Iconic hip-hop outfit Gang Starr are gearing up to release a new record for the first time in 16 years, close to a decade after the passing of founding member, Guru.
Throughout the ’90s, one of the most iconic and influential hip-hop groups on the scene was no other than Gang Starr.
Formed by Guru back in the mid ’80s, the incarnation of Gang Starr that we all know didn’t come into effect until 1989 when Guru teamed up with DJ Premier and released their debut album.
Before long, Gang Starr were releasing numerous records, with 1991’s single ‘Lovesick’ going on to become one of their best-known tracks. However, despite being one of the most iconic MC and producer duos on the scene, the pair would eventually split in 2003.
Sadly, Guru would pass away in 2010, with DJ Premier later hinting to fans that a new record could still one day be on the way. This news seemed to have some truth to it when ‘Family And Loyalty’ – a track featuring vocals from both Guru and J. Cole – was released just last month.
Now 16 years after the release of The Ownerz, a new record from Gang Starr is set to be released in a matter of days.
Check out Gang Starr’s ‘Family And Loyalty:
As Pitchfork notes, DJ Premier recently announced that One Of The Best Yet would be released on November 1st, and would feature the likes of Q-Tip, Royce Da 5’9″, Ne-Yo, and Talib Kweli to name a few, in addition to the previously-released tune with J. Cole.
“I never lost faith, or wavered,” DJ Premier explained about the notion of Gang Starr releasing a new record. “I still felt it inside of me, it just happened to be nine years [after Guru’s passing].”
Having started production of the record back in 2017, DJ Premier revealed that the ashes of his late bandmate took pride of place atop the production console, overlooking the whole process in spirit.
One Of The Best Yet is set to be released on November 1st. Check out the latest single, ‘Bad Name’, below.
Check out ‘Bad Name’ by Gang Starr:
