It’s obviously my take on matters, not any kind of final assessment, and I do agree that especially the first and third Jazzmatazz albums are worthy efforts, but I’ve always felt that they revealed Guru’s weaknesses on the mic.

You’re right that his approach on them is different than the one he brought to the Gang Starr records, and I concede that in my essay, but really, that verse on “Le Bien, le mal” simply isn’t particularly good emceeing in my book, especially not from as authoritative a figure as Guru, and I believe that applies more or less to all his Jazzmatazz material.

I should furthermore emphasize that I didn’t mean that Guru himself must have felt embarrassed by his performance, but that *I* think it’s embarrassing. This was my distinct feeling when I first heard that track — a time when he had recently dropped Daily Operation and was one of the best-regarded MCs in the field — and it remains so today.

I enjoyed your article. You brought up some great points that I can connect with. Particularly when you referred to Guru as an Uncle of Hip Hop. I grew up on Gang Starr and I always acknowledge them as one of my favorite MC/ DJ groups of all time. The compliment of the monotone voice and the hypnotic sounds of Premier were a remarkable concoction. I’ll never forget their legacy as they will always have a snug place in my childhood memory.

I do however disagree with one of your points. Specifically when you elaborate on the azzmatazz series. I think you may have misconstrued the purpose of the Jazzmatazz saga. The purpose of it was to allow creative space between the two. While Premo was creating the backdrops for some amazing NY records, Guru was out exploring his own dimension. And I think Jazzmatazz & Street Soul are respectable releases. They may not have had the most potent of rhymes but to say that he was embarrassed by some of collaboration is just preposterous. Especially someone rhyming alongside in another language! No question MC Solar shined but Guru never had to force his rhymes. He let the track come to him and his voice create the magic.

Emcee