Hip-hop/jazz fusionisters
Us3 have forged the most elaborate union between the styles since the early days of
Gang Starr and
A Tribe Called Quest. Blue Note's vast catalog gives them a huge advantage over several similar groups in terms of source material, and classic sounds by
Art Blakey,
Horace Silver, and
Herbie Hancock provide zest and fiber to their narratives. Indeed, when things falter, it's because the raps aren't always that creative. They are serviceable and sometimes catchy, but too often delivered without the snazzy touches or distinctive skills that make
Quest and
Gang Starr's material top-notch. But when words and music mesh, as on "Cantaloop" or "The Darkside,"
Us3 show how effectively hip-hop and jazz can blend. ~ Ron Wynn