The Innovative yet Underrated Legacy of Us3 in the World of Hip Hop and Jazz

Us3 is a unique and groundbreaking group of hip hop and jazz musicians that have paved the way for an entirely new style within the two genres. Forging a creative blend of rap, soul-tinged samples, scratching and broken beats – their brand of inspired music has brought freshness to both Hip-Hop and Jazz audiences alike. Unfortunately however, despite this innovation and being one of the genre’s most pioneering artists, Us3 rarely received any critical acclaim - instead they often seemed to get overlooked as an interesting side note in modern musical history. Let's take a look at those aspects which made them stand apart from peers - but also dive into how their true potential was never fully realised or appreciated by many critics over time.

When we think of the pioneers of Hip-Hop and Jazz, names like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Grandmaster Flash come to mind. However, in the early 90s, a group called Us3 emerged on the scene, with a unique and groundbreaking style that blended the two genres like never before. They created a sound that, even to this day, remains distinct in its sound and influence. Despite their innovations, Us3 never received the critical acclaim their music deserved. In this blog, we’ll look at what made Us3 so special, why they have been underrated for so long, and why their legacy is so important.

Us3 was the brainchild of British producer Geoff Wilkinson, who was looking for a way to incorporate his love of jazz into hip-hop music. The result was a fusion that was both innovative and revolutionary. Us3’s style was characterized by catchy jazz melodies, expert scratching and intricate rap verses over broken rhythms. Their breakout hit “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)” became a classic, with its Mixmaster Gee scratches and high-flying trumpets from jazz legend Herbie Hancock. This was just the beginning of a journey that would see Us3 push the boundaries of both genres to their limits.

One of the reasons Us3 did not receive the critical acclaim they deserved was due to the fact that they rose to fame in a time when there was a lot of experimentation happening in Hip-Hop. The early 90s saw the emergence of groups like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, who were all exploring new sounds and musicalities. As a result, Us3 seemed to get lost in the mix. They were seen as an interesting side note to the main story of Hip-Hop.

It’s also worth noting that Us3’s music was not without its critics. Some people felt that their style was too “popified” and that they were trying too hard to be commercial. Some jazz purists felt that their music was not true jazz, as it incorporated too much hip hop elements. These criticisms were unfair and short-sighted however, as Us3 were genuinely innovative and their work had a massive impact on the music industry at the time.

Another factor that contributed to Us3’s lack of critical recognition was the fact that they were often overshadowed by larger, more established names in the music industry. It’s difficult to stand out when you’re competing with the likes of Dr. Dre and Wu Tang Clan, who were all producing some of their best work around the same period.

Despite their lack of critical acclaim, Us3 remain an important part of the musical landscape. Their innovative style and incorporation of Jazz elements into Hip-Hop continues to influence artists to this day. Their music paved the way for further exploration within both genres. They remain an overlooked yet integral part of the annals of music history. So let's celebrate the legacy of Us3 and give credit where credit is due.