_s domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/djbeeo5/public_html/itsfreshradio.com/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121Top 5 Underrated Gang Starr Tracks by: Jamie Robinson<\/p>\n
When it comes to Gang Starr, everyone knows Manifest, Step in the Arena, Just to Get a Rep, and Mass Appeal. Between Premo\u2019s beats, and the one of a kind monotone style of Guru, Gang Starr is known throughout the hip hop world as a force to be reckoned with. Gang Starr is so much more than the videos you saw on Yo! MTV Raps. They are so much more than the popular tracks that have been beaten into your consciousness over the years. When I think of MC Keithy E and Preem, I sink into Deep Concentration. I think of all the songs that I feel should be getting more appreciation. Let me share a few of those incredible tracks with you right now.<\/p>\n
Above the Clouds (Moment of Truth) \u2013 One of the biggest things that drives this track for me, is the appearance of Inspectah Deck. As far as Wu Tang Clan members go, Inspectah Deck ranks just above U-God in popularity. Let him loose over this killer Premo beat, though, and he\u2019ll make you forget about his Shaolin brethren all together. Never in my life would I have thought Guru and Inspectah Deck would combine their voices on the same song. With samples of “JFK Speech on Space Flight” by John F. Kennedy, \u00a0 “Two Piece Flower” by John Dankworth,\u00a0 “Superman – The Man from Krypton: Part II” by Peter Pan Records, and\u00a0 \u00a0 “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest, Preem makes magic.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbove the crowds, above the clouds where the sounds are original<\/i><\/p>\n
Infinite skills create miracles<\/i><\/p>\n
Warrior spiritual, above the clouds raining down<\/i><\/p>\n
Holding it down<\/i>\u201d<\/p>\n
Robbin\u2019 Hood Theory (Moment of Truth) \u2013 The beginning of this song sets the tone right away; \u201cThat\u2019s not keepin it real, that\u2019s keeping it wrong\u201d. Guru\u2019s delivery is everything on this track. Yes, I understand that his delivery is always the same, but this song would not even be on my radar if it had been done by anyone else. In order for this song to work, it MUST be delivered in that classic monotone style. Masterfully used samples from Albert Dailey (The Day After the Dawn) and George Duke (Capricorn) by DJ Premier keep this track laid back, yet engaging. After 5 years between records, this was a breath of fresh air.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod is Universal, he is the Ruler Universal
\nFor those who can’t follow that spells GURU when in my circle
\nI see all sides of my culture…
\nDesign my thoughts like a sculpture
\nAnd chumps they wanna get with me cause I’m another entity
\nI’m sent to be, leadin the army of the century
\nMention me, and snakes will retreat, eventually…
\n… due to my Robbin Hood Theory\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n
Riot Akt \u2013 (The Ownerz) This album holds a special place in my heart, as it is the last Gang Starr release. Again, right out of the gate, Guru delivers a verse that we could use today. \u201cPut you under with one rap, me and the brothers have come back\u201d. Letting everyone know that Gang Starr, like a comic book superhero, has returned to save listeners. Premier\u2019s sample of Maynard Ferguson (Theme From Summer of \u201942) reinforces our love for Gang Starr\u2019s use of Jazz music in all of their work.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust like a thunderous gun clap, you wonder who done that Tonz \u2018O\u2019 Gunz \u2013 (Hard to Earn) While this album was full of hot tracks (Mass Appeal, Code of the Streets, and of course DWYCK), Tonz \u2018O\u2019 Gunz is one of the best records on the album. This song is still relevant today! Guru telling the story of guns coming in to the country and how all the kids are running around with them, because it\u2019s cool. The police just sitting back and watching the death toll rise. Look around; this song could have been written last week, instead of 1994.<\/p>\n \u201cKids pulling triggers, niggas killing niggas Sabotage \u2013 (The Ownerz) From the moment Premier drops that Smoked Sugar \u201cBump Me\u201d bass line, this track is on. Also, any time Preem scratches past Gang Starr songs, I\u2019m all in. This is also, possibly the most \u201canimated\u201d Guru has ever been on a track. For someone who is a self-proclaimed \u201cmonotone rapper\u201d, there is a lot of feeling in these lyrics and their delivery. This record shows a maturity for Gang Starr, and an angry side of Guru. I think this whole album was slept on, but this track specifically, is one that should be revisited.<\/p>\n
\nPut you under with one rap, me and the brothers have come back
\nWe’ll lash you for tryin that, we know you been lyin cat
\nSo now you be lyin flat, <\/i>we’ll read you the riot act<\/i><\/a> \u201c<\/i><\/p>\n
\nFive-o they sit and wait and tally death-toll figures\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n