Jazzmatazz 2

1995 was the darker period at that time when hip hop was in the state of emergency like East vs. West rap rivalry was on the rise.But, Jazzmatazz 2:The New Reality was a nice sequel but it changed my life when I first heard Lifesaver, I cried when I think about Guru's passing on April 19th 2010. I remember Lifesaver, Feel the Music and Watch What You Say featuring Chaka Khan were amazing singles/videos at that time. It was Guru's 2nd Jazzmatazz project.Looking Through the Darkness features Mica Paris was excited for the ones who felt very depressed, lonely and very sad. But that song will get you from being sadness to be very happiness and this beat reminds me of RZA. That's real message.Watch What You Say featuring Chaka Khan was a stand out track. This message hits any person who say something different negative about Guru. Like he said, some better watch what they say and watch your mouth or it'll happen to you.This is a true jazz influence in it and you can't hate on that. This is a true hip hop for any hip hop heads out there. If you're not a hip hop head, then you may stick to listen to mainstream/popular rap music, you know what I'm talking about. Guru was a true inspiration to me when it comes to his monotone delivery and it inspired me to be a poet. Guru was very down-to-earth legend whom I look up to and I got all his Gang Starr albums (from No More Mr. Nice Guy to The Ownerz) as Guru and DJ Premier and his first 3 Jazzmatazz albums. Without Guru, there will be no Preemo, no Group Home, no M.O.P., no Bahamadia, no Big Shug, and no Jeru the Damaja. If you like Jazz-Rap like De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, The Roots, ATCQ, then this is one for you. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal lives on forever. Gang Starr Forever! Peace to the entire Gang Starr family from me, myself and truly yours - Eric Stewart! Guru R.I.P.!

Album is still as dope as it was when I listened to it back in the day. Always will be. The man the music the message, still fresh, still relevant. R.I.P. Guru.

I recommend Jazzmatazz 2 to anybody who likes to expand their conception of musical genres. Some desire to listen to hip-hop stylings is required, as Guru does his thing over the musical tracks. But for anybody who likes music with definite groove, flair, and a strong universal message, this album will knock your socks off. To let the reader experience the music in their own way I won't single out any particular tracks, but just read some of the names on the tracks and you'll get a sense of the musical reality Guru is operating in: Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis, Big Shug...I need to stop to catch my breath. OK, if you need anymore convincing I don't know what else to say. Listen to the samples and do yourself a musical favor (and a philosophical one as well) and pick up the beats Guru is laying down here.

Received item as advertised & in a timely manner!

It;s Guru it can not be bad. It will always be awesome.

Whenever I listen to "old school" music, I am forever struck my feelings of guilt since I can't help but compare it with the current state of "music", be it lyrical content, delivery, melody, etc. Still, Guru and many others of the "old school" are just so incomparable. Ok, enough ranting.Guru's Jazzmattazz volume 2 is a great CD without comparing it to anything else. I've and continue to enjoy listening to this CD.

Very nice condition and sound.

Love this cd.

yes another quality installment from Guru (he of greats Gang Starr) from'95 featuring another stellar line-up of stars from across the entire "urban" spectrum (see my title description) including Chaka khan, Me'shell,Donald Byrd,Kool Keith,Ronny Jordan and some dancehall female "toasting" vocals from Patra and also Bahamadia in particular to give this 2nd issue of Jazzmatazz a diverse afro-us/caribbean flavour. Adding new "spice" to the expected us/european jazz/hip-hop hybrid started on Vol.1.the album starts slowly has to be said with some plodding hip-hop (hence the removal of a star to four stars) but really picks up thereafter with some great jazzy beats , playing , soulful tunes and Guru doing his thing over it all and in collab with others of course. buy with confidence - your getting a great urban album here. get Jazzamatazz 1 + 3 also. (havent heard vol.4 yet)... quality music for sure. although arguably - the Vol.3 "StreetSoul" is the best of the first three releases - Vol.2 is v ery good also.

Quality product for great price!

I LOVE JAZZ MUSIC and also i love Hip hop too so mixing my 2 favorite Genres together and that takes skills to be honest i own all the Jazzmatazz albums and they are all classics but this and the vol 1 are my favorites i can play this album forever yo!LYRICS 9/10BEATS 10/10GURU is hip hop and a big influence in hip hop every hip hop head should own this!

Awesome collective jazz musicians

Volume 1 is still the best, bit of a slow burner this one, speedy delivery though. Thanks