One of the core members of the world renown Gang Starr Foundation, Big Shug is back in action with his second album, Streetchamp. The Brooklyn rep is known for his raspy flow, as he wrecked mics with Guru, Jeru The Damaja, and Group Home just to name a few of the DJ Premier approved emcees. His style has always been that street shit, bringing the realness to the otherworldly vibes of the entire crew. His new album shows that flow off perfectly, as Shug finally hits the block with new product.

Streetchamp features production by DJ Premier, but not nearly enough to satisfy. The album doesn’t suffer any from Prem’s absence. In fact, it opens the door wide for up and upcoming beat-king MoSS, who takes the opportunity and delivers, ultimately saving the album. “What U Gonna Do” (Listen), “Spit It Real”(Listen) and “Call Me Back”(Listen) are some of the hottest beats to come from the east this year, thanks to MoSS. Kid Karnage shows up to throw his flavor in the mix with the ill pianos of “Sptifire”(Listen), featuring Singapore Kane and Dre Robinson.

DJ Premier doesn’t disappoint with his tracks either, as he brings the realness with “Streets Move” (Listen) featuring Singapore Kane sharing verses with Shug. He slips into total Premo territory and pulls no punches with “It Just Don’t Stop” (Listen) and “Play It” (Listen), both guaranteed to go on as two of his all time great beats. “Play It” is really that good, as long as the deejays actually let it play or force the Foundation to get real abusive on that azz! If not, you have 18 other bangers to choose from, I suggest “Exposed” (Listen) (wonder who he’s talking about on this one?), “Leg Breakers” (Listen) feat Big Twinz of Infamous Mobb & Sean Price, “What U Gonna Do?”, and “Play It”.

This album is tight as the Super Human Underground Gangster aka Shug, has improved his style, singing voice,and flow nailing it with ease. Streetchamp is Hip-Hop in it's purest form, when it comes to the beats and production too. Look for it in stores August on Babygrande Records.

Play It video

DJ Premier & Big Shug