Late MC Guru has more than secured his place in music history. He and DJ Premier raised the bar as hip-hop duo Gang Starr.
Guru later spun off, adding world class weight to both ends with his renowned Jazzmatazz series. On the microphone The Gifted One was consistently heavy no matter where he was in the world. And on this, Guru’s insanely dope solo record, he brought it back to the streets, giving hip-hop lovers reasons to guerilla-press play over and over.
‘Baldhead Slick & da Click’ is Guru’s version of ‘The Chronic’; he headlined this stacked compilation-style LP that’s Cool Whip-smooth at times, dark and aggressive like a mob movie finale all the rest.
Guru opens this set dropping rhyme bombs on “Where’s Our Money?!”, showcasing a swifter, edgier flow that immediately separates this from all his previous work.
The E-Boogie-produced “Underground Connections”, which features Suspectz and fellow hip-hop legend Ice-T, advises they can get it if they need it – no matter what “it” is.
Guru shares a thumping Alchemist track with Killa Priest, Timbo King and Black Jesus to prove there’s nothing but skill up “In Here”, then he scolds unmercifully on the soulful “Cry” (produced by Ayatollah).
The beats on this album never ceases to amaze. Pete Rock lends his meticulous ear to “Pimp Shit”, and Guru’s Gang Starr brother Primo puts his own special touch on “Back 2 Back”.
Truly unforgettable by those who delved, Guru’s ‘Baldhead’ is a rare hip-hop gem. Search for it and play it repeatedly. Your fingers and hip-hop-loving heart will be stronger for it. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
