Much as they do on their previous album, the Guru (the MC aka Keith E) and DJ Premier unload 18 of the smoothest cuts on the planet. DJ Premier, once again, proves why he might be one of the best turntable wizards around. No one cuts and scratches as well as he does, and no one else can match his production or his ability to influence the listener with a piece of plastic. Hints of his greatness are evident on the tracks "Flip The Script," "No Shame In My Game," "B.Y.S. (Bust Your Shit)" and especially "I'm The Man," in which Premier creates three different tracks for the Guru and two others, Little Dap and Jeru The Damaja. Oh, by the way, Keith E can hold his own as well. Complementing his unique rhyming style and his distinct voice, the Guru drops more "science" than the chemistry department does in a year. He very well may be the most perceptive, intriguing and intelligent rapper today. Although I was disappointed that they left off "DWYCK" (a track featuring Nice & Smooth), I was thoroughly impressed by Gang Starr's third effort. Maybe not quite as good as Step In The Arena (Sav disagrees!), but this one was a definite four-star album. This summer is already not looking so bad. With new albums by Kool G Rap and DJ Polo, Pete Rock & CL Smooth (mark my words, these two will be classics), EPMD, Eric B & Rakim, MC Ren and others coming out, it looks like I'll finally have something to play in my car. But before you go out and buy those albums, go grab Daily Operation, because, as the saying goes, this record is ALL THAT. Have a great summer, and I'm outta here. - California Aggie (June 10, 1992). Revisit Gang Starr's Daily Operation LP below...
More from this college write-up in the summer of 1992...