US Hip Hop 6 Items

In listing the greatest albums in hip-hop history, one title never seems to stray from the upper echelons, no matter how many years pass: Boogie Down Productions’ undisputed classic from 1986, Criminal Minded. Released amidst a battle between BDP and MC Shan that would redefine the New York rap landscape as it was then known, the album, which features the songs "South Bronx," "Criminal Minded" and "The Bridge is Over," captures the excitement, urgency and raw power that embodies hip-hop culture as we know it, with KRS-One’s aggressive yet intelligent lyricism backed by Scott La Rock’s hard-hitting, stripped-down beats. A true classic, Criminal Minded has been recognized by Vibe Magazine, The Source and Rolling Stone as one of the most important albums of all time.

Last August marked the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip-Hop and we continue to honor the artists and albums that had a significant impact on the culture. In partnership with Sony's Certified, we are following up on our RSD reissue of BDP's Edutainment and KRS-One's Return of the Boom Bap with a long overdue reissue of KRS-One's 1995 self-titled album, KRS-One. Two years after the release of Return of the Boom Bap, KRS-One got back in the studio and behind the boards and enlisted for additional production DJ Premier, Showbiz, Diamond D, Norty Cotto, and Big French Production. In August of '95 KRS-One dropped the Preemo-produced lead single "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" with "Represent The Real Hip-Hop" featuring Das EFX on the B-side of the 12-inch, boasting KRS-One's lyrical skills and backing up his status as one of the best live performers in the game. KRS-One knocked it out of the park on his second solo effort with another Premier single about the current state of Hip-Hop on "Rappers R, N. Dainja" and straight-up Boom Bap rap on the Fat Joe assisted track "De Automatic." He offers political and social commentary on "R.E.A.L.I.TY.", "Hold", and "Free Mumia" with Channel Live and continues to diss sucker MCs on "Wannabemceez" with Mad Lion. Get On Down is proud to present this deluxe reissue packaged in a gatefold jacket with a new interview by Check The Technique author Brian Coleman, complete with a foldout lyrics sheet.

After The Kaze (Project Pat's first group) released Kamakazie Timez Up in 1998, the Memphis rap legend and Three 6 Mafia affiliate launched his solo career by dropping his major label debut album Ghetty Green in 1999 on Hypnotize Minds/Loud Records. Produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J, Project Pat raps in his signature triplet flow over southern 808-backed beats sprinkled with soulful samples alongside Three 6 Mafia members with appearances by Cash Money's Big Tymers and Hot Boyz, Noreaga, Krayzie Bone, and Crucial Conflict. Previously only released on CD and cassette, Get On Down in partnership with Sony Music's Certified is proud to present for the first time on vinyl a limited edition pressing of Ghetty Green. Pressed on Aqua Blue and Mint Green double-colored vinyl in a gatefold jacket and OBI.

Queens New York rapper Thirteen Dicyple is locked and loaded with a brand new album titled Hell Boy via Clocked In Records. Thirteen Dicyple displays his lyrical talents over dark melodic Hip Hop production. He paints descriptive pictures of street life and the battle between Heaven and Hell creating a Hip Hop masterpiece. Featured alongside Thirteen Dicyple on this album is The Legendary Lyricist Kool G Rap and Griselda’s Conway The Machine. Thirteen Dicyple proves to this world with this album that he is one of Underground Hip Hop’s rising stars!