| Jazzmatazz Volume 1 | ||
| 1-1 | Introduction | 1:20 |
| 1-2 | Loungin' | 4:38 |
| 1-3 | When You're Near | 4:02 |
| 1-4 | Transit Ride | 3:58 |
| 1-5 | No Time To Play | 4:54 |
| 1-6 | Down The Backstreets | 4:47 |
| 1-7 | Respectful Dedications | 0:54 |
| 1-8 | Take A Look (At Yourself) | 3:59 |
| 1-9 | Trust Me | 4:27 |
| 1-10 | Slicker Than Most | 2:36 |
| 1-11 | Le Bien, Le Mal | 3:21 |
| 1-12 | Sights In The City | 5:10 |
| Jazzmatazz Volume 2 : The New Reality | ||
| 2-1 | Intro (Light It Up)/Jazzalude I: New Reality Style | 1:44 |
| 2-2 | Lifesaver | 4:13 |
| 2-3 | Living In This World | 4:29 |
| 2-4 | Looking Through Darkness | 4:48 |
| 2-5 | Skit A (Interview) Watch What You Say | 5:00 |
| 2-6 | Jazzalude II: Defining Purpose | 1:02 |
| 2-7 | For You | 4:10 |
| 2-8 | Insert A (Mental Relaxation) Medicine | 4:19 |
| 2-9 | Lost Souls | 4:12 |
| 2-10 | Insert B (The Real Deal) Nobody Knows | 3:58 |
| 2-11 | Jazzalude III: Hip Hop As A Way Of Life | 1:17 |
| 2-12 | Respect The Architect | 4:51 |
| 2-13 | Feel The Music | 3:57 |
| 2-14 | Young Ladies | 4:12 |
| 2-15 | The Traveler | 4:01 |
| 2-16 | Jazzalude IV: Maintaining Focus | 1:18 |
| 2-17 | Count Your Blessings | 4:03 |
| 2-18 | Choice Of Weapons | 4:24 |
| 2-19 | Something In The Past | 3:19 |
| 2-20 | Skit B (Alot On My Mind) Revelation | 4:35 |
Experience a definitive moment in music history with this 2003 EMI reissue box set, featuring Guru’s Jazzmatazz Volume 1 and Volume 2. As the legendary voice of Gang Starr, Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) transitioned from "the king of monotone" to a pioneer of the "experimental fusion of hip-hop and live jazz."
Originally debuting in 1993, Jazzmatazz Vol. 1 is widely considered a landmark release, ranking among the best albums of the 1990s. Moving beyond mere sampling, Guru collaborated with jazz royalty to create a sophisticated, lived-in sound. Key highlights of this collection include:
- Elite Collaborations: Features legendary contributions from jazz masters like Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
- Genre-Defying Sound: A masterclass in "beatcraft" that seamlessly blends rap lyricism with authentic jazz improvisation.
- Cultural Impact: Critically acclaimed by Pitchfork and RapReviews as a "radically refined" project that paved the way for the neo-soul and jazz-rap movements.
This double-album compilation is an essential addition for fans of Gang Starr and collectors of 90s hip-hop, preserving the legacy of an artist who always "stood tall" while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
