Gang Starr is one of the most iconic and influential hip-hop duos of all time. Composed of MC Guru and DJ Premier, Gang Starr’s music is characterized by its signature blend of gritty, boom-bap beats and socially conscious lyrics. Their catalog is a treasure trove of classic tracks that continue to inspire and resonate with fans today. In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Gang Starr songs of all time. From their early days as underground pioneers to their later years as established legends, these tracks showcase the breadth and depth of Gang Starr’s talent and impact on hip-hop culture. From hard-hitting anthems to introspective reflections on life and death, each song on this list represents a unique and essential contribution to the legacy of one of hip-hop’s most beloved and respected groups. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best Gang Starr songs of all time.
1. “Dwyck” featuring Nice and Smooth
“Dwyck” featuring Nice and Smooth is a classic hip-hop track by the legendary duo, Gang Starr. Released in 1994, the song is known for its catchy beat, smooth flow, and witty lyrics. The track starts off with a sample of the popular 70s funk band, The Meters, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. Gang Starr’s Guru kicks off the first verse with his signature laid-back flow, dropping clever lines about his rap skills and the ladies. The chorus features the iconic hook, “Party people gather round, let me tell you all a story,” which is delivered by the duo Nice and Smooth in their signature harmonious style. The song is a perfect example of the golden era of hip-hop, showcasing the genre’s ability to blend elements of funk and jazz with intelligent lyrics and smooth delivery.
2. “Take It Personal”
“Take It Personal” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1992. The song features a funky beat and Guru’s smooth flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is notable for its aggressive lyrics, which call out fake friends and haters in the rap game. Guru drops lines like “fake gangsters gettin’ mad triggers, but behind closed doors they’re feminine like stickers,” which highlight the hypocrisy and false bravado in the industry. The song’s hook, “You wanna mess with me, you gotta start at the beginning,” is a testament to the duo’s dedication to their craft and their refusal to back down from any challenge. “Take It Personal” is a classic example of Gang Starr’s signature style, which combines hard-hitting beats with intelligent lyrics and an uncompromising attitude. It’s a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the era’s unmatched creativity and energy.
3. “Mass Appeal”
“Mass Appeal” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1994. The song features a funky beat and Guru’s smooth flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a commentary on the commercialization of hip-hop and the pressures for artists to conform to mainstream tastes. Guru’s lyrics reflect his frustration with the industry, calling out those who sell out for fame and money. The song’s hook, “The money will come and go, the fame will come and go, but as long as I keep my head down and stay true to my art, I’ll always have mass appeal,” is a testament to the duo’s dedication to their craft and their refusal to compromise their artistic integrity for commercial success. “Mass Appeal” is a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s power to critique society and speak truth to power.
4. “Just to Get a Rep”
“Just to Get a Rep” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1990. The song features a funky beat and Guru’s smooth flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a commentary on the struggle for respect and reputation in the streets, with Guru’s lyrics reflecting his experiences growing up in the tough neighborhoods of Boston. The song’s hook, “Just to get a rep, any kind of rep,” is a reminder of the desperation and violence that can arise from the pressure to establish oneself in a dangerous and competitive environment. “Just to Get a Rep” is a powerful example of Gang Starr’s signature style, which blends hard-hitting beats with intelligent lyrics and a deep understanding of the social and political realities of urban life.
5. “Suckas Need Bodyguard”
“Suckas Need Bodyguard” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1991. The song features a funky beat and Guru’s smooth flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a commentary on the dangers and pitfalls of the rap game, with Guru’s lyrics reflecting his experiences navigating the industry’s shady characters and fake personas. The song’s hook, “Suckas need bodyguard, just to walk through the projects,” is a reminder of the dangers that lurk in the streets and the need for self-defense and self-preservation. “Suckas Need Bodyguard” is a powerful example of Gang Starr’s commitment to telling the truth about the realities of urban life and the rap game. It’s a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s power to speak truth to power and critique society.
6. “Ex-Girl to the Next Girl”
“Ex-Girl to the Next Girl” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1992. The song features a smooth and melodic beat, coupled with Guru’s introspective lyrics about the end of a relationship and moving on to the next one. Guru’s flow is both contemplative and confident, reflecting the complicated emotions that arise after a breakup. The song’s hook, “From ex-girl to the next girl, I’ll be your lover and your best friend, tell me what you want me to do,” is a testament to Guru’s versatility and ability to adapt to different situations. “Ex-Girl to the Next Girl” is a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s ability to explore the complexities of human relationships.
7. “Royalty”
“Royalty” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1992. The song features a hard-hitting beat and Guru’s confident flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a commentary on the state of the rap game and the need for artists to reclaim their power and authority. Guru’s lyrics reflect his frustration with the industry’s obsession with money and fame, calling out those who prioritize these things over the art itself. The song’s hook, “I’m royalty, the real McCoy, you wanna be, but you’re just a toy,” is a reminder of the power of hip-hop to empower and uplift those who stay true to their art and their vision. “Royalty” is a powerful example of Gang Starr’s commitment to the craft of hip-hop and their refusal to compromise their values for commercial success.
8. “Words I Manifest”
“Words I Manifest” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1989. The song features a funky beat and Guru’s smooth flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a commentary on the power of language and the ability of words to shape reality. Guru’s lyrics reflect his belief in the transformative power of hip-hop and its ability to empower marginalized communities. The song’s hook, “I manifest my words, my actions and thoughts, I’m like a walking enterprise, since I was taught,” is a testament to Guru’s dedication to the craft and his commitment to using his platform to effect positive change. “Words I Manifest” is a must-listen for any fan of 80s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s origins as a form of resistance and self-expression for those who have been marginalized and oppressed.
9. “You Know My Steez”
“You Know My Steez” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1997. The song features a hard-hitting beat and Guru’s confident flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s signature scratching skills. The track is a declaration of Gang Starr’s dominance in the rap game and their refusal to compromise their values or artistic integrity. Guru’s lyrics reflect his confidence in his own abilities and his commitment to hip-hop as a form of artistic expression and cultural resistance. The song’s hook, “You know my steez, I’m the one that brought you the classics, with the radical rhyme, I’m captivating the masses,” is a testament to Guru’s skill as a lyricist and his place in hip-hop history. “You Know My Steez” is a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s ability to empower and uplift those who stay true to their art and their vision.
10. “The ? Remainz”
“The ? Remainz” is a classic hip-hop track by Gang Starr, released in 1998. The song features a haunting beat and Guru’s introspective flow, coupled with DJ Premier’s expert scratching skills. The track is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a lasting legacy. Guru’s lyrics reflect his belief in the power of hip-hop as a form of cultural resistance and his commitment to using his art to effect positive change. The song’s hook, “The past, the present, the future, the mystery, the history, the ? Remainz,” is a reminder of the complexity and mystery of life, and the importance of embracing uncertainty and change. “The ? Remainz” is a powerful example of Gang Starr’s commitment to the craft of hip-hop and their refusal to compromise their values or artistic integrity. The song is a must-listen for any fan of 90s hip-hop and a reminder of the genre’s ability to explore the complexities of human existence.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
