One of the Best Yet
Gang Starr · 2019
37 min · 16 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
A posthumous blend of classic beats and introspective lyricism that honors Gang Starr's legacy while innovating within the genre.
Top tracks — play these first
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Family and Loyalty — This track features a poignant exploration of friendship and respect, with contributions from J. Cole that bridge generations within hip-hop.
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Lights Out — With its hard-hitting beat and incisive lyrics, this song captures the essence of Gang Starr’s signature sound while addressing modern-day challenges.
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Take Flight (Militia, Pt. 4) — Continuing the Militia series, this track brings together multiple voices in hip-hop to discuss unity and resilience among artists, embodying the spirit of collaboration.
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What’s Real — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics that question authenticity in the music industry, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends classic and new elements, showcasing strong lyricism but with some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The lyrical content often reflects introspective themes, with multiple tracks addressing personal and social issues relevant to the hip-hop community.
- 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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5/10
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
- reflective lyricism with nostalgia
- short tracks for quick engagement
- gradual build to satisfying resolution
- for focused listening
- celebration of roots
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long immersive experiences
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2019, 'One of the Best Yet' marks Gang Starr's first album since 2003's 'The Ownerz'. This posthumous project arrives after the passing of founding member Guru in 2010, showcasing previously unreleased material and collaborations that highlight the duo's enduring impact on hip-hop.
- 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 The Sure Shot (intro) 1:23
- 2 Lights Out 3:36
- 3 Bad Name 2:21
- 4 Hit Man 2:22
- 5 What’s Real 3:24
- 6 Keith Casim Elam (interlude) 0:16
- 7 From a Distance 2:30
- 8 Family and Loyalty 4:34
- 9 Get Together 3:28
- 10 NYGz/GS 183rd (interlude) 1:10
- 11 So Many Rappers 2:11
- 12 Business or Art 2:59
- 13 Bring It Back Here 0:50
- 14 One of the Best Yet (Big Shug interlude) 0:28
- 15 Take Flight (Militia, Pt. 4) 2:56
- 16 Bless the Mic 2:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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