Hip Hop Tape 524 Items

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Southpaw created a very unique sound between east and west. The duo comprised of Wil Champion & Pro-K delivered two certified classics in the mid 90's, handling both the production and rhyme part on their own. "Left Hand Rule" marked their debut in 1993, released in limited runs on vinyl, CD and cassette.

The artwork contains an alternate cover image from the original photo session.

Available in a limited run on 2LP, CD in jewel case, MC and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Southpaw created a very unique sound between east and west. The duo comprised of Wil Champion & Pro-K delivered two certified classics in the mid 90's, handling both the production and rhyme part on their own. In 1997, the sophomore album "Left Hook" dropped in limited runs on CD and cassette. Next to the original 12 tracks, the full album includes all instrumental versions sourced from the original DAT's.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, 2CD in jewel case, MC and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on double cassette.

Southpaw's longtime friend and Apex Crew member Ase Man originally dropped his CD-only debut "Step Into The A.M." in 1997, the same year when Southpaw's sophomore album "Left Hook" had been released. Wil Champion handled the productions, Pro-K served the cuts and Ase Man delivered the rhymes with features by Paradox & Lynese. Next to the original 12 tracks, the full album includes all instrumental versions sourced from the original DAT's.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, 2CD in jewel case, 2MC and digitally on all major platforms.

Madvillainy is the debut and only studio album by Madvillain, a collaboration between legendary rapper MF DOOM (Daniel Dumile) and acclaimed producer Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr.), released on March 23, 2004 by Stones Throw Records. The album is often hailed as a masterpiece of underground hip-hop, characterized by its unconventional structure, eclectic production, and MF DOOM’s intricate, surreal lyrics.

Madvillainy was a highly anticipated project in the underground hip-hop scene, bringing together two of its most respected figures. MF DOOM, known for his complex wordplay and villainous persona, and Madlib, celebrated for his experimental and sample-heavy production, combined to create a dense, atmospheric album.
The project was recorded over several years, with Madlib working on beats while traveling and MF DOOM crafting his lyrics with a stream-of-consciousness style.
The album has a lo-fi aesthetic, featuring short, fragmented tracks, many of which do not follow traditional song structures like verses and hooks. Instead, Madvillainy is more of a collage, with some tracks acting as interludes or musical sketches.

Madlib’s production is eclectic and layered, drawing from jazz, soul, Brazilian music, obscure soundtracks, and 1970s psychedelia, creating a moody and experimental backdrop for MF DOOM’s vocals.
The album’s beats are sample-heavy, often gritty, and feature unorthodox tempos and time signatures. Madlib also uses interludes and vocal samples from obscure sources, giving the album a cinematic, almost comic book-like feel.
MF DOOM delivers his signature abstract and multi-syllabic rhymes, filled with internal rhyme schemes, pop culture references, and complex wordplay. His delivery is intentionally offbeat, which complements the nontraditional structure of the production.

Lyrically, Madvillainy is a blend of surrealism, humor, and complex storytelling. MF DOOM’s persona as the masked supervillain is ever-present, with much of the album reflecting his mischievous, sardonic view of the world.
His lyrics often appear cryptic, with layers of meaning that reward close listening. He plays with words in ways that defy conventional hip-hop norms, eschewing clear narratives in favor of dense, puzzle-like rhymes.
Themes in the album include betrayal, paranoia, and the villain’s perspective, often narrated from a detached, almost nihilistic point of view. However, DOOM’s approach is often playful, filled with irony and wit.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Accordion" – A minimalist, standout track where MF DOOM delivers one of his most well-known verses over a sparse accordion loop. The track captures DOOM’s style perfectly, with cryptic, tightly-packed bars and Madlib’s minimalist approach.
"Meat Grinder" – A haunting, jazz-infused beat serves as the backdrop for MF DOOM’s dense wordplay, as he raps with a stream-of-consciousness flow, dropping surreal imagery and twisted humor.
"America’s Most Blunted" (featuring Quasimoto) – A playful, weed-themed track featuring Madlib’s alter ego, Quasimoto. The track is both funky and chaotic, with vocal samples interspersed between DOOM and Quasimoto’s verses.
"Curls" – One of the shorter tracks, with a smooth, almost nostalgic beat. DOOM’s verses are filled with detailed, vivid descriptions, encapsulating his ability to turn everyday observations into poetic rhymes.
"All Caps" – Perhaps the most iconic track on the album, known for its booming beat and DOOM’s punchy, comic book-inspired verses. The title refers to MF DOOM’s alias, urging fans to spell it in all capital letters, reinforcing his larger-than-life persona.
"Rhinestone Cowboy" – The album’s closer, featuring a soulful, downtempo beat and some of DOOM’s most introspective and reflective lyrics. It’s a contemplative end to an otherwise chaotic and fragmented album.

Madvillainy is a nonlinear album, with many of the tracks flowing directly into each other without clear transitions. It’s constructed more like a sonic collage, making the album feel like a continuous, abstract narrative rather than a collection of separate songs.
The album contains numerous interludes and brief tracks, some less than a minute long, but all contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere. Tracks like "Sickfit" and "Do Not Fire!" are instrumental breaks that give Madlib’s production room to shine.

Upon release, Madvillainy was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for its innovation, lyrical complexity, and cohesive production, with critics noting its departure from conventional hip-hop formulas.
It quickly became regarded as one of the most important and influential underground hip-hop albums of all time, with its influence extending beyond just hip-hop into broader experimental music.
MF DOOM’s and Madlib’s artistic approach on Madvillainy helped solidify their reputations as avant-garde artists, unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre.
The album is frequently included in lists of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and is particularly beloved by fans of alternative and underground hip-hop. It has been noted for its lasting influence on the sound and style of future hip-hop artists, especially in the abstract, lo-fi, and experimental spaces.
Impact on MF DOOM and Madlib's Careers:
MF DOOM further cemented his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and talented lyricists. His use of the supervillain persona, combined with his intricate rhyming style, made him a cult figure in the genre.
Madlib also gained widespread recognition for his unique production style, which merged elements of hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music. His ability to create deeply layered and textured beats without sacrificing their lo-fi charm became a hallmark of his production style.
Madvillainy’s success paved the way for other projects in the underground scene and inspired a new wave of artists who saw hip-hop as a medium for abstract, avant-garde expression.

Madvillainy continues to be revered as a benchmark in underground hip-hop. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, The Creator to more experimental producers and MCs who were inspired by Madlib's and MF DOOM’s fearless approach to crafting an album.
The mystique surrounding MF DOOM, especially after his untimely death in 2020, only added to the album’s legendary status, with Madvillainy often considered his definitive work.
The album’s blend of complex lyricism, unorthodox production, and nontraditional structure helped redefine what could be done in the hip-hop genre, making it a timeless work of art.
In summary, Madvillainy is a landmark album in hip-hop, pushing the boundaries of both lyricism and production. Its influence is far-reaching, and its status as one of the greatest underground albums remains unchallenged. The partnership between MF DOOM and Madlib resulted in a project that is as dense, surreal, and captivating as it is groundbreaking.

Limited edition of 100 copies on double cassette.

The Almighty Arrogant is one of the best kept secrets from the west. While creating a certain buzz, his debut got shelved during the mid-90's. Thanks to DJ KMP of the Black Spooks, "The Almighty Way" finally sees the light of day. The album includes 21 tracks in total with features and productions by Saafir, Ras Kass, Vooodu, Clark Kent and Rufus Blaq to name a few.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, 2CD in jewel case, 2MC and digitally on all major platforms.

For the first time ever released as a music cassette. Ghostface Killah, legendary Wu-Tang Clan member, invites you to rediscover the cinematic brilliance of 36 Seasons, his tenth studio album and unforgettable concept masterpiece. Originally released ten years ago, this album tells the compelling story of Tony Starks as he returns to Staten Island after nine years, seeking a peaceful life but finding anything but. 36 Seasons is a testament to Ghostface’s storytelling genius and raw lyrical power.

Limited edition for the Cassette Store Day 2014!

Another slammer by Amerigo Gazaway mashing up Mos Def and Marvin Gaye classics. This time Marvin's producer skills are in the focus, but you can expect nothing but S.O.U.L.! Tip.

The latest mash up from AMERIGO GAZAWAY is a scorcher! You loved FELA SOUL and BIZARRE TRIBE, now YASIIN GAYE: 13 tracks that perfectly blend MOS DEF and MARVIN GAYE. Features TEDDY PENDERGRASS, KANYE WEST, TAMII TERRELL,TALIB KWELI and BLACK ASTRONAUTS. Full picture sleeve, double vinyl!

Boombap Relickz is thrilled to present the re-release of Lewis Parker's iconic 1998 Masquerades and Silhouettes.

Hailing from London, U.K., the legendary mr. Parker made waves with this timeless project, blending his unique storytelling with masterful production. This special reissue includes bonus tracks, instrumentals, an interview and a pull-out lyric sheet, making it a must-have for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Available on vinyl, CD and cassette.

The Troubleneck Brothers saga continues! Late last year our friends of @90stapes released the amazing Troubleneck Brothers - Love / Hate compilation album. A lot of headz got to know the crew for the first time and found out they were the real deal. For those in the know already, it was one of the most anticipated hip-hop albums ever! ⁠ ⁠ HHE will now help further cement TNB's legacy by dropping another chapter. This album was released under their alias "36Zero" and this project "Entadacipha" was originally released back in 1994 on tape only. ⁠ ⁠ Big shoutout to my man @rastaross_ for the artwork and my man Faisal Ahmed who was there since day one for the insert write-up!⁠

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

The self-titled sophomore album by Tha Mexakinz originally dropped in 1996 and has been on many wantlists ever since. The full album contains the original 15 tracks plus 3 remix versions that accompanied the single releases back then. The feature list includes Chino XL, Xzibit and Superb.

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case and cassette.

Released in 1996, Innersoul's "The Theory" has become a legendary album in the underground hip-hop scene and is now being reissued on limited pressing LP with Japanese obi-strip! Leading the way is "It's The Right Time," which was also released as a 12-inch EP single, along with tracks that evoke the jazz and soul sampling of the East Coast underground vibe from the 1990s, featuring the lighthearted rap and exchanges typical of the era. Bonus tracks are also included.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

"A Who Dat?" marked the debut release by Mystidious Misfitss, the Flatbush-trio consisting of Rubberband, Mushmouth Marquest & Messiah Peekaboo. Originally released in 1995, the album championed the classic mid-90's eastcoast sound with hungry MC's behind the microphone.

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.