Science of Breath #37: Guru R.I.P.

Science of Breath

Broadcastin’ live from the beautiful island of Hawaii this week, I’ve been soaking up the mellow vibes of the ocean and recording a grip of music. We’re out here recording music for the new Zion I & the Grouch album, which will be out in February. It’s always interesting to travel and then record in a new locale, because the new location inevitably brings about new feelings and expressions. Add that to the fact that we were on Maui for most of our stay, which is extremely chill compared to the hustle mode of the Bay. I’ve been having a grand ol’ time of getting acquainted with nature, and having the chance to listen to my thoughts without outside interruption. Needless to say, it’s been a much needed respite.
This week, I had to dedicate half of the show to Guru of Gang Starr, who finally succumbed to what they are calling cancer last week. Unfortunately, the drama has yet to cease, as his “partner” (?), Solar produced a scathing letter supposedly written by Guru on his deathbed which basically dissed DJ Premier and completely downplayed the Gang Starr legacy. It feels like this guy Solar wrote the letter, which is wack as hell. Why would anyone do such a thing? Weird. To add to that, Sway interviewed him and questioned him about the whole situation with Guru, and Solar came off very defensive and nervous. The dude just seems like he’s lying. Why, I don’t know. It’s sad that such a legend had to leave with an ackward departure. Regardless, of his attempts, Solar could never throw shade on the Gang Starr name. R.I.P. Guru, you live on thru music and memory.

1. Destroy & Rebuild-Nas
2. I’m Beaming-Lupe Fiasco
3. Africa Must Wake-Damian Marley & Nas ft K’naan
4. Friends-Damian Marley & Nas
5. Maybach Music-Jay Z
6. Born Free- M.I.A.
7. Flyest-Nas
8. Dwyck-Gang Starr ft Nice & Smooth
9. New York Straight Talk-Gang Starr
10.Mass Appeal-Gang Starr
11. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
12.The Place Where We Dwell-Gang Starr
13.Brainstormin’-Gang Starr
14.Code of the Streets- Gang Starr
15.the Militia-Gang Starr

Science of Breath #30: Gang Starr Edition!!

Science of Breath

Science of Breath #30: Gang Starr Edition

There are some musical legends that are of monumental influence, yet still manage to fly under the radar of commercial popularity. Throughout the late 80’s and 90’s Gang Starr was a staple of Hip Hop culture. With Guru on the mic, and DJ Premier commanding the boards like a titan, the crew blazed trails of authentic street music for over 15 years. Yet, somehow in this day and age , they are often left out of conversations regarding Hip Hop’s illest crews. In my humble opinion, anyone who doesn’t recognize Gang Starr is not a true head.
Last weekend, Guru had a cardiac arrest and as a result fell into a coma. Twitter lit up almost instantaneously with updates and prayers for the suffering legend. Many of us began dropping quotes, song titles, and other Gang Starr trivia as a way to remind ourselves of the crew’s true greatness. It felt good. I hadn’t thought about some of these songs for over 10 years. It was then that I decided to dedicate the show to the crew, in the hope that the positive energy would aid in Guru’s recovery. Indeed, prayer is powerful and thoughts are things. This is a quick overview of one of the most prodigious groups that Hip Hop has ever known. Sit back, burn one and enjoy…Gang Starr y’all. The Real. Hip Hop.

1. 24-7-365-Gang Starr
2. Curtains- Little Brother
3. Criminology 2.5- Meth, Rae & Ghost
4. Lizz-Raekwon
5. Premo- Gang Starr
6. Soliloquy of Chaos-Gang Starr
7. Code of the Streets-Gang Starr
8. Manifest- Gang Starr
9. Take 2 and Pass-Gang Starr
10. Suckas Need Bodyguards-Gang Starr
11. Premo-Gang Starr
12. The Planet- Gang Starr
13. Royalty-Gang Starr
14. Mostly the Voice-Gang Starr
15. You Know My Steez-Gang Starr
16. DJ Premier is in Deep Concentration-Gang Starr
17. Above the Clouds-Gang Starr ft. Inspektah Deck
18. I’m the Man-Gang Starr ft. Lil Dap & Jeru
19. Moment of Truth-Gang Starr

Guru of the legendary rap group Gang Starr is presently in a coma as a result of complications from experiencing cardiac arrest over the weekend. My prayers go out to the brother, sending light and guidance that God will pull him thru this tumultuous time. The first time I heard Gang Starr was when they dropped “Manifest”. DJ Premier flipped Charlie Parker’s “Night in Tunisia”, and Guru dropped knowledge with calm precision, after that song, I was hooked. The crew was one of the first to soulfully fuse jazz and hip hop with a perfect balance of booming melodics. Having released 8 LP’s, they are sure to go down in the hall of fame. Please spread the word, and send good energy to the bredren that he may pull thru this challenge successfully. Give thanks…peace…