Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop

UknowhowweduBahamadia

Bahamadia – Uknowhowwedu

From the perspective of jazz rap, a solo female rapper might be something of a rarity.

Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bahamadia has only three solo albums to her name, yet she’s highly respected among her peers and has appeared as a guest on many tracks.

Her major-label debut album, Kollage, released in 1996, featured a host of up-and-coming creators of the time.

While it didn’t become a massive hit, it’s beloved by fans as a high-quality classic from a female MC.

Contributors included Gang Starr’s Guru and DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz, and The Roots—catnip for those who love that sound.

As you’d expect, the production is jazzy, mellow, and comfortable, weaving in impeccable sampling alongside live instrumentation.

It pairs perfectly with Bahamadia’s signature restrained, cool style of rapping.

Personally, I’m especially fond of Da Jawn, produced and performed by her fellow Philadelphians The Roots, where you can revel in an urban, cool, top-tier groove played by a live band.

Umi SaysMos Def

Mos Def – Umi Says

Mos Def’s Black on Both Sides is his debut solo album, released in 1999.

It’s known as a landmark of East Coast hip-hop that incorporates elements of jazz and soul.

The lyrics, which sharply portray social issues and personal experiences, and the album’s diverse musicality have been highly praised, earning it a Gold certification.

Tracks from the album were also featured on the soundtrack of the film Brown Sugar, reflecting its broad appeal.

It’s a great recommendation even for those new to hip-hop, offering a powerful sense of the music’s depth and diversity.

I Don’t Do It ToEric Lau

Eric Lau (feat. Tawiah): I Don’t Do It To

Eric Lau is a London-based music producer and DJ.

His music is characterized by heavy beats and gentle melodies.

His debut album, New Territories, was released in 2008 on Ubiquity Records and features 14 tracks of jazzy hip-hop grounded in R&B and soul.

With a diverse lineup of guest vocalists, it showcases a refined sound that fuses live instrumentation with digital production.

Drawing on his Hong Kong roots, Eric brings a distinctive flavor to the album.

It’s a stylish, easy-listening record that’s recommended even for those who don’t usually enjoy hip-hop.

Don’t CryJ Dilla

J Dilla – Don’t Cry

J Dilla was a producer who revolutionized hip-hop.

His final work, Donuts, was released on February 7, 2006—his 32nd birthday.

Just three days before he passed away, he delivered an instrumental hip-hop masterpiece brimming with his musical genius.

The album features 31 tracks that showcase his distinctive sense of rhythm and masterful sampling, influencing countless artists.

Its sophisticated sound, infused with elements of jazz and soul, is recommended even for those who aren’t usually into hip-hop.

It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a deep and richly flavored musical experience.

Fudge PudgeOrganized Konfusion

Organized Konfusion is an alternative hip-hop duo formed in 1987 in Queens, New York, by Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po.

They weren’t the type to score massive mainstream hits, but within the East Coast underground hip-hop scene they became widely known and amassed a passionate fanbase.

The duo’s masterful rapping by two highly skilled MCs and their distinctive sonic world—built on tracks rooted in jazz and funk—continue to be highly acclaimed today.

All three of the original albums they left behind are considered classics, but in this piece we’ll focus on their landmark 1991 debut album, Organized Konfusion.

Just one listen to Fudge Pudge—with its fast BPM, sinuous bassline, and strikingly beautiful piano phrases—and you’re bound to be knocked out.

It’s also said to be the first recording by O.

C.

, a member of the Diggin’ in the Crates Crew.

Walk Into The Sun, which samples The Crusaders’ Merry Go Round, is another absolute standout.

Their thought-provoking lyrics tackle a variety of themes, showcasing the duo’s versatility.

Leaving HellR.A.P. Ferreira

R.A.P. FERREIRA – LEAVING HELL (PURPLE MOONLIGHT PAGES)

Even in the 2020s, it’s only natural that hip-hop works influenced by jazz continue to be released.

Purple Moonlight Pages, released in 2020, earned high praise as an album that channels the early-’90s jazz-rap vibe through the lens of underground indie hip-hop of the 2020s.

It’s the first album released under the name R.

A.

P.

Ferreira by Chicago-born rapper Rory Ferreira (born in 1992), who had been putting out music prolifically as milo.

The producer is Kenny Segal, known as a key figure in the West Coast underground hip-hop scene, with members of The Jefferson Park Boys—Ferreira’s own group—also contributing.

While several tracks feature the kind of abstract production characteristic of Rory Ferreira, overall it can be described as hip-hop with a strong jazz sensibility.

With a live bassist providing basslines on most tracks, the loose delivery pairs with the instrumentation to create a distinctive groove.

SmileHocus Pocus

HOCUS POCUS – Smile

If you can quickly name a few artists or bands when someone mentions French hip-hop, you’re probably a serious hip-hop fan.

While we’ve mainly introduced many acts from the genre’s homeland, the U.

S.

, the group featured here, Hocus Pocus, is a French hip-hop outfit that, like The Roots, centers its sound around a live band.

Formed around MC/producer 20syl, the six-piece includes guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and a DJ.

They’re highly popular in Japan as well, having performed at major festivals like Asagiri JAM and Fuji Rock.

Their second album, Place 54, is a hybrid masterpiece: rooted in mellow jazz grooves yet seamlessly blending soul, funk, R&B, and world music through refined taste and skilled musicianship.

With contributions from artists like Omar and jazz legend Fred Wesley, it offers a rich sonic world that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop—definitely worth experiencing.