Buckshot LeFonque (album)
Encyclopedia
Buckshot LeFonque is the self-titled debut album from the loose collective of musicians that was the brainchild of jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis
. The album can partly be seen as a collaboration between Marsalis and hip-hop producer DJ Premier
, early on in its creation the plan was for Premier to co-produce the entire project with Marsalis. The two had first met and worked together on the soundtrack to Spike Lee
's Mo' Better Blues
on a Gang Starr
song called "Jazz Thang". Early pressings of the album includes "Black Widow", a remix to "The Blackwidow Blues", featuring vocals by female rapper Lady Of Rage
who at the time was signed to Death Row Records
. Contractual obligations kept her from appearing on the album and the song was removed from further pressings.
Branford Marsalis
Branford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born...
. The album can partly be seen as a collaboration between Marsalis and hip-hop producer DJ Premier
DJ Premier
Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru...
, early on in its creation the plan was for Premier to co-produce the entire project with Marsalis. The two had first met and worked together on the soundtrack to Spike Lee
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983....
's Mo' Better Blues
Mo' Better Blues
Mo' Better Blues is a 1990 drama film starring Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, and Spike Lee, who also directed. It follows a period in the life of a fictional jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam as a series of bad decisions result in his jeopardizing both his relationships and his playing career...
on a Gang Starr
Gang Starr
Gang Starr was an influential East Coast hip hop duo that consisted of the late MC Guru and DJ/producer DJ Premier. Their style combined elements of New York jazz and hip hop.-Background:...
song called "Jazz Thang". Early pressings of the album includes "Black Widow", a remix to "The Blackwidow Blues", featuring vocals by female rapper Lady Of Rage
Lady of Rage
Robin Yvette Allen , better known by her stage name The Lady of Rage, is an American rapper and actress best known for collaborations with several Death Row Records artists, including Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg on the seminal albums The Chronic and Doggystyle...
who at the time was signed to Death Row Records
Death Row Records
Death Row Records is a record label founded in 1991 by Marion "Suge" Knight Jr., Andre Young , Tracy Lynn Curry and Michael Harris . It is known to have been home to many popular West Coast hip hop artists such as Dr...
. Contractual obligations kept her from appearing on the album and the song was removed from further pressings.
| # | Title | Producer(s) | Performer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Ladies & Gentlemen, Presenting..." | Branford Marsalis Branford Marsalis Branford Marsalis is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.-Biography:Marsalis was born... DJ Premier DJ Premier Christopher Edward Martin , better known by his stage name DJ Premier , is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru... |
|
| 2 | "The Blackwidow Blues" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 3 | "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 4 | "Mona Lisas (And Mad Hatters) Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is a song from the Elton John album Honky Château. It reflects Bernie Taupin's take on New York City after hearing a gun go off near his hotel window during his first visit to the city. The song's lyrics were partly inspired by Ben E... " |
Branford Marsalis |
|
| 5 | "Wonders & Signs" | Branford Marsalis DJ Premier |
|
| 6 | "Ain't It Funny" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 7 | "Some Cow Fonque (More Tea, Vicar?)" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 8 | "Some Shit @ 78 BPM (The Scratch Opera)" | DJ Premier |
|
| 9 | "Hotter Than Hot" | DJ Premier Blackheart |
|
| 10 | "Brekafast @ Denny's" | Branford Marsalis DJ Premier |
|
| 11 | "Shoot The Piano Player" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 12 | "No Pain, No Gain" | Branford Marsalis DJ Premier |
|
| 13 | "Sorry, Elton" | Branford Marsalis |
|
| 14 | "...And We Out" | Branford Marsalis DJ Premier |
|
Singles
- Breakfast @ Denny's, released in 1994
- No Pain, No Gain, released in 1994