Moment of Truth
Encyclopedia
Moment of Truth is the fifth album by hip hop
duo Gang Starr
.
, this album could be perceived as a comeback, with a newer, updated style of the group's already-established jazz
-tinged hip-hop, as stated by Guru
in the introduction:
"We have certain formulas, but we update 'em
With the times and everything, you know
So you know the rhyme style is elevated
The style of beats is elevated, but it's still Guru and Premier."
Stylistically, Premier's beats, while maintaining the signature two-measure loop and scratched-chorus formula, expand their range of samples. Not only does he use more orchestral (ie, less funk/soul-based) horns and strings, but he also features more atonal, non-melodic samples, a style he had first explored on Jeru the Damaja
's The Sun Rises in the East
. Guru also grows somewhat on the album: he focuses more openly on social issues, and attempts to embrace his status, which had grown considerably during Gang Starr's hiatus to the point where many already considered him a hip-hop legend. Of course, his trademark battle rhymes
are also in full force on many tracks.
Despite being overshadowed by more mainstream
artists, the album gained immense respect within the underground hip-hop circuit, and is the group's most commercially successful album to date. Moment of Truth debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It went on to sell over 500,000 copies and was certified Gold by the RIAA on May 7, 1998. The lead single, "You Know My Steez," became the duo's second Billboard Hot 100
hit in 1997, peaking at #76. Spin magazine ranked it as the #16 album of 1998.http://www.buy.com/prod/Moment_Of_Truth_Explicit_Version/q/loc/109/60074535.html
The album features more guest artists than previous Gang Starr releases; collaborations include songs with Inspectah Deck
, Scarface
, G-Dep, Freddie Foxxx
, K-Ci & Jo-Jo, M.O.P.
and more.
The title track also appeared in the soundtrack of the 2001 video game Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
.
magazine
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
duo Gang Starr
Gang Starr
Gang Starr was an influential East Coast hip hop duo that consisted of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop.-Background:...
.
Overview
Released four years after their previous album, Hard to EarnHard to Earn
Hard to Earn is the fourth album from the hip hop duo Gang Starr. It was released in March of 1994 and featured the singles "Mass Appeal", "DWYCK" and "Code of the Streets." Musically the album is constructed around a harder, more stripped-down sound that is distinctively less melodic than the...
, this album could be perceived as a comeback, with a newer, updated style of the group's already-established jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
-tinged hip-hop, as stated by Guru
Guru (rapper)
Keith Edward Elam , better known by his stage name Guru, was an American emcee and member of the hip-hop duo Gang Starr, along with DJ Premier. He was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts...
in the introduction:
"We have certain formulas, but we update 'em
With the times and everything, you know
So you know the rhyme style is elevated
The style of beats is elevated, but it's still Guru and Premier."
Stylistically, Premier's beats, while maintaining the signature two-measure loop and scratched-chorus formula, expand their range of samples. Not only does he use more orchestral (ie, less funk/soul-based) horns and strings, but he also features more atonal, non-melodic samples, a style he had first explored on Jeru the Damaja
Jeru the Damaja
Kendrick Jeru Davis, known as Jeru the Damaja is an American rapper and recording artist who has worked extensively with Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, whom he has known since high school.-Biography:...
's The Sun Rises in the East
The Sun Rises in the East
The Sun Rises in the East is the debut album of American hip hop rapper Jeru the Damaja, released May 24, 1994 on PayDay Records. Production on the album was handled by legendary hip hop producer DJ Premier. The album features fellow Gang Starr Foundation member Afu-Ra...
. Guru also grows somewhat on the album: he focuses more openly on social issues, and attempts to embrace his status, which had grown considerably during Gang Starr's hiatus to the point where many already considered him a hip-hop legend. Of course, his trademark battle rhymes
Battle Rap
Battle rap is a type of rapping that includes a lot of braggadocio content "combined with put-downs, insults, and disses against real or imaginary opponents"...
are also in full force on many tracks.
Despite being overshadowed by more mainstream
Mainstream
Mainstream is, generally, the common current thought of the majority. However, the mainstream is far from cohesive; rather the concept is often considered a cultural construct....
artists, the album gained immense respect within the underground hip-hop circuit, and is the group's most commercially successful album to date. Moment of Truth debuted at #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. It went on to sell over 500,000 copies and was certified Gold by the RIAA on May 7, 1998. The lead single, "You Know My Steez," became the duo's second Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
hit in 1997, peaking at #76. Spin magazine ranked it as the #16 album of 1998.http://www.buy.com/prod/Moment_Of_Truth_Explicit_Version/q/loc/109/60074535.html
The album features more guest artists than previous Gang Starr releases; collaborations include songs with Inspectah Deck
Inspectah Deck
Jason Hunter, better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper, producer, and member of the Wu-Tang Clan...
, Scarface
Scarface (rapper)
Brad Terrence Jordan , better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, and recording artist from Houston, Texas and a member of the Geto Boys. He is originally from South Park, Houston.-Life and career:...
, G-Dep, Freddie Foxxx
Freddie Foxxx
Freddie Foxxx, also known as Bumpy Knuckles, is an American rapper and music producer from Long Island, New York.- Biography :...
, K-Ci & Jo-Jo, M.O.P.
M.O.P.
M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on...
and more.
The title track also appeared in the soundtrack of the 2001 video game Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2 is the successor to Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX and one of the last videogames created by Acclaim Entertainment before going out of business. It was first released for the PlayStation 2 in August 2001, and in the following months it was ported to the GameCube, Game Boy...
.
Track listing
| # | Title | Producer(s) | Performer (s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "You Know My Steez" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 4:07 |
| 2 | "Robbin Hood Theory" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 3:44 |
| 3 | "Work" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 2:57 |
| 4 | "Royalty" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, K-Ci & JoJo | 5:11 |
| 5 | "Above the Clouds" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, Inspectah Deck Inspectah Deck Jason Hunter, better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper, producer, and member of the Wu-Tang Clan... |
3:41 |
| 6 | "JFK 2 LAX" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 3:34 |
| 7 | "Itz a Set-Up" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, Hannibal Stax | 3:49 |
| 8 | "Moment of Truth" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 4:07 |
| 9 | "B.I. vs. Friendship" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, M.O.P. M.O.P. M.O.P., short for Mash Out Posse, is an American hip hop duo. The duo, composed of Billy Danze and Lil' Fame, is known for the aggressive delivery typically employed by both emcees. Although they maintain a strong underground following, they are mainly known for the song "Ante Up," released on... |
4:37 |
| 10 | "The Militia" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, Big Shug Big Shug Big Shug is a hip hop artist from Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of the Gang Starr Foundation collective.-Biography:... , Freddie Foxxx Freddie Foxxx Freddie Foxxx, also known as Bumpy Knuckles, is an American rapper and music producer from Long Island, New York.- Biography :... |
4:48 |
| 11 | "The Rep Grows Bigga" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 4:55 |
| 12 | "What I'm Here 4" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 2:45 |
| 13 | "She Knowz What She Wantz" | Guru, DJ Premier | Guru | 3:00 |
| 14 | "New York Strait Talk" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 4:14 |
| 15 | "My Advice 2 You" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 2:31 |
| 16 | "Make 'Em Pay" | Guru, DJ Premier | Guru, Krumbsnatcha | 4:21 |
| 17 | "The Mall" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, G-Dep, Shiggy Sha | 3:40 |
| 18 | "Betrayal" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru, Scarface Scarface (rapper) Brad Terrence Jordan , better known by his stage name Scarface, is an American rapper, and recording artist from Houston, Texas and a member of the Geto Boys. He is originally from South Park, Houston.-Life and career:... |
5:29 |
| 19 | "Next Time" | DJ Premier, Guru | Guru | 3:06 |
| 20 | "In Memory Of…" | DJ Premier, Guru | DJ Premier, Guru | 3:50 |
Album
| Chart (1998) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian Albums Chart | 14 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 6 |
| U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums | 1 |
Singles
Chart positions from BillboardBillboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
magazine
| Year | Song | Billboard Hot 100 Billboard Hot 100 The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday... |
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks | Hot Rap Singles | Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | "You Know My Steez" | 76 | 32 | 5 | 2 |
| 1998 | "The Militia" | – | 68 | 38 | – |