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
Oh the joys of traveling. I speak of incredibly long drives, occasionally terrible food, and the inspiration of finding new locales that feel like home. In this case, on this tour, I’ve been most impressed by New Orleans. Out of the 28 cities that we’ve passed thru, the jewel by the bayou is the one that has really stood out for me. This was my first visit back since Katrina, and I was more fascinated than surprised by what I encountered. Bourbon Street was still the same, drunken revelry at every turn. Yet, it seemed like the rest of the city was under reconstruction. There are vacant buildings and for sale signs everywhere, and the inevitable decay of the 18th French architecture is prevalent. At the same time, people bustle to and fro, intoxicated by the fragrant aroma of the New Orleans lifestyle. Being one of the oldest cities in the US, it is apparent that the roots run deep. It stands alone as a symbol of the trials and tribulations of African Americans, and the history of the states in general. I could feel the presence of the Spanish and French colonizers there. Although, I’m sure it will never be the same as it was before Katrina, there are still horn lines and delightful cuisine in the hearts of those strong enough to persist on thru the hard times. Hats off to the people of the New Orleans. For the record, I’m glad the Saints won, they deserved that, at the very least.
1. Soul Rebel Dub- the Wailers
2. 24 Hour Karate School- Mos Def
3. Designer Music-Self Scientific
4. Paisley Darts-Avenging Eagles
5. Drummer- Avenging Eagles
6. All My- Lee Bannon
7. B is for B.O.B.-B.O.B.
8. Transformations-Jay Electronica
9. Sorrow, Tears, & Blood-Fela Kuti
10. Any Dub You Like-Buju Banton & Wayne Wonder
11. Young Gunz-Million Stylez & Joey Fever
12. Can’t Stop Me Now-Pretty Lights
13. Down the Line-Alix Perez
14. Skydiving-Twizzle (SRC Remix)
15. Moonraker skit-JahDan
16. Some Supafly Ish-Opio ft Del & Guilty Simpson
17. Harlem Streets- Immortal Technique
18. Nautilus- Bob James
Respect all massive and crew! I’m doin’ it movin, literally this week , as I broadcast straight from the van heading south towards NYC. There is something acutely surreal about touring and recording at the same time. While cars and trucks rush by, I capture bits and pieces of reality as they whirl past. It’s almost as if it’s a metaphor for the constant gush of information in this day and age. With so much media available, how does one sift thru and pick what they want to allow into their range of perception? For some, it is a choice, for others it is simply succumbing to the incessant barrage of programming shoved down our throats. As for myself, I have chosen to be quite snobby about what I allow into my mind, conscious and otherwise. I realize that whatever the mind views, it perceives as reality. That includes commercials, horror movies, reality shows, whatever he receives. This is exactly the same reason why the imagination is so powerful. If you can imagine something over and over again in your mind, you begin to charge your behavior with that imagery, and draw it closer to yourself subconsciously. With that said, strive to be aware of what types of energy that you allow into your mind. Ask yourself if this is the type of thing you want to experience. Don’t be passive, make an active choice about the energy that is created in and thru you. Shouts out to J Dilla (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006) & Bob Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981). In celebration of our great ancestors..Church..
Playlist:
1. Take Notice- J Dilla
2. Mr. Brown- Bob Marley
3. Victory- DJ Khaled ft Nas & John Legend
4. Zone Out- Jeff Chery
5. The Edge-the Burnerz
6. Ladies- Megaphone ft Zumbi
7. Nuthin Like This- J Dilla
8. Window Seat- Erykah Badu
9. I.T.T.-Fela Kuti
10. Wickidness-Mungo’s Hi Fi ft Brother Culture
11. Here I Come- Barrington Levy
This show went off!!! The photos speak for themselves..enjoy!! The house was packed and thick clouds of smoke were wafting thru the air. Shouts out to Rebelution and Soja..who crushed the stage, as usual!
Live from the road, one mo ‘gin! Wow…this tour has been cracking the whole time. Literally, we’ve had 13 shows and only one hasn’t been sold out. Niceness. I’ve always been about message music, but seeing the effect that this tour is having on people has helped me to further realize the true strength of good music. People have been leaving every night feeling uplifted and stronger than when the first came in. It’s a blessing to be able to touch people’s lives this way. With so much turmoil in the world, it’s amazing how much effect something simple like a song can have on one’s psyche. Music has always been my chosen mode of medication. I used to play certain songs to hype me up to play hoop or soccer, and I’d play other joints to soothe the pain of an argument with my girl. It’s all encompassing, universal, and addictive. Give thanks for the power of vibration, for through it, we are all created. Be aware of the vibrations you create, for they will echo back to you eventually. Enjoy the show…spread love.
Playlist:
1. Fly Like an Eagle-Steve Miller
2. Ride-Nappy Roots
3. As We Enter-Nas & Damian Marley
4. CaliWay- Vinroc ft J Billion, Spank Pops & 1-O.A.K.
5. Drivin’-BangData
6. Strength- N’neka & J Period
7. Return of the Super Age- Lee Skratch Perry
8. Untitled- Elzhi
9. I’ll Be There-the Jacksons
10. Cash Flow- Jah Dan
11. Tighten Up- James Brown
12. Intro- ATCQ ft Mos Def
13. Bitch Ass Trick-Starkillers
14. Skin- Sade
15. We People Who Are Darker than Blue- Curtis Mayfield
16. My Room is White Remix- Flying Lotus
Wow…this tour has been ill!! After nearly 10 years of touring, this is definitely the most successful one that we’ve been on thus far. What a blessing! We’ve done shows up and down the west coast, 9 thus far, and all have been sold out. It’s such a pleasure to rock with humble souls spreading good energy and intention every night. I suppose this is the type of thing that the world needs in this moment. Enough really can’t be said about emphasizing the “brighter side of life” as stated by Rebelution. I’m with that, totally and completely. Peep the movements and stay up with us as we spread love.
Hail up all massive! Today’s show is focused on reggae music. Since we’re currently on tour with ragga champions Rebelution & Soja, I was in the mood to honor the vibes. I didn’t get a chance to upload their music yet, but that’s coming very soon. The tour has been incredible thus far. Every show has been sold out thus far, 8 in a row. This is definitely the largest tour that we’ve ever been on. Give thanks! With so much chaos in the world, it feels good to be around some calming, introspective musicians and music. Each night the vibe is extraordinarily mellow and chill. Niceness. Thus, I wanted to share some of that laid back cool with y’all. So, sit back and be easy, this one is for the mind. In addition to this, Zion I is also offering 5 free songs to our fans. Simply send a text message to 50500, and write Zioni. You will receive a link by which to download the songs. Guidance and protection family…stay tuned to the Science. Bless!
Playlist:
1. Crazy Baldheads- King Tubby
2. All Day & All Night- Bob Marley
3. There For U- Damian Marley
4. Yi Mas Gan- the Abyssinians
5. Smoke of Marijuana- Jah Cure
6. El Son Reggae- Les Nubians
7. Natty Congo- King Tubby
8. Lively Up Yourself-Bob Marley
9. Black Woman & Child- Sizzla
10. Pass the Dutchie- Musical Youth
11. Come Around- Collie Buddz
12. Youths Are So Cold- Richie Spice
13. It Was Written- Damian Marley
14. Watch Ur Friends-Jah Vinci
15. Head Cyann Hot So- Prodigal Son
16. So Special- Mavado
17. Playing Games- Serani
18. Love iz Wicked- Brick & Lace
19. Daylight Dub- King Tubby
20. Abondico- the Abyssinians
