On this day in Hip Hop history, Gangstarr, comprised of the legendary Guru and DJ Premier, released their fifth studio album, Moment of Truth, on March 31, 1998. The album was a defining moment for the duo, showcasing their signature fusion of Guru’s thought-provoking lyricism and DJ Premier’s razor-sharp production.
By the time Moment of Truth dropped, Gangstarr had already cemented themselves as one of the most respected acts in Hip Hop, but this project took their artistry to new heights. It became their most commercially successful album, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and reaching No. 6 on the Billboard 200. The album was later certified gold by the RIAA, proving that their brand of raw, boom-bap Hip Hop could still move units in the late ‘90s, a time when the genre was shifting toward more radio-friendly and mainstream sounds.
Lyrically, Guru was in peak form, delivering introspective bars on tracks like the album’s title track “Moment of Truth,” while still maintaining his streetwise storytelling on cuts like “JFK 2 LAX.” Meanwhile, DJ Premier’s production was flawless, lacing the album with his signature chopped-up samples, crisp drums, and jazz-infused loops. Standout tracks like “You Know My Steez,” “Royalty” featuring K-Ci & JoJo, and “Above the Clouds” featuring Inspectah Deck became instant classics, further solidifying Gangstarr’s legacy.
With themes of perseverance, loyalty, and self-reflection, Moment of Truth captured the essence of Hip Hop’s golden era while pushing the culture forward. Even 27 years later, the album remains one of the most celebrated releases in the duo’s catalog and a testament to their undeniable influence on the game.
Rest in power to Guru, and much respect to DJ Premier for keeping the Gangstarr name alive.
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