Various Artists - Hip Hop Forever III: Compiled & Mixed By DJ Jazzy Jeff

Hip-hop history class is in session once again

The arrival of the third volume of Jazzy Jeff’s successful Hip Hop Forever series picks up where its predecessors left off, and acts as a prelude to his long-awaited second studio album, The Return Of The Magnificent. The rules of engagement remain as before. Jazzy Jeff reaches deep into the pockets of hip-hop’s recorded history, with the goal of capturing the energy and dynamics of one of his live DJ sets within the format of a mix CD. Historically, the mix tape was the DJ’s classic vehicle with which to demonstrate their knowledge and showcase their skills via blends, mixes and scratches. Jeff ensures his trademark qualities of subtlety and smoothness are here in abundance. Drawing heavily on hip-hop’s late 80s/early-to-mid-90s golden age (as represented by tracks from The Pharcyde, Large Professor, Masta Ace, Eric B & Rakim, Marley Marl, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Moon, Black Sheep and Main Source), Hip Hop Forever III gives its compiler ample opportunities to showcase his full range of distinctively light touches aboard the wheels of steel. And for that we should all be grateful. Roll on the new album.

BBE | RR 0065 CD

Reviewed by Grahame Bent
<< Back to Issue 333