Gang Starr was an influential hip-hop duo that consisted of MC Guru and DJ Premier. Although they are not as popular as mainstream artists, they are regarded as one of the best groups by underground and alternative hip-hop fans. DJ Premier is still a successful DJ/Producer, but Guru passed away on April 19, 2010. In “Mass Appeal” Guru expresses his frustrations with rap artists who only want to make a lot of money. It is a boastful song in which he asserts his superiority over popular rappers who water down the art of hip-hop.
Money’s growing like grass with the mass appeal.
Vocabulary
- make it (phrasal verb) – to be successful in your career. There is no secret to becoming a famous hip-hop artist. You must have talent and work hard every day.
- one-time wonder (idiom) – a person, usually a musician, who is known for only one successful song or performance. Many people consider Vanilla Ice as rap’s biggest one-time wonder because he’s never made any great music after “Ice Ice Baby”.
- also, one-hit wonder
- be under somebody’s nose (idiom) – If something is under your nose, it is very close to you but you cannot see it. I found my phone after looking for it for three hours, but it was right under my nose the whole time!
- poser (noun) – an insincere person who tries to impress other people. These posers really do not like hip-hop. They only want to make friends so that they seem cool.
- … as hell (adverb) – very; really. I forgot to bring my jacket, and I’m cold as hell now!
- cut off (phrasal verb) – to interrupt somebody and stop them from speaking. He is such a jerk. He always cuts me off when I’m telling a story, and he’s very insulting.
- props (noun) – respect; admiration. I have to give props to my friends and family who support me. They are great!
- in due time (phrase) – at the right time and not before. You will become successful in due time, but you have to keep working hard!
- also, in due course
- fly (slang, adjective) – cool; awesome. She is not a popular artist, but her music is so fly!
- diss (slang, verb) – to disrespect somebody. You can call me anything you want, but never diss my wife again unless you want to eat my knuckles.
Discussion Questions
Do you agree with Guru’s point of view? Is it respectable for an artist to “sell out” and make a lot of money? Why do you think Guru dislikes these kinds of rappers? Please write your comments below!