Hip Hop 287 Items

The Invisible Architect is the third full-length album by like minded production duo and long-term friends 1000 Names. Unlike their previous releases, which focused more on technology and machinery, they drew their inspiration for this album from the unconscious moments that just happen during live shows or studio improvisations, those happy accidents when the music emerges out of the chaos with no traceable origin. In these unconscious moments, it seems, the invisible architect – a mysterious natural power – creates this untouched and raw music, almost like the geological formation of rocks in a mountain or the trees in a forest are formed by the fundamental forces of nature.
In their own words: “It’s a mystery where the music comes from and why it sounds the way it does. We look for the answer in the garden of the invisible architect – and try just to be…“

Join 40 Winks on a road trip to anywhere. Bring your music player and tell your honey you won’t be home for dinner. It’s the trip, not the destination.“
About 40 Winks:
No hay banda! (“there is no band”, Mulholland Dr. 2001) pretty much sums up where 40 Winks aims to go with its instrumental hip hop: meticulously chop and paste samples together, to create an atmosphere of beats and vibes which steps beyond unimaginative loops. 40 Winks hit the scene in 2002, with a whole slew of laidback beats. Eager to share their sound with the world, they released a couple of albums independently. The attention they got from this, allowed them to build with people from around the world. One of these independently released albums, More Than Loops, got reissued in Japan on Swamp Records, after that the ball kept rolling. On their first worldwide release, Extended Pleasure on Escapism Records (2005), they reached listeners well beyond the (instrumental) hip hop community with the song “Melancholia”. After appearances on compilations, like Weapons Of Hope on Little-D (2006), they got a chance to do their thing on the renowned label, Merck Records with Sound Puzzle (2007). All this led them back to Europe, where the German based Project: Mooncircle welcomed them with a spot on the compilation Heart On The Right Spot (2007) and a full album The Lucid Effect (2008). In 2009 they took some time off, doing solo stuff and remixes. In 2011 40 Winks is back with a double LP called It’s The Trip (2011) on Project: Mooncircle.
Artwork By Afreux.

Join 40 Winks on a road trip to anywhere. Bring your music player and tell your honey you won’t be home for dinner. It’s the trip, not the destination.“
About 40 Winks:
No hay banda! (“there is no band”, Mulholland Dr. 2001) pretty much sums up where 40 Winks aims to go with its instrumental hip hop: meticulously chop and paste samples together, to create an atmosphere of beats and vibes which steps beyond unimaginative loops. 40 Winks hit the scene in 2002, with a whole slew of laidback beats. Eager to share their sound with the world, they released a couple of albums independently. The attention they got from this, allowed them to build with people from around the world. One of these independently released albums, More Than Loops, got reissued in Japan on Swamp Records, after that the ball kept rolling. On their first worldwide release, Extended Pleasure on Escapism Records (2005), they reached listeners well beyond the (instrumental) hip hop community with the song “Melancholia”. After appearances on compilations, like Weapons Of Hope on Little-D (2006), they got a chance to do their thing on the renowned label, Merck Records with Sound Puzzle (2007). All this led them back to Europe, where the German based Project: Mooncircle welcomed them with a spot on the compilation Heart On The Right Spot (2007) and a full album The Lucid Effect (2008). In 2009 they took some time off, doing solo stuff and remixes. In 2011 40 Winks is back with a double LP called It’s The Trip (2011) on Project: Mooncircle.
Artwork By Afreux.

5 Elementz was a Detroit group formed by Proof (of D12), J Dilla (aka Jay Dee), DJ Sicari, Thyme & Mudd.

Finally back on vinyl, this 2011 release was the first proper full-length showcase for the Grammy Award-winning superproducer. The signature soulful style of 9th’s beats was a sensation in hip hop and R&B--for underground fans and in the mainstream--and he played a leading role in bringing North Carolina to the forefront of American music culture in the 21st century. Featuring guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Warren G, Marsha Ambrosius, Terrace Martin, Talib Kweli, Blu, Raekwon, Murs, Skyzoo, and more.

After 3 so called singles and a few monsterous mixtapes, Rocky is about to finally drop his 1st 'real' album on golden wax! Donwload code is included!

13 dynamic tracks with frequent collaborator BIONIK, as well as Daniel Merriweather, Treasure Davis and, most notably, singer Cee Lo Green.

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.

Check out the first official repress of akua naru's classic 2011 debut album, "the journey aflame" only available via HHV!

akua naru’s 2011 groundbreaking album, “...the journey aflame”, is now available on vinyl. The album, a melange of dope beats, politics, poetics and power, long sought after is finally here!
This first official repress contains high quality audio, a double vinyl LP with a gatefold-cover. In addition to classics like "the backflip", "the world is listening”, and “the block", this repress features the underground smash "poetry: how does it feel???", a hit lately revealed to be supermodel Cara Delevingne’s favorite Valentine's Day song. "poetry: how does it feel?" is one of the greatest love songs ever recorded and it’s available now on vinyl for the first time.

This limited 7inch introduces Andreikelos with a catchy downtempo tune on which mediterranean flavour meets electronic sounds as the traditional Greek organ bouzouki smoothly flows over an abstract hip-hop beat. Also includes dubstep remix by Earthkeptwarm. Includes free download code with additonal track.

Repackaged And Repressed On 2xlp Vinyl, Just In Time For Its10th Anniversary, The Album Features Two Bonus Tracks, "Millenium Dodo 2" And "Cut You Down", Not Available On The Original Version, Plus An Exclusive 7-Inch Vinyl Inside, Featuring Two Additional Tracks From The Same Recording Sessions, "By Your Side" And "Bar Food".Atmosphere Have Distinguished Themselves From Their Peers By Creating Albums Encompassing The Entire Spectrum Of Human Emotion While Tethering Each Piece To A Central Aural Aesthetic. The Family Sign Took This Philosophy To New Realms Of Solidarity With Slug Metaphorically Touching On Themes Of Fatherhood, Loss, Love, Disappointment And Jubilation, And Tailoring Them To An Instrumental Framework That Draws Emotion Out Of The Listener, Skillfully Composed By Producer Ant. The Family Sign Was Evidence That Hip-Hop Wields The Ultimatepotential To Address And Convey Life's Vir Tues And Short Comings. Following Their Acclaimed 2008 Release, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, The Subsequent Decision To Add Live Guitar And Keys Into Their Recording Process Gave The Family Sign A Warmer, Bluesier Feel. The Resulting Humanity They Brought Out Of These Songs Created Some Of The Most Powerful Moments Atmosphere Had Ever Put To Record. The Weeping Guitars And Twinkling Piano Keys On "The Last Tosay" Amplify Slug's Pleas For The Song's Protagonist _ A Victim Of Domestic Abuse _ To Leave Their Abusive Relationship, While On "Something So", The Light Guitars And Delicate But Precise Drums Paint The Vivid Image Of A New Dawn Breaking As Slug Recounts The Final Moments Of Expectant Fatherhood Before His Child Was Born, And Passionately Contextualizes The Journey Of Life. The Family Sign Ventured Further Inward, Becomingatmosphere's Most Personal And Intimate Album To That Point, Engaging Their Fans Like Never Before. It Isn't All Tear-Jerkers Though, As More Upbeat Songs Like "She's Enough", "Ain't Nobody", And "My Notes" Beckon You To Bop Along And Deliver Enough Optimism T...

Now on another new funky colorway.

Finally, this Beastie Boys classic gets a reissue!

Why you'll love it...
While fighting through label limbo and placing his budding film career on freeze, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton spent a couple years readying the artillery for his solo close-up. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is both a testament to the maturation of Big Boi and a tribute to his late father; underneath, it’s a speakeasy at breakneck speed, sittin’ on 32s. Where many other formidable MCs would be eaten alive, Big Boi shapeshifts across every mood and landscape with his trademark tenacity. He’s an effortless showboat who can portray sleaze with ease, but he’s a true class act who’s got nothing left to prove, yet will never let it show. Flanked by his known co-conspirators and many more, Big Boi blesses the senses the way only an East Point playboy can; it’s an intergenerational time warp, and another funky ride in HD. The final product is a natural progression of his Organized Noize lineage, sent across dimensions to return with an assemblage of time-tested potent Black grooves, then pressure-cooked in the kitchen of thefinest booty club in Georgia.

Double vinyl LP pressing of this 2013 mixtape from the hip-hop artist and producer.

Double vinyl LP pressing of this 2015 mixtape from the hip-hop artist and producer.

Why you'll love it...
Album of the Year, Black Milk's fourth studio album, was produced almost entirely by himself with assistance from Will Sessions and originally released in 2010.

Limited to 1000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of Black Milk's Album of the Year is pressed on Gold Nugget vinyl at GZ Vinyl. The 2LPs will arrive in a widespine, direct-to-board, foil-stamped and numbered jacket.

No one is raising the standard in the underground as high as Black Milk and Danny Brown. After their collaborative track "Black and Brown" from Black's LP Album of the Year became a fan favorite, the two decided to record an entire EP together, fittingly titled Black and Brown. While the aforementioned track appears on the EP, the remainder of Black And Brown sees Danny Brown exclusively handling mic duties, with Black Milk showcasing his masterful production. Black Milk’s Album of the Year dropped in September 2010 to strong reviews and an impressive showing on the Billboard charts, and his stock has continued to rise ever since. Performing with a live band for over 80 shows on a worldwide tour in support of the album, he has established himself as one of rap’s best live performers. He also became the first rap artist to record and release music with rock superstar Jack White, who co-produced and played on the much-publicized “Brain” 7-inch single on White’s label Third Man Records. Never straying from his hip hop roots, Black Milk also serves as a member of the group Random Axe (with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson), and entirely produced their successful self-titled 2011 full-length release. Danny Brown first gained wide recognition with the release of his album The Hybrid as a free download in March 2010. Since the release, he’s emerged as one of rap’s most distinct new voices. The shock value of his drug-fueled and sex-laden rhyming has been frequently compared to the early works of Eminem, and his ear for progressive beats as well as his unique fashion sense has made him a favorite with critics. His latest project XXX was released as a free download in August 2011, and was instantly hailed as one of the top rap albums of the year by artists and fans alike, while receiving heavy coverage from media outlets like Pitchfork, MTV, and The Fader.

A beloved gem from the early days of the hip-hop blogosphere, "Her Favorite Colo(u)r" drew widespread acclaim after a lo-fi MP3 version hit the digital airwaves. The classic collection from L.A. rap savant Blu was eventually mixed, mastered, and released to the masses, but physical copies have often remained scarce.

Now, "Her Favorite Colo(u)r" is back in stock on vinyl. With love-themed movie quotes drifting in and out, heartbreak raps meld perfectly with mellow production, resulting in one of the most distinct and cohesive Blu albums to date. Entirely self-produced, this seminal project showcases Blu's undeniable talent and boundless creativity.

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Dooooooooope!

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Lp includes an extra 7" for all donut lovers. Dooooooooope!

HFC is now finally mastered and commercially available for the first time, marking the first-ever proper solo releases for Blu.

Why you'll love it...
“Blu’s 'Her Favorite Colo(u)r' hits harder than it did on its initial 2009 leaked-to-streaming run or its official, somewhat-remastered first physical release two years later. We’re more used to noise in hip-hop, more accustomed to pendulum-swinging inner conflicts between invincibility and unease, even more forgiving of those times when artists put out a potentially alienating experiment or two for every crowd-pleaser. It’s an untraditional album that blurs the lines between pop culture references as familiar touchstones and the specificity of a film or a record that speaks to an artist’s own impossible-to-duplicate experience, a run-on sensory-overload experience that could feel mysteriously impressionistic and painfully specific all at once.”

Recently, a mysterious album titled Jesus turned up on the popular music site Bandcamp, uploaded by an artist calling himself “b”. Soon, the LP was discovered to be the latest work from enigmatic L.A. rapper Blu, and within hours, it was the talk of the blogosphere. The album was soon removed, but now it’s back, this time in physical form. New World Color is proud to present the latest lo-fi masterpiece from one of hip-hop’s most intriguing figures. Officially the debut for alter-ego “b”, Jesus is sure to satisfy the cult-like fanbase that’s been steadily growing around the artist most famously known as Blu ... feat. Madlib, Planet Asia, Alchemist, Hezekiah!

As hip-hop's online footprint began rapidly expanding in the early 2010s, acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu was a rising star who commanded attention. Just a few years removed from the breakthrough success of Below The Heavens and an appearance on the XXL Freshmen list, the talented wordsmith was navigating the major label system, dropping self-produced mixtapes, and working with artists like The Roots, Miguel, Flying Lotus, 9th Wonder, and more. In 2011, the mysterious album Jesus turned up on Bandcamp, uploaded by an artist calling himself "b". Soon discovered to be the latest project from Blu, the unpolished but deeply soulful collection quickly made waves on blogs and social media. Just weeks later, Jesus improbably became one of Blu's first official solo releases, and it remains a lo-fi masterpiece, with mesmerizing production by Alchemist, Madlib, Knxwledge, Hezekiah, and Blu himself. Now, this classic is receiving a long-overdue vinyl reissue, complete with the Jesus-era bonus track "Arrow & The Sparrow" featuring Jimetta Rose.

Experience an experiment turned masterpiece…"York". Originally titled "NoYork" and slated to be the major label debut from acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu, this much-discussed collection was eventually renamed and (finally) released through Nature Sounds in 2013. The result was a certified classic that remains one of Blu’s most ambitious projects to date.

Infused with the electronic experimentation of the early 2000s L.A. beat scene, "York" covers a wide spectrum of sound, displaying the production of beat icons like Flying Lotus, Madlib, Exile, Dibia$e, Shafiq Husayn, Daedalus, Knxwledge, and Samiyam. Melding world-class lyricism with sonic textures encompassing psych rock, dub, broken beats, and jazz, the album strikes a unique balance between golden era hip-hop and eclectic futurism. Several guest artists helped Blu realize this vision, including U-God of Wu-Tang Clan, Edan, Sa-Ra, Pac Div, Suzi Analogue, U-n-i, J*Davey, and more.

While the buzz around Blu has continued to grow, one aspect of the L.A. rapper’s artistry has been overlooked: he’s becoming one of hip-hop’s best new producers. Since early work with producers Exile, Ta’Raach, and Mainframe, Blu has begun creating his own soundscapes for recent projects Her Favorite Colo(u)r and Jesus. Now, he’s putting his beats on full display, with the producer album Open. Featuring a slew of promising up-and-comers on the mic, Open is a perfect showcase for Blu’s hazy, lo-fi production. The album also showcases Blu’s ear for talent, turning fans on to the next generation of rhyme-spitters.

2013 is officially under way, and we're celebrating with this limited-edition 7" featuring three artists who'll be releasing some of the most highly anticipated Nature Soundsprojects this year.

Limited edition for Record Store Day 2013

Only 1 per cutomer!

King of Hearts is the fourth and final album by the late rapper, singer and producer, Camu Tao. Originally posthumously released in 2010 by Definitive Jux in collaboration with Fat Possum, King of Hearts was Tao's last record before his untimely death at just 30 years old from lung cancer in 2008. Recorded with Definitive Jux label head, EL-P (also one half of Run the Jewels), had it been released in 2008 when it was originally slated to, it probably would have felt ahead of its time. Pop-focused, hook-driven, and more sung than rapped, it pre-dates the similar ideas since explored by Kid Cudi, Janelle Monae, and even 808 and Heartbreaks-era Kanye. So singular and affecting was Tao's music, it led to EL-P dedicating an entire solo record to his legacy, on the now-classic Cancer 4 Cure. Now on Oct 18th 2019, Fat Possum will finally issue the album on vinyl for the first time, and re-introduce Camu Tao's music to the wider audience it deserves.

On the heels of two volumes of the “Groove Sessions” compilations, the time had come for the three warriors of Zen mind to set their course
by the sun and create a real first album of Hip Hop, Dub, Electro and other sounds if compatible...

Co$$' debut album featuring Aloe Blacc, Blu & Sene, Exile of Emanon and many more. Dope!

Rare, super limited 002 from SATURATE! Records 7’’ single series, featuring the now legendary Coco Bryce with some wonky, honey dripping beats. Head bob neck snaps.

Bastard Jazz is proud to present The Love EP from Cork, Ireland based DJ and producer Colm K. Colm, a 2009 graduate of the Red Bull Music Academy, has been making waves for a few years now through after his debut Basics 12" for Bastard Jazz and a 7" and a 10" released on sublabel BSTRD Boots (the latter of which is sold out and regularly changes hands for upwards of $50 on eBay and Discogs), and recently shared billing with Mr. Scruff on a Hypnotic Brass Ensemble remix 12" on Choice Cuts.

Everyone's favorite Punani connaisseurs are back with yet another deeply emotive and well-produced album. Tip!

In music, timing is everything. When soon-to-be-renowned Boston hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck on the title track to 7L&E’s debut EP "Speaking Real Words" in 1999, the timing was perfect. The upstart duo was building a serious buzz on the East Coast and beyond, while Deck was still winning praise for his gold-selling solo disc "Uncontrolled Substance". As flashy pop-oriented rap was pumped on commercial radio stations, their natural chemistry and simpatico skills shone as a beacon to real hip-hop fans, a base of listeners who were soon asking about their next musical summit.
14 years later, the hunger for sharp lyrics and head-snapping beats hasn't dissipated. In the face of the ever-worsening status quo of watered-down and vapid radio rap songs, the call for something real has only gotten stronger, and once again the time is right for a call to action – for someone or something to come in and send wack rappers running for the hills in fear. Enter "Czarface", the upcoming, uncompromising full-length album from Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric.
Not surprising, respect for real hip-hop runs deep, and "Czarface" brings an army with it — consider the star-studded guest list which includes Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks,) Oh No (Gangrene,) Mr. MFN eXquire and Deck's fellow Wu-Tang Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna.
Aside from one track blessed by the almighty DJ Premier, production on "Czarface" belongs exclusively to DJ 7L, who provides the musical backbone which holds the album together. His ability to craft a hip-hop sound that's current and exciting with a classic feel left Deck impressed: “This is one of the first albums I've heard in a while that gives you so many different feels. You hear the ‘80s hip-hop style, ‘80s R&B and rock combined with what's going on now. That’s creating something new, in my opinion.”

In glance of his highly appreciated new album "Bespoke". Tip!

Immer wieder nachgefragt, jetzt wieder da, JA!

Here it is, the follow-up to the Death Grips' critically acclaimed "Money Store" album. Boom!

Find yourself on an interstellar trip away from the solitude and darkness of a wasted and depleted home-world on its final demise. During this journey you will not only move unbelievable distances through space and time but furthermore make unforeseen progress in your inner-mind and deepest parts of your psyche – questioning yourself and your perception on what it is to be real. These questions of self-doubt lead to an identity crisis that ultimately results in the hope of discovering a fantastic new utopian world that can only be reached through an incredible wormhole of a very special kind.
But what does reality mean in this blurry timeless vision?

That new type of british rap … feat. Joe Goddard & Roots Manuva!

Celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Dessa's classic Parts of Speech album with this limited-edition vinyl reissue, back in stock for the first time in years. Includes metallic silver vinyl and new gatefold packaging with additional artwork and a poster insert. Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa has made a career of bucking genres and defying expectations—her résumé as a musician includes performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, co-compositions for 100-voice choir, performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, and top-200 entries on the Billboard charts. She contributed to the #1 album The Hamilton Mixtape and the RBG documentary; her track, “Congratulations,” has notched over 20 million streams. As a writer, she’s been published by The New York Times and National Geographic Traveler, broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio, and published a memoir-in-essays (My Own Devices, 2018) in addition to two literary collections. As a speaker, Dessa has delivered keynote speeches and presentations on art, science, and entrepreneurship; guest lectures at universities and colleges across the US; and a TED Talk about her science experiment on how to fall out of love. She’s also the host of Deeply Human, a podcast created by the BBC and American Public Media. Dessa has been covered by Pitchfork, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal amongst others. The LA Times says she “sounds like no one else.” NPR’s All Songs Considered calls her “a national treasure.” On the stage and on the page, Dessa’s style is defined by ferocity, wit, tenderness, and candor.