Guru told us long ago that "It's the Voice," yeah true. But it's also the cadence, the flow, the delivery, and maybe most of all the subject matter. Guru brings all of that to the table with a left handed, abstract changeup pitch that always delivers. In terms of style and delivery, Guru calls it monotone. In Gangstar, Guru is joined by the sound scientist DJ Premier. Primo's abstract concepts add the flair and color that highlights Guru's flow magnificently. On Jazzmatazz-the Hip-Hop Jazz Messenger the latest installment of Guru's Jazzmatazz series, guest vocalists, emcees and producer, Solar, do their best to fill Primo's chief responsibility in Gangstar responsibility-highlighting and accenting Guru's distinctive flow.

The guest list reads like a who's who of hip-hop soul. Common blazes "State of Clarity," the CD's premier cut.  The blend of Guru and Common is crucial.  Vivian Green adds angelic melodies to "Fine and Free." Guru delivers the perfect cadence to accent Green and her beautiful sound. New Hip-hop soul go-to-man, Raheem Devaughn, brings that D.C. soul and adapts masterfully to Guru's flow. Damian Marley delivers a gem of reggae flavored goodness on "Stand UP (Some Things Will Never Change).  He chants with urgency, consciousness, and fine-tuned intensity.

Guru's voice is like a vintage instrument-though it has its minor imperfections, its overall effect of it is directly on point. This project mirrors that sentiment. Solar manages the production duties and delivers decent grooves.  Guru stays in his lane offering thought provoking insightful lyrics.  Jazzmatazz guest stars offer assorted flavors that raise the project's diversity and overall artistic value. Guru is well respected and the parade of underground luminaries that contribute to Jazzmatazz-the Hip-Hop Jazz Messenger attest to that. Trust me, they make beautiful music together.

- Mel Blunt

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