The Ownerz
by Gang Starr
  • Record Label: Virgin
  • Release Date: Jun 24, 2003
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. E! Online
    75
    While it's not as immediately user-friendly as the group's early jazz-rap infusions, this album still bubbles with head-nodding boombox pleasures.
  2. Rolling Stone
    70
    Smart, street-wise and fun all at once.
  3. AllMusic
    90
    All the Gang Starr trademarks are in place, from Premier's perfect upchoruses to Guru's reedy voice cutting or instructing, and sounding better than ever.
  5. Launch.com
    80
    The pair simply revert to the beats and concerns that made them an institution in hip-hop's golden age; except for the occasional cameo (Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss), The Ownerz could have hit the streets a decade ago without raising eyebrows.
  6. Dot Music
    70
    Hitting that formula and riding it has drained some of the passion out of this sound.
  7. Pitchfork
    75
    There's plenty here to celebrate for consistency's sake-- because for what they've lacked in evolution, Guru and Premier have more than repaid in reliability.
  8. Mojo
    70
    Their continued presence is reassuring, confirming that there are enough people sufficiently interested in old-fashioned rap music to ensure the group's survival. And this album, logically, is made for those listeners, not to pander to a theoretical multitude. [Aug 2003, p.94]
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  9. Vibe
    70
    While The Ownerz does not spark any new rap trends, it brings back the power of the basics. [Jun 2003, p.153]
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  10. Spin
    75
    Guru is as bluntly eloquent as ever. [Sep 2003, p.115]
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  11. Uncut
    80
    All told, a class act still in their prime. [Sep 2003, p.97]
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  12. Neumu.net
    80
    A welcome return to that good stuff Gang Starr has delivered over the years.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 12 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AbbyGris
    Aug 21, 2022
    9
    This album knocks front to back. It's somewhat experimental, sounding more aggressive than GS' other projects, and the result hits hard. TheThis album knocks front to back. It's somewhat experimental, sounding more aggressive than GS' other projects, and the result hits hard. The duo proved themselves once again and the features don't even feel like guests with how well they read the room on this album.… Full Review »
  2. MaartenV.
    Aug 13, 2008
    7
    This album has some very decent tracks, but not as many as i was used to find on Gang Starr albums. I'm a huge Gang Starr head and ive This album has some very decent tracks, but not as many as i was used to find on Gang Starr albums. I'm a huge Gang Starr head and ive got all the albums, but i must say that i place this album at the bottom of my Gang Starr album pile. still, it has some OK tracks for instance Capture, Same Team No Games and Who Got Gunz, imo this album is worth an overall 7.… Full Review »
  3. BenjaminH.
    Sep 10, 2003
    8
    I love Gangstarr, but on The Ownerz, there should be more tight tracks. There are about 5-6 really tight ones, some ok, then some were like, I love Gangstarr, but on The Ownerz, there should be more tight tracks. There are about 5-6 really tight ones, some ok, then some were like, what?? I expected more, but all in all it is hot.… Full Review »
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