Gang Starr "No More Mr. Nice Guy"

Posted on 01.5.1996

Gang Starr
Album : No More Mr. Nice Guy
Release Date : April 22, 1989
Label : Jcor Entertainment

Review :

While Public Enemy and the Ultramagnetic MCs were bringing the noise, the duo of Guru and DJ Premier were enrolling for jazz classes under the name Gang Starr. No More Mr. Nice Guy, their debut, is ironically the closest Gang Starr ever came to perfecting their style. They use the requisite James Brown samples (on "Gotch U" and "Manifest") but add jazz piano and upright bass over smooth rap lyrics. It works because the jazz style creates a unique, organic texture that never loses its flavor. It also works because DJ Premier is a force to be reckoned with (the classic DJ cut "DJ Premier in Deep Concentration" name-checks hip-hop contemporaries like Rakim, scratched out over the sweet piano of Kool and the Gang’s "Summertime"). Definitely a new-school classic.

Track Listings :

01. Premier & The Guru
02. Jazz Music
03. Gotch U
04. Manifest
05. Gusto
06. DJ Premier In Deep Concentration
07. Postivity (Remix)
08. Manifest (Remix)
09. Conscience Be Free
10. Cause And Effect
11. 2 Steps Ahead
12. No More Mr. Nice Guy
13. Knowledge
14. Positivity
15. Here’s The Proof (Bonus Track)
16. The Lesson (Bonus Track)
17. Dedication (Bonus Track)