Let’s talk about these dudes that started out when I started out who no longer represent Hip Hop and who are now megastar celebrities. All they can talk about is their opulent lifestyles, worldly possessions and hedonistic behavior. Some of them even do all of this in the name of
Here in
Peace!!!!!!
Guru
NY, NY----Guru is a walking testament to Hiphop’s spirit, culture and timelessness and his journey in the music industry has been one long ride that contains one classic recording after another; from his work with the legendary Gang Starr, to becoming one of the first artists to fuse Hiphop and Jazz, Guru’s legacy and legend will never be forgotten and he plans on furthering that legacy with his 7 Grand label venture.
As the momentum continues to build around the second single, “Hood Dreaming”, (the single peaked at #3 on Hot 97’s top twenty countdown in March 2006) from Guru & Solar’s Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures, (which was hailed for the new sound Solar supplied for Guru from respected outlets such as The Source, NY Post, Essence, Black Beat, etc) featured Styles P, Talib Kweli, B-Real, Jean Grae and continues to sell (nearing 100K units) nearly nine-months after its release, the duo is already in the process of working on the fourth installment of Guru’s always inventive and compelling Jazzmatazz series.
Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 will be released in early 2007 and will be preceded by the LP’s lead-single, which will appear in the fall of 2006. Always pushing the envelope, Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 will be a double-disc endeavor that will be entirely produced by Solar and co-produced by Guru. Already gushing over the early recording sessions, Guru lamented “the tracks Solar and I have laid down are incredible and it’s going to be the best Jazzmatazz yet.” In the past, Guru’s Jazzmatazz endeavors have enabled him to collaborate with a who’s who list of legendary musical icons; including Roy Ayers, Donald Byrd, Chaka Khan, Isaac Hayes and Branford Marsalis. Early confirmed guests on Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 include, Raheem Devaughn, David Sanborn, Common, Sleepy brown, Vivian Green, Blackalicious, Omar, Caron Wheeler, and Damian Marley, among others.
Similar to Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures, Jazzmatazz Vol. 4 will be released on Guru and Solar’s own label 7 Grand Records, a label that although only a year in its inception, has already produced great results and allows Guru & Solar the ability to handle business on their own terms as Solar asserts “7 Grand Records is the epitome of what great NY Hiphop represents taken to the new millennium and beyond! Independent Hip Hop has always been free from corporate BS and 7 Grand is the company that will bring that concept forward.” Likewise, Guru proclaims “7 Grand Records allows me not only to be creative, but to finally be in control of my creativity. With us you've got a legendary spitter that’s still hungry and still relevant, teamed up with the hottest
With a career that spans over a decade and one that is now eleven-LP’s deep, Guru has been able to stay relevant when many of his counterparts have faded into the background. Now with a new musical and business partnership in full motion with Solar, Guru feels even more reinvigorated. When asked how he has been able stay such a viable force in the music industry Guru states matter of factly “be honest with yourself, be original, be open to criticism and don’t be afraid to reinvent and recreate oneself".
Prepare to Step In the Arena again!
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Solar is the sound of 7 Grand Records! Born and bred in NY and has been producing for over ten years perfecting his signature which is both creatively complex or geniusly minimalistic depending on the track and what the concept is. Solar is a complete producer not just beatmaker! He has created the soundscape for the new and improved Guru and challenged him to push himself to new heights of his lyrical abilities! Solar grew up involved deeply in Hip Hop from its beginnings and was exposed to the roots of the culture as it elevated through the New York 5 boroughs, particularly Brooklyn. He is driven by excellence and in complete command in the studio! His intense work ethic has spawned a new level of Guru's vocal performance as well all of the other artists featured on his tracks. He writes as well as produces so often he has the concept of the song already for Guru to build on. He brings a wealth of perfection, confidence, intelligence and wit to the Hip Hop arena and his tracks are 'Good in the Hood'! He is a real New York success story and has a command of production techniques that is vast and intricate since his knowledge of music in general is impeccable! |
He is committed to bringing New York based Hip Hop production to a new
level of respect and acknowledgement! From the first track he and Guru
recorded together 'Hall of Fame' to the new tracks for the upcoming Jazzmatazz
Vol 4 album he has redefined the role of producer in ways that the music world
will cherish forever. He is definitely the one to watch as in one album with Guru
he has risen to worldwide notoriety and critical acclaim!
- produced the new album 'Guru version 7.0' with Guru. (songs: No Time,
False Prophets, Step in the Arena (I'm sayin) ft. Doo Wop, Don Status feat.
Styles P., Hood Dreamin, Cave In, Surviving Tha Game, Hall of Fame, Talk
to Me feat. Jaguar Wright, Too Dark 2 See, Power, Money & Influence
feat. J.Grae & T. Kweli, Kingpin, Fa Keeps, Real Life feat. B Real, Feed
the Hungry, Talkin' Loud and Frontin', Open House, I Gotta..., Whats my
Life Like?)
- upcoming album Jazzmatazz Vol.4 will be produced by Solar and cooproduced
What up peepz at hiphop.de!
I am currently diligently at work on my Jazzmatazz Vol 4 album which we plan to release early 2007 on our label, 7 Grand Records. The album is sounding incredible thus far and is without a doubt some of my best music ever! I am in a powerful place mentally, spiritually and physically. All of my true supporters whether of Jazzmatazz or my other previous works will surely be pleased with this one. As my people know , I have worked with many greats from the music world past and present. On this new album we have featured guests ranging from the legendary David Sanborn to up and coming crooners like Raheem Devaughn. Also folks like Omar, Ronny Jordan and Blackalicious will be getting down to name a few. In as much as Jazzmatazz has been a concept involving collaborations with some of the greatest musicians and vocalists ever, initially it was to bring generations together and push the boundaries of Hip Hop which it definitely has. On this new project I feel invigorated. I feel the inspiration and newness of the 1st volume, the maturity and growth of volume 2, and the vision of volume 3. I am constantly working on hot tracks in the Studio with my partner Superproducer Solar putting my heart and soul into the writing and focus of each song.
On Vol 1 I worked with the likes of Dr Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Branford Marsalis, NDea Davenport, Carlene Anderson, Lonny Liston Smith and others. It was the experimental blending of Hip Hop and Jazz that started everything. This was the making of history for me as Dr. Donald Bird became my educator as well as a member of my touring band. Dr. Byrd put the word out in the Jazz community about what I was doing creatively with the blending of these elements and bringing the generations together. He gave me much praise and notoriety and this became a new form of music. Each collaboration was thrilling and educational as I began to learn even more about production and recording as well as the similarities between Hip Hop and Jazz as far as things such as improvisation, rhythm and culture.
Vol 2 brought in elements of soul, r&b, and reggae as I worked with people like Chaka Khan, Jamiriquois, Ramsey Lewis, Patra, Ini Kamoze, Freddy Hubbard, Kenny Garrett, Mica Paris, Michelle Ndegocello, Ronny Jordan and others. I worked with more vocalists on this album and really began to get a serious grasp of how each gifted singer has their own style and method of writing, arranging and recording. I learned how the aspects of mood and vibes come into play when you wish to have each talented person who is contributing give their best.
Vol 3 showed my insight into musical trends as I worked with up and coming talents to later blow up such as The Neptunes, Kelis, Craig David and Amel Larrieux. I worked with popular contemporaries such as Angie Stone, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Donnell Jones, Macy Gray, as well as classic masters like Herbie Hancock and Isaac Hayes. This album moved towards a more soul and street feel which was indicative of the times. In my opinion because of the use of too many outside producers the album lost a bit of the organic flavor that came with the first two. That is one main reason why I enlisted the musical genius and expertise of my partner Superproducer Solar to work on the entire Vol 4 album. He has that special ear and the ability to combine the knowledge of the history of Black Music with all of the principles that Hip Hop is based on along with his cutting edge futuristic production talents.
Each Jazzmatazz album was a reflection of the times during which it was released but also conceptually ahead of the curve and definitely cutting edge. So many imitations and clones of Hip Hop/Jazz came after Jazzmatazz such as US 3, Digable Planets and even more recently the Carlos Santana projects. Gurus Jazzmatazz has definitely altered musical history and has spawned whole genres of music from Acid Jazz to Neo-Soul.
On the new Jazzmatazz Vol 4 I am not constrained to specific types of collaborations or any musical guidelines since Jazzmatazz has evolved into its own musical genre in itself. The new album contains not only Hip Hop and Jazz but elements of Soul, Funk, Rock and more. Jazzmatazz Vol 4 is the future of great music with substance and character that makes the listener feel good again!
As president of 7 Grand Records along side the ceo of the label Superproducer Solar, we have control over our creative choices. This will be the most organic, pure and original Jazzmatazz edition yet. Jazzmatazz Vol 4 defines itself and marks the return of one of the most down to earth yet prophetic lyricists as well as a world reknown visionary and real MC. This album takes todays music to a new plateau! There is definitely something for everyone on Jazzmatazz Vol 4 and this will be a classic for years to come!
PEACE, GURU
I, Guru am sending out this blog to my many fans, 7 Grand supporters and any interested Hip Hop heads who have been asking questions about the current Lupe Fiasco single.
I will start by pointing out the positive impact that 7 Grand Records is having on Major label projects and up and coming Major label Hip Hop stars.
Lets take a look at the new single "Day Dreaming" from Lupe feat: Jill Scott. The song is obviously inspired by the single from myself and Superproducer Solar "Hood Dreamin" from the summer 2005 release entitled Guru Version 7.0 The Street Scriptures. "Hood Dreamin" was our 2nd single from the album and went to #10 on NY's Hot 97 top 20 countdown as our brilliant video received play on MTV worldwide. "Hood Dreamin" is one of our fans favorite songs from our sold out Street Scriptures world tours!
Major labels have constantly been influenced by the cutting edge releases of the great independent labels throughout the history of Hip Hop. This also lets me know that we remain way ahead of the creative curve and reminds me of when everyone was attempting to make tracks similar to the works of Dj Premier. My partner Superproducer Solar is indeed making his presence felt in the "Production Game" and if you listen to both tracks you will be able to recognize his undeniable genius. Big up to Jill Scott as I have always loved her vocal style and this collabo reminds me of my Jazzmatazz duets with Angie Stone, N'Dea Davenport, Erikah Badu, and Chaka Kahn to name a few.
Look out for our Jazzmatazz Mix Cd coming soon and the groundbreaking Jazzmatazz Vol 4 album to be released in March/ April 2007 brought to you of course from 7 Grand Records!!!
Peace!!!!
GURU
www.myspace/guru7grand
www.myspace/solar7grand
www.guru7grand.com
www.myspace/gurusjazzmatazz
This is the official Guru Blog! In here, you can dig into to all the 411 concerning me, SOLAR and 7 Grand Records. Get first hand information!
