Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr CD

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr buy CD music LIFE AFTER DEATH was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. "Hypnotize" was nominated for a 1988 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. "Mo Money Mo Problems" was nominated for a 1998 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group. The double-CD LIFE AFTER DEATH arrives in stores, ironically and tragically, less than three weeks after the Notorious B.I.G. was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. Biggie Smalls, as he was known, quickly became one of rap's most respected MCs after the 1994 release of his debut album, READY TO DIE. His music sparked the comeback of East Coast hip-hop, while his very being added fire to rap's over-publicized East-West rivalry. For some (see "Playa Hater"), Biggie's success was too much to handle, and he became a primary target in hip-hop's continuing feud. Never feeding into that war on wax, B.I.G. chose to remain silent, until LIFE AFTER DEATH became a reality, and the situation spoke for itself. Although song titles like "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" eerily mirror the real-life tragedy, the music on LIFE AFTER DEATH serves to bring the Notorious B.I.G. back to life. As anything that he appeared on, the production (by a superstar conglomerate including Sean "Puffy" Combs and the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA) is top-notch, and his lyrical skills are razor sharp. Biggie was loved for his versatility. On "Notorious Thugs," he switches up his style to rhyme like a member of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. Tracks like "Hypnotize" showcase his ability to be hardcore and commercial at the same time. Another talented rapper lost to senseless violence; B.I.G.'s winning album streak will, sadly, have to end here. Personnel: The Notorious B.I.G. (background vocals); Quinnes Parker, Daron Jones, Marvin Scandrick, Michael Keith (vocals, background vocals); Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Carl Thomas (vocals); Michael Ciro (guitar); Faith Evans, Deborah "Portia" Neeley Rolle, Karen Anderson, Keanna Henson (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Eddie Sancho ; Charles "Prince Charles" Alexander ; Lane Craven; Michael Patterson ; Paul Logus; Richard Travali; Sean "Puffy" Combs; Tony Maserati . Liner Note Author: The Notorious B.I.G. Recording information: Caribbean Sound Basin, Trinidad; Daddy's House Recording Studios, New York, NY; NRG Recordings, Hollywood, CA. Photographer: Michael Lavine. Personnel includes: The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, The Lox, Too Short, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Lil' Kim, Puff Daddy (rap vocals); Daron Jones (vocals, various instruments); 112, R. Kelly, Carl Thomas, Angela Winbush, Quinnes Parker, Michael Keith, Marvin Scandrick (vocals); Carlos "July Six" Broady, Stevie J., Paragon (various instruments); Deric "D-dot" Angelettie (programming); Faith Evans, Pam Long, Kelly Price, Keanna Henson, Karen Anderson, Deborah "Portia" Neeley Rolle, Michael Keith, Marvin Scandrick (background vocals); Ron Grant & Friends. Producers include: Sean "Puffy" Combs, Stevie J., Easy Mo Bee, Daron Jones, Kay-Gee, RZA, Buck-Wild, DJ Premier, Havoc, Clark Kent.

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr CD music The Wu-Tang Clan seemed to come out of nowhere when they released their first independent single, "Protect Ya Neck." To the industry's surprise, it sold over 10,000 copies and enabled this conceptually innovative crew to land a deal with RCA. ENTER THE WU-TANG (36 CHAMBERS) is the first effort to "take you on" the full "lyrical high" of the Wu-Tang--eight "killer bees" who stem from that forgotten borough of New York City, Staten Island. Prince Rakeem "The RZA" may dominate the loosely-based group's production chamber, but the success of the Wu-Tang should be credited to all. "Clan In Da Front" gives The Genius (aka "The GZA") the opportunity to prove to critics of his former solo career that he's far from played out. To the liking of many hardcore ruffnecks, "Shame On A Nigga" unites the Clan's most distinctive vocalists, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man and Raekwon The Chef; and fellow members Inspector Deck, Ghost Face Killer and U-God join forces on the album's highlight, "Da Mystery Of Chessboxin'." Both cuts prove the Wu-Tang to be the most lyrically diverse rap group on the streets today. The Clan's alliances in the hip-hop community have already brought about crazy recognition to their brother-artists (The Gravediggaz, Shyheim aka The Rugged Child, Method Man's solo work), showing that the Wu-Tang's influence can be found in both the studio and the market-place. So, while they may have been dissed in previous incarnations, the Wu-Tang Clan understand that power comes from unity and that their's is far-reaching; or as they put it, "we form like Voltron." Recorded at Firehouse Studio, New York. Personnel: Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, U-God (vocals); Prince Rakeem (programming); Fourth Disciple (scratches). Audio Mixer: Prince Rakeem. Recording information: Firehouse Studio, New York, NY; Firehouse Studios, Brooklyn, NY. Photographer: Daniel Hastings. Unknown Contributor Roles: Prince Rakeem; Shallah Raekwon; GZA; Ghostface Killah. Arranger: Prince Rakeem. Wu-Tang Clan: Prince Rakeem "The RZA" (rap vocals, programming); The Method Man, U-God, Rebel Ins, Shallah Raekwon, Ghost Face Killer, Ol' Dirty Bastard, The Genius "The GZA," Masta Killa (rap vocals). Additional personnel: The 4th Disciple (scratches).

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr songs The Wu-Tang saga continues. Raekwon "The Chef" is already an irreplacable part of rap music's largest breed, the Wu-Tang Clan, but his debut proves him also capable of standing on his own two feet. On ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX..., Raekwon's street-tough lyrics spotlight the roughness of his everyday life and, combined with short story interludes, shape the plot for this gangster movie of an album. The topics on CUBAN LINX are all Chef-centered braggadocio, and the beats constantly reflect the hip-hop underground. Raekwon defines the politics of the rap game on "Incarcerated Scarfaces," and invites any non-believers to test his skills. Joining Raekwon on just about every cut, fellow Clan-man Ghost Face Killer gives a great solo effort on "Wisdom Body." In fact, CUBAN LINX bares closer resemblance to an actual Wu-Tang Clan album than any solo record by a Wu-Tang member. The backing track for "Guillotine (Swordz)" was previously introduced on Method Man's solo album TICAL, and Raekwon and his crew expand on it for a quick flashback. "Can It Be All So Simple" also returns--this time in a remixed form. These two songs, along with "Ice Cream" and "Wu-Gambinos" (both of which feature Method Man), should feed the habits of hungry Wu-fiends. Raekwon's chamber briefly escapes the Clan's musical borders on "Verbal Intercourse," and though the track evokes other Wu-Tang material, Nas' lyrical presence adds a different dimension to the album's haunting reality. As usual, The RZA dominates the production on each razor-sharp cut, and with appearences from just about every Clan MC, ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX... could easily be a Raekwon-sponsored Wu-Tang reunion. Audio Mixers: Fourth Disciple; RZA. Photographer: Daniel Hastings. Arranger: RZA. Personnel includes: Raekwon, 62nd Assassin Of Sunz Of Man, Lucky Hands a/k/a Golden Arms, Cappachino, Noodles a/k/a Master Killa (rap vocals); Blue Raspberry (vocals). Personnel: Raekwon (vocals); Masta Killa, Nas (vocals).

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr album for sale All songs written or co-written by A. Johnson and K. Muchita except "Just Step Prelude" (A. Johnson/T. Perry). Samples include "That's Alright With Me" (Ester Phillips), "Where There Is Love" (as performed by Patrice Rushen), "You Are My Starship" (as performed by Norman Connors) and "I Remember I Made You Cry" (as performed by The Headhunters). Before their Loud/RCA debut THE INFAMOUS, Mobb Deep's Havoc and Prodigy were introduced to the hip-hop nation on 1993's JUVENILE HELL, portraying their own brand of the "Trife Life." Image and hardships aside, a lot has changed since then, particularly their music which has naturally matured as the pair have grown older, bolder and wiser. THE INFAMOUS is a rugged ride through the truths and terrors of these two Big Apple outlaws, with cuts like "Right Back At You" and "Cradle To The Grave" stinging the minds of its listeners. This time around Mobb Deep play with the background tracks a little more, having self-produced virtually the entire album. The lead-off single, "Shook Ones Pt. II," blew up tremendously, first in the underground and then on the charts; its killer lyrics and hypnotizing beat pounded a warning into the heads of the masses to stay real. "Survival Of The Fittest" and "Up North Trip" both describe the hectic streets of New York as a war zone where the constant struggle is to stay alive. Mobb Deep join forces with two of rap's most intense lyricists, Nas and the Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon, on "Eye For A Eye (Your Beef Is Mine)." Adding to the all-star cast, Q-Tip donates an abstract feel to a few tracks and makes his cameo appearance on "Drink Away The Pain (Situations)," a clever track dedicated to an unlikely first love. Mobb Deep come correct throughout the album, once again proving that while rap may be just a music, hip-hop is a way of life. Score another point for the crews of Queensbridge, as THE INFAMOUS enters that 'hood's Hall Of Fame right next to Nas' ILLMATIC. Mobb Deep's sophomore effort turned out to be a career-defining moment for the Queensbridge duo. Two years post-JUVENILE HELL, THE INFAMOUS saw Havoc and Prodigy turn considerably harder, spinning aggressive tales of paranoid crime drama and firmly establishing Loud Records as a label to be reckoned with. The Queensbridge housing projects as portrayed from the Mobb's late-teenage point of view is a violent maze populated by stick-up kids and fiends; a place where life is trife, liquor is poured out daily for dead comrades, police are the enemy, and childhood friends turn snitch. Havoc's no-frills East Coast production provides the perfect backdrop for the murky subject matter. Every song is a classic, packed with thug-life quotables which inspired dozens of subsequent street anthems and an array of imitators. Big Noyd, Nas, Q-Tip, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah make up the guest-list. Producers: Mobb Deep (tracks 1, 3-4, 8-13, 15-16); The Abstract (tracks 6-7, 14). Engineers: Louis Alfred III (tracks 1, 7-8, 11, 13, 15-16); Tim Latham (tracks 3-4, 6, 14); Dino Zerros (track 9); Mobb Deep, Tony Smalios (track 10). Audio Mixers: Tony Smallos; Abstract; Mobb Deep. Recording information: Battery Studios, New York, NY; Firehouse Studios, Brooklyn, NY; Platinum Island Recording Studios, New York, NY; Unique Recording Studio, New York, NY. Mobb Deep: Havoc, Prodigy (vocals). Additional personnel: Big Noyd, Crystal Johnson (vocals), Tony Smalios (programming).

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr CD music On their fifth album MOMENT OF TRUTH, Gang Starr solidifes their position in the hip-hop arena. Lyrically and musically, Guru and DJ Premier have always been head and shoulders above the rest, but with MOMENT OF TRUTH, the duo's experience is both obvious and rewarding. Since their debut in 1989, Gang Starr have remained true to themselves, and as a result, prove to be one of the most street-credible rap groups around. With Premier's amazingly creative production tactics and Guru providing lyrical education, Gang Starr can't lose. Premier's track record shows that any MC lucky enough to work with him automatically earns props, while Guru's monotone style forces listeners to pay close attention. See songs like "Above The Clouds" and "B.I. Vs. Friendship" to be schooled. No phony gimmicks, just raw straight-up hip-hop. Recorded at D&D Studios, New York, New York. Personnel: DJ Premier (keyboards, drum programming, scratches); Mark Spier (sampler). Audio Mixer: DJ Premier. Recording information: D & D Studios. Photographer: Daniel Hastings. Gang Starr: Guru (rap vocals); DJ Premier (spoken vocals, keyboards, drum programming, scratches). Additional personnel: Elijah Shabazz (spoken vocals); K-Ci, JoJo (vocals); Inspektah Deck, Hannibal, M.O.P., Big Shug, Freddie Foxxx, G-Dep, Shiggy Sha, Scarface, Krumb Snatcha (rap vocals); DJ Premier (scratches).

Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr buy CD music This limited edition 2 CD set contains the complete OUT OF BUSINESS and a bonus greatest hits album. EPMD has dropped its signature brand of hip-hop funk flavor on the world for over a decade. OUT OF BUSINESS is an album that recalls the pure uncut street flavor of earlier efforts from Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. Tracks like "Pioneers," "Symphony," and "Check 1,2," help ensure that the dynamic duo of hip-hop will remain strictly entrenched at the top of the hill. Produced mostly by Sermon, who creates a fusion of classic funk samples and today's hottest street sounds, OUT OF BUSINESS stands as reason why EPMD has had a decade of hits and numerous gold records. The pair spit verses like they did when they burst on to the scene in the late '80s, making OUT OF BUSINESS one of EPMD's deepest albums in years. OUT OF BUSINESS is also available with a special greatest hits disc that includes classic EPMD tracks like "It's My Thang," "Crossover," and "Big Payback." Plus Greatest Hits-2cds EPMD: Erick Sermon, Parrish Smith (rap vocals). Producers: Erick Sermon, DJ Scratch, Parrish "PMD" Smith, Angel "8 Off" Agullar. Engineers include: Tommy Uzzo, Charlie Marotta, John Decatur. Audio Mixers: Dave Greenberg; Erick Sermon; Ivan Doc Rodriguez; Parrish Smith; Tommy Uzzo; Charlie Marotta. Recording information: Commach; Ian London Studios, Long Island, NY; Mirror Image East, Long Island, NY; Mirror Image Recordings East, Dix Hills, NY; Mirror Image Studio, New York, NY; Mirror Image, Long Island, NY; Northshore Soundworks; Northshore Studios, Long Island, NY; Power Play Studios, Long Island City, NY; Rockin' Reel Studio. Photographers: Gerard Gaskin; Danny Clinch. Additional personnel: Redman, M.O.P., Busta Rhymes, 8 Off Agallah, 215, Method Man, Lady Luck, K-Solo, LL Cool J (rap vocals).