Jazz Meets Hip-Hop: A Consumer Guide

“Back on the Block,” by Quincy Jones (Qwest Records): This sprawling 1989 concept album contains “Jazz Corner of the World,” on which Kool Moe Dee and Big Daddy Kane get busy with an all-star jazz cast that includes Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. The first recording to draw a cultural link from, says Moe Dee, “be-bop to pop, and pop to hip-hop.”

“Jazz Thing,” by Gang Starr (Columbia): Rapper Guru recites jazz history over DJ Premier’s turntable scratches and the loping rhythms of the Branford Marsalis Quartet. From the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s 1990 film “Mo’ Better Blues.”

“And Now the Legacy Begins,” by Dream Warriors (4th and Broadway): Debut LP from the Canadian duo includes “Wash Your Face in My Sink,” which samples the horn chart and bass line from “Soul Bossa Nova” by Quincy Jones.

“Doo-Bop,” by Miles Davis (Warner Bros.): Davis was said to be planning a full-blown modern funk record with assistance from Prince, but unfortunately death intervened and what’s left is this slim collection of tossed-off trumpet solos over swing beats supplied by Easy Mo Bee.

“The Antidote,” by Ronny Jordan (4th and Broadway): This debut 1992 recording by the British guitarist who coined the term “new jazz swing” is an easy-on-the-ear souffle of jazz guitar runs and raps over programmed breaks.

“Rebirth of Cool,” Vols. 1 and 2 (4th and Broadway): For reasons only a record company could fathom, these two excellent British compilations of jazzy British and American hip-hop are available only on import.

“Acid Jazz,” Collections 1-3 (Acid Jazz/Scotti Brothers): Three patchy CD compilations from the hazily defined British acid jazz scene, which seems to incorporate everything from techno to dancehall reggae.

“Cantaloop,” by US3 (Capitol Records): Fine debut single from a British-American aggregation that uses Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island” as a launch pad.

“Rebirth of Slick,” by Digable Planets (Pendulum Records): Art Blakey lives, thanks to the magic of sampling and the fandom of these Brooklyn rappers, whose debut album will be released next month.