Search - Guru's Jazzmatazz :: Jazzmatazz 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger "Back to the Future"

Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 06/19/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Guru (A.K.A. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, Keith Edward Elam) returns with "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" (2007) a sixteen track release which features guest appearances from Slum Village, Common, Bob James, Damian Marley, Kem, Vivian Green, Raheem DeVaughn, Bobby Valentino, Ronnie Laws, Dionne Farris, Omar, Shelly Harland, Brownman, Blackalicious, Caron Wheeler & David Sanborn. As one half of the groundbreaking group Gangstarr, Guru released many memorable albums, he has also succeeded in delivering memorable solo releases in the Jazzmatazz series. At fourty year's old, Guru is one of the Rap game's veteran's who continues to deliver relevant music, that old and new fans alike can enjoy. This release opens up with "Cuz I'm Jazzy" which has Guru teaming up with T3 & Elzhi of Slum Village. Next up is a highlight track in the single "State of Clarity" - Guru, Common and Bob James (Jazz Keyboards) deliver a substantial track about being true to ones self and avoiding the trife life. Guru tag teams "Stand Up (Some Things'll Never Change) with Damian Marley who provides the chorus. Guru rhymes about change and creating a better future on "Look To The Sun". Guru shines on the introspective "Connection" feat. Kem- delivering more substantial lyrics like "Its so real when it comes from the heart, from deep down inside". Guru flipts the script some and slows things down with "Fine and Free" which features some soulful vocals from Vivian Green, rhyming with confidence - Guru show's his love for Hip Hop and the ladies while repping himself and giving his opinion on sell out MC's. Up and coming soul singer Raheem DeVaughn makes an appearance on "Wait On Me", while Bobby Valentino & Guru travel worldwide on "International". Guru kicks some on point rhymes backed by the sounds of Jazz, Funk & Blues musician Ronnie Laws on "This Is Art". Guru rhymes about a woman whos after him on "Fly Magnetic" backed by some vocals from Dionne Farris, then colloborates with British Singer Omar on "The Jazz Style". Guru takes a trip looking for a special lady on "Follow The Signs" backed by smooth vocals from Shelly Harland. My favourite track at the moment is the deep "The Universal Struggle" feat. Brownman, Guru delivers some excellent lyrics on this conscious track about how people worldwide face the same struggles, talking about showing resilience in the face of danger and overcoming. Guru then collabs with Rap duo Blackalicious on "Infinite" - letting it be known he won't be leaving the game anytime soon and that the music he delivers goes beyond simple rhymes to deep thoughts. Guru provides another international collaboration this time with female British Singer Caron Wheeler (hook) on "Kissed The World" a track about George Bush and the War. Guru closes off the album with "Living Legend" backed by the sounds of Saxophonist David Sanborn. It's refreshing to listen to a grounded MC who has a significant social conscious, and drops positive on point rhymes. "Jazzmatazz, Vol. 4: The Hip Hop Jazz Messenger: Back to the Future" is a strong release worth checking out."