It’s a good day on the forums because Claaa7 just dropped his latest compilation featuring 18 joints from the Mashout Posse. Fireworks and M.O.P. on Indie Day may just be the perfect combination. –Philaflava
01. “Transition Of Power” [prod. by Stoupe]
02. “W.O.L.V.E.S.” (w. Krumb Snatcha)
03. “Gun Hold” [prod. by DJ Honda]
04. “Get Rich” (w. Bilal)
05. “Masquerade” (w. Bumpy Knuckles & Wyclef)
06. “My Kinda Nigga” (w. Heather B)
07. “Warfare” (w. Afu-Ra)
08. “Bucktown [Remix]” (w. Smif-N-Wessun)
09. “Watch Out” [prod. by Da Beatminerz]
10. “Dearly Departed” [prod. by DJ Babu]
11. “Stress Y’All”
12. “New York Giants” (w. Big Pun)
13. “Life” (w. Stikken Move)
14. “Pounds Up”
15. “Blood Sport” [prod. by J Dilla]
16. “Let It Bang” [prod. by Roc Raida/The X-Ecutioners]
17. “Rawness” (w. Teflon)
18. “Here Today, Gone Tomorrow”
I don’t know who T.O.N.Y. is, kinda looks like Termanlogy with a CNN-like name. Either way it’s a Solar diss and I’m all for it. Next up, Freddie Foxxx? –Philaflava
Gang Starr, along with sizable doses of Native Tongue, BDP and Juice Crew music, was my perpetual soundtrack ever since I first peeped the visual for “Words I Manifest†on Video Music Box. There was no better and dependable place to go for that good ol’ NYC boom bap (even if Guru was from Boston and Premier is from Texas) than a Gang Starr record.
With that in mind, here is every Gang Starr, and Guru, video in chronological order.
I woke up this morning to a bunch of texts saying Guru passed away yesterday. I’m writing this in complete disbelief because as much as I knew he was sick, a part of me never ever expected him to die. I wasn’t even aware he had cancer since Solar did not release any information.
Please leave comments of your favorite Gang Starr memories, your favorite albums and stories. I will always remember him as Guru from Gang Starr and nothing more. That memory should stay alive forever. Today is a sad day in hip-hop. Sad that cancer is still taking lives. Sad we lost a true legend in the game and sad because of how this whole situation was handled from day one.
Rest In Peace Keith and my condolences go out to all his loved ones. Below I included our interview with Guru and Solar. It wasn’t his last ever, but it definitely was near the end and despite some of my feelings after the interview, Guru has given me enough hip-hop to remember him and Gang Starr forever. Now excuse me while I put on Daily Operation. – Jason Gloss
Philaflava Interview w/Guru & Solar – Part 1
Props to CRDS for putting together this lovely tribute to Gang Starr. For those unaware, Guru suffered from a heart attack and is currently in a coma. We pray for his recovery and we celebrate Gang Starr with this mix. –Philaflava
1. flip the script (minor adjustment remix)-produced by dj premier-(1992)
2. bust a move boy-produced by the 45 king-(1987)
3. positivity (remix)-produced by dj premier-(1989)
4. ex girl to next girl(remix)-produced by dj premier-(1992)
5. check the technique (remix)-produced by dj premier-(1991)
6. so wassup-produced by dj premier-(1997)
7. natural-produced by dj premier-(2002)
8. all 4 the cash-produced by dj premier-(1999)
9. the squeeze-produced by dj premier-(2001)
10.battle-produced by dj premier-(2002)
11.credit is due-produced by dj premier-(1991)
12. jazz thing (movie mix)-produced by dj premier-(1990)
13. gotta get over (large pro remix)- (radio)-(1992)
14. here’s the proof-produced by dj premier & guru-(1989)
15. believe dat-produced by dj 1 2 b down and guru-(1987)
16. no more mr nice guy (remix)-produced by dj premier-(1989)
17. the question remainz-produced by dj premier-1994
18. the militia (pete rock remix)-(1998)
19. it’s a jazz thing (video mix)-produced by dj premier-(1990)
20. 2 deep (may we get a bit deeper remix)-produced by dodge & ig culture-(1992)
Part 1: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QFNM8LP7
Part 2: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IJDUNV5S
To recap last week we started our Top Ten-est Best Rap Albums of All Time with our number ten selection Kanye West’s Late Registration. Today we will take a look at #9. I was torn between two albums from the same artist for my #9 spot. Hard to Earn and Step in the Arena by Gang Starr, the first being the classic album everyone seems to hold as their go to and the second the classic album where they first made the leap from run of the mill to great. I have since been sitting with both albums and comparing and contrasting to see which one deserves this slot. To figure this out I think we need steal an idea from Bill Simmons and break them down Dr. Jack style to see who wins.
Beats – It’s hard to argue that during this period there was nobody better than primo. His work from Step in the Arena through Hard to Earn stand out as one of the strongest three album periods for any producer, and that is not even including his production with other artists. For me it was a matter of what worked better through the entire album. Both albums have a cohesive feel and where Step in the Arena is more consistent throughout, it can’t match the high points that are featured on Hard to Earn. Songs like Code of the Streets, Mass Appeal and Dwyck feature some of the greatest beats ever dropped. On top of that he dropped beats that made the two Group Home appearances listenable. I would take away points because there are beats that lack and show the early signs of Primo’s movement towards a one dimensional sound that would hound later Gangstarr efforts. It is hard to point out a weak production moment on Step in the Arena which for my dollar is the high point in jazz inspired production. I really can’t call it here; I wouldn’t kick the production from either of these albums out of bed but if I had to pick at gun point…
No this ain’t the Mack 10 album, this is the newest compilation compiled by True King. Check it out as The Paper Route sports a few obscure gems, underground classics and get money anthems. –Philaflava
