Blog

5 great albums where jazz and hip hop interconnects

Blog
5 great albums where jazz and hip hop interconnects

20.09.2021

Text: Cem Kayıran

Da Poet & Barış Demirel, who will be at callinghouse on October 10 as part of 31st Akbank Jazz Festival, are creating a musical universe where jazz and hip hop meets. Hereby, let’s remember some of the memorable albums that represent this genre, which is described as “jazz hop” in some sources.

Digable Planets – Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) [1993]

(Pendulum/Elektra Records)

To collect some samples, Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler digs into his father’s record collection which consists mostly of jazz albums. He points to DJ Premier as the main inspiration for the production approach in this magnificent debut. Having released two albums in the ‘90’s and won a Grammy with Reachin’, the band is back on stage after 20 years.

Guru – Jazzmataz vol. 1 [1993]

(Chrysalis Records / Virgin Records)

Guru released some of the early works that fall into the “jazz hop” category as Gang Starr, where he joined forces with DJ Premier. This, however, is the recording that kicked off his solo career. Musicians that accompany the legendary MC who passed away in 2010 are all jazz legends: Branford Marsalis, Donald Byrd, Roy Ayers, Ronny Jordan and Lonnie Liston Smith.

 Madlib – Shades of Blue: Madlib Invades Blue Note [2003]

(Blue Note)

Iconic record label Blue Note opens its archive to one of hip hop’s most creative producers, Madlib. The intention is for Madlib to collect a series of samples from this vast collection and create remixes. Californian producer does more than that and he invites MC friends to some of the songs. The result is Shades of Blue and its groovy mashups.

Nujabes – Modal Soul [2005]

(Hydeout Productions)

This is the last album which was released during Japanese producer Jun Seba’s lifetime. US jazz guitarist Terry Callier, Cise Starr and MC Shing02 from hip hop collective CYNE as well as DJ Uyama Hiroto are among guests in this album that intertwines flowing jazz rhythms with hip hop.

BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah – Sour Soul [2015]

(Lex Records Ltd)

Canadian progressive jazz band BADBADNOTGOOD is a team that avoids repeating itself. They are also in close contact with the hip hop world - remember the wonders they created during the tour with Earl Sweatshirt. In this album released in 2015, they join forces with Ghostface Killah from Wu-Tang Clan. The album, produced by Post Malone and Frank Dukes who also has worked with The Weeknd, is inspired by ‘70’s soul music.

 Click here for a selection of Jazz and Hip Hop intersection albums. 

Follow Us
TR EN
Filter events by label
20 MAR MON
1

18:00

Seminar Trends and Evolution of The Art market and its Position in The World Today

Online Platform – Zoom

21 MAR TUE
-
22 MAR WED
1

18:30

Seminar WOMEN'S UNIVERSAL RIGHTS

Akbank Sanat - Multi Purpose Hall

23 MAR THU
-
24 MAR FRI
-
25 MAR SAT
1

15:00

Workshop On the Journey of the Actor and Professional Ethics with Nur Sürer

Akbank Sanat

26 MAR SUN
-
27 MAR MON
-
28 MAR TUE
-
29 MAR WED
-
30 MAR THU
1

20:00

Seminar An Alternative View on Art, Children and Creativity

Online Platform – Zoom

31 MAR FRI
2

18:30

Seminar The Design Of The Future

Akbank Sanat

20:00

Seminar An Alternative View on Art, Children and Creativity

Online Platform – Zoom

01 APR SAT
2

15:00

Workshop Creation Of A Play: 3 Hours On The Writing Table

Akbank Sanat

20:00

Seminar An Alternative View on Art, Children and Creativity

Online Platform – Zoom

02 APR SUN
1

20:00

Seminar An Alternative View on Art, Children and Creativity

Online Platform – Zoom

03 APR MON
-
04 APR TUE
-
05 APR WED
1

18:30

Seminar Metaverse: New Media, New Era

Akbank Sanat - Multi Purpose Hall

06 APR THU
2

18:30

Seminar Max Horkheimer and the Foundations of Critical Theory: Problematizing the Crisis of Metaphysics, Science and Society - Ateş Uslu

Akbank Sanat

20:00

Dance “MOD” Contemporary Dance Performance

Akbank Sanat

07 APR FRI
-
08 APR SAT
2

15:00

Theater Peter Pan and Neverland

Zorlu PSM, Turkcell Platinum Stage

15:00

Workshop Breath and Presence On The Stage

Akbank Sanat

09 APR SUN
-

Add event to your calendar

Subscribe to Newsletter