Hard To Earn was Gang Starr's 1994 release and fourth attempt to takeover the hip hop landscape. Unlike previous releases, this album was poorly received at the time of its release, although it looks like most people have come to their senses now. As stupid as those critics were, I see where they're coming from. Gang Starr had grown a loyal fan base through their first three LPs, only to have a major shift in their output in Hard To Earn. Today, it is recognized as the disc that changed the way Gang Starr was going. Sure there was foreshadowing in Daily Operation but their signature style was still there. Here, the jazz influences are abandoned and replaced by hardcore, grimy, east coast shit. As I'm sure most of you know, 1994 was unarguably raps greatest year and these east coast acts were popping up left and right, meaning it wasn't the best idea for Gang Starr to follow the crowd. Nevertheless, they did and still were able to carve out their own style. Rap/Jazz purists (if they exist) look back on Hard To Earn sadly but for the rest of us, it represented the turning point for the legendary duo.
Now that you're already aware of how much I love this tape you could question whether or not this write-up is even necessary. I will answer that with a yes, because it about seeing how well the songs hold up today, right? At least I think that's the point of this blog but no matter what I'll have another chance to listen and digest Hard To Earn. I'm happy about that, and I'm in the mood to write about some actual music, so unlike other reviews I'm going to stop prolonging this shit and cut the intro short.
Continue...
1. Intro (The First Step)
Pretty much your average standard rap intro, but I've always enjoyed it. If you listen closely, Guru prepares his listeners for what they are in for, that being a completely new sounding album compared to their last three. Can't say he didn't warn you.
Starting off where they left off, Gang Starr jumps right into things and show the audience why they picked up the album. Guru's lyrics haven't changed very much, which is certainly a good thing, but we're already seeing the differences in the new album. That difference is obviously Primo's production, which is on another level. Gone are the jazzy, eighties sounding instrumentals, in come the new, more modern sounding shit. Everyone's aware of my love for A Tribe Called Quest so you know I appreciated the way Q-Tip and Phife's vocals were included in the beat.
3. Code Of The Streets
When this track was released, the rap game knew they were dealing with a whole new monster. The group present here doesn't even resemble their back catalog, as it sounds like a completely different group of artists. Since it's Gang Starr and I've already built it up, you can make the assumption that this shit rocks. Basically, it's a musical embodiment of the way east coast rap should sound.
4. Brainstorm
Shifting it's tone, Primo uses one of his classic drumlines on this beautiful beat. All the extra shit going on in the background reminds me of some modern day experimental rap, which I love when performed correctly. Imagine Gang Starr and Death Grips collaborating. I mean, it would probably be fucking terrible but a funny sight, nonetheless. Anyways, Guru is losing his mind, lyrically destroying rappers at ease, while his flow meshes with that up tempo beat perfectly. It's a little short but still one of the great moments on the album.
5. Tonz 'O' Gunz
Fans of the last two albums will appreciate this song, as it's heavy on the social commentary. For me, though, I found it to be pretty underwhelming. A boring moment was bound to happen, so I'm not really too disappointing. If they had continued the momentum built on the last couple of track over the course of the entire album, we'd be talking about one of the greatest rap album ever.
6. The Planet
Ehh, pretty bland on this one too. Spitting another ode to Brooklyn, I actually enjoyed Guru's lyrics but I can't act like I remember a single thing from Primo's beat.
7. Aiiight Chill...
Either Nas was stoned out of his fucking mind or he's never picked up a telephone in his life. It takes him like thirty seconds to stumble out ten words, which is why this skit makes me laugh every time. It last way too long, though, and should be skipped in most cases. With Nas' ineptitude with phones, though, you should give in at least one listen for comedy's sake. The last message from Mr. Cee has him talking about Jeru The Damaja and Group Home, which leads nicely into the next track.
8. Speak Ya Clout (Feat. Jeru The Damaja & Lil Dap)
Aside from the order, the exact same formula is followed as Daily Operation's "I'm The Man" only this version is much better. Each rapper gets their own beat, Guru's being my favorite, and all of them rip apart their verses. Similar it's predecessor, Jeru walks away on top, making the beat his bitch, while Lil Dap sounds as good as he possibly could over a DJ Premier beat. Guru does his thing as well, closing the song on a good note.
Although Nice and Smooth aren't really part of Gang Starr, "DWYCK" is labeled as one of the greatest posse cuts ever created. I'm not the biggest fan of posse cuts but I'm having a hard time arguing against the output here. Primo's beat is simple as hell but it provides the rappers with a solid surface to lay down their rhymes. No MC really stands above the others, as each one destroys the track accordingly.
10. Words From The Nutcracker (Feat. Melanchi The Nutcracker)
As confusing as this sounds, Lil Dap's partner is actually not Jeru The Damaja, as the other Member of Group Home finally makes an appearence here. He sounds pretty good but that's not hard when Primo producer your beat. It's only a minute long so don't even bother skipping it.
11. MASS APPEAL
I'd feel stupid trying to explain why this is one of the greatest songs the group ever recorded. So, yeah...
Is this song garbage? No. Does is it have the misfortune of following "Mass Appeal" and throw away all the momentum the album had previously created? You bet. Like I said, it's not garbage but it really is one of the worst songs on the project, as it sounds even worse in the context of the album.
13. Suckas Need Bodygaurds
In one of the rare occurrences in his career, Guru actually changes up his voice. He's trying to sounds pissed off and intimidating but it's not all that convincing. It's not like it's going to ruin the song or anything, as I thought his effort was entertaining as hell. The real reason this song is awesome, though, is Primo's amazing beat. It's uncredited, but Melanchi The Nutcracker makes another appearance, given the hook duties.
14. Now You're Mine
This is actually an old song, appearing as a B-Side on the "2 Deep" single. It's blatantly obvious, as it contains one of the best jazz riffs I've heard from the group.Overall, I do like this song but it doesn't match up with some of the other songs we've heard.
15. Mostly Tha Voice
This also sounds like an outtake from some earlier work, although I'm fairly certain this was created for Hard To Earn. Guru takes a minute to express how much he loves his voice and that is why he is successful. That's funny and all but this track was extremely bland.
16. F.A.L.A. (Feat. Big Shug)
Long time Gang Starr Foundation Affiliate Big Shug finally makes his debut on a Gang Starr disc. He was originally supposed to be an actual member but got locked up around the timing of their debut. It's really a disappointment after hearing this. Guru destroys Shug but the duo sounds great. Would've loved to hear more material from them..
A pretty good way to end the album but there's no real memorable quality. I'm just not sure what the hell to say about it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Hard To Earn is just as good as I remember it being, which is a good thing. I'd be really disappointing if it suddenly sucked. Gang Starr completely switched up their music and it sounds great. Guru continued to progress over this album, sounding much more confident. The best part of Hard To Earn, though, is DJ Premier. Daily Operation was his coming out party but this is without question his finest hour, at least up to this point. No, not every song sounds great but he was able to extend off his jazzy production on the previous work, while making beats that sound completely different at the same time. Like the group, this was a turning point in Primo's career and we can all agree that it turned out the best. If you're not going to start the discography in order, this is the one album to get. They all but perfectly their craft and the album is full of Gang Starr goodness. Do all you can to get a physical copy, even if that includes pushing old people down escalators