Clever Jeff’s debut album, Jazz Hop Soul, was one of the first albums in the 90’s to combine hip-hop with elements of jazz. The album uses trumpet players on a few selections, amongst other sleek, hypnotic, and jazz-influenced tracks. The album was released in 1994 when Jeff was with Quest records, AKA Warner Brothers. Some call it a classic because of the fusion of jazz, hip-hop and soul music.
This album is sophisticated and gritty. The rapper obviously had a lot on his mind, and he turns his attention to everything from social and political topics to sexy women who sip latte in trendy cafes.
All tracks are written and performed by Clever Jeff. Produced by Dave G for Quest Records. Clever Jeff (vocals, various instruments), Dave G. (various instruments), Adam Bergman, Scott Roberts (trumpet), Malachi Padron (scratches), Ed “Eddie Legend” Broussard (background vocals).
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Clever Jeff’s debut album, Jazz Hop Soul, was among the 1990s projects that combined hip-hop with elements of jazz. Jeff, a Bay Area rapper with solid rhyming skills, and his producer Dave G employed live trumpet and sleek and hypnotic tracks to create the jazz-influenced album. If his goal was to provide an album that is at once sophisticated and gritty, he accomplished this rather nicely. The rapper obviously had a lot on his mind, and he turns his attention to everything from social and political topics to sexy women who sip latte in trendy cafes. This alternative rap release should have done well, but unfortunately, Jazz Hop Soul was among the overlooked and neglected releases of 1994.
15 Songs, 54 Minutes
©Clever Jeff 1993. All Rights Reserved.
All music written by Clever Jeff and Dave G. All lyrics written by Clever Jeff. Samples include “Beat Bop” (as performed by Rammelzee Vs. K-Rob).
Song List
01 Intro
02 No Fiction
03 Full Stride
04 The City
05 Refresh
06 Catch Rek
07 Late Night Tip
08 Some Shoots
09 For Real
10 At The Club
11 Keep It Comin’
12 Let The Man Command
13 Gangsta Jazz
14 Down Low
15 Jazz
16 The Birth
17 Rainy Day
18 Jazz Hop Soul
19 Outro
Personnel: Clever Jeff (vocals, various instruments), Dave G. (various instruments), Adam Bergman, Scott Roberts (trumpet), Malachi Padron (scratches), Ed “Eddie Legend” Broussard (background vocals).
Personnel: Adam Bergman, Scott Roberts (trumpet); Ed Broussard (background vocals).
Recorded at No Joke Studios, Berkeley, California.
Recording information: No Joke Studios, Berkeley, CA.
Jazz Hop Soul is a unique and captivating fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and soul that showcases the talents of rapper clever Jeff and producer Dave G. The album’s 15 tracks, clocking in at 54 minutes, represent a true labor of love and a testament to Jeff’s versatility as an artist and lyricist. From the opening track, “Intro,” to the closing number, “Outro,” Jeff takes listeners on a journey through the streets of the Bay Area and beyond, touching on themes of politics, social justice, love, and personal growth.
Throughout the album, Jeff’s flow is smooth and confident, and his lyrics are insightful and thought-provoking. The musical arrangements by Dave G are intricate and feature live trumpet by Adam Bergman and Scott Roberts, adding an extra layer of depth and soulfulness to the tracks. The inclusion of samples from “Beat Bop” by Rammelzee Vs. K-Rob further highlights the album’s jazz influence and serves as a nod to hip-hop’s roots.
Jazz Hop Soul was recorded at No Joke Studios in Berkeley, California, and features additional contributions from Malachi Padron on scratches and Ed “Eddie Legend” Broussard on background vocals. Despite being an overlooked and underappreciated release in 1994, the album has since gained a cult following and is a testament to the musical vision of clever Jeff and Dave G.
If you’re a fan of jazz-infused hip-hop, this album is a must-listen. The intricate arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and smooth flow of clever Jeff make Jazz Hop Soul a true gem in the rap world.
