Gang Starr

From Free net encyclopedia

(Difference between revisions)

Revision as of 00:17, 21 April 2006
70.67.30.155 (Talk | contribs)
/* External links */
Next diff →

Current revision

1 Biography
2 Current status
3 Discography
4 External links

Biography

Gang Starr are one of hip-hop's most admired acts ever. The duo's legacy is nothing short of legendary -- in terms of influence -- and they arguably belong among the greatest hip hop groups of all time. They are composed of the MC Guru and DJ Premier, and are based in Brooklyn, New York. During their carreer the duo basically epitomized 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.

[edit]

Current status

On September 1st, 2005, Guru has revealed in an interview [1] 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 21st, 2005 interview [2] 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.

[edit]