Artist
Gang Starr was an East Coast hip hop duo that consisted of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop.
The group was founded by Keith Elam in Boston, Massachusetts in 1985 (then known as Keithy E. The Guru) and DJ 1,2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee) with various producers, such as Donald D, J.V. Johnson or DJ Mark the 45 King helping out. In 1987 and 1988, Gang Starr released three 12" vinyl singles on the Wild Pitch label.
In 1989, the group split and the only member willing to continue under the name Gang Starr was Guru. He soon got in touch with DJ Premier (then known as Waxmaster C) who sent him a beat tape which Guru liked. He invited DJ Premier to join Gang Starr and in that same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989).
During their career Gang Starr helped pioneer the New York hip hop sound. The entire Gang Starr's catalog, especially Step in the Arena (1991), Daily Operation (1992), Hard to Earn (1994) and Moment of Truth (1998) are well-respected among critics. Their track "Jazz Thing" was featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues.
Tracks
1
Intro (The First Step)
00:54
2
ALONGWAYTOGO
04:13
3
Code Of The Streets
03:29
4
Brainstorm
03:02
5
Tonz 'O' Gunz
03:55
6
The Planet
05:16
7
Aiiight Chill...
03:13
8
Speak Ya Clout
03:35
9
DWYCK
04:03
10
Words From The Nutcracker
01:29
11
Mass Appeal
03:41
12
Blowin' Up The Spot
03:10
13
Suckas Need Bodyguards
04:05
14
Now You're Mine
02:55
15
Mostly Tha Voice
03:38
16
F.A.L.A.
04:17
17
Comin' For Datazz
04:02
Releases
Formats
Cassette, CD, Vinyl
Labels
Virgin, Chrysalis, BMG Direct Marketing, Inc., Not On Label (Gang Starr)
Countries
Canada, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Europe, UK & Europe
years
1993, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2014
Members
Keith Elam,Chris Martin (6),
Charles Michael Johnson
