Gang Starr ft. J. Cole: Family & Loyalty

Rumours of new music from Guru and Premier – their first fresh material in 16 years – were sparked this week, when Preemo posted a video of a voicemail from Nas, in which the NY rapper said he heard that a new Gang Starr album was being prepared. Then a couple of days later, this new track emerged, sending the online rap community into meltdown. The track touches on subjects that seem all the more poignant given the circumstances. It is definitely a positive to hear something previously unheard from the legendary duo and the addition of J Cole is a nice touch, but it does feel like something is lacking from the finished product. Maybe it’s just the underlying sadness of knowing Guru’s gone, that taints my enjoyment, but it is still a new Gang Starr track and that is something I’m thankful for.