By Rich Sancho
In light of Guru's recent health issues, we decided to take a minute to reflect on Gang Starr's long-lasting impact.
Gang Starr's influence stretches throughout the hip-hop universe. They were defined by Guru's monotone flow, some of the most thought-provoking and conscious storytelling of the '90s and DJ Premier's unique innovations in sampling and beat production.
Since the release of their first successful album Step In The Arena in 1991, other duos, groups, solo artists and producers have been borrowing elements of their fundamental sound, leading right up to the current mixtape culture. Back in '91, similar acts such as Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, A Tribe Called Quest and Brand Nubian were coming from a similar sonic space with a similar message: jazzy, soulful tracks and lyrics that had some substance beyond party music with an uplifting and enlightening purpose.
The jazz-influenced, street-prophet style that Gang Starr helped build became the foundation for a whole generation of backpack rappers such as Mos Def and Talib Kweli throughout the '90s and into the '00s. Continuing forward, artists like Common, Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco continued to carry their torch.
Guru's vivid storytelling on tracks like "Soliloquy of Chaos" (from 1992's Daily Operation) can often be heard influencing verses crafted by Raekwon and Ghostface. Painting pictures with words is core to all three artists' lyrical approach.
The path to Jay Electronica and Just Blaze's recent track "Exhibit C" can be traced back to Gang Starr's sound. DJ Premier's sampling wizardry is omnipresent in Just Blaze's body of work, and Jay Electronica's lyrical content is intellectual and visual (not unlike Guru's).
As Gang Starr continue to resonate throughout the hip-hop universe and as Guru's health recovers, we present a lost MTV News interview from 1998. Enjoy, and feel free to comment below.