Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2: The New Reality
Guru · 1995
73 min · 20 tracks · East Coast hip-hop
A vibrant blend of jazz instrumentation and hip-hop rhythms that explores social themes with introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lifesaver — This track features a captivating blend of smooth jazz elements with Guru's insightful lyrics about resilience, making it a standout representation of the album's thematic depth.
-
→
Respect the Architect — In this track, Guru pays homage to influential figures in hip-hop while showcasing his lyrical prowess against an engaging backdrop of jazzy instrumentals.
-
→
Living in This World — The song addresses social issues with a poignant narrative, illustrating Guru's ability to weave personal experience into broader societal commentary through immersive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Guru's Jazzmatazz, Vol. 2 blends jazz and hip-hop effectively while exploring social themes through its lyrical content.
What we noticed
- The album features interludes that blend spoken word and jazz instrumentation, creating a narrative flow between tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, including horns and piano, which complement the hip-hop beats.
- The lyrics often address social issues and personal introspection, with a focus on storytelling rather than traditional braggadocio.
- The sequencing alternates between more upbeat tracks and slower, reflective pieces, maintaining listener engagement throughout.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective lyricism for deep thinking
- vibrant soundscapes for lively discussions
- short interludes enhancing overall experience
- thought-provoking themes for reflective moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1995, this album was Guru's second installment in the Jazzmatazz series, following the 1993 debut. At this point in his career, Guru was solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in jazz rap, building on the success of 'Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1' and expanding his collaborative network with diverse artists.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· De La Soul· Common
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro (Light It Up) / Jazzalude I: New Reality Style 1:44
- 2 Lifesaver 4:13
- 3 Living in This World 4:29
- 4 Looking Through Darkness 4:48
- 5 Skit A (Interview) / Watch What You Say 5:03
- 6 Jazzalude II: Defining Purpose 1:02
- 7 For You 4:01
- 8 Insert A (Mental Relaxation) / Medicine 4:20
- 9 Lost Souls 4:12
- 10 Insert B (The Real Deal) / Nobody Knows 3:58
- 11 Jazzalude III: Hip Hop as a Way of Life 1:17
- 12 Respect the Architect 4:51
- 13 Feel the Music 3:58
- 14 Young Ladies 4:12
- 15 The Traveler 4:01
- 16 Jazzalude IV: Maintaining Focus 1:18
- 17 Count Your Blessings 3:32
- 18 Choice of Weapons 4:24
- 19 Something in the Past 3:19
- 20 Skit B (Alot on My Mind) / Revelation 4:36
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.