DJ Jazzy Jeff feat Erro - Rock Wit U

Rock Wit U / Love Of Da Game
Dj Jazzy Jeff ft. Erro
BBE

Nearly ten years after the original release of the classic LP The Magnificent, vintage hiphop staples Rock Wit U and Love Of Da Game, get released for the first time on digital. This time around the package comes with new remix treatment from Jeff, and includes the originally released mixes from Osunlade, under his Yoruba Soul moniker.

Previously, both the original, a downtempo hip-hop paced mix, and Yoruba Soul’s more percussive afro-influenced versions of Rock Wit U were released, while on digital it's just the Yoruba Soul mixes that appear. Osunlade's main mix takes us back with an infectious guitar and maintains a strong percussion section, with a smooth-as-silk piano progression to boot. The dub mix strips back the thick percussion lines and bossanova flavour in exchange for a far mellower rhodes section, splashy cymbals and dubbed-out vocal snatches. A heavily processed electric guitar synth occupies passages of the mix, as well as the crisp signature African drums often expected from any Yoruba Soul version.

While both of the mixes are well produced and enjoyable [stone cold classic in some circles] there may be some asking why fresh Osunlade mixes weren't commissioned, particularly  with his new found appreciation. All criticisms aside, Yoruba Soul production rarely disappoints (even on the second time round) and these established classics are no exception.

The Love Of Da Game remix adopts more of a soulful vocal presence than that of the original – incorporating extra support from Jill Scott's back-up vocalist Vee and once again the unmistakable vocals of Erro. The mix is pleasing to listen to, but as it uses the identical instrumental from the original it appears to be more of a confusing vocal reshuffle rather than having undergone a full reworking.

Whether these minor insufficiencies can be put down to a lack of new inspiration or solely due to the fact that the primary purpose of the EP is digital re-release will remain unknown; despite this, the package remains impressive and a somewhat unexpected flashback. It’s unlikely that this will be the last time we see the Jazzy Jeff classics remixed anyway – here’s hoping that the next lot builds upon Jeff’s ideas from this 2011 mix.

Olly Vale
 

Tracklisting: DJ Jazzy Jeff feat. Erro - Rock Wit U
1. Rock Wit U (Yoruba Soul Mix)
2. Rock Wit U (Yorube Soul Dub)
3. For Da Love Of Da Game feat. Raheem V and Erro (DJ Jazzy Jeff Mix)
4. For Da Love Of Da Game - DJ Jazzy Jeff Rmx - TV Version