Search - Gang Starr :: Ownerz

Ownerz
Gang Starr
Ownerz
Genres: Pop, Rap & Hip-Hop
 
  •  Track Listings (19) - Disc #1

Gang Starr's sixth album comes at a time where they've become the last of the '80s rappers to show that they can still compete in a post-2000 world. The Ownerz has all the elements that Gang Starr's fans have come to expec...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Gang Starr
Title: Ownerz
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Virgin Records Us
Original Release Date: 1/1/2003
Re-Release Date: 6/24/2003
Album Type: Enhanced
Genres: Pop, Rap & Hip-Hop
Styles: East Coast, Gangsta & Hardcore, Pop Rap
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 724358024708, 0724358025156, 724358024722, 724358024753, 724358260519, 724358260526, 766483310745

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Gang Starr's sixth album comes at a time where they've become the last of the '80s rappers to show that they can still compete in a post-2000 world. The Ownerz has all the elements that Gang Starr's fans have come to expect: flint-hard tracks produced by DJ Premier and aggressive (but not thuggish) lyrics from Guru. When this formula clicks, like on the pulsating "Same Team, No Games" or slinky "Skills," the group sounds timeless. At other points, however, the formula sounds in need of a tune-up, such as on the lethargic "In This Life" or overblown "Who Got Gunz." The album's biggest strength--or, to some, potential weakness--is that there's not much of a noticeable evolution since their previous release, 1998's Moment of Truth (although Guru's lyrical acumen has climbed a notch). Depending on your view, that's either consistent or to a fault. --Oliver Wang

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CD Reviews

One of the Best Albums of 2003, but Slightly Disappointing
withthebeatzwiththerhymez | 01/24/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)

"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."
Gang Starr Stays Solid
phillicapri | modesto, california | 06/25/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."
Surpasses Anything Produced Today
withthebeatzwiththerhymez | 07/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This may not be Gang Starr's best work, but it sure examplifies true hip hop craftmanship. Premier's beats have again elevated, sounding both crisp and rugged and Guru supplies street commentary at its best. A notch lower than the masterpiece "Moment of Truth" due to multiple guest appearances and two filer tracks (Intro & Hiney). If you are in doubt about the quality of today's hip hop, pick up this album because there is still hope out there for a pure, timeless and well structured sound."