Their track "Jazz Thing", featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues, helped establish the sound of jazz-hop, although they themselves consider their sound solely straight hardcore hip hop.
The group was founded in 1987 with Guru, DJ 1,2 B Down, Mike Dee and various producers, such as Donald D, J.V. Johnson or DJ Mark The 45 King. In 1987 and 1988 they released three 12" vinyl singles on the legendary Wild Pitch label, and in 1989 Guru and DJ Premier (then working under the name Waxmaster C) met for the first time. In the same year they released their first single "Words I Manifest" and went on working together as a group for six albums, a 2 CD "greatest hits" compilation and numerous singles and soundtrack contributions.
Current status
On September 1, 2005, Guru revealed in an interview with the hip hop online magazine sohh.com that the group doesn't exist anymore, but that it has ended instead of breaking up. This finally cleared up the rumors that came up first on the European Gang Starr tour in 2003/2004 when DJ Premier suddenly went back to the US and Guru continued touring under the group's name with another DJ. However, in an December 21, 2005 interview with the online magazine allhiphop.com, DJ Premier has denied that Gang Starr is history; he said it's rather a long break than a real break up. In a interview from April 20, 2006, with the online magazine hoodstars.net, Guru stated he would not work with his previous partners anymore. In a newer interview he said that "Gang Starr has reached the peak" and that he is out of the project.
Guru passed away after a long battle with cancer on April 19, 2010.
Ex Girl to Next Girl
Gang Starr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lovemaker, backbreaker but then I made a
Mistake yes I fell in love with this ill chick
Sweatin' me for money, my name and the dilsnick
My homeboys told me to drop her for it would be to my benefit
She used to say I'd better quit hanging with those derelects
Romancing is my thing but I can't swing with no scheming hoes
Wherever my beema goes you know that I'm driving
That everyone listen up as my vocals give thrust
I bust my rhymes first never chasing a skirt
Do much work while other suckas need more time to rehearse
Now back to the ex-girls, ex-lovers, ex-friends
It made me mad to find that she was only after my ends
She phones me and goes on about her new life now
I wish she knew right now
I think she's busted let's discuss it
When I was with her no trust, just fights
Just the he-say-she-say and the neighborhood highlights
Bow I got my new girl or as I say my baby doll
But I'm still gettin' crazy calls, my ex-girl's got balls
Don't wanna play the field cuz I get lovin' at home base
Don't gimme no long face just exit with a grace
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cuz I'm on with the next girl
She had much loot liked to buy me fresh-dipped gear
Liked to have me near cuz of my svoir faire
The time we shared was brief cuz I needed relief
From her high-classed antics and all her conceit
Now she's crying wolf and I like don't wanna hear that
I told her the bear facts when things started out
She wines and she pouts about how I did her bad
Yo but she'd tried to buy me
Even tempt me with the hiney
I fell for a sec cuz the clothes were real fly
I could almost feel I
Would give into her whims
Her thoughts were erratic, sporadic, crazy in nature
I told her hey look I can no longer date ya
Tried to pimp with bank and fell short, your ship sank
Many thanks for the time and the watch and the link
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, nuff respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cuz I'm straight with the next girl
You saw my mom in the supermarket and gave her your number
You asked how's my sister then asked how's my brother
Didn't ask about my father cuz you know he ain't like ya
Every time I left for your crib yo he'd really get hyper
The advice he used to give me makes much sense now
I can't believe I used to let you break my confidence down
You used to ask me why the hell did I wanna live in Brooklyn?
You messed up my flow although you were good-lookin'
Yes darlin' was fly and this was the problem
Cuz back in the day she had me scheming and robbin'
To get her things to wear so when she went to the club
All eyes were on her and me I just bugged
Caught in between felling proud and feeling more like a sucker
Had to go undercover, get away, find another
Been in Brooklyn 9 years and been around the world too
I've seen so many fly girls and I knew just what to do
I went from ex-girl to next took my time with each one
And you know they still love me so stop jellin' me hon
Went home to see mom and I saw you at the bus stop
Must I stop? nah I think not
You and I are the past c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl & I'm out with the next girl out
The song 'Ex Girl to Next Girl' by Gang Starr is about the lead singer's experiences with an ex-girlfriend. The lyrics highlight how the singer used to be a player and heartbreaker but then fell in love with a girl who was only interested in him for his money and fame. The singer's new girlfriend is the 'next girl,' whom he is now focusing on. The song emphasizes the idea of moving on and learning from past mistakes. The singer is no longer interested in his ex-girlfriend and wishes she knew he had moved on.
The lyrics employ wordplay and clever rhymes to convey the message of the song. The notion of moving from 'ex-girl to next girl' represents growth and change. The song discusses the challenges of maintaining a relationship and learning from past experiences. The singer's past girlfriends are mentioned, but the emphasis is on moving forward and finding someone who truly understands and appreciates him for who he is.
The song is also about the struggle to find oneself in a world where people are constantly changing. The singer's journey from player to one who is willing to settle down is reflected in his change of attitude towards relationships. The song is a reminder that we all have the capacity to learn and grow from our experiences and move on to better things.
Line by Line Meaning
You know I used to be a player, fly girl layer and a heartbreaker
I used to be a ladies' man who broke hearts with ease
Lovemaker, backbreaker but then I made a
I was good at seducing women but then something happened
Mistake yes I fell in love with this ill chick
I made the mistake of falling in love with a troublesome woman
Sweatin' me for money, my name and the dilsnick
She was pressuring me for money, my reputation, and other things
My homeboys told me to drop her for it would be to my benefit
My friends advised me to break up with her for my own good
She used to say I'd better quit hanging with those derelects
She didn't like the company I kept and wanted me to stop hanging out with them
Romancing is my thing but I can't swing with no scheming hoes
I enjoy romance but I can't be involved with deceitful women
Wherever my beema goes you know that I'm driving
I'm in control of my life and destiny
Surviving in the 90's is a must so I trust
It's important to survive in this decade and I believe in myself
That everyone listen up as my vocals give thrust
I want everyone to pay attention to what I have to say because it's important
I bust my rhymes first never chasing a skirt
I put my music career first and don't chase after women
Do much work while other suckas need more time to rehearse
I work hard while others slack off
Now back to the ex-girls, ex-lovers, ex-friends
Now let's talk about my past relationships and friendships
It made me mad to find that she was only after my ends
It angered me to discover that she was only interested in my money
She phones me and goes on about her new life now
She calls me to talk about her new life, which I'm not interested in
I wish she knew right now
I wish she understood that I've moved on
I think she's busted let's discuss it
I think she's caught in her own lies and we should talk about it
When I was with her no trust, just fights
When we were together, there was no trust, only arguments
Just the he-say-she-say and the neighborhood highlights
All we did was gossip about each other and what was happening in the neighborhood
Bow I got my new girl or as I say my baby doll
Now I have a new girlfriend, who I affectionately call my 'baby doll'
But I'm still gettin' crazy calls, my ex-girl's got balls
Despite being in a new relationship, my ex-girl still calls me and is persistent
Don't wanna play the field cuz I get lovin' at home base
I don't want to date around because I'm happy in my current relationship
Don't gimme no long face just exit with a grace
Don't be upset, just leave gracefully
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, much respect girl
We had our time together, but now we have to move on. I still respect you
She had much loot liked to buy me fresh-dipped gear
She had a lot of money and liked to buy me expensive clothes
Liked to have me near cuz of my svoir faire
She liked having me around because of my charm and sophistication
The time we shared was brief cuz I needed relief
We didn't spend much time together because I needed to get away from her
From her high-classed antics and all her conceit
I didn't like her arrogant behavior and high social status
Now she's crying wolf and I like don't wanna hear that
Now she's complaining and making excuses, but I'm not interested in hearing them
I told her the bear facts when things started out
I was honest with her from the very beginning
She wines and she pouts about how I did her bad
She complains and whines about how I treated her poorly
Yo but she'd tried to buy me
But she would try to win me over with her money
Even tempt me with the hiney
She would even use sex to try and get her way
I fell for a sec cuz the clothes were real fly
I was tempted for a moment because the clothes she bought me were really cool
I could almost feel I
I could almost feel myself giving in to her demands
Would give into her whims
I would give in to her desires and wishes
Her thoughts were erratic, sporadic, crazy in nature
She had wild and unpredictable thoughts and behavior
I told her hey look I can no longer date ya
I told her that I can no longer be with her
Tried to pimp with bank and fell short, your ship sank
She tried to win me over with her money, but it didn't work and she failed
Many thanks for the time and the watch and the link
Thanks for the time we spent together, and for the gifts you gave me
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, nuff respect girl
We had our time together, but now we have to move on. I still respect you
You saw my mom in the supermarket and gave her your number
You tried to get in touch with me by approaching my mother in a public place
You asked how's my sister then asked how's my brother
You inquired about my family members to get on my good side
Didn't ask about my father cuz you know he ain't like ya
You intentionally left out asking about my father because you knew he didn't like you
Every time I left for your crib yo he'd really get hyper
Every time I went to your house, my father would get angry and upset
The advice he used to give me makes much sense now
Now I understand and appreciate the advice my father gave me about you
I can't believe I used to let you break my confidence down
I can't believe I allowed you to destroy my self-esteem
You used to ask me why the hell did I wanna live in Brooklyn?
You questioned why I chose to live in Brooklyn, which annoyed me
You messed up my flow although you were good-lookin'
You disturbed my life and plans, even though you were attractive
Yes darlin' was fly and this was the problem
You were beautiful and attractive, but this caused problems
Cuz back in the day she had me scheming and robbin'
In the past, you made me scheme and do illegal things for you
To get her things to wear so when she went to the club
I had to get you expensive clothing so you would look good at the club
All eyes were on her and me I just bugged
All attention was on you, and I felt anxious and uncomfortable
Caught in between felling proud and feeling more like a sucker
I was conflicted between feeling proud of having such a beautiful girlfriend and feeling foolish for the things I did for her
Had to go undercover, get away, find another
I had to distance myself from you and find a new girlfriend
Been in Brooklyn 9 years and been around the world too
I've lived in Brooklyn for 9 years and have traveled the world as well
I've seen so many fly girls and I knew just what to do
Because of my experience, I know how to attract and handle beautiful women
I went from ex-girl to next took my time with each one
I moved on from my ex-girlfriends and took my time finding a new girlfriend
And you know they still love me so stop jellin' me hon
My ex-girlfriends still have feelings for me, so don't be jealous
Went home to see mom and I saw you at the bus stop
I went to see my mother and ran into you at the bus stop
Must I stop? nah I think not
I don't want to stop and talk to you
You and I are the past c'est la vie, much respect girl
We had our time together, but now we have to move on. I still respect you
But now you're my ex-girl & I'm out with the next girl out
You're now my ex-girlfriend, and I'm moving on with my new girlfriend
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Keith Elam, Ceasar Frazier, Christopher E Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You know I used to be a player, fly girl layer and a heartbreaker
Lovemaker, backbreaker but then I made a
Mistake yes I fell in love with this ill chick
Sweating me for money, my name and the dilsnick
My homeboys told me drop her cause it would be to my benefit
She used to say I'd better quit hanging with those derelicts
Romancing is my thing but I can't swing with no scheming hoes
Wherever my Beamer goes you know that I'm driving
Surviving in the 90's is a must so I trust
That everyone listen up as my vocals give thrust
I bust my rhymes first never chasing a skirt
Do much work while other suckas need more time to rehearse
Now back to the ex-girls, ex-lovers, ex-friends
It made me mad to find that she was only after my ends
She phones me and goes on about her new life now
I wish she knew right now
I think she's busted let's discuss it
When I was with her no trust, just fights
Just the he-say-she-say and the neighborhood highlights
Now I got my new girl or as I say my baby doll
But I'm still getting crazy calls, my ex-girl's got balls
Don't wanna play the field cause I get loving at home base
Don't gimme no long face just exit with grace
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cause I'm on with the next girl
[Hook]
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
[Verse 2]
She had much loot, liked to buy me fresh-dipped gear
Liked to have me near cause of my savoir faire
The time we shared was brief cause I needed relief
From her high-classed antics and all her conceit
Now she's crying wolf and I like don't wanna hear that
I told her the bear facts when things started out
She whines and she pouts about how I did her bad, yo
But she tried to buy me
Even tempt me with the hiney
I fell for a sec cause the clothes were real fly
I could almost feel I
Would give into her whims
Her thoughts were erratic, sporadic, crazy in nature
I told her hey look yo, I can no longer date ya
Tried to pimp with bank and fell short, your ship sank
Many thanks for the time and the watch and the link
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, nuff respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cause I'm straight with the next girl
[Hook]
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
So good
[Verse 3]
You saw my moms in the supermarket and gave her your number
You asked her how's my sister then asked her how's my brother
Didn't ask about my father cause you know he ain't like ya
Every time I left for your crib he'd really get hyper
The advice he used to give me makes much sense now
I can't believe I used to let you break my confidence down
You used to ask me why the hell did I wanna live in Brooklyn?
You messed up my flow although you were good-looking
Yes darling was fly and this was the problem
Cause back in the day she had me scheming and robbing
To get her things to wear so when she went to the club
All eyes were on her and who, me? I just bugged
Caught in between feeling proud and feeling more like a sucker
Had to go undercover, get away, and find another
Been in Brooklyn 9 years and been around the world, too
I've seen so many fly girls and I knew just what to do
I went from ex- to next took my time with each one
And you know they still love me so stop jelling me hon
I went home to see moms and I saw you at the bus stop
Must I stop? Nah, I think not
You and I are the past c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl & I'm out with the next girl
Out...
[Hook]
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
Next
Cause girls look so good
@pleasure.93
[Verse 1]
You know I used to be a player, fly girl layer and a heartbreaker
Lovemaker, backbreaker but then I made a
Mistake yes I fell in love with this ill chick
Sweatin' me for money, my name and the dilsnick
My homeboys told me drop her cuz it would be to my benefit
She used to say I'd better quit hanging with those derelicts
Romancing is my thing but I can't swing with no scheming hoes
Wherever my Beemer goes you know that I'm driving
Surviving in the 90's is a must so I trust
That everyone listen up as my vocals give thrust
I bust my rhymes first never chasing a skirt
Do much work while other suckas need more time to rehearse
Now back to the ex-girls, ex-lovers, ex-friends
It made me mad to find that she was only after my ends
She phones me and goes on about her new life now
I wish she knew right now
I think she's busted let's discuss it
When I was with her no trust, just fights
Just the he-say-she-say and the neighborhood highlights
Now I got my new girl or as I say my baby doll
But I'm still gettin' crazy calls, my ex-girl's got balls
Don't wanna play the field cuz I get lovin' at home base
Don't gimme no long face just exit with grace
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cuz I'm on with the next girl
[Hook]
(Sample x6) Cuz girls look so good
Next x5
[Verse 2]
She had much loot, liked to buy me fresh-dipped gear
Liked to have me near cuz of my savoir faire
The time we shared was brief cuz I needed relief
From her high-classed antics and all her conceit
Now she's crying wolf and I like don't wanna hear that
I told her the bear facts when things started out
She whines and she pouts about how I did her bad, yo
But she tried to buy me
Even tempt me with the hiney
I fell for a sec cuz the clothes were real fly
I could almost feel I
Would give into her whims
Her thoughts were erratic, sporadic, crazy in nature
I told her hey look yo, I can no longer date ya
Tried to pimp with bank and fell short, your ship sank
Many thanks for the time and the watch and the link
You and I are the past, c'est la vie, nuff respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl cuz I'm straight with the next girl
[Hook]
(Sample x4) Cuz girls look so good
Next x3
[Verse 3]
You saw my moms in the supermarket and gave her your number
You asked her how's my sister then asked her how's my brother
Didn't ask about my father cuz you know he ain't like ya
Every time I left for your crib he'd really get hyper
The advice he used to give me makes much sense now
I can't believe I used to let you break my confidence down
You used to ask me why the hell did I wanna live in Brooklyn?
You messed up my flow although you were good-lookin'
Yes darling was fly and this was the problem
Cuz back in the day she had me scheming and robbin'
To get her things to wear so when she went to the club
All eyes were on her and who, me? I just bugged
Caught in between feeling proud and feeling more like a sucker
Had to go undercover, get away, and find another
Been in Brooklyn 9 years and been around the world, too
I've seen so many fly girls and I knew just what to do
I went from ex- to next took my time with each one
And you know they still love me so stop jellin' me hon
I went home to see moms and I saw you at the bus stop
Must I stop? Nah, I think not
You and I are the past c'est la vie, much respect girl
But now you're my ex-girl & I'm out with the next girl
Out...
[Hook x5]
@TayTayMakesBeats
An uplifting storyteller, poet and teacher that tells it how it is without coming off corny. For his simple but powerful pen game and endless wisdom he truly was and forever will be hip hop's Guru.
@dannyjones3840
Who's still singing along 28 years later??!!
@EsauistheCaucasian
I AM!!!
@kevinscott59
Me
@BigNorth937
29 years
@Mars33333
Fly time .
@shorterrecording
30
@MitukiYT
31 years later and this song is still relevant
@bayareanewman1566
“I can’t believe you used to let me break my confidence down”…….. this line literally helped me avoid suicide!!!!!! I thought about it so much. This song is the reason I’m alive today! Primo and Guru (RIP) THAN YPU YOU SAVED MY LIFE!!! And I’m not joking!!!
@brycecary
This is straight up one of the all time greatest hip hop tracks ever ... absolutely no doubts about it