| Jazzmatazz, Vol. II: The New Reality | |
|---|---|
 Studio album by Guru | |
|
Released |
July 18, 1995 |
|
Recorded |
May 1994 - March 1995 |
|
Studio |
D&D Studios |
|
Genre |
|
|
Length |
73:09 |
|
Label |
Chrysalis Records |
|
Producer |
Guru, DJ Premier, Carlos Bess, Mark Sparks, True Master, Nikke Nicole, The Solsonics |
Jazzmatazz, Vol. II: The New Reality is the second solo studio album from American Rapper and Gang Starr member Guru. released in July 18, 1995 via the Chrysalis imprint. Recording sessions took place at Platinum Island Recording Studios, D&D Studios, Unique Recording Studios, The Hit Factory and Firehouse Studios in New York City from May 1994 to March 1995. Production was handled by Guru, DJ Premier, Nikke Nikole, Mark Sparks, True Master, The Solsonics and Carlos Bess. It includes guest appearances from Freddie Hubbard, Donald Byrd, Ramsey Lewis, Kool Keith, Patra, Big Shug, Bahamadia, Jamiroquai, Chaka Khan, Baybe, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ini Kamoze, Shara Nelson, Sweet Sable, Gus Da Vigilante (of Stikken Moov) and Bu (of Forbidden Fruit). Other musicians reprising their roles from the previous release include Branford Marsalis, Courtney Pine and Ronny Jordan. This is the second release to the Jazzmatazz series slightly toned down the jazz rap punch that made the first volume memorable. It was nevertheless critically acclaimed in its own right.
According to Billboard music charts, this album slightly outperformed its predecessor, the album peaked at #16 and #73 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Billboard 200 albums charts respectively. Jazzmatazz, Vol. II: The New Reality spawned the singles: "Lifesaver", "Feel the Music" and "Watch What You Say" (which peaked at #13 and #93 on the Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi Singles and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks charts respectively).
Track listing[]
- "Intro (Light It Up) Jazzlude I" - 1:44
- "Lifesaver" (feat. Baybe) - 4:13
- "Living in This World (feat. Sweet Sable) - 4:29
- "Looking Through Darkness" - 4:48
- "Skit A (Interview)/Watch What You Say" (feat. Chaka Khan) - 5:00
- "Jazzalude II: Defining Purpose" - 1:02
- "For You" (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello) - 4:10
- "Insert A (Mental Relaxation)/Medicine" (feat. Ini Kamoze and True Master) - 4:19
- "Lost Souls" (feat. Jamiroquai) - 4:12
- "Insert B (The Real Deal)/Nobody Knows" (feat. Shara Nelson) - 3:58
- "Jazzalude III: Hip-Hop As A Way of Life" - 1:17
- "Respect the Architect" (feat. Bahamadia and Ramsey Lewis) - 4:51
- "Feel the Music" - 3:57
- "Young Ladies" (feat. Patra, Kool Keith and Big Shug) - 4:12
- "The Traveler" - 4:01
- "Jazzalude IV: Maintaining Focus" - 1:18
- "Count Your Blessings" - 4:02
- "Choice of Weapons" (feat. Gus Da Vigilante (of Stikken Moov) - 4:24
- "Something in the Past" - 3:19
- "Skit B (A Lot on My Mind)/Revelation" (feat. Bu (of Forbidden Fruit) - 4:35
Samples[]
Lifesaver
- "Outside Love" by Brethren
- "Django" by Cal Tjader
Living in This World
- "Star Steppin'" by Peaches & Herb
Looking Through Darkness
- "A Change Is Gonna Come" by Otis Redding
- "Slippin' Into Darkness" by War
Watch What You Say
- "The Midnight Sun Will Never Set" by Quincy Jones
For You
- "Knocking 'Round the Zoo (1971 Version)" by James Taylor and the Flying Machine
- "Medley: Brown Baby / Save the Children" by Diana Ross
Medicine
- "We've Only Just Begun" by Grant Green
- "Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)" by Nas
Nobody Knows
- "You Are My Starship" by Norman Connors
- "Smokin' Cheeba-Cheeba" by Harlem Underground Band
Respect the Architect
- "The Gym Fight" by The Blackbyrds
- "Nobody Beats the Biz" by Biz Markie
Feel the Music
- "Sneakin' in the Back" by Tom Scott and The L.A. Express
- "Revival" by Martine Girault
The Traveler
- "The Pan Piper" by Miles Davis
Count Your Blessings
- "Your Love" by Skool Boyz
Choice of Weapons
- "It's a New Day" by Skull Snaps
Something in the Past
- "You're a Customer" by EPMD
- "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell
Revelation
- "One Man Band (Plays All Alone)" by Monk Higgins