Gang Starr

Gang Starr was an influential American hip hop duo, composed of Guru (Backronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, real name Keith Elam) hailing from Boston, Massachusetts and DJ Premier (real name Chri

Gang Starr was an influential American hip hop duo, composed of Guru (Backronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, real name Keith Elam) hailing from Boston, Massachusetts and DJ Premier (real name Chris Martin) hailing from Houston, Texas. They were based in Brooklyn, New York and epitomize the New York City hip-hop sound. The entirety of Gang Starr's catalog, especially Step in the Arena (1991, 1991 in music) and Daily Operation (1992, 1992 in music), are well-respected among critics and hip-hop heads alike (save, perhaps their most recent effort, The Ownerz). Their track "Jazz Thang", featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's film "Mo Better Blues", helped establish the sound of jazz rap.

The group was founded in 1987 with Guru, DJ 1,2 B Down, Mike Dee and various producers, such as Donald D (or Dee), 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 released the single "Words I Manifest" and went on working together as a group for six albums, a "best of" or "greatest hits" compilation and numerous singles.