The Return of the Magnificent

While his old-school partner in rhyme has since become one of the most powerful icons in Hollywood, Philly hip-hop pioneer DJ Jazzy Jeff hasn't exactly been slacking all these years. Though you may not hear him on the radio or see him on TV, he's been steadily working, producing new music, mentoring young artists, making dope mixtapes, and traveling the world as an in-demand DJ. In 2002 he dropped The Magnificent>, a stellar collection of top-shelf music featuring an array of artists affiliated with his Touch of Jazz studio, and the first album released under his own name. Five years later he's back with this follow-up, another strong (and totally slept-on) record that combines classic-minded production, expert-level scratching, and sharp rhymes from both all-stars and upstarts alike. Method Man absolutely murders it on the rowdy "Hold It Down," J Live gets loose on the Allen Iverson-sampling throwback "Practice," and Twone Gabz writes a love letter to rap music on "Hip Hop." Other features include Jean Grae, Big Daddy Kane, Posdnous, and CL Smooth. All in all a solid album from an under-rated legend.