Bobby J From Rockaway x Daru Jones Salute Gang Starr’s "Take It Personal" on Collab LP, ‘One Mic & Drum’

In this fresh new in-studio video, the gifted duo of Bobby J From Rockaway x Daru Jones deliver their stylish and unique homage to “Take It Personal,” the Gang Starr classic from their legendary LP, Daily Operation.

Everything about their rendition distinctly blends the old with the new, including Bobby J’s personal spin on braggadocious bars, guest singer Gabriela Riley’s smooth vocals as the loop, and Daru’s impeccable work on the drums. It’s a tribute in every sense of the word, especially when you consider that it arrives in the same week that the late Guru would have turned 58 had he not have sadly passed in 2010.

In addition to watching how the track was recorded in this new set of visuals, you can hear it for yourself on the duo’s collaborative album, One Mic & Drum. It’s a concept album of sorts that itself harks back to the origins of hip-hop, which consisted of two turntables (DJ) and a microphone (emcee). But instead of a DJ playing breaks, Daru actually plays them live on the drums while Bobby J flexes his talents on the mic.

For Bobby J, their shared approach captures the essence of hip-hop. “‘One Mic & Drum’ is for the hip-hop heads, for fans of break beats, samples,” he explains. “We wanted to give people a live version of that.”

Building on that sentiment, Daru big-ups his collaborator—“he’s a musician on the microphone”—while explaining that they just wanted to return to the roots of hip-hop. “Hip-hop has grown with all types of styles, but it’s important to get back to what makes people excited about the art form—the breaks and the rapping,” he says.

As additional bonus footage, the pair are pleased to share a mini doc which helps shed some light on their artistic chemistry. Check out the both videos right here courtesy of RESPECT., which were shot, directed and edited by Bobby J at Pinch Recording in Long Island City. One Mic & Drum, which was recorded, mixed and mastered by Caio Carvalho, is available now on vinyl in limited quantities and can be supported through all digital retailers and streaming platforms through Daru’s Rusic Records imprint via Fat Beats Records.