Description
Gang Starr – No More Mr. Nice Guy – Double Red and White Vinyl Records
July 2022 – VMP Hip-Hop release
DJ Premier and Guru’s Debut album, including rare and previously unreleased bonus tracks
Lacquers cut by Barry Grint, Alchemy Mastering at AIR
Pressed on exclusive 2LP red and white A-Side/B-Side vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Dean Van Nguyen
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
No More Mr. Nice Guy is the debut studio album by the influential American hip-hop duo Gang Starr, released on April 22, 1989. The album introduced the world to the distinctive style of DJ Premier (Christopher Martin) and Guru (Keith Elam), who would go on to become one of the most respected duos in hip-hop history. Known for their fusion of jazz influences with hardcore rap, Gang Starr’s debut album laid the groundwork for their future success, even if it didn’t fully showcase the depth and complexity they would achieve in later projects.
Gang Starr was initially formed in 1985 by Guru, who was then known as MC Keithy E, and a different lineup of DJs before DJ Premier joined the group in 1987. After Premier’s arrival, the group relocated from Boston to Brooklyn, New York, which significantly influenced their sound and style. No More Mr. Nice Guy is the product of this early phase in their career, reflecting both the raw energy of East Coast hip-hop and the beginnings of their signature jazz-rap fusion.
The album was released by Wild Pitch Records, a label known for its roster of underground and alternative hip-hop artists. While it didn’t achieve major commercial success, the album was well-received within the hip-hop community and helped to establish Gang Starr as a name to watch.
No More Mr. Nice Guy features a blend of socially conscious lyrics, battle raps, and jazz-influenced production, offering a glimpse of the style that would become Gang Starr’s trademark.
‘Premier & The Guru’ – The opening track introduces listeners to the dynamic between DJ Premier and Guru, setting the tone for their collaborative synergy. The track features Premier’s signature scratches and a beat that showcases his early production style.
‘Jazz Music’ – One of the standout tracks on the album, ‘Jazz Music’ pays homage to the jazz genre and its influence on hip-hop. Guru’s smooth, authoritative voice guides listeners through a history of jazz, while Premier lays down a jazzy beat with scratches that emphasize the connection between the two genres.
‘Manifest’ – A classic track that exemplifies Guru’s lyrical depth and Premier’s production skills, ‘Manifest’ is built around a sample of John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme.’ The song highlights Gang Starr’s ability to merge thoughtful, socially conscious lyrics with jazz-inflected beats.
‘Gusto’ – A more upbeat track with a funky groove, ‘Gusto’ showcases Guru’s ability to deliver sharp, battle-ready rhymes over Premier’s lively production. The track’s energy and swagger are indicative of the duo’s confidence and skill.
‘DJ Premier in Deep Concentration’ – An instrumental track that allows DJ Premier to showcase his scratching and beat-making skills. This track serves as a reminder of the importance of the DJ in early hip-hop, with Premier taking center stage to demonstrate his craft.
‘Positivity’ – The closing track of the album, ‘Positivity,’ is a socially conscious song that reflects Guru’s commitment to uplifting messages. The song encourages listeners to maintain a positive outlook and stay true to themselves, a theme that would recur in Gang Starr’s later work.
‘Conscience Be Free’ – Another track that emphasizes social awareness, with Guru delivering verses that discuss freedom, equality, and self-awareness. The production features a laid-back beat that complements the reflective tone of the lyrics.
No More Mr. Nice Guy is characterized by its fusion of jazz influences with hardcore hip-hop, a style that would come to define Gang Starr’s sound in the 1990s. The album’s themes range from battle raps and braggadocio to more thoughtful, socially conscious messages. Guru’s lyrics are delivered with a calm, authoritative flow, while DJ Premier’s production blends funky, jazz-inflected beats with precise scratching and sampling.
The album’s title reflects the duo’s intention to make a strong statement with their debut, presenting themselves as serious contenders in the hip-hop world. While the album’s production is more raw and less refined than their later work, it still showcases the potential and creativity that would make Gang Starr one of the most respected names in hip-hop.
At the time of its release, No More Mr. Nice Guy received positive reviews for its innovative sound and the chemistry between Guru and DJ Premier. However, it didn’t achieve the commercial success that some of their later albums would enjoy. Despite this, the album helped establish Gang Starr as a key player in the East Coast hip-hop scene and laid the groundwork for their subsequent classics like ‘Step in the Arena’ (1991) and ‘Daily Operation’ (1992).
In retrospect, No More Mr. Nice Guy is often viewed as a solid debut that hints at the greatness to come. It captures the early stages of Gang Starr’s evolution and provides a snapshot of the late 1980s hip-hop landscape, where jazz and hip-hop were beginning to merge in new and exciting ways.
No More Mr. Nice Guy remains an important album in the history of hip-hop, particularly for fans of Gang Starr and the evolution of jazz-rap. The album’s influence can be seen in the work of later artists who drew inspiration from its blend of lyrical depth and innovative production.
For those exploring the roots of 1990s hip-hop and the development of the jazz-rap genre, No More Mr. Nice Guy is an essential listen that provides insight into the early work of one of hip-hop’s most legendary duos. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gang Starr and their contribution to the culture.
Track Listing
Premier & The Guru
Jazz Music
Gotch U
Manifest
Gusto Producer – DJ Mark, The 45 King
DJ Premier In Deep Concentration
Conscience Be Free
Cause And Effect
2 Steps Ahead
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Knowledge Producer – DJ Mark, The 45 King
Positivity
Bonus Tracks
Here’s The Proof
The Lesson
Dedication
Positivity (Remix)
Manifest (Remix)
Dedication (Dub Version)
Gusto (Instrumental)
So What (Dub Version)
No More Mister Nice Guy (Return Of The Bass Version)
