Search "career crooks" 311 Items

feat.Chino XL, Crooked I, RasKass, Psycho Realm, Diabolic ... produced byGreen Lantern, Southpaw, Buckwild, Scram Jones ... expect to hear Immortal Technique'sstriking lyrics on an even more street influenced production!

Produced entirely by Harry Fraud (who produced French Montana's "Shot Caller"), Smoke DZA's upcoming LP will feature appearances from the likes of Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, and his Jet Life labelmate Curren$y, among others. Harlem's own Smoke DZA has seen his career skyrocket lately, as acclaimed projects like George Kush Da Button and Rolling Stoned have introduced the public to Smoke's irresitible laid-back flow. DZA has also been collaborating with a who's who of young hip-hop stars (Asher Roth, A$AP Rocky, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, Cory Gunz, Mickey Factz, Dom Kennedy, and more), firmly establishing himself as a leader of the next generation of rhyme spitters. The proud stoner is now joining forces with High Times for Rugby Thompson, a brand new album produced entirely by Harry Fraud. With Fraud's pounding drums providing the backdrop and appearances from Action Bronson, Curren$y, Sean Price, Schoolboy Q, and Domo Genesis of Odd Future, Rugby Thompson is among DZA's most impressive work to date.

Denzel Curry's forthcoming King Of The Mischievous South Volume 2 finds him presenting a sequel to the project, and bringing back the sound, that helped launch his career. While the first installment of King Of The Mischievous South was performed from the perspective of his Raven Miyagi persona, a name bestowed upon him by Raider Klan founder SpaceGhostPurrp, Volume 2 finds Curry operating under his Big Ultra persona -- an elevated version of Raven Miyagi that is bragadocious and revels in the success that Curry has seen over the last decade of his career. Creating King Of The Mischievous South Volume 2 has been a goal of Curry's for some time, though his earliest attempts to do so ultimately morphed into other projects, namely his 2016 album Imperial and 2020's 13LOOD 1N + 13LOOD OUT. It wasn't until he stopped overly attempting to create Volume 2 that its songs started to emerge naturally. 

Given the project's sound, which pays homage to the great musical heritages of the South -- from Memphis to Houston and Curry's own South Florida -- its features include the region's greats, both old and new, as well as others whose style is indebted to the South's musical legacy. Features include fellow former Raider Klan member Key Nyata, Memphis stalwarts Juicy J and Project Pat, Texas' Maxo Kream, That Mexican OT and Mike Dimes, North Carolina’s TiaCorine, Atlanta's 2 Chainz and Kenny Mason and South Florida's Ski Mask The Slump God and PlayThatBoiZay, as well as ASAP Ferg and ASAP Rocky, among others. The project more broadly and the intentional inclusion of Rocky and Ferg is Curry's attempt to show what could have been had relationships not soured with SpaceGhostPurrp, fulfilling the promise that existed at the rise of their respective careers in the early 2010s.  

With all of the otherworldly adventures Denzel has taken listeners on over the course of his last few conceptually-driven albums, this project serves as a showcase for the fun, spontaneity and technical mastery that has made him one of rap's most in-demand talents over the course of the last decade. 

As one of hip hop’s premier auteurs, Danny Brown has been no stranger to conscious themes and current affairs; much of his discography features blisteringly honest verses set to explosive productions. But on his sixth album Quaranta, Danny Brown shows a new side: with his forlorn face half obscured by the shadows of his past, he delivers a raw, autobiographical clarity that we haven’t seen before.

Part of this comes with age. “Quaranta” means “forty” in Italian, marking pivotal moments and epiphanies in the years since his breakout record XXX. It’s also where the word “quarantine” originates, not only referring to the decade defining lockdowns the album was written in, but to a deep sense of isolation and self reflection that colours Danny’s storytelling. As the album’s very first line says, “This rap shit done saved my life and fucked it up at the same time”: there’s no begging for pity here, rather Danny is telling all, with ‘Maggot Brain’-esque shreds framing his bare, wisened voice.

Danny’s vanguard status as an artist allows him to school the youngins of the rap game while unpacking his own downfalls. In that way, Quaranta becomes a case study of the rapper, reckoning with the realities of his dream career. ‘Y.B.P.’ is as much an admonishment of destitute living situations as it is a celebration of Detroit’s ingenuity, leading into an abstract thesis on gentrification in ‘Jenn’s Terrific Vacation’, where musical structures are knocked down and rebuilt just as quickly as the architectural ones are, while freezing tones depict stagnation in the midst of immense change.

The Kid That Did is the fourth studio album from acclaimed rapper and Detroit staple, Babyface Ray. Known for his effortless, conversational flow and sharp wordplay, Ray has been building momentum over the past few years, and his latest project promises to be another milestone in his career.

Following the success of 2022’s Face, which reached #3 on Apple Music’s all-genre chart and earned praise from outlets like Billboard and Complex, and MOB, which featured collaborations with heavyweights like Lil Durk and Blxst, Ray’s new work showcases an artist at the peak of his game. His recent singles “Green Carpet,” “Money On My Mind,” and “Understand” each pulled in over 1.5 million streams in their first week, setting the stage for The Kid That Did to be his biggest release yet.

Fresh off a label deal with Empire and riding the success of his first RIAA-certified gold record, Babyface Ray’s influence continues to grow. After a sold-out tour and major appearances, including a performance on Jimmy Fallon and being named to XXL’s 2022 Freshman Class, Ray is ready to take things to the next level with The Kid That Did.

With his signature Detroit sound and an impressive lineup of collaborators including Bossman Dlow, Peezy, Fabolous, G Herbo, DJ Esco & more, The Kid That Did is set up to be a defining moment for Ray as he solidifies his place in modern hip-hop.

The work of acclaimed L.A. rapper Blu is a hip-hop time capsule perfectly embodying the vibrant culture of the City of Angels. With no signs of slowing down, the talented artist continues to supply listeners with vivid lyrical imagery over exceptional production.

The latest addition to his catalog is A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night, a new album entirely produced by Oh No. The son of singer Otis Jackson and younger brother of beat god Madlib, Oh No has been among the most consistently relevant artists on the independent hip-hop scene since the release of his influential debut album 15 years ago. Equally skilled as an emcee and producer, Oh No’s storied career has included forming the duo Gangrene with Alchemist, composing the original score for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, and producing for De La Soul, Mos Def, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Danny Brown, Prodigy, and many more.

Now, these two unique and innovative artists are joining forces for an impressive full-length album. With Oh No’s dynamic, soulful production setting the stage, Blu’s effortless flows and streetwise storytelling are on full display. "It's a true honor to put it down with the legendary Jackson Brothers,” says Blu. “Oh No never fails and this project has been provided with straight heat for the streets."

Featuring guest appearances from Abstract Rude, MED, Self Jupiter, Ca$hus King, and more, "A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night" is now available worldwide on CD and vinyl.

On Seeds, Georgia Muldrow takes a step back and leaves the beatmaking to Otis Jackson Jr., aka Madlib. As producers, Muldrow and Jackson are not worlds apart, so the switch requires no adjustment on the part of the listener. That said, this is one dense and tight set, barely over half-an-hour in length, and it's definitely in contention for Muldrow's most focused, funkiest, and (somewhat ironically) personal release to date. Throughout the record, the emphasis remains heavily fixated on her family as a unit of salvation and purpose. The most direct track of the lot is "Husfriend," where she honors her relationship with Dudley Perkins (a/k/a Declaime, who appears on “The Few”). Muldrow can't quite divorce the planetary and personal issues, heard vividly on "Best Love," which sounds just like a simple, sweet, straight-ahead love song until she starts asking her other half for money to build water wells on three continents ("We can make a difference if we try now"). Overall, Seeds is another left-field deviation in Muldrow's career: it's one of her most captivating and immediate front-to-back statements of purpose as a singer, but it's also the first album where she's handed over all the production duties to somebody else. In celebration of this album’s decenary run, Someothaship Connect is pleased to reintroduce an anniversary edition repress of this captivating release in partnership with Fat Beats.

Ramson Badbonez returns with his brand new album ‘fusion’.

Embedded in the streets and lanes of Dalston, Hackney and Islington, where Badbonez made his way up, no stone is left unturned as Badbonez dissects the many highs and lows that took him from a life running the roads, to documenting his experiences across thirteen brand new tracks.

The most impressive thing about ‘fusion’ is the dexterity Badbonez showcases across the release, expertly traversing a catalogue of rhythms and tempos with his now signature delivery; crystal clear, unapologetic, razor sharp, yet intricate and highly complex multi-syllables.

This genre blurring offering is, in part, down to the curated production talent joining forces to ensure a formidable spectrum of neck-snapping sonics are offered up to both Badbonez and the listener. From album opener ‘Alpha’ produced by the one-and-only High Plains Drifter Jehst, to offerings from Dead Players’ very own GhostTown, long-time collaborator Mark Fear and heavy-hitter Forest DLG, and with a features list that includes TrueMendous, Datkid and Confucius MC, ‘fusion’ marks a significant moment in Ramson Badbonez career; elevating his position as one of the great commentators on life in London town, but further, as one of the rap games most innovative outliers.

The ‘fusion’ Neon Green limited edition 2 x 12" vinyl comes with a digital download on release day & is limited to only 300 copies!

Tuff Kong Records presents a truly special and one of a kind project from the multi talented producers/artists Lee Scratch Perry and Mr. Green. Using the same ethos as his popular #LivefromtheStreets series (as seen on VICE/ Noisey as well as Complex and Netflix) Mr. Green's goal was to do something that had never been done before. Although at the surface the record is a standard 18-19 minute EP, digging deeper, listeners will find a sonic roller coaster that seamlessly combines over 20 different genres of music and styles.

"Super Ape vs. 緑: Open Door" includes some truly heavy hitters and cultural icons contributing vocals, including Sheek Louch (The Lox) , Daniel Son, HR (Bad Brains) and Eric"Scratch" Andre (Adult Swim, Disney's Lion King etc.) . Lee "Scratch" Perry is an iconic music producer, singer an inventor noted for his innovative studio techniques and a pioneer of the development of dub music with his early adoption of studio techniques. He has worked with and produced for a variety of fellow iconic artists such as Bob Marley, Beastie Boys and The Clash and was sampled by Kanye West for his production for Jay-Z’s “Lucifer.” He has been named by Paul McCartney as one of his greatest inspirations and included on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the 100 most important musicians of all time. At the young-age of 83 years old, he still tours and headlines shows and festivals all over the planet.

Although Lee Scratch Perry began making music over fifty-years before Mr. Green, he maintains that Green is one of his inspirations and even may have helped launch his career, presumably through time travel, portals and Open Doors. "Are you ready out there for me? I'm ready for you... Mr. Green, opens all the doors in the United States of America for me, so listen to our new project and the open door.”

Seafood Sam is a futuristic artifact. If that description might sound confusing at first, it matches the eclectic dualities found in true originals. With his effortless cool and timeless style, the North Long Beach native defies convention and exact comparison. He's a virtuosic rapper, a stop-you-in-your tracks singer, and a symphonic producer. Welcome to the lavish life of a laid-back transcontinental man of mystery, rolling in old school Cadillacs, eating caviar with a blade in his pocket, and making plays in vintage Pelle Pelle gear. A blaxploitation icon for the Instagram age, blessed with the bars of a `90s legend and 23rd century swagger. Seafood Sam is a true hero of modernity. On his full-length album debut for up-and-coming label drink sum wtr (Kari Faux, Deem Spencer, Aja Monet) debut, Standing on Giant Shoulders, Sam splits the difference between Snoop Dogg and D' Angelo, Curren$y and David Ruffin. The songs reveal a forward-thinking sensibility rooted in ancestral soul. He creates spiritual hymns for the streets that tap into universal ideals and irrepressible groove. In an era plagued by short-term thinking, his ambitions reveal a crate-digging depth of music history and a meticulous ear for detail. The giant shoulders in the album's title refer to James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis - the holy trinity who inspired Sam's process. From the Godfather of Soul, Sam took a perfectionist's rigor and focus. The example of Bobby Brown lent an unshakeable confidence and self-belief. While the constant artistic left turns of the trumpeter that birthed Ccool offered an aspirational archetype. The story starts in the glory days of Long Beach hip-hop. As a young child, the G-Funk era soundtracked rides in Sam's father's car. Some of his earliest memories are trying to memorize Snoop's verse on "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang." Beyond gangsta rap, the LBC has historically doubled as a capital of lowrider soul and carwash oldies. At any intersection, you could hear Dogg Food or Brenton Wood, Warren G or Barbara Lynn. This too was absorbed via osmosis. It also just so happened that the art of performance was always in Sam's blood. So at family functions, he and his sister supplied entertainment by singing karaoke renditions of The Isley Brothers. While his Harlem Shake remains a thing of local lore. Long Beach is a culturally diverse mecca of skate parks and gang life, street fashion and tricky dance moves. This is the place that raised Sam on a diet of Wu-Tang and Nelly Furtado, Lil Bow Wow and Allen Iverson. He was the middle ground between his two older brothers: one who gangbanged, the other who graduated with a master's degree from UC-Santa Barbara. But it wasn't until the end of high school that Sam started to take rap seriously. Alongside long-time collaborators like Huey Briss and Reaper Mook, Sam's name began to make waves on the northside of the city, but he was partially distracted by a modeling career that paid the bills and took him all to way to walk in Paris' fashion week. The first turning point arrived with 2018's "Ramsey," a self-produced, slick-talk anthem with over 10,000,000 streams across all platforms. With each subsequent release, Sam showcased his peerless consistency, building buzz both online and in the city streets. Spin hailed his "smooth and unhurried cadences and understated lyricism_ that sounds like nothing else in Long Beach." Clash raved about Sam's "evolution as an artist, cruising through nostalgic production with slick, witty rhymes." The culmination arrives with Standing on Giant Shoulders. It's the evidence of a master, a young sensei in the model of Quincy Jones. All rhymes, singing, production, and arrangements were handled by Sam - with an assist from his close Long Beach kinsman Tom Kendall from the group Soular System. It's hard-edged and lyrical enough for disciples of Larry June and Roc Marciano, but orchestral and melodic enough for fans of Anderson .Paak and H.E.R.

Chris Crack is back with a brand new album called, Growthfully Developed. Fans and critics alike are already calling it the Westside Chicago native’s best album in the last few years. Pitchfork said “Crack’s latest album is a delicate balance of fresh and familiar from one of the funniest and most thoughtful rappers working today.” With song titles like “Pussy Better When You Eat It First” and “Shitting With The Door Open,” it’s no wonder why he’s said to have the best song titles in the game. Whether it’s heavy hitting 808’s, soul loops or head nodding boom bap Chris laces up the variety of beats with style and finesse. Praised by media outlets such as Billboard and Rolling Stone as well as by iconic hip hop artists such as Earl Sweatshirt and Madlib. Like the album title suggests, Chris has fully grown and developed to reach this point in his career and critics will believe that Growthfully Developed be looked back upon as a pivotal album in his prolific career.

Cats are always hittin me up saying "When will you drop another Stranger Danger production" and today is that day yo!



Recorded in 2016 and only released on digital at the time, this incredible concept album drags the listener through the crack-littered gutters of skid row, referencing every [non-legal] buzz under the sun. The breaks are typical of that Left Coast, Stranger Danger sound: jazzy horns, funky-b-lines, loads of film samples and drums baby, lots of drums. MC's Amxone the Crooked Tooth Bastard (aka Al Cohol) and Vice the Antihero (aka D.Rugs) are your loyal narrators and drunk drivers for the duration of this psychedelic hip hop trip. I'm reminded of Cypress Hill mixed with The Furry Freak Brothers and a smidgen of Cheech & Chong. Effin love this ish!!!!

LA-based Japanese DJ/beatmaker Kapsoul, boasting over 20 years of career, announces the release of his first album "ascent"!

Known in Japan for his collaboration with Japanese rapper Senninso ("GaryPayton"), Kapsoul has garnered a reputation among hardcore hip-hop fans, and many have been eagerly anticipating this debut release. The album features a diverse lineup of artists, including NY rapper AA Rashid, a regular contributor to Westside Gunn's projects, LA underground favorite BLU, Declaime (Dudley Perkins) and Georgia Anne Muldrow, known for their releases on Stones Throw, and Kapsoul's own group Black HairImperial, among others. Additionally, instrumental tracks featuring jazz musicians with close ties to Kapsoul are also included, resulting in a project with musicality that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop.

Denzel Curry's forthcoming King Of The Mischievous South Volume 2 finds him presenting a sequel to the project, and bringing back the sound, that helped launch his career. While the first installment of King Of The Mischievous South was performed from the perspective of his Raven Miyagi persona, a name bestowed upon him by Raider Klan founder SpaceGhostPurrp, Volume 2 finds Curry operating under his Big Ultra persona -- an elevated version of Raven Miyagi that is bragadocious and revels in the success that Curry has seen over the last decade of his career. Creating King Of The Mischievous South Volume 2 has been a goal of Curry's for some time, though his earliest attempts to do so ultimately morphed into other projects, namely his 2016 album Imperial and 2020's 13LOOD 1N + 13LOOD OUT. It wasn't until he stopped overly attempting to create Volume 2 that its songs started to emerge naturally. 

Given the project's sound, which pays homage to the great musical heritages of the South -- from Memphis to Houston and Curry's own South Florida -- its features include the region's greats, both old and new, as well as others whose style is indebted to the South's musical legacy. Features include fellow former Raider Klan member Key Nyata, Memphis stalwarts Juicy J and Project Pat, Texas' Maxo Kream, That Mexican OT and Mike Dimes, North Carolina’s TiaCorine, Atlanta's 2 Chainz and Kenny Mason and South Florida's Ski Mask The Slump God and PlayThatBoiZay, as well as ASAP Ferg and ASAP Rocky, among others. The project more broadly and the intentional inclusion of Rocky and Ferg is Curry's attempt to show what could have been had relationships not soured with SpaceGhostPurrp, fulfilling the promise that existed at the rise of their respective careers in the early 2010s.  

With all of the otherworldly adventures Denzel has taken listeners on over the course of his last few conceptually-driven albums, this project serves as a showcase for the fun, spontaneity and technical mastery that has made him one of rap's most in-demand talents over the course of the last decade. 

This instant hip hop classic and call to action from the modern-day renaissance man - a GRAMMY-, Emmy-, and Oscar-winning artist, activist, actor, and two time New York Times Bestselling author - features seven new songs and two new interludes that catch Common at a new prime in his career. With a core band that includes Robert Glasper (keys), Karriem Riggins (drums), Burniss Travis (bass), Isaiah Sharkey (guitar), and PJ (vocals), plus features from Black Thought and Lenny Kravitz, A Beautiful Revolution Pt 1 is music meant to “uplift, heal, and inspire listeners dealing with racial injustices as well as other social injustices,” says Common.



He continues: “A Beautiful Revolution Pt 1 is affirmation. It's recognition. It's elevation. It's music to go with a movement. Because the truth is, there is still so much work to do. Regardless of the outcome of the election, we need to make sure things do not return to the status quo. The intention of the music is to channel all of our pain and outrage into something productive, inspirational, and good. It’s to help lead a movement into our next phase of the work to be done.”



Our first taste of the project comes with the new single “Say Peace.” This shape-shifting sonic shuffle finds Common trading bars with Black Thought and PJ, as the music mirrors the illusory search for peace that we all pursue. On the new song, Common simply says: "I found my peace, my peace through making these albums.”



Common will perform the new single, joined by Black Thought and PJ, on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 4th, the night after the U.S. presidential election.

50 Cent is one of the most polarizing figures in hip-hop. With the aid of Eminem and Dr. Dre he became one of the world's bestselling rappers and rose to prominence. During his career 50 Cent has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award, thirteen Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and four BET Awards. This compilation is made up of 18 of 50's biggest songs ever.

Born in Oakland, California, the American underground hip hop MC Del tha Funkee Homosapien is the cousin of seminal west coast rapper Ice Cube, and began his career writing lyrics for Ice Cube's group, Da Lench Mob. In 1991, with the help of Ice Cube (also as executive producer) , Del released his debut solo album, I Wish My Brother George Was Here, at the age of 18. The album was a commercial success largely due to the popularity of the hit single, "Mistadobalina".

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.

Lifting hip-hop up to a psychedelic realm, Rejjie Snow raps in technicolor, painting in broad strokes with hypnotic hooks, artfully crafted bars, and otherworldly production. Igniting his career, he supported Madonna on tour and broke all the rules with his 2017 project, The Moon & You. A year later, his full-length debut, Dear Annie, yielded genre-disruptive fan favorites such as "Egyptian Luvr," "23," "The Rain," and more. Along the way, he also collaborated with everyone from Clairo to Kaytranada. After receiving acclaim from tastemaking publications worldwide, the Ireland-born artist opens up this world on his second full-length offering, Baw Baw Black Sheep, boasting the singles "Cookie Chips" [feat. MF Doom & Cam O'bi] and "Mirrors" [feat. Snoh Aalegra & Cam'Obi].

Building on the styles showcased on the first “Beatbox Studios” LP, Hi-Tek was clearly developing his own personal style on the studio’s in-house Akai MPC 60II sampler. The drums were swinging more; the grooves were deeper; the bass thumped harder. Even when choosing familiar samples, he was chopping them in fresh and unexpected ways, which would eventually help shape his signature sound.

As his reputation was becoming cemented in the local Cincinnati scene, his relationship with the rap group Mood was helping to catalyze more regular visits to New York City. The beats collected for “Beatbox Studios 2” were the ones that would stick in the auto-reverse tape deck for those road trips, as were the demo tapes he crafted with Mood, which would eventually earn them a record deal with Blunt Records in 1996—the same label and year where he would land his first major placement on Royal Flush’s “Ghetto Millionaire” album. It was also on one of those 1996 journeys to NYC that he would meet a young Brooklyn emcee named Talib Kweli—with whom he would form one of the most iconic duos of the indie-rap boom of the late-nineties.

“Beatbox Studios 2 (1996 MPC 60II)” showcases Hi-Tek as a hungry young talent on the rise, and his continued elevation would lead him to a career as one of the few producers who can claim to have worked with such a broad range of legendary artists; from superstars like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak, to underground heroes like Mos Def, Common, and J Dilla.

Brainorchestra has found plenty of DIY success through Bandcamp with over a dozen albums released selling well to a fervent fanbase. All physical iterations are either sold out or nearly sold out.
-Recent praise clocked at Pitchfork Media, Complex, and Bandcamp Daily.

New Jersey-based emcee/producer Brainorchestra returns with his latest effort, It Means A Lot. The eight track EP takes a look into his new perspective on life following the success of his previous release, Big Brain, which has made a major impact on his career. Pieced together by unapologetic honesty, new experiences and growth, Brainorchestra is joined by a supporting cast that includes both Butch Dawson and Kenn Starr, we are witnessing the start of practice paying off. The record is produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the fast-rising artist, and comes equipped with the b-side instrumentals. It Means A Lot is set to be released through his recent partnership with Fat Beats.

Embracing his career path as an emcee/entertainer, Crimapple returns with his latest solo effort, El Cantante, which serves as an ode to Hector Lavoe and The Fania Era of salsa music's profound storytelling.

Although devoid of any guest appearances, Crime is joined by a supporting cast of praise-worthy producers throughout the project whom include Bohemia Lynch (Westside Gunn), Michaelangelo (Avenue, Vel the Wonder) as well as his frequent collaborator, Buck Dudley, among others. And while there’s tracks that borrow aesthetics akin to latin music—such as the syncopated rhythm patterns on “Tuesday,” or the looping pan flute heard on “Out the Way”—you’ll still find the archetypal soundscapes that have defined Crime’s discography. These include the soulful/zone-inducing loops on tracks like the album opener, “My Song,” as well as “Together,” “Encore,” and “Precious.” And then there’s the chest-pounding bangers like “Cosos,” where Crime lyrically remains in his bag with unrelenting, braggadocious rhymes: “You cheesecake, rappers know I get on this shit and eat great / Get better at any take and drop on anyone’s release date”.

All in all, El Cantante is a self realization of sorts as the New Jersey emcee shares his current life perspectives as he touches on what it’s like to be considered a hip-hop legend by many, while also reflecting on the path that brought him to this point in his career.

Certainly one of the core figures in the beat scene of Sofia, Bulgaria, Bojidar Vasilev – Trombobby combines his long-time passion, the trombone, with peculiar beats for a truly contemporary sound. Studied jazz trombone at Conservatorium van Amsterdam, he’s also part of acts like Southwick, Dayo, and Android Ethics. Trombobby has played with and produced for numerous musicians in Bulgaria’s thriving soul, r&b, and instrumental hip hop scenes and also teaches music production at Sound Ninja Music Academy.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, TromBobby’s collaborator on Pause vol 1 – Jermaine Holmes began embarking on his musical career at the age of four as a member of his grandfather’s choir of Mount Calvary Baptist church. Jermaine performs as lead singer for Pete Rock and The Soul Brothers, and appears alongside artists like Nicole Bus, Keyon Harrold and many others on albums and stages around the world. Previously he had become an active member of the group The Vanguard since 2012 with popular R&B/Soul artist D’Angelo.

4 years ago Bojidar Vasilev embarked on a journey that’s both solo and packed with friendships. Indebted to Dilla, Knxwledge, and a whole galaxy of influential beat makers, the the fresh-out-of-Amsterdam-studies musician released his debut album Run.

With more than 100k streams on all major DSPs, the world saw TromBobby solidifying his place in the production scene and another example for the rise of the producers as lead artists. While he was already a household name in the Bulgarian r&b / soul and instrumental scene, it was Run that put TromBobby on the path of self-discovery and growth as a musician.

TromBobby’s new approach is a juxtaposition to the Forest Gump inspiration behind Run (2018) and while running did save Forest before, this new record channels his last 4 years of experience and learnings into a more laid-back and grounded destination.

On his new EP, Pause VOL.1, Bojidar, now 27, expands his attitude to beat music with neo-soul, jazz and r&b elements, going beyond sampling and with focus on live instrumentation and vocals as a production element. All that designed to create complex multi-layered music with vast emotional horizons. The take-everything-from-life-and-don’t-stop-for-a-second energy is now transformed. Still there, but somehow matured due to the realization that you really need to focus on certain things in order to achieve your goals.

It is that focus that translated into TromBobby’s ever-growing desire to play more and more instruments. Something that’s not only evident in the album’s artwork and credits, but when experiencing his music live.

On the new record TromBobby manifests the 4 years of exploration and love for collaboration with friends and same-energy people. That leads him to crossing paths with Jermaine Holmes who is an active member of the group The Vanguard since 2012 with artist D’Angelo. Their 2 collaborative tracks “longing” and “tony’s Lament” don’t only cross borders, but genres and sensations.

A big leap forward to TromBobby is utilizing his singing abilities on “box OF Chocolates” and “sunday”. Being fearless is that Run energy that translates into Pause VOL.1 and what’s going to carry on in VOL.2.

His first solo album since 2014’s Rap Fantastic Boston based emcee, Dagha returns with D-A To The G. The eleven track effort is entirely produced by long-time ally, DJ Real (Insight, Martiangang). Closing in at over two decades into his hip-hop career, the album is unapologetically late 80’s and 90’s authentic. Not in a retro rose-glasses approximation of the style but direct from two vets who were actually in the culture and making music back then. Speaking on the release, the emcee said “I feel like it’s a statement album from me. At this point, I have a deeply supportive underground fan base and they know my music. This new album applies the same formula of voice, positivity, fun, and banging beats but this time on vinyl. Yes, there are messages but never from a preachy place.” Among these messages is “Knowledge Over Faith” which the emcee says is about “instead of following blindly to traditions and behaviors passed down from our families and peers use facts and the tools accessible to us to make our own informed decisions.” There’s also “Black Trucks” where Dagha and Ruste Juxx (Boot Camp Clik) warning garbage emcees that time’s up as Dagha says “the ones who are contributing to the current culture of misogyny, addiction and fronting.” Also guesting on four tracks is Dagha’s original rhyme-partner Cloke, the chemistry is definitely evident, with Cloke’s baritone grit and Dagha’s nimble flow. Dagha says “I don’t think my passion for hip-hop has diminished over time, if anything, I’m even more passionate about the music I release.”

Josh One releases “What’s Going On?” lead single and title track off his forthcoming EP featuring Demetrius Rhymes, formerly Chicago-based MC ADaD and Eighty Bugg. “Current and concurrent, the song is about what’s going on and ongoing,” Josh One says of the present-day turmoil and shifting tides of the country. The track’s dark and powerful undertone takes listeners on a cinematic journey challenging contemporary themes of complacency and collective hardship from a now more-than-ever broken system.

The defining Rhodes theme gives way to haunting vocals under Demetrius' precise lyricism confronting today’s headlines that beg the song title’s question. Offering one of the best verses in his heralded career, “What’s Going On?” addresses “these troubling times,” set to the award-winning producer/DJ’s genre-blurring production packed with intricate layers of head nodding MPC drum programming, electric guitar riffs and powerful synth lines backed by live instrumentation and scratching.

Both hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Shurlock launched his production career in 1990, Byron career began in 2007. Byron began collaborating with well-known Parisian producer Onra on an EP entitled "The Big Payback." That collaboration led to numerous releases on independent labels like Rush Hour, Warp (with Flying Lotus), HHV, Circulations, Reebok Classics A Journey into Future, Real Soon, and Giant Step Records. Shurlock career began with super group Arrested Development and co-founder “Tim Headliner Barnwell, and then he moved on to work as a ghost producer for Manuel Seal. His catalog of songs and remixes for artist/groups where for artist Mista, Xscape, the Temptations, Juliet Arrington, DJ Nabbs, Ghost Town DJs, and many more.Together these 2 eclectic producers have come together to form a new experience in Hip Hop. From the classic styles of sampling and chopping beats, that was used in Egyptology, Time, and Play That Back. To the new generation of beat making that encompass House, Jazz, Funk, and Soul, used in songs like Take It Back (Fool), I Miss Love (Love), and Love Instrumental (Tribe).This pairing has been years in the making, with both preparing in their own lanes and perfecting their craft. They’ve been told their hold life that you’re from Birmingham and you can’t make it in this world of music. Well this project is for those that stop dreaming, and believed that Shurlock, and Byron would never make it the world of music. Because they have had to make it without support or help, they obviously named this Album “Us Against the World”.

As one of hip hop’s premier auteurs, Danny Brown has been no stranger to conscious themes and current affairs; much of his discography features blisteringly honest verses set to explosive productions. But on his sixth album Quaranta, Danny Brown shows a new side: with his forlorn face half obscured by the shadows of his past, he delivers a raw, autobiographical clarity that we haven’t seen before.

Part of this comes with age. “Quaranta” means “forty” in Italian, marking pivotal moments and epiphanies in the years since his breakout record XXX. It’s also where the word “quarantine” originates, not only referring to the decade defining lockdowns the album was written in, but to a deep sense of isolation and self reflection that colours Danny’s storytelling. As the album’s very first line says, “This rap shit done saved my life and fucked it up at the same time”: there’s no begging for pity here, rather Danny is telling all, with ‘Maggot Brain’-esque shreds framing his bare, wisened voice.

Danny’s vanguard status as an artist allows him to school the youngins of the rap game while unpacking his own downfalls. In that way, Quaranta becomes a case study of the rapper, reckoning with the realities of his dream career. ‘Y.B.P.’ is as much an admonishment of destitute living situations as it is a celebration of Detroit’s ingenuity, leading into an abstract thesis on gentrification in ‘Jenn’s Terrific Vacation’, where musical structures are knocked down and rebuilt just as quickly as the architectural ones are, while freezing tones depict stagnation in the midst of immense change.

On his new album, Samurai, Lupe retreats inward to give fans one of his most personal albums in his deep catalog. “I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records,” Lupe says, “but I always tell people there's me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It's not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.” The narrative follows a battle rapper through various moments in his career, starting with how they honed their battle rap skills, following their career through different moments. Musically, the new album finds Lupe delighting in the simple pleasures of assembling assonant syllables into playful and poignant narratives. The 8-track album is smooth, yet cerebral, brimming with ideas, but always radiating Lupe’s pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game. The album was produced in full by longtime collaborator and friend, Soundtrakk (“Superstar,” “Kick, Push,” “HipHop Saved My Life”), their second time linking up on a full album after 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and is also the first time Lupe, Trakk, and longtime manager Charles “Chill” Patton were in the studio together since Patton’s release from prison in 2023. “It felt great to be back in the studio again as a family,” Lupe says. It’s the first time they’d worked together in the studio since Lupe’s seminal album, The Cool in 2005. “The word ‘samurai’ means to serve,” Lupe says on the album’s title. “My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years. You have some duty, some purpose to serve. The title alone is very important to me. Before rap even, martial arts was my whole life, and it still plays a huge role in my life. The album is me, but also inspired by a quote I heard from one of my favorite artists. The overall themes of the album speak to the constant fight and the battle one goes through being in the entertainment industry. Some of the things we need to defend.”

The 10 year anniversary edition of this classic album includes a 2xLP on custom blue and purple colored vinyl in gatefold jacket with matte UV and spot-gloss finish, a 24-page zine in 7" size, plus digital download card. First trained in his church choir, Blueprint played in R&B bands in high school and later developed a reputation as a standout rapper. On Adventures in Counter-Culture, he experiments with the synths, keyboards, and drum machines that connected the musical dots of those early days. Print began pursuing his career as a musician in 2001, working on several hip hop projects including his collaborative project Soul Position with DJ/Producer Rjd2. Releasing The Unlimited EP & 8,000,000 Stories on Rhymesayers Entertainment with RJ, Blueprint began work in 2004 on what would become his first solo album, 1988. The success of that album allowed him to tour extensively throughout North America and Europe, before returning home to focus on writing and recording his next album. When he sat down to work on this sophomore effort, Print began with the dark, soulful and sample heavy hip hop of the early 90's, but soon found himself hitting a creative wall. What shook him loose was a new mission: to create an album that encompassed every facet of music he knew, blurring genre lines and bringing it back home as one cohesive listening experience. The more he worked to pair new found interest in rock & electronic music with his love of hip hop, the more he was able to break down that creative barrier. Thus began his Adventures in Counter-Culture, a monumental undertaking that would involve reinventing himself as a musician and person. His growing cynicism with the world, his disdain for pop culture, the state of politics, and an apathetic, uninspired society, all worked as fuel to inspire this sophomore album. Moved by the impact that sampling lawsuits were having on the music community, Blueprint also decided to return to his roots and began writing and producing his own original content.

Custom Pink and Teal Colored Double Vinyl, 12" Gatefold Jacket, Printed Record Sleeves and Free Digital Download Card. After an 11-year hiatus, Murs and Slug are back with their fourth Felt album, Felt 4 U. Their musical journey began back in 2002, with the release of Felt: A Tribute to Christina Ricci, which soon became one of Rhymesayers' most-cherished releases. That continued with the release of Felt 2: A Tribute to Lisa Bonet, in 2005, by which time Murs & Slug's creative partnership had been elevated to a cult-like status, and intensified further in 2009, with the release of Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez. While their personal relationship is fundamental to Felt's legacy, with their comradery establishing itself as a driving force for their creativity, the production on Felt albums has also been a major part of their success. The beats on the first release were provided by another member of Murs' Living Legends crew, The Grouch, while the second album was produced by Ant of Atmosphere, and the third by Aesop Rock. With notable changes in the sonic backdrops for each album, the MC's were allowed to share a unique side of themselves each release, while fine-tuning their styles and showcasing their own growth. The decision to use different producers for those albums was an integral part of the group's journey. A lot has changed since their last release in 2009, including for Murs and Slug themselves in both their personal and professional lives. Their careers have continued to elevate and their families have continued to grow, and this fourth album is something of a reflection of those changes, starting with the title of the project itself. Felt 4 U seemed the simplest, most direct way of saluting the fanbase that has made Felt what they are, a thank you to the dedicated; as well as moving away from the perhaps more male gaze-feel of the previous titles. Even amidst the changes we still find familiarities, like Ant making a return to handle full production on Felt 4 U. Sonically, the album is overflowing with the influences of funk, soul, blues and even country flavors. While Felt 3 had a wintery feel, Felt 2 sounded perfect in autumn and the first Felt captured the blossoming sounds of spring, this is a distinctly summery album, with the richness of Ant's production creating an overall warmth that envelops the whole project. From the opening chords of "Never's Enough", with its funk-fueled, vaguely retro feel, to the outrageously smooth vibes of "Underwater", this is a rap album that demands as much attention for the music, as it does for the rappers themselves. The album is unique to the Felt catalog for its inclusion of guest artists though, with four features making their way onto the final cut. The aforementioned "Underwater" features an excellent appearance from Blimes, who brings her inimitable style to the hook, and Blueprint is credited as his alter-ego, Shepard Albertson, thanks to his vocal support on "Crimson Skies", while The Grouch and Aesop Rock join in on "Hologram" making the perfect Easter egg for Felt fans, thanks to their contributions on previous projects. Overall, this album provides the perfect segue into Felt's next chapter. It reflects changing attitudes in the culture and in the world as a whole, and it reflects the changes in Murs and Slug as well. Whereas before, when some songs were delivered with perhaps a slight tone of judgement - for want of a better word - on Felt 4 U we find two artists offering us their opinions and viewpoints in the hopes of furthering discussion. It's exactly what's needed in the current climate and also a sign that the Felt story is far from over.

On his new album, Samurai, Lupe retreats inward to give fans one of his most personal albums in his deep catalog. “I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records,” Lupe says, “but I always tell people there's me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It's not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.” The narrative follows a battle rapper through various moments in his career, starting with how they honed their battle rap skills, following their career through different moments. Musically, the new album finds Lupe delighting in the simple pleasures of assembling assonant syllables into playful and poignant narratives. The 8-track album is smooth, yet cerebral, brimming with ideas, but always radiating Lupe’s pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game. The album was produced in full by longtime collaborator and friend, Soundtrakk (“Superstar,” “Kick, Push,” “HipHop Saved My Life”), their second time linking up on a full album after 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and is also the first time Lupe, Trakk, and longtime manager Charles “Chill” Patton were in the studio together since Patton’s release from prison in 2023. “It felt great to be back in the studio again as a family,” Lupe says. It’s the first time they’d worked together in the studio since Lupe’s seminal album, The Cool in 2005. “The word ‘samurai’ means to serve,” Lupe says on the album’s title. “My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years. You have some duty, some purpose to serve. The title alone is very important to me. Before rap even, martial arts was my whole life, and it still plays a huge role in my life. The album is me, but also inspired by a quote I heard from one of my favorite artists. The overall themes of the album speak to the constant fight and the battle one goes through being in the entertainment industry. Some of the things we need to defend.”

Finally, the wait is over! Curren$y and Harry Fraud's new joint effort is here. The rapper-producer duo unloaded “The Marina EP”, an eight-track project featuring guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA and Street Wiz as a digital release at the end of May, and now it is seeing its way to vinyl.
Curren$y (aka Spitta Andretti) and Fraud previously connected on Cigarette Boats, an EP they dropped in 2012 as a Sound Cloud only release. “The Marina” sees their chemistry is still as sharp as ever, with each artist lending what we think are career-best efforts.
“The Marina” is a showcase for Spitta's understated, but clever brand of lyricism. Mr. Fraud also delivers, crafting a soundscape as dynamic as Spitta's subtly versatile flows. The chemistry between the two would make Walter White envious.
The show begins with "Radar Tower," a dreamy opening for a project filled with gems from Fraud and Curren$y. "Yours truly in the booth, packaging and wrapping these bricks/My style capture a chick, she was dressed quite ravishing/In the parking lot at the Radisson/With garbage bags of cash in the back of the van," Curren$y raps, tying in some nice alliteration while sounding as relaxed as can be.
With additional tracks featuring heavyweights like French Montana, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA and Wiz Khalifa, this release is certain to become an instant “must cop” release.

Our 104th release is from Chicago MC Vakill!!!! Vakill was a part of the legendary Chicago rap group Molemen!! This 8 song EP contains rare tracks encompassing Vakill's career from 1991 - 2001. All songs produced by the legendary Panik of Molemen. 8 tracks in all, limited to 300 copies (50 colored copies, and 250 standard black vinyl). Get your piece of Chicago rap history now!!!

This is a limited edition of 150. Produced by Heatmakerz, Erick Sermon, Boogeyman, Illmind, Apollo Brown and Justice League. Joell Ortiz & Kxng Crooked met the year they both won XXL's coveted Freshmen of the Year Award. The two's careers are as legendary as any in the rap game. Joell Ortiz started by signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath label, then moving to Shady records as part of the Super group Slaughterhouse with Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9 and Kxng Crooked. Add to that a fresh feature on Eminem's newest album "Music To Be Murdered By." Meanwhile, Kxng Crooked was signed to Virgin Records at just 17 before joining Death Row Records. He's had a flourishing solo career including collaborations along the way with TechN9ne, 2Pac, Benny The Butcher, Raekwon, Akon, Ray J and more. The West Coast LBC representer Kxng Crooked and Brooklyn's Joell Ortiz have finally come together for the new joint project "H.A.R.D." on Mello Music Group.

Paper Route Frank is the first posthumous studio album from legendary Memphis, TN figurehead, rapper and mogul, Young Dolph. Gone from us way too soon, the album serves as a testament to the larger than life person and leader that Dolph was, illustrated in tracks such as “Hall of Fame,” “Get Away,” & “Love For The Streets.” At 13 tracks, the album features appearances from PRE labelmates Key Glock, Big Moochie Grape & Snupe Bandz, and taps heavyweight guests in 2 Chainz & longtime collaborator Gucci Mane, who in many ways helped provide the blueprint for Dolph’s own illustrious career. A truly independent foundation in the rap game and unquestionably one of one individual, we may never see another artist like Young Dolph. Long Live Dolph Forever.

Quantity: 1500
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release

For Black Friday, Schoolly D Is Available In A Yellow And Black Blended Pressing With A Full Color OBI Strip Get On Down presents a special old school treat for RSD Black Friday - Schoolly D’s 1985 debut first issued on his own imprint (and five years later on Jive) produced by Schoolly D and DJ Code Money. The cover of course features Schoolly’s own hand drawn artwork and the album features two of his career stand out cuts - "Gucci Time" and "P.S.K." Find out why Schoolly, and this release in particular, were a heavy influence on Public Enemy, Ice-T, the Beastie Boys and more. Put on your Filas and kick it old school with Schoolly D - presented for RSD Black Friday in an exclusive yellow & black colored vinyl pressing.

Benny The Butcher blazed a trail as an elite voice in rap’s underground to become a top artist in all of music. The prolific Buffalo, New Yorker has established two legendary (and concurrent) album series, broken bread with industry leaders, and twice reached the Billboard Top 40 albums chart as an independent. Now Benny sets the table for a definitive 2022. Soon, he will unveil his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4. By 2004, Benny combined these experiences to launch the Tana Talk series while on house arrest. As TT3 promised, Benny delivered two volumes of The Plugs I Met, in 2019 and 2021, on his Black Soprano Family imprint. In between, Benny inked with Roc Nation management and made songs with Drake, Lil Wayne, Black Thought, and Freddie Gibbs. He also partnered with Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy to flaunt his range on 2020’s acclaimed Burden Of Proof. If the third installment of Tana Talk made Benny a formidable presence in Rap, Volume 4 propels him to stardom. Debut single “Johnny P’s Caddy” partners The Butcher with J. Cole over The Alchemist production. Al’ and Daringer handle the album’s music, just as they seamlessly did on TT3. Conway, Westside Gunn, 38 Spesh and more guest on TT4, as does Stove God Cooks. Benny’s skills and authenticity have cemented his place in the game. However, in a career defined by will and perseverance, The Butcher’s blade keeps getting sharper.

Limited to 100 copies. Underground hip-hop legends Spectac & Amiri are back with their latest offering, "Beautiful Soul", set for release through Ill Adrenaline Records. Known for their signature jazzy, soulful soundscapes and introspective lyricism, this album builds on the success of their critically acclaimed project Soul Beautiful. Once again, Amiri's soulful production lays the foundation for Spectac's sharp, reflective rhymes, proving the duo's chemistry is as potent as ever.

Amiri has long been praised for his ability to blend golden-era vibes with modern production techniques, crafting beats that seamlessly combine jazz, soul, and boom bap. Over the years, his work has earned a respected place in the underground scene, producing for a wide array of artists while staying true to his unique sound.

On the mic, Spectac is a seasoned emcee from South Carolina with roots in North Carolina, known for his witty wordplay and freestyle prowess. With a career spanning over a decade, his lyricism often explores personal experiences and societal issues, making his verses both relatable and thought-provoking. Together, the duo has earned the respect of underground hip-hop heads globally, delivering consistently high-quality music that blends nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Having worked with the likes of 9th Wonder, Big Daddy Kane, and A Tribe Called Quest, Spectac & Amiri are most definitely veterans in the game. Their releases have always been rooted in the spirit of true-school hip-hop, which has enabled them to maintain their underground presence for decades.

The lead single from Beautiful Soul, titled "Yeah Y’all", features their long-time friend and collaborator DJ Shakim, who adds his signature blend of scratches and cuts over Amiri’s dreamy instrumental. Spectac's effortless flow shines with lines like, "…me and Amiri not the greatest but close enough, a stone throws away from a J-Dilla donut…"

With tracks like "When We Do It", "Sermons for Bentleys", "Got a Feeling", and "Wake Up!", the duo dives into themes ranging from reflections on their personal journeys to commentary on the political and social challenges they've witnessed throughout their careers. As always, the album serves a balanced mix of lyrical depth and soulful vibes, offering something for both new listeners and longtime fans.

For those familiar with Spectac & Amiri, Beautiful Soul is a return to form, delivering the kind of lush, thoughtful hip-hop that's become their trademark. And for newcomers? Consider this your backstage pass to one of the best-kept secrets in the underground. Get ready, because once you hit play, you're not just listening — you’re vibing with legends.

In hugo, there’s a central question that Loyle Carner keeps coming back to: “I’m young, Black, successful and have a platform - but where do I go next?” The answer is explored in this epic scream of a third album. With urgent delivery and gloriously widescreen production, Carner confronts both the deeply personal (“You can’t hate the roots of a tree, and not hate the tree. So how can I hate my father without hating me?) and the highly political (“I told the black man he didn’t understand I reached the white man he wouldn’t take my hand”). Cinematic in scale and scope, hugo is both a rallying war cry for a generation forged in fire and a study of the personal internal conflict that drives the rest of the album - as a mixed-race Black man, as an artist, as a father and as a son. With Mercury and Brits nominations, NME Awards and appearances in global brand campaigns (Nike, YSL, Timberland), Carner has undoubtedly had a meteoric rise to the top, culminating with his second album Not Waving, But Drowning charting at number 3 in the UK albums chart in 2019. However, hugo sees Carner taking a sharp detour from his previous work, putting it down to lockdown and the “hedonistic side of career being stripped away. There were no shows, no backstage, no festivals, no photoshoots”. By continuing to write in these tumultuous times with a renewed clarity and sense of artistic freedom, Carner reached deeper beneath the surface than he ever had before. The result is his most cathartic and ambitious record yet, a coruscating journey into the heart of what it means to be alive in these tumultuous times, and one which looks set to neatly cement his position as one of the most potent and vital young talents around today. Working alongside renowned producer kwes. (Solange, Kelela, Nao), Carner leaves no stone unturned on this album, in both its sound and its stories. In a 10-track album that moves from gorgeous neo-soul moments to thundering hip hop, with immediate, infectious bangers and sampled interludes from non musicians (mixed-race Guyanese poet John Agard and youth activist and politician Athian Akec) Carner shifts seamlessly from micro to macro, confronting everything from strained relationships with family to the societal tears caused by class stratification. It also lays bare bruises in his personal life that he has never revealed before – often in painful, deeply uncomfortable ways, focusing on Carner's experience of becoming a father in the context of growing up without contact with his biological father. With the song “Polyfilla”, against the backdrop of a warm melodic beat, Carner explores his desire to “break the chains in the cycle” of dysfunctional Black fatherhood, commenting on the narrative of fatherhood in the genre, and saying a key part of the process was realising that his father “grew up in a world where nobody showed him how to love or nurture”. The follow up track “A Lasting Place” is an exploration of the MC’s failure and inability to be perfect in this mission. The album closer is a powerful statement of love and forgiveness; with his signature lyrical dexterity, Carner declares his relentless commitment to his son and sees forgiving his father as a key part of this. The song closes with an emotional ending of Carner telling his dad “still I’m lucky yo that we talk”. There’s a striking duality of hugo’s bold, multilayered tracks and its often starkly intimate and tender lyricism, and that dichotomy is deliberate - it is a message for young Black men, but really, anyone, who is listening. Cognizant of the immense pain and fear and confusion that we are faced with everyday, Carner has thrown down the gauntlet, defying us not to rise above the fray, wake up each day and be ambitious. Ambitious in building strong personal relationships. Ambitious in our pursuit of our goals. Ambitious in never refusing to back down against injustice. Rejecting the title of leader, Loyle Carner sees himself “as holding up a mirror”, and that clearly translates into the album's universal messages.

Underground hip-hop veterans, Dillon and Batsauce have been making unorthodox rap music together for nearly 20 years with a simple formula: Batsauce makes the beats, Dillon writes the songs, and whatever happens, happens. After carving out their own lane with a catalog of EPs and LPs over the past 2 decades, the duo has finally slowed down enough to ask themselves, 'What Have We Done'? Is the title of their latest effort rhetorical or meant to be an actual question? If so, Dillon and Batsauce probably don't want to know the answer. They probably don't want you, the listener, to think too much about it either. Instead, 'What Have We Done' is an invitation to experience the trials and tribulations, the small wins and the big losses of being aging independent artists in an increasingly cut-throat world for music makers. But Dillon & Batsauce aren't the only ones on this joyride, we also hear from a well-curated crew of characters they've befriended along the way, from bonafide legends like Grand Puba and Kool Keith to modern day rap heroes, Quelle Chris & Reef the Lost Cauze. The end result is a collection of songs that runs the gamut from personal to aspirational to...delusional. Whether it's 'too much' or 'not enough', the answer to the question, 'What Have We Done' remains open to interpretation. Perhaps it’s not a question at all, but merely the naturally visceral reaction when career creators look back at a life lived on the edge.

Black Friday Record Store Day 2022 First Release. Color: Black. Limitation: 3500.
Tommy Boy Records, the legendary hip-hop label founded in 1981, launched the careers of so many notable hip hop legends. Tommy Boy’s Baddest Beats features the greatest hits of Naughty by Nature, Digital Underground, Queen Latifah, Coolio, House of Pain, Stetsasonic, K7 and Apache. The package is 140g black vinyl in an old-style tip-on full color jacket, with full color labels, wrap and RSD sticker.

The sixth album from legendary hip-hop group Souls of Mischief, There Is Only Now, is a unique cinematic 90s crime
tale of love, loss, and revenge. A conceptual collaboration with producer Adrian Younge and the first release on his freshly launched Linear Labs Records label, There Is Only Now gets its inspiration from a near fatal incident involving group members A-Plus, Opio, Tajai, and Phesto early in their careers. Set in 1994, There Is Only Now serves as a bookend to two decades of music since the release of their seminal debut album, ‘93 Til Infinity.

There Is Only Now sees the Souls of Mischief crew members trading bars with a cast of hip-hop and soul luminaries.
Narrated by A Tribe Called Quest member Ali Shaheed Muhammed—as DJ for fictional local Oakland radio station K-NOW—the album’s story unfolds under his all-seeing eye. Busta Rhymes makes an appearance as the story’s villain, Womack, on “Womack’s Lament,” while William Hart of the legendary vocal soul group, The Delfonics, lends his buttery falsetto to the contemplative “Another Side of You.” Snoop Dogg drops knowledge on the situation between Stoney and Womack with an ice cold verse on the title track “There Is Only Now,” and Scarub from Living Legends goes in on “Stone Cold.”

Souls of Mischief and Adrian Younge have created a hip-hop album like no other. The result of a special moment for all
involved, There Is Only Now proves that after two decades in the rap game hip-hop’s Fab Four remains committed to
the expansion of their legacy as hip-hop innovators and pioneers.

Limited edition of 300 copies on black vinyl of "Résonance", the all new album by Kalhex.

The trio consisting of Montreal-based Le Makizar and Paris-based brothers Parental & Lex finally teams up again to present their new album "Résonance". The vinyl includes 12 tracks in total with features by MC Grey and Shing02 plus 10 instrumental versions. Additional production support is provided by Parisian beatsmith Alcynoos.

After more than a decade respectively developing their solo careers, Le Makizar, Parental & Lex drop all new music enlighted by multi-layered instrumentals & lyrics in a deep-Jazz infused vibe. Once again, Parental’s dreamy powerful beats perfectly serve Lex & Le Makizar’s poetic and abstract mellow flows.

This album is the outcome of an exclusive collaboration between the two MCs and performers Youthstar & Miscellaneous (Chill Bump) in a unique opus.New video/single 'Dropping Like Flies' was produced by Ennemi and featuring PAV4N (Foreign Beggars) is an energetic hip-hop banger where the MCs' shows their respective skills on a super efficient and catchy production between hip-hop and neo dubstep.Taking advantage of unexpected free time, they turned 2020 into the perfect year to develop the project and make it happen.It's hard to overlook the eclecticism, the richness of the subjects covered, the completely crazy flows, and the head banging loops of this album whose creation process was the fastest of their respective careers.