[Demo] JERU THE DAMAJA - "Dirty Rotten Demos" ('91-'92)

This new 12" single from the good guys at Slice-Of-Spice is a real treat to true Hip Hop heads worldwide as it unearths never before heard material by legendary lyricists Jeru The Damaja and GURU. Two tracks recorded between 1991 and '92 these joints were born right around the same time as "Daily Operation" and Jeru's first on wax apperance on "I'm The Man"; some of these might very well even have been recorded in the same day, who knows. Cop your copy (along with brand new Damaja hoodie or T-Shirt) @ Slice Of Spice.

From what I've read about Jeru's inclusion into the Gang Starr fold, the original plan was for GURU to bring in 3 of his artists and for Premo to do the same. GURU had Big Shug, Jeru and Group Home which also were the three who ended up in the crew at the time - therefore it is not suprising to see that the first songs Jeru worked on following that was with GURU as producer (his original demo was produced by PF Cuttin'). On "God Of Rhyme" GURU shows that he picked up more than a few tricks over his years working with DJ Premier as he cooks up a bass heavy jazz banger that sounds like something born in between "Step in the Arena" and "The Low End Theory". "The Damaja" doesn't work quite as well from a production standpoint in my opinion, despite a nice sax hook and a grooving bassline it just never quite gels. Don't get me wrong though, it's a nice jam nonetheless but had it been put on an album of the caliber these guys were capable of hooking up back then I'd doubt it would be a standout. Closing the set is another interesting moment in the form of "Dirty Rotten Demo" - an early take of "D. Original" which Premo transformed into the mesmerizing opening track of "The Sun Rises in the East". While it does sound mostly as what it is, an early sketch of what would become a legendary track it does give us some insight into the recording process of one of the great albums of the 1990s.

To gain more of that insight I strongly recommend y'all to check out the chapter on that album in Brian Coleman's "Check The Technique Volume II", and in case you missed it when it was first posted, EgoTrip posted a chapter on Gang Starr's "Step in the Arena" for free online. The reason it wasn't included in the book was because of GURU's untimely death which meant that only DJ Premier's voice is heard throughout the article. Still a great read and as it heavily relates to the topic within this post I'll throw it in here for you - enjoy!

[Comp] NOTORIOUS B.I.G. - "The Anniversary"

Not too long ago I had a period where I went back and played both of The Notorious BIG's two albums religiously, and this month now marks the 20 year anniversary of that first classic LP. At this time I also collected most of his rarer demos, freestyles and guest apperances. Unlike 2Pac, his one time ally and contemporary, Wallace left us with only a small scattering of finished recordings to pick up when he tragically left us in '97. Instead of paying respect to the man's legacy by compiling and releasing the original music he recorded in his lifetime, the vultures at Bad Boy instead have opted to remix and completely alter his unreleased music. As it stands now BIG's musical legacy consists of two excellent solo albums ("Ready to Die" and "Life After Death"), the executive producing and career launching of Junior M.A.F.I.A. with "Conspiracy" and Lil' Kim with "Hardcore". Add to that something like an additional 40 loose tracks, studio freestyles and guest apperances left for us fans to compile and share. Despite the small output very few Hip Hop artists can be considered more influential and inspirational to both his own generation and todays up and comers - and that in itself is a damn impressive feat. BIG will always be remembered as one of the true greats, a musical giant who twenty years ago made waves with the release of his debut album. It's safe to say that "Ready to Die" has stood the test of time and should have a given place in the top albums list of any true hip-hop conniseour. 

The internet is of course swarming with various tributes and articles in honor of the ocassion. For my own contribution I have put together a compilation of non-album tracks that I feel reaches a very high level of quality. As always I've tried making this compilation form a coherrent listen that focuses on a specific time or style. The goal here was to create something like a companion piece to "Ready to Die". That means that I'm limiting the inclusion of songs to material recorded between 1993 and 1995 (the time in which between "R.T.D." was recorded and final single with B-side released). Additionally, I wanted to focus on BIG's lyrical skills and writing genius, given as much space as possible to solo tracks. In the end I maybe used a little too many posse cuts and such as I originally intended to only use 10 songs, but one thing's for sure - there's no half-assed material on here. Below you'll find the tracklist, download link and a little info on each song, it's producer, origin and relevance for the compilation... TURN IT UP!!!

01. "The Wickedest: Freestyle Intro"

This exclusive freestyle makes for a perfect intro and the epitome of Biggie's style post-"Ready to Die". Recorded by DJ Mister Cee (who of course was an integral part of Big's career) as an exclusive for his "The Best Of The Notorious B.I.G.", released in 1995.

02. "Party & Bullshit"

It felt natural to kick things off with "Party & Bullshit", seeing how this hardcore party starter was both BIG's first single ever and was left off his debut album. This also marks the first time Biggie worked with Easy Mo Bee, who would become one of the most important players in crafting the Notorious sound. The song were also featured on the original soundtrack to the 1993 flick "Who's The Man?".

03. "Dead Wrong"

Another early collaboration with Easy Mo Bee who's hard hitting boom bap shit in com"bination with the dusted flow of BIG stands as a superb representation of everything great about the early '90s East Coast bap. An Eminem remix of course turned up on '99:s posthumous "Born Again", but the version for the real heads is this one, recorded during the early Uptown sessions for "R.T.D." in '93. This clear rip from a DJ Craig G tape was borrowed from NahRight's excellent BIG article.

04. "Come On Motherfuckers" (Ft. Sadat X)

"Come On" is another cut that was cleaned up and modernized by The Hitmen for "Born Again" but the original, superior version sees BIG rocking hard as hell over a dusty Lord Finesse break, complete with intense horn stabs. Sadat X and Biggie Smalls definitely makes for a very interesting combination, and this '93 joint (another recording from the Uptown sessions) is about as tough as they come yet was left to the mixtape circuit until just a few years ago. 

05. "Dreams (Just Playing)"

"Dreams" is nothing short of classic BIG as he invites listeners into his nasty dreams of all the R&B singers he'd like to fuck. And it's done with more wit and charisma than most emcees at their best moments too. Built around a crazy addictive guitar loop, "Dreams" was produced by the underrated Rashad Smith of Tumblin' Dice, this was included as a bonus track on the 2004 remaster of "Ready to Die". It's first apperance dates as far back as 1993 when DJ Doo Wop put it on his "Spring One" tape, which indicates that it might have been recorded for BIG's Uptown debut.

06. "One More Chance/Stay With Me" [Hip Hop Mix]

The smooth video version of "One More Chance" (see above) is definitely one of Biggie's most famous songs, though it bears little resemblance to the version that appeared on the album. The 12" single included two remixes of the song - the famous Faith Evans version which was about as R&B as BIG would ever get and this one labeled The Hip Hop Mix. Using the same verses as the video mix but adding a differet hook by Total, Biggie's sexual themed flows sounds perfect over the pounding drums, guitar stabs and scratches - once again produced by Rashad Smith / Tumblin' Dice. An interesting fact is that this version of the song replaces the original Bluez Brothas version on the clean version of "R.T.D.".

07. "Runnin' From The Police" (Ft. 2Pac, Stretch, EDI, Khadafi & Buju Banton)

"Runnin' From The Police" have always been one considered as of the strongest songs in both BIG's and 'Pac's respective catalouges if you ask me. There's so many quotables in here that it's not even funny, and hearing 'Pac, BIG and Stretch all on one track is truly powerful, and Easy Mo Bee did a masterful job in creating the backing track. This classic was originally recorded around 1994 in a 2Pac session for inclusion on his "Thug Life Volume 1" album, even appearing on a rare promo cassette of the project. The song was ultimately replaced by "Stay True" and it would take another year before fans got the chance to hear "Runnin'" on the compilation album "One Million Strong".

08. "Real Niggaz"

"Real Niggaz" is another huge record with a West Coast connecction, as it's common knowledge that Biggie had a lot of love for LA and the music the city produced in the early to mid-'90s. It's unbelivable this was never given more exposure because not only does Biggie sound phenomenal over these Death Row tracks like "Deep Cover", his verses here displays the same type of top notch storytelling that he would perfect on future masterpieces like "Somebody's Gotta Die". This was originally heard as a two part piece on a DJ Clue tape back in '95 before Mister Cee collected all verses for his incredible "The Best Of Notorious B.I.G." tape.

09. "Jam Session" (Ft. Heavy D & Troo Kula)

One of a couple of collaborations between Biggie and Heavy D, produced by Jesse West who really brings the funk on here with an affective heavy bass melody and slick guitar. Heavy D and BIG made a few songs together (all featured on this compilation), and there's no denying that there's a lot of chemistry to be found here. Something that not everybody knows is that the duo even had plans on developing a clothing line for men with a larger build called BIG & Heavy. "Jam Session" also features Troo Kula (at the time a member of Jesse West's group 3rd Eye) and is lifted from the otherwise forgettable compilation album "NBA Jam Session".

10. "Let's Get It On" (Ft. 2Pac, Grand Puba & Heavy D)

This somewhat forgotten posse cut features some of the greatest emcees of the '90s (Grand Puba, 2Pac, BIG, Heavy D) getting it on over a relatively smooth headnodder that packs influences from the New Jack swing era. Taken from the album of the same name by DJ Eddie F. and The Untouchables, a crew of DJ:s and producers from the Mt. Vernon area which originally mentored and included Pete Rock (who didn't have anything to do with this joint however).

11. "Watchu Want?"

"Watchu Want" was a late deletion from "Ready to Die" and is another one of the Easy Mo Bee/BIG recordings from the earlier recording sessions of the LP before Puffy was dropped from Uptown and took Wallace with him. This is a very powerful cut, with Biggie at his most hardcore and I still have a hard time deciding whether or not I would have prefered it to have been left on the LP. I have a (possibly false?) memory of reading somewhere that Biggie really wanted to keep this one but Puff insisted that the quota for rugged hardcore jams had been filled.

12. "Who's The Man?" (Ft. King Just & Todd1)

The 45 King has produced some of my all time favorite records and hearing him produce for BIG is pure bliss. Unfortunately Wallace only kicks one verse here but that's a verse that makes the tracks inclusion on this compilation an absolute definite and leaves little question to who the man in this case is (King Just comes correct though). I guess the reason this isn't remembered for the great battle record it is, is because it came out on a very forgotten album called "Back Up Off Me!", the only LP released under the names of Doctor Dre and Ed Lover.

13. "A Buncha Niggas" (Ft. Heavy D, Guru, Busta Rhymes, 3rd Eye & Rob-O)
The Heavy D & The Boys albums from the early '90s always had a ton of underground gems on them and "Blue Funk" might just be the illest. As far as posse cut goes this one has one of the more jaw dropping line-ups - Heavy D, Guru, Busta Rhymes, Rob-O from InI, 3rd Eye (Jesse West also produced this banger) and of course The Notorious B.I.G.

14. "Who Shot Ya"

"Who Shot Ya" marks the first time BIG worked with Nashiem Myrick who would come to be a major contributor to the sound of "Life After Death", making this something of a transitional record. An interesting fact is that the song originally was incepted as an interlude for Mary J. Blige's excellent '95 LP "My Life". Word is that the content was a little too violent for an R&B album and in the end the interlude verse were recorded by Keith Murray. Being label mates and old friends, Puff and BIG secured the beat and put it on as the B-side of the "Big Poppa" single, causing all kinds of controversy. You can check out the original demo version with both Murray and BIG, liberated by DJ S&S and uploaded by NahRight.

NOTORIOUS BIG - "THE ANNIVERSARY" 

[Video] MARCO POLO x TALIB KWELI x PREMIER - "GURU"

All right, one more, but this is the last one for today, but you know I had to post this one considering we're getting closer to the release of Marco Polo's sophomore LP which is way up there with my most anticipated LP:s of the year. "G.U.R.U.", which actually was the first single to be released from the upcoming project, is of course a dedication to one of the greatest rappers to ever enter the game. Featuring Talib Kweli and DJ Premier over a beautiful Marco Polo production that sonically pays tribute to the Gang Starr sound of songs like "My Advice 2 You". Now the track gets the video treament and with the visuals its becoming even greater and more heartfelt. I can't wait to cop this album, and I hope you do the same.

GURU - "Now Eye See"

Strangely I haven't seen this track posted on any of the bigger hip-hop sites which is a shame since previously unreleased material from an emcee of GURU's stature should be appreciated no matter who produced it. It's a strong verse from Elam, though I suggest you turn the volume down after it @ 1:16!

GURU - "NOW EYE SEE"

Marco Polo Ft. Talib Kweli & DJ Premier - "G.U.R.U."

I should have posted this when it was released yesterday as April 19 of course marks the three-year anniversary of the passing of the great Keith Elam, best known as GURU. Although we've heard a few slamming recent Marco Polo tracks, but this track of greatness with Preem and Kweli works as the actual lead single for the Canandian beatsmith's forthcoming "Port Authority 2: The Director's Cut". Prepare yourself for the July release on Soulspazm Records as it should be one of the definite records of the summer!

[Compilation] Hannibal Stax - "Prequel to Seize The Day"

The real Gang Starr heads are well aware of who are Hannibal Stax, and though he has yet to release a proper solo release yet he's been part of The Foundation since at least 1995. Together with underrated producer Mike Rone, he was part of Fabidden Fruit who was signed to GURU's Ill Kid Records back in the mid-'90s; releasing the banger "Hi Energy", produced by the Wu's True Master, on that GURU sampler which was followed by "Forbidden Fruit" on the first "D&D Project". People probably best know him for his memorable performance on the Gang Starr classics "It's A Set Up", and "Same Team, No Games", the Afu-Ra '98 B-side "Trilogy of Terror" and "All That" from his debut album. More recently H.Stax appeared on the DJ Premier produced Big Shug monster "Dirt" in 2005 and the Works Of Mart 2006 12" featuring "Proper Dosage" b/w the Mike Rone produced "It Iz What It Iz".

Now, finally he is preparing some well deserved solo material, as we got a testament of last week with the brilliant Marco Polo produced jawn "Sr8 Smashing". His mixtape, "The Honorable", mixed by the incredible PF Cuttin' and hosted by DJ Premier which of course guarantees quality will be made available in the coming days. The mixtape will serve as a prequel to Stax 2013 album "Seize the Day", which will be completely produced by Marco Polo. Polo has also announced that he's working on a second installment of his "Port Authority" series.

While we're waiting for the tape and following album, I put together a lil' Lost Tapes style compilation of H.Stax's previous works. As far as I know this is all the songs he ever officially released (not including his freestyle works); Thanks to the homie Fritz I was also able to include the 2005 B-side "Proper Dosage". Enjoy my little droogies!

01. F.A.B.I.D. - "Get It In" (Intro)
02. Afu-Ra / Fabidden Fruit - "Trilogy of Terror"
03. Fabbiden Fruit - "From Within Out"
04. Fabidden / True Master - "Hi Energy"
05. Fabidden Fruit - "Cup Of Life"
06. Gang Starr / H. Stax - "It'z A Set Up"
07. Afu-Ra / H.Stax / Mike Rone - "Trilogy of Terror"
08. F.A.B.I.D. - "Proper Dosage"
09. GURU / Big Shug / H.Stax - "Stay Out Of My Face"
10. Big Shug / H.Stax / Smiley The Ghetto Child - "Dirt"
11. Gang Starr / NYGz / H. Stax - "Same Team, No Games"
12. F.A.B.I.D. - "It'z What It Iz"
13. Hannibal Stax / Marco Polo - "Str8 Smashin'"

HANNIBAL STAX - "PREQUEL TO SEIZE THE DAY"

BIG SHUG - "The Crush EP" [Extended]

The name Gang Starr will always be synonymous with quality hip-hop, you can take my word on that. Besides the main duo of GURU and DJ Premier, the chain and the star was also protected by The Gang Starr Foundation; a group of like-minded East Coast rhymers that appeared on the duo's albums and got the advantage of getting Preem and Guru beats for their own projects. There's been several semi-official members over the years but the real core of the Foundation is the trio of Jeru the Damaja, Group Home and Big Shug. Of course Jeru and Group Home released incredible full-lengths in the mid '90s, produced by Premier and generally hailed as classics today. Why Big Shug didn't get the same opportunity at the time despite being just as important to the dynamics of the crew is something I never really understood.

What Shug did, however, was to release two Gang Starr produced 12" singles in 1995 and 1996 respectively. These five songs gives us a good idea of how a '90s Shug album produced in the same manner as "Living Proof" would have sounded - certainly a lot of potential. Who knows, maybe the Boston rapper turned New York emcee just wasn't ready yet? One thing that's interesting is that the first single's A-side, called "Treat U Better", was a Premier produced love song with Shug singing throughout. The B-side tracks were both typical hip-hop joints for the time. It suggests that neither the artist nor the producers could decide on the direction they were to take with his career. They are all good tracks but it definitely caught me a bit off-guard hearing the A-side for the first time. On the second single, which dropped on Pay Day/FFRR about a year later, Shug seemed more certain about being an emcee rather than a singer. "Crush" is classic Gang Starr style boom bap with Preem providing one of his classic scratched vocal clips hooks. The B-side "Official" might be even more interesting considering it's a posse cut representing some of the finest rap talents to emerge out of the Boston area. Over a dark and moody soundbed produced by someone called Bless One, Shug invites the tag team of Edo G and the great late emcee Scientifik (who I believe made his last cameo here) to rip the track in half with him. Mission accomplished!

To get a good glimpse into what an album by this guy would have sounded like around 1996 I have put together a lil' compilation with the songs from the two 12"s that's represented by tracks 1 to 5. The remaining tracks are the majority of Big Shug's guest apperances in the mid '90s, taken from albums by DJ Krush, Group Home, Gang Starr and the promotional compilation for Guru's Ill Kid Records.Crank up the volume, sit back and let the missing link of the Gang Starr Foundation take you on a trip back to the '90s.

01. "Crush" [Street]
02. "Stripped & Pistol Whipped" [Street] (Ft. GURU)
03. "Treat U Better"
04. "Official" [Street] (Ft. Edo G / Scientifik)
05. "P.D.S. (Pimp Style)" [Street]
06. "Momentum" (Ft. GURU)
07. "Do What Pays Ya"
08. "Serious Rap Shit" (Ft. Gang Starr / Group Home)
09. "Most Wanted Men" (Ft. GURU)
10. "Fuck Around, Lay Around" (Ft. Gang Starr)

BIG SHUG - "CRUSH: FOUNDATION OFFICIAL"

Paul Nice & Slice-Of-Spice

Underrated New York producer Paul Nice, who has laced tracks for Masta Ace, Lord Finesse/Percee P, AG and Biz Markie to name a few, is going hard with his newly started independent record label Slice-Of-Spice. The small independent label specializes in limited pressings of rare tracks and exclusives, often on 7" vinyl and Paul Nice has dropped/is about to drop a bunch of 'em. All the vinyl heads better make sure to cop these while you still can, there's alot of effort and thought put into these releases, not only from a strictly musical perspective but the colored vinyl all comes with full, severely dope artwork. I previously reported on the limited 7" release of the Paul Nice produced "BK (We Don't Play)", an unreleased joint from 2001 with a new Nice remix on the B-side (click on the link to check out both songs). Forthcoming projects on the label include rare tracks with Lord Finesse and Biz Markie; stay tuned for mroe info!

The year was '99 and Paul Nice hooked up with two of the illest emcees in New York, Masta Ace and the late, great GURU, and recorded the track "Conflict" for the Mona Hip Hop label. Nice also created an equally crazy remix of the track that, besides a few dodgy mix CDs, has never seen the light of the day. Slice-Of-Spice has ensured the rights to the masters and is releasing the remix on limited vinyl single with the instrumental on the flipside. The red vinyl is numbered with a gold stamp and comes in the crazy sleeve you see above, created by well known graffiti artist EWOKOne. You can order your copy from your usual suspects like Fat Beats but if you want the real deal on numbered red vinyl check out these various packages via Slice-Of-Spice. Listen/download the joint below:

MASTA ACE & GURU - "CONFLICT" [REMIX] 

Another Slice-Of-Spice exclusive is Paul Nice's remix of the classic Jay-Z 2004 cut "Public Service Announcement", a jaw-dropping moment off his "The Black Album". As Jiggaman released the accapellas for what would be his final album both newcomers and established beatmakers gave a remix album of it a shot; including Paul Nice. This take on "PSA" was intended for Paul Nice vs. Jay-Z - "The Unofficial Black Album" but failed to appear and is now being released on limited 7" vinyl with the instrumental on side B. Like with the "Conflict" single, you can pick this up @ places like Fat Beats but if you want that special 1000 copies limited marble colored vinyl check out the packages offered by Slice-Of-Spice. Download and listen to the song for yourself below.

JAY-Z - "P.S.A." [PAUL NICE REMIX / TAKE 3]

Big Shug / DJ Premier tribute to GURU

The remaining members of the original GangStarr Foundation just released this heartfelt dedication to their fallen comrade GURU a/k/a Keith Elam. Produced by DJ Premier and performed by Big Shug, the song is called ""We Miss You" for what would have been Guru's 50th birthday on July 17. I've said it before and I'll say it again, rest in peace GURU; you truly blessed hip-hop with your presence, and as the track title states, you surely are missed. Thanks to The Preemo Blog for the link.

BIG SHUG & DJ PREMIER - "WE MISS YOU"

We miss you GURU

I can't believe a year has already passed since we lost Keith Elam, The GURU; a true legend in hip-hop and one that will never be forgotten. He created timeless music as one half of Gang Starr and with his early "Jazzmatazz" projects and always gave the impression to be a real stand up guy. GURU made sure his people got their chance to shine just as he had gotten his; he managed artists like Group Home, SikkenMoov, Fabbiden Fruit, True Master, Bahamadia, Jeru The Damaja and established his own Ill Kids Records imprint.

He might not have been the most complex lyricist but his passion, heart, unique voice and hundreds of memorable verses more than made up for it. If you don't got the Gang Starr catalouge in your record collection I just want to say shame on you as each and every one of their LPs are incredible and justifies Guru and DJ Premier as one of hip-hop's finest MC/producer duo's. They also recorded several additional quality tracks, songs that popped up on soundtracks, B-sides, mixtapes as well as guest spots on other peeps albums. All which I collected on two volumes at the very beginning of me starting the blog you're reading.

I have now also added a third installment, this one featuring all the DJ Premier remixes of Gang Starr tracks, most originally appearing on the 12" singles. So what I present here to y'all are, to my knowledge, every released Preemo/GURU track besides their six must own retail albums (i decided to include the three original tracks from the "Full Clip" compilation although I strongly recommend any fan of this duo to cop that one too). But before you hit the play button let's all take a moment of silence for a fallen soldier - Rest in power Keith.

01. "Full Clip"

02. "Disciple" (Ft. Total)
03. "All For Tha $"

04. "The Piece Maker"

05. "Hustlin' Daze" (Ft. Donell Jones)

06. "Where's My Ladies" (Ft. Big Shug)

07. "1/2 & 1/2" (Ft. M.O.P.)

08. "So Wassup?!"

09. "The Militia II" (Ft. Rakim & W.C.)

10. "Jazz Thang (Video Mix)"

11. "The ? Remains"

12. "Watch What You Say" (Ft. Chaka Khan)

13. "Lifesaver" (DJ Premier Remix)

14. "Doe In Advance"

15. "Gotta Get Over (Taking Loot)"

16. "Credit Is Due"

17. "Battle"

18. "Back 2 Back" (Ft. Mendoughza)

19. "Natural"

20. "Tha Squeeze"

"MOVEMENT I: THE CHAIN & THE STAR"

01. "Here's The Proof"

02. Dream Warriors & Gang Starr - "I've Lost My Ignorance"

03. Slam Slam & Gang Starr- Free Your Feelings [Gifted Mix]"

04. MC Solaar Ft. Gang Starr - "Qui Séme Le Vent Récolte Le Tempo [Remix]"

05. Loose Ends & Gang Starr - "A Little Spice [Remix]"

07. Soul to Soul Ft. Gang Starr - "Intelligence [Jazzie to Guru Mix]"

08. Neneh Cherry & Gang Starr - "Sassy" (Ft. Gang Starr)

09. N'Dea Davenport & Gang Starr - "Bring It On [Premier & The Guru Mix]"

10. Group Home & GangStarr - "Serious Rap Shit" (Ft. Big Shug)

11. M.O.P. & GangStarr - "Salute Part II

12. Macy Gray & GangStarr- "I've Committed Muurder [Remix]" (Ft. Mos Def)

13. Tin Tin Out & GangStarr- "What I Am [Remix]" (Ft. Emma Bunton)

14. Lina & Gang Starr - "It's Alright [Remix]"

15. Big Shug & Gang Starr - "Sucker Punch"

16. Krumb Snatcha  & Gang Starr - "Indestructible"

17. AG, OC, GangStarr & Party Arty - "Weed Scented"

18. Afu-Ra & Gang Starr - "Blvd."

19. Group Home & Gang Starr - "The Legacy"

"MOVEMENT II: THE COLLABORATIONS" 

01. "Words I Manifest" [Remix]

02. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" [Fed Up Mix]

03. "Positivity" [Whole World Mix]

04. "Gotch U" [Hunter Mix]

05. "Just to Get A Rep" [Extended 12" Mix]

06. "Check The Technique" [12" Remix]

07. "Jazz Thing" [Movie Mix] (w. Branford Marsalis)

08. "I've Lost My Ignorance" [Gang Starr Remix] (w. Dream Warriors)

09. "Love Sick" [Extended Remix]

10. "Ex Girl to Next Girl" [DJ Premier Remix]

11. "DWYCK" [Horny Mix] (Ft. Nice & Smooth)

12. "Flip The Script" [Minor Adjustment Remix]

13. "Doe in Advance" [12" Remix]

14. "You Know My Steez" [Three Men & A Lady Remix] (Ft. Kurupt & Lady Of Rage)

15. "Jazz Thang" [Extended Instrumental] [*]

"MOVEMENT III: THE REMIXES"

THROWBACK: Guru's "Jazzmatazz Vol. II" review

GURU released his second album in the ”Jazzmatazz” series in the summer of 1995 and to me this eclectic fusion of East Coast hip-hop, jazzy live instrumentation, soul singers and ragga hooks still stands as a testament of the man’s greatness. GURU was a leader in hip-hop; as a rapper from Boston he was pushing the envelope of how true New York hip-hop was supposed to sound together with DJ Premier in Gang Starr, and with the “Jazzmatazz” series he creatively and successfully bridged live jazz and hip-hop. Many hip-hop acts had used samples from the Blue Note and Columbia Jazz catalogues but it was GURU who first incorporated actual instruments to a beat and thereby created the so called “jazz-rap” when he and DJ Premier invited Branford Marsalis to play sax on the Gang Starr classic, “Jazz Thang”. Something that was bound to happen sooner or later for sure, but also something that needed a leader to first take the step and test the waters.

While 1993s “Jazzmatazz Vol. 1” was a short but effective punch (10 songs in 40 minutes), its follow-up almost doubles the length with its 20 tracks clocking in at 74 minutes. It also features a massive amount of guest features, so much in fact that the artwork presents the LP as one being “hosted by GURU” rather than a solo album in its own right. Unlike its predecessor it does not feature jazz instrumentalists exclusively but rather a mix of artists representing jazz, rap, soul and reagge – black music if you will. Names involved include Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, Kenny Garrett, DJ Premier, Mica Paris, Chaka Khan, Bahamadia, Branford Marsalis, Kool Keith, True Master, Ini Kamoze, Jamiroquai and many more. An all-star line up to say the least but sometimes too many chefs in the kitchen is a recipe for a disastrous and unfocused effort. This is not the case with “Jazzmatazz II: The New Reality” because although its filled to the limit with high profile names from four different musical genres, GURU is always present and ties it all together, making sure the album flows and the sound is cohesive. Despite what the front cover states there’s no doubt that this album is GURU’s, his voice graces every track, he’s been involved with the production and picking the guests and “The New Reality” clearly represents and realizes his vision.

The amazing opener “Lifesaver” kick things off with a laid-back beat with emphasis on a heavy bass line and jazzy sax and vibes (uncredited and probably sampled) floating in and out in the background which puts the artist in the zone. One of GURU’s biggest strengths as an emcee was his ability to touch the listener’s heart and making us relate without sounding forced or corny; I often say that he rapped with more heart than any other rapper when he was at his peak. Here he speaks on life’s ill but also offers a solution, something a lot of rappers fail to dwell on and the sweet-sung vocals of Baybe adds color to the song. “Living in this World” follows a similar pattern with GURU doing his best to educate through his rhymes and Jay Rodriguez and Sweet Sable helps push the song to the next level with the addition of gorgeous flute, clarinet and vocals, respectively. The last verse is a performance that captures everything that makes people quote the MC’s name in G.O.A.T. discussions.

The following two songs are also my two favorites on the entire album; “Looking Through The Darkness” is produced by True Master (of Wu-Tang fame) and stands as one of his finest productions yet. The drum pattern is heavy enough to knock down a wall, with True’s traditional chopped up sample style, here using at least two songs to create one masterpiece – the majestic trumpet and whatever string instrument that is comes off as simply amazing. GURU absolutely tears the beat apart, sounding hyped up and angry as he almost shouts out the verses, a true classic and proof that he was very capable of creating such tracks without help from DJ Premier. But of course one can’t deny the impact he and Preemo’s relationship have had on hip-hop and that pure quality is showcased on “Watch What You Say” where Guru rhymes about the importance of being a role model and embracing that role. Premier’s backdrop has his traditional pounding drums and bass and comes off as a perfect example of “jazz-rap” with the inclusion of a sampled trumpet being looped under the vocals throughout. The young but great saxophonist Branford Marsalis closes the track on a very high note with Chaka Khan wailing intensively. Whereas “Jazzmatazz Vol. 1” was completely separate from his work with DJ Premier, it’s good to have at least one Gang Starr track on this album. And a banging one at that!

Although the LP doesn’t feature jazz artists on each and every song the vibe throughout is that of hip-hop meeting jazz whether that sound is achieved through the use of samples or live instrumentation. GURU is really shining here, strongly influenced by the jazzy and soulful music he allows himself to go deep and often get personal in his verses. The lyrical themes range from a wide array of topics; “For You” is a heartfelt tribute to his family and friends while “Medicine” is a slamming anthem for all the weed heads with Ini Kamoze providing some sweet toasting. The jazz vibe is maintained by absolutely impeccable blowing by the one and only, Mr. Donald Byrd. Byrd also appears on “The Traveler” where the rapper touches on life on the road and all the countries he visited while on tour. “Lost Souls” is another one of those tracks where G rhymes with all his heart, making sure that every word is captured by the listener, while Jamiroquai provides background vocals and instrumentation to great results.

There are so many ill songs on this album that I could just go on describing them all to you but you’d be better off listening to it for yourself. GURU was in peak form between 1994 and 1998 if you ask me, with “Hard to Earn” and “Moment of Truth” speaking for itself but also the little recognized “Jazzmatazz Vol. II: The New Reality” which is a very personal album. For me this is slightly better than its predecessor (which is also a great album however) and besides his work with DJ Premier it stands as the finest solo album he did. When GURU spoke you’d really listen because you could relate to him. He invited you into his world with his words, as a peer and someone that wanted change for the better. The King of Monotone as he called himself, his voice was unique and loaned itself perfectly for jazz inspired music which is one of the reasons why this album wouldn’t have worked with any other rapper. 

To give some critique it is slightly too long, at 74 minutes it could have benefitted from tightening up a bit; maybe cutting off maximally three or four songs. Most of the tracks hold a very high quality though and there is nothing on this disc that’s bad, far from it, but “The Traveler” and “Feel the Music” doesn’t sound as inspired as “Respect the Architect” or “Something in the Past” for example. Yet these are very minor things, overall this album is packed with more heat than the oven door and it’s a goddamn shame that it’s so overlooked and underrated. The singles released from the album came with some now classic remixes that didn’t appear on the album; DJ Premier’s take on “The Lifesaver” and Buckwild’s mix of the Bahamadia featured “Respect the Architect” (both included at the bottom of this post). I recommend you all to pick up “Jazzmatazz Vol. II: The New Reality” in tribute to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal a.k.a. Keith Elam, we all sure miss you – Rest in peace.

GURU - "RESPECT THE ARCHITECT" [BUCKWILD REMIX] (FT. BAHAMADIA)

GURU - "LIFESAVER" [DJ PREMIER REMIX] 

Celebrating Gang Starr, Part III

The third installment in my Gang Starr celebration series collects all the remixes that DJ Premier and The Guru did for the 12" singles and other forums. I only focused on the DJ Premier remixes, leaving out classic like Pete Rock's take on "The Militia" or Extra P's mix of "Gotta Get Over". With these three volumes plus the six official albums Gang Starr released we now got every recorded Preem/Guru collaboration ever done.

01. "Words I Manifest (Remix)"

02. "No More Mr. Nice Guy (Fed Up Mix)"

03. "Positivity (Whole World Mix)"

04. "Gotch U (Hunter Mix)"

05. "Just To Get A Rep (Extended Mix)"

06. "Check The Technique (Remix)"

07. "Jazz Thang (Movie Mix)"

08. "I've Lost My Ignorance" (w. Dream Warriors)

09. "Love Sick (Extended Mix)"

10. "Ex Girl to Next Girl (DJ Premier Remix)"

11. "DWYCK (Horny Mix)" (Ft. Nice & Smooth)

12. "Flip The Script (Minor Adjustment Mix)

13. "Doe in Advance (12" Remix)"

14. "You Know My Steez (3 Men & A Lady Remix)" (Ft. Lady Of Rage & Kurupt)

15. "Jazz Thang (Extended Instrumental Mix)" (Ft. Branford Marsalis)

GANG STARR - "MOVEMENT III: THE REMIXES"