The legendary Guru of Gang Starr passed away recently. To honor his memory and musical contributions, DJ Critical Hype has put together a tribute in his latest installment with The Art of Blends series by Team Invasion. Guru’s classic vocals are blended over classic beats by Jay Dee, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek and others. Please give it a spin and let us know what you think.
Welcome to the weekly rundown where we (soulsupreme and Marty) provide you with our top ten headlines for the week that was.
Album Review: Blaq Poet – Tha Blaqprint (2009)
The golden era in the early 90′s is considered by most the best time in hip-hop. The quality of hip-hop being created in that time between 1991-1996′ is unmatched unless you consider 1988. Over the years 1994 has always the year some people lean towards or remember because of two classic LP’s; Illmatic & Ready to Die. However, as I listen to Reasonable Doubt, Stakes Is High and some of the other notable releases from 1996 I think its a lot closer than it seems. Which year do you think was a better year for hip-hop? I’ve included ten of the most memorable releases from each year.
A group is defined by two or more individuals with correlative talents committed to a common purpose or specific goal. Hip-hop has definitely given us some legendary groups since it first started. Some of these groups even produced some phenomenal solo artists. It was pretty hard to narrow it down to just ten choices. We based the below list on impact, relevance and catalog otherwise there would too many to name. Who gets your #1 spot?
Welcome to the weekly rundown where we (soulsupreme and marty) provide you with our top ten headlines for the week that was.
1. Guru declares; “I am Gang Starr” ??? This just in: Above-average rappers who blew up thanks to a legendary producer need to shut up. Guru’s proclamation that he was Gang Starr is insulting to everybody on this planet. Does he not realize just how much he owes to Premo? PSA: Artists who feud with the DJ/producers never win; see CL Smooth
2. RUN-DMC get inducted in to the Rock & Roll hall of Fame. Congrats to the pioneers and a R.I.P. shout out to Jam Master Jay. I wish he was still alive to see it. We look forward to another induction when hip-hop has its own hall.
3. Hamilton-gate: Charles Hamilton beat-jacking Black Spade. We’re happy to see a negative scenario produce a positive outcome. Thank you, Charles, for giving us and others a reason to play Black Spade’s topnotch To Serve With Love again.
Album Review: Moe Pope – Life After God
Album Review: Colour Revolt – The Cradle
Album Review: Various Artists – Proximity One: Narrative of a City
Album Review: Madlib – Madlib Medicine Show No. 7: High Jazz
Album Review: TOKiMONSTA – Midnight Menu
Album Review: Zo! – Sunstorm
