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.
Wörk
Gang Starr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh
(Boy, what is it you want to do when you grow up?)
Ayo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
Now I'ma start collectin' props, connectin' plots
Networkin' like a conference, 'cause the nonsense is yet to stop
Jakes shake me down, haters wanna take me down
Break me down, clap all they heard was the sound
Yo I scoped it out, I took your weak dream and choked it out
Your bitch don't really got no ass, she just poked it out
On the d-low, I'm sayin', you versus me yo
We can do this shit right here, in front of your people
See time is money kid, and BS walks
And to me, it's funny kid when you meat heads talk
I see Feds stalk, they wanna dig up the dirt son
Is it me they hawk, 'cause I be puttin' in work, son?
gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
You cornballs get stonewalled, blackballed, I own y'all
The veteran, runnin' my plan I'm the better man
Crazy raw, doin' my job like the mob
Blazin' y'all, and disappearin' in the fog
Or a mist, and chicks can't resist what I kick
They be beggin' for attention or some more of the dillznick
Word up baby, someone may have to get hurt up baby
Shit is mad shady, but I got to get the gravy
Platinum respect like the force of a TEC
Keep you hittin' the deck, feelin' heat in your chest
Bangin' your thoughts with the hot onslaught
A kid got shot on the spot for goin' where he should not
Viciously, I make history, instantly
Those other lame ass loser ass niggas, they can't fuck with me
I'm doin' my thing now, to lamp later on
Paid in the shade, with some fly gators on
But now I'm grimy as they get, mud on my pants and shirt
I bet you niggas out here know, I be puttin' in work
I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(For the qualified pros, in this business of rap)
(Are you working? What kind of work do you do?)
(Boy, what is it you want to do when you grow up?)
The song "Work" by Gang Starr is a reflection on the hard work and dedication that is necessary to succeed in the rap industry. The lyrics portray the need to constantly put in work and grind to achieve success. The rapper talks about his aspirations to reach the top, how he has been patiently waiting for his moment, and how he has been putting in work to elevate his status. He highlights the importance of networking and connects with other artists as a means of enhancing his career. The rapper also reflects on the challenges and obstacles he has faced in the industry, including being targeted by haters and police surveillance, but he remains undeterred and committed to his craft.
The song is noted for its clever wordplay and metaphors, as well as its hard-hitting beats that create a sense of urgency and determination. It is considered a classic in the rap genre and a true representation of the golden era of hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Ayo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see
I have big dreams of making it in the rap game
Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly
I am confident that I will succeed against all odds
I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake
I am waiting for my competition to slip up so I can surpass them
I put in work, and watch my status escalate
I work hard to improve my skills and increase my level of success
Now I'ma start collectin' props, connectin' plots
I will network and gain recognition for my talent and hard work
Networkin' like a conference, 'cause the nonsense is yet to stop
I will continue networking to avoid the pitfalls and drama in the industry
Jakes shake me down, haters wanna take me down
The police and my enemies are trying to bring me down
Break me down, clap all they heard was the sound
But I won't let them break me and will only get stronger
Yo I scoped it out, I took your weak dream and choked it out
I am ruthless in taking out my competition and proving myself
Your bitch don't really got no ass, she just poked it out
I am unafraid to call out fake women and false bravado in the game
On the d-low, I'm sayin', you versus me yo
I challenge anyone to compete with me and prove themselves
We can do this shit right here, in front of your people
I am willing to battle anyone, anywhere, anytime
See time is money kid, and BS walks
I value my time and will not waste it on nonsense
And to me, it's funny kid when you meat heads talk
I find it amusing when fools talk without backing it up
I see Feds stalk, they wanna dig up the dirt son
I'm aware that the government is watching me and trying to find something on me
Is it me they hawk, 'cause I be puttin' in work, son?
But I'm not afraid of them because I work hard and have nothing to hide
You cornballs get stonewalled, blackballed, I own y'all
I am in control and have power over my detractors
The veteran, runnin' my plan I'm the better man
I am experienced and have a solid plan for success, making me superior to others
Crazy raw, doin' my job like the mob
I am ruthless and committed to my goals like a mafia boss
Blazin' y'all, and disappearin' in the fog
I am a force to be reckoned with and will disappear without a trace
Or a mist, and chicks can't resist what I kick
My rhymes are irresistible to women, and they can't get enough
They be beggin' for attention or some more of the dillznick
They want more of my attention and charisma
Word up baby, someone may have to get hurt up baby
I am not afraid to get violent to protect my reputation
Shit is mad shady, but I got to get the gravy
The game is corrupt, but I still need to make money and succeed
Platinum respect like the force of a TEC
I demand respect and have the power to back it up like a gun
Keep you hittin' the deck, feelin' heat in your chest
My rhymes hit hard and make my competition feel intimidated
Bangin' your thoughts with the hot onslaught
I am assaulting my competition with my powerful rhymes and words
A kid got shot on the spot for goin' where he should not
I am warning others that the game can be dangerous, and going too far can get you hurt
Viciously, I make history, instantly
My impact on the game is immediate and transformative
Those other lame ass loser ass niggas, they can't fuck with me
My competition is no match for me and my skill
I'm doin' my thing now, to lamp later on
I am working hard now to enjoy the fruits of my labor later
Paid in the shade, with some fly gators on
I am successful and enjoying the fruits of my labor in style
But now I'm grimy as they get, mud on my pants and shirt
But I don't forget my roots and am willing to get my hands dirty to succeed
I bet you niggas out here know, I be puttin' in work
Others know I work hard and am committed to success
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Keith Elam, Christopher Martin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BookersJourney
Greatest combo ever, Guru's flow and Premo's beats. In my opinion it's untouchable.
@jessicabremer9735
Yezzzirrr.
@rbenitez88
maaannnnn, a beauty
@BookersJourney
yea theyve always been prominent in my music library and in helping pioneer my love for hiphop. I hear what youre saying about dre/pac, pac is probably my favourite rapper of all time. we only have suge knight to blame.
EDIT: Kendrick just officially reached 2pac and Biggie as g.o.a.t
itd been coming, DAMN. just solidified it for me.
RADARZ IS BUZZIN
@temujinmixon8118
Quej Nindler ......4sho....no doubt...
@Packers786
until you add big l
@Voltmx45
Moment of Truth is EASILY one of the best hip-hop albums ever. Gang Starr at its best.
@simeon6381
Yo! I was about 16-17 when i heard this greatest gangstarr song ever!!! R.I.P GURU
@VBEUD
🕊🍃💫
@bertsanchez6668
Damn this takes me back. Miss the old school