вЂњMass AppealвЂќ discusses the tendency of rap artists to sell out to the radio, though Guru mostly takes the opportunity to kick battle-rhymes. The two lead singles are also the best songs on the album. Melachi appears on the interlude вЂњWords From the NutcrackerвЂќ only to reinforce the theory that GangStarr was just putting their boys on with their assistance on Group HomeвЂ™s вЂњLivinвЂ™ Proof.вЂќ Big Shug fares far better on вЂњF.A.L.A.вЂќ with amusing lines like вЂњword to Joe Frazier got to do what pays ya, give a nigga pain just like dysplasia.вЂќ As with вЂњIвЂ™m the Man,вЂќ DJ Premier comes through with three separate beats, each of which fits the artist and serves its purpose admirably. Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug, LilвЂ™ Dap, and Melachi the Nutcracker all show up, most notably on the sequel to вЂњIвЂ™m the ManвЂќ entitled вЂњSpeak Ya Clout.вЂќ Jeru leads off, LilвЂ™ Dap comes through in the middle, and Guru finishes. There is plenty of time to showcase the вЂњGangStarr FoundationвЂќ detailed in the inside jacket. His monotone is gone here, and in its place is a forceful and angry delivery that is clearly an example of Guru needing to get something off his chest. вЂњSuckas Need BodyguardsвЂќ has a chorus proclaiming вЂњfake emcees, they always act hard, but wonвЂ™t walk the streets without their bodyguard.вЂќ PremierвЂ™s beat is functional, but this song stands as one of the few instances in GangStarrвЂ™s history during which Guru outshines his partner.

вЂњThe PlanetвЂќ is an ode to Brooklyn in which Guru chronicles his first moments in the borough over a minimal but satisfying drum pattern. Nearly every song has a specific topic tackled by Guru. вЂњCode of the StreetsвЂќ has Guru breaking down the rules of behavior in the hood over a more typical Premier production padded with somber strings and some breathtaking work on the turntables. The other strange musical selection, вЂњBrainstorm,вЂќ doesnвЂ™t fare as well simply because Guru cannot keep up with the BPM of the drums. The unorthodox combination of these elements is strenuous but ultimately rewarding listen. The hook consists of a more traditional musical selection and some signature turntable work. вЂњALONGWAYTOGOвЂќ opens things up with a high-pitched electronic-sounding squeak that Guru blesses with his familiar words. PremierвЂ™s production bounces around in eclectic fashion, and he uses both old-fashion jazz loops and samples that are far more obscure and difficult. For better or worse, it is also their most creative. GangStarrвЂ™s fourth album, вЂњHard to Earn,вЂќ is their oddest and most uneven work. Premier knows it too, because while other collaborators like the Group Home, Afu-Ra, and Jeru have gotten their share of time in the D&D Studio, he has never left GuruвЂ™s side without eventually returning. DJ Premier has worked with the likes of Rakim, KRS-One, Biggie, Jay-Z, and Nas, but while his production resumГѓВ© reads like a whoвЂ™s-who of NYC legends, Guru has always sounded the most at home over his sharpened drums. For those who have become close acquaintances with the music of GangStarr, he is a comforting voice in a musical world that is frequently harsh. He is an emcee who shows admirable restraint in his occasionally maligned monotone, but will not hesitate to verbally maul those whose talents and motives he doubts. Guru just keeps on trucking, and he has become one of the trustiest voices in hip-hop. While Premier has been constantly brilliant throughout the GangStarr catalogue, he has certainly been more likely to explore the confines of his style. вЂњHard to EarnвЂќ stands as the final product of their more prolific days, and despite minor flaws, it is just as effective a gauge of their legacy as anything else. Since their 1994 album вЂњHard to Earn,вЂќ we have only witnessed the release of two GangStarr albums and a greatest hits compilation with a few bonus cuts. In their early days, before other artists had developed such a demand for their services, the records came more frequently. They take their time between releases, perfecting and evolving their music a bit while pursuing other projects individually, and when their fans have developed a sufficient hunger for more music, they come to the rescue. The formula is relatively simple: Let Guru speak his mind over whatever Primo wants to throw down on top of the drums. DJ Premier and the Guru are models of consistency that most artists can only dream of becoming.

GangStarr is undeniably one of the best groups in modern rap history.

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