Gang Starr

Gang Starr

The Ownerz (Virgin) "What the fuck is that shit you're listening to on the radio these days? You call that shit hip-hop?" No question, for more than a decade Gang Starr has presented itself as one of the most dependable staples of the hip-hop universe. DJ Premier's signature utilization of chopped samples, coupled with Guru's monotone tenacity on the mic devised the blueprint for what was once considered to be the quintessential East Coast sound. Yet nowadays strip-club rap reigns supreme, and with each passing day the traditional boom-bap aesthetic becomes more of an afterthought. So it's hardly surprising to discover Premier and Guru in 2003 taking antagonistic jabs at those who have allegedly pimped hip-hop beyond its founding principles. The question then becomes whether The Ownerz packs enough punch to topple anything apart from Gang Starr's own hard-earned credibility. Of course Premier is still master of his own style. His penchant for hypnotic minimalism makes tracks such as "Put Up or Shut Up," "Sabotage," and "Skills" the epitome of production exhibiting roots in both turntablism and informed crate digging. Meanwhile, Guru's enduring uniformity not only makes the presence of guest MCs including Snoop Dog, Fat Joe, M.O.P., Jadakiss, Big Shug, and Freddie Foxxx enticing, but also essential. So while The Ownerz does in some ways succeed in its quest to succinctly define the foundation of basic beats and rhymes, its insistent pining for bygone days ultimately reveals itself as lackluster nostalgia.