FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 2000. All Rights Reserved

CD Review by Frank Litorco GURU'S JAZZMATAZZ Streetsoul Virgin · Third installment of the star-studded Jazzmatazz series, featuring the likes of Macy Gray, Erykah Badu and Isaac Hayes The slow creak that you're hearing is the sound of hip hop finally starting to turn the corner after an eternity of uninspired rap of Will Smith proportions. Sure, it's been almost exclusively the new schoolers that are leading the way, but that's not to say that the elders don't know how to hold their own. Case in point: Guru's latest solo project. On Streetsoul, Guru redefines street-level sophistication with his characteristic laid back hip hop beats. Whether it's on "Guidance" with Groove Theory's Amel Larrieux or his collaborative effort with Les Nubians on "Who's There," these songs point out that the CD is a black tie affair combined with a pair of Adidas. The touches of jazz, funk and soul add maturity, but Guru's message manages to keep it real. In the hands of a lesser artist, Streetsoul would be more pretentious than contentious, which means that Guru's still at the top of his game. 4/5

| Back To This Issue Table of Contents | Back To Main Index |