Search - Us3 :: Broadway & 52nd

Funky Jazz Rap

Jon G. Jackson | Santa Rosa, CA | 07/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Is it the return of the Cool? The concept of US3 intrigued me right at the start with "Hand On The Torch." Take some riffs from old Blue Note performers...sample some and add fresh in a similar style...then combine with hip-hop rap. The result is something surprisingly new. Some reviewers of the first CD complained about "weak" rap lyrics...but I disagree. I also think the rhythm of the words is more complex here, as compaired to most rap that gets airplay. Perhaps this is because it's jazz-based music? There are numerous songs on that first release that grab you with with catchy hooks. I still like that CD today. So, I anxiously awaited a follow-up.Okay...here is the sequel. On first listening, my impression was that it was good, but I didn't like it as much. Five listenings later, my opinion changed dramatically! Fewer catchy hooks. But definitely more complicated music. Some songs start with a somewhat bare structure, but after two or three cycles the rhythms have a much stronger hold than most of the first CD. The jazz foundation is as sure as ever. The use of sampled riffs is often truly brilliant. In fact, I found myself thinking that perhaps US3 has successfully given us a glimpse of how exciting this music really was---way back when---when first played in the clubs and recorded on Blue Note Records! That's quite a recommendation!Not everyone will like this music. If you're a jazz or hip-hop purest, then (either way) this stuff has one foot outside the circle. If, on the other hand, you're interested in how that Blue Note jazz was itself challenging the norms of the time, then you'll more than likely be interested in what their spiritual children (?grandchildren?) have to say about it. Intelligent and truly funky. I think you'll like it."

Grand Groove

Jon G. Jackson | 03/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album takes a bit more listening in than their previous album, but once you've done that you will find that it pays off! US3 go deeper and dare experiment more on Broadway & 52nd - both in lyrics and music, and I think this is to the benefit of us all. There are less Jamaican influences on this album and more simplistic jazz grooves. This album is one of my absolute favourites and I dare you all to keep still while listening to it. Just listen to the wonderful groove of "Caught up in a Struggle" and "Grand Groove" and the great simplicity of "Snakes", and you will know what I mean."

Audio soul food

geophehrwynn | nashville, tn | 01/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some of the finest beats and tastiest sampling to come out of the 90s for sure. I have worn out 3 copies of this record personally. KCB has one of the smoothest flows of any rapper today...This record is so dope y'all! It has all the righteous elements of acid jazz with somewhat of a more improvisational approach in the mix. Brimming with a real sense of positivity, I can't wait for the new material. Peace y'all."