Gang Starr

Mainstream success never motivated Gang Starr. Reinventing both the wheels of steel and microphone mathematics did. Indeed, the duo's "Mass Appeal" single spat in the face of "suckas" who'd sell their soul for a record deal. Which would be unwarranted if not for the untainted classics Step in the Arena and Daily Operation.

The hard-bop horns, whip-cracking backbeat, and slow-roasted tones of jazz always played a major role in the fusion compositions of DJ Premier and Guru. The latter took the formula even further with his own Jazzmatazz project, a series of ambitious solo records featuring live backing from such musical luminaries as Roy Ayers and Donald Byrd.

Gang Starr will always be measured against its early-'90s outpouring of timeless tracks. But while many artists kick out their essential recordings early on, only to fade into irrelevance, this duo has soldiered on with a string of seminal releases. Their last, 2003's The Ownerz, is so good Guru overpowers more popular guests, like Snoop Dogg ("In This Life…").

A rarity among rap acts, Gang Starr has remained a consistent favorite of both the under- and over-ground — without ever catering to either. Since the early '90s, DJ Premier has maintained a presence in the speed-dial bank of many an MC, including Jay-Z, Nas, and the Notorious B.I.G. And Guru? Well, he's highbrow without ever sounding obtuse, bristling with righteous anger without ever sounding bitter. Together they're hip-hop immortals — one of the music's greatest pairings ever.