The Ownerz [Enhanced] [Explicit Lyrics]

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

The Ownerz,Gang Starr,Virgin Records,East Coast Rap,Hardcore Rap,Hip-Hop,Pop,Rap & Hip-Hop

Average customer rating: Real Hip Hop The only golden-age artists to endure the turn of the century.. Gang Starr Pulls Together (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 Stars) THE BEST CD OF 2003 The Ending of Gang Starr

The Ownerz Gang Starr Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Moment of Truth Daily Operation Step in the Arena Hard to Earn Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00009XG2V Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

1. Intro (HQ, Goo, Panch)
2. Put Up Or Shut Up featuring Krumbsnatcha
3. Werdz From The Ghetto Child featuring Smiley
4. Sabotage
5. Rite Where U Stand featuring Jadakiss
6. Skills*
7. Deadly Habitz
8. Nice Girl, Wrong Place featuring Boy Big
9. Peace of Mine
10. Who Got Gunz featuring Fat Joe & M.O.P.
11. Capture (Militia Pt. 3) featuring Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx
12. PLAYTAWIN
13. Riot Akt
14. (Hiney)
15. Same Team, No Games featuring NYG'z & H. Stax
16. In This Life... featuring Snoop Dogg & Uncle Reo
17. The Ownerz
18. Zonin'
19. Eulogy

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

Customer Reviews:

Real Hip Hop.......2006-12-17

I'm not a big fan of hip hop, cuz most of it sucks big time, but as a music lover, I have to recognize the strength of this record. I know Guru from Jazzmatazz and I know a couple of other songs from Gangstarr, and this record is fierce.
The production is raw and rough, but with an intelligent, soulful asthetic, and it is as organic as rap music can be.
It is music for rude boys,not FM fluff, it is street-level, and you can feel the realness.
Some of the boasting and gun-toting talk is tired, but Guru has that nice voice, and the music itself is superior. As with most rap albums, there are at least 18 songs, so some of them are weak, but for the most part, it is an excellent album. The title track is my favorite. Check it out.

The only golden-age artists to endure the turn of the century.........2006-11-30

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.

Gang Starr Pulls Together (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 Stars).......2006-11-09

This was my very first Gang Starr album that I bought back in 2003. I was familiar with Primo's production, because he was producing for almost every other artist after the "Moment Of Truth" album. As for Guru, after that "Bald Head Slick..." album I heard, it was not appealing. But the duo together as Gang Starr, was something that I was ready to cop after I heard "Skills" and "Rite Where You Stand" with Jadakiss.

From hearing their other albums, then hearing this album, most things are consistant. Guru's rhymes are on point for the most part through out this album. "Put Up Or Shut Up" and as "Rite Where You Stand" are some of the tracks where he keeps his consistancy on. But at the same time I can hear the decline of his skills a little bit like on the song "Riot Akt". M.O.P. outshines him and Fat Joe (who bites Biggie's rhymes) on the song "Who Got Gunz".

As for Primo, he's cool. He can still cook up some hot beats on this album. "Playtawin" is one of the beats that I like, as Guru kicks some dope rhymes. "Same Team, No Games" and "The Owners" are some other dope beats by Primo. The latter song has some tight scratches also. And I don't understand why he was shouting at the top of his lungs "Peace Of Mine". That wasn't necessary Primo.

As for guest appearances; some are good and others are horrible. The good, Krumbsnatcha on the song "Put Up, Shut Up". Freddy Foxx and Big Shug comes for another version of "The Militia Pt. 3" which is just as good as the first one. As said earlier M.O.P. and Fat Joe comes in for the song "Who Got Gunz". The bad, some group named the The NYG'z. They're like a 2003 version of Group Home (speaking of which...) with sub par rhymes on the song "Same Team, No Games". And one of them thought it was funny to do a paroody of the Clipse's "Grindin" on the song "(Hiney)" sounding pretty wack to me. Snoop Dogg verse is decent on the song "In This Life...".

So overall, the latest Gang Starr album may not be as hard hitting as some of their previous, but it' still dope. The decline in the skills are seen here, and it's evident that this duo hit their peak on their previous album. If you like Gang Starr and still dig their style, this album is highly recommended to you.


Lyrics: B
Prodction: A
Guest Appearances: B-
Musical Vibes: B
Overall: B

Favorite Tracks: Put Up, Shut Up, Skills, Rite Where You Stand, Deadly Habits, Who Got Gunz, Capture (Militia Pt. 3), Playtawin, The Owners, Eulogy

Honorable Mention Tracks: Riot Akt, In This Life...

Peace!!

THE BEST CD OF 2003.......2006-04-15

THIS CD BANGS ALL THE WAY THROUGH DJ PREMIER (I DONT KNOW HOW TO SPELL HIS NAME) AND GURU . GURU NAMES STAND FOR GIFTED.UNLIMTED.RYHMES.and UNIVERSAL. MY FAVORITE TRACKS ARE .
PLAYTAWIN,RIOT AKT,ZONINAND SKILLS.

I RECCOMEND THIS CD TO ANYBODY.

The Ending of Gang Starr.......2006-02-26

This is the finale of Gang Starr. Yes Guru will go on with his solo career, and Premo will continue to be the best producer out there. This album was a great way to go out. I just wish I was 10 years older, so I could have lived through there whole career. The production is very different of Gang Starr but Guru said it best in "You Know My Steez" off the Moment of Truth album. "The beats are elevated the rhyme style is elevated but it's still Guru and Premier". The rhymes is this were classic Guru. The only thing that I don't like about this album is the song with Snoop and the Hiney Interlude. If those two were out this could of maybe been a classic.

Best Tracks: Right Where You Stand [Feat. Jadakiss], Skills, Peace of Mine.

Average customer rating: THIS ALBUM IS BRAND NEW The ownerz is tight!! Keepin it real ownez

The Ownerz Gang Starr Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hard to Earn ASIN: B000094FFI Release Date: 2003-06-24

Tracks:

1. Put Up Or Shut Up featuring Krumbsnatcha
2. Sabotage
3. Rite Where U Stand featuring Jadakiss
4. Skills*
5. Deadly Habitz
6. Nice Girl, Wrong Place featuring Boy Big
7. Peace of Mine
8. Who Got Gunz featuring Fat Joe & M.O.P.
9. Capture (Militia Pt. 3) featuring Big Shug & Freddie Foxxx
10. PLAYTAWIN
11. Riot Akt
12. Same Team, No Games featuring NYG'z & H. Stax
13. In This Life... featuring Snoop Dogg & Uncle Reo
14. The Ownerz
15. Zonin'
16. Eulogy

Customer Reviews:

THIS ALBUM IS BRAND NEW.......2005-04-30

YO THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ALBUM IS THAT IT CAME AFTER THERE BEST EFFORT IN MOMENT OF TRUTH. IT IS STILL FIRE! THAT'S LIKE ANY ALBUM MICHAEL JACKSON DID AFTER THRILLER. YO THESE BEATS AND DUETS WITH FREDDIE FOX, FAT JOE, JADA KISS ARE THE TRUTH. GURU VOICE OVER PREMIER DANGEROUS BEATS ARE LETHAL. RIOT AKT, CAPTURE, SKILLS ETC ARE RIDICULOUS. GANGSTARR IF YOU HAPPEN TO READ THIS KEEP DOING WHAT YOUR DOING. YOU CATS HAVE BEEN ON IT FOR A WHILE AND GOT CRAZY LYRICS AND BEATS.

The ownerz is tight!!.......2003-07-09

I love this album, all tight tracks and keeping it real. Gangstarr is definitely in there! A cut above all the commercial [stuff] that is out now, and beyond.

Keepin it real.......2003-07-04

Beats are a bit sparse and low key
Definitely a quality album though, no wack tracks
Gangstarr always comes correct and this album is no different
Definitely one of the best groups in hip hop today

ownez.......2003-07-04

what a gem! this beauty does justice to the diversity of the Gangstarr duo. Timeless jams and fat beats made this title stand out for me. I was chillin in Clinic 116 (Adelaides premium hiphop/breaks joint) and this was playing, i was sold instantly. the track w Snoop is pretty tight.

Average customer rating:

The Ownerz Gang Starr Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B0000C8ASR Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

1. Put Up Or Shut Up
2. Werdz From The Ghetto Child
3. Sabotage
4. Rite Where U Stand
5. Skills
6. Deadly Habitz
7. Nice Girl, Wrong Place
8. Peace Of Mine
9. Who Got Gunz
10. Bapture (Militia Pt. 3)
11. Playtawin
12. Riot Akt
13. Same Team, No Games
14. In This Life...
15. The Ownerz
16. Zonin'
17. Eulogy

Average customer rating: Great Album with nice bonuses DJ Premier and The Guru

Ownerz Gang Starr Manufacturer: EMI Japan ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Gangsta & Hardcore | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00007M8R9 Release Date: 2003-08-18

Tracks:

1. Intro - Gang Starr, , HQH Posse,
2. Put Up or Shut Up - Gang Starr, Krumbsnatcha
3. Werdz from the Ghetto Child - Gang Starr,
4. Sabotage
5. Rite Where U Stand - Gang Starr, Jadakiss
6. Skills
7. Deadly Habitz
8. Nice Girl, Wrong Place
9. Peace of Mine
10. Who Got Gunz - Fat Joe, Gang Starr, , M.O.P.
11. Capture (Militia, Pt. 3) - Big Shug, Freddie Foxxx, Gang Starr
12. Playtawin
13. Riot Akt
14. Hiney
15. Same Team, No Games - Gang Starr, ,
16. In This Life... - Gang Starr, Snoop Dogg,
17. Ownerz
18. Zonin'
19. Eulogy
20. Natural [*]
21. Tha Squeeze [*]

Album Description

Japanese version of 2003 album for the east coast rappers features 21 tracks including 2 exclusive bonus tracks 'Natural' & 'The Squeeze'. Virgin.

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring Two Bonus Tracks: "Natural", and "The Squeeze".

Customer Reviews:

Great Album with nice bonuses.......2007-02-24

I'm a huge Gang Starr fan so this album is very nice to me. As a collector of Gang Starr, Nas and Lupe Fiasco alums, I always appreciate CD's that come with bonus tracks so the two bonuses on this album were the icing on the cake.

DJ Premier and The Guru.......2004-04-11

Without filling up pages and pages of the extremely lengthy input the kings of New York Boom Bap DJ Premier and Guru have made towards hip hop , it is best to just to let you know that this album The Ownerz is Gangstarr's 6th album (7th if you include the greatest hits package "Full Clip"').

Their last album was released over 5 years ago, 1998's Moment Of Truth, was a jewel of an album, tight , solid and long played album, The Ownerz is no different, they deserve platinum with this one, the trouble is though most so called rap fans are too engulfed in bubblegum pop rap, and it is unlikely they will go platinum.

The Ownerz kicks off with the loping bass and string stabs, and Queen Latifah vocal sampling "Put Up Or Shut Up" which features the always reliable Krumb Snatcha and the ill kid Guru who flows like thick molten lava on this LP all throughout, while the god like DJ Premier's board work is everything you knew it would be and more,
Preem is a producer of the highest class, it seems like making tracks is just like breathing air to him, he has produced for so many artists and all the Gangstarr material since their creation in 1989 is mad extensive, sure some of his beats do sound similar, but they make the head nod like crazy and that what the fans want.

"Sabotage" is trademark DJ Premier, kicking drums, that elusive snare and a dope wah-wah guitar lick, combined with a creeping cymbal make for a good jam, one thing Gangstarr have always done is sample themselves this happens frequently throughout the album.

The slow moving but addictive, Temptations sampled, old sounding piano, surface noised "Rite Where U Stand" features a surprise guest appearance from Jadakiss who totally suits this track as does a very smooth Snoop on the laidback "In This Life", as with a lot of Guru rhymes about things that's are important to his kind, not just constant references to guns or champagne, Guru has more substance in his lyrics than most.

"Deadly Habitz"' is a mad nice jazzy DJ Premier standard filled with horns, bass and mellow tones that allows Guru to rhyme "excessive behaviour it can get the best of you, trust me I'm a lot like the rest of you I've got issues that haven't been resolved", It's cool to hear how real Guru is and that he isn't consumed by ego or wealth.

"Peace Of Mine" is another low key soulful joint where in Guru opens his soul and rhymes with incredible smoothness, things get a little harder with Fat Joe (sound much dope away from cheesy R&B hooks) and the always gruff M.O.P. on the banging "Who Got Guns" Premo's beat hits you in the head relentlessly on this one even Guru sounds rough and raw.A-Grade dope as is the follow up to "The Militia" series "Capture" is the third instalment , the first was on "Moment Of Truth", (the second was on "Full Clip" and featured the great Rakim and er..the not so great WC).

"Capture" is full of trademark DJ Premier chops and eerie sounds all backed up to the full by ill performances from Bumpy Knux and Big Shug and of course Guru. Then topped off by insane cutting from Preem, "Riot Akt " is another winner as the drawn out horn sticks in your head for days and has Guru stating "They got teargas, helmets and clubs kna wha I mean, it's Marshall law on these streets, it's like Afghanistan man it gets raw on the streets".

"Same Team No Games" is almost skeletal in production, with just some kicking drums and a simple chime sample, but damn it's effective as the NYGz (last heard on the fat "Giants Ta This" released last year on DJ Premier's own Year Round Records label) and Hannibal Stax get busy.
"Playtawin" is another jam drenched in soul, which again samples earlier Gangstarr material and there's the ill funk head nodder of "Skills".

As with the Moment Of Truth the title track is nice too, combining a stupid fat sax ,standard
DJ Premier sample chops and Guru's ill delivery,"Zonin" runs along the same formula and in all honesty these cuts could have been found on the "Moment Of Truth" as could have the heartfelt ode to those who have passed "Eulogy" which is no bad thing, just a little too much of the same, which comes as no surprise really as DJ Premier has produced hundreds and hundreds of records.

The Ownerz is an accomplished and very solid album and only loses points for not including "The Natural", "Battle" and the inclusion of the dumb sex skit "Hiney", the syrupy "Nice Girl ,Wrong Place" and the far too short "Werdz from The Ghetto Child "but extra points for the bonus CD_Rom footage, (note: you will need Quicktime for this footage) and the really dope and 'ghetto picture CD booklet.
(...)

Average customer rating:

Ownerz Instrumental ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD East Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Rap & Hip-Hop | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000TCMS4 Release Date: 2003-12-09

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