Here's every appearance of a member of the Gang Starr clique on Wavelength, the failed video show that inspired this blog. The last clip, a long talk with Guru and Premier hasn't been seen since it originally aired in 1992. For more on these interviews, with Big Shug, Jeru Da Damaja, DJ Premier and Guru, hit the links like Gary Player.
RIP Guru.
Gang Starr 2003
Jeru Da Damaja - 1996
Big Shug - 1996
Gangstarr - 1992
RIP GURU.
Showing posts with label jeru the damaja. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jeru the damaja. Show all posts
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Monday, September 10, 2007
Wrath of the Damaja
Artie Jefferson, the owner of the record store where this interview with Jeru the Damaja took place, was known to share his theories about artist development. I recall he and I discussing some of the thematic elements of "The Sun Rises In The East," and he said something I never forgot.
"You've got you're whole life to make that first album," he said, and then explained that coming up with another one within a shorter time frame was a challenge some new artists weren't up to.
I can't say whether Jeru's second record was rushed, but it didn't have the impact of his debut. Soon afterwards, he fell out with the Gangstarr foundation, which left him without the signature sound of DJ Premier and a association with recognized movement that's a prerequisite for rappers today.
On his second record, Jeru had the audacity to confront the forces that threatened the artistic integrity of the music he loved, while other rappers were either complicit with their silence or going with the flow. Jeru continues to fight the good fight on independent releases, but the damage is done.
"You've got you're whole life to make that first album," he said, and then explained that coming up with another one within a shorter time frame was a challenge some new artists weren't up to.
I can't say whether Jeru's second record was rushed, but it didn't have the impact of his debut. Soon afterwards, he fell out with the Gangstarr foundation, which left him without the signature sound of DJ Premier and a association with recognized movement that's a prerequisite for rappers today.
On his second record, Jeru had the audacity to confront the forces that threatened the artistic integrity of the music he loved, while other rappers were either complicit with their silence or going with the flow. Jeru continues to fight the good fight on independent releases, but the damage is done.
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