Def Jam HHV Records 181 Items

Featuring some of the most clever, smart, and recognizable bars ever recorded,GZA's Liquid Swords is a cold, cryptic masterclass in rhyming and atmosphere. It's so absurdly satisfying as a front-to-end listen, so naturally woven together and so visual that it feels cinematic. It’s generally regarded as a Hip-hop classic for good reason. The silky vocals of the GZA aka The Genius permeate through the great production who layers beats and sounds to perfection. As part of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, their contract allowed to sign with a different label as an individual artist which allowed the GZA to make this record. There is an appearance by every member of the group on this album but the GZA rules the roost. Listening to this album you have to appreciate how talented GZA is with his rhyming, he tells a story like no other and has an incredible flow. The songs deal with life on the street, various other topics and even labels taking advantage of artists. None of the subjects he covers are ridiculous like many of todays artists talking about rims and grills

Ludacris - "The Red Light District" [Translucent Red 2 LP] The Red Light District is Ludacris's fifth studio album released in 2004 under Def Jam Recordings. Ludacris blends beats deeply rooted in the Atlanta sound with his playful lyrical style, creating a unique rhythm that is distinctly his own. It boasts production from notable names like Timbaland, Craig King, Salaam Remi, and others. The album includes tracks "Blueberry Yum Yum," "Get Back," and "Number One Spot." The double-platinum album soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Translucent Red 2 LP. Limited Edition. [Translucent Red 2 LP]

2023 repress.

“Big Fish Theory” is the second studio album by American rapper Vince Staples.
Musically leaning toward electronic club music genres such as house and Detroit techno, it features production work from Zack Sekoff, Sophie, Ray Brady, Jimmy Edgar, GTA, Justin Vernon and Flume, among others; as well as vocal contributions from a variety of artists including Kilo Kish, Kendrick Lamar, Juicy J, Ty Dolla Sign, Damon Albarn, Ray J and ASAP Rocky. “Big Fish Theory” received widespread acclaim from critics, and debuted at number 16 on the US Billboard 200.

Limited double green vinyl LP pressing. Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black is the fourth studio album from Public Enemy. It debuts production team Imperial Grand Ministers of Funk. The singles released from the album were "Can't Truss It," "Night Train," "Shut Em Down" and it's B-side "By the Time I Get to Arizona" (samples "Two Sisters of Mystery" by Mandrill and a live version of "Walk on By" by the Jackson 5). Continuing with it's Respect The Classics campaign UMe will be reissuing this classic on green vinyl. Also includes "Lost At Birth", "A Letter To The New York Post", "I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Niga" and more.

Restock inventory available. Foxy Brown first burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation from Brooklyn. She was discovered at a local talent show by hitmaking production duo Trackmasters, who were working on LL COOL J's 1995 album, Mr. Smith. Foxy Brown's debut album, Ill Na Na, changed the game for women in hip hop, becoming the blueprint for female MC's in the genre. Available for the first time on vinyl since it's original 1996 release, this 2 LP set is pressed on Sea Blue & White Marble vinyl for Record Store Day.

Limited vinyl LP pressing. 2012 release, the third studio album by Canadian sensation Justin Bieber. Looking to transition from the teen pop styles of his two-piece debut effort My World (2009) and My World 2.0 (2010), Bieber opted to create a follow-up record that featured more prominent elements of dance-pop and contemporary R&B. As executive producers, mentor Usher and manager Scooter Braun enlisted collaborators including Darkchild, Hit-Boy, Diplo and Max Martin with the intention of creating a mature-sounding project. Five singles were released from Believe, several of which became international successes. It's lead single "Boyfriend" peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, and reached number one on the Canadian Hot 100. Follow-ups "As Long as You Love Me" and "Beauty and a Beat" performed moderately worldwide, and positioned within the Top Ten in the United States and Canada.

3rd Bass debut studio album, The Cactus Album was released on September 23, 1989, through Def Jam Recordings. This album blends old-school 80s hip-hop with a fresh 90s sound. It features tracks, "The Gas Face", "Step Into The Area" and more. The critically acclaimed album not only showcases 3rd Bass's lyrical genius but also solidifies their status as a significant influence in the history of hip-hop. The Cactus Album is now available on a Standard Black 2LP.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Beastie Boys’ 3× Platinum album Hello Nasty. This is a limited edition reissue of the rare deluxe 4LP version of the album that was released as an artist store exclusive in 2009. Long out-of-print and sought after by fans/collectors, it features two extra LPs (w/ 21 tracks) of bonus content, including remixes, live versions and B-sides (all of which are available at DSPs). The 4 LPs will be pressed on 180 gram vinyl and housed in a quad jacket inside a rigid slipcase. A sew-on patch is also included.

Double vinyl LP pressing. 2021 release, the sixth studio album from pop megastar Justin Bieber. Features the hit singles "Anyone," "Lonely," and "Holy."

Reissue of this Hip Hop classic for its 30th anniversary pressed on 180gram vinyl.

Summertime '06 is the highly anticipated two-segment studio debut from Long Beach, CA rapper Vince Staples best known as one-third of Cutthroat Boyz. Executive produced by trailblazing producer and Def Jam Recordings executive Dion "No I.D." Wilson, the album touches on events that happened in his life in the summer of 2006 at the age of 13 and onward. With Summertime '06 Staples delivers the type of introspective reality-based street lyricism that has made him one of rap's rising stars. Hailed by Pitchfork as the Best New Music of 2015, Segment 1 features 10 tracks from the 20-track double album and includes the preceding singles "Senorita," and "Norf Nort."Love will tear us apart. Nov 30th, 2005 was the beginning of the loss. The following summer multiplied it. Beaten paths, crowded with the hopeless. Same song every day, listening to the words of a dead man destroyed by his own mind and body. Why? Because at the end of the day we're all dead anyway. At least where I come from. Love tore us all apart. Love for self, love for separation, love for the little we all had, love for each other, where we came from. Jabari, Chris, Shard, Tom, Richy, Tyson, Tony, Shelly, Phil, Marcel, Brandon, Steve, Jaron, Tay. Too many to name, too much to forget. Some lost to prison, some lost to Forest Lawn, some turned snitch. Some still here but it will never be the same. Bandanas, Stealing Levis and Nike Sb's. Derringers and Sidekicks. Its crazy how little you notice and how greatly those things impact. Summer of 2006, the beginning of the end of everything I thought I knew. Youth was stolen from my city that Summer and Im left alone to tell the story. This might not make sense but that's because none of it does, we're stuck. Love tore us all apart. Summertime '06, June 30th." - Vince StaplesVince Staples – Summertime '06 (Segment 1)

3rd Bass - "The Cactus Album" [Emerald Green 2 LP] 3rd Bass released their debut, The Cactus Album, on Def Jam Recordings in 1989. It reached #55 on the Billboard 200 and features the hit singles, "The Gas Face (feat. Zev Love X)," "Brooklyn-Queens" and "Steppin' to the A.M." 2 LP set on emerald green color vinyl.

Tical is the debut solo album from Wu-Tang Clan member Method Man. Released in 1994 on Def Jam Recordings, it was a commercial success reaching #4 on the Billboard 200 driven by it's two hit singles "Bring The Pain," and "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By," featuring Mary J. Blige. 2 LP set on standard black vinyl.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Beastie Boys’ 2X Platinum Check Your Head album, this limited-edition deluxe reissue is a rare version of the album that was released as a limited run in 2009. Long out-of-print and sought after by fans and collectors, it features two bonus LP’s including remixes, live versions, and B-sides. Featuring the songs ‘So What’cha Want’, ‘Pass the Mic’ and ‘Gratitude’ - Check Your Head was a somewhat return to their punk roots and introduced the trio playing their own instruments for the first time on record since their early EP’s. This 4LP Deluxe Box Set is pressed on 180g vinyl housed in a fabric-wrapped, stamped hardcover case.

The Roots, known for their innovative album concepts, return after a two year break to release their new album, Game Theory, filled with 14 hard hitting tracks that express their views on the state of the world. Game Theory is the Roots' most thought-provoking, incitive album since their 1999 breakthrough Things Fall Apart and will be the group's debut for Def Jam Recordings, home to the world's premiere Hip-Hop artists. This is the explicit LP version.

Undun is the tenth studio album by The Roots, released on December 6, 2011. It is a concept album that tells the tragic, reverse-chronological story of a fictional character named Redford Stephens, a young man who becomes involved in a life of crime and meets an untimely death. The album explores the themes of fate, choice, and the socio-economic pressures that lead individuals into cycles of poverty, crime, and existential struggle.

Undun is told in reverse order, beginning with Redford’s death and slowly moving back through the key moments of his life that led to his demise. This structure provides a reflective, somber narrative, examining the forces that shaped his decisions and eventual downfall.
The album’s narrative structure emphasizes the sense of inevitability and regret, making it a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the consequences of choices.
The character of Redford Stephens was inspired by a piece of music by composer Sufjan Stevens, titled "Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)." This instrumental track is reinterpreted and appears toward the end of the album, underscoring its emotional weight.

Musically, Undun is a mix of hip-hop, neo-soul, orchestral elements, and art rock. The production is lush yet sparse, with haunting melodies, complex arrangements, and The Roots' trademark live instrumentation.
Questlove’s drumming and Black Thought’s lyricism are central to the album, with the music often using minimalist beats and atmospheric soundscapes to complement the lyrical themes of existential despair and reflection.
The album also features moments of instrumental interludes, which add to the cinematic and conceptual feel of the project.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Sleep" – The album’s opening track (which depicts the final moment of Redford’s life) is introspective and haunting. Black Thought raps about the moments before death, with lyrics like "I’ve lost a lot of sleep to dreams" capturing the sense of hopelessness and inevitability.
"Make My" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) – This single features a melancholic beat and lyrics that delve into regret and introspection, with Big K.R.I.T.'s verse complementing Black Thought’s meditations on life and death.
"One Time" (featuring Phonte and Dice Raw) – A standout track that focuses on the idea of seizing moments and making choices, set to a gritty, understated beat. Black Thought and guest rapper Phonte trade verses, exploring themes of existential crisis and fleeting opportunities.
"Kool On" (featuring Greg Porn and Truck North) – One of the lighter, more groove-driven tracks on the album, yet still reflective, with lyrics addressing Redford’s attempts to navigate the temptations and pressures of street life.
"The Otherside" – A soul-stirring track that looks at the crossroads between life and death, with deeply philosophical lyrics. Black Thought’s introspective verse, combined with Dice Raw’s somber chorus, reflects the haunting struggle between moral choices and survival.
"Tip the Scale" – A reflection on the difficulty of breaking free from the cyclical patterns of poverty and crime, with Black Thought delivering some of the most emotionally raw and philosophical verses on the album.
"Redford" (the instrumental suite) – A moving four-part instrumental conclusion, drawing from Sufjan Stevens' original composition. This suite, made up of piano, strings, and drums, evokes the emotional depth of Redford’s life and his ultimate fate.

Existentialism and Free Will: The album continually questions the role of fate versus choice. Redford’s life is portrayed as a series of decisions that, while influenced by his environment, ultimately lead to his downfall, raising questions about whether he had any real control over his fate.
Social Injustice and Poverty: Many of the lyrics explore how systemic injustice, poverty, and lack of opportunity can push individuals into lives of crime. The album highlights the harsh realities faced by young Black men in America, grappling with the intersections of race, class, and violence.
Regret and Reflection: Much of the album has a reflective, mournful tone as Black Thought and other guest vocalists deliver verses that look back at life’s moments, filled with what-ifs and regrets, exploring the loss of potential and the weight of past decisions.
Production and Collaborations:
The album is largely produced by The Roots themselves, with Questlove overseeing much of the production. The minimalist yet atmospheric production style mirrors the album’s darker themes, with an emphasis on live instruments.
Undun includes collaborations with Big K.R.I.T., Phonte, Dice Raw, Truck North, and Greg Porn, all of whom contribute to the narrative through their verses and vocal contributions.

Undun received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious concept, narrative depth, and emotional resonance. Critics praised the album for its cohesive storytelling, complex themes, and innovative production.
Many hailed it as one of The Roots' best albums, with its conceptual depth and musical sophistication setting it apart from conventional hip-hop albums.
The album was noted for its maturity and introspective tone, marking a departure from The Roots’ earlier, more outwardly political works, and instead focusing on the internal struggles of the individual within a broken system.

Undun is often regarded as one of the best concept albums in hip-hop, comparable to works like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city for its narrative depth and thematic richness.
The album’s reverse chronology and philosophical musings influenced other artists looking to explore more experimental and narrative-driven albums.
Undun reinforced The Roots' reputation as one of the most innovative and thoughtful acts in hip-hop, further blurring the lines between rap, live instrumentation, and high-concept artistry.

Undun is a deeply reflective and philosophical album, focusing on the life and fate of a character caught between the societal pressures and personal choices that ultimately lead to his demise. With its reverse storytelling, live instrumentation, and poignant lyricism, the album stands as one of The Roots’ most emotionally complex and musically innovative works. It challenges listeners to think deeply about the forces that shape lives and the fine line between survival and destruction.

Def Jam - Vince Staples - Summertime '06 Segment 2

DMX - "Let Us Pray: Chapter X" [EP] Hip Hop legend DMX has always been vocal about his faith. Across his first six studio albums, which include numerous hits recognized in hip hop, are profound prayers which blend confessions, supplications and meditations on life, death and beyond. Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell sets DMX's prayers to music for the first time on this groundbreaking project that marries hip hop and gospel with features from Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, LeCrae, MC Lyte and more. Def Jam Recordings; Def Jam; Hip Hop.

DMX - "Let Us Pray: Chapter X" [12" EP] Hip Hop legend DMX has always been vocal about his faith. Across his first six studio albums, which include numerous hits recognized in hip hop, are profound prayers which blend confessions, supplications and meditations on life, death and beyond. Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer Warryn Campbell sets DMX's prayers to music for the first time on this groundbreaking project that marries hip hop and gospel with features from Killer Mike, Snoop Dogg, LeCrae, MC Lyte and more. 12" EP on standard black vinyl.

tbc

Two all-time classic LPs released in one year... DMX was nuts in 1998. This gem of an album has been repressed recently and is available again.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

“Loud” is the fifth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. It was recorded between February and August 2010, during the singer's “Last Girl on Earth” Tour and the filming of her first feature film “Battleship”. Rihanna was the executive producer of “Loud” and worked with various record producers, including StarGate, Sandy Vee, The Runners, Tricky Stewart and Alex da Kid. The album features several guest vocalists, including rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj and Eminem, who is featured on the sequel to "Love the Way You Lie", titled "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)".

The album differs from Rihanna's 2009 album, “Rated R”, which incorporates a prominently foreboding and angry tone and dark themes. “Loud” features up-tempo and pop genres, ranging from R&B and dance-pop to electro music, and marks the return to dancehall; a genre prominent on Rihanna's first two albums “Music of the Sun” (2005) and “A Girl like Me” (2006). It also incorporates rock in "California King Bed" and reggae in the Caribbean inspired "Man Down".

The album was a commercial success internationally; it debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first week sales of 207,000 copies, the highest first week sales of her career at the time. Since its release, it had sold over 8 million copies worldwide.

“Talk That Talk” is the sixth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released on November 2011, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. It was recorded while traveling for the “Loud” Tour between February and November 2011, and was originally planned to be a reissue of her previous studio album “Loud” (2010). As executive producer, Rihanna enlisted a wide range of producers including Alex da Kid, Mr. Bangladesh, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, Cirkut, Da Internz, Dr. Luke, Ester Dean, Gareth McGrillen, Hit-Boy, No I.D., Priscilla Renea, Rob Swire, StarGate, The-Dream. Following in the same vein as “Loud”, “Talk That Talk” is a dance-oriented pop/R&B crossover album that incorporates elements of hip hop, dubstep, electronic and house music. The album also continues to have subtle dancehall genres, whilst its lyrical content and themes revolve around a nihilist, romantic and lascivious lover.

“Talk That Talk” received generally positive reviews from music critics, and debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200. As of June 2015, the album has sold 1.15 million copies in the United States.