DJ Premier Breaks Down Gang Starr’s “Above The Clouds” | Beat Break Ep. 4

DJ Premier breaks down Gang Starr's "Above the Clouds" ft. Inspectah Deck for Beat Break: #MomentOfTruth Edition
When Wu-Tang’s most underrated lyricist asked Guru what to rhyme about, the rapper simply responded, “Your mental.” The competitive session that followed spawned one of Gang Starr’s most beloved songs - and one of Premier’s greatest productions.
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Hip-hop was founded on adaptability, and Gang Starr is no exception. As MC Guru plainly states on the intro to the duo’s 1998 classic album ‘Moment of Truth’: “We adapt with the times...but it’s always Guru and Premier.”
Four years removed from the seminal ‘Hard to Earn,’ Guru’s street corner philosophies and Premier’s gutter-soaked production sounded more focused than ever. Leave it to a producer/DJ from Texas and an MC from Boston to refine the New York sound.
‘Hard to Earn’ was the apex of their climb to legitimacy, but ‘Moment of Truth’ was their rebuttal from the safety of rap’s Iron Throne. They wrapped a wizened jazzman cool around everything from working with the youth and the prison industrial complex to good old-fashioned Black Power, helped further by the likes of M.O.P., Inspectah Deck, and Scarface among others.
“The rejected stone is now the cornerstone,” Guru affirms on opener “You Know My Steez,” a bold claim for bars and beats that have held strong for 20 years. Just ask a young Joey Bada$$, who credits Moment of Truth with inspiring him to pick up the mic.
“Beat Break: DJ Premier” is a behind-the-scenes look at eight of the biggest records on ‘Moment of Truth.’ Rest in peace, Guru.
“In an era where news outlets are more concerned with arriving first over producing quality content, DJBooth prides itself on using unique storytelling to connect with their audience. Expect easily digestible news, along with in-depth reviews and features, and more fresh tunes for you to find and brag to your friends about.” - The Famous Company
Shot & Edited by @EriksonCorniel
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[@balazsborbely3493]

I can listen DJ Premier's stories for like hours. This man is a living hip hop encyclopaedia, who knows everybody in hip hop, and he was there, when on of the greatest songs were born. WE NEED A DJ PREMIER DOCUMENTARY SERIES. His life, his Gangstarr years, his works with other artists, etc. Maaan, WE NEED THAT !!!

[@siimkasemaa774]

YES

[@Dusty2455433]

FUND IT!

[@creationbeatsuk]

100% need a preemo doc, 100%!!!!

[@beyondsurreal9782]

Hopefully as good as the defiant ones

[@sbjncn]

new york beats are trash especially this high pitch sample garbage lmaoo the only good producer was the guy from mobb deep

[@shirkophobe]

One of the illest beats EVER, IMO. Deck was just perfect as a guest on this one! RIP GURU!

[@meeseforbes26]

James Browne Factual 💯

[@Deltron-hq7wj]

Nuff said.

[@BRAVENEWORDERFILMS]

Agree. So chill. Pure genius...

[@kennethmeyers2296]

James, I agree 🔥

[@HAL--gb6uf]

yeah perfectly suits this track

[@wretchedslippage3255]

Moment of Truth is one of the greatest albums of all time.

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

It's a master piece

[@Faime1Up]

5000% this ans Sticky Fingaz Blacktrash Album

[@raymondraffoul2402]

Definitely!

[@Shlogger]

my fav of theirs for sure

[@rizednb]

sure is

[@Goatchild90]

Deck verse is one of the best guest verses in hip hop

[@TheGameTesters99]

I ain't gon lie, all of his guest verses are

[@D33J3nk1]

Rza once said deck is the best rapper to set off any track

[@Goatchild90]

@@D33J3nk1 Scientific fact!

[@memnoch0609]

Couldn’t agree anymore bro

[@derekesposito6586]

All his verses are 🔥. He is so slept on, him and Black Thought are rappers favorite rappers.

[@mfundonomdikinya8870]

"Where the sound are original, infinite skills create miracles"

[@alimz3514]

Warrior spiritual

[@knggullah8079]

"I leave scientists mentally scarred!"

[@Bam2106]

"Triple Extra Large, wild like Rockstars who smash guitars!!" 🔥

[@mmmyeah7]

Poison bars from the gods bust holes in your mirage .......deck one of the most underrated

[@erdostibor4885]

@@mmmyeah7 one of the best lyrical MC ever with great flow

[@Damijious]

"when we die HARD they build ah monument to honor us with, humongous affect in the world we coulda conquer it!" Harrdest part.

[@paulallen-squid1332]

"Scientists"

[@bwheel2962]

“I Self Lord And Master, shall bring disaster to evil factors Demonic chapters, shall be captured by Kings”

[@Q_pun_saves]

Back when Hip hop was competitive MCs wrote their own bars. Guru and Inspectah Deck when Bar for bar on this track. two of the most underrated MCs R.I.P to Guru

[@jaycoleman6552]

*_*their_* , not there. I'm just saying. 😂

[@rgw1380rw]

Tbh, there were ghost writers back before this track was even made.

[@Q_pun_saves]

@@jaycoleman6552 Oh look you knew what I was tryna say. Tryna get some likes this ain’t no English class so you can go suck a dictionary if all I care.

[@skatechatham]

Underrated by who? Everyone that grew up in that era knew what’s up

[@dantegood2195]

There were ghostwriters then and now.

[@curtistate9536]

“I self Lord and Master shall bring disaster to evil factors, demonic chapters, shall be captured by Kings” 😲 This opening verse, combined with the SICKEST and SLICKEST beat set everybody’s ass on fire! My fave Gang Starr record. So Official!

[@jd5726]

I love the way Preemo talks about Guru rip

[@Talkinknicks]

“Above The Clouds” has a Asian, Meditating , Peaceful, feel to it. When Hearing it , I always I pictured a Man/Monk on a journey for Enlightenment, meditating on the top of a mountain which is at such a high altitude the clouds are on the same elevation , so occasionally the man is enveloped / engulfed by the fog of a passing cloud.

[@douchebagout]

I'm pushing 45 summers. When this track comes on, whether at my crib or other random spot, i feel like a kid again. It's like the fountain of youth.

[@jackbutler3133]

Timeless cos age down count in the booth ,when your flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth

[@when1250]

how old is this song? i’m 17 and i just found it now that’s crazy that we both listening to it like years apart

[@DylanM333]

@@jackbutler3133 facts

[@DC-xp4bl]

@@when1250 Released over 20 years ago

[@user-wo7dl6tb2q]

@@when1250 glad you heard this. You got a lot to listen to! I’m 47 & the late 80/90’s hip hop was incredible on all levels! Hope you can discover it all

[@biggmandem1]

True story. I met a young white kid in az. He had wu tatted on his arm. He told me his favorite rapper was ins. Furthermore, he said his favorite verse was from above the clouds. He was only 20. I was astonished.

[@lukeboilard8377]

20 year old white kid right here been listening to this stuff since i was 12, nothing better than the stuff from the 80s-90s

[@biggmandem1]

@@lukeboilard8377 salute!

[@jakeb3055]

Real good music transcends color. Period. Respect the Deck! RIP Guru. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal

[@schabdafiddler]

White 16 yo kid ... from Poland can u imagine ? Couse im livin it :D

[@1317stuntman]

yeah y’all the reason i read the comments man..couldn’t of said it better myself..just like WU GANGSTARR is universal hip hop..if you have a good vocabulary you will respect the work they do..👍👍

[@rayr3404]

This generation has no idea what hip hop was at that time I mean the beats the cerebral hip hop poets that would spit that raw street fire! What a great time in hip hop!!!!!

[@when1250]

joey badass for sure knows and anyone that listens to him knows what hip hop used to be

[@Theshamanomar]

The most iconic song in hip-hop history. Becomes more and more relevant with time....

[@kireality]

It's not even top 20.

[@tobik.2849]

@@kireality who decides that anyway. It's just an opinion.

[@kireality]

@@tobik.2849 LOL OK. It really doesn't matter.

[@StrangeDeranged]

Like Fine Wine! Rest in Peace, Keith Elam!!

[@Theshamanomar]

@@kireality your def.

[@dylangrigsby3904]

Gurus lyrics saved my life, man. Before I discovered his work, I was just a little hard headed angry mother fucker. Gang Starr made me think and calm down. R.I.P. Gifted Unlimited Rymes Universal 💛

[@salutabaally4866]

Heed the words, it's like Ghetto style proverbs, The righteous payin sacrifice to get what they deserve,...Respect!,.....RIP Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal,...

[@urbansuburbenz]

good line, but its the few just before that gets me... "The brainwave, causes vessels to circulate like constellations reflect at night off the lake Word to the father, and Mother Earth Seeking everlasting life through this Hell for what it's worth"

[@deathrager2404]

I Self Lord And Master shal bring disaster to evil factors demonic chapters, shall be captured by kings

[@MrRIZZ-he2lv]

One of my all time favorite tracks ever. Something about this shit I've been bumpin since highschool!!

[@everett7903]

"but our hands are on the ammo cause the battle's still on". Straight Fire! They don't come like that anymore, for real!

[@jeffreyanthony7348]

I still listen to this album today.

[@grumpee8432]

Goosebumps listening to them stories.

[@youandyourmusic]

Above the clouds is one of those song that you just remember forever. It's a super classic hit.

[@iLLWiLL510]

Wild like rock stars who smash guitars Poison bars from the gods bust holes in your mirage And catch a charge, shake 'em down like the riot squad

[@D.heARTist]

One of my favorite beats of all time. Respect to Preem, Guru and Deck! Love this joint.

[@stet8826]

Watching Gang Starr grow from the early wild pitch 12's right through. Dope. Moment of True was a serious hip hop classic. RIP GURU. Nuff respect Premo. Gangi Starr lives forever. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👊💯🇬🇧

[@jd5726]

One of DJ Premiers best beats, classic track

[@rustyhornzinstrumentalist-7596]

Love that track and that album. Everybody definitely did their thing. Deck's verse was the illest, Guru did his thing as well, now don't even ask me about Preemo's track; that was some Easternized Wizardry.

[@mattmckeel2955]

Fulfill The Dream.

[@napalmsf]

You can't spell hip-hop without Gangstarr

[@columbusohio72]

If Deck went first he would arguably have 2 of the dopest intros of all time

[@LifeGotIt]

Guru & Deck both left earth on this trak! “Moment of truth” iz my favorite gangstar album!!

[@seiner0ne]

R.i.p guru legends never die. Gang starr are one of the best duo's ever.

[@alimz3514]

Gang Starr and mobb,top 2

[@rickrock1245]

One of the best joints ever made!

[@superegobeats]

Damn it's dope to hear how these tracks were created.

[@TupacWallace]

one of my favorite tracks of all time! "your mental" bless the god.

[@NONcorrupt]

That was my favorite on that album "Above The Clouds" & "Think Twice" & "In Memory Of" are some soulful as trackz !!!

[@anthonys3892]

Honestly two of the greatest verses I’ve ever heard was spit on this track.

[@discern7544]

Shit was monumental, That record really stood out all around and was more mature and meaningful than alot of other stuff that was coming out at the time. RIP Guru, stay up Primo.

[@MikeSpexTV]

Timeless!! Thnx fr sharing Primo!! Rest in peace Guru #Favorite

[@givennamefamilyname6702]

One of my favorite songs and beats of all time

[@N0zix420]

One of the best all time hip hop tracks! Amazing story thank you!

[@reggaepierce1873]

One of my favorite beats with guru and inspectah deck

[@riddley39]

Love them stories about tracks you zoned out too back when! Deck murdered everything in sight! They need to k ow how much of a legend Premier is!! 🫡

[@mattiik]

You guys killed it preme, immortal track. One of the all time greats

[@talesfromthehoodtv503]

Dam i can imagine being onyx hearing protect ya neck,and deck is the first thing you here,hes literally your introduction to the wu tang clan,raw rhymes and raw beats

[@Wreckohnize]

He’s such a humble producer ! One of the greatest ever!! RIP GURU FOREVA

[@kevinburke2112]

My kids know this song since they were 5 yrs old...a lot of rap i cant play around them bc of language...at almost 9 they still love this and bonita applebum.

[@cal1music65]

how can you not love premier? this man is so passionate about music. a true inspiration!

[@ditc2103]

Appreciate these vids.true hiphop gems

[@hamzah9129]

This song is the best song from Gang starr i remember buying this Cd thank you

[@roblepper8418]

I remember going to the mall back in high school and copping MOT. When I first got to Above The Clouds I was blown away. I'm a huge Wu fan also so I was anticipated for Deck with Premo and GURU.

[@spearPYN]

nice to hear premier paying tribute to the wu-tang clan, the greatest movement in the history of music!

[@CarlosLopez-qm3eq]

Crazy, one of the best hip hop songs personally

[@lsdiesel8025]

Hands down prolly my fav song. Thank u Premo, Guru & anyone that had a hand in this masterpiece. ✌

[@cheriosperformance5318]

One of the best ever... Above the clouds 💪💪💪

[@kyleyesiahsupree]

i remember hearing this track for the first time watching Fulfill The Dream skate video, and since that day ive been at one with this song.

[@Mixwell1983]

Im just gona say in the mid 90s i was into punk and rock. Come late 90s a friend had the Shorties fulfull the dream and when Steve Olsens part came on with above the clouds I fell in love.. I wasnt a hiphop head then or after but some years later i copped gangstarr moment of truth LP and fell in love wit it.. Been a hip hop head since 1999 Dilated Peoples Platform LP on tape

[@FazersOnStun]

This song is 🔥🔥🔥. I got goosebumps the first time I heard it and still get em till this day

[@menadzukic]

For me this song represent the perfection, from the intro to the last bar everything is perfect a 10/10 you can't do better

[@DylanM333]

literally it is spiritual and mental

[@BarzOverAll]

1 of my favorite gangstarr records

[@amahldunbar4367]

'Above The Clouds' is legendary!!! The best writers, rappers, & producers got to work together! It was a Hip Hop Dream Team ...

[@messiahblackgod]

it's scary how many times I have been back to this video 😂😂😂 it's that inspirational ✊🏿

[@therealdjk30]

My favorite Gang Starr song of all time!!! R.I.P Guru

[@kentonthompson5890]

Deck is wayyyy underrated and my Favorite outta the Clan... This verse and "It's Yourz" can challenge any verse in Hip-Hop bar for bar! "Million Dollar Rap Crews Fold..."

[@lenglain8230]

"The impact will blow trees back and crack statues!"

[@marcovehurley]

Always one of my favorite songs 🔥

[@ojimaralu694]

I love that record it’s truly above all clouds

[@onmypurpose9075]

Premier has been in the most iconic sessions and been around the most iconic MCs ever. I love his stories.

[@berserkir6717]

Beautiful moment of truth.

[@surfseapop]

If a single song could encompass the essence of the golden era of hip hop this is it. Everything from the production to the artists and their verses is flawless.

[@pietjepukt6]

I bought this album years and years ago. Great to hear the story of it being made. Thanks for sharing.

[@bajainelowkie1077]

THAT BEAT IS SOOOO HYPED I GET AMP TEARS EVERY TIME I HEAR IT

[@marvingonzalez6891]

Just a Flawless album MASTERFUL

[@bonusfries3241]

Yes indeed this record was GOLD. Speaking of, i have a copy of the gold record award for this album. It says it was originally issued to RP COLA. One of my most prized possessions. Premier is one of the greatest to ever touch the turntables. And boy do i miss GURU. GANG STARR FOREVER

[@jakubheliniak1156]

I love listening to them studio session stories :D What a privilege to be here

[@rossaodonovan895]

Above the crowds, above the clouds where the sounds are original Infinite skills create miracles Warrior spiritual, above the clouds Reigning down, holdin it down, RIP Guru

[@hori_ink82]

Nothing but love for Gang Starr

[@ausetmcchristion-thomas1522]

This song has always had a grip on my mind and is truly a timeless record

[@DaBadSeed]

My favourite premo beat no doubt..beat is incredible

[@p215j]

Phenomenal emcees, Phenomenal lyrics, Phenomenal producer, Phenomenal beat. Hip Hop Magic!

[@LaCheleWallace]

This is indeed a gem. You know what, Christopher? You are all right w/ me. You had it goin' on and you always hooked up them tracks and laced us w/ classics. I hope you know what did 'cause my goodness...

[@hellenicguy9993]

Jam*

[@hellenicguy9993]

Christopher is a Greek name

[@GOLDENBLACKAFRICA]

@Vegan Gains WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU? Lookin like a coked out Leprechaun and shit, why you disrespecting the lady? Take your meds and relax Preemo is a positive cat why bring negativity to his video? You and everyone who liked your comment is wack period. You aint Hip Hop foh...

[@CJ_7519]

@@GOLDENBLACKAFRICA, exactly!

[@mushroomsamba82]

Only just discovered this interview, Premier has some great stories from back in the day and he's really good at telling them.

[@nicholasdibari9095]

Some people find it strange that even though my favorite artists is Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and other folk and rock bands but something about Gang Starr catches my ear that I can’t explain. Truly amazing stuff if it sounds good than it is good! “Above the Clouds” is easily one my favorite songs of all time

[@govtmule611]

Sick. Ill. Dope. No words. Breathless..

[@MasterSplinter-cd1df]

Thank you DJ Premier

[@rickrock1245]

One of the best

[@danieljoseph8120]

such a reflective track I can drift away

[@turtleanton6539]

Guru and deck killed it ! And the beat is one of preemos best

[@KennyLauderdale]

One of my favorite producers

[@mabutamam]

Accompanied by deck plus the DJ you respect 👌🏽

[@LowTremble]

I wish more of my favorite artist would share these stories, thank you for these.

[@timothykangethe7700]

This Spectacular track is an Out of this World. Pure Phenomenal feat 🙌

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

This video gives me chills

[@mikemiller5257]

Love that colab and that song...

[@jeromealan4818]

One of top 10 favorite songs of all time.

[@HMonk-hd1zr]

One of dopest beats🔥

[@ronrutan]

The art was still so fresh then.. I smile thinkin back, then I remember where we're at now and I'm bummed out

[@abovethefrey3681]

MC’s like Guru are not even born anymore, that mold has discontinued!!……word up thunn! Peace to the god mc Guru Peace to DJ Premier Salute 🫡 👑💜

[@antwaanhemisphere7956]

One the best hip hop producers of all time ✅

[@djwarzone1]

One of my absolute favorite songs of all time! 🔥️🔥️🔥🔥️🔥️🔥🔥️🔥️🔥 Decks verse may be one of the greatest verses of all time

[@NONcorrupt]

What's Amazing is that Guru & Deck didn't even compare notes before they both got in the both. They both were on the same page and Above The Clouds is a track on the CD where , I rewind 5 or 6 times before I heard the rest of the songs after it. So dope I never got tired of hearing it.