-28-10) that Guru suffered a heart attack and is currently in a coma, our thoughts and prayers go out to Guru (Keith Elam) and his family.

“The DJ’s name is Premier and I’m the Guru”

The duo kicked things off  in 89′ with No More Mr. Nice Guy  production was handled by Premier, Guru & the 45 King.  Singles like Manifest along with Positivity established the group as more than just one hit wonder’s.

 “Some might say that he’s a dummy, but he’s stickin you and taking all your money”

1991′s Step in The Arena produced entirely by Guru & Premier featured hip-hop classics like, Who’s gonna Take the Weight? Lovesick, Step in the Arena, Check the Technique & Just to Get a Rep.

Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes & Spike Lee teamed up for the film Mo Betta Blues in 91′ the soundtrack featured Gang Starr’s Jazz Thing.  Being a Jazz head this joint always had me bugging, especially when Guru speaks on Bebop.

 “I be wreckin correct and on the Gang Starr tip, Mc’s who front I’m gonna bust yo shit”

In 1992 Gang Starr dropped Daily Operation this is when shit got real, it was the true introduction of the Gang Starr Foundation with appearances from Jeru the Damaja & Group Home’s Lil Dap.  Daily Operation kicked down doors and is widely considered to be Gang Starr’s first classic LP with tracks like The Place where we Dwell, 2 Deep, B.Y.S. Take it Personal, I’m The Man and Ex Girl to Next Girl.

 “Lemonade was a popular drink and it still is I get more props and stunts than Bruce Willis”

1994′s Hard to Earn was an even bigger success than any of Gang Starr’s previous releases with songs like Mass Appeal, Now You re Mine, Tonz of Gunz, Code of the Streets, The Planet & DWYCK featuring Nice & Smooth.

 “So you know the rhyme style is elevated
 The style of beats is elevated, but it’s still Guru and Premier.”

Moment of Truth to me is Gang Starr’s finest work, and is honestly in my top ten albums all time.  The duo collaborated with Hip-Hop Heavyweights Scarface, Wu-Tang’s Inspectah Deck, M.O.P. Freddie Foxx, K-Ci & JoJo not to mention Gang Starr Foundation members Krumbsnatcha, H Stax & Big Shug for the album.

 “you know the god must bless every single mic he touches”

Full Clip was a Gang Starr greatest hits collection that highlighted some of the duo’s  finest moments as well as a few surprises in Discipline, All 4 The Cash & Full Clip.

 “It’s the true & living with a youthful vengeance”

2003 saw the release of Gang Starr’s most recent chapter The Ownerz led by Who Got Gunz, Skills, Nice Girl Wrong Place, Riot Akt & Rite Where U Stand.

Guru put in work to say the least, he released seven solo LPs  including  four critically acclaimed Jazzmatazz albums which fused Jazz & Hip-hop with the help of other Jazz and R&B musicians.

Filed under: Classics Don't Sleep Tagged: | afu ra, Big L, Big Shug, Boston, Brooklyn, Christopher Martin, Daily Operation, Dj Premier, Full Clip, Gang Starr, Guru, Hard to Earn, Houston, Jazzmatazz, Jeru The Damaja, Keith Elam, Krumbsnatcha, lil dap, M.O.P., Melachi the Nutcracker, Mo Betta Blues, moment of truth, new york, No More Mr. Nice Guy, NYG'z, Ownerz, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Step in the Arena