Hip-hop meets soul at its finest in the third edition of Guru?s Jazzmatazz titled “Streetsoul.” Five years in the making, “Streetsoul” has accumulated the necessary elements to make a truly sophisticated creation of music.

Well grounded in hip-hop, soul, R&B and reggae, Guru brings his knowledge to the front with a fusion of musical allies. From hip-hop original The Roots, to jazz genius Herbie Hancock, “Streetsoul” reaches deep down to explore your unseen essence.

A dedication is made to Guru?s family and friends in “Guidance,” in which ex-Groove Theory vocalist, Amel Larrieux shares her earthly jazz-influenced voice. Big Shug and Guru tag-team on “Where?s my Ladies?” a track about street love, with a piano groove, full-sounding horns, and a heavy-pounding drum beat to keep your head nodding.

The distinct voice of Isaac Hayes is heard in “Night Vision,” where he shares his observations of street life with Guru. In “Who?s There?” a compassionate song about poverty, self-destruction, crime and education, the feminine energy of the Les Nubians is radiant with their harmonized French vocals.

Angie Stone sings straight from her soul in “Keep Your Worries” as Guru supplies positive verses such as “Your potential is infinite/ be wise, visualize, witness it?keep away from the fire, burnin? desire, yo we got that.”

In every track, Guru?s lyrics are compatible with each artist as they maintain their distinct uniqueness.

Soulful, street-wise, jazz-linked, and instrumentally strong, “Streetsoul” is a definite source of musical knowledge.

According to Guru, it?s something for everybody.

Rating: 5 Sinatras (out of 5)