Guru - Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality

By the time Gang Starr's rapper Guru created the "experimental fusion of hip-hop and jazz" he called Jazzmatazz back in 1993, the idea of blending the two African-American styles had been fairly well explored. But as the first wholly self-conscious genremixing, Jazzmatazz Volume I was at least a decent novelty record. In the two Years that followed, however, jazz rap--from Digable Planets to Buckshot Lefonque to the Roots--grew into a dominant strain of alternative hip-hop.

The good news is that 1995's Jazzmatazz II acknowledges the changing times. Guru ups the ante by collecting artists from R&B (Chaka Khan, Mica Paris) and reggae (Ini Kamoze, Patra) in addition to jazz (Ramsey Lewis, Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard) and rap (Kool Keith, Big Shug). The concept broadens to bring together makers of all black music. At best, the songs reflect this more robust brew: "Watch What You Say," for instance, blends Khan's dynamic blue improvisational singing and Branford Marsalis's subdued saxophone phrases with Guru's rap and DJ Premier's unorthodox track of video game sound effects.

The bad news, though, is that Volume II fails in precisely the same places Volume I did. First, Guru still raps with fine tone but little gift for either rhythm or rhyme. In a monotone he self- righteously calls himself "The Lifesaver" but offers only vague solutions like "deal with reality and try to keep focus" to innercity turmoil. Second, except for Khan's vocals and perhaps Lewis' piano solo on "Respect the Architect," the style meshes never get a chance to rise out of the same tried hip-hop form. --Roni Sarig Amazon.com

one of a kind

Ive recently rediscovered the Jazzmatazz collection following the release of volume 4 and im am ejoying it more than ever. Guru really is one of a kind in continuing to make such a well working fusion of chilled jazz/hiphop.
Taking the various albums apart you can pick out the weaker tracks aswell as the weaker albums but its the overall Jazzmatazz package that is most impressive. The lyricism is spot on with Guru giving us rhymes far removed from many traditional themes found in some of the more popular forms of hiphop. The beats and vocals are spot on and make this album and whole series the most easy listening hiphop you will ever hear.
I really cant praise these albums enough, may Guru continue making music for a while yet. October 8, 2007

Rap + Jazz x 2= Jazmatazz Volume 2 (Rating: 8 out of 10- -4 stars)

I don't know what the editorial reviewer was listening to. Guru's second series of Jazzmatazz was great to listen to. I heard the first one earlier this year and felt to cop the second volume. Guru wanted to create the same thing he did back in 1993, with a blend of hip hop and jazz. On the first album, it was only twelve tracks deep. Here on the second, it's a total of twenty tracks. Also there are more featured artists on this one than it was on the first.

A lot of these tracks you can easily catch a vibe to. "Lifesaver" is a easy listening track with the singing of Baybe in the background. Or with the reggae mix "Medicine" featuring Ini Kimoze, True Masters, and Donald Byrd. Hip hop plays a mix in this album also, like on the good song "Respect The Architect" with Bahamadia. Or "Young Ladies", a tracks cut out for young ladies, that features Big Shug, Kool Keith, and Patra. True, Guru has that monotone voice, but that never stopped him in Gang Starr, and it sure doesn't stop him here, he can still cut a flow. And on most tracks, his vocals blend in with the music, so it doesn't make a big deal. A lot of these songs have a positive message, like on "Count Your Blessings", Guru sees what he really had during his hard times.

As for things I didn't like. Theres a lot of Jazzaludes and skits that wern't really necessary. Also there were quite a few tracks I didn't have a taste for. Also there are some tracks that Guru has a hard staying on beat, like the song "Looking Through The Darkness". I like that track though, so I'll name that my honorable mention track.

This is a good album. If you heard the first "Jazzmatazz" and haven't heard this one, give it a try. I heard the third one wasn't good at all though. Or if you're just curious or want to hear more of Guru, you might enjoy this here. Back in '95, Guru proved that he can carry himself with or without Primo. Speaking of Primo, he would produce the track "Watch What You Say" so he had a part in this project also.

Lyrics: B
Production: B+
Guest Appearances: A-
Musical Vibes: B+
Overall: B+

Favorite Tracks: Lifesaver, Watch What You Say, Medicine, Lost Souls, Respect The Architect, Young Ladies, Count Your Blessings, Choice Of Weapons

Honorable Mention Track: Looking Through The Darkness

Peace! December 23, 2006

Good stuff to drive too

I love it, good stuff to ride too! Very laid back and cool. I like "Something In The Past".

Peace, K March 22, 2005

The second, and second-best, of the series

This was Guru's second Jazzmatazz project. I purchased this one back in the day solely on having loved the first one.

Jazzmatazz II is solid; not spectacular like the first one. It still has some jazz feel to it but not as much. It's more hip hop but it's still very chill and laidback.

I like the Jamiroquai song; funny to think that they were no-names back then before blowing up a few years later.

Very soulful, mellow, good late-nite listening. March 18, 2004

Simply.......Awesome

The best of the 3 jazzmatazzes. It is not nearly as jazz influenced as the 1st but absolutely the most complete of the 3. i love guru and Gangstarr. he is lyrically on point and every song is great. its deep and arranged well. This is one of my top 10 and top 5 hip hop albums in my mind. it takes a few listens to understand the complexity and integrity of this album. Completely original and very trippy when you get down to it. be patient and it will grow on you. December 18, 2002

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