Return of the Magnificent Review

DJ Jazzy Jeff recently released, "The Return of the Magnificent" one of the best albums I have bought in a while. It features a wide variety of MCs including such well knowns as Method Man, Jean Grae, Pos, BDK and Peedi Peedi, ok the last one there was a stretch, but I have always liked Peedi Crack since his State Property days (joking but he was tight on "Long Time" on the Roots "Game Theory," so he gets my love). There are also several lesser known artists and new comers. Jeff takes an original approach to the album involving the introduction and the skits during the CD. Jeff says that he has to drive a rental car to the ATL and therefore has to listen to the radio, so the CD plays out as the soundtrack to his drive. Including a couple skits about being asked about the Fresh Prince in a drive through, and then a call to Big Willie's office, and the hilarity ensues.
Jeff is still heavily influenced by Funk, Jazz and Soul and the tracks are some of the best I have heard in a while, the diverse lineup of artists hold there own, but as expected sometimes the track is the best part of the album and the lyrics get lost. One track that stands out is "Practice" with Jay Live, the chorus is a bridge of AI's infamous Practice Press Conference. I have never been that big of a fan of BDK, but "The Garden" is also one of the better tracks, but that may be more because of the soulful beat. I haven't liked a Meth track since, maybe How High, and was't sure if Meth Jeff collabo would work, but their track together is one of the better on the album. Lastly, probably my favorite track is "All I Know" with CL Smooth. The two work so well together you would have thought it was 1994 and this was the lost track off of Mecca and the Soul Brother.
Look for more upcoming Reviews in the coming weeks, including the new Linkin Park album, the Mix Up, and maybe even some classic albums from back in the day.