On this day, April 22, in hip-hop history...

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1989: On April 22, 1989, the world was introduced to hip-hop duo Gang Starr with their debut album, No More Mr. Nice Guy.

Comprised of DJ Premier and MC Guru, Gang Starr ushered in the first wave of alternative hip-hop in the late '80s along with the likes of De La Soul and The Jungle Brothers. Released under Wild Pitch Records, No More Mr. Nice Guy showcased Premier's scratching technique and Guru's hardcore rap style, a match up that would become their signature sound.

"Words I Manifest" was the lead single off the duo's album followed by "Positivity." "Positivity" peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles in 1990 and the album as a whole peaked at number 83 on Billboard's Rap Album charts.

Gang Starr went on to drop five more albums as a duo before falling out in the 2000's and Guru's unexpected death in 2010.

Related: Today in Hip-Hop: Gang Starr Releases ‘Moment of Truth’
Today In Hip-Hop: Guru of Gang Starr Passes Away
DJ Premier Launches Exclusive Gang Starr Clothing Line & New Gang Starr Mixtape

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