No More Mr. Nice Guy
Gang Starr · 1989
53 min · 14 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
A fusion of intricate lyricism and jazz-inflected beats creates a rich tapestry of East Coast hip-hop.
Top tracks — play these first
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Jazz Music — This track exemplifies the album's seamless integration of jazz samples into hip-hop, creating a laid-back yet thought-provoking atmosphere that reflects Guru's lyrical dexterity.
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No More Mr. Nice Guy — The title track captures the essence of the album, positioning Guru’s narrative as a declaration against complacency while offering sharp social commentary.
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Positivity (remix) — This remix stands out for its uplifting message and infectious beat, reinforcing Gang Starr’s commitment to positivity and personal growth within hip-hop culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyricism and innovative production, solidifying its place in East Coast hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend intricate lyricism with jazz-inflected beats, maintaining a consistent mid-tempo pace.
- Several tracks incorporate samples from jazz records, creating a layered sound that emphasizes both rhythm and melody.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo, allowing for more introspective lyrics and a reflective mood as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo listening experience
- sharp lyricism with thoughtful depth
- engaging narratives in every track
- for reflective moments
- vibrant sound for social settings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek high-energy party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1989, No More Mr. Nice Guy was Gang Starr's second album, following their debut, No More Mr. Nice Guy. This record solidified their presence in the hip-hop scene, showcasing DJ Premier's innovative production style alongside Guru's distinctive vocal delivery.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· Pete Rock & CL Smooth· De La Soul
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Premier & The Guru 3:26
- 2 Jazz Music 3:30
- 3 Gotch U 3:08
- 4 Manifest 4:56
- 5 Gusto 3:15
- 6 DJ Premier in Deep Concentration 3:13
- 7 Positivity (remix) 4:49
- 8 Manifest (remix) 5:12
- 9 Conscience Be Free 4:04
- 10 Cause and Effect 3:22
- 11 2 Steps Ahead 3:50
- 12 No More Mr. Nice Guy 3:22
- 13 Knowledge 3:42
- 14 Positivity 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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