Gangstarr

Albums

No More Mr. Nice Guy - Wild Pitch 1989 (2001)		Gang Starr's first album was a very interesting collection of tracks. Many fans consider this to be more of a demo tape rather their debut LP. What's wierd about it is that it really doesn't resemble their following albums in terms of Premier's hard-hitting production nor Guru's rock solid flow. Yet, the signs of greatness are very evident in tracks like 'Manifest', 'Positivity', and of course, the incredible 'DJ Premier in Deep Concentration'. They sound a little young and rough around the edges but you can feel things coming into place on these tracks.		Premier & The Guru Jazz Music Gotch U Manifest Gusto Dj Premier in Deep Concentration Positivity (Remix) (CD Bonus Track) Manifest (Remix) (CD Bonus Track) Conscience Be Free Cause and Effect 2 Steps Ahead No More Mr. Nice Guy Knowledge Positivity
Step In The Arena - Chrysalis 1990 (21798)		Universally regarded as their "first" LP and quite possibly their best one too, "Step In The Arena" marked the beginning of some very good music from these two. For starters, Guru seems to have matured quite a bit from the previous LP with a very noticeable improvement of his trademark monotone flow. On the other side, DJ Premier has clearly found his own style of production which was to gain unprecedented popularity amongst all of hip-hop. Stronger cuts to check for on this album are 'Step In The Arena', 'Execution Of A Chump', 'Take A Rest', 'Check The Technique', and 'Just To Get A Rep'.		Name Tag (Premier & The Guru) Step In The Arena Form of Intellect Execution of a Chump (No More Mr. Nice Guy Pt. 2) Who's Gonna Take the Weight? Beyond Comprehension Check the Technique Lovesick Here Today, Gone Tomorrow Game Plan Take A Rest What You Want This Time? Street Ministry Just To Get A Rep Say Your Prayers As I Read My S-A Precisely the Right Rhymes The Meaning of the Name
Daily Operation - Chrysalis 1992 (21910)		Coming off the heels of the phenomenal "Step In The Arena", Gang Starr were in the unenviable position of having to release a follow-up LP. Even with such high expectations of them, they still managed to please their devoted fans with "Daily Operation". With so many dope tracks on this record ('The Place Where We Dwell', 'Flip The Script', and 'Take It Personal' just to name a few) the poor response of the general hip-hop audience really didn't make sense. It seems that the more varied production and the increased complexity of Guru's lyrics was not as easy to digest as their previous effort (even though this was the album where Primo became recognized as one of the illest beatmakers around).		Daily Operation The Place Where We Dwell Flip The Script Ex Girl To Next Girl Soliloquy of Chaos I'm the Man 92 Interlude Take It Personal 2 Deep 24-7/365 No Shame In My Game Conspiracy The Illest Brother Hardcore Composer B.Y.S. Much Too Much (Mack A Mil) Take Two and Pass Stay Tuned
Hard To Earn - Chrysalis 1994 (28435)		After some rumoured friction between the two over the poor response towards their previous LP and fans' skepticism of Guru's ability to hold is own on the mic, they regrouped to release yet another wicked LP. What many tend to agree as being their best material since "Step In The Arena", "Hard To Earn" resulted in the return of the more hard-hitting yet likeable beats of "Step Into The Arena". It also introduced us to more members of the Gang Starr foundation, Big Shug and Melechi The Nutcracker. As usual, there were a good number of tracks on this record which recieved heavy rotation throughout the year: 'Code Of The Streets', 'Mass Appeal', 'Suckas Need Bodyguards', and the dope posse cut, 'Speak Ya Clout'.		Intro (The First Step) ALONGWAYTOGO Code of the Streets Brainstorm Tonz 'O' Gunz The Planet Aiiight Chill... Speak Ya Clout DWYCK Words from the Nutcracker Mass Appeal Blowin' Up the Spot Suckas Need Bodyguards Now You're Mine Mostly Tha Voice F.A.L.A. Comin' For Datazz
Moment Of Truth - Noo Tribe 1998 (45585)		A good 3 years after "Hard To Earn", Gang Starr treats their fans to "Moment Of Truth", a near double album featuring a whopping 18 full length tracks. Although it features a very different sound to previous releases, it still doesn't deviate too much from their winning "formula". However, one noticable change from previous releases is the vast number of guest appearences on this album. Featuring everyone from long-time friend Big Shug, to ex-Death Row affiliate The Lady of Rage, to even Scarface of Geto Boys fame. But probably the best appearence was made by Wu-Tang's finest, Inspectah Deck on "Above The Clouds". Sure, with such a large amount of music on one album, there's bound to be some low points. But tracks like "Work", "You Know My Steez", "What I'm Here 4", and "New York Strait Talk" make it all worth your while and then some.		You Know My Steez Robbin Hood Theory Work Royalty Above The Clouds JFK 2 LAX Itz A Set Up Moment Of Truth B.I. Vs Friendship The Militia The Rep Grows Bigga What I'm Here 4 She Knowz What She Wantz New York Strait Talk My Advice 2 You Make 'Em Pay The Mall Betrayal Next Time In Memory Of ...

Singles

The Lesson - Wild Pitch/K-Tel 1987 (7170)		I was really surprised when I heard this track....because the beat is really fresh, with an almost Mantronix feel to it. But damn...Guru sounds hillariously young on this track. This is a very rare track and big phat shouts go out to Frank for hooking me up with this real audio that's sure to bring a chuckle to all Gang Starr fans (including myself!).		The Lesson (Full Version) The Lesson (Dub Mix) The Lesson (Radio Version) The Lesson (Super Club Mix)
Believe Dat! - Wild Pitch 1987 (1004)		Well...it's not that this isn't a quality 12" but you really do notice the almost demo-type feel of the tracks. Keithy E (aka Guru) sounds hillariously young and DJ 1 2 B Down is a far cry from DJ Premier (who didn't hook up with Guru until "Words I Manifest"). Anyhow, "Believe Dat!" and "To Be a Champion" are pretty dope and do show some signs of greatness in our friend Guru. [Big Shouts to DJ Crown for the correction about DJ 1 2 B Down being the DJ on this track...and not Primo]		Believe Dat! (Vocal Version) Believe Dat! (Dub Version) Believe Dat! (Bonus Beats) Bust A Move Boy (Vocal Version) Bust A Move Boy (Dub Version) To Be A Champion (Vocal Version)
Movin' On - Wild Pitch (1009)		This is kind of an interesting 12" as it features two tracks off the new LP ('Gusto' and 'Knowledge') and a red-hot a-side that isn't on the new LP...go figure. Anyways, 'Movin On' is produced by the 45 King and it's dope as hell. It should also be noted that 'Knowledge' features one extra verse that's not on the LP Version...again, go figure?		Movin' On (Vocal) Movin' On (Instrumental) Movin' On (Acapella) Gusto (Vocal) Gusto (Dub) Knowledge (Vocal) Knowledge (Dub)
Words I Manifest - Wild Pitch 1989 (1012)		Now this was probably Gang Starr's first slammin' 12"...thanks to Guru's new DJ, DJ Premier. The remix of "...Manifest" is unreal, one of the best beats Primo was ever to hook up, and Guru certainly comes correct on the vocals. In addition to the world famous "...Deep Concentration", Gang Starr slapped on the incredible b-side "Here's the Proof", showcasing a nice scratched in hook (by Chuck D) that was to become one of Primier's trademarks. [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for hooking me up with the scan of this 12" cover.]		Words I Manifest (Special Remix) Words I Manifest (Instrumental Remix) DJ Premier In Deep Concentration Here's The Proof Here's The Proof (Instrumental)
Positivity - Wild Pitch 1989 (1016)		Basically, what you get here is yet another rock solid 12". Positivity (same as on the LP) was a pretty decent track. But the real treat on this 12" is that dope 'No More Mr. Nice Guy' version that was to appear nowhere else but on this 12". Very similar to the Manifest remix on the previous 12", this remix is a significant improvement over the bland LP version.		Positivity (Vocal) Positivity (Instrumental) No More Mr. Nice Guy (Vocal) No More Mr. Nice Guy (Instrumental) [Thanks AGAIN to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for hooking me up with the No More Mr. Nice Guy track and better info about the 12".]
Jazz Thing - Columbia/CBS 1990 (656377)		This much sought after promo from the "Mo Better Blues" soundtrack features Guru droppin' some old school jazz history over 2 phenomenal remixes. The Video Mix has a very mellow feel to it and almost sounds like a smooth jazzy cut from the 50's & 60's. But the Movie mix features the same lyrics but over a much hyper track than the Video cut - you just can't help but love Primo's incredible work on this remix. Anyhow, it should be noted that the Instrumental was actually a different mix of its own and equally dope as the other vocal mixes of the track. Truly remarkable music...		Jazz Thing (Video Mix) Jazz Thing (Movie Mix) Jazz Thing (Instrumental)
Just To Get A Rep - Chrysalis 1990 (23620)		The powerful lead off 12" to "Step In The Arena" that propelled Gang Starr into underground hip-hop fame. Featuring the classic 'Just To Get A Rep' and the chilling 'Who's Gonna Take The Weight', this record was a big seller in 1990.		Just To Get A Rep Who's Gonna Take The Weight? Just To Get A Rep (Instrumental) Who's Gonna Take The Weight? (Instrumental) Just To Get A Rep (Acapella)
Lovesick - Chrysalis 1991 (23676)		Yet another wicked 12" featuring a nice extended mix of Lovesick and the solid LP cut 'What You Want This Time?'. Sure, this 12" had mad crossover potential but it still remained a huge hit with the underground DJ's thanks to the unreleased b-side, 'Credit Is Due'. Primo's classic kick-snare combo was in full effect on this cut -- pure hypeness...		Lovesick (Extended Mix) Lovesick (Album Version) What You Want This Time? Credit Is Due
Step In The Arena - Chrysalis 1991 (23752)		It's not a bad 12", but it could have been much better. The "Check The Technique" remix really isn't much of a remix at all, and then they throw in the instrumental to "Credit Is Due"...why they never put the vocal and instrumental together on 1 record is beyond me.		Step In The Arena (Album Version) Check The Technique (Remix) Step In The Arena (Instrumental) Check The Technique (Remix - Instrumental) Credit Is Due (Instrumental)
Lovesick - Cooltempo/Chrysalis 1991		As badly as UK 12"s get dissed, this one is not all that bad. In fact, the Upbeat Mix is pretty decent and totally switches up the vibe of the original version...living up to it's "Upbeat" name.		Lovesick (Upbeat Mix) Lovesick (Extended Mix) Lovesick (Album Mix) [Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven comes through again with info & the Upbeat Mix for this 12"]
Take A Rest - Cooltempo/Chrysalis 1991 (230)		Unfortunately, this UK import 12" just wasn't as good as it really should have been. Although the track listing shows 2 remixes of the monster cut "Take A Rest", they are merely poor attempts by C.J. Macintosh at making a club/house type hit out of them. Albeit, they aren't as horrible as other house remixes we've heard from Macintosh, but it really is the inclusion of the two LP cuts that save this 12" from being another useless throwaway import... [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for hooking me up with the scan of this 12" cover.]		Take A Rest (Take Five Remix) Take A Rest (Work, Rest And Play Mix) Who's Gonna Take The Weight Just To Get A Rep
Take It Personal - Chrysalis 1992 (23830)		Wow! The first 12" off the new LP literally blew fans away. "Take It Personal" was a much darker track than most were used to but it featured some ill ass lyrics from Mr. Guru. But in all honesty, it was "DWYCK" that was blowing this 12" up all over the country. Featuring a rediculous head-knoddin bounce track and a great cameo from Nice & Smooth, this was to be a much sought after 12" after those idiots at Chrysalis left "DWYCK" off the album... [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for hooking me up with the scan of this 12" cover.]		Take It Personal (LP Version) Take It Personal (Instrumental) DWYCK (Mix #1) DWYCK (Mix #1 Instrumental) DWYCK (Horny Instrumental)
Ex Girl To Next Girl - Chrysalis 1992 (19761)		A lot of people really weren't feeling the LP cut of 'Ex Girl To Next Girl' but Primo's remix is f*ckin hot! Thick basslines and a much improved track really make this a fine Gang Starr offering. On the B-Side you have a nice cut off "Daily Operation", B.Y.S. (Bust Your Shit), which features Guru ripping it over a crazy ill piano track. I guess as a last-minute thing, Chrysalis decided to throw on 'DWYCK' to satisfy the insane demand for this hugely popular collaboration with Nice & Smooth.		Ex Girl To Next Girl (LP Version) Ex Girl To Next Girl (Radio Edit) Ex Girl To Next Girl (Remix) Ex Girl To Next Girl (Instrumental) Ex Girl To Next Girl (Instrumental Remix) B.Y.S. (Radio Version) B.Y.S. (LP Version) B.Y.S. (Instrumental) DWYCK (LP Version)
2 Deep - Cooltempo/Chrysalis 1992 (256)		OK...so it's a UK 12"...and yes, we're all used to avoiding these wack overpriced monsters. But this 12" is a very big exception! Both 2 Deep remixes are hot...and feature some really nice remix work that enhances the rather bland LP version. But I should note that the retail version does not feature the ...Deeper Mix nor does it have 'Dwyck' on it...I wonder why?		2 Deep (Album Version) 2 Deep (City Lick Remix) 2 Deep (May We Get A Bit Deeper Mix - Promo Only) Take It Personal Dwyck (Promo Only) Now You're Mine
Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot) - Chrysalis 1992 (24821)		Now here's a 12" that really is the f*ckin bomb. "Gotta Get Over", off the Trespass soundtrack, was already a dope track. But Large Professor hooks up a massive beat for the remix that got solid play on most underground hip-hop shows. If that wasn't enough, they threw on a decent remix for "Flip The Script" that gave it a little more bounce than the original version.		Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot) (Album Version) Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot) (Remix) Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot) (Remix Instrumental) Flip The Script (Remix/Minor Adjustment Mix) Flip The Script (Album Version)
Mass Appeal - Chrysalis 1994 (58111)		Not the best song to be leading off their 4th LP but it still got everyone hyped for their new material. Again, solid production from our friend Primo made the instrumental such a great tool for DJ's.		Mass Appeal (Radio Version) Mass Appeal (Street Version) Mass Appeal (Masstrumental) Now You're Mine (CD only)
Code Of The Streets - Chrysalis 1994 (58147)		No remixes here but still two of the more solid tracks off "Hard To Earn". Typically quite hard to find due to the limited pressings of this record.		Code Of The Streets (Radio Version) Code Of The Streets (Album Version) Code Of The Streets (Instrumental) Speak Ya Clout (Album Version) Speak Ya Clout (Instrumental)
Code To The Street EP - Cooltempo/Chrysalis 1994 (299)		I have no idea what's up with this 12" but I'd like to find out...that Kenny Dope Mix sounds interesting.		Code To The Street (Album Mix) Code To The Street (Kenny Dope Mix) Mass Appeal (Album Mix) DWYCK (Album Mix)
DWYCK - Chrysalis 1994 (58257)		Good job by Chrysalis to re-release 'DWYCK' on both the LP and in 12" format. This was a crazy hot 12" as it ruled the airwaves for months on underground hip-hop shows all over.		DWYCK (Clean Version) DWYCK (Accapella) DWYCK (Album Version) DWYCK (Instrumental)
Suckas Need Bodyguards - Chrysalis 1994 (58265)		What was to be the last record released by Gang Starr for over 3 YEARS!!! At least they went out with a bang featuring one of the stronger cuts off the LP on the a-side and the mega-dope unreleased b-side 'The ? Remainz'. Damn, 'The ? Remainz' was the last time fans were really going to experience such quality rhyming from Guru until '97. Ah well...		Suckas Need Bodyguards (Clean Version) Suckas Need Bodyguards (Street Version) Suckas Need Bodyguards (Instrumental) The ? Remainz (Clean Version) The ? Remainz (Street Version) The ? Remainz (Instrumental)
You Know My Steez/So Wussup- Noo Trybe 1997 (38624)		After being apart for over 3 years, fans had almost given up hope on these two with Primo's popularity starting to wane as well as some average material from Guru. But just like that, 'You Know My Steez' smacked everyone in the face with red-hot production and surprisingly strong lyrics from Guru. The much darker b-side, 'So Wussup?' was still quite impressive but the a-side took the title on this 12".		You Know My Steez (Street) You Know My Steez (Radio) You Know My Steez (Instrumental) So Wussup (Street) So Wussup (Radio) So Wussup (Instrumental)
Royalty- Noo Trybe 1997 (SPRO-10008)		Well...not too much to talk about this 12". It was basically the one song that everyone shitted on from "Moment Of Truth" and featured K-Ci and Jo Jo from Jodeci. Anyways, this was a promo-only release and, surprisingly, was never commercially released as a 12". Even though fans were still hyped over the previous 12"...'Royalty' managed to set off a few panic buttons with regards to the new LP. [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for the scan + info regarding this 12"]		Royalty (Radio Version) Royalty (Street Version) Royalty (Instrumental)
Ey - Yo/Work- Noo Trybe 1998 (EYTDJ 98)		This is another promo-only 12" that features the strong track 'Work' on the b-side to a very bland KRS 'Ey-Yo' track. Incidentally, this 12" was from the "Caught Up" soundtrack... [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for the scan + info regarding this 12"]		Ey-Yo (LP Version) Ey-Yo (Instrumental) Ey-Yo (Acapella) Work (LP Version) Work (Instrumental)
Militia- Noo Trybe 1998 (38646)		OK...so "Militia" isn't exactly the best track off the album, but they do redeem themselves with a hot remix for "You Know My Steez". Primo does flip the beat a little but it's easily as dope as the original. It also features crazy new lyrics from Guru and solid appearences by newfound Primo affiliate The Lady of Rage ....		Militia (Street) Militia (Radio) Militia (Instrumental) You Know My Steez Remix (Street) You Know My Steez Remix (Radio) You Know My Steez Remix (Instrumental)
Militia- Noo Trybe/Cooltempo 1998 (337)		This promo release from the UK is actually pretty dope. Featured already on domestic wax is the Three Men and A Lady Mix...and it's fresh nonetheless. But what's particularly attractive about this 12" is the Dobie Mix. It's one of those rare occasions where the remix captures the essence of the original track but adds a whole lotta flavour to the song. The K Gee track is not that great though...		You Know My Steez (Three Men and A Lady Mix - Radio) You Know My Steez (Dobie Mix) You Know My Steez (K Gee's Radio) You Know My Steez (K Gee's Street) You Know My Steez (Original Instrumental)
Militia- Bootleg/White Label 1998		Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven, I now have this Militia promo 12" mess all under control! The 12" you're looking at right now is a Bootleg that emerged from some clever European techno wizzes who were able to make this record look damn official. The Militia remixes + 1/2 & 1/2 are two totally seperate 12"s but the bootleggers scanned the labels of both 12"s and put them on this record!. BTW, I lifted both tracks off Hip-Hop Site in case you're wondering.		Militia 2 (Street Version) Militia 2 (TV Track) Militia (Soul Brother Remix) Militia (Soul Brother Inst) 1/2 & 1/2 (Clean Radio) 1/2 & 1/2 (Street) 1/2 & 1/2 (Instrumental) [Big shouts out to Steve Toscano & Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for the detailed info regarding this bootleg]
Militia- Noo Trybe 1998 (SPRO-10018)		OK...so this is THE official promo 12" that features the two hot Militia remixes that were never to be released...damn...if a Noo Trybe representative is reading this...either release this commercially or send me a copy!!! [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for the scan + info regarding this 12"]		Militia II (Street Version) Militia II (Radio Version) Militia II (TV Track) Militia (Soul Brother Remix) Militia (Soul Brother Remix - Clean) Militia (Soul Brother Inst)
1/2 & 1/2- TNT 1998 (XXX)		I'll be honest...I just wasn't feeling this track very much...Primo certainly didn't come with top-notch material and MOP sound pretty awful on this track. Anyhow, this was yet another crazy promo that few people got so I dunno if we'll ever see this song re-surface anytime soon... [Thanks to Alexander Poulikakos at the Hip Hop Vinyl Heaven for the scan + info regarding this 12"]		1/2 & 1/2 (Radio) 1/2 & 1/2 (Street) 1/2 & 1/2 (Instrumental) Gangsta Bounce