So Wassup? Episode 47 | Gang Starr - "Code of the Streets"

In episode 47, DJ Premier takes us through the process of how "Code of the Streets", from Gang Starr was created.
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#SoWassup

[@Diwani_Spark14]

The reason why this episodes are so epic is the back story it’s amazing how much detailed information Preemo can recall. I never knew GURU did the beat. This is why Gang Starr will forever be legends. Classic Salute 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Karmaisabliss215]

This info is priceless especially to the connoisseur

[@UndergroundRap4eva]

Yeah I almost tripped when he said the scratching he did was actually morse code. I actually went to google to decipher the beeps to see if he put some secret message in it and I think it means In N.Y.C. Preemo is just full of surprises man.

[@dj_jazzywhut]

Check out Group Home "So Called Friends" similar beat and vibe produced by the late, great Guru!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/emrId3uArLx7hac

[@jamaabdikarimjama7582]

Yup

[@keithelam6537]

It's good to see people who know real hip hop appreciate gang starr. I used to buy every and i do mean every tape of rap when it came out. I took a chance on "no more mr. Nice guy because i was familar with the wild pitch label. I believe i bought their first album when it came out in the spring of 89'. Gang starr instantly became my favorite rap group. 89' in my mind is the greatest year of hip hop. Jaz " word to the jaz", awesome dre' and the hardcore committee "you can't hold me back". The new style( naugthy's first album)" independant leaders". Tuff crew" back to wreck shop" are just several dope albums that many people sleep on.

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

Preemo is the living embodiment of hip hop.

[@dannybx78]

"Code Of The Streets" is a true hip hop classic that will live forever.

[@Killakane77]

I remember when I bought the Hard to Earn album, I got to this track and when it started I said to myself "this is a great sample, all it needs is some hard drums". When the drums dropped it blew me away with how ferocious they were. Premier scratching in Morse code and Guru's rhymes went perfectly with the beat. But when I saw the video I was even more impressed. Gangstarr is one of the few groups who has never released wack music, ever.

[@94shotson40]

💯

[@verseessential]

YES! They NEVER made a wack song. NEVER!

[@thebigswermdiggs3383]

Amen brother

[@firedragon_ck4509]

Big facts! All Gang Starr albums are flamez. Hard to Earn and Moment of Truth will forever be ingrained in me. Even that “One of the Best Yet” album that dropped 4 years ago was still fire too. 💯🔥🔥

[@clarkbruce_exmuslim]

Diamonds are forever.

[@verbone]

This was the illest So Wassup? episode yet.

[@filo5930]

Gangstarr was a big thing for me growing up and honestly for a big part of my life. I remember painting in the streets listening gangstarr, walking back home at 3 am , so much good memories with your music, thank you and rest in peace G

[@trevorjames4619]

I always liked how preem is always respectful of guru. Definitely appreciate the positive memories of the gifted one. I’m sure they had issues with each other towards the end of his life, but preem leaves that all in the past and just let’s the history of the music speak for itself. Thank you for that.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 And the ghost face line is “not long is how long that this rhyme took me”

[@chrislongshanks666]

Yeh fair point. He really gets that the legacy is what it's all about.

[@WhoTheHellIsHarvy]

God damn. The VHS and the shirt took this episode to a whole other level. Thank you for this series Preemo! People gotta know how important it is for the culture.

[@clarkbruce_exmuslim]

The floppy disk too. Being born 91, they remind me of my earliest childhood memories. Life will never be like that again. Kids today could never imagine.

[@HipHopHistoryGuy]

Being a die hard Gang Starr fan since the early 90's, it's incredible to see this footage from Channel 9 of Guru w/ Jeru and Dap rapping the pre-cursor for "Code of the Streets". Just when I thought I heard or knew it all, Premo busts out a VHS of this video and my jaw hit the ground. I can't thank you enough for playing so much of this footage in this episode - thank you Preem. RIP Guru and thank you to the entire Gang Starr Foundation (Premo, Shug, Jeru, etc.) for being such a powerful movement for me and millions of other hip hop fans around the world.

[@JEFFMAN90]

Guru was an underrated beatmaker/producer

[@extraniceness]

He even produced a “King of Sorrow” remix for SADE!

[@waxmaster-c]

Guru’s Jazzmatazz

[@boogiedownbronx73]

nah not underrated...he is considered to be one of the best amongst his peers...he definitely received credits....if you ask anyone know a bit about hip hop...premier will probably come on top being named

[@extraniceness]

@@boogiedownbronx73 we aren't talking about Preemo tho, we are talking about Guru who was way more known for his rapping skills first and foremost. Anyone that claims they know anything about 90s hip-hop knows that Premier is the absolute greatest no doubt

[@waxmaster-c]

@@boogiedownbronx73 he said Guru, not Premier

[@rogermoore27]

2:59 - Thank you Mr Martin. Trini here 💪❤

[@cabezashiphop8275]

Morse Code conceptualized in a song, Premo is a Genius!!

[@moussetache1815]

Damn what a treasure this VHS is.... rhymes are exactly the same but with this "War of the worlds" chorus and the raw footage it gets to an even deeper level of meaning. Thank you Preemo. Cheers from Paris.

[@steve.santiago]

GURUs drums were ok but when Preemo re-did them, it went from a good record to an all time classic

[@apexone5502]

Yep, as well as Preemo taking out that horn sample Guru used for the chorus and using the scratches instead. His changes took the song from being a good song to iconic.

[@ri067953]

Yeah the drums sound similar on Gurus version but Preem added that swing on the album version.

[@noaharkadedelgado]

Where can i listen to gurus version

[@ri067953]

@@noaharkadedelgado it's in this video

[@noaharkadedelgado]

@@ri067953 I can’t seem to find any info about the show doe

[@LyricalThesisDJ]

How does this man not have at least 1 million subs? Lol… engaging, entertaining and insightful..

[@gregc7699]

These episodes are usually about 10 - 15 mins long but I swear I could listen to Premo for like 2 hours an episode his story's and the way he tells them are legendary

[@johncitizen8828]

So true.

[@denisohbrien]

Scratching the solid tone was always my fav bit of this joint. I just assumed it was given no thought, just a filler piece, yet here we are.

[@monseratefernandez8821]

By the way that Morse code scratch is the emergency broadcast system tone. For those who know it used to come on during late night tv.

[@BenNixBradley]

This type of stuff is very important.

[@zncuentertainment712]

Premo, keep this series running forever!

[@amuroray3823]

One of the best track in music history

[@SunMagnetic]

Code of the Streets. Perfect title, incredible track. These videos are critical to all of us GANGSTARR fans, word

[@rogermoore27]

I like knowing the scratch as The Morse Code scratch.

[@arenelomax]

The "Code of The Streets" and "Mass Appeal" are two of my favorite Gangstar records. #perfectsongs

[@tonychopper9142]

Does anybody here agree that the "original" from the vhs was FIRE too?

[@anonymousapocalypse247]

I liked the horns. But i still like both versions 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@tonychopper9142]

@@anonymousapocalypse247 right, them horns really set shit off.

[@CHISENGA]

I didn’t know Guru produced one of my favourite joints on the HARD TO EARN album

[@bushworstprez]

Favorite Gang Starr album ever, first one I ever heard and I kept replaying it over and over and over again. 11 year old me was hooked and 29 years later still here. ✌🏽❤️

[@turnstyle518]

RIP GURU 🙏 DJ Premier for president! The 'Hard to Earn' album was a game changer for me when I was younger. It inspired me to get into producing and DJing and I was fortunate enough to meet Guru and Premier at a Brooklyn Vermont show in the 90s. They even autographed my vinyl copy of 'Hard to Earn' - a true treasure for any Gang Starr fan.

[@DmitryCee]

This is now my favorite episode. It's just complete - has absolutely everything. I never knew Guru was behind the original, and boy it sounds nice.

[@brooklyninja]

One of my favorite things about this video is how Preem casually drops classic lyrics in there, you can tell he's a fan. That's great.

[@gruj_onebluevinyltv]

Without question the best show on KZbin. Premier nails it everytime. People had been waiting for that one. I knew Guru did those drums because that one of his signature patterns. And I still learn things after I watch these episodes. Incredible.

[@stefanbogdanovic590]

Woooohooo this joint Guru produced love it so much. One day I was so in bad mood, but then I went on YT and this song started I was just waiting for the drop, when I heard that drop I was immediately pumped ready to rock gave me so much energy fuckin BEAST song.. One love brothers and sisters! Thank you Premooo! You're my hero. RIP GURU ONE OF THE BEST YET!! Guru's legacy continues! Amazing legendary iconic song! One love

[@XavierCoolDude]

Pure joy and genius. Thank god I grew up in this era. Gang Starr was one of my favorite group since starting with Manifest. Code of the Streets was absolute fire in 94. RIP Guru

[@OverdubTape]

Ay, I need a copy of that "War of the Worlds" version, too lol

[@426cement]

This song was always one of my favourotes, this back story just blew my mind. Preemo, we can’t be grateful enough for this series! I feel like I became more after watching this

[@asatvs]

One of my favorite Gangstarr track of ALL TIME 🏅 🏅🏅 The scratches on that joint are OFF-DA-CHAINS 🔥🔥📀📀

[@heatlifer1872]

Code of the Street has the Most Icon Scratch solo of all time. Respect

[@justubinallday]

New Jersey Drive vibes. One of my favorite joints all time. I play it like it came out yesterday. RIP to GURU

[@chrishildreth6821]

Every time I watch these I can't help but repeat ok computer run it back cuz these will never get old

[@HIP_HOP_JUNKIE_]

This is my all time favorite song from Gang Starr. To see the original version, I’m so amazed. Thank you Preemo.

[@xamphoa]

Wow. Incredible. I had no idea Guru made that originally. One of my fav Gang Starr joints! Thank you for the history lesson. Love these videos!!

[@samthemac]

R.i.p Guru ❤️ Much love Prem. Legendary. Got this one on wax. Conscious rap with beats that bump. That's how the pros do it

[@Black_2_Def]

The God Emcee GURU! 🙌🏾 Hard to Hard.... Classic Album and Mass Appeal is one of the Greatest Hip-hop Tracks of All-Time!

[@ThaRealERAQ]

Bruh I never knew it was a whole version b4 the album one. Crazy. Thankfully preemo tightened it up to perfection.

[@verseessential]

This record is the national anthem of Gang Starr records. can't wait!!!!!!

[@flwlessvictory9577]

Just did a lyric video

[@verseessential]

@@flwlessvictory9577 Dope!

[@TheGoatBeats]

This makes my Mondays special. I really missed it when it was gone for a while, now it’s back and i appreciate it. Thanks!

[@fernandoscorsin8191]

Love how Premo always shotouts a lot of people on his videos, he's pure heart.

[@ScottBuckets]

Yet another banger. 🚨🔥 RIP GURU

[@HipCrib]

The live sampling scratching mix of this track last month in israel was unforgettable! The best DJ set I’ve witnessed in my entire life! Every min of that 2:45 hours gig Salute primo 🫡❤️‍🔥✊🏼

[@P-DUBZduharte]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥R.I.P. GURU

[@Ben-zt9pk]

Its so cool how just changing the name of the song but keeping the lyrics just turns the original meaning of the song upside down into a different perspective

[@thabstract0ne]

The story on this one is BANANAS 🤯 I mean....the creativity from Guru's lyrics to Guru's production to Preemo's re-do of the drums and adding the morse code scratches to the video concept....dudes put A TON of work in!!!!

[@realrory4910]

Top 5 Gang Starr track 🔥🔥🔥

[@nuyorican130]

So dope...90'$ hip hop will always be my heart..

[@extraniceness]

I cannot believe what I just watched 🤯 what a true 💎 of an episode RIP Guru! 🙏

[@rubendominguez5260]

This song was the reason I played the game 25 to life

[@mcallarse]

Theme for a news show 🤯

[@luiswiley98]

Definitely one of the most informative and message filled but well laid out record ever made 🔥🔥

[@lazyeight01]

How the hell did I not know this channel existed! Priceless. Big up Primo

[@infinitebarznyc2901]

RIP GURU 🙏🏻❤️

[@ghostshipone]

I saw Gangstarr live in the early 2000’s and when this song came on the place blew up. People were on tables, glasses were thrown and it was a party 🎉👌😎👍

[@KoolKev731]

one of my so many favorite Gang Starr classics...R.I.P Guru 🙏🏼😎🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤

[@dasfreshyo]

Code of the streets is 1 of my favorite songs to hear when I'm driving around on a winter day wearing my parks and beanie

[@mr.hernandezdrives]

you got so many many many classic,, songs/lyrics that will forever be engraved in my mental.. salute to the golden age of hip-hop RIP Guru, Premo Legendary

[@chrislongshanks666]

I had a video taped episode of MuchMusic's RapCity with the video for "Code Of The Streets" along with "D. Original" by Jeru and "Outta Here" by KRS. Preemo was just unstoppable in this era. Watched that video every day before I went to school in grade 9.

[@artuvwar]

I gotta give it to ya Premier....you're pretty good at this Hippity-Hop stuff...

[@itzdm0r3]

RIP Guru!

[@obarakasika7098]

This scratching sequence was a standard for DJs everywhere in that time. I remember seeing my cousin being proud of himself for nailing it for the first time in his basement…

[@vsmusictv]

This song why I felt in love with gangstarr. Now that I got the morse shit, loved it MORE!

[@williemakeit2346]

Code of The Streets is one of my favorite hip hop joints of all time, PERIOD. Dope to learn the history behind it.

[@tochiRTA]

super classic! Never knew that was Morse code. Brilliant addition! It's little sound details like that that can take a beat to a whole other level.

[@allergic2life]

I was 6 years old on that day in 92 lol. I love the back stories to these epic joints!!

[@UndergroundRap4eva]

This is what we've been waiting for. LET'S GET IT IN!!!

[@EricBishard]

This is where we fit in!

[@joshualapointe4239]

If Hard to Earn is not in your collection, don't talk about Hip Hop.

[@hermankushinskeys5394]

This is probably the first song that I have ever heard from Gang Starr, love it so much. I'm also dying to see an episode on "Rock Stars" joint by Non Phixion or any other stuff that you recorded with Ill Bill, that would be awesome. Big thanks for sharing these stories

[@owen7185]

You and Guru pure class. RIP to the legend.

[@jermanecrumbley2662]

PREAM TEAM 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 "Let's get it!"

[@dkae92]

Man I love the intro to this song.. you could tell it had a mad story behind it

[@djjak3568]

Dope!!!! DWYCK next..please ✊🏾

[@nibbles187]

I had no idea there was a different version and video for Code of the streets. Dope!

[@TheSstretch68]

CLASSICKAL!!!!! One of my favorite GANGSTARR tracks. Incredible back story.

[@johncitizen8828]

Damn. Probably my favourite episode of the series so far. SO much history and trivia from Premier. Proper archival shit. 😎

[@gunniellottjr483]

Another banger Preemo Hip hop historian.

[@eddiethetruhead]

Always been one of my absolute fav Gangstarr joints.🔥Exceptional track. Those Morse code cuts are Primo at his best.👏 That Wars of the World vhs 📼 clip was so dope to see as well. Mad props to the Legendary Gangstarr for blessing us with this classic. RIP GURU🔥🎙🔥 Salute the floppy Y’all. Peace.💾🔥💾🔥💾🔥💾🔥💾🔥💾🔥🔊

[@soulglo9751]

Irvington and Newark NJ

[@eafloe]

PRICELESS!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY AM I CLAPPING AFTER THE VHS CLIP!?!?!? AWWWW MAN, THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS PREEM! CODE OF THE STREETS WOULD GET CRAZY SPINS AT THE CRIB! CASSETTE TAPE!!! I HAVE PLAYED THIS TRACK ON REPEAT MORE THAN ANYBODY!!!! LOL. SIDE B, TRACK 1!!! I REWINDED THIS ONE THOUSANDS OF TIMES!!! WHEN I HAD THE 15 -NCH CERWIN VEGA HOUSE SPEAKERS!!!! SMH....YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE THIS!!!! THE VIDEO DETAILS....EVERYTHING!!!! CONTINUED BLESSINGS!!!! WE LOVE YOU GURU!!! BEST EPISODE!!! AND THAT SAYS ALOT!!!! #GANGSTARRBOY

[@Lokirey]

Thank the algorithm gods. My first album ever was the double cd Full Clip album.It was a gift from my late godmother when I turned 14. The power of music is life altering. With that and my second purchased album; Nas - I am, the pedigree was solid. Thank you for the art. Love the content and excited to see more!

[@shuxtable8432]

Who remembers this song on New York Undercover?!?!?

[@mrbdx]

Man I ain’t NEVER hit the “play” button so fast on a video! 😂 Now we getting down to the nitty gritty! Code of the MF Streets!!! Come on maaan! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Primo, you might as well do the whole Hard to Earn album! I want to know about ALONGWAYTOGO next!!! Also we’re patiently waiting on the Group Home’s Living Proof album cuts as well as D&D Allstars 1,2 Pass It and Crooklyn Dodgers 1 and 2!!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@obilinx]

he has already done alongwaytogo

[@onice33]

Damn this an eye opener... both tracks dope asf!!

[@ibizawavey8630]

I was a little kid but I had this bosnian dude who was into hip hop, and he was a barber. Dude gave me a haircut like will smith what they call it? the fade with the top lol man best haircut i've ever had. I hope he's doing well in life, he was a hell of a big brother to me and the other kids. He's the one who introduced me to hip hop.

[@Dave-ug4cd]

Yo Preme: I bought Hard to Earn on Cassette tape back in the late 1900s. I was the only one in my Alaskan village to have the tape. Good Memories. Love the shirt you are wearing . . . what if you pressed some shirts with your floppy discs on them? Heck...I'd cop them.

[@raphaeljoseph6952]

Bro, u got a great idea. I'd buy them too.

[@jeremyclark771]

Always been one of my favorites.

[@andrearighetti8383]

Thank u Preemo for all these incredible stories🙏🏻

[@alexlindbjerg]

I'd like for this to be an interview series with Rob Markman. Just Premier's memories and knowledge combined with Rob's research and flair for asking great questions.

[@Cor73xX]

Over and over and over and over and over again. I could listen to this track for days on end - and the best part is, I have done so!

[@pongtrometer]

What a gem to see the origin of another GANGSTARR Classic

[@stoicoutrider2788]

I love these deep dives, man.

[@4TheExec]

Yeahee yeaheee!!! Trinidad! I got my sobriquet from Keith/Guru when he came to Trinidad (he had relatives in Diego Martin)! He came to my home and I asked for his autograph, and he signed it! Wish the digital age was mainstream back then! All I got are memories!

[@grinchoi1]

One of the hardest Gangstarr songs ever!!!