As he considers the legacy of Hip Hop in the 50th year of the movement, Cormega has one question: Why doesn’t Gang Starr receive more love?
The New York-born lyricist wondered on Sunday, May 28, why the group, which included late rapper Guru and DJ Premier, is frequently disregarded in spite of their contributions to the industry.
“Hip Hop 50 year anniversary,” Cormega said. I have a query. How can a band that boasts one of the most creative lyricists and a producer who is on the Mount Rushmore of production ignored? I notice that the list mentions organizations but leaves off Gangster, which is blasphemous. Some people’s opinions muddy up what is real. Guru is unique in every way.
He went on to say: “He was so slick that with his Jazzmatazz project, he was able to blend rap with jazz and had people who weren’t familiar with jazz captivated. Together, Guru and Premier created a body of work that endured the test of time and need to always be included in any top-tier group debate because they were exceptional. Guru, slumber in poetic grace. And a bow to the Premier.
When DJ Premier criticized Spanish-based fashion store Zara in 2022 for allegedly stealing their insignia for a new range of jackets, a ton of peers rallied around Gang Starr.
In a brief Instagram video, Premo displayed a leather jacket and a bomber jacket with a “Never Break” patch on the back that resembled the renowned Gang Starr circle-and-star logo that the group has worn since 1991.
The individual recording the video adds, “No way,” as they closely examine the jackets. “Wow.” DJ Premier questioned Zara and said “REALLY??? @zara” in his caption to get an answer.
Numerous rap artists, including Pharoahe Monch, Jeru The Damaja, Kardinal Offishall, Termanology, and Marco Polo, expressed their displeasure in response to DJ Premier’s complaint in the comments area of his blog.
They will need to write a sizable check for that foulness, of course! Polo remarked, “Dear @zara could you please jack my logo I would like some of that money y’all about to fork over,” while Jeru added, “@zara y’all [trash].”
Although the post has subsequently been removed from Instagram, it’s unclear whether the problem was ever fixed.
