Performer Notes
- Gang Starr: Guru (rap vocals); DJ Premier (programming, scratches).
- Additional personnel includes: Total, Lil Dap, Jeru The Damaja, Big Shug, Freddie Foxxx, K-Ci & JoJo, M.O.P., Scarface, W.C., Rakim, The Lady Of Rage, Kurupt, Inspectah Deck, Nice & Smooth, Scarface (rap vocals).
- Principally recorded at D&D Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Chairman Mao.
- Gang Starr: Guru (rap vocals); DJ Premier (programming, scratches).
- Additional personnel: Total, Lil Dap, Jeru The Damaja, Big Shug, Freddie Foxxx, K-Ci & JoJo, M.O.P., Scarface, W.C., Rakim, The Lady Of Rage, Kurupt, Inspectah Deck, Nice & Smooth, Scarface (rap vocals).
- Principally recorded at D&D Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Chairman Mao.
- Rarely do hiphop acts stand the test of time. But Gang Starr's fusion of the underground killer beats of DJ Premier with Guru's smooth vocal stylings has always stayed true to its game. FULL CLIP compiles Gang Starr's ten-year run of hits. One of the things you notice about the double-disk set, packed as it is with such favorites as "DWYCK," "Just to Get A Rep," and "Mass Appeal," is that all 32 songs are home-runs. Every track here has earned its "greatest hits" status. Check out the rare, cool remixes of "Manifest," "You Know My Steez" (featuring The Lady of Rage and Kurupt), and "The Militia II" (with cameos from WC and Rakim). There's even a blazing new cut in the title track. FULL CLIP packs more ammunition than one would need in a prolonged war.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (9/2/99, p.114) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...FULL CLIP is proof that Gang Starr have created one of hip-hop's most enduring musical arsenals."
Rolling Stone (9/2/99, p.114) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...FULL CLIP is proof that Gang Starr have created one of hip-hop's most enduring musical arsenals."
Spin (10/99, p.158) - 9 out of 10 - "...the common thread running through FULL CLIP's 32 cuts: Swing. Head-nod. Repeat....they proved the centrality of the beat better than nearly anyone in hip-hop..."
Q (10/99, p.148) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Prime soul rhythms are made eerie and poignant, the beats are full of restrained power and their influence on, say, Portishead is clear. What comes over most is their cultivated handle on hip hop's divided soul..."
Q (10/99, p.148) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Prime soul rhythms are made eerie and poignant, the beats are full of restrained power and their influence on, say, Portishead is clear. What comes over most is their cultivated handle on hip hop's divided soul..."
Muzik (8/99, p.81) - 5 stars (out of 5) - "...even after a decade their template sounds as fresh as ever....[represents] the best of one of hip hop's most highly esteemed dynasties. These Starr's, it seems, just continue to shine bright."
Muzik (8/99, p.81) - 5 stars (out of 5) - "...even after a decade their template sounds as fresh as ever....[represents] the best of one of hip hop's most highly esteemed dynasties. These Starr's, it seems, just continue to shine bright."
CMJ (7/19/99, p.29) - "...a two-CD anthology that covers the entirety duo's storied career. Aside from the onslaught of joints and jams....FULL CLIP also features...material that newer fans have been trying to get their hands on for some time."
CMJ (7/19/99, p.29) - "...a two-CD anthology that covers the entirety duo's storied career. Aside from the onslaught of joints and jams....FULL CLIP also features...material that newer fans have been trying to get their hands on for some time."
Vibe (9/99, p.276) - "...The strength of FULL CLIP...is its thoroughness....With another perfect release under their belt, Guru and Premier take one more huge stride in their march down the path of excellence."
Vibe (9/99, p.276) - "...The strength of FULL CLIP...is its thoroughness....With another perfect release under their belt, Guru and Premier take one more huge stride in their march down the path of excellence."
Melody Maker (8/14/99, p.35) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "Sunny, scratchy silliness becoming eerie, gun-metal clamour over a decade in hip-hop, getting darker with every passing year..."
Melody Maker (8/14/99, p.35) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "Sunny, scratchy silliness becoming eerie, gun-metal clamour over a decade in hip-hop, getting darker with every passing year..."
Rap Pages (10/99, pp.142-3) - "...an elder group in the game now with a powerful collection of albums under their belt...bringing all the news live and direct, with no who-riding glamorization nor baseless conscious criticism. This is how it is...and it sounds great..." - Rating: A
Rap Pages (10/99, pp.142-3) - "...an elder group in the game now with a powerful collection of albums under their belt...bringing all the news live and direct, with no who-riding glamorization nor baseless conscious criticism. This is how it is...and it sounds great..." - Rating: A
