gang starr videography « Slang Rap Democracy

Guru + Gang Starr Videos: All Of Them

Guru of Gang Starr passed away yesterday. So did part of my childhood.

Gang Starr, along with sizable doses of Native Tongue, BDP and Juice Crew music, was my perpetual soundtrack ever since I first peeped the visual for “Words I Manifest” on Video Music Box. There was no better and dependable place to go for that good ol’ NYC boom bap (even if Guru was from Boston and Premier is from Texas) than a Gang Starr record.

With that in mind, here is every Gang Starr, and Guru, video in chronological order. Pretty sure the good Dart Adams has this covered already, but so be it.

It’s a shame but Jadakiss was right; dead rappers get better promotion. Even GQ notes that he was “underrated.” It’s too bad that only after his death will Guru really get the credit that he is due. RIP Guru.

Gang Starr No More Mr. Nice Guy (Wild Pitch, 1989)

“Words I Manifest”

“Positivity”

“Jazz Thing” – the video version appears on the Mo Better Blues Soundtrack (1991)

Step in the Arena (Chrysalis/EMI, 1991)

“Just To Get a Rep” – the video was directed by Fab 5 Freddy. people felt a ways when they copped the album and realized the video version had an extra verse.

“Who’s Gonna Take the Weight?” – this was “Just to Get a Rep’s” b-side.

“Love Sick”

“Step in the Arena” – See homie with the chain on his neck (no “Just to Get a Rep”) and bald head? That would be Melachi the Nutcracker.

Gang Starr Daily Operation (Chrysalis/EMI, 1992)

“Take It Personal” – “Rap is an art you can’t own no loops, it’s how you hook em up and the rhyme style troop.” = a Hip-Hop mantra.

“D.W.Y.C.K.” – this rocked the summer of 1992 and was “Take It Personal’s” b-side. It wouldn’t appear on an album until ’94’s Daily Operation.

“Ex Girl to the Next Girl”

“Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot)” – this gem is from the Trespass Soundrack (1993).

Guru Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 (Chrysalis/EMI, 1993)

“Trust Me” f/ N’Dea Davenport

“Loungin'” f/ Donald Byrd – recognize, Donald Byrd has BEATS.

“Le Bien, Le Mal” – that would be featuring MC Solaar. not the guy who calls himself superproducer with no hits to his name.

“No Time To Play”

Gang Starr Hard to Earn (Chrysalis/EMI, 1994)

“Code of the Streets”

“Mass Appeal” – Premier is cutting up “Pass the Mic” by Da Youngstaz, in case you didn’t know.

“Suckas Need Bodyguards”

Guru Jazzmatazz, Vol 2: The New Reality (Chrysalis/EMI, 1994)

“What What You Say” f/ Chaka Khan

“Lifesaver”

Gang Starr Moment of Truth (Noo Trybe/Virgin/EMI, 1998)

“Royalty” f/ K-Ci & JoJo – the record everyone looked at on paper and said “WTF” but still sounds great.

“You Know My Steez”

“Militia” f/ Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx

Gang Starr Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr (No Trybe/Virgin/EMI, 1999)

“Full Clip”

“Discipline” f/ Total

Guru Jazzmataz, Vol. 3: Street Soul (Virgin, 2000)

“Keep Your Worries” f/ Angie Stone – that’s DJ Scratch in the video. Also, my fav track on this album was “Certified” featuring Bilal and produced by Jay Dee/J. Dilla.