So Wassup? Episode 49 | Gang Starr - "You Know My Steez"

In episode 49, DJ Premier takes us through the process of how "You Know My Steez", from Gang Starr was created.
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#SoWassup

[@thecunninlynguist]

An absolute classic. "‘Cause MC's have used up extended warranties While real MC's and DJ's are a minority" facts!

[@DaboooogA]

Maybe MCs are a minority because they've used up their extended warranties 🤔

[@jacques.the.fatalist]

we need new cunninlynguist tracks! pretty please!

[@jimr9499]

I've said it before, I'll say it now, and more than likely I'll be saying it again in the not too distant future: you sir, are a man (or woman, or whatever) of distinguished, and refined taste. There are a handful of people here on KZbin who I see commenting on all the same videos that I'm on. And I jus appreciate seeing folks digging the same dope shit that I do knowing others love and live for this shit as much as I do myself. Be seeing you again in the comment section of some other ill shit soon fam lol.

[@Tom120x3]

Preem, you're a National Treasure!!!! You created the soundtrack for all our lives. There is no equal. Thank you for putting so much time and energy for us to live by! You have the Midas touch!

[@rodreiquezattakhan1710]

Well said and all facts

[@vitanburg3937]

International treasure*!!!

[@billynester6885]

The most accurate comment of all time 🙌🏻🎯

[@TheSstretch68]

TRUTH SPOKEN!!!!!

[@siimkasemaa774]

100%

[@P-DUBZduharte]

R.I.P. GURU 🔥🔥🔥

[@AGZ3001]

The wackness is spreading like the plague 🔥

[@tochiRTA]

too true, unfortunately

[@HipHopAintDead718]

“YOU KNOW MY STEEEEZ” RIP GURU

[@eugenedantzler4485]

Gangstar doesn't get the recognition they deserve ... Guru is a top 5 emcee PERIOD. DJ Premier is a GOAT at his craft. Their music has saved my life... FOR REAL.

[@lethalassassin1754]

It's so sad to never see him even make a top 10....

[@lewisalba7825]

Primo is the best producer ever ...guru gets his respect but not exactly lyrically a top 5 mc ...he was consistent and spoke on topics had good content, but never evolved to a lyrical monster like that, but a legend nonetheless.

[@eugenedantzler4485]

@@lewisalba7825 his lyrics make you think though. He is very deep. Especially on the song Moment Of Truth. He in a lane of his own.

[@lethalassassin1754]

@@lewisalba7825 If by monster you mean technical then of course he isn't the most technical. Neither is KRS One but people still regard him as one of the best to ever do it. Lyricism has so many things going for it it's not just a matter of how many syllables you're rhyming or how crazy the words you use, for example Aesop Rock. The song Skillz is a perfect display of Guru's technical rhyming ability. Not to mention idk how many freestyles where he casually connected multis off the top and usually on beat too. Beyond just rhymes its the actual rhymes themselves and their placement in a verse. The simple things he could say that weren't actually that simple. "Another fake jack i slay with my spectac rap display!" Big L is also known to choose specific wording depending on the flow. "My weed smoke is my lye, a key of coke is a pie. When I'm lifted I'm high, with new clothes on I'm fly." Some insane examples of lyricism most people hardly acknowledge.

[@djstace808]

Gang Starr doesn’t need acceptance or recognition from everyone. They get respect and love from those who matter such as yourself and their peers. They get respect from those who choose to listen to The Beatnuts-not from those who like more commercial hip hop such as Cypress Hill (no disrespect to B-Real or Muggs). Deejays, MCs, producers, and artists alike-especially from Herc to GM Caz, Prince Paul to Joey Bada$$ respect Gang Starr, and those are the ones who know hip hop (to know hip hop is to live and love hip hop), and the ones who matter. 🔥🔥🔥

[@juviko]

The real - HipHop MCing, and DJing From your own Mind You know?

[@gargenfluckgosphenspiels4849]

I guess right now we shoild start the show.

[@alexblakley]

@@gargenfluckgosphenspiels4849 who’s the suspicious character strapped with the sounds profound?

[@TachyonTheImmortal]

Similar to rounds spit by Derringers

[@lordglaesgaroth596]

I wish you could So Wassup for the entire Moment Of Truth Album it deserves it

[@davido3109]

And The Owners!!!!!!

[@YoungPadawan85]

agreed, would love analysis breakdown of the whole album, Moment of Truth is eternal

[@a.j.5243]

YES!!!

[@adidas20zero]

I'm like the master builder when I make my way home...You know my steez!!

[@thewatcher6295]

I'm not going to lie, this story brought a tear to my eye. Love and respect to all those important people in our lives that we have lost. We will never forget you and will always be thankful.

[@rbiznezz2]

Just like De La, GangStarr NEVER sold out. Love y'all fam. I gotta shout you out Preem. Peace.

[@zshakur]

Moment of Truth is a 5 mic CLASSIC!!!

[@1234bcadlog]

extremely underrated album, guru evolved his lyricism and flow like mad, check how he juggles the multi syllabic rhymes with his flow, vs mass appeal era. Preem also developed his signature chop style here vs 95/96 beats

[@dantegood2195]

No way is MOT underrated. It’s their best selling album, and it’s almost universally regarded as Primo’s best work and the best gangstarr album

[@ianshelby5730]

R.I.P Guru these two brothers need a biopic movie asap

[@ianiviswardlaw]

GURU THE GREATEST OF HIP HOP ELITES

[@willm7994]

This is one of the records that made me really love Gangstaar , Guru was like that uncle that sat you down and told “da truth “ . Prem and Guru - amazing combo 😂

[@stoplookinent4791]

His mother passing was his moment of truth 😣😢 my guy 🙌🏽

[@rastagideon8236]

Preemo been thru alot. So thankful for your life.

[@Yungbeck]

Almost 50 of these??! Crazy good. RIP Mommy Mary

[@lukrativ0922]

Dj premier is the greatest producer of all time.

[@TheProducersCorner]

Co-sign

[@adg_87]

2nd Co Sign....

[@jmartradio]

3rd co sign

[@MAARTN]

Been wanting this episode ever since I saw that floppy disk in every intro since the beginning. I thought I missed out on it or something, because I couldn't find the episode, glad it's here now 💯

[@TheProducersCorner]

yessur

[@dannybx78]

"MC's lucked up and got paid, but still can't make the fucking grade" - Guru (R.I.P.)

[@FreshItalianPrince]

This track as a middle schooler had me pretending I was a DJ on the just basic tables, pretending to mimic the scratches. It’s absolutely beautiful

[@kaysha]

S950. One of my fav machines to this day back when I worked with Cubase 3

[@SunMagnetic]

We stayed loyal to GANGSTARR because we also stayed loyal to all your side projects too. Yall never left us without heat. Salute!

[@cwrichardson3]

Who we??? Don't lump me in.

[@bobbymorino5329]

'GURU COMES TO LIFE WHEN WE PRESS PLAY'. 🙏

[@anthonyrobinson6590]

I almost broke my neck a few times listening to Preem. 😁

[@kingkasa]

I just can’t get enough of the back stories that Preem breaks down in this series. So so dope and so so appreciated as always my man 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@eston830]

Guru's method with the song titles has always fascinated me

[@UndergroundArsenal]

Moment of Truth grew to be my favorite Gang Starr album. One of my top 5 favorites of all time.

[@onice33]

Moment of Truth is my top 10 albums of all time in my book

[@marcthompson4661]

Moment of Truth🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@meadeiii1935]

Who ain't never chop them drum sounds from the start ?! Lololol One of the finest amongst many by the WORKS OF MARK. DOPE

[@ScottBuckets]

RIP GURU forever. Premo the 👑. Thank you for all your contributions to music. 🤜💥🤛

[@verseessential]

"One the microphone, you know that i'm one of the best yet / some punks didn't all the debts yet" Easily one of me most favorite rap songs ever. I find myself singing this out the blue many times. Dj Premier: THANK YOU!!!!!!!!

[@bobbycutts2111]

Back in 2012 my boy and I opened an art gallery / headshop with tons of glasswork on display and for sale. Opening night we had a DJ spinning and I remember as we opened the doors and everyone lined up outside was filing in he dropped "You know my Steeze" GOT DAMN it was the perfect song for that moment. Long story short the store didn't work out, but I'm always grateful for that moment and the part Gang Starr played in it.

[@stefanbogdanovic590]

DJ Premier has filmed the series how they recorded some songs from 20 years anniversary of Moment Of Truth album. He said about You Know My Steez: I wasn't at the recording session that they with GURU, I told him you are supposed to get in on 3rd beat drop, GURU entered on the first beat drop. The rest is history. One of my favourite songs ever!! LL Cool J said You Know My Steez is his favorite as well. RIP GURU ONE OF THE BEST YET!! Gang Starr forever Gang Starr for life!!!

[@maliqg1912]

Nice! BTW that “Ill Kid” character was drawn by my brother Tame One R.I.P.🙏🏾

[@lajikn9ne945]

@@maliqg1912 Artifacts Tame One?

[@maliqg1912]

@@lajikn9ne945 Yes. Him and my homey Gary Conway

[@waxmaster-c]

@@maliqg1912 crazy

[@waxmaster-c]

I was wondering why he didn't mention it!

[@toddcastaldi6536]

Still my all-time fav Gang Starr track. There will never be another album this ILL. Thank you for the backstory, salute to all the legends that made this happen!

[@owen7185]

Lyrics beats and the videos ....Gangstarr has been at the front of hip hop since day one and I still play all albums today. RIP Guru, deadaet legend of the mic

[@basilthompson7515]

6:34 Before When THX Started Off in 1983 as the Scariest Sound System in Movie Theaters Known as the Deep Note 🔊

[@AntonVSEDELA]

Классииикккааааааааааааааа!!! Любимый альбом, отличная песня!!!

[@cmdeeqtee7057]

DJ PREMIER.. You (being my all time favorite DJ/producer), Rza, Pete Rock & the other producers are lucky my mom did not want me in the industry and blocked/sabotaged me. I had some real heat. Besides that I want to thank you, Premier and Guru. I was working but still pretty poor at that time but when I saw You Know My Steeze in Tower Records, I bought it anyway.. Even though the video did not come out yet. GANG STARR has always been my favorite since 1989. I want to thank GANGSTARR releasing that MOMENT OF TRUTH album. It is difficult to listen to for me because it can make me very emotional, seeing how I was experiencing my own "moment of truth" at the time. Mom duke dissed me because I had a new fine girlfriend who was in college so she kicked me out again to mess me up as she did in "91" & "93" & "95". My best friend held me down and so did my girlfriend at the time. The Moment Of Truth album was the battery in my back and the soundtrack of my life when it was released.

[@meekmozart5216]

Two songs that preem used meths voice always blows my mind….this song & devils pie (cannibus dropped the ball) pure genius 🐐🎹🎶

[@derneillwashington3091]

The Chop of Joe Simon's "Drowning In The Sea Of Love"......EPIC!!

[@djrichvicious]

I remember when I came to pick up my albums in my record pool and found this promo in my bin.

[@dannywinget]

I still know every word to this joint. This track is burned into my mind. What a Gem.

[@dakritic]

In memory of, still gives me goosebumps till this day. Such a haunting beat.

[@AQuestionofCharacter]

That hiatus between Hard to Earn and Moment was one met with high anticipation. It was scary thinking of Guru (rip) potentially being locked up and possibly affecting the release. I'm glad history played out the way it did, paving the way for this absolute classic of a single and incredible display of skill through production and multi-syllable rhyme. Mary sounded like a beautiful person and I'm glad she is able to be immortalized through your tribute. Salute to you all.

[@cedricnicholson7446]

Yo I used to bump the shyt out of this joint in 98-99. Dope beats dope rhymes!!! Such a classic single album.!

[@tochiRTA]

let em know! Do ya thing, dawg! Keep it live!!!🥵

[@trevorjames4619]

That makes me know that what we're doing We had the right idea in the beginning And and we just need to maintain our focus and elevate We what we do we update our formulas We have certain formulas but we update em (oh right) With the times and everything y'know So y'know the rhyme style is elevated The style of beats is elevated but it's still Guru and Premier And it's always a message involved

[@dj_jazzywhut]

Alright!!!

[@wfryco9246]

These videos are such a vital cataloguing of hip hop history. May Primo give this treatment to every record he ever produced, as they're all worthy. Every episode of "So Wassup?" belongs in the national archive.

[@fredicagoillanoise1309]

"In Memory Of..." came out at a crucial time for me and I really felt that song because I had lost several friends and family members around the time it came out. Nowadays when I hear that kalimba and harmony vocal sample I can't help but tear up. Salute Preem and GURU & "Mommy Mary" continue to have a peaceful journey.

[@reylopez8433]

Those outros on Moment of Truth & The Ownerz still give me the chills. I also find it ill how real Moment of Truth lives up to its name.

[@Denzel26Blaze]

I, no bullshit, remember vividly where I was when I first heard this track. And that was impetus for me to listen to damn near everything Guru and Preemo put out. I'm grateful to Gangstarr for that alone.

[@down2earth586]

That year the album dropped, when u know my steez & true master from soul survivor album been my daily theme songs. Hiphop peak moment

[@peeayy]

One of my favorite albums ever. Still fire today.

[@GhosteRr_]

Damn he has some Taeko Onuki sitting behind him.. that’s legendary

[@JayBee6801]

Crazy that Gangstarr ushered in what would become the blueprint for New York's sound and every member of Gangstarr is from elsewhere.

[@agthaog1986]

" you know my steez" and " mass Appeal" without question are in my top 5 Gangstarr songs

[@theamplesamples]

So much respect to you for explaining the importance of team members. Success and life are always a group effort. RIP Mary Coleman.

[@wieszo2112]

Im walking with your music for my whole adult life and im 39. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏

[@henrysmifth536]

That "moment of truth "album 🙌

[@juliunofaquitaine]

GURU is a true legend!!

[@MatthewMcRowan]

Preemo is way over legendary level, it's iconic, classic, genre definition

[@masterrserch3971]

This was awesome. I remember when this song came out, I was like, 2 years away from getting my license, and I wanted to do was BLAST this track in a car no matter where I went.... SO, I brought the cassette single with me any time i was gonna be hangin with one of my boy's who already drove, so we can just bump it... This really should be it's own docuseries on TV or Netflix or some shit, higher production value pumped in, much deeper dives into the genius of Preemo/Gangstarr! I'm certain it'd be a hit, cuz like I always say (and pretty much always tell YOU in a comment lol), DJ PREMIER is one of the all time best MUSIC MAKERS PERIOD, never mind just in RAP.... a lot more people would come to realize this with more eyes on the greatness... And just think, I can host the show, introduce you and the track description?(ya know, since a larger scale show is my idea & shit!).... Wouldn't THAT be such a great incentive?? Let's motivate!

[@Lucidlybee]

Very few albums take me back to exact moments in time but this one here is one of them and always will be. RIP Guru and Mommy Mary, thank you Premier for giving us these stories

[@amro5102]

I used to wonder about that Mary Coleman dedication and now I know. One of the greatest hip hop records of all time. Beats was perfect and some heart felt memories from Guru and Premier and for those of us listening. Peace

[@CHBRWN23]

Another fire classic!!! 🔥👑💎🎛🎧👌🤜

[@BromsOfficial]

A true classic. Wait until episode 50!

[@inyamboimenda8631]

Thanks for all you do Ian. Would love to interview you one day.

[@ambishuz1975]

That intro is everything 🙌🏽

[@100rosesart8]

I’m memory of….. is my most cherished song of this classic album. Now I know who mamma Mary is. That song always gave me chills, but now after I’ve lost so many people in my life. It’s become a healing song.

[@RDJ134]

Nothing but love from the Netherlands. Glad i could see Gang Starr live back in the day in Amsterdam. Great performance, great music, great time :)

[@j.johnson7695]

those who know, know that that remix with Rage and Kurupt and that twisted beat are absolute FLAMES.

[@PhilHalson]

This was, to borrow a phrase, one of the best yet

[@1andonlydasilent1]

Moment of Truth is my favorite GangStarr album!!! You Know My Steez takes me 🔙 for real for real!!!

[@NJGhost34]

This was powerful. Love this series. In Memory Of is always my favorite song by GS. It hit home. This show is what hip hop needs. Preemo we love you man. RIP Guru

[@baberzafar5802]

When they didn't put Guru in that top 50 billboard list, I couldn't take the list seriously.

[@coolpoete]

This album was IMO their pinnacle. Matured to the point where everything just came together smoothly. Just like the intro on this album.

[@lethalassassin1754]

This will always be their best work. But i also thing The Ownerz can contend. It does a similar thing just for the 2000s era when hip hop was in a bad state.

[@coolpoete]

@@lethalassassin1754 I mostly agree, although I don't think it was as successful. Heads will always be fans though. Just like for me sonically Hard 2 Earn has my top vote out of all the albums but not as polished.

[@meekmozart5216]

@@coolpoete @LethalAssassin i wish I could combine both comments lol…y’all hit all cylinders….”hard to earn” is my fave & I agree about “moment of truth”being their zenith creatively yet “the ownerz” is right up there RIPGURU 🙏🏾🕊️💪🏾🗣️🔥🎙️ Preem is the 🐐🎹🎶

[@coolpoete]

Man! This discussion is making me dig out Ownerz now and load it up in my rotation! I hope to see an episode with Preem talking about what you said @lethalassassin because it is so true about the decline in music around that time!

[@meekmozart5216]

@@coolpoete definitely is amazing that they put out an album of that magnitude (the ownerz) in ‘03..the whole landscape of hip hop had shifted by then

[@samuelblinne6040]

Moment of truth is my favorite album by Gang Starr

[@ThaJollyStomper]

One of my top Five of all-time. Bonus points for anyone who can tell me where Preemo cut the kick and snare from...

[@KojiroMC]

Timeless classic. It doesn't get any better than this

[@esso_again9600]

So Wassup! is the b-side to You Know My Steez. Excellent record. Dope use of the Joe Simon sample!

[@RasX144]

Maaaan! Premier X Guru mathematical HIP HOP HEAVEN= GANG STARR🔥🔥🔥

[@j2tharomeone5]

Shout out for having that Taeko Ohnuki "Sunshower" album in the background. Would love to see you sample some city-pop songs.

[@wretchedslippage3255]

I've been listening to Moment Of Truth for 22 years.. always wondered who Mary Coleman was. Now I know and that's amazing.

[@rogermoore27]

I love how Mr Martin thinks technically about specific scratches and how to place them

[@albertabdul-barrwang3494]

OMG def one of my fav top 5 tracks ever!

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

This dystopian imagery in the You Know My Steez video really means everything to me as a kid in South Africa back in 2000. I loved it so much.

[@soundgrounding]

This album is beautiful

[@robowop9354]

I miss Guru gone too soon. I appreciate Primo u still 1 of the grimiest. Gangstarr fa life.

[@TfromHP]

Brooo these Preemo backstories are absolute hip-hop GOLD!!! Literally how the greatest songs in hip-hop were made is soooo dope. Detailed ass memory. We gotta cyborg him and upload his mind to retain his knowledge for futures to come. I am not kidding 🍻

[@DeeSea3]

Wouldn't be here if not for Premiere, living legend, not enough flowers in the world for this guy. Peace

[@earlwilliams8884]

That was and still is my morning theme song. " Work" is another as well. Something about You know my Steez that gets me going but I always set it off in the morning 🌅

[@sidmatic2013]

Legendary track, spun it on vinyl for the first time recently

[@al5603]

Classic Joint! But I'm still waiting for one of my all time favorite Premier beats, All City-- The Actual.

[@lairdhercules4553]

Bring us more of the classics Primo. You have features a few mid-depth cuts, but bro you have so many classics like this. I wanna see these.

[@Anthony-bx8xy]

Absolutely incredible. Thank you preemo. Rest in peace Guru.

[@fred-ss4ym]

My favourite beat ever

[@coinhawk]

Preme, always got the best stories, with crazy detail.... and bro remembers everybody name...