Moment of Truth: Gangstarr

It has been 11 years since the fallout of the rap duo Gangstarr, and only seven since the death of Guru, the lead MC of the group, who went into cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer. Despite this tragedy, the music of Guru and Gangstarr has continued to grow in popularity with serious rap fans, to the point that the music will now live on forever— especially the smooth beats, tight lyrics, and more profound message portrayed in the brilliant classic, 'Moment of Truth.'

The album was produced in 1998, by Noo Trybe and Virgin records. Noo Trybe Records was relatively new on the scene, having made a name for themselves four years before the album was produced. 'Moment of Truth' was perceived by many as a “comeback” for Gangstarr after rapper Guru, and producer DJ Premier took a lengthy four-year break to pursue their solo careers. They reunited to create the album and went on to record four others before Guru’s death. 'Moment of Truth' was a turning point and the record that re-established their credibility as one of the "real" rap groups in the game. Nas, who is arguably one of the greatest and most respected rappers of all time, called Guru “a vanguard of rap.” Numerous others, like Talib Kweli and Q-tip, said that Gangstarr “had one of the most distinctive sounds in music,” and that “their music was the soundtrack to me falling in love with Hip Hop.”

So when I finally heard the album, at the age of 12, it came as no surprise that these guys were gritty, relatable, and obviously different from the likes of Enrique Iglesias and Gangnam Style, who were the popular choice to listen to at the time. All 20 songs on the album, although having the classic jazz-inspired and laid-back feel, are also different in their own way, and as a whole, unlike any previous record, Gangstarr had ever made. The songs are more emotional, raw, lyrically more advanced with the use of sophisticated metaphors, and overall more socially conscious.

Here are my top five favourite songs from the album ranked in order:

#5 You Know my Steez

Kicking off with the first song on the album, you get an intro from Guru speaking about how everything in this album you're about to hear is “elevated” and that through every song they create on the album, there is always a message involved. DJ Premier then gives us a simple beat, with a catchy and continuous electric guitar riff that plays throughout the entire song. This simple beat allows Guru to smoothly flow with using tricky rhymes and formal language to raise the level of quality of the song and make it one of the most well recognized and respected tracks on the album.

“Who’s the suspicious character strapped with the sounds profound

Similar to rounds spit by Derringers

You’re in the Terrordome like my man Chuck D said

It’s time to dethrone you clones, and all you knuckleheads

Cause MC’s have used up extended warranties

While real MC’s and DJ’s are a minority

But right about now, I use my authority

Cause I’m like the Wizard and you look lost like Dorothy” - Guru

#4 Robin Hood Theory

We get another intro, a conversation between Guru and fellow rapper Elijah Shabazz. Both speak on the issue of the problem with today's black youth, and Elijah even recites an excerpt from chapter 107 from the Holy Quran: “Hast thou seen him who belies religion? That is the one who is rough to the orphan.”

Elijah then speaks to the fact that no matter what race, religion, or social class you belong to, if we in all of society are not schooling the youth with wisdom, then we’re not “keepin it real.” D.J Premier's beat is still relaxed and continuous but is more advanced than in 'You Know my Steez.' Premier gives us a smooth piano loop, snare drum, along with percussion that adds to the tight beat. Guru then speaks on how black youth (mostly teenagers) are being discriminated against by the media, as well as being faced with racism and street violence. He explains that now because he is in a position of power and is looked on as a role model, he is obliged to share his “Robin Hood Theory:” to give back to the community and give black youth the wisdom to overcome these obstacles.

“Now that we're getting somewhere, you know we got to give back

For the youth is the future no doubt that's right and exact

Squeeze the juice out, of all the suckers with power

And pour some back out, so as to water the flowers” - Guru

#3 Above the Clouds

In this track, Guru is joined by Inspectah Deck from the Wu-Tang Clan. Deck influences the instrumental enormously by giving it a classic Oriental Wu-Tang style with firm guitar plucks, gentle violins, and a heavy bass. At the beginning of the song, we hear an archival intro from John F. Kennedy speaking about the Apollo mission, and how it will be “greatest adventure of which man has ever embarked." This is a powerful way to kick off the song, as it combines a political perspective with Premier’s fresh beats. Both rappers spit about how their rhyming styles and lyrics are so pure and complex that they themselves are “above the clouds” where everything is fresh and genuine. Overall, this song is yet another sophisticated production from Premier, with stellar rhymes from both Guru and Inspectah Deck.

"Above the crowds, above the clouds where the sounds are original

Infinite skills create miracles

Warrior spiritual -- above the clouds

reigning/raining down, holdin it down" - Guru

#2 Work

Here we have a song that clearly stands out from the rest of the album. The majority of the songs on the album are sentimental, reflective, and involve story-telling from Guru, but this song is just a straight banger and acts as a welcome change-up from more deep and thoughtful songs like 'Moment of Truth,' 'Robin Hood Theory,' and 'In Memory Of,' all of which are incredible tracks. Usually, despite Premier’s beats being nothing but solid, it’s Guru’s lyrics that make the songs on the album so unique. In Work, however, it is the opposite. Premier’s beats are so banging and catchy that no matter where you bump it, people will vibe along, and give you that mouth-gaping look like you’ve just shown them a masterpiece (which, by the way, you have). The orchestra, high-key piano, thumping bass, and incredible disk scratching from DJ Premier make it the most hype and electrifying song on the album. It was guaranteed to be an instant favourite.

“Aiyyo I'm gonna be on ti-dop, that's all my eyes can see

Victory is mine, yeah surprisingly

I've been laying, waiting for your next mistake

I put in work, and watch my status escalate” - Guru

#1 Moment of Truth

It’s obviously tough to pick a favourite song on this album, because each is so unique in its own way. But there is something about the single 'Moment of Truth' that is so uncanny compared to the rest; it would be unfair not to elevate it above the rest. 'Moment of Truth,' in my opinion, is a masterpiece. What makes it so distinct from the other songs on the record is how the instrumental from Premier fits so well with the lyrics of Guru and vice versa. This is the case with other songs as well like 'Royalty,' 'Above the Clouds,' and 'JFK to LAX,' but the relationship between the beats and vocals in Moment of Truth is indeed a match made in heaven. The song as a whole is truthful, heartfelt and reflective: it hits you in the gut. Guru questions his position in life; who is loyal and trustworthy and who is not. He also spits wisdom, preaching to the listener that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always someone out there either in the same position as you or worse. The central message of the song, however, is that everyone must meet their Moment of Truth; a personal enlightenment from within, that will not only humble you but give you a broader understanding and broader empathy as to why people might do certain things to hurt you. It will also provide you with perspective, and maybe allow you to discover your true self when faced with suffering and adversity. These soft and thoughtful rhymes mould perfectly with DJ Premier's melancholy-like piano and violin, along with a clean bass-line. MOT is by far one of the most real tracks on the album and one that will stick by your side for whenever you need it most.

“Actions have reactions, don't be quick to judge

You may not know the hardships people don't speak of

It's best to step back, and observe with couth

For we all must meet our moment of truth.

Sometimes you gotta dig deep when problems come near

Don't fear, things get severe for everybody everywhere

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Seems that life is just a constant war between good and evil” - Guru

Overall, it’s pretty hard to criticize this album. After hearing it all the way back in 2012, it is one of the very few albums I still listen to this day, and it remains one of my all-time favourites. What makes Gangstarr really stand out from the rest is that everything they preach they also mean, and every story they tell is firsthand. The passion, level of maturity, and honesty in most of these songs seem vastly different compared to the majority of rap and hip/hop you hear today. Although this inevitable evolution in Hip/Hop is occurring, we will always have access to some of the most real, the most authentic, to ever do it. Gangstarr and 'Moment of Truth' continue to educate, guide, and inspire us, like they have for previous generations of Hip/Hop fans and artists.

RIP GURU