Gang Starr Returns With "One Of The Best Yet," Their First Album In 16 Years

BY Erika Marie 7.5K Views
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Long live Guru.

It's been quite a while since legendary hip hop duo Gang Starr released an album. Many fans were reserved with never hearing new music from the pair again, especially after famed member Guru passed away following a battle with cancer. Guru and his Gang Starr partner DJ Premier weren't speaking up until the time of the 48-year-old's death, but the pair were able to put any animosity behind them in the rapper's last days.

"I just looked at him: This should not be you," Premier told The New York Times. In those final moments, he made a promise to his friend: "I love you, man. Anything happens to you, I’ll make sure your family’s good. I’ll never let you down. We’re Gang Starr forever." After years of battling it out in court in an attempt to get a new Gang Starr record to the masses, on Friday the world received One of the Best Yet. The album includes features from Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, J. Cole, Royce Da 5'9", Ne-Yo, Jeru the Damaja, Nitty Scott, M.O.P., Group Home, Freddie Foxx, and Big Shug. Hip Hop Heads will enjoy this one, so give it a few listens and let us know what you think.

Tracklist

1. The Sure Shot (Intro)
2. Lights Out ft. M.O.P.
3. Bad Name
4. Hit Man ft. Q-Tip
5. What's Real ft. Group Home & Royce da 5'9"
6. Keith Casim Elam (Interlude)
7. From a Distance ft. Jeru the Damaja
8. Family & Loyalty ft. J. Cole
9. Get Together ft. Ne-Yo & Nitty Scott
10. NYGz/GS 183rd (Interlude)
11. So Many Rappers
12. Business or Art ft. Talib Kweli
13. Bring It Here
14. One of the Best Yet (Big Shug Interlude)
15. Take Flight (Militia, Pt. 4) feat. Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx
16. Bless the Mic


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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