Guru helped usher in a new era of hip-hop and jazz fusion with his innovative album, Jazzmatazz Vol. 1. The Jazzmatazz series is among the most beloved works in hip-hop, further establishing the late artist's influence in hip-hop.

"There's similarities in the grooves," Guru said of the two art forms in a 1994 interview with Rap City. "Like if you listen to a jazz record, a lot of times you can hear hip-hop sort of drum beats in there, somewhere. Young rap producers now are looking for obscure jazz records because they have that groove in there that you can find, and I think it creates atmosphere with the rap music. And it's funny because, like, rock-and-roll with rap didn't last as long because it wasn't as much you could do with it, whereas with jazz, there's a lot you can do with it."

 Although Guru passed away in 2010, his legacy continues to live, as fans remember the impact he had with both Gang Starr alongside DJ Premier and his Jazzmatazz series. Vol 1. had its 25-year year-anniversary on May 18, and to celebrate the occasion, Urban Legends premiered a lyric video for “No Time To Play” to coincide with a three-LP deluxe vinyl reissue.

The deluxe three-LP vinyl version includes the original 12-track album, an instrumental LP, and a third disc featuring rare, unreleased remixes and B-Sides. The project is packaged in a custom slipcase, and each LP comes in its own unique sleeve and includes a 12-page, 12×12 glossy booklet with photos by photographer Thierry Le Goues. Purchase it it here.

 

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