Hip Hop Vinyl 387 Items

Da Buze Bruvaz have created a modern Blaxploitation epic in hip-hop form. Known for their raw and unapologetic over the top lyrics, they have built a strong cult following. They now present Ni$&@tivity, their official follow up to 2017’s Adebesi Hat LP. This project is even more over the top and sounds like Richard Pryor having a hardcore battle with Redd Foxx. The Philadelphia duo have taken it up a degree and should offend pretty much any and everyone fairly. Aside from rhymes they are also longtime members of the legendary NY posse the LoLifes, founded by Thirstin Howl 3rd and are heavily regarded in that movement.

Official and limited reissue on Def Jam. Previously released as a 2LP set, this version has now been converted to 1LP, in addition to a limited edition CE color vinyl 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.

For the first time officially on vinyl.

Freddie is the fourth studio album from acclaimed rapper, Freddie Gibbs. One of the most consistent and polished artists from the blog era, Freddie Gibbs has yet to release an album that does not achieve widespread acclaim, proving that he’s able to compete in any era. At 10 tracks, the album comes at a blistering yet concise pace, showcasing his raw and energetic flow over thundering trap-influenced beats. Aside from a tasteful appearance from 03 Greedo, Freddie Gibbs mainly relies on himself to carry the album, and features production from hip-hop heavyweights such as Kenny Beats, Dupri, RichGains and more. Marking the 5 year anniversary since release, Freddie is back in print for the very first time.

Some records are steeped in mythology. Frank N Dank’s 48 Hours is just such a recording. Why so few samples from Dilla? Was that MCA’s decision as they didn’t believe they could get clearances? Why did MCA shelve the recording for so long? Where’s the “original version”? There are nearly more questions about this album than cuts on the album. But according to Frank, “contrary to popular belief there was never an 'original version’ of 48 Hours. We started recording songs to sample driven beats of Dilla‘s and we got 80% of the album done and Dilla decided to change the beats to all the songs.”
That’s right, it wasn’t MCA’s legal department, it was Dilla’s creative vision that stripped out the samples. But what about the sample laden “Take Your Clothes Off” and “Off Your Chest” you may ask? Frank interjects, “those were done after the fact.” And why did MCA shelve the project, was this a label afraid to release what the Detroit trio had concocted? Well that doesn’t appear to be the case. According to Nitt turnover in the A&R department at the time was rapid to the point that no one seemed to know who at MCA was responsible for the project. This led to a call to then MCA president Jay Boberg who agreed to release Frank N Dank from their deal. So there you have it. As Freud once said, “sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”. In the case of 48 Hours, it’s one hell of a tasty cigar. 48 Hours is now at last ready for the respect and proper release it has deserved all along, with the complete album as well as a second vinyl of Dilla’s instrumentals. As Frank reminds us, “This is the exact version of 48 Hours that we (Frank N Dank & Dilla) turned in to MCA and the way Dilla intended it to be!”

Ishmael Butler (formerly Digable Planets) dropped this one in 2009. It's available on wax now.

Prophet is an underground funk musician from the San Francisco Bay Area, who, until this year, had only put his name to one record: an obscure private-press LP called “Right On Time” (1984, Treasure Records). Full of mind-blowing no-BS boogie, it now has a dedicated cult following, with original copies are still changing hands.
Now he has a new album, his first in 34 years, and it still sounds '84. “Wanna Be Your Man”, produced with Mndsgn, will be released May 2018.

Strictly limited edition vinyl!
Only one copy per customer!
Dope Folks’ 88th release is from Providence, Rhode Island... D-SMOOTH! Growing up on the south side of Providence, Danny "D-Smooth" Sykes formed the group The FEROCIOUS TWO. As a solo MC, he released the single "Droppin' Smooth Lyrics" in 1990. Although he recorded more material, this was his only release.
The 12" EP contains the “Droppin' Smooth Lyrics EP”, AND 4 previously unreleased tracks! 8 tracks in all, this EP also features legendary MC's ED O.G, and STEZO!!!
D-Smooth's "Droppin' Smooth Lyrics" EP is limited to 300 vinyl copies (50 colored vinyl, 250 on standard black) never to be repressed. Grab your piece of Golden Era Hip Hop History now!!

Eminem is back on the map. Features by Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna included, executively produced by Dre & Rick Rubin.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Rhymesayers created this limited edition 3xLP vinyl package that includes a gatefold jacket with revised art layouts, printed sleeves, a 4-panel insert with full album lyrics, two cream & black marble-colored vinyl, and a UV printed ultra-clear bonus disc vinyl with four exclusive bonus tracks! Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or simply appreciate great lyricism, this album is a must for any collection. Initially released in 2012, Aesop Rock's sixth studio album Skelethon marked a significant moment in the rapper's career. It had been 5 years since his previous effort None Shall Pass was released, and his former label had since been shuttered. As a result, Skelethon became his first solo release on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Coincidentally, it was also his first album that was entirely self produced. The album's title, a portmanteau of "skeleton" and "telethon," was a metaphor for what felt like a long period of many adversities for Aesop. Throughout the album's 15 tracks, he meticulously exhumes and examines these many skeletons in detail, exploring everything from death to distrust, insecurity and isolation, with moments of humor and hope scattered throughout as well. Some of the many standout tracks from the release include "Zero Dark Thirty," a rapid-fire exploration of displeasure over dizzying drums, "zzz Top," an impressive ode to youthful expression, and "Cycles to Gehenna," with its haunting production and imaginative musings. Upon release, Skelethon was praised for its intricate storytelling that expertly balanced abstract imagery with concrete details, and its immersive production incorporating sample-based beats with dusty pianos, distorted guitars, and psychedelic synths. To this day, the album remains a fan favorite and a critical darling, praised for its poignant introspection and razor-sharp wordplay.

Strictly limited vinyl edition!
Only one copy per customer!
Reppin’ the Boston hip hop scene, rapper SPNDA and producer Grubby Pawz joined forces to make their first banger named Steel Sharpens Steel. Originally released on digital format only this album is finally available on vinyl. Featuring Hus Kingpin, Estee Nack, Al.Divino, Paranom, to name a few.

Kooley High has seen many acts come and go since their inception in 2008. This perseverance has led to several acclaimed releases, and the opportunity to craft their newest album with the assistance of Grammy award winning producer 9th Wonder.

'Never Come Down’ is a testament to Kooley’s growth sonically and serves as their most complete work to date. MC's Charlie Smarts and Tab-One have elevated their wordplay along with DJ Ill Digitz' scratch work. In house producers, Sinopsis and Foolery also show inspired progression on 'Never Come Down', which showcases production from 9th Wonder's production team, the Soul Council as well. Features on the album include Jamla Record’s own Rapsody, along with long time collaborators Median and Carlitta Durand.

Ten years after starting their journey in music, Kooley High comes full circle. This new album serves as a reminder to the world that even despite the current climate you should evolve, stay true to yourself, and Never Come Down.

Originally released on Raina Records out of Phoenix, Arizona. Vocal + killer dubbed out instrumental arranged and conducted by the legendary Rich Cason. Recently sold for over £1000 on Discogs! Very limited one-off pressing of 500 copies worldwide on Soul Jazz Records.

Limited edition for Schwarzer Freitag Record Store Day 2018! Only 1 per customer!

Another friday dedicated to the black gold!

When Ruff Draft saw its initial release in 2003, J Dilla possessed production skills on par with anyone in hip-hop - technically and creatively. “At the top of his game,” says longtime friend and collaborator, Karriem Riggins. After years of building while modestly deferring to others of both greater and lesser notoriety, Dilla finally completed the first solo endeavor on his own label, entirely on his own terms. The significance of such an autonomous success often gets overlooked, and partly accounts for why Ruff Draft is one of the lesser-referenced entries in Dilla’s oeuvre. “It’s a mysterious little project,” says his mother, Maureen Yancey. “But out of his entire career, that was the happiest time.” Prior to recording the EP, Dilla found himself at a crossroads. Estranged from his label, MCA, and separated from the mother of his youngest daughter, frustration abounded both personally and professionally. Dilla spent parts of 2002 and 2003 working on an album for MCA that featured his rapping over contributions from other producers with whom he had connected and whose music he respected. At the time, he was known primarily for his beats, yet reviled for his MCing by most anyone not from his hometown of Detroit. The project was to be an intentional freak of the industry. The project would go on to spur his collaborative album with Madlib, Jaylib, and would first showcase the template that he would take to his greatest heights with 2006’s Donuts. The Stones Throw reissue of Ruff Draft from 2008 featured remixes of the songs from the album, done without Dillaís involvement. This version of the album takes Dillaís mixes of the album and restores his vision for the project. “Straight from the mothafuckin’ cassette,” as he phrased the sound he was going for on the EP’s intro.

Strictly limited edition of 200 copies on clear red vinyl!
Only one copy per customer!
French beatmaker Odweeyne is back with #3 and #4 of his grimey Blacklist series, this time teaming up with Conway (The Machine), one of the dopest newcomers and latest signees on Eminem's Shady Records, as well as Detroit's own Nolan The Ninja. Dope SP1200 production on both tracks.
Hailing from Paris, France, Odweeyne is a passionate DJ, producer, crate-digger, hip-hop enthusiast and vinyl lover.
After years of turntablism including DJing for various artists and witnessing countless studio sessions, Odweeyne decided to put all his energy into sample based production. As a self-described "child of the 90's" Odweeyne's weapons of choice are classic production tools such as the SP1200, S950, E6400 Ultra, and MPC 2000XL. With musical influences ranging from K-Def and Lord Finesse to DJ Muggs and Madlib, Odweeyne's musical outcome is all about creating hard-hitting, warm, dusty, and hypnotic sounding bangers constructed with the help of dope samples and rare breaks.
After collaborating with a long list of artists (Awon, Unknown Mizery, Reak, Don Streat, etc.) and putting out the first two installments of his Blacklist series (featuring Sadat X and AG of D.I.T.C.) on his own indie label So Cracked Lab, the French beatmaker is back with #3 and #4 of his grimey series, this time teaming up with Conway (The Machine), one of the dopest newcomers and latest signees on Eminem's Shady Records, as well as Detroit's own Nolan The Ninja.

Limited edition vinyl!
French beatmaker Odweeyne is back with #3 and #4 of his grimey Blacklist series, this time teaming up with Conway (The Machine), one of the dopest newcomers and latest signees on Eminem's Shady Records, as well as Detroit's own Nolan The Ninja. Dope SP1200 production on both tracks.
Hailing from Paris, France, Odweeyne is a passionate DJ, producer, crate-digger, hip-hop enthusiast and vinyl lover.
After years of turntablism including DJing for various artists and witnessing countless studio sessions, Odweeyne decided to put all his energy into sample based production. As a self-described "child of the 90's" Odweeyne's weapons of choice are classic production tools such as the SP1200, S950, E6400 Ultra, and MPC 2000XL. With musical influences ranging from K-Def and Lord Finesse to DJ Muggs and Madlib, Odweeyne's musical outcome is all about creating hard-hitting, warm, dusty, and hypnotic sounding bangers constructed with the help of dope samples and rare breaks.
After collaborating with a long list of artists (Awon, Unknown Mizery, Reak, Don Streat, etc.) and putting out the first two installments of his Blacklist series (featuring Sadat X and AG of D.I.T.C.) on his own indie label So Cracked Lab, the French beatmaker is back with #3 and #4 of his grimey series, this time teaming up with Conway (The Machine), one of the dopest newcomers and latest signees on Eminem's Shady Records, as well as Detroit's own Nolan The Ninja.