gang starr Archives

Saigon Bursts From Comment Sections To Chillin’ With DJ Premier & Lil Cease (Video)

A product of the Internet-era of Hip-Hop, Saigon has always been an artist for the streets before the servers. In his video for the GSN3: The Troubled Times Of Brian Carenard single, "Nunya," Saigon highlights his haters in the message boards and comments sections, and then laughs about it alongside... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier Posts Vintage Footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990 (Video)

On the heels of announcing he is forming his first group since the legendary Gang Starr (PRhyme with Royce Da 5'9") DJ Premier reposts some vintage footage of Gang Starr on Video Music Box in 1990. Found on Primo's blog Premier Wuz Here, here's what he had to say about... Read more

September 25, 2014 Throwback

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Announce Group, Joint Album: PRhyme

Today (September 24), DJ Premier has announced his first group since Gang Starr, the legendary duo that spans more than 25 years back to debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy. This unit will be an extension of a decade-plus of working with Royce Da 5'9". Before Slaughterhouse and around... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh

How About Some Hardcore? Diabolic Links With DJ Premier (Audio)

For a decade and a half, Diabolic has been aggressively laying down lyrics. A onetime Viper Records artist and Immortal Technique artist, the Long Islander is a critical voice in the hardcore Hip-Hop community that includes Tech, Army Of The Pharaohs, La Coka Nostra, and others. In one of those... Read more

August 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

What Becomes Of A Hallucinating Fan Who Punches DJ Premier? Babu Explains (Video)

In 1999 Dilated Peoples joined Gang Starr and Rage Against The Machine on tour. These experiences were well-chronicled on the later track, "Gang Starr Bus" by Bumpy Knuckles, produced by DJ Premier. Three legendary outfits toured in a well-remembered time in music. Gearing up for his own new release with... Read more

August 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Why Are the 90’s Considered the Best Era of Hip-Hop? Listen to This Mix (Audio)

Here's part 2 of DJ Vadim's stellar back in the day mixtape series. In this installment, he tackles 90's Hip-Hop...with aggression. Rather than strictly catering to the hits, he digs in the crates to craft a mix with diverse but cohesive sonic texture. You'll hear music from Nas, The Roots,... Read more

August 9, 2014 Throwback

Kool G Rap & Spe$h Get Mafiaso In Their DJ Premier-Produced Meeting (Video)

In late May, artist Spe$h linked with Kool G Rap to drop "The Meeting." Produced by DJ Premier, the track was an account of some mob business, with lyrics to go. Two months and some change later, the video arrives, finding Spe$h and G waiting in idling cars, tailing victims,... Read more

August 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

De La Soul’s Next Mixtape Is Produced Entirely By DJ Premier & Pete Rock

In March, De La Soul hipped Heads to the fact that Smell The Da.I.S.Y , their mixtape which featured strictly J. Dilla beats, was only the beginning, as far as 2014 is concerned. Posdnous, Dave, and Maseo are hard at work on the group's eighth studio album, rumored to be... Read more

August 5, 2014 Fresh

M.O.P., DJ Premier Scratches & A Classic ’80s Pop Loop Equals Amazing (Audio)

M.O.P. and First Family have been around for 25 years. However, Billy Danze and Lil Fame (who now only goes by Fame) started making some serious noise when they crossed paths with DJ Premier in the early 1990s. With the Brownsville, Brooklyn duo's rugged microphone assaults, a Premo scratch-chorus only... Read more

July 31, 2014 Throwback

Loaded Lux Joins DJ Premier For Bars In The Booth (Video)

Throughout the last 25 years, DJ Premier has thrived when working with battle-tested MCs, ranging from Rah Digga ("Lessons Of Today") to Craig G ("Ready Set Begin") to Canibus ("Golden Terra Of Rap"). So with Battle Rap at arguably its pinnacle since the 1990s, why not go to one of... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Statik Selektah & Termanology’s Protege Ea$y Money Gets A DJ Premier-Produced Single (Video)

DJ Premier's connection to ShowOff Records runs deep. While Statik Selektah has been on the boards for some recent Premo greatness (see: Fat Joe's "(Thank God For) That White"), the Gang Starr giant has returned the favor, producing some scorchers for REKS and Termanology. A longtime ST.Records product, Term's right-hand... Read more

July 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Giant Is Greater, As A.G. Steps Into DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth Series (Video)

After rocking out with The Black Sheep's Dres and Papoose, DJ Premier keeps things in that New York City gritty getting down with A.G. The Diggin' In The Crates crew/Showbiz & A.G. MC goes back over 25 years with Preem, when the two worked together in some of the Bronx... Read more

June 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kool G Rap & DJ Premier Make Another Joint, Courtesy Of Spe$h. Scratch Chorus Lovers Rejoice (Audio)

Since "First Nigga" back in the Rawkus Records era, DJ Premier has been one of the masters in showcasing Kool G Rap's genius. The former partner of DJ Polo came in the game destroying the silence over beats by Marley Marl, Large Professor, and Dr. Butcher, but these days, Giancana... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Narrates a Mixtape of Some of His Classic and Rare Cuts (Mixtape)

The LA Leakers have released a new mixtape dedicated to some of the works of the one and only DJ Premier. The Audio Biography Of DJ Premier features 16 Primo productions--some well known and some more rare. Even more dope, the mixtape features commentary from Premier himself about some of... Read more

May 15, 2014 Mixes

Beard Gang Got Bars In The Booth As DJ Premier Invites Jakk Frost To The Lab (Video)

At the conclusion of 2013, DJ Premier shared his annual list of things he found particularly dope. In the past, this list has been album-driven. For '13, Preem's list was about songs. Some Heads were shocked, perhaps illuminated to see West Philadelphia MC veteran Jakk Frost at the top of... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Miguel Offers Up A Small Taste Of What He’s Doing With DJ Premier (Video)

From D'Angelo to Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera to K-Ci & JoJo, DJ Premier has worked with a plethora of highly-successful vocalists, who, while found in Pop or R&B genres, incorporate a whole lot more into their music. This week, Miguel posted a video Instagram of his stop in Midtown... Read more

April 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Time Travel Back To Rap Radio’s Golden Days In This 1991 Gang Starr Interview & Tim Westwood Mix (Audio)

Take yourself back almost exactly 23 years to the date, to April 19, 1991, when London’s Hip-Hop radio prophet Tim Westwood links up with Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Guru (plus Caveman) as they take the world by storm promoting the release of their album, Step In The Arena LP.... Read more

April 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

DJ Premier Remixes A 22-Year Old Classic From D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz & A.G. (Audio)

Twenty-two years later, the joint that got it all started for D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) gets amazing reconsideration. For May 7's D.I.T.C. remix album, DJ Premier (who always rolled close to the crew) reworked the Showbiz & A.G. "Soul Clap" B-side, which featured Diamond D and Lord Finesse as... Read more

April 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Dres Goes In For DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth. How Does The Black Sheep / evitaN O.G. Do? (Video)

Late last year, DJ Premier launched his Bars In The Booth series. Kicking things off with Papoose, the spot pairs MCs of all sorts with a Premo instrumental in the studio, seemingly on the spot. Next up, Premo goes to a peer in Dres. The former front-man of The Black... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier Tells the Story of How He Became a DJ (Video)

Salute to DJ Premier who was honored by Serato today for his contribution to DJ culture. As part of the tribute, they've put together a phenomenal video of Premier discussing what led him to be a DJ, how Gang Starr came to be, his early days as a producer, his... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

Check Out This Tender Hip-Hop Moment That Will Make You Smile (Video)

Family is an important part of Hip-Hop. So is having fun. Large Professor this video from Brooklyn Bowl of he and his daughter vibin' out to DJ Premier on the wheels of steel (playing some Run-DMC and some Big L). If this don't bring a smile, check your pulse... #FunFact:... Read more

April 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier Shows The Untouched Remnants Of D&D Studios, How A Fight With Guru Made A Gang Starr Classic (Video)

In Gang Starr's Hard To Earn 20th anniversary year, DJ Premier has done some special press concerning the group, the album, and the legendary status of his group with Guru. Today, DJ Premier, along with a host of others, work out of Midtown Manhattan's HeadCourterz Studios. Named after the late... Read more

March 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Here’s a Rare EPK of Gang Starr From 1990 (Video)

As we continue our celebration of Gang Starr on the 20th anniversary of their landmark Hard to Earn album, here's a look at a vintage EPK of the duo from 1990, the era of Step in the Arena. GURU and DJ Premier discuss the mission of Gang Starr and Step... Read more

March 8, 2014 Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Piece Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn

Gang Starr's Hard to Earn album turns 20 years old tomorrow (3/8). To celebrate the landmark LP, Nahright & Up North Trips have put together a phenomenal piece that features a track by track breakdown of the making of the album by DJ Premier, himself. Check out an excerpt and... Read more

March 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

What Underground Veteran Is DJ Premier Making A Full Album With Next? (Video)

From Charli Baltimore to Vinnie Paz to Roscoe P. Coldchain, DJ Premier has some strong Philly ties. The Gang Starr producer/DJ and the City Of Brotherly Love go way, way back like Just-Ice. Today, a surprising announcement was made as Premo links with a true Philly veteran. Jakk Frost might... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Saigon’s Next Album To Feature 3-4 DJ Premier Tracks & Big Daddy Kane?

Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told album featured one of the most exciting production lineups for any debut artists. Although it was released over five years after originally planned, on a different label than commissioned it, the album featured production by Just Blaze, with involvement from Kanye West, Swizz Beatz,... Read more

January 16, 2014 Fresh

DJ Premier Opens Up A Limited Time Online Gang Starr Pop-Up Shop With Rare Goodies

Gang Starr is forever. In the '90s and 2000s, a Gang Starr hoodie was one of the most coveted, respected pieces of Hip-Hop merch out there. If you were at The Ownerz Tour in 2003-2004 with Guru, DJ Premier, Common, Talib Kweli, DJ Dummy, Big Shug, and the others, you... Read more

December 14, 2013 Fresh

Raekwon Freaks The Classic Gang Starr Funk On Lion’s Paw Freestyle (Audio)

Gang Starr and DJ Premier have longstanding ties to the Wu-Tang Clan, from the days of Premo lending equipment to RZA in the Tommy Boy Records days, to Inspectah Deck on "Above The Clouds," and Method Man's appearance on the "In Together Now" remix. Interestingly enough, Staten Island's Raekwon has... Read more

December 2, 2013 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Cuts The Scratches To Who’s Gonna Take The Weight Live (Video)

Asking a Head to name their favorite Gang Starr tracks can be a lot like Sophie's Choice. From the joints included on the duo's two greatest hits compilations onto the album cuts from 1986 to 2003, it was all pretty revolutionary for beats, rhymes, style, charisma, and "tha voice." One... Read more

November 30, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru (Video)

Guru has been gone for three and a half years. However, the man also known as Baldhead Slick will never be forgotten. Marco Polo enlists Guru's Gang Starr partner DJ Premier, as well as late in life collaborator Talib Kweli for "G.U.R.U." This is heartfelt, and the latest tribute, following... Read more

November 1, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: The Week in Video (9/7/13) (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought a new video from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, an extended interview of Tajai from Souls of Mischief discussing the 20th Anniversary of 93 'til..., Kendrick Lamar talking guest verses, DJ Premier explaining symbolism of the Gang Starr logo and much more. Check out the video playlist below... Read more

September 7, 2013 Playlists, Video

DJ Premier Explains the Meaning of the Gang Starr Logo (Video)

After more than 20 years, the Gang Starr logo remains one of the most iconic brands in Hip-Hop. DJ Premier spoke with Mass Appeal about the symbolism and evolution of the logo. Check out the video below. Related: Shop Talk With DJ Premier (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Video

Happy Birthday GURU (Video Playlist)

Happy birthday to GURU who would have been 51 today. Here's a (mostly) video playlist celebrating a life of Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Related: DJ Premier GURU Tribute Mix (Audio)... Read more

July 17, 2012 Playlists, Video

Ed Lover – Yo! MTV Raps Old School Mix (Mixtape)

Yo! MTV Raps is making a return for 1 night only tonight at midnight on MTV2, right after the Sucker Free Awards. To commemorate the event, Ed Lover got on the wheels at New York's Hot 97 to do an old school mix of music from the Yo! era (Nice... Read more

December 4, 2011 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

RE-WIN(D): Here’s a video playlist of joints from the early to mid-90’s. You’ll find songs from Mobb Deep, Jeru Tha Damaja, Group Home, The Roots, Jay-Z, De La Soul, Gang Starr, O.C., Diamond D and more. Just press play and let it ride.

Click here for another RE-WIN(D) playlist featuring De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, The Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Kid N Play, Special Ed, Monie Love, Chubb Rock, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and more.... Read more

October 25, 2011 Playlists, Throwback, Video

Here’s another Back in the Day Mix. This one features a lot of joints from the late 90’s and early 00’s. You’ll find music from Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Common, Sadat X, Grand Puba, Gang Star, Method Man, Black Star, De La Soul, Lauryn Hill, Ludacris, Clipse, Outkast, M.O.P. and many more.

Enjoy. Ambrosia For Heads Millenium Mix by Parfit on Mixcloud... Read more

July 2, 2011 Audio

This week’s playlist is the first in a series dedicated to the greatest producers in hip-hop. First up is the legendary DJ Premier.

Primo burst onto the national scene more than 23 years ago and has been a hip-hop staple ever since. He represents guaranteed credibility for any project he touches and has often been the go-to guy for the greatest rappers in the game. You know what to expect: Biggie, Nas, Jay-Z,... Read more

March 11, 2011 Audio, Playlists

Jazz has never been one of my favorite genres. Yet, it is the foundation of hip-hop samples (along with James Brown and Funkadelic). Chuwee’s Yes Yes Yo reminded me of this and inspired this week’s playlist. You’ll find A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Gang Starr, The Roots, Nas, Eric B. and Rakim and others.

Guaranteed to help make a smooth transition into the weekend. Press play, sit back and enjoy. If you missed Yes Yes Yo by Chuwee, click here.... Read more

February 4, 2011 Audio, Playlists

It’s a slow day for new hip-hop so we take matters into our own hands. Check out this playlist of some classic joints.

Each Thursday night, we will be bringing you a different playlist to ease you into the weekend. This week's is full of old gems. You'll hear joints from Common, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Snoop, Biggie, Outkast, Gang Starr, Nas, The Roots and others. Just press play, sit back and... Read more

January 6, 2011 Playlists, Throwback, Video

With no G.O.O.D. Friday (or Saturday) it's been a slow weekend in hip-hip. Here are some blasts from the past that you may not have heard in a minute to help get you to Monday.

Speaking of G.O.O.D. Friday, what do you think happened? Kanye promised new music each Friday through Christmas. Do you think it had something to do with his album leaking, the Matt Lauer interview or something else altogether? In the absence of a new Kanye joint, here's some good music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbwHN07L10... Read more

November 21, 2010 Audio, Video

DJ Premier Guru Tribute Mix

Here's the Guru tribute from the legendary DJ Premier (one of the greats--producer, DJ and person): Keith "Guru" Elam Tribute Mix by Dj Premier Blog Radio on Mixcloud... Read more

June 13, 2010 Audio, Playlists

Gang Starr’s Guru Dead at 43

Keith "Guru" Elam died on April 20, 2010 at the age of 43 after a long battle with cancer. I knew Guru personally and he was always nice and humble when we spoke. Regardless of all the rumors that swirled around his death, he left a lasting musical legacy, both... Read more

June 13, 2010 Audio, Playlists, Video

Let's Go!!! – Playlist

Old school hip-hop playlist guaranteed to get you hyped. Tracklist below. Click here to play. Notorious B.I.G. – Who Shot Ya? Jay-Z – Rock Star Lil Cease ft. Lil Kim and Puff Daddy – Play Around Big Pun – Glamour Life Mase ft. Puff Daddy – Can’t Nobody Hold Me... Read more

June 12, 2010 Audio, Playlists, Video