Virgin HHV Records 297 Items

Many fans consider this as the best of all Gang Starr albums. Lots of timeless classics on this one! Inspectah Deck, MOP, Big Shug, Krumb Snatcha, Scarface and other are on the feature-tip, all tracks produced by DJ Premier & Guru!

2023 repress. Massive Attack's third album "Mezzanine" finally gets the reissue treatment. Essential!

180 gram pressing

Double vinyl LP pressing. Seeing it's first-ever U.S vinyl release is October 1997's The Velvet Rope (10x platinum worldwide). It will include on LP for the first time "Can't Be Stopped," which was previously only made available as a hidden track on CD and digital versions of the album and also features the hit singles "Got Till It's Gone", "Together Again" and "I Get Lonely".

Daily Operation is the third studio album by Gang Starr, released on May 5, 1992. The duo, consisting of rapper Guru (Keith Elam) and DJ/producer DJ Premier (Christopher Martin), was already known for blending jazz and hip-hop in innovative ways, but Daily Operation marked a pivotal moment in their career. The album is widely considered a classic of East Coast hip-hop, combining DJ Premier’s minimalist, sample-heavy production with Guru’s intellectual and streetwise lyrics.

Daily Operation was a defining record in early 90s New York hip-hop, with a gritty, boom-bap sound that became emblematic of the era.
The album blends jazz samples, hard-hitting beats, and Guru’s deep, monotone delivery, creating a unique soundscape that is both cerebral and raw.
Lyrically, Guru addresses a wide range of topics, including social issues, loyalty, the state of hip-hop, and personal reflection, all delivered with his trademark cool, calm demeanor.

The production on Daily Operation is quintessential DJ Premier: he uses chopped-up jazz and soul samples, deep basslines, and hard drums, with frequent scratches and vocal samples from other rappers as hooks.
Premier’s use of jazz horns, piano loops, and understated but funky basslines gives the album a smooth, sophisticated feel, while still maintaining the rugged edge of early 90s East Coast rap.
The album’s minimalist production style was a departure from the heavier, layered sound that dominated other hip-hop albums of the time, helping to cement Gang Starr’s reputation as pioneers of jazz rap.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Take It Personal" – The lead single from the album, this track is often seen as a diss song directed at those who have betrayed or doubted Guru. The beat is simple but powerful, with a rolling piano loop and Premier’s sharp scratches. It became one of the group’s signature songs.
"Ex Girl to Next Girl" – One of the more laid-back tracks on the album, it features Guru discussing moving on from a toxic relationship. The track is driven by a jazzy, smooth beat and features Guru’s classic calm, reflective delivery.
"Soliloquy of Chaos" – A storytelling track where Guru describes the chaos of a violent night at a club, offering insight into the dangers and unpredictability of life in the streets. The haunting piano loop and somber tone of the track reflect the gravity of the subject matter.
"I'm the Man" (featuring Lil Dap and Jeru the Damaja) – This posse cut features verses from Lil Dap (of Group Home) and Jeru the Damaja, introducing listeners to these future Gang Starr Foundation members. The track has a hard, aggressive beat, and each rapper delivers strong performances.
"The Place Where We Dwell" – An ode to Brooklyn, where DJ Premier lived, and Boston, where Guru was from. The track pays tribute to the cities that shaped them, over a jazzy, uptempo beat.
"2 Deep" – This track features Guru reflecting on life’s struggles and his pursuit of success, set to one of Premier’s most atmospheric beats. The bass-heavy production and moody saxophone sample give the song a contemplative feel.
"Flip the Script" – A hard-hitting track where Guru flexes his lyrical skills, delivering sharp, precise verses over a gritty, bass-heavy beat. It’s one of the more aggressive tracks on the album, with a punchy delivery and tough production.

Self-Reflection and Growth: Many tracks, such as "Take It Personal" and "Ex Girl to Next Girl," focus on Guru’s personal experiences with betrayal, relationships, and self-growth. His lyrics often take a philosophical approach, offering wisdom and life lessons.
Street Life and Social Commentary: Tracks like "Soliloquy of Chaos" delve into the violence and unpredictability of street life, while others, like "2 Deep," explore the challenges of navigating a world filled with obstacles and injustices.

Throughout the album, Guru expresses his loyalty to authentic hip-hop culture and addresses the importance of staying true to oneself, which is a recurring theme in Gang Starr’s music.
Production and Collaborations:
DJ Premier’s production on Daily Operation is minimalist yet innovative, marking a shift toward the stripped-down, sample-heavy sound that he would later perfect. He heavily utilizes jazz samples, drawing on his deep knowledge of jazz and soul records to create sophisticated, head-nodding beats.
Jeru the Damaja and Lil Dap appear on the album, marking their introduction to the broader hip-hop world through the Gang Starr Foundation, a collective of artists associated with the duo. Both rappers would go on to have influential careers, especially Jeru, who became a critical voice in underground hip-hop.

Daily Operation received widespread acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of the 1990s. Critics praised its blend of lyrical sophistication and innovative production, as well as the balance between jazz influences and hardcore hip-hop beats.
The album was recognized for its intellectual depth, with Guru’s thoughtful, reflective lyrics offering a counterpoint to the more aggressive or party-focused styles that were dominant at the time.
The album did not achieve massive commercial success but became an underground classic, solidifying Gang Starr’s reputation as one of the most influential acts in hip-hop.

Daily Operation is often considered one of the defining albums of the boom-bap era of East Coast hip-hop, influencing countless artists with its combination of jazz sampling and gritty production.
DJ Premier’s production on this album helped shape the sound of 90s hip-hop, setting the template for his later work with Nas, Jay-Z, and others.
Guru’s smooth, intellectual lyricism was seen as a refreshing contrast to the more aggressive styles of the time, earning him respect as one of the genre’s most thoughtful MCs.
The album also played a key role in establishing the Gang Starr Foundation, paving the way for artists like Jeru the Damaja and Group Home to make their mark on hip-hop.

Daily Operation is a classic East Coast hip-hop album, showcasing Gang Starr at the height of their powers. DJ Premier’s innovative, jazz-infused production combined with Guru’s thoughtful and commanding lyricism created a timeless project that resonates with hip-hop fans decades after its release.
The album’s influence can be heard in the work of numerous hip-hop artists, particularly in the boom-bap and jazz rap subgenres. It remains a landmark in both Gang Starr’s career and the broader landscape of 90s hip-hop, revered for its subtle sophistication and gritty realism.

This classic Queen album is pressed on 180gram. Queen Greatest Hits (and Greatest Hits II separately) is released on 180 gram heavyweight vinyl. Both titles will use their original artwork, and for the first time, Greatest Hits will be released as a 2LP set. 'Greatest Hits is a compilation album by Queen, originally released in the UK on 26 October 1981. The album consisted of Queen's best-selling singles since their first chart appearance in 1974 with "Seven Seas of Rhye", up to their 1980 hit "Flash". Queen's Greatest Hits was an instant success, peaking at number one on the UK Album Chart for four weeks. It has spent over 700 weeks in the UK Charts, and is the best-selling album of all time in the UK, selling over 6 million copies there. It is certified 8x Platinum in the United States, and is Queen's most commercially successful album worldwide with over 25 million copies sold, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.

This classic Massive Attack album finally gets an official reissue.

HipHop classic. Must have. DJ Premier and Guru never failed.

Freshly remastered for the 2011 season!

Reissue with updated art on the box and on the inner sleeves. Includes a 36-page full-color art book featuring band member notes, photos, and credits, and a 28-page lyric book with illustrations. Current reissue of the 4 LP Boxset. No hype sticker on the front of the shrink wrap.

2023 repress without the 'Respect The Classics' sticker.

This Gang Starr classic from the golden 90s back on the scene.

This classic Queen album is pressed on 180gram vinyl. To celebrate 40 years since Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon and Roger Taylor formed the band, Queen's Greatest Hits II has been digitally re-mastered for 2011 by Bob Ludwig. New cover art completes the package. Universal.

This Greatest Hits collection, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, features early Kravitz classics and also sports "Again," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart. The album also boasts Kravitz's incendiary cover of The Guess Who's all-time rock classic "American Woman," which initially had been featured in the hit 1999 film, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and was eventually added to a CD re-release of 5. Its power impressed Randy Bachman, co-founder of the Guess Who, its lead guitarist and chief songwriter. "As a songwriter," Bachman said, "that's the biggest tribute you can have."The core tracks on Greatest Hits all serve to illuminate Kravitz's own considerable talents as a multifaceted singer, songwriter, producer and guitar player. From the funk 'n' soul-driven emotionality of "It Ain't Over Til It's Over" to the abject ferocity of "Are You Gonna Go My Way," from the elegiac buildup of "Let Love Rule" to the universal yearning of "Fly Away," Kravitz delivers in every style imaginable.Many of the songs on Greatest Hits will be featured during Kravitz's current Raise Vibration Tour 2018, which kicks off April 13 in Mexico and then runs throughout Europe to the end of July.Lenny Kravitz Greatest Hits - Double Vinyl LP

25th anniversary deluxe expanded edition of Skunk Anansie's iconic third album. Boasting hit singles Charlie Big Potato, Secretly, You'll Follow Me Down and Lately, this expanded edition includes 10 contemporary b-sides, many of which were only available in a limited way (most have never been on vinyl). An album so important in alternative rock that it elevated Skunk Anansie to the status of Glastonbury Pyramid Stage headliners in 1999 - celebrate its birthday in style with this lavish edition!

Limited to 400 copies, available in Germany only at HHV.

Hip-hop supergroup Czarface releases their latest action-packed odyssey, "Czartificial Intelligence". This record weaves together the unfiltered essence of OG braggadocio, introspective storytelling and high-flying superheroes. Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck and underground hip-hop duo Esoteric & 7L create a dynamic synergy on the album, which shines with high-profile guests such as Logic, Nems and Kool Keith. With complex verses and captivating production, Czarface invites you to go on a journey with them and explore the mix of cosmic hip-hop and comic book culture.

N.E.R.D’s "In Search Of..." is the debut studio album by the American band, originally released in 2001, and reissued in 2002 with a significant change in sound. The band, consisting of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo (both also known as the production duo The Neptunes), and Shay Haley, crafted a genre-blending project that marked a shift in the way hip-hop, funk, and rock could come together in mainstream music.

"In Search Of..." fuses hip-hop, rock, funk, and R&B into an eclectic sound that was highly innovative at the time.

The album was released in two versions:
2001 Version: Heavily electronic, incorporating synthetic beats and drum machines, typical of The Neptunes' production style.
2002 Version: Re-recorded with live instruments, featuring the band Spymob. This second version has a rawer, more organic rock feel, giving the album a different energy and appeal.

The lyrics on "In Search Of..." are a mix of youthful rebellion, self-reflection, and social commentary. Some recurring themes include:

Personal freedom and identity: The album often explores the idea of breaking free from societal norms and expectations.
Power and politics: Tracks like "Lapdance" offer a cynical take on politicians and authority figures.
Relationships and desire: The album also delves into personal relationships, touching on lust, romance, and heartache.

Notable Tracks:
"Lapdance": A standout track known for its aggressive beat and politically charged lyrics, criticizing corruption and manipulation in politics.
"Rock Star": A high-energy anthem that channels frustration with societal pressures and celebrates nonconformity.
"Provider": One of the more introspective songs on the album, telling the story of a man struggling to provide for his family while making difficult choices.
"Truth or Dare": Featuring Kelis, this track mixes funky beats with provocative lyrics, offering a lighter, playful side to the album.
4. The Concept Behind the Album Title:
The album's title, "In Search Of...", reflects the band's desire to explore new musical and thematic territories. It’s also a nod to the 1970s American TV show In Search Of..., which investigated mysterious phenomena, paralleling N.E.R.D.'s exploration of uncharted musical landscapes and personal identity.

"In Search Of..." was groundbreaking in its approach to combining genres, breaking the mold of what was expected from a hip-hop project. Pharrell, Chad, and Shay’s ability to blend live instrumentation with hip-hop production created a blueprint for future artists to mix rock and urban sounds. The album became a touchstone for genre-bending artists and a precursor to Pharrell’s later solo work.

Although "In Search Of..." did not achieve massive commercial success upon its initial release, it was critically acclaimed and has since gained a cult following. The innovative sound and unique blend of genres helped establish N.E.R.D. as pioneers in the music world, influencing a wide range of artists across various genres.

N.E.R.D.'s "In Search Of..." remains a seminal album that pushed the boundaries of genre and sound. Its blend of live instrumentation with hip-hop, rock, and funk created a distinctive sonic identity that resonated with listeners seeking something outside the norm. The album not only showcased the diverse musical talents of Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley but also laid the groundwork for the genre-fusion movement that would follow in the years to come.

First time on vinyl for David Sylvian's 29-track career-spanning compilation from 2000. Features key songs from Japan and Rain Tree Crow, as well as David's Virgin Records solo years. Also includes key collaborations with Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp and Alesini & Andreoni. Alongside the remixes of "Ghosts" and "Bamboo Houses", the album features tracks such as the beautiful 'Ride' from the 'Secrets of the Beehive' sessions, two dobro pieces written with Bill Frizell and "Cover Me with Flowers" from the 'Dead Bees On A Cake' sessions, plus the classic "Some Kind of Fool' taken from Japan's sessions for 'Gentleman Take Polaroids'.

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (omd), founded by Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, emerged from Liverpool in the late '70s and are rightly regarded as one of the original synth-pop outfits of the following decade. Notably also one of the more successful, they have enjoyed at least 20 hit singles and over 40 million records sold to date. Their early years were highly influential and the Peel Sessions 1979-1983, acclaimed by many fans as the band at the height of their powers, provides a snapshot of OMD at arguably their most vital, focused and interesting; full of highly imaginative, slightly left-field, awkward but accomplished pop, captured by the BBC in four different sessions (one in 1979, two in 1980 and one in 1983). While this is the first time any of these tracks have been pressed on vinyl, it is also the first time that every single track from their sessions with John Peel have been issued together. The original CD version of this collection, issued in 2000, omitted the second recording of ''Bunker Soldiers,'' recorded as part of the 1983 session. Mastered (where necessary) and cut to lacquer by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, exclusively for Record Store Day 2025. Side A: 1. Bunker Soldiers (John Peel Sessions) 2. Julia's Song (John Peel Sessions) 3. Messages (John Peel Sessions) 4. Red Frame/White Light (John Peel Sessions) 5. Pretending To See The Future (John Peel Sessions) 6. Enola Gay (John Peel Sessions) 7. Dancing (John Peel Sessions) Side B: 8. Motion And Heart (John Peel Sessions) 9. Annex (John Peel Sessions) 10. The Misunderstanding (John Peel Sessions) 11. The More I See You (John Peel Sessions) 12. Genetic Engineering (John Peel Sessions) 13. Of All The Things We've Made (John Peel Sessions) 14. ABC Auto-Industry (John Peel Sessions) 15. Bunker Soldiers (John Peel Sessions)