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.

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.

Gang Starr "Hard To Earn" (30th Anniv. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Back once again, Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich drops his latest offering; a tribute to my favorite group of all-time, Gang Starr and their classic effort, Hard To Earn. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the mix features a revamped version of his 25th anniversary mix from 2019 (which got taken down) with original blends, samples, b-sides and unreleased tracks. Rest in Peace to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal and, of course, we continue to represent for the greatest producer of all-time, DJ Premier. Dig into another phenomenal mix by DJ Filthy Rich below and hit the archives for more...

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...

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?" ("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...

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...

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("Take It Personal" Episode, Video)

While I respect ALL of DJ Premier's classic production, I skipped posting the last couple episodes of his web-series, So Wassup?. He recently covered the D'Angelo and Janet Jackson tracks, which aren't amongst my favorite cuts from his catalog. BUT... we're back with Episode 11, where Premo breaks down the making of the Gang Starr classic, "Take It Personal." So, let's get into it... DJ Premier breaks down the equipment he used - the SP 1200 - which ended up being the very last time he used it in his career. That dirty drum break he claims to have had going back to his time in Texas, and that he never made a cadence of a drum break like that! He got Ralph McDaniels (Classic Concepts) to do the video for the song, as well as "Code of the Streets" later on from Hard to Earn. He also explains the role "Take It Personal" played in also making the track "DWYCK" with Nice & Smooth, as well as moving from the A Room in D&D Studios to the legendary B Room. So much history, DJ Premier is a wealth of knowledge; one of the most impressive and most humbling things about this legendary producer! Watch Premier's latest video episode below for a lot more history...

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" Episode)

DJ Premier's popular web-series, So Wassup?, continues with his latest tribute to the floppy disc... this time breaking down the making of his popular track, "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" from 1995. Gonna take you back to Brooklyn... Spike Lee's film, Clockers - As Premo tells it, Spike reached out for a Part 2 with Jeru, Chubb Rock and O.C. of D.I.T.C. After seeing the film, DJ Premier crafted the beat for the soundtrack. He thought about sadness and what goes on in the neighborhood. The disc says, "Crooklyn Dodgers II" before it was called "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" to separate it from the original with Buckshot, Special Ed and Masta Ace. From the piano, strings and bell, Premo felt he captured the emotion and essence + the bounce to his drums. The video was shot in Fort Greene, Brooklyn and as they say, the rest is history. Check out Premier's full video episode below...

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

The Greatest of All-Time, DJ Premier keeps on keepin' on with his phenomenal new series, So Wassup?, a tribute to the floppy disk! In this sixth episode, Premo breaks down "Represent" off Nas' debut album, Illmatic. At the time, Nas was "Nasty Nas." The track was originally called "Representin'" and the version on the album is actually the remix he made when he went back to remake the track (after hearing "One Love" from Q-Tip). We already know this, but hearing Premo break it down is always gonna be legendary. Props to Large Professor, who Premo credits as the sound of Nas, and who recruited him to come produce three tracks on the LP. The original beat for "Represent" was the first beat he made for Illmatic. It was a jazzy sample and fit the sound at the time. While "NY State of Mind" is arguably the best track on the album, "Represent" has always been one of my favorite Nas tracks in his whole catalog. The full video is below + the Art above is by Torre.Pentel.

DJ Premier "So Wassup?" ("Mass Appeal" Episode, Video)

On the fourth episode of DJ Premier's YouTube video series, So Wassup?, the legendary producer talks with us about the process of crafting the Gang Starr classic from '94, "Mass Appeal." Released on Gang Starr's Hard To Earn album, what was intended to take aim at the industry and crossover hip-hop, actually became one of their most successful records. In a past interview, he declared, "It was recorded as a joke. We just wanted to make fun of the radio on what it sounded like to get airplay. That’s why I made the background melody real simplistic. I was making fun of the radio, but I’m going to make a funky version of making fun of it. Everything’s a vision, and your brain has to be that intense to be able to capture that. What the radio played, when it came to hip-hop, it sounded too watered down. That was making fun of it, but that record did real good for us". Hear about that and more in the video below + props to IllStrips on the unique artwork used up above. Follow HERE.

Marley Marl's Legendize "The DJ Premier Episode" (Podcast)

On the LEGENDIZE podcast, hip hop pioneer DJ Marley Marl and co-host DJ Callie Ban go beyond the origin stories of hip hop's greatest artists and producers, and the classic records they made. Lean in as they candidly interview hip hop royalty, break down the history of iconic samples, and step inside the culture that changed the world. On the Season 1 finale of LEGENDIZE, Marley Marl and Callie welcome legendary producer and hip hop royalty DJ Premier to the show. Preemo shares stories of his childhood in Texas and NY and the many influences that helped shape his musical journey. From teaming up with Guru and Gang Starr, to producing classics for Jay Z, Biggie, Nas and countless others, the 3x Grammy winning producer details his history, process and contributions to the culture. Enjoy a very special peek into the world of the undeniable legend ... DJ Premier! Dig in...

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

For 14 (30+) years, DJ Premier and Guru have been synonymous with cutting-edge, streetwise hip-hop that challenges you to think while inducing you to dance. On their first release in five years, they take dead aim at those they feel are misusing their art form for commercial gain. On "Peace of Mine," Guru declares, "Of course I want money, but I won't compromise." He criticizes rappers who obscure the real pain of poverty with much more bankable thug imagery. First single "Rite Where U Stand" finds him and Jadakiss ready to take on all comers, while haters and fakers get blazed on such tracks as "Put Up or Shut Up." "Riot Akt" explores the sudden violence that can erupt in the streets. This is music with a heart and a brain. - 2003. Said perfectly, "music with a heart and a brain," explains Guru and Gang Starr's music as a whole. DJ Premier continues to carry on tradition in Guru's absence and everything is done with that same level of integrity. Rest In Peace, Gifed Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Revisit Gang Starr's 2003 LP, The Ownerz -- also featuring Fat Joe, M.O.P., NYG'z, Snoop, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Freddie Foxxx, Krumbsnatcha and more -- below...

Review in Democrat & Chronicle (July 3, 2003) ... 

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

Guru, aka Keith Elam, was one of those rare artists who wants to find a kinship with the photographer before working with him. He had a lot of ideas about certain visual elements that would define Gang Starr as a group. He was very political and knew a lot about history and leaders of the civil rights movement. For the album, Guru wanted to include some of this political thought into the imagery to convey rappers being simultaneously 'paid' and taking a role of leadership--he wanted to make a statement. We shot at a historic brownstone on the corner of 79th and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. I shot with my Hasselbad medium-format camera, which was perfect for an album cover because of the shape of the prints it produced. I brought the Malcom X image to the shoot as Guru told me that he wanted that in the shot, staying true to the brotherhood. The cover also featured the book Message to the Blackman in America by Elijah Muhammad, which belonged to DJ Premier. He just happened to bring it to the shoot, and we decided to put it in. We took some alternate shots with the Gang Starr logo replacing the Malcolm image. I love that contact sheet and am sad to say that the version with the original Malcolm X sequence is lost. In addition to the Malcolm X print and the Message to the Blackman in America book, we also had a briefcase with money spilling out in the foreground as well as a globe and the wolf's head. There was also a Remington Rand typewriter, a closed turntable case, and Guru and Premier were both wearing bomber jackets. I suppose there's a lot of symbolism on this cover. Then we took some shots with their crew Lil' Dap, Jeru The Damaja, Phat Gary, Gordon, Big Shug, and others to end the day. Getting a shot of everyone was really important to them. - Matt Gunther (via Contact High, 2018).

Below is the excerpt from Contact High + Daily Operation's press kit from '92...