Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Albums of 2003, but Slightly Disappointing, January 23, 2005
For those that grew up on Gang Starr and witnessed their growth, from the amateurish "No More Mr. Nice Guy" to the mind-blowing "Moment of Truth," "The Ownerz" is a disappointment. It could be argued that after creating one of the best hip-hop albums of all time in 1998, Guru and DJ Premier had no where to go but down, and that regression is evident on "The Ownerz." For the most part, the LP tries to rehash the formula used on "MOT" (19 tracks, with a sequel to "Militia" and familiar faces such as Krumbsnatcha and M.O.P.) with minor success. There are moments of brilliance, such as "Riot Akt," "Sabotage," and "Put Up Or Shut Up," and others that make you want to cringe, such as "Eulogy," "Capture," and "Same Team, No Games," with their underwhelming beats and generic formulas. As well, long-time fans will struggle to figure out where Gang Starr stand on social issues, as the uplifting insight of Moment of Truth's "Robbin Hood Theory" flies out the window with "Who Got Gunz." Despite these setbacks, the reality in today's hip-hop genre is that DJ Premier is still one of the greatest producers of all time and Gang Starr continue to be one of the best hip-hop groups around. Like Talib Kweli's "Beautiful Struggle," "The Ownerz" loses points for its lack of creativity but remains superior to much of what the mainstream has to offer. Listen to this album online or borrow it from a friend before purchasing. You may be slightly disappointed or pleasantly surprised. 3.5 Stars.
|
|
|
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gang Starr Stays Solid, June 24, 2003
It is sad that we are in a society that promotes mindless [stuff] like 50 cent, nelly, and ja rule. I dont even listen to the radio, or watch mtv anymore because all they do is play the same songs over and over, im sick of that nonsense. I wish more people would understand just how great Gang Starr is. The street-smart, monotone flows of the Guru, and the perfect production by Premier goes overlooked by more commercialized, mainstream releases. After listening to this cd for the first time, my fear of Gang Starr selling out disappeared. Not their best cd, but it is great in it's own way, and outstanding compared to everything else out there today. Im very happy to say that Gang Starr is still my favorite rap group, and that they have not sold out like jay z, snoop dogg, and anyone who gets their beats from the Neptunes. 10/10 -IF YOU ARE A HIP HOP FAN, BUY THIS ALBUM, AND EVERY OTHER GANG STARR RELEASE.
|
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The only golden-age artists to endure the turn of the century.., November 29, 2006
Whether some'd like to admit it or not, Gang Starr are the only hip-hop artists to still succeed, musically, in the new millenium. This isn't up to the standard of the album it preceded, Moment of Truth, but it's still a classic release, from a legendary duo. Comparing it to Moment of Truth is unfair, and this album does suffer from the Illmatic complexity; in that, an artist releases a mind-blowing album(Illmatic), and then follows that up with an individually classic album(It Was Written), which is virtually shat upon because it's slightly inferior to its predecessor. If you're viewing this album on its own, as you should be, you'll see that this IS a classic release; if you compare it to Gang Starr's relatively definitive Moment of Truth, then you'll likely be dissapointed.
In a year where critics were clamoring over weak releases like Get Rich Or Die Tryin', or sub-par albums such as Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Gang Starr dropped an infinitely dope release like The Ownerz. Each joint on here is tight in its own way; with the militant feel of Riot Akt and Capture, the old-school vibes of Sabotage and Skills, or even the hilarious Clipse parody, this album delivers everything you'd expect from a Gang Starr release.
Guru's still throwing lyrical darts, and Primo's production continues to be excellent upon this release; Guru's even stepped up a bit in flow, while Primo's samples are just as perfectly chosen, and his scratches as well-timed, as they've ever been. This is pure, unadulterated New York hip-hop on this release, by two of the most respected veterans in the game; if you've slept on it because reviews have indicated it's inferior to Moment Of Truth, wake up, snatch your keys, climb into your car, and go to your favorite music outlet now to purchase this; this should find a place in any hip-hop head's collection.
This is generally regarded as Gang Starr's final album; whether it is, or isn't, has no relevance in regards to the music. If this is Gang Starr's finale, then they leave on quite a high note; and if not, then I look forward to another dish of dope music from Guru and Primo.
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Gang Starr 
