After five years since their last full release, the legendary rap duo Gang Starr finally drops The Ownerz, follow up to their acclaimed 1998 Moment of Truth album. The highly anticipated release to loyal fans does not disappoint as DJ Premier shows once again why he is considered one of the top producers in the rap game, and Guru supplements the beats with his usual monotone lyrical flow. While the two show the reason why they have stayed together for so many years with their incredible chemistry, they also show how much respect they have in the industry with the caliber of guest appearances throughout the album such as M.O.P., Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, and Freddie Foxxx.
Amidst an industry that is overrun by bragging and boasting about money, cars, and “bling bling” Gang Starr stays remarkably consistent to the style that has been successful for them over many years. The first single, “Skillz,” epitomizes this mentality through clever lyrics over incredible production. Premier is at his best when fusing the instruments as cleverly as on this track, while Guru spits rhymes addressing the fact that they still represent the streets in true hip hop form, and so many young guns out there are coming up short with sub par skills over mainstream beats. This cut alone would make the album worthwhile, even if it had a bunch of decent or mediocre tracks throughout the rest of the album. But that has never happened with Gang Starr with their past efforts and they don’t change that trend on this release.
The second single, “Rite Where U Stand,” takes the premise of “Skillz” a step further in Guru and featured artist Jadakiss rhyming as if they are addressing someone in a battle. Over a gritty, hardcore beat concocted by Premo, Guru and Jadakiss seem to tear an opponent to shreds lyrically. This track shows the versatility and adaptability of this group to adjust to the hip hop game as it is today, with so many beefs resulting in battle rhymes going back and forth. Although Gang Starr has been notorious for addressing social problems and street life like in “Tons ‘O’ Guns” from 1994’s Hard To Earn album, and “Just To Get A Rep” from 1991’s Step In The Arena album, they understand what’s hot at the time, although battle rhymes have been going on since the beginning of hip hop.
Now, although the duo use a few tracks to put the industry in it’s place, they still come hardcore with their authentic gutter, street bangers such as “Who Got Gunz” featuring M.O.P. and Fat Joe, and “Capture (Militia Pt. 3)” featuring Big Shug and Freddie Foxxx. These along with several other diverse tracks make this album a breath of fresh air in hip hop from two artists that have been putting it down consistently since the 80’s.
The unbelievable production from DJ Premier coupled with the hard edged yet monotone rhymes delivered by Guru make this a great album, especially in today’s more mainstream hip hop climate. The Ownerz is definitely a release that can be enjoyed from start to finish; where the only skipping of tracks happens because there are just incredible cuts that you can’t wait to hear. This is a very versatile and complete release that would garner the recommendation of any true hip-hop fan. |