Gang Starr "Step In The Arena" (CMJ New Music Report, 1991)

Gang Starr Step In The Arena (Chrysalis, 645 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10022) -- It's been quite a turnaround this year for the Brooklyn-based duo known as Gang Starr. After a falling-out with their old label, Wild Pitch, the duo took their show on the road, made appearances on "Back To Back Rhyming" from Lord Finesse's LP and soon thereafter caught the attention of Spike Lee. That resulted in a collaboration with jazz saxophonist Brandford Marsalis on "Jazz Thing" from the Mo' Better Blues soundtrack and an eventual deal with Chrysalis. Their second LP, Step In The Arena, borrows the more stylistically sophisticated, classier samples of jazz, funk/soul and straight-up streetwise hip-hop. DJ Premier's extensive musical knowledge helps him to create sparse beats that rousingly mesh with distinctive samples, loops and scratches to create sharply enticing bass-lines which range from early Motown funk on "What You Want This Time?" to hypnotizing jazzy textures. Overall, his DJ work is the perfect backdrop of G.U.R.U.'s lyrics that promote the group's positive philosophy in "Street Ministry," "Say Your Prayers," "As I Read My S-A" and "Precisely The Right Rhymes." Gang Starr reminds us just how creative and boundless rap can be. Also experience: "Step In The Arena," "Form Of Intellect," "Execution Of A Chump," "Beyond Comprehension" and "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow." - CMJ New Music Report (January 11, 1991). Images: Hip Hop Connection.

Nas & DJ Premier "Light-Years" (Album Stream)

GRAMMY-Award winning rap icon Nas and DJ Premier —two of the most influential and revered figures in hip-hop history—have released their highly anticipated collaborative album Light-Years. After decades of anticipation, Light-Years is a 30-year working legacy reborn. Nas and DJ Premier’s partnership is embedded in the DNA of Hip-Hop. Their origin story began in 1994 with Illmatic, which resulted in hits such as “N.Y. State Of Mind,” “Memory Lane” and “Represent.” Illmatic helped establish Nas as a generational talent and furthered Premier’s then burgeoning legacy. Their chemistry deepened over the next decade through classics like “I Gave You Power,” 2nd Childhood,” “Nas Is Like” and “N.Y. State Of Mind Pt. II.” Spearheaded by Mass Appeal’s groundbreaking Legend Has It..., a series celebrating and spotlighting some of the most important and influential Hip Hop artists of all time, the series has gifted a year long run of historic releases from culture defining artists including; Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L & De La Soul. With Light-Years, Nas and DJ Premier deliver the grand finale to close out the legendary series where their undeniable synergy remains elusive. In 2006, Nas and DJ Premier appeared on the cover of Scratch Magazine, teasing a joint project that again refueled fan frenzy and two decades worth of anticipation. Last year, Nas and Preem linked up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Illmatic with the release of a new track, “Define My Name,” where they first announced their landmark collaborative album. Light-Years is a true testament to both artists' influence, legacy and the timelessness of the music they create together. Listen to Nas & Preemo's album Light-Years below...

You can cop the vinyl, cassette and CD from Fat Beats, HERE.

Donnie Propa "Straight From The Crate Cave: Gang Starr" (Mix)

Straight From The Crate Cave: Gang Starr Edition — a no-frills, deeply curated tribute to one of hip-hop’s most iconic duos! As always with Donnie’s work, the focus is on the music. This isn’t a mix built to impress with tricks or hyper-speed blends. It’s a thoughtfully selected, tightly woven tribute to Guru and DJ Premier, pulling from all corners of the Gang Starr discography — from the early Wild Pitch days right through to the later albums. Deep cuts, classic joints, remixes, collabs, B-sides — it’s all here. But more importantly, it’s sequenced with feel. What Donnie Propa understands — and what many younger DJs miss — is the importance of pace, tone, and space. He lets the records breathe. The cuts are clean, the transitions smooth, and the selections speak for themselves. Guru’s voice still cuts through like a jazz horn in the fog. Premier’s drums still punch holes in your speakers. Together, they crafted a sound that defined eras, and Donnie Propa’s mix treats that legacy with the proper respect. Rest in Peace, Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Eternal props to the G.O.A.T., DJ Premier. And respect to Donnie Propa for keeping the format alive.

Gang Starr "Hard To Earn" (Rap Pages, 12/94)

"We know who we are/But do you know who you are?" This is the final line off the new Gang Starr album's opening, "ALONGWAYTOGO," a track where Guru turns the tables on those naysayers and shit-kickers who felt and feared that his Jazzmatazz journey would lead to the demise of the duo known as Gang Starr. Well, there's no need to fear (you can trust me), Donald Byrd's tumpet-blowing and N'Dea Davenport's harmonizing have been put on creative hold, with DJ Premier's precise, innovative jazz samples back in effect. The only difference between Hard To Earn and the previous ones is that here Guru not only flips his pinpoint monotone style, but also steps up as a producer, creating three tracks: "Code of the Streets," "F.A.L.A." and "Suckas Need Bodyguards." "Code" is the best of the three, "Just To Get A Rep"-flavored with its crazy fat bass line. Vocally, Guru takes the time to drop a little science: "They might say that we're a menace to society/But at the same time I say, why is it me?/Am I the target for destruction?/What about the system and total corruption?" Later, on "Tonz o' Gunz," Guru continues his inner-city-life sermonizing by discussing the biggest problem facing youth today--the influx of automatic weapons into our communities. He laments on how some brothers need to feel steel in order to be a man. Of course, what would a Gang Starr album be without representation from their foundation of dope MCs. "Speak Ya Clout" is the mandatory posse cut, featuring Lil' Dap and everyone's favorite new rhymer, Jeru The Damaja. These ill kids run the mic in the reverse order of Daily Operation's "I'm the Man," with Preemo cutting up pieces of that same song for their individual introductions. Also, don't sleep on newcomer Nutcracker, a 16-year-old from the Bronx who rips a minute-and-a-half freestyle that's sure to get you open. Guru and Premier know that Gang Starr's vital role in the Hip-Hop world has been hard to earn, and they continue to stay true to their own sound. - Rap Pages (June, 1994). Listen below...

This is still a fan-favorite, but it's not their BEST album! Debate me. Art by QFetti.

Nas & DJ Premier "Define My Name" (Single)

On the day of the 30th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas returns with his iconic sidekick producer DJ Premier for a new single that hints at a long-awaited upcoming collaborative album. “Define My Name” is Nas' first release of 2024, following his legendary six-albums-in-three-years run with Hit-Boy from 2020-2023. The song’s title comes from a line in the Preemo-produced 1999 track “Nas is Like”, where Nas raps: "Freedom or jail, clips inserted, a baby’s bein' born Same time a man is murdered — the beginnin' and end As far as rap go, it’s only natural I explain My plateau and also what defines my name." DJ Premier has produced many of Nas' most beloved songs over the years, including three on Illmatic: “N.Y. State of Mind”, “Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)‘”, and “Represent”. On the track, the duo does what they do best: Premier lays down an upbeat, jazzy boom-bap beat with his signature record scratches, while Nas’ crisp, intricate rhymes and lyrics create a nostalgic atmosphere. This song serves as a buzz single for their upcoming album, due to be released at the end of 2024. The album has been rumored for over a decade, and it seems that hardcore Hip-Hop fans will finally get their wish. - Genius. I don't see an album coming in 2024... but we can all hope.

DJ Premier "Beats That Collected Dust, Vol. 3" (Instrumental Album)

DJ Premier is back with a bang, unleashing the third volume of his iconic series, "Beats That Collected Dust." Renowned for his unmatched production skills, Premier has curated a masterpiece that's pure hip-hop at its core. These beats, originally crafted for artists like Westside Gunn, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, now emerge from the shadows as a testament to Premier's timeless artistry. In a digital age, Premier pays homage to hip-hop's roots with an exceptionally limited vinyl release of the project too. Don't miss out on owning a piece of hip-hop history, order HERE and listen to the project below! Y'all know it, DJ Premier is undeniably the G.O.A.T. in my eyes!

David Begun "Premier Magic" (Nas/Premier Blend Album)

The idea of this mash-up/remix tape had me excited off-rip.... Here, David Begun has blended the vocals of Nas (from his latest album, Magic) and the classic production of DJ Premier for his latest offering, Premier Magic. If you've been following along, over the years you've seen similar tapes like Blu and No I.D., The Pharcyde and A Tribe Called Quest, MF Doom and J Dilla, Nipsey Hussle and 2Pac, Black Star and Madlib, Pete Rock and Eminem, and even Nas with Quasimoto. Many of these can be found in the archives. As for Premier Magic, unfortunately since I've posted this, the mash-up tape was removed from Bancamp... however, at last it was re-released through his YouTube account, at the time of this update. Enjoy it while you can! Listen to David Begun's Premier Magic...

DJ Premier "Hip-Hop 50: Vol. 1" (EP Stream)

As Hip Hop continues to climb to heights that no one could have ever imagined, it's unbelievable that we're rapidly approaching the 50th anniversary of the genre. We're all aware of Rap's inception out of the Bronx before developing into one of the most influential genres in music history. DJ Premier has partnered with Nas's Mass Appeal for their Hip Hop 50 music program, and to help celebrate the culture, the legendary DJ has curated the first of an ongoing series that highlights Hip Hop. Today, we received the DJ Premier: vf and while it may not be a lengthy project, it certainly packs a heavy punch. “It’s an honor to kick off this iconic Hip Hop 50 music program. Hip Hop continues to inspire fans across the globe and it’s incredible to think of what the next 50 years will bring," Premier shared in a press release. Features include Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody, Nas, Run The Jewels, Lil Wayne, and Slick Rick! - HNHH. Stream DJ Premier: Hip Hop 50 Volume 1 below...

Gang Starr "The Ownerz" (June 24, 2003)

Hip-hop music is a complex art form. Similar to the rose that grew from concrete, hip-hop's roots began and will always be grounded in the street. As the years have gone by, we've seen the music make some dramatic changes, some for the better, some for the worse. Decades ago, when the critics were saying hip-hop would never last, few would have imagined the style being so big that it has broken into different genres. You have East Coast rap, West Coast rap, Dirty South, Gangsta rap, Commercial rap and Conscious rap. Back in the day the genre was much more tangible. You had your conscious rappers like Public Enemy, KRS-One and X-Clan, and then you had your smoothed out types like LL, Big Daddy Kane and MC Shan. Somewhere in the mix there were street dwellers like Rakim and Kool G Rap. Those were the cats you could really relate with, and then you had Gang Starr. If you lived in New York you could see these giants walking on the same streets you did. Hanging on the same block you hung on. But like Biggie once said, "Man Things Done Changed." Gang Starr was in a world all their own. Gang Starr embodied the rawness of hip-hop, they introduced the k.i.s.s. method to hip-hop -- they kept it simple. Noncomplicated Premier productions accompanied by Guru's no nonsense rhyme style took the music to a place it'd never been. Cont'd...

They've been in the game for 14 years and other than LL nobody from their time can say they're still hot. At the ages of 36 (Guru) and 34 (Premier) Gang Starr are back with another unscathed notch in their belt. The Ownerz is a step back into hip-hop's simpler times with hopes of taking it back to where it began. The first single, "Right Where U Stand," allows Guru the master to shine in his true battle rap greatness. He goes toe-to-toe with one of the nicest MCs in the game. We've hard Jadakiss spit over a Premier track before, but never with Guru by his side. The rhymes Guru spits on The Ownerz are along way from Jazzmatazz tryouts. Although he tries to murder the mic throughout the album, one of the album's highlights comes from the jazz-influenced "Deadly Habits." On songs like this, Guru takes the new school on a field trip and teaches them how to build a song around a topic. Guru is one of the few rappers who can pick a topic and never sway from it. While all of the shine is directed toward Gang Starr, the cameos do nothing but add more depth. Jada rips it on the single, Fat Joe and M.O.P. make you want to grab your Tim boots when they murder the track on "Who Got Gunz." But one of the most impressive rhymes comes from the one and only Bumpy Knuckles aka Freddie Foxxx on "Capture (Militia Pt.3)." Freddie should be a candidate for The Source's hip-hop quotable with this one. The verse is truly sick. Other highlights include "Riot Akt," "Same Team, No Games" and "In This Life" featuring Snoop. The Ownerz is a beautiful ode to hip-hop. Gang Starr remains undefeated in this game of one-hit wonders and drive-by artists.  - Asheville Citizen (August 1, 2003). You know the deal, my favorite group of ALL TIME! Rest In Peace, Guru!

DJ MK "Best of Gang Starr" (Mixtape)

London's DJ MK is back once again with another phenomenal tribute tape. This time, DJ MK celebrates my favorite group of all time, Gang Starr. Only second to A Tribe Called Quest, which he honored in his last mix, MK pays homage to Guru (R.I.P.) and DJ Premier with over 90 minutes of classic joints, deep album cuts, snippets of interviews and more. There's little bit from everything from Gang Starr's debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy in 1989, all the up to 2019's One of the Best Yet. How could I not throw this on and share it with y'all? Go ahead and dig into DJ MK's mix below...

Jeru The Damaja "The Sun Rises In The East" (5/24/94)

The first time I heard Jeru The Damaja was in 1992, when he blew up Gang Starr's "I'm The Man" on Daily Operation. While every b-boy east of New York was trying to figure out who the man was, Jeru was touring with Gang Starr throughout Canada, England, Europe, West Bubblef#ck and the U.S. boondocks. After the Gang Starr movement parlayed, he showed you who the man really was with his unique, underground single, "Come Clean." With his single quickly approaching street-status gold, a fat recording and worldwide distribution deal, and a DJ Premier-produced album in the making, Jeru is well on his way to cleaning the music industry and ridding the stage of these snake-fake-wannabe-toy-emcees that misrepresent what the hip-hop culture is all about. Speaking on the album's title, The Sun Rises In The East, Jeru shared, "I chose that title 'cause that shit is on point as far as life is 'cause the sun always rises in the East. And I'm from East New York [in Brooklyn] and I represent the East Coast, you know what I'm sayin'? Plus, I'm the son of man and this son rises from the East. I try to make all my shit coincide with how shit is out here. Anything I kick is some kind of consistence 'cause that's just my thang. So even if it's just some old regular shit, still it's a message in there for somebody, 'cause it's a message in everything. You just have to take it." - The Source, April 1994. Art above by Torre Pentel. Revisit Jeru's The Sun Rises In The East below...

You won't find many albums that still bump front to back like this one...

Gang Starr "Daily Operation" (May 5, 1992)

Much as they do on their previous album, the Guru (the MC aka Keith E) and DJ Premier unload 18 of the smoothest cuts on the planet. DJ Premier, once again, proves why he might be one of the best turntable wizards around. No one cuts and scratches as well as he does, and no one else can match his production or his ability to influence the listener with a piece of plastic. Hints of his greatness are evident on the tracks "Flip The Script," "No Shame In My Game," "B.Y.S. (Bust Your Shit)" and especially "I'm The Man," in which Premier creates three different tracks for the Guru and two others, Little Dap and Jeru The Damaja. Oh, by the way, Keith E can hold his own as well. Complementing his unique rhyming style and his distinct voice, the Guru drops more "science" than the chemistry department does in a year. He very well may be the most perceptive, intriguing and intelligent rapper today. Although I was disappointed that they left off "DWYCK" (a track featuring Nice & Smooth), I was thoroughly impressed by Gang Starr's third effort. Maybe not quite as good as Step In The Arena (Sav disagrees!), but this one was a definite four-star album. This summer is already not looking so bad. With new albums by Kool G Rap and DJ Polo, Pete Rock & CL Smooth (mark my words, these two will be classics), EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, MC Ren and others coming out, it looks like I'll finally have something to play in my car. But before you go out and buy those albums, go grab Daily Operation, because, as the saying goes, this record is ALL THAT. Have a great summer, and I'm outta here. - California Aggie (June 10, 1992). Revisit Gang Starr's Daily Operation LP below...

More from this college write-up in the summer of 1992...

Altered Crates "DOOM STARR" (Mash-Up EP)

Here is the latest mash-up project from Atlanta-based producer Altered Crates blending beats by DJ Premier and vocals from the late great, MF DOOM. The project is appropriately titled, DOOM STARR. The 6-track EP casts the phenomenal production of DJ Premier and inimitable style of MF DOOM in a new light... imagine the possibilities? DOOM is an underground legend to be celebrated and it was a terrible tragedy that we lost him too soon. I don't know how long this project--like those that came before it--will last on the internet, but if it goes down, hit me up and I'll try to update it with a fresh link. You can also download the project for free HERE, which I highly recommend. Props to the good homie Matt out in Baltimore for giving me the headsup on this EP...

Capital Rap Show (Gang Starr, April 19-20, 1991)

Props to RandomRapRadio for sharing this gem from the Capital Rap show in London, April 20, 1991. They include following message along with it, "It’s a rare interview with Guru & Premier, shootin the gift on air with Tim Westwood, just hours after their incredible April 1991 gig at the Town & Country Club in North London. They rock up to the studios of Capital Radio to catch up on some promo for the forthcoming Step In The Arena LP, and they’re joined in the studio by an excitable Caveman crew. There are too many really interesting topics to mention, so just listen up at your leisure. They both give Tim major props for stayin' in his indy lane too. That didn't happen that often back then. Check out Tim gettin hyped when Primo kicks the knowledge on 10″ car-trunk woofers!" In terms of tunes... it includes tracks from De La Soul, Son of Bazerk, 3rd Bass, Leaders of the New School, EPMD, Kool Keith, KRS-One, Black Sheep, Gang Starr and more. Listen to the show below...

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("Above The Clouds" Episode, Video)

DJ Premier presents Episode 24, the latest episode in his video series, So Wassup? The episode tackles Gang Starr's legendary track, "Above The Clouds," featuring Inspectah Deck. 1998 was the release of their first gold album, Moment of Truth. Guru was facing prison charges at the time, it was also a 4 year break between albums, but they came back hella strong! Originally Guru was hoping to get Raekwon and Ghostface of the Wu-Tang Clan on the album but Panchi of NYG'z recommended Inspectah Deck instead, and Premo got in touch with RZA. "Your mental" was the concept Guru gave Deck and they got it in... Premo planned out the intro to set it off and creatively he wanted it to sound like the beginning of Eric B. & Rakim's "Microphone Fiend." He nailed that! "I Self Lord And Master, shall bring disaster to evil factors..." It's definitely one of the biggest records in their catalog, and one of my all-time favorites. Grab the "Above The Clouds" t-shirt and salute the floppy disc! Much respect to DJ Premier and Rest In Peace, Guru. Peep the video below...

Gang Starr "Step In The Arena" (Press Kit: Jan. 15, 1991)

Gang Starr's innovative synthesis of jazz samples, rap rhymes and hip hop production first caught the public's ear with "Jazz Thing," the masterful tribute to the achievements of jazz that accompanied the closing credits of Spike Lee's latest film, "Mo' Better Blues." With the release of Step In The Arena, their debut recording for Chrysalis/Cooltempo Records, Gang Starr -- rapper extraordinaire G.U.R.U. and his partner, scratch and beat expert DJ Premier -- leave no doubt that they are a distinctive and vital musical team. Their first single, "Just To Get a Rap" / "Who's Gonna Take The Weight," sets the tone for a climb to the top of hip hop with infectious beats and real-deal rhymes -- a refreshing blend of intelligence and fun. On the title track, "Step In The Arena," as well as cuts like "Check The Technique," "Here Today Gone Tomorrow" and "Take a Rest," DJ Premier and G.U.R.U. style themselves as Herculean gladiators of rhythm and rhyme who are committed to battling the sonic cliches and social irresponsibility of those performers who have given rap a bad rep. Just as prominent are the selections -- "Street Ministry," "Say Your Prayers," "As I Ready My Essay," "The Meaning of the Name" and "Form of Intellect" -- which speak directly to the dancer/listener about Gang Starr's positive philosophy over a variety of seductively mellow tempos and instrumental textures rarely heard in rap. On the other hand, it can't get much funkier than than the jeep drum boom bass of "Precisely the Right Rhymes" and the churning James Brown-derived track of their message of groupies, "What You Want This Time?" Before the success of "Jazz Thing," the Brooklyn-based team paid some serious dues on the New York scene. Unpleasant experiences with their first label inspired the pointed lyrics of "Execution of a Champ," while the problems of an entertainer maintaining a relationship prompted the deeply-felt "Lovesick." Cont'd...

So how did this dynamic duo come together? Believe it or not DJ Premier and Guru met over the phone. Premier was in search of a rap partner and Guru was looking for a new DJ. Their former label played the role of matchmaker by bringing the two together over the phone. Premier played Guru some beats and it was love at first hearing. Within two and a half weeks they had produced their first recording, No More Mr. Nice Guy. Although the album sold 100,000 units things went sour with their label and Gang Starr found themselves in a purgatory of sorts. Gang Starr's fortunes took a turn for the better when Spike Lee saw their video on MTV and then bought a copy of No More... One track in particular, "Jazz Music," gave Lee the idea that Gang Starr could contribute something valuable to the film. Lee put Gang Starr together with jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis who was handling the music for "Mo' Better Blues," and they collaborated to create "Jazz Thing." On the heels of that success came Gang Starr signing with Chrysalis. Cont'd...

The prospect of stardom has left Gang Starr unaffected. DJ Premier is a self-professed mystery man who remains reluctant to talk much about himself. What he does reveal, however, is instructive. A Brooklyn native, Premier has been a fanatic for music since he was a tot. He estimates that he has a record collection of several thousand ranging through jazz, classical, rock, r&b and gospel among other styles of music. He plays several instruments by ear including saxophone, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Premier's passion for music led to his running a record store in Houston, Texas while completing studies at Prairie View A&M University. The son of a Boston municipal court judge and a self-confessed rebel in a family of superachievers, Guru has exchanged his family name for an acronym that stands for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Guru started rhyming at parties while studying Business Administration at Morehouse College in Atlanta. Upon graduation the challenge of the New York rap scene left Guru no choice but to relocate. He now considers himself a true Brooklyn homeboy as well as a friend and kindred soul to Chuck D and KRS-One. While not a practicing Muslim, Guru is strongly influenced by the spirituality and principles of Islam. At the same time he is streetwise enough to have weathered a stint as a juvenile caseworker for a maximum detention home. All of these experiences and influences have helped to crystalize Guru's belief that hip hop must be more than just another musical commodity. It must be a progressive social movement in which artists are accountable for the impact of their music and lyrics. Clearly there is much more to DJ Premier and Guru than the boisterous braggadocio that has dominated rap music. They step in the area with gusto, not to be macho, but as a way of announcing that they are ready to shoulder their share of the weight. - Press Kit, 1991. My favorite group of all time, periodT....

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("Brownsville" Episode, Video)

DJ Premier returns once again with a new episode in his phenomenal video-blog series, So Wassup?; a salute to the floppy disc! Premo touches down in Brooklyn with Lil' Fame and Billy Danze for the track "Brownsville" off their album Firing Squad in 1996 on Relativity. DJ Premier also produced "Stick To Ya Gunz" off that album, which is a personal favorite, among others on the LP. Premo explains how he cut vocals from the end of "How About Some Hardcore"--after OG BooBang passed away--as the intro vocals to "Brownsville", paying tribute to BooBang (R.I.P.). Premier produced the record on a MPC 3000, which was NOT his preferred weapon of choice, but the engineer had ordered the wrong equipment to the studio session that day. He was shown how to use it, and got busy though, as only DJ Premier could do. There's more dope back story and history on the record, I won't ruin it all for ya ... click play and enjoy! Salute DJ Premier, M.O.P., and mgr. Ian Schwartzman...

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("ALONGWAYTOGO" Episode, Video)

Gang Starr had already done several soundtracks, so the opportunity to get on 1993's Poetic Justice by John Singleton, starring Janet Jackson and the late 2Pac, was a no brainer. The theme of travel and journey in the mail truck plays a big role in the movie, so the concept for "Alongwaytogo" was born, and named by Guru. DJ Premier explains that Guru was extremely drunk that day and if you listen back, he feels you can hear the unusual tone and one-take style that was displayed on the record. He liked it, so they didn't change it, but ultimately John Singleton didn't feel it was the right fit the movie (Premo naturally disagrees, lol). Poetic Justice is even mentioned in the song, so Guru was hurt that it wasn't included on the soundtrack. Gang Starr was recording the album, "Hard To Earn," at the same time and nearing the end, so they included it on the LP. A salute to the floppy disc, DJ Premier hasn't disappointed in music and not in this So Wassup? video series, dig it...

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("1, 2 Pass It" Episode, Video)

DJ Premier is back yet again with the latest installment in his video series, So Wassup? - a salute to the floppy disc! In Episode 15, Premo takes it back to 1995 with the D&D Allstar's "1, 2 Pass It." Lord Finesse was working out of D&D Studios on a remix and brought in DJ Premier -- after that, Premier was there from 1992 until the studio closed. As D&D grew, Arista Records gave them a deal to do a compilation and it inspired the posse cut that began with a 40s & Blunts party, where MCs came through and blessed the mic for the posse cut, "1, 2 Pass It." DJ Premier naturally produced the beat and MCs Mad Lion, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One, Fat Joe, Smif-N-Wessun, and lastly, Jeru The Damaja, jumped on the record. DJ Premier also shares that Jay-Z was outside but was not allowed in because it was too crowded, or else he woulda been on the record, too. Jay still came back and did Reasonable Doubt and In My Lifetime Vol.1-3 there, so no hard feelings. Salute to the legacy of D&D, now Premo operates at Headqcourterz. The original building was turned into condos and office buildings, go figure. While the D&D album was lackluster, this jam went hard! Anyhow... Premier throws the disc in the Akai S950, and let's the record play at the end. Check it out below... 

Group Home "Livin Proof" (November 21, 1995)

The debut album from tried-and-true members of the Gang Starr Foundation, Lil' Dap and Melachi the Nutcracker, illustrates the benefits of loyalty in the rap game. After paying their dues and appearing on prior Gang Starr projects such as Daily Operation and Hard to Earn, they earned the right to record their own LP, proudly waving the Gang Starr flag. As a registered battalion under the command of executive producers Guru and DJ Premier (founders of Gang Starr), the talented duo reaped the benefits of membership. The virtuoso DJ Premier provides a rugged and rich musical canvas for the gravel-throated lisp of Lil' Dap and the straight-razor sharp flow of Melachi. Both MCs pull no punches; their lyrics and deliveries are clear, concise, and to the point. While their lyrical content is profound in its simplicity, Group Home is never simple. Livin' Proof exemplifies the harsh realities of coming up in the concrete jungle and in the rap industry. Tracks like "Suspended in Time," "Serious Rap Shit," and the title cut portray the perilous struggle that faces every MC trying to rhyme and reason his way out of his constrictions. Track after track Premier astounds with his unpredictable drum sequences embellished by entrancing hints of piano, strings and horns that seem to dance in and out of the compositions. The results are nothing short of rhythmic masterpieces. Many cuts are preceded or interrupted by short instrumental interludes that leave the listener longing for more. Livin' Proof should not be reduced to a pure showcase for Premier; however, the deadpan lyrics of Lil' Dap and Melachi rise to the level of their maestro to create a fairly fantastic debut. - AllMusic. Arguably DJ Premier's best produced project of all-time! Revisit the LP below...

A post from my Instagram about Group Home's Livin Proof...