Gang Starr

Released: January 15, 1991

Songwriter: DJ Premier Guru

Producer: Guru DJ Premier

[Verse 1: Guru]
My subject matter and context are blessed
Vocal inflection connects, it's a slugfest
Ladies approach to hear quotes from the spokesman
Thoughts are like oceans for my lyrics to float in
I'm absolutely astute so salute
You try to be cute, and you get tossed like a crap shoot
Don't misinterpret or slander
Just get with the words and the way I command ya
'Cause you're in the right place, and luckily it's the right time
And since I'm inclined, I'll kick precisely the right rhymes

(Premier cuts and scratches "to kick the right rhyme")

[Verse 2: Guru]
Listen, listen, listen, I'll tell ya
My rhymes are like shelter, or rather like an umbrella
Protecting you from the weak stuff you heard from those creampuffs
About the schemes that they dreamed of
About the way they slayed this one or that one
But won't step to me, 'cause they know the last one
Who tried to match the panache of the Guru
Received a curse that was much worse than voodoo
'Cause the effect of my voice is immense
It would make more sense if suckers hide in the basement
But yo I don't look for hassles, my rhymes are like castles
I got much flavor and class too
I know you've notice I'm a writer of hype lines
Because I'm inclined to kick precisely the right rhymes

(Premier cuts and scratches "to kick the right rhyme")

[Verse 3: Guru]
Precisely the right rhymes, simplistic but packed
With power and punch, and yo you might wanna step back
But stay close as your host serves hors d'oeuvres
Satisfying your cravings, and calming your nerves
See I have an interest in giving you more than the next man
'Cause my style is pure and
If you are sane and remain in your right mind
You'll see I'm inclined to kick precisely the right rhymes

(Premier cuts and scratches "to kick the right rhyme")

Gang Starr is the formidable hip-hop duo of MC Guru and producer DJ Premier.

The group was originally founded by two childhood friends, Big Shug and Guru, in Atlanta; coming up with the logo design and name of the group. Big Shug and Guru got separated when Shug got imprisoned and Guru moved to New York where he met Dj Premier.

While DJ Premier is from Texas and the monotone Guru is from Boston, they came together in Brooklyn, New York, and helped define the sound of East Coast hip-hop in the 1990s with their jazzy production on singles such as “Words I Manifest” and “Jazz Thing,” as well as their harder boom bap singles like “Just to Get a Rep” and “Take it Personal.”

more tracks from the album

Step in the Arena

From the album

Step in the Arena (1991)

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Precisely the Right RhymesGang Starr

Gang Starr

Step in the Arena