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{{short description|American East Coast hip hop duo}}
{{short description|American East Coast hip hop duo}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gang Starr
| name = Gang Starr
| image = Gangstarr-08-mika (cropped).jpg
| image = Gangstarr-08-mika (cropped).jpg
| landscape = yes
| caption = Gang Starr in 2003
| caption = Gang Starr in 2003
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| origin =
| genre = [[Hip Hop music]], [[Jazz rap]]
| origin = [[United States]]
| genre = {{hlist|[[East Coast hip hop]]|[[jazz rap]]|[[boom bap]]|[[golden age hip hop]]
⚫
| years_active = {{hlist|1986–2003|2019}}<!---First demo tape was recorded in 1986 under the X label-->
}}
⚫
| label = {{hlist|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[Wild Pitch Records|Wild Pitch]]|[[Chrysalis Records|Chrysalis]]|Noo Trybe}}
⚫
| years_active = {{hlist|1986–2003|2019}}<!---First demo tape was recorded in 1986 under the X label-->
⚫
| spinoffs = [[Gang Starr Foundation]]
⚫
| label = {{hlist|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[Wild Pitch Records|Wild Pitch]]|[[Chrysalis Records|Chrysalis]]|Noo Trybe}}
⚫
| current_members =
⚫
| spinoffs = [[Gang Starr Foundation]]
⚫
| past_members =
⚫
| current_members =
* [[DJ Premier]]
⚫
| past_members = * [[DJ Premier]]
* [[Guru (rapper)|Guru]] (deceased)
* [[Guru (rapper)|Guru]] <small></small>
}}
}}


'''Gang Starr''' was a gamer consisting his partner chupappy moanyanyo[[Houston, Texas|Texas]] record producer [[DJ Premier]] and [[Massachusetts]] rapper [[Guru (rapper)|Guru]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book
'''Gang Starr''' was an American [[hip hop music|hip hop]] duo, consisting of [[Houston]]-born record producer [[DJ Premier]] and [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] rapper [[Guru (rapper)|Guru]].<ref name="The Great Rock Discography">{{cite book
| first= Martin C.
| first= Martin C.
| last= Strong
| last= Strong
Line 25: Line 26:
| location= Edinburgh
| location= Edinburgh
| page= 371
| page= 371
| isbn= 1-84195-017-3}}</ref>
⚫
| isbn= 1-84195-017-3}}</ref> For the entirety of their association, they were based out of Brooklyn, New York. Gang Starr was at its height from 1989 to 2003, and are considered one of the best MC-and-producer duos in hip hop history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/gang-starr-ended-one-of-the-greatest-hot-streaks-in-hip-1823902454|title=Gang Starr ended one of the greatest hot streaks in hip-hop with its masterpiece|first=Clayton|last=Purdom|website=The A.V. Club|access-date=2019-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822151416/https://www.avclub.com/gang-starr-ended-one-of-the-greatest-hot-streaks-in-hip-1823902454|archive-date=2019-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr|title=The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr|website=NPR.org|access-date=2018-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229031824/https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr|archive-date=2018-12-29|url-status=live}}</ref> They are recognized for being one of the pioneers of [[jazz rap]].<ref name="auto" /> Some of their top hits include "[[Mass Appeal (song)|Mass Appeal]]", "Take It Personal", "Moment of Truth", "Full Clip" and "Above The Clouds".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 15 Gang Starr Songs|url=http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/top-15-gang-starr-songs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213031844/http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/top-15-gang-starr-songs/|archive-date=2019-02-13|access-date=2019-02-27|website=Hip Hop Golden Age}}</ref>

⚫
Gang Starr was at its height from 1989 to 2003, and are considered a widely influential MC-and-producer duo in hip hop history.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/gang-starr-ended-one-of-the-greatest-hot-streaks-in-hip-1823902454|title=Gang Starr ended one of the greatest hot streaks in hip-hop with its masterpiece|first=Clayton|last=Purdom|website=The A.V. Club|date=26 March 2018 |access-date=2019-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822151416/https://www.avclub.com/gang-starr-ended-one-of-the-greatest-hot-streaks-in-hip-1823902454|archive-date=2019-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr|title=The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr|website=NPR.org|access-date=2018-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229031824/https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr|archive-date=2018-12-29|url-status=live}}</ref> They are recognized for being one of the pioneers of [[jazz rap]] active during the [[golden age of hip hop]].<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{cite news |last1= |first1= |title=iHeart Podcast Host Demetrius “Whodini” Blak Reynolds Interviews LIFEOF9000 and Joey Florez on the Origin of Hip Hop |url=https://thesource.com/2024/06/12/iheart-podcast-host-demetrius-whodini-blak-reynolds-interviews-lifeof9000-and-joey-florez-on-the-origin-of-hip-hop/ |access-date=12 June 2024 |agency=''[[The Source]]'' |date=12 June 2024 |location= |quote=}}</ref> Some of their top hits include "[[Mass Appeal (song)|Mass Appeal]]", "Take It Personal", "Moment of Truth", "Full Clip" and "Above The Clouds".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Top 15 Gang Starr Songs|url=http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/top-15-gang-starr-songs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213031844/http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/top-15-gang-starr-songs/|archive-date=2019-02-13|access-date=2019-02-27|website=Hip Hop Golden Age}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


===Original & second group lineups===
===Original & second group lineups===
The original Gang Starr group was founded in [[Morehouse College]] by three friends from [[Boston, Massachusetts]]: Guru (then known as MC Keithy E.) who was planned to be a rapper/singer, [[Big Shug]] as the main MC and DJ Suave D (Shug's younger brother Dana) as their DJ. After Shug was imprisoned, Suave D quit the group, leaving Guru to enlist the services of MC Damo D-Ski and DJ 1, 2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-01-25|title=DJ Premier: Through the Test of Time|url=https://hypebeast.com/2011/1/dj-premier-through-the-test-of-time|access-date=2021-08-03|website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref> with various [[record producer|producers]], such as [[Donald D]], J.V. Johnson or [[The 45 King]] helping out. Their earliest recordings were in 1986 where they made various demos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr |first=Oliver |last=Wang |publisher=NPR |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=28 December 2018 |url=https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229031824/https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr |archive-date=29 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1987 and 1988, Gang Starr released three 12" vinyl singles on [[Wild Pitch Records]].
The original Gang Starr group was founded in [[Morehouse College]] by three friends from [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]]: Guru (then known as MC Keithy E.) who had planned to be a rapper/singer, [[Big Shug]] as the main MC and DJ Suave D (Shug's younger brother Dana) as their DJ. After Shug was imprisoned, Suave D quit the group, leaving Guru to enlist the services of MC Damo D-Ski and DJ 1, 2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee)<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011-01-25|title=DJ Premier: Through the Test of Time|url=https://hypebeast.com/2011/1/dj-premier-through-the-test-of-time|access-date=2021-08-03|website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref> with various [[record producer|producers]], such as [[Donald D]], J.V. Johnson or [[The 45 King]] helping out. Their earliest recordings were in 1986 where they made various demos.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr |first=Oliver |last=Wang |publisher=NPR |date=21 April 2010 |access-date=28 December 2018 |url=https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229031824/https://www.npr.org/2010/04/21/126168702/the-mass-appeal-of-gang-starr |archive-date=29 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1987 and 1988, Gang Starr released three 12" vinyl singles on [[Wild Pitch Records]].


===Breakup and partnering with DJ Premier===
===Breakup and partnering with DJ Premier===
[[File:Gangstarr-09.jpg|thumbnail|right|Gang Starr performing in Hamburg in 1999]]
[[File:Gangstarr-09.jpg|thumbnail|right|Gang Starr performing in Hamburg in 1999]]
In 1989, the group split for the second time and the only member willing to continue under the name was Guru. He got in touch with [[Houston, Texas]] native [[DJ Premier]] (then known as Waxmaster C) who sent him a beat tape, which Guru liked. He invited DJ Premier to join Gang Starr, relocate with him to [[Brooklyn]] and in that same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album ''[[No More Mr. Nice Guy (Gang Starr album)|No More Mr. Nice Guy]]'' (1989).<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> In 1990, the group was signed to the Chrysalis record label by then A&R director Duff Marlowe, a former DJ and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' rap music critic. The label offered Guru and Premier unlimited artistic license and major-label distribution worldwide, a platform the group used to become one of the most influential hip hop acts of that decade. During their career Gang Starr helped pioneer the New York City [[hardcore hip hop]] sound. The Gang Starr catalog, especially ''[[Step in the Arena]]'' (1991), ''[[Daily Operation]]'' (1992), ''[[Hard to Earn]]'' (1994) and ''[[Moment of Truth (Gang Starr album)|Moment of Truth]]'' (1998) are well respected among underground rap fans and critics. Their track "Jazz Thing" was featured on the [[soundtrack]] to [[Spike Lee]]'s film ''[[Mo' Better Blues]]''.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Gang Starr provided a track, "Battle", for the sound track of the 2002 movie ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]''.
In 1989, the group split for the second time and the only member willing to continue under the name was Guru. He got in touch with [[Houston]], [[Texas]] native [[DJ Premier]] (then known as Waxmaster C) who sent him a beat tape, which Guru liked. He invited DJ Premier to join Gang Starr, relocate with him to [[Brooklyn]] and in that same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album ''[[No More Mr. Nice Guy (Gang Starr album)|No More Mr. Nice Guy]]'' (1989).<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> In 1990, the group was signed to the Chrysalis record label by then A&R director Duff Marlowe, a former DJ and ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' rap music critic. The label offered Guru and Premier unlimited artistic license and major-label distribution worldwide, a platform the group used to become one of the most influential hip hop acts of that decade. During their career Gang Starr helped pioneer the New York City [[hardcore hip hop]] sound. The Gang Starr catalog, especially ''[[Step in the Arena]]'' (1991), ''[[Daily Operation]]'' (1992), ''[[Hard to Earn]]'' (1994) and ''[[Moment of Truth (Gang Starr album)|Moment of Truth]]'' (1998) are well respected among underground rap fans and critics. Their track "Jazz Thing" was featured on the [[soundtrack]] to [[Spike Lee]]'s film ''[[Mo' Better Blues]]''.<ref name="The Great Rock Discography"/> Gang Starr provided a track, "Battle", for the [[8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture|soundtrack]] of the 2002 movie ''[[8 Mile (film)|8 Mile]]''.


After several albums and tours, in late 2002 DJ Premier left Europe to go back to the United States. Once again Guru was faced with continuing alone and became involved in a European tour in 2003–04 with an alternate DJ. In 2006, Guru indicated in several interviews that Gang Starr had reached its end.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=1426|title=Guru & Solar: Group Therapy|author=Paine|website=AllHipHop.com|date=2006-06-13|access-date=2010-04-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060613001247/http://www.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=1426 |archive-date = 2006-06-13}}</ref>
After several albums and tours, in late 2002 DJ Premier left Europe to go back to the United States. Once again Guru was faced with continuing alone and became involved in a European tour in 2003–04 with an alternate DJ. In 2006, Guru indicated in several interviews that Gang Starr had reached its end.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=1426|title=Guru & Solar: Group Therapy|author=Paine|website=AllHipHop.com|date=2006-06-13|access-date=2010-04-03|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060613001247/http://www.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=1426 |archive-date = 2006-06-13}}</ref>


===Guru's death===
===Guru's death===
In February 2010, Guru suffered a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]], went into a coma, and died on April 19, 2010. [[DJ Solar]], a long-time collaborator of Guru, said Guru chose not to go public with the diagnosis of [[myeloma]] that was made in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/20/rapper.guru.dies/index.html |title=Rapper Guru dies after battle with cancer |publisher=cnn.com |date=2010-04-20 |access-date=2010-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423075748/http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/20/rapper.guru.dies/index.html |archive-date=2010-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Guru appeared to have fallen out with DJ Premier seven years prior to his death and did "not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes, etc."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/gang-starr-3-1303087 |title=Gang Starr's Guru dies of cancer |publisher=nme.com |date=2010-04-20 |access-date=2017-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318175636/http://www.nme.com/news/music/gang-starr-3-1303087 |archive-date=2017-03-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> There is speculation that the letter was not written by Guru, but was composed by Solar.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8633175.stm | work=BBC News | title=New York rap star Guru dies at 43 | date=2010-04-20 | access-date=2010-06-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423063638/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8633175.stm | archive-date=2010-04-23 | url-status=live }}</ref> The validity of the statement was questioned by Guru's family and his contemporaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gang-starr/50781 |title=Gang Starr rapper Guru's family question 'death bed letter' &#124; News |publisher=Nme.Com |access-date=2010-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510192514/http://www.nme.com/news/gang-starr/50781 |archive-date=2010-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In February 2010, Guru suffered a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]], went into a coma, and died on April 19, 2010. DJ Solar, a long-time collaborator of Guru, said Guru chose not to go public with the diagnosis of [[myeloma]] that was made in 2000.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/20/rapper.guru.dies/index.html |title=Rapper Guru dies after battle with cancer |publisher=cnn.com |date=2010-04-20 |access-date=2010-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423075748/http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/20/rapper.guru.dies/index.html |archive-date=2010-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Guru appeared to have fallen out with DJ Premier seven years prior to his death and did "not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes, etc."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/gang-starr-3-1303087 |title=Gang Starr's Guru dies of cancer |publisher=nme.com |date=2010-04-20 |access-date=2017-03-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318175636/http://www.nme.com/news/music/gang-starr-3-1303087 |archive-date=2017-03-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> There is speculation that the letter was not written by Guru, but was composed by Solar.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8633175.stm | work=BBC News | title=New York rap star Guru dies at 43 | date=2010-04-20 | access-date=2010-06-05 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423063638/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8633175.stm | archive-date=2010-04-23 | url-status=live }}</ref> The validity of the statement was questioned by Guru's family and his contemporaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gang-starr/50781 |title=Gang Starr rapper Guru's family question 'death bed letter' &#124; News |publisher=Nme.Com |access-date=2010-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510192514/http://www.nme.com/news/gang-starr/50781 |archive-date=2010-05-10 |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Post Guru===
===Post Guru===
Soon after DJ Premier stated that there was a "posthumous Gang Starr CD/DVD project in the works," and most likely to have been released in 2014,<ref name = "ALLHIPHOP">[http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/12/11/22524589.aspx DJ Premier: New Gang Starr Album And DVD In The Works] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212194602/http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/12/11/22524589.aspx |date=2010-12-12 }}. Retrieved 2010-12-11.</ref> but nothing was released. DJ Premier confirmed in late 2015 that he was working on a Gang Starr biopic with the cooperation of Guru's sister, [[Patricia Elam]].<ref name = "ROLLINGSTONE">[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/after-compton-success-dj-premier-eyes-gang-starr-biopic-20150828.aspx After 'Compton' Succsess, DJ Premier Eyes Gang Starr Biopic]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Retrieved 2015-08-28.</ref>
Soon after DJ Premier stated that there was a "posthumous Gang Starr CD/DVD project in the works," and most likely to have been released in 2014,<ref name = "ALLHIPHOP">[http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/12/11/22524589.aspx DJ Premier: New Gang Starr Album And DVD In The Works] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212194602/http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/12/11/22524589.aspx |date=2010-12-12 }}. Retrieved 2010-12-11.</ref> but nothing was released. DJ Premier confirmed in late 2015 that he was working on a Gang Starr biopic with the cooperation of Guru's sister, Patricia Elam.<ref name = "ROLLINGSTONE">[https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/after-compton-success-dj-premier-eyes-gang-starr-biopic-20150828.aspx After 'Compton' Succsess, DJ Premier Eyes Gang Starr Biopic]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Retrieved 2015-08-28.</ref>


In 2019, DJ Premier released a new single under the Gang Starr name entitled "Family and Loyalty" featuring [[J. Cole]], to be followed with a new album titled ''[[One of the Best Yet]]'', which was released on November 1 that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/gang-starr-family-and-loyalty-feat-j-cole|title=Gang Starr Shares "Family and Loyalty" With J. Cole|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2019-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927083652/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/gang-starr-family-and-loyalty-feat-j-cole|archive-date=2019-09-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/gang-starr-announce-stacked-new-album-with-bad-name-new-song.1984876.html|title=Gang Starr Announce Stacked New Album With "Bad Name"|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>
In 2019, DJ Premier released a new single under the Gang Starr name entitled "Family and Loyalty" featuring [[J. Cole]], to be followed with a new album titled ''[[One of the Best Yet]]'', which was released on November 1 that year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/gang-starr-family-and-loyalty-feat-j-cole|title=Gang Starr Shares "Family and Loyalty" With J. Cole|website=Complex|language=en|access-date=2019-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927083652/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/09/gang-starr-family-and-loyalty-feat-j-cole|archive-date=2019-09-27|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/gang-starr-announce-stacked-new-album-with-bad-name-new-song.1984876.html|title=Gang Starr Announce Stacked New Album With "Bad Name"|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Findlay|first=Mitch|date=October 17, 2019}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
The [[Gang Starr Foundation]] was a loose collective of various people who have worked closely with the group, through either Guru's now defunct Ill Kid label, DJ Premier's production work or the management company that Gang Starr was represented by, Empire Management. Members of the foundation included [[Big Shug]], [[Afu-Ra]], [[Jeru the Damaja]], [[Krumbsnatcha]], [[Bumpy Knuckles]], and [[Group Home]].
The [[Gang Starr Foundation]] was a loose collective of various people who have worked closely with the group, through either Guru's now defunct Ill Kid label, DJ Premier's production work or the management company that Gang Starr was represented by, Empire Management. Members of the foundation included [[Big Shug]], [[Afu-Ra]], [[Jeru the Damaja]], Krumbsnatcha, [[Bumpy Knuckles]], and [[Group Home]].


Each episode title of the first season of the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Luke Cage (TV series)|Luke Cage]]'', based on the [[Marvel Comics]] character, was named after a Gang Starr song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsarama.com/30249-sdcc-2016-marvel-netflix-s-luke-cage-panel.html|title=SDCC 2016: Marvel & Netflix's LUKE CAGE Panel|website=Newsarama|access-date=2019-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822151817/https://www.newsarama.com/30249-sdcc-2016-marvel-netflix-s-luke-cage-panel.html|archive-date=2019-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
Each episode title of the first season of the [[Netflix]] series ''[[Luke Cage (TV series)|Luke Cage]]'', based on the [[Marvel Comics]] character, was named after a Gang Starr song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsarama.com/30249-sdcc-2016-marvel-netflix-s-luke-cage-panel.html|title=SDCC 2016: Marvel & Netflix's LUKE CAGE Panel|website=Newsarama|access-date=2019-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822151817/https://www.newsarama.com/30249-sdcc-2016-marvel-netflix-s-luke-cage-panel.html|archive-date=2019-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref>
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*''[[Moment of Truth (Gang Starr album)|Moment of Truth]]'' (1998)
*''[[Moment of Truth (Gang Starr album)|Moment of Truth]]'' (1998)
*''[[The Ownerz]]'' (2003)
*''[[The Ownerz]]'' (2003)
*''[[One of the Best Yet]]'' (2019)
*''[[One of the Best Yet]]'' (2019)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.djpremierblog.com/2019/10/17/upcoming-gang-starr-artwork-tracklist-release-date-revealed/|title=Upcoming Gang Starr LP Artwork + Tracklist + Release Date Revealed|author=gimantalon|date=2019-10-17|website=DJ Premier Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017212500/http://www.djpremierblog.com/2019/10/17/upcoming-gang-starr-artwork-tracklist-release-date-revealed/|archive-date=2019-10-17|url-status=live}}</ref>


;Compilation albums
;Compilation albums
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[[Category:DJ Premier]]
[[Category:DJ Premier]]
[[Category:East Coast hip hop groups]]
[[Category:East Coast hip hop groups]]
[[Category:American musical duos]]
[[Category:American hip hop duos]]
[[Category:Hip hop duos]]
[[Category:Five percenters]]
[[Category:Five percenters]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1985]]
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[[Category:Musical groups from Boston]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Boston]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Brooklyn]]
[[Category:Musical duos from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Wild Pitch Records artists]]
[[Category:Wild Pitch Records artists]]
[[Category:Virgin Records artists]]
[[Category:Virgin Records artists]]

Latest revision as of 07:23, 28 November 2024

Gang Starr
Gang Starr in 2003
Gang Starr in 2003
Background information
OriginUnited States
Genres
Years active
  • 1986–2003
  • 2019
Labels
SpinoffsGang Starr Foundation
Past members

Gang Starr was an American hip hop duo, consisting of Houston-born record producer DJ Premier and Boston, Massachusetts rapper Guru.[1]

Gang Starr was at its height from 1989 to 2003, and are considered a widely influential MC-and-producer duo in hip hop history.[2][3] They are recognized for being one of the pioneers of jazz rap active during the golden age of hip hop.[3][4] Some of their top hits include "Mass Appeal", "Take It Personal", "Moment of Truth", "Full Clip" and "Above The Clouds".[5]

Career

[edit]

Original & second group lineups

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The original Gang Starr group was founded in Morehouse College by three friends from Boston, Massachusetts: Guru (then known as MC Keithy E.) who had planned to be a rapper/singer, Big Shug as the main MC and DJ Suave D (Shug's younger brother Dana) as their DJ. After Shug was imprisoned, Suave D quit the group, leaving Guru to enlist the services of MC Damo D-Ski and DJ 1, 2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee)[6] with various producers, such as Donald D, J.V. Johnson or The 45 King helping out. Their earliest recordings were in 1986 where they made various demos.[7] In 1987 and 1988, Gang Starr released three 12" vinyl singles on Wild Pitch Records.

Breakup and partnering with DJ Premier

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Gang Starr performing in Hamburg in 1999

In 1989, the group split for the second time and the only member willing to continue under the name was Guru. He got in touch with Houston, Texas native DJ Premier (then known as Waxmaster C) who sent him a beat tape, which Guru liked. He invited DJ Premier to join Gang Starr, relocate with him to Brooklyn and in that same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album No More Mr. Nice Guy (1989).[1] In 1990, the group was signed to the Chrysalis record label by then A&R director Duff Marlowe, a former DJ and Los Angeles Times rap music critic. The label offered Guru and Premier unlimited artistic license and major-label distribution worldwide, a platform the group used to become one of the most influential hip hop acts of that decade. During their career Gang Starr helped pioneer the New York City hardcore hip hop sound. The Gang Starr catalog, especially Step in the Arena (1991), Daily Operation (1992), Hard to Earn (1994) and Moment of Truth (1998) are well respected among underground rap fans and critics. Their track "Jazz Thing" was featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues.[1] Gang Starr provided a track, "Battle", for the soundtrack of the 2002 movie 8 Mile.

After several albums and tours, in late 2002 DJ Premier left Europe to go back to the United States. Once again Guru was faced with continuing alone and became involved in a European tour in 2003–04 with an alternate DJ. In 2006, Guru indicated in several interviews that Gang Starr had reached its end.[8]

Guru's death

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In February 2010, Guru suffered a heart attack, went into a coma, and died on April 19, 2010. DJ Solar, a long-time collaborator of Guru, said Guru chose not to go public with the diagnosis of myeloma that was made in 2000.[9] Guru appeared to have fallen out with DJ Premier seven years prior to his death and did "not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name, likeness, events, tributes, etc."[10] There is speculation that the letter was not written by Guru, but was composed by Solar.[11] The validity of the statement was questioned by Guru's family and his contemporaries.[12]

Post Guru

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Soon after DJ Premier stated that there was a "posthumous Gang Starr CD/DVD project in the works," and most likely to have been released in 2014,[13] but nothing was released. DJ Premier confirmed in late 2015 that he was working on a Gang Starr biopic with the cooperation of Guru's sister, Patricia Elam.[14]

In 2019, DJ Premier released a new single under the Gang Starr name entitled "Family and Loyalty" featuring J. Cole, to be followed with a new album titled One of the Best Yet, which was released on November 1 that year.[15][16]

Legacy

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The Gang Starr Foundation was a loose collective of various people who have worked closely with the group, through either Guru's now defunct Ill Kid label, DJ Premier's production work or the management company that Gang Starr was represented by, Empire Management. Members of the foundation included Big Shug, Afu-Ra, Jeru the Damaja, Krumbsnatcha, Bumpy Knuckles, and Group Home.

Each episode title of the first season of the Netflix series Luke Cage, based on the Marvel Comics character, was named after a Gang Starr song.[17]

Discography

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Main article: Gang Starr discography
Studio albums
Compilation albums

References

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  1. ^ a b c Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. p. 371. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  2. ^ Purdom, Clayton (26 March 2018). "Gang Starr ended one of the greatest hot streaks in hip-hop with its masterpiece". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 2019-08-22. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
  3. ^ a b "The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr". NPR.org. Archived from the original on 2018-12-29. Retrieved 2018-12-28.
  4. ^ "iHeart Podcast Host Demetrius "Whodini" Blak Reynolds Interviews LIFEOF9000 and Joey Florez on the Origin of Hip Hop". The Source. 12 June 2024. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Top 15 Gang Starr Songs". Hip Hop Golden Age. Archived from the original on 2019-02-13. Retrieved 2019-02-27.
  6. ^ "DJ Premier: Through the Test of Time". HYPEBEAST. 2011-01-25. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
  7. ^ Wang, Oliver (21 April 2010). "The Mass Appeal Of Gang Starr". NPR. Archived from the original on 29 December 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  8. ^ Paine (2006-06-13). "Guru & Solar: Group Therapy". AllHipHop.com. Archived from the original on 2006-06-13. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  9. ^ "Rapper Guru dies after battle with cancer". cnn.com. 2010-04-20. Archived from the original on 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  10. ^ "Gang Starr's Guru dies of cancer". nme.com. 2010-04-20. Archived from the original on 2017-03-18. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  11. ^ "New York rap star Guru dies at 43". BBC News. 2010-04-20. Archived from the original on 2010-04-23. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  12. ^ "Gang Starr rapper Guru's family question 'death bed letter' | News". Nme.Com. Archived from the original on 2010-05-10. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  13. ^ DJ Premier: New Gang Starr Album And DVD In The Works Archived 2010-12-12 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2010-12-11.
  14. ^ After 'Compton' Succsess, DJ Premier Eyes Gang Starr Biopic[dead link‍]. Retrieved 2015-08-28.
  15. ^ "Gang Starr Shares "Family and Loyalty" With J. Cole". Complex. Archived from the original on 2019-09-27. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  16. ^ Findlay, Mitch (October 17, 2019). "Gang Starr Announce Stacked New Album With "Bad Name"". HotNewHipHop.
  17. ^ "SDCC 2016: Marvel & Netflix's LUKE CAGE Panel". Newsarama. Archived from the original on 2019-08-22. Retrieved 2019-08-22.
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