The background that precedes this effort involves Spike Lee: the director is a fan of the duo's debut, especially of "Jazz Music", asking the boys to resume the song for his film "Mo' Better Blues": the duo realizes "Jazz Thing”, inspired by a poem by Lolls Eric Elle that Spike Lee offers to the duo and that Guru transforms into rap. Chrysalis Records notices the song and signs a contract with them, however the duo is not willing to make the type of music proposed in "Jazz Thing", a tribute to the director, and decides not to even include the hit single within the second album.
Second effort and first masterpiece of Gang Starr, magnificent duo among the best in hip-hop history composed of a legendary producer, the revered master DJ Premier, and a legendary MC, Guru. Both innovators, both improve compared to the debut, Preemo offers one of its best productions ever with his quality boom bap, while Guru is clear, flowing, fatally monotonous. His rapping is solid and hard over the dope beats and the vibrant scratches of Premier, his bars are thoughtful, composed and intelligent, he often relies on battle rap to bring his cuts to the bottom, the rest is braggadocio devoid of conflict and misogyny, with humorous traits and street wisdom. The DJ Premier production is splendidly exceptional, its rhythms are practically impeccable, made with what will soon become the typical formula of the producer, refined samples taken from soul and jazz, light live drum, fresh scratches, completely fit with the simple and smooth flow of Guru. This is one of the best jazz rap albums of its genre and among the best of the season, the disc is coherent and powerful and launches the duo within the underground circuit.
Highlights: "Step in the Arena", "Execution of a Chump", "Who's Gonna Take the Weight?", "Check the Technique", "Take a Rest", "Just to Get a Rap".
Rating: 8.5/10.
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