Tag Archives: Guru

R.I.P. Keith “Guru” Elam

I wrote this tribute to Guru for my weekly Rhapsody column, Rap is Not Pop. It was posted posted earlier today on the Rhapsody Music Stuff Place blog and its new Rhapsody Hip-Hop Blog. ————————————– Rap Is Not Pop: R.I.P. … Continue reading

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Guru presents live Jazzmatazz

guru and solar_public wizard.jpg

Let’s face it: Guru’s new Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 can’t compare to the original Jazzmatazz, one of the best albums to emerge from the acid jazz movement. And no matter how many times he claims it, his new collaborator DJ Solar will never measure up to DJ Premier, one of the greatest beatmakers ever.

But so what? Although not as popular as his early 90s heyday, the voice behind the mighty Gang Starr deserves to do his thing. It’s no smear on his reputation, which is secure. I’m not a huge fan of Jazzmatazz, but I’m always interested in what he has to say. Undoubtedly, thousands of others are, too.

Originally set to land in May, Guru’s Jazzmatazz presents The Hip-Hop Jazz Messenger: Black to the Future drops via 7 Grand Records on July 31. Guests who pay homage include Raheem DeVaughn, Bobby Valentino, Caron Wheeler, David Sanborn, Common, Bob James, Damien Marley, Vivian Green, Blackalicious, KEM and others. Guru and Solar will hit the road to promote it, hitting theaters across this great land. Tour dates, along with a video for the first single w/Common, "State of Clarity," are below.

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