Continuing their string of consistency, Gang Starr returns in 1994 with their fourth album, Hard to Earn, featuring more top notch performances from Premier and Guru. The intro and “ALONGWAYTOGO” seem to convey that respect in the rap game is “hard to earn” for those trying to get it without paying their dues, but DJ Premier talked about the process of naming the album: Guru said, ‘I’m always naming the albums, it’s your turn.’ I don’t like to leave all that up to me, I would like to leave it to Guru because he’s very creative with titles and names. […] I had a few titles in mind, but Hard to Earn is how I felt that success is. I feel like it’s a real, true success when you’re passionate about it, it’s hard to earn. You got to really bust your ass to earn the rewards of it. That’s just what came to my mind. The album peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. They released four singles: “Suckaz Need Bodyguards,” “Code of the Streets,” “Mass Appeal,” and “DWYCK” with Nice & Smooth. This album also features another “I’m the Man” beat-switching posse cut with Guru, Jeru The Damaja and Lil Dap on “Speak Ya Clout.” Complex ranked Hard to Earn in the #18 spot on their list of The Best Rap Albums of the 90s. Interesting fact: this was Gang Starr’s first album to carry the “Parental Advisory” warning sticker.