Gang Starr
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Gang Starr is a hip hop duo composed of MC Guru and DJ Premier based in Brooklyn, New York. During their career they helped pioneer the New York City hip hop sound. The entirety of Gang Starr's catalog, especially Step in the Arena (1991), Daily Operation (1992) and Moment of Truth (1998) are well-respected among critics and hip hop heads alike. Their track "Jazz Thang", featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues, helped establish the sound of jazz rap, although they themselves consider their sound solely straight hardcore hip hop.
The group was founded in 1987 with Guru, DJ 1,2 B Down, Mike Dee and various producers, such as Donald D, J.V. Johnson or DJ Mark The 45 King. In 1987 and 1988 they released three 12" vinyl singles on the legendary Wild Pitch label, and in 1989 Guru and DJ Premier (then working under the name Waxmaster C) met for the first time. In the same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" and went on working together as a group for six albums, a 2 CD "greatest hits" compilation and numerous singles and soundtrack contributions.
Collaborations
The members of Gang Starr have deep roots in the New York hip hop scene, and have each worked with countless artists. The Gang Starr Foundation was created which was comprised of various members that have worked closely with the group, through either Guru's now defunct Ill Kid label, DJ Premier's production work or the group's management (Empire Managment).Current status
The group's current status is unknown. It is unconfirmed whether it still exists or if it has broken up. Instead of issuing a proper press release, both members have made statements on their own in various print and radio interviews.On September 1, 2005, Guru has revealed in an interview [link] with the hip hop online magazine sohh.com that the group doesn't exist anymore, but that it has ended instead of breaking up. This has finally cleared up the rumors that came up first on the European Gang Starr tour in 2003/2004 when DJ Premier suddenly went back to the US and Guru continued touring under the group's name with another DJ. However, in an December 21, 2005 interview [link] with the online magazine allhiphop.com, DJ Premier has denied that Gang Starr is history; he said it's rather a long break than a real break up. In a more recent interview [link] from April 20, 2006, with the online magazine hoodstars.net, Guru has stated he would not work with his previous partners anymore. In a newer interview [link] he stated that "Gang Starr has reached the peak" and that he is out of the project.
Discography
- No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989)
- Step in the Arena (1991)
- Daily Operation (1992)
- Hard to Earn (1994)
- Moment of Truth (1998)
- (1999)
- The Ownerz (2003)
External links
- [gurugangstarr.com] Guru's official site
- [Year Round Records] DJ Premier's label site
- [Gang Starr Trackology] fan site, extensive discography
- [Guru - Who he's worked with + discography]
- [DJ Premier - Who he's worked with + discography]
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