Hip Hop 304 Items

"Tonjen One" is an explosion of tasteful sounds and imagery. Deeply setup into modern electronic it mixes ambient robotic bleeps and soulful jazz hip hop beats. It's a multi-genre composition going easily from one world to the other and playing with the contrast between the two in a very satisfying way. The album flows as a continuous stream of sonic pleasure and comes out of the mind of Swiss producer YZNO (formerly known as Jazzo) releasing his first LP complemented by Isabel Seiffert's incredible artwork and under the Swiss label Boyoom Connective in collab with Urban Waves and HHV.

King of Memphis is the debut studio album from Young Dolph. The self-proclaimed “King of Memphis” and Paper Route Empire founder defined the independent hustle and set the industry and streets ablaze throughout his career. The album features the massive single, “Get Paid,” and standout hits such as “Fuck It,” & “Royalty.” Free of any features, King of Memphis puts the full spotlight on Dolph and features production from heavyweight producers such as Mike Will Made It, Tm88, Zaytoven, Nard & B, and Drumma Boy, among others. While his life was ultimately cut short, the influence and impact of Dolph’s legacy will live on forever. Long Live Dolph.

Nice collection of 20 all-time Wu-classics!

In a repeatedly rephrased metaphor of vinyl archaeologists digging for samples and re-constructing music from tiny pieces and fractions of long lost sounds, Weedy of 40 Winks is actually a rare example of this image being executed to perfection. His puzzling way of piecing together intricate beats, rich in details, breaks and variations, is rather analogous to surrealist art than to most of his fellow contemporary beat-smiths. On top he adds his own instrumentation to perfect these compositions, being like a conservator creating mosaics of rhythms, grooves and harmonies, giving the listeners imagination ample space to wander about.

Run The Jewels, Bun B, Ghostface Killah, Tunde Adebimpe, Mr. Muthaf*kin eXquire, Boldy James, Cuz Lightyear, Ka, and others contribute!

We present the third instalment of our mega compilation album, FUTURES Vol. 3, containing 46 artists with 44 tracks running in at 82 minutes. Fam unite on this ultra chill release, featuring the quality grooves of some lo-fi community favourites and some fresh faces to the scene.

This is one for the people, all the studio dwellers lighting up their SP's providing the soundtrack to the forever chill life.

Our most ambitious project to date, a massive compilation of talented young producers that are shaping the way forward. This release was conceptualized as a means to unite the music community together and be as inclusive as possible. An album by the people, for the people. With over an hour and a half worth of music you can sit back and vibe to this tape all day!

"Teklife presents Afterlife, the first release on the new Teklife Records label. The album is a celebration of the life and music of the late, great DJ Rashad and features 15 previously unreleased tracks, each a collaboration between DJ Rashad and friends from the Teklife crew and beyond. A limited edition double vinyl will accompany the digital release.

Afterlife is testament to an incredible breadth of influences and love of music with soul, hip-hop, house, techno and many more all brought together at 160bpm. Rashad's presence is felt throughout in the boundless energy and creativity which run through the album, whilst each collaborator brings their personal touch to the compositions.

With such a prolific body of work as both a solo artist and in collaboration with other musicians, it would be impossible to present a definitive collection of DJ Rashad's music and many many classics will remain unreleased for ever.

Afterlife is our tribute to our friend and our inspiration. Rest In Peace DJ Rashad.

A percentage of the profits from the album will be donated to Rashad’s family.

The incomparable Twit One drops KEATS 08. Only 1 per customer!

The emergence of hip-hop out of Queens, NY has proven to be timeless. From Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Kool G Rap to A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Organized Konfusion, and Mobb Deep there's never been a shortage of dynamic music from the borough. Longtime observer and emcee of the culture Truth is set to release his debut album "From Ashes To Kingdome Come" on Ill Adrenaline Records. A few years back Truth formed an alliance with PF Cuttin (of Blahzay Blahzay) and together the Queens emcee and the Brooklyn producer/DJ/engineer are ready to release a typical 90's throwback sounding full-length that carries PF's thumbprint throughout. On the 18-track strong heater Truth picks up various topics, ranging from life experiences to repping hip-hop culture - always showcasing his passionate and sharp lyrical rhyme skills. Entirely recorded and mixed by PF Cuttin, the album's raw and dusty sound stays true to the streets, including features from heavyweights such as the late Sean Price, O.C., and AG (of D.I.T.C.). Newcomer JK1 The Supernova handles the majority of production along with veteran producers PF Cuttin, Psycho Les (of The Beatnuts), Da Beatminerz, and DJ Doom. Containing plenty of dope scratches mainly executed by PF Cuttin and Rock Steady's own DJ JS-1, the album's uniqueness remains on one accord with the boom bap sound and origin which is a rarity in today's music.

Limited to 300 copies. Almagest is the 6th official album from True Masterz, featuring Graveyard Shifter and a guest appearance by June Marx.

Producer album featuring some of the greatest ever to touch the mic. We are happy we could get our hands on some copies of this 2016 release we all slept on. Featuring Fatlip, Blaq Poet, Edo.G, Sadat X, King Magnetic, Ruste Juxx, Blaqastan, Illa Ghee, Born Talent, Percee P and many more.

Compilation featuring Emilio Rojas, Tragedy, Jukstapose, Blaq Poet, Percee P, King Magnetic, Edo G, Fatlip, Saigon, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, Baby Blak, Celph Titled, Copywrite, Vast Aire, Realio Sparkzwell & Born Talent.

Only 115 hand numbered copies pressed on Clear Gold Vinyl.

The prodigious 20-year old South East Londoner Tom Misch releases Beat Tape 2 through his own label Beyond The Groove. The project is a soulful extension of the themes explored on Beat Tape 1, this time featuring a host of collaborations including Carmody, the beautifully delicate soulful singer who just happens to be one of his friends older sister; fast-rising wordsmith, Loyle Carner and Melbourne native Jordan Rakei, who since striking a friendship up with Tom online, has taken the plunge and moved from Oz to East Dulwich himself.

Warp & LuckyMe unite for a mixture of minimal, bass-bleeding hip-hop beats!

Hip-hop loves to draw from its influences. Australian hip-hop artist Tkay Maidza draws from her African background in her debut record Tkay.

The Zimbabwean born Maidza has a lot of appeal in her debut. It's not dull hip-hop we've become used to. Instead, colorful instrumentals and melodies accompany her young and refreshing voice. The album begins with the high energy, intense 'Always Been,' a big of a misleading track to open the record yet does hype it up. It's dark and dramatic, the beat strong and the delivery packed with grime influence. The bars are pretty quick fire, but there's a recognizable reference to Kanye West's 'Black Skinhead' in there that'll pique you're ear in case you can't pick up on anything else.

There are several other songs that go hard. 'Carry On,' with Run The Jewels' Killer Mike on the track, throwing down above the synthy bass between the upbeat but still urgent chorus. A darker presence envelops 'State Of Mind,' bouncy synths radiating ominous vibes on top of Maidza's gun of a mouth paired paranoid harmonies.

The majority of the record finds itself being poppier. The instrumental of 'Simulation' channels Sia almost blatantly, yet the vocals' light melodies soar high above the 'Cheap Thrills' reminiscent synth. There are thicker, dancier songs like 'Monochrome' that robotically have some groove to them. The muddy instrumental helps elevate the poppier lyrics. 'Drumsticks No Guns' is a fun-loving track, infectiously cute synths bouncing happily throughout the track. 'Castle In The Sky' is the pinnacle of the album's pop tracks, the sweet melodies pairing with the strongest and punchiest instrumental on the record, dynamic brass synths pairing with various acoustic instrumentation and electronics.

Sometimes it goes a little too far. With the pop influence, there are a few annoying tracks, like 'Tennies.' The song starts okay, but there has to be a limit as to how many times you can sing "tennies" before it gets old. The beat features some cool instrumentation, some bongos sounding with a punchy string instrumental, but even those can't save the song from its muddy tendencies. The big vibes of 'Supasonic' are interrupted by pretty annoying lyrics.

Tkay has all of the the uncertainties of a debut record, but it definitely holds its ground. It's an indicator of a new threat on the block with Tkay Maidza - she's bound to be something big in the hip-hop and pop world. It's a refreshing new sound and certainly one that won't be getting old anytime soon. - immortalreviews.com

This rare, early EP from Theo, transforms Donald Byrd's classic jazz funk piece, 'Lansana's Priestess', into the sweet, chugging groove of 'Early Byrd'. Also includes the original version of 'Walking Thru the Sky' and 'Lake Shore Drive', originally released on KDJ.

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.

Double album set featuring instrumentals of 14 Roots' classics. Hard to find mixes all collected together here. Includes "Disortion To Static", "Adrenaline", "Clones", and many more. Pressed from the original master tapes, perfect sound quality.

Produced by Patchworks aKa Mr President aKa Uptown Funk Empire and more…

The Legion is back with some more BX rawness for your ears! Following the success of their "Straight Flow / Automatic Systematic" 7-inch from earlier this year, the Bronx trio (Chucky Smash, Molecules and Cee-Low) hits you with two more unreleased tracks before they bless the hip-hop world with a brand new album. "Keep Your Eyes Open" and "Street Truth" are two certified bangers recorded back in 1995 at the infamous D&D Studios, NYC.

What happens when you bring together a space hop juggernaut with a spacey electro-soul outfit? The Hue collective, hailing from Space City, is the aftermath of combining the critically acclaimed groups H.I.S.D. (Hueston Independent Spit District) with their cosmic kinsmen and rising sensation Radio Galaxy. Their mission is to explore the creation of music with no boundaries. Features Grammy Award winning drummer Chris Daddy Dave (D'Angelo and the Vanguard), Grammy Award winning bassist Derrick Hodge (Robert Glasper Experiment) and Grammy Award winning rapper Ladybug Mecca (Digable Planets).

Record Store Day 2023 first time on vinyl release incl. a download card. Pressed on 180g.

Game's eighth proper studio album came out during an active 2016. Earlier in the year, he released soundtracks for a documentary, Streets of Compton, and a mobile app game, Block Wars. On a personal level, he and 50 Cent made amends following a prolonged period of mutual antagonism, and then he went after Meek Mill, as documented on the forceful but controlled "92 Bars," included here. Although it's titled 1992 and is heavily nostalgic (even by Game's standard), stacked with references to the state of hip-hop circa the early '90s, it's inspired by the era more than it is a period piece.

Featuring guest appearances by Homeboy Sandman, Curtis Harding, Stacy Epps, and Paten Locke.

Probably the most anticipated follow up album in music's history featuring Danny Brown, MF DOOM, Father John Misty, Toro Y Moi, Jennifer Herremaof Roayl Trux, Biz Markie and so much more.

Swedish Synthwave producer Tape Loader and Canadian rapper Phatt Rok Ski team up for the grand opening of the new old school Electro Funk and Bass Music label Ground Control. Featured in three DJ-friendly versions on this release, the song “Prime Time” is pure Electro Hip Hop power with funky beats, a fat bassline, a catchy vintage synth melody hook and rap delivered in early 1980s style. Fresssh!

The King of “Reggae vs Hip-Hop” remixes is back with a new and last LP collecting all his 7inches released over the past few months and a bunch of unreleased new Rocksteady remixes, done for the occasion. Yaaaayyyyy!

With over ten years’ experience in the music game, including three full length albums and a slew of EPs, Sweatson Klank – formerly known as Take – is one of L.A’s longest standing producers working at the periphery of hip hop and electronic music, a man who had a direct hand in shaping L.A’s beat scene in the 00s through the Sketchbook night alongside Kutmah. Whether or not you’ve heard his music before you’ll n have felt the impact of his work. After a two-year hiatus Sweatson Klank returns with the Elevate Me EP on Project Mooncircle, five tracks that further cement him as one of the nicest and most articulate producers in the game today. Elevate Me is both a departure from Sweatson’s previous output and a continuation of what has made him a unique voice in L.A’s thriving instrumental hip hop and electronic scene.

From the opener Always You the bar is set high with music that could only come from someone with musical savoir faire born of experience and hard work. The music is intricate and playful, the rhythms are hard to resist and the melodies perfectly match the uplifting mood, qualities that are carried throughout the EP.

Own almost feels like a band is playing yet it’s all coming from one man’s mind. The track references both Sweatson’s hip hop lineage and a deep understanding of the emotional potentials of electronic dance music. The tempo might surprise you at first but once you let the music take you in you’ll be pressing play again in no time.

I Can’t Explain is an ode to Sweatson’s love of hip hop, of the beat. The crunchy breaks will make your head nod before you’ve even realised it while the melodies and samples evoke images of sunny, lazy L.A days.

All of these ideas are further explored on My Love Is Here where certain tropes of popular dance music are put to use in a way that is rarely heard today. Instead of being the all-consuming focus of the song, the bass is used to reinforce the rhythmic foundations and combined with a beautifully emotive vocal sample that can seem jarring at first yet makes perfect sense. There is a subtlety to the music that really shines through on repeated listens.

In Between closes proceedings, winding things down with a smoother mood that’s still full of musical intricacies. Combining melancholic vocal samples with uplifting melodies and intricate rhythms, Sweatson manages to push through emotions that seem to burst out of the music, rendering any discussion of genre or style irrelevant.

Elevate Me is genuine, honest music born of emotions and offered to the listener with no disguise. It’s subtle and beautiful and it lets Sweatson Klank’s experience shine through in a way that will no doubt appeal to both old and new listeners. Jump aboard and let yourself be taken on a ride.

12" EP clear vinyl - Limited edition

Limited edition of 500 copies on vinyl. After "Alpine Metropolis" (2014), "Swiss Banks" (2015) and "The Jacob Theology" (2015), SWC-Records (Lausanne, CH) is proud to introduce its 4th project in collaboration with Six2six Records (Baltimore, USA). This is a selection of 8 exclusive tracks recorded @Ghetto Stud (SWC-Records studio) between 2013 and 2014. Theses tracks combine most of MC's and beatmakers of the two labels (MI of Constant Deviants, FlaFla of Sparrow the Movement, Supreme, Rome / Steve Colossal, Dj Eagle, Starshit, Switchflow, Dreem / Mr Mat / Big C of EXP, Mono SickHop, L'Expert & Bab2 of L'Affaire). The „Convergence“ is in the lyrics, productions and fire on stage. Explosive rap, authentic and melodious. Sober and sincere.

After a couple of years without a new solo release & makin moves with his
Betty Ford Boys Brenk & Dexter, it was time for Suff Daddy to lay another
egg in the form of a new album entitled „Birdsongs“.
Deeply rooted in the Suff Daddy signature sound, it is also proof of an
evolutionary process. A little less sample chops, a little more synth, a little
less straight hip hop, a little more melody. This doesn’t mean that you won’t
be able to recognize the bird by its call anymore, it’s just a slight change in
tonality.
After extending his stomping grounds to neighboring European countries by
frequently playing international shows, including a London Boiler Room, he
also opened for the mighty Anderson.Paak during his German shows in
early 2016. Suff Daddy also remixed Lion Babe's “Wonder Woman” for
Gilles Peterson Worldwide. He'll also be featured on the next “Spring in
Jakarta“ compilation.
The album features some of the fellow birds Suff Daddy is known to fly
with. Betty Ford Boy's Dexter adds drums and baselines, and Mayer
Hawthorne delivers some vocals.

Dope Folks 81st release comes from New Jersey's Soul King Productions aka Soul Kingz, best known for their highly sought after Soul Kingz "Catch Wreck/Trace Ya Steps" 1994 12inch single.
All the tracks on this 12inch are from their impossible to find cassette only release! Nine tracks that have never been released on wax. Limited to 300 copies only. Grab your copy now!