Name: Jazz Thing
Brand: Gang Starr

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MRB7161

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2020-04-03

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

7119691263670

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Total Cap

1 / 7" / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Gang Starr

Genre GB

Hip Hop

Label GB

Mr Bongo

Gang Starr was an East Coast hip hop duo consisting of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their unique style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop, helping to pioneer the New York hip hop sound. Founded in 1985 by Keith Elam (then known as Keithy E. The Guru) and DJ 1,2 B-Down (also known as Mike Dee), Gang Starr released several successful singles and albums throughout their career.

After splitting in 1989, Guru continued under the name Gang Starr and teamed up with DJ Premier (then known as Waxmaster C). Together, they released their first single "Words I Manifest" along with the album No More Mr. Nice Guy in 1989. Their catalog includes highly respected albums such as Step in the Arena (1991), Daily Operation (1992), Hard to Earn (1994), and Moment of Truth (1998).

Gang Starr's influence on the music industry is evident through their collaborations with various producers and their track "Jazz Thing," which was featured on Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues soundtrack. With a fusion of jazz and hip hop, Gang Starr left a lasting impact on the genre.

Mr Bongo is a British label that was founded in 1989. Originally located in a small record shop of the same name, it later moved to various locations in Soho and Shibuya, Japan. In 1999, the label's office was relocated to Brighton and its London & Shibuya shops were closed in 2003. However, a new shop was opened in Brighton in 2016. Since 2004, Mr Bongo has expanded into the world of cinema and also has a publishing division that produces and licenses music for third parties.
The label's rich history and diverse range of music make it an influential player in the industry. With its extensive catalog and commitment to quality, Mr Bongo continues to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and delivering exceptional music experiences.
Label Code: LC 12527

With the original UK 7" of this release now as rare as hen's teeth, and with the group having recently 'reformed' for one last album together, the Mr Bongo replica re-release of this 1990 masterpiece by Gang Starr couldn't be more timely.

The now-legendary duo of DJ Premier and Guru dropped this at the height of hip-hop's sampling of jazz, which had led to a creative leap forward for the genre. Yet while others plundered in the dark, this instant classic wore its influences on its sleeve and paid verbal homage to the musicians they were sampling. The "melodious funk" of "Thelonious Monk" gets namechecked, while the track samples two of his records, including 1958's Bop gem Light Blue.

While both versions presented here have common elements, the 'Movie Mix' – so-named for the song's appearance on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's mythic jazz biopic Mo' Better Blues – goes in a few different directions to the 'Video Mix'. Rather than just drop in an instrumental for the B-side, DJ Premier instead shows his versatility by switching up the base track (Kool and The Gang's 1971 Dujii) and layering in other samples. In more ways than one, his virtuosity here echoes the improvisation of a jazz musician, akin to Denzel Washington's Bleak in the movie.

Of course, he's not the only show in town. The late Guru's voice is as mellifluous as an instrument itself here, his potted history of the genre and the artists of jazz delivered with his own unmistakable cadence. Without this record, would he have gone on to make his 'Jazzmatazz' projects.

Jazz Thing

Music GB