Massively Underconsumed

Forget the title: Gang Starr had no mass appeal, probably because monotone drone Guru is one of history’s most self-effacing rappers.

But these 20 tracks justify the duo’s hero status among purists, and form a better compilation than a 1999 set that held 11 more songs, including needless remixes. Granted, Guru is no rhyme virtuoso, but he spits a clear street narrative and is an oddly inventive shit-talker (“You puny protozoa,” he scoffs in “Check the Technique”).

The real star of the duo, though, is DJ Premier, whose groundbreaking jazz-flavored beats and scratch-happy psychedelic mini-symphonies remain some of the most compelling music ever created by a hip-hop producer.

I still can’t believe I haven’t repped this duo on my blog before, go check em out.

Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Robyn Hood Theoriez