On the fifth anniversary of the duo’s final album, One of the Best Yet, the legendary Gang Starr is back with a single to commemorate the occasion. Since MC Guru’s death in 2010, producer DJ Premier has worked closely with Guru’s family to release the remaining verses in Guru’s collection. The result of that meticulous effort was One of the Best Yet, the first new album under the Gang Starr name since 2003’s The Ownerz. It was an emotional tribute to one of hip-hop’s greatest ever duos, boasting a long list of features as well. Their new song, titled “Finishem,” does not suggest that another posthumous full-length release is on the way, but it is a reminder of just how many songs and verses Guru recorded while he was alive.
“As One of the Best Yet was approaching the five-year anniversary mark, that milestone moved me to create a new track to match the occasion,” Preemo said in a statement first published by Rock The Bells. “The album is special on so many different levels; what it meant to me, Guru’s family, and the fans, it warranted something new to honor the occasion. I started going through files, looking for something that stood out and fit; and as soon as I heard Guru’s hook ‘now I’m about to finish ’em, my rep alone could diminish ’em,’ I knew that was it and went to work crafting a beat for it.” It’s another good track, and Premier and Guru’s family continue to handle posthumous Guru releases with an appropriate amount of respect. Check out the new single from the iconic hip-hop duo below.
Two men enter, and one must fall Only one man leaves, only one icon, y’all This is your final fight, it’s your final night Your last chance to dance, go ‘head, try your might When I spit, I’ma show you complete hostility Hurt you bad just for thinking you’d be as ill as me Get your face bashed in, a few choppers lost Get your chest caved in, headpiece, ya need a gauze
To mark the fifth anniversary of One Of The Best Yet, legendary hip-hop duo Gang Starr returns with a fresh single, “FINISHEM,” available now across all streaming platforms. Known for their lasting impact on hip-hop, DJ Premier and Guru continue to inspire fans globally, blending old-school authenticity with timeless style.
Released on November 1, 2019, Gang Starr’s first album in sixteen years was One Of The Best Yet. It received widespread acclaim and lit up billboards from Times Square to London. The project made waves on social media, spiking to the #2 spot in the U.S. album charts.
“As One Of The Best Yet was approaching the five-year anniversary mark, that milestone moved me to create a new track to match the occasion. The album is special on so many different levels; what it meant to me, Guru’s family, and the fans, it warranted something new to honor the occasion” DJ Premier affirmed. “I started going through files, looking for something that stood out and fit; and as soon as I heard Guru’s hook “now I’m about to finishem, my rep alone could diminish’em” I knew that was it and went to work crafting a beat for it. I had some unused Antman Wonder files that I decided to check out, and one of the sounds hit me emotionally from the very first note. I knew this was the one to shape the song. The fans always appreciate more Gang Starr—and this one is for them.”
“FINISHEM” keeps Gang Starr’s legacy alive, delivering classic, head-nodding beats and lyrics that remind fans of their enduring influence in hip-hop. The anniversary track promises to be a tribute to their powerful comeback and continued inspiration across generations.
Pete Rock and CL Smooth were a definitive rap group of the 1990s. They made some of the smoothest hip-hop of the era alongside Gang Starr and A Tribe Called Quest. As with any long term collab, however, tensions arose. Pete Rock and CL Smooth went their separate ways in 1995, and despite linking back up for reunions in the 2000s and 2010s, the two artists always seem to split. There hasn’t been a whole lot said about the reasoning for these numerous splits. That is, until Rock addressed the pattern during a recent episode of Drink Champs.
Pete Rock had nothing but positive things to say about his former partner. “He’s the best talent I ever came across in my whole life,” the producer explained. “I’ve never heard a guy rap like this, I’ve never heard a voice like this. We shared great times together. Don’t get it all f*cked up now, we’ve had our good times.” It wasn’t a matter of clashing personalities, but rather the natural tensions that rise from being around the same person for years on end. At least, that’s how Rock felt. “Just like life,” he noted. “People have ups and downs.”
These ups and downs ultimately made it difficult for Pete Rock and CL Smooth to grow as a duo. The former noted that growth for them as individuals began to differ from their growth as a unit. “Sometimes, when we’re in the negative zone, we go like this [does split motion],” he stated. “What we would wish for each other is growth, but when one is growing and one isn’t, then it’s still uneven.” Rock then shocked the hosts and the listeners by claiming that he and CL Smooth should still be together today. He didn’t care to get into specifics as to why they weren’t, however.
“We should still be together,” the producer asserted. “But some things, you know, that I can’t tell the whole public. Certain things happen in a partnership that just can’t be… and people won’t understand. I don’t want to be the only one speaking on someone who’s not here, but I wish him the best in life.” This take is a far cry from 2018, when Rock and Smooth decided to scrap their planned third album. The duo teased a reunion on wax after Smooth appeared on Rock’s Soul Survivor series, but the excitement was short-lived. According to HipHopDX, the album was scrapped due to resurfacing tensions.
What’s a Hip-Hop 50 celebration without new Gang Starr music? Hitting Instagram, DJ Premier announced fans would receive new music from the combination of himself and the late Guru.
Gang Starr, consisting of members Guru and DJ Premier, was one of the most legendary hip hop duos of the ’90s. Initially, as a part of a larger group at Morehouse College, Guru and DJ Premier officially formed Gang Starr as a duo in 1989. They released their debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy that same year. After relocating to New York, Gang Starr released albums throughout the ’90s. This included 1991’s Step in the Arena, 1992’s Daily Operation, 1994’s Hard to Earn, and 1998’s Moment of Truth, which are widely regarded as some of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Gang Starr is among the best rap duos ever and the most influential in the sub-genres of jazz-rap and boom-bap. They helped establish the “east coast” sound, considered one of the most authentic styles of hip hop.
Solo Endeavors
Over their 21-year-long run as Gang Starr, Guru and DJ Premier released classic songs like “Mass Appeal,” “DWYCK,” “You Know My Steez,” and “Full Clip,” but also released prolific solo work. During his lifetime, Guru delivered seven studio albums. This also includes four installments of his Jazzmatazz series, where he would collaborate with an array of musicians who provided instrumentation. His debut solo album, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 (1993), is considered his most iconic solo effort. Guru’s final solo album, Guru 8.0: Lost and Found,was released in 2009.
DJ Premier, on the other hand, continued to produce on some of hip hop’s most monumental albums. Notable works include also KRS-One’s Return of the Boom Bap (1993), Nas’s Illmatic (1994), The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die (1994), Group Home’s Livin’ Proof (1995), JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt (1996), Mos Def’s Black on Both Sides (1999), D’Angelo’s Voodoo (2000), among numerous other classics.
DJ Premier’s consistent output helped establish him as one of the greatest producers. He has also worked outside of hip hop, collaborating with Christina Aguilera, Disclosure, Craig David, and more.
Post-Guru
Gang Starr, Guru and DJ Premier, San Fransisco, United States, 1991. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)
Before Guru sadly passed away from myeloma on April 19, 2010, The Ownerz was released in 2003. It was the final Gang Starr album to be released during his lifetime. He is widely regarded as one of hip hop’s best lyricists and was survived by his family. Although Guru’s death ultimately led to the dissolution of Gang Starr, the group’s legacy has been highly celebrated. Premier and the Gang Starr Foundation, consisting of original Gang Starr members Big Shug, Afu-Ra, Jeru the Damaja, Krumbsnatcha, Bumpy Knuckles, and Group Home also continue to champion Guru’s legacy.
Following Guru’s death, DJ Premier continued to pay tribute to his late friend. Much of this is on almost every project he has been involved with since. This includes his PRhyme collaboration with Royce Da 5’9”, the only group that DJ Premier has been a part of since working with Guru. On 2014’s “U Looz,” Royce also raps that the song is dedicated to the “real hip-hop n****s who never ever ask me, am I here to replace Guru?”
The Final Album
In 2016, DJ Premier acquired ownership of Guru’s unreleased music. This led to the making of the final Gang Starr album, One of the Best Yet. It was released in 2019 and was spearheaded by Premier’s artistic vision as he produced the entire album and compiled the verses to make cohesive songs. One of the Best Yet contained unreleased verses from Guru throughout the years. Production for the songs was created around the acapella vocals that Guru recorded during his lifetime. Features on the album included M.O.P., Q-Tip, Group Home, Royce Da 5’9”, Jeru the Damaja, J. Cole, Talib Kweli, Ne-Yo, Nitty Scott, Big Shug, and Freddie Foxxx.
Gang Starr Today
Overall, what ultimately happened to Gang Starr is that their run was cut short by Guru’s untimely passing. For more information about the prolific history of Gang Starr, fans can watch DJ Premier’s web series So Wassup? on YouTube. He discusses the making of some of his biggest hits. This includes reflecting on the era of the floppy disc and analog recording. He also recently released his Hip Hop 50, Vol. 1 EP, which celebrates this year being the 50th anniversary of hip hop. The EP features Joey Bada$$, Remy Ma, Rapsody, Nas, Run The Jewels, Lil Wayne, and Slick Rick.
Dave East is keeping his foot on the gas, even as the end of fhe year approaches. The Harlem rapper is fresh off of the release ofBook Of David with Buda and DJ Drama but he’s keeping things pushing with a brand new EastMix.
The latest entry in the fan-favorite series finds Dave East paying homage to DJ Premier and Guru. East takes on Gang Starr’s 1998 record “Royalty” and brings the listener on a trip through New York. The Harlem rapper recalls his upbringing before reflecting on his rise from the bottom.
The rapper shared an accompanying video for the song. Directed by Director Donjai, East slides through New York City’s subway system, lighting spliffs, drinking and hanging out with his people.
It’s been a rather productive year for Dave East in both music and movie. Along with the release of Book Of David, he dropped off HDIGH in March, as well as a deluxe edition. However, in an interview with Vibe in February, he did hint at plans to drop off his official follow-up to his 2019 debut, Survival. Additionally, he revealed that he’s working with Styles P on a sequel to 2018’s Beloved. Though it seems unlikely that either projects will drop before the end of 2022, it looks like East has a lot in store for the new year.
Check out the latest offering from Harlem’s own Dave East below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on his new freestyle over GangStarr’s “Royalty.” Did he do justice to the song?
Quotable Lyrics Guru comparisons, I’m the star of my gang This Cuban got her open, I told her talk to my chain Bookbag, Alfred Chang on the train, walk through the rain N***as be quiet and die, I told ’em talk through the pain
