Gang Starr Album: “Ownerz [Clean]”

For those that grew up on Gang Starr and witnessed their growth, from the amateurish "No More Mr. Nice Guy" to the mind-blowing "Moment of Truth," "The Ownerz" is a disappointment. It could be argued that after creating one of the best hip-hop albums of all time in 1998, Guru and DJ Premier had no where to go but down, and that regression is evident on "The Ownerz." For the most part, the LP tries to rehash the formula used on "MOT" (19 tracks, with a sequel to "Militia" and familiar faces such as Krumbsnatcha and M.O.P.) with minor success. There are moments of brilliance, such as "Riot Akt," "Sabotage," and "Put Up Or Shut Up," and others that make you want to cringe, such as "Eulogy," "Capture," and "Same Team, No Games," with their underwhelming beats and generic formulas. As well, long-time fans will struggle to figure out where Gang Starr stand on social issues, as the uplifting insight of Moment of Truth's "Robbin Hood Theory" flies out the window with "Who Got Gunz." Despite these setbacks, the reality in today's hip-hop genre is that DJ Premier is still one of the greatest producers of all time and Gang Starr continue to be one of the best hip-hop groups around. Like Talib Kweli's "Beautiful Struggle," "The Ownerz" loses points for its lack of creativity but remains superior to much of what the mainstream has to offer. Listen to this album online or borrow it from a friend before purchasing. You may be slightly disappointed or pleasantly surprised. 3.5 Stars.

This may not be Gang Starr's best work, but it sure examplifies true hip hop craftmanship. Premier's beats have again elevated, sounding both crisp and rugged and Guru supplies street commentary at its best. A notch lower than the masterpiece "Moment of Truth" due to multiple guest appearances and two filer tracks (Intro & Hiney). If you are in doubt about the quality of today's hip hop, pick up this album because there is still hope out there for a pure, timeless and well structured sound.

Considering the number of classics spawned out of previous albums and for other notable artists, Gang Starr has never been one unappreciated in the field of Street-Hop. Having had the ability to drum-up raw material within the last decade, the Ownerz have kept to the original format and have held their supporters in the palm of their hands. Though the Ownerz does provide a refreshing quench of streetness (which is often missed nowadays), half of the album could really use an upgrade in terms of production. Especially after being gone for a few years, the duo should have no excuse putting out mediocre tracks. The Ownerz is a decent album, but surely not a progressive one. See Hard to Earn!

Guru and Premier. Speak those three words and any true hip hop fan will rattle off their top 10 GangStarr songs, lyrics, beats, you name it without hesitation. Do these guys ever put out a bad record? They may have albums that are more complete from start to finish, but not one album has been bad. I will have to say, however, that it is the second half of this record that is the best. A lot of people may not like "Capture" featuring Fat JOE and MOP because of the beat but I kind of like how Primo takes it back to the simple boom-bap sound of the bass and snare. I will agree that Joe biting Biggie's lyrics is a bit weak. My favorite cut has to be PLAYTAWIN. I love the simple organ intro and then silence and then the same organ with the bass over top of it. Guru has some of his finest lyrics in this song ("I'm still going strong in this game/And you should learn to R-E-S-P-E-C-T, or you'll get f'd up/Be-lieve you me"). Another standout is the first single Skillz. The beat is nice and Guru simply flows over the track. This album is what we've all come to love and expect from Guru and Primo. Not their most complete work as it's hard to beat "Hard to Earn" and "Moment of Truth" both of which are as relevant today as the day I first bought them. But, like any Gang Starr release, you definitely won't get tired of listening to this record.

The Ownerz is definitely is the most remarkable album released this year next to Little Brother's "The Listening". Guru and Primo's chemistry is by far unmatched in hip hop. "The Ownerz" is definitely in my opinion Gang Starr's most hardcore/street album that they've ever dropped. There isn't any skippable tracks here either. The beats are traditional Primo craft assisted with Guru's suave monotone precise delivery once again. "The Ownerz" sort of presents itself as a sequel to the classic "Moment of Truth". However, Moment of Truth has a slight edge over The Ownerz. And the reason for that is that Moment of Truth offers a more down to earth, sensitive, and personal side of Guru, who was experiencing a large number of issues during the recording of that album. Due to that, Moment of Truth just offered more songs with concepts and themes. That's why I couldn't rate it as a 5. Nonetheless, The Ownerz is still a solid and superior album that shines above practically all other co-existing albums. Gangstarr's goal on this mission was to revive the sound of authentic New York Diggin in The Crates Style hip hop, which is almost extinct amongst most New York mc's and producers today. Let's face it NYC's mainstream rap acts today borrow too many styles from other regions and as a result diminish their identity. Gangstarr rectifies real hip hop this time, and for any real hip head out there you just might shed a tear, because this is just too good to be true. From the opening track "Put Up or Shut Up", "Sabotage", "Deadly Habitz", to "Riot Act" we have pure Guru and Priemier in rare form. Another standout is the classic "We Got Gunz" feat. MOP, and Fat Joe, who goes for the jugular, returning to his D.I.T.C. roots. There was only one track that should have been left out the skit "Heimiez" or whatever, was just flat out corny. I think maybe one additional track feat. Nas and Guru rhyming about our youth, future, and war would have been the perfect climax for this album. Nobody's perfect but this album is a must have. Go cop this along with all of the other 6 Gang Starr albums. Pay Homage to Hip-Hop's most consistent group of all time.