“Diamonds are forever like family and loyalty/ Or real rap songs like ’C.R.E.A.M.’ or ‘My Melody’/ Diamonds are forever like my infinite thought/ Like respect in the hood that can’t be bought,” Guru raps on the hook of Gang Starr’s new single ‘Family and Loyalty’. Hearing his voice on a new record is exhilarating and poignant. There’s a magical nostalgia and familiarity contrasted with the reminder of the loss of legend too soon. While some post-humous releases can be gimmicky or tasteless, ‘Family and Loyalty’ is the opposite. With a classic DJ Premier beat and his signature cuts, the track is Gang Starr in its purest form. Adding in a guest verse which Cole promises to be his last, makes the track even more powerful. This is nothing short of a gem. If you’ve been missing Gang Starr and the golden era hip hop sound, this one is for you.
#RIPGuru
