Truly Magnificent

Artist: DJ Jazzy Jeff
Album: The Return Of The Magnificent
Rating: 5/5
Reviewed By: Jeebin

I don't think you can represent true hip-hop as well as DJ Jazzy Jeff has done with his sophomore album, The Return Of The Magnificent. Forget the ignorance and materialistic fantasies of most of todays mainstream artists, because he continues to bring the roots back to hip-hop. Most remember him with Will Smith, or on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" getting thrown out constantly by Uncle Phil. So if you haven't heard his debut album, this is really a treat. He brings out his skills, and really creates an indie classic, or in my eyes a straight classic.

His production shows he is one of a kind. As his name hints, he provides the smooth and jazzy feel to perfection. But of course he still brings the funk, giving us memories of the 80s and 90s rap scene. You can tell he put this album together right as each songs flows with the next. He doesn't need to follow any trends, so forget snap music and dance music, this is real hop-hop production.

An average hip-hop fan of today, one that focuses on the mainstream hits, won't recognize most of the rappers that he collaborates with. DJ Jazzy Jeff works with classic MCs, indie stars, and up and coming artists. The artists include Twone Gabz, Pos, Eshon Burgundy & Black Ice, Kel Spencer, Chinah Blac, Rhymefest, J Live, Jean Grae, Big Daddy Kane, Kardinal Offishall, Method Man, CL Smooth, Raheem DeVaughn, Dave Ghetto, and Peedi Peedi. The track he did with J Live, "Practice", is one of my favorites. Rhymefest brings his funk side out to the fullest in a track called "Jeff N Fess". "All I Know" with CL Smooth on the track, was a classic jazzy type beat that was a perfect match for CL. Each rapper brings intelligence to their lyrics, something we need more and more in hip-hop today.

So when will see more albums like this? I would love for some more true hip-hop to emerge from today's bull----. This is a definite grab for everyone, young and old. Bringing back pure hip-hop to its finest.

The Return Of The Magnificent is The Return Of Hip-Hop?