Search "career crooks" 311 Items

Limited Edition Reissue to the long-out-of-print 2005 album "Itstrumental"!

For the first time Prince Paul's cult-classic 2005 album “Itstrumental” is seeing a proper commercial reissue on the original imprint of release Female Fun Records. This also marks Female Fun's first release in over a decade.
The sample-driven collage-project distinctive to only how Prince Paul can do - was met with both critical acclaim and retail success upon original release. In the vein of of Prince Paul's solo debut “Psychoanalysis (What Is It ?)” the follow-up “Itstrumental” melded an array of guest vocalists/appearances over the devastating Prince Paul's undeniably great instrumentals/beats.
To refresh collector’s memories, what made “Itstrumental” so unique is that it's songs were culled specifically by Paul from an assortment of analog samplers used throughout the course of his career. Dating back to the 1980's through the early 2000's - which means otherwise unused compositions and tracks from the days of Stetsasonic, De La Soul, Gravediggaz, “Prince Upon Thieves”, and more. It's a virtual catalog of beat-making techniques sewn together in classic concept album style.

This reissue was revised and updated from the original designer/visual artist Ray Johnson. Including the unheard, exclusive song “Indiscretion” not included on the original release.

The PUTS' 9th studio album is another selfmade stunner via Piecelock 70!

LA based People Under The Stairs, Double K (Michael Turner) and Thes One (Christopher Portugal) are the most successful fully independent hip-hop
duo in the history of Hip-Hop. Since their initial release in 1998, People Under The Stairs, or “The P” as they are referred to by their fans, have performed over a thousand sold out shows, festivals and world tours spanning 6 continents and 40 countries. With a pioneering DIY ethic, they have self produced 8 full-length LPs in addition to countless singles and side projects. The musical sensibility punctuating their unique brand of hip-hop has earned them the title “The Steely Dan of Rap Music” as well as consistent critical acclaim and numerous appearances on the Billboard Charts. Their unique career includes an appearance on The Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Special, a John Peele Session at Abbey Road, and groundbreaking performances at festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella and Bonaroo, the last of which was noted by SPIN magazine as “Simply the best performance of Friday... Period”. After finishing their ambitious 8th Studio album Highlighter, The P completed sold out tours with Mac Miller and Girl Talk before returning to the studio to work on their 9th album, 12 Step Program!

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$y, Sean Price, Schoolboy Q, and Domo Genesis of Odd Future, Rugby Thompson is among DZA's most impressive work to date. Also available: Substance Abuse, the hit mixatpe now re-mastered for retail with six bonus tracks (features Devin The Dude, Nipsey Hussle, Curren$y, Cory Gunz, Curtains, and more).

‘tr3b’ is a collaborative 7-track EP from expert lyricist King Kashmere and visionary producer Letherette.

After performing at the same Boiler Room a cool decade ago and connecting through a love of the same genre-blurring sonics that have defined their respective careers to date, King Kashmere and Letherette were always destined to make music together.

It was only a matter of time.

And space.

As an artist who champions a dozen or so sounds, rooted in gripping pop culture aesthetics, genre-smashing production and impeccable versemanship, King Kashmere’s quest to perfect the unperfectable has seen him carve out a unique (and ever-shifting) point on the rap map. Letherette are a duo; two school friends from Wolverhampton, with a rich release history spanning Ninja Tune and beyond, however, their current form fluxes and shifts with each creative endeavour (depending on where either they find themselves at any given fork in the road).

King Kashmere x Letherette’s collaborative EP represents something of a distillation process; avenues of thought and feeling presented as ‘tr3b’; a 7-track EP that feels more like a tapestry than a record, weighted in the experiments of the aforementioned decade, expertly presented for 2022 and beyond.

Limited TO Only 250 Records -

I can remember back when Celestial Clockwork was released I told myself, “I will produce my final album” but rest assured, this is not my final album!

Autopilot is a new beginning for me. With 20 years of experience releasing projects, you are probably wondering how releasing another album is something new. This album is my first album where I’m displaying my vast array of skills: the lyrics (of course!), the production,the mixing and the photography is all me! Shout out to DJ Ginsu for the mastering and Ill Poetic for the album/vinyl layout.

It was important to me that I self produce a project at some point in my career. Autopilot is both the accomplishment and affirmation that I can achieve anything I set before myself by working hard and staying disciplined.

This album is not perfect. It’s not super clean or easy, but neither am I. Personally, I hate perfect albums because many times they are robotic and usually have no feeling. With Autopilot, you hear my heart in every word, soul in every kick, excitement in every snare snap and instrument. This is something special and I believe that it is one of my best! Thank you for riding with me all of these years and I hope that you stick around because I have so much more to give you. But for now, I give you the gift of Autopilot.

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 cream white edition, 300 made. German beatmaker FloFilz announces new project "handful" set for summer release

Berlin-based beatmaker FloFilz is gearing up to unveil his latest musical journey "handful" via Cologne beat label casual low grind this summer. With a career spanning over a decade, FloFilz has earned international acclaim for his distinctive production, capturing the attention of listeners worldwide.

His new release serves as a culmination of 10 tracks crafted over a two-year period, showcasing FloFilz's skill as an artist. Collaborating with both longtime friends (Hubert Daviz, Wun Two) and new musical companions (Rob Araujo, Hnny, Gabiga), the record reflects his diverse influences and experiences, including a stay at a songwriting camp in France in late summer '23. The impressive roster of internationally renowned producers and the additional feature by talented Los Angeles-based singer Kallitechnis, adding a dynamic dimension to the project.

Describing the project FloFilz shared, "It’s kind of a breather, a way to remind myself of the journey so far and what’s to come. A handing to old and new listeners, a waypoint and a thank you."

The „handful" EP will be released on limited vinyl with only 500 copies available including two vinyl only bonus tracks. Release date: July 5th, 2024.

a casual low grind service!

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.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on grey vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes as mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively, whiling maintaining his artistic integrity. Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF Doom, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant and talented multi-instrumentalist. After releasing a groundbreaking joint project back in 2006, Talib Kweli and Madlib are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever.

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.

Limited to 500 copies.

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.

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!

At 6’9” and 400+ pounds, rapper/producer KING MAGNETIC is arguably
the “biggest rapper alive.” Fans of the underground phenom know that
his massive size is a complement to his larger-than-life personality – a
maddening mash-up of creativity, sensitivity, and a strong dose of “I just
don’t give a fuck.”
A native of Allentown, PA - King Magnetic began his career producing and
featuring on various projects while crafting his own mix tape series
"Everything's A Gamble". His debut solo LP, "Timing Is Everything" was
delivered July 10, 2015 and followed by "Everything Happens 4 A Reason"
on March 31, 2017. He has worked with heavyweights such as Sean Price,
Masta Ace, Smif N Wessun, Marco Polo, Prodigy, Edo G, Conway, DJ
Premier, 9th Wonder, Cappadonna, Atmosphere, Jedi Mind Tricks,
Immortal Technique, Jadakiss, Rapsody and more.
While recording his third solo LP, Magnetic teamed up Winnipeg's
docwillrob for "Back In The Trap". The album showcases Magnetic's lyrical
flow over the most modern soundscape in his catalog. This combination
also highlights the production talents of the rookie Canadian producer.
Songs like, "Where I Be", "Everybody" and "The Problems" have eerie, yet
infectious club rhythms while "That's What It Is" takes a smoother
approach. "We Want It All", "Help Me" and "Targets" are darker street
records with signature Magnetic bars. Features include GQ Nothin Pretty,
Recognize Ali, Born, Cassidy and Benny The Butcher for this epic visit to
trap houses throughout North America.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2012, Brooklyn hip-hop collective Pro Era has sent shockwaves through the culture. Crew leader Joey Bada$$ has become one of rap’s biggest stars, and Pro Era artists like Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, and CJ Fly have launched their own successful solo careers. Chuck Strangers has been a key member of Pro Era from the start, producing classic Joey Bada$$ tracks like “Daily Routine”, “FromdaTomb$” (which he was also featured on), “Summer Knights”, “My Yout”, “Escape 120”, “Rockabye Baby”, and more. A true double-threat who’s just as skilled on the mic as he is behind the boards, Chuck is poised as the next breakout star from the Era. Now, the talented artist is announcing his highly-anticipated debut solo album, Consumers Park. Set for release on March 16th, the album features guest appearances from Joey Bada$$, Kirk Knight, and Issa Gold (of The Underachievers). Primarily produced by Chuck Strangers himself (with the notable exception of the lead single “Fresh” produced by Alchemist), Consumers Park is sonically masterful, with a heavy emphasis on raw, soulful vibes. This provides the ideal platform for Chuck to showcase his impressive rap skills, with vivid, nostalgic, witty, personal rhymes that perfectly capture the rising star’s ongoing journey from Flatbush to international hip-hop notoriety.

Limited black vinyl edition, 200 made. German beatmaker FloFilz announces new project "handful" set for summer release

Berlin-based beatmaker FloFilz is gearing up to unveil his latest musical journey "handful" via Cologne beat label casual low grind this summer. With a career spanning over a decade, FloFilz has earned international acclaim for his distinctive production, capturing the attention of listeners worldwide.

His new release serves as a culmination of 10 tracks crafted over a two-year period, showcasing FloFilz's skill as an artist. Collaborating with both longtime friends (Hubert Daviz, Wun Two) and new musical companions (Rob Araujo, Hnny, Gabiga), the record reflects his diverse influences and experiences, including a stay at a songwriting camp in France in late summer '23. The impressive roster of internationally renowned producers and the additional feature by talented Los Angeles-based singer Kallitechnis, adding a dynamic dimension to the project.

Describing the project FloFilz shared, "It’s kind of a breather, a way to remind myself of the journey so far and what’s to come. A handing to old and new listeners, a waypoint and a thank you."

The „handful" EP will be released on limited vinyl with only 500 copies available including two vinyl only bonus tracks. Release date: July 5th, 2024.

a casual low grind service!

What do you get when you combine three forward thinking, California born and bred, life long dedicated Hip Hop powerhouses?



Judas Brutus



“Roughneck Jihad”



Since the late 90’s, Jihad has released an avalanche of releases laced with high level vocabulary, and an acute sense of morbid innovation…



From the “Third Sight” era, with D-Styles & Du- Funk, to the slew of material leading up to the present day- Jihad has solidified his position as a creative genius behind the mic-device..



A true original by any sense of the word…



“Architect”



Architect’s group “Homeless Derilex” was one of the first groups signed to the influential label, “Stones Throw” in the 90’s…



Since then, the ultra prolific producer has collaborated with Nowaah The Flood, Opio, A Plus, Planet Asia, Coolio,Encore, Kurious, and many others throughout his illustrious career…



You will be hard- pressed to find a more technically sound, well rounded, producer than the Architect…



“Drasar Monumental”



DJ,MC, & producer Drasar Monumental is mostly known for his groundbreaking production for Mfgrimm (gmv Trilogy), and his work with Queens NY producer “Ayatollah” as the Boxcutter Brothers..



A true triple threat- Drasar’s style borders on sensory overload with a penchant for drama and unpredictability…



We highly suggest you give this Judas Brutus debut a thorough listen- but please brace yourself for heavy turbulence- the mold is now officially broken…



Limited to only 125 copies!

tobi lou cements a connection to countless listeners through his creativity. The Nigeria-born, Chicago-raised, and Los Angeles-based rapper and producer builds music meant to last with unpredictable flare and inimitable spirit. As the story goes, tobi lou flourished as a football player and baseball player until undergoing a dream-ending injury and jumping from a semi-pro career to the mic. A series of buzzing EPs—tobi lou and the Moon, tobi lou and The Loop, and tobi lou and The Juice—paved the way for his 2019 mixtape, Live on Ice. The latter included “I Was Sad Last Night I’m OK Now,” which racked up 42.9 million Spotify streams. Earning widespread acclaim, Pitchfork hailed 2020’s “Student Loans” as “a refreshing dose of joy.” Meanwhile, Lyrical Lemonade christened him, “Chicago’s Rising Superhero.” Along the way, he headlined shows coast-to-coast and shut down festival stages at Lollapalooza and beyond. He also collaborated with everyone from Smino to Dreezy. Throughout 2021, he assembled Non-Perishable out of his East Los Angeles apartment. He notably produced on every track, lending his touch to the entirety of the project. After amassing hundreds of millions of streams, packing shows, and receiving acclaim from GQ, W Magazine, and more, he architects an immersive experience on his second full-length project and the first installment of a 2022 trilogy, Non-Perishable.

This LP finally brings a Clipping fan-favorite, 2016's Wriggle, onto vinyl in an improved, expanded version that features new art, previously unreleased remixes, and a track that's exclusive to the vinyl format. The original, digital-only Wriggle EP was six tracks that weren't finished in time to make it onto the group's 2014 Sub Pop debut, Clppng. For "Shooter," Clipping recorded themselves firing fifteen different guns, the sounds of which exclusively constituted the beat's drums, augmented only by a synthesized tone-row. The verses referenced the well-worn technique of "hashtag rap," but instead of using it to boast about the rapper's personal wealth and masculine prowess, Clipping put forth imagistic narratives of three violent encounters. True to much of the group's music, "Shooter" was an attempt to reframe a familiar style and test the limits of its formal capabilities. "Hot Fuck No Love" contains what might be the most explicit verse to date from Clipping's favorite New Jersey rapper Cakes Da Killa. The EP's title track, "Wriggle," was built around a sample of the influential power-electronics song "Wriggle Like a Fucking Eel" by Whitehouse, transforming William Bennett's torturous imperative into a instructional dance-floor banger. "Wriggle" and "Shooter" have become classic Clipping tracks and staples of their live show. With this vinyl edition, Clipping fans old and new - and there are many new fans thanks to their breakout 2020 album, Visions of Bodies Being Burned, and Daveed Diggs' thriving acting career - get the vinyl version of Wriggle they've been clamouring for.

This LP finally brings a Clipping fan-favorite, 2016's Wriggle, onto vinyl in an improved, expanded version that features new art, previously unreleased remixes, and a track that's exclusive to the vinyl format. The original, digital-only Wriggle EP was six tracks that weren't finished in time to make it onto the group's 2014 Sub Pop debut, Clppng. For "Shooter," Clipping recorded themselves firing fifteen different guns, the sounds of which exclusively constituted the beat's drums, augmented only by a synthesized tone-row. The verses referenced the well-worn technique of "hashtag rap," but instead of using it to boast about the rapper's personal wealth and masculine prowess, Clipping put forth imagistic narratives of three violent encounters. True to much of the group's music, "Shooter" was an attempt to reframe a familiar style and test the limits of its formal capabilities. "Hot Fuck No Love" contains what might be the most explicit verse to date from Clipping's favorite New Jersey rapper Cakes Da Killa. The EP's title track, "Wriggle," was built around a sample of the influential power-electronics song "Wriggle Like a Fucking Eel" by Whitehouse, transforming William Bennett's torturous imperative into a instructional dance-floor banger. "Wriggle" and "Shooter" have become classic Clipping tracks and staples of their live show. With this vinyl edition, Clipping fans old and new - and there are many new fans thanks to their breakout 2020 album, Visions of Bodies Being Burned, and Daveed Diggs' thriving acting career - get the vinyl version of Wriggle they've been clamouring for.

Limited to 350 copies. HHE is proud to announce The Last Emperor's "Gotta Have Love EP" for the first time ever on CD! The CD edition will contain 8 early legendary tracks from the Last Emperor's vaults recorded in the late 90's and early 00's!! The Last Emperor is a Philly born MC who first burst upon the scene back in 1996 with the epic Bums/Monumental/Secret Wars Part 1 12". After studying political science at Lincoln, the Philly native originally saw himself working for the United Nations. That is until Dr. Dre, who got Emp’s tape from a college buddy, signed him to his Aftermath label. Even though his debut never came to fruition, The Last Emperor made the decision to further pursue a rap career. The Last Emperor made the decision then to permanently move to New York where he began performing at open mic nights and started getting a lot of attention from labels. He then proceeded to sign with Rawkus, where he released a single but Rawkus folded 6 months after he signed so his debut album was postponed once again. After that The Last Emperor decided to take matters into his own hands and launched Red Planet Music. In collaboration with Raptivism he then released "Music, Magic, and Myth" in 2003 and later on the same year "Palace of the Pretender" in the UK which pretty much had a similar tracklist. Limited to 350 copies only!

Since bursting onto the scene in 2012, Brooklyn hip-hop collective Pro Era has sent shockwaves through the culture. Crew leader Joey Bada$$ has become one of rap’s biggest stars, and Pro Era artists like Kirk Knight, Nyck Caution, and CJ Fly have launched their own successful solo careers. Chuck Strangers has been a key member of Pro Era from the start, producing classic Joey Bada$$ tracks like “Daily Routine”, “FromdaTomb$” (which he was also featured on), “Summer Knights”, “My Yout”, “Escape 120”, “Rockabye Baby”, and more. A true double-threat who’s just as skilled on the mic as he is behind the boards, Chuck is poised as the next breakout star from the Era. Now, the talented artist is announcing his highly-anticipated debut solo album, Consumers Park. Set for release on March 16th, the album features guest appearances from Joey Bada$$, Kirk Knight, and Issa Gold (of The Underachievers). Primarily produced by Chuck Strangers himself (with the notable exception of the lead single “Fresh” produced by Alchemist), Consumers Park is sonically masterful, with a heavy emphasis on raw, soulful vibes. This provides the ideal platform for Chuck to showcase his impressive rap skills, with vivid, nostalgic, witty, personal rhymes that perfectly capture the rising star’s ongoing journey from Flatbush to international hip-hop notoriety.

Slaine's upcoming studio album "The King Of Everything Else", is scheduled for an August 19th release date through Suburban Noize. The album is set to feature collaborations with heavyweights Tech N9ne, Madchild, Bishop Lamont, Vinnie Paz, Reks and Termanology, and La Coka Nostra brethren ILL BILL. The album artwork for "The King Of Everything Else", was designed by legendary hip-hop artist Skam2, who has worked with everyone from Eminem, A Tribe Called Quest, D-12, Dizzy Wright, and ILL BILL, to rock group's like Linkin Park.

"The songs on this new album are extremely visual and I felt like the album cover needed to be an accompanying piece. I met Skam2 through Ill Bill a while back and had always dug his work," said Slaine. "I had an idea of what I wanted to do with the cover conceptually and thought he would be the perfect artist to execute it. He took the idea and ran with it. I love the results."

Throughout his musical career as a solo artist, or as a member of hip-hop supergroup La Coka Nostra, Slaine has always made his songs with a gritty, lyrical honesty. His latest autobiographical gorilla, "The King of Everything Else", is a cutting and revealing tell-all. If Behind The Music or E! True Hollywood Story dug this deep into an artist's psyche, they'd have to resurrect Kubrick to subdue all the madness. Slaine, meanwhile, navigates the chaos with impressive nihilistic gusto.

Special limited edition with a vinyl postcard with an exclusive song only on this postcard (playable on a record player!) - 200 copies.

Renowned for their distinctive contributions to the global lofi beat scene, Wun Two and Made in M, two of Germany’s most delicate producers, announce their collaborative album, "Sole Spirito," set to release on June 28th, 2024.

With careers spanning over a decade, both Wun Two and Made in M have left an indelible mark on the genre, pioneering its raw yet chill aesthetic.
Wun Two, known for his signature lofi instrumental hip hop, has recently showcased his versatility through collaborations with acclaimed rappers such as Conway the Machine, Da Flyy Hooligan and Ben Beal and similarly Made in M who has garnered acclaim for his latest lofi house project, Flux LP, showcasing his prowess in creating genre crossing productions.

"Sole Spirito" marks the first full-length collaborative effort between the two producers, who have been long-time friends and mutual admirers of each other's work. The album, comprising 18 tracks, was largely conceived during a songwriting producer camp in southern France in late summer 2023. It was there that they also crossed paths with L.A.-based rapper Yungmorpheus, who features on two of the album's tracks.

With a lot of nostalgic charm of 70s Italo wave, "Sole Spirito" transports listeners to an era of Italian cinema characterized by lush lifestyles, eroticism and vintage nostalgia.

Despite producing countless 7” scratch records and being the host of the DMC World Championships online Portablist battle since it’s inception, turns out that Woody’s been saying the word ‘portablism’ wrong the whole time! Referring to the genre as ‘Poor-tablism’. But let’s face it, if you choose ’scratch DJ’ as a career path, the odds are that it’s a pretty accurate description!



This record switches up the predictable format of the traditional 7” skip-proof’ scratch tool. Each track contains 1 scratch sound that repeats every rotation (making it fully skip-proof) with the other samples in the phrase repeated every 2 rotations (allowing for more variation in the samples). Side A is arranged at 100 bpm whilst Side B is arranged at 133 bpm, each side contains 6 different tracks and end with a full scratch sentence.



The record combines freshly dug and unused samples with original vocal recordings from UK rap legend MC Mercury of the group Gunshot alongside DC born MC and longtime collaborator BluRum 13.



‘The Poortablist’ is pressed on Gold vinyl with full colour picture sleeve illustrated by Woody himself.



• Produced by 2x World Champion DJ Woody



• 12 unique scratch phrases and full sentences



• Features original samples from MC Mercury and Blu Rum 13



• Perfect go-to record for any portablist jam or 7” DJ set.



• Artwork by DJ Woody



• Gold vinyl

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.

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.

2023 silver vinyl pressing.

Few hip-hop artists have achieved the same level of critical acclaim and praise that 90s veteran and Queens native Nasir "Nas" Jones has. Across his over 25-year career he has been ranked as one of the greatest rap performers and lyricists by MTV, The Source, and Complex, among other publications, all while selling over 30 million records worldwide, and releasing eight consecutive platinum albums. In particular, his 1994 debut Illmatic is hailed as a paragon of underground hip-hop, a turning point in East Coast rap's development, and one of the all-time greatest debut albums in general.
Though Nas' artistic legacy is without question, it was not always the case; if Nas had flourished during the mid-90s, he had stumbled clumsily while transitioning into the 00's. After achieving universal praise via Illmatic and commercial success with its' follow-up It Was Written, Nas' next few releases were considered inconsistent and lackluster compared to the critical one-two punch they followed. During this time period he had abandoned the socially-conscious and philosophical topics that made him a critical darling in favor of more commercially viable gangsta rap. Though he maintained a chart presence for much of the late-90s, review scores began to dwindle, and his status among the hip-hop community was thrown into question.
This would change in 2001 with the release of Nas' fifth studio full-length, which made the effort to re-establish him as a legitimate artist. Eschewing the pop-friendliness he'd found success with, Nas instead opted to return to the underground style he came up in, with tracks about American politics, ghetto life, and social upheaval. Perhaps sensing this need to return to his roots, he titled the album Stillmatic, a clear and present reference (and sequel of sorts) to Illmatic.
The ploy worked perfectly; Stillmatic was hailed by critics as a stunning comeback, and a brilliant return to form, earning rave reviews from rap outlets such as The Source and HipHopDX as well as from more mainstream publications as The Rolling Stone and The Village Voice. Praise was heaped upon the complexity and introspective nature of Nas' lyrical content, the top-tier production from veterans like Large Professor, DJ Premier, L.E.S., and Trackmasters, and hard-hitting guest appearances from AZ, Mary J. Blige, and Amerie.
Stillmatic would see release on December 18th of 2001, right as Nas was caught in the middle of a highly publicized feud with fellow New York rapper Jay-Z. As such, the record features one of the feud's most intense apexes in the form of its second track "Ether", a ruthless Ron Browz-produced diss track. A response to Jay-Z's own diss "Takeover", "Ether" savaged the Brooklyn-native, accusing him of brown-nosing to get ahead, of plagiarizing earlier rappers such as Notorious B.I.G. and KRS-One, and dismissing his street cred. To this day "Ether" is considered one of the best and most potent diss tracks ever recorded, a major turning point in the Nas/Jay-Z feud, a standout among the already critically acclaimed Stillmatic, and is even credited with boosting Jay-Z's career by proxy.

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.

These copies have a damaged cover (seamsplit).

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.

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.

Much about ‘Beat Bop’ is shrouded in mystery. Who really produced it? Why was Jean-Michel Basquiat relegated from rapper on the track to drawing the cover and labels? What are they actually rapping about for most of the ten-minute length? These questions, however, are all part of the enigma and rich legend surrounding a song that is an undisputed piece of true hip-hop genius. The combination of graffiti artist Rammellzee and rapper K-Rob is a potent one, with each MC adopting a persona - hustler and B-Boy respectively - that they maintain against an unusual swirling backdrop that must be one of the best instrumentals ever committed to wax. The original Tartown Record pressing was limited to 500 copies, a mere test pressing in the eyes of the assembled artists, with scarcity further driven by Basquiat’s rising rep in the art world. Those few hundred copies – and a subsequent re-release on Profile Records (the same label where K-Rob played out the rest of his brief career) – punched well above their weight in terms of lasting influence. Consider the early vocal tones of the Beastie Boys (who also sampled the track), or the huge part it played in the sound of Cypress Hill and B-Real. His voice is almost homage to Rammellzee’s on ‘Beat Bop’, while they also lifted the chorus of ‘Shoot ‘Em Up’ and even a sample of ‘Cypress Hill’ from the track too. It’s unsurprising – this is a multi-layered, complex song that reveals a little more of itself each time you play it but remains damn funky. This reissue boasts the vocal and instrumental versions in full, as well as both the full cover and label artwork from the original Tartown Release.

Over the last two decades, 20syl has crafted a unique, hip-hop infused, electro musical universe. He inherited a rich musical knowledge and a genuine understanding of analog and vintage sounds form years of classic beat making. He first got his start with Hocus Pocus, a band he founded in 1995. As the mastermind behind the band’s five LPs, including their Gold Record Place 54, 20syl has proved himself to be a visionary artist. A member of C2C - a turntablist quartet with whom he has won 4 DMC world titles – he took the genre mainstream with the groundbreaking album Tetra (2012). This successful opus was rewarded with 4 French Grammys and a Double Platinium Record.

In 2014, 20syl launched his solo career while still working with a few hand picked underground artists such as Grems, Raashan Ahmad and Blitz the Ambassador. In the recent years the prolific producer has taken his trademark overseas with popular remixes of ScHoolboy Q, Rihanna, and King Krule – setting up a booming environment for the 2014 release of his anticipated first solo EP, Motifs.

Co-founder of On And On Records, 20Syl has imposed himself as a flagship of the expanding new scene. Passionate about visual arts, 20Syl designs his artwork and direct his music videos.

A free electron, he seduces the public with his sharp identity and his ability to turn his own original creations into major musical trends.

"PRESSED ON LIMITED EDITION RED & WHITE VINYL! How do you define the music of Mantronix? Is it Hip Hop? Electro? Funk? House? Maybe the answer is all of the above (or is it none of the above?). It is true that Mantronix will be remembered for their multi-faceted sound as well as their ability to bend and blend genres flawlessly into a cohesive musical tapestry, but they will also most importantly they will be remembered as musical innovators and sub- genre pioneers. Kurtis Mantronik and MC Tee formed the group Mantronix In the early 80s. Their Sleeping Bag Records debut: Mantronix: The Album shot to commercial success on the strength of their debut single, ""Fresh Is The Word"". The influence of this groundbreaking debut is still felt in popular music today, having been sampled by the likes of Beastie Boys, Beck, The Prodigy and more. Kurtis Mantronik was also as dangerous behind the desk as he was behind the boards. Working as A&R for Sleeping Bag while signed to the label, Mantronik also helped recruit, sign, and produce for artists such as T La Rock and Just-Ice. Notable records from this era include, Just Ice's ""Cold Gettin' Dumb"" and ""Back to the Old School"" as well as T La Rock's ""Breaking Bells (12"" Version)"". Traffic Entertainment Group in conjunction with Sleeping Bag Records and Warlock Entertainment now presents; Mantronix: King of the Beats, The Anthology 1985-1988. This carefully curated double LP compilation combines the best of Mantronix's work from the early, and arguably, best era of their career into one amazing listening experience. Whether you are an avid Mantronix fan or are looking for a place to start - this is the collection to wrap your ears around."

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.

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.

When Long Island emcee Diabolic broke into the rap scene with a hidden verse onImmortal Technique’s 2001 albumRevolutionary Volume 1, it was evident that his explosive, uncut rhyme style would be something underground circles could salivate over. However, despite his obvious prowess on the microphone, empty offers from labels in the beginning stages of his career left him no choice but to steer clear from commitment until the perfect opportunity arose; then came along Viper Records, who gave Diabolic full control of his debut album, Liar & a Thief. With over three years of work put into his inaugural LP, Diabolic rose to the occasion and let the industry know they had a problem on their hands. Produced entirely by the British Columbia-based native, Engineer, Diabolic found the ideal soundscape to complement his enraged, often self-destructive lyricism better than one could expect. Armed with a notable lineup of guest appearances from the likes of ILL Bill, Canibus, Immortal Technique, and Vinnie Paz, combined with Bolic’s razor sharp rhyme schemes that permeate through Engineer’s melodic and articulate production, all lend itself to the perfect storm, and one of the more promising debut efforts that we had hoped would live up to the hype. For the first time ever, Diabolic’s acclaimed debut, Liar & a Thief will be available on vinyl as a 2xlp, in time for RSD 2023. The 17 track LP will be pressed on two black and silver swirled discs in a sturdy 24pt jacket with metallic silver trim.

Strictly limited edition of 500 copies of "From The Levels Below", the 1995 self-distributed debut release of the Harleckinz (Big Sal, Doubleface and Boogieman) from Berlin, Germany.

The press profile that was originally accompanying the vinyl release stated the following:

"Harleckinz was founded in 1989 in Berlin, Germany. The group consists of three rappers, as well as a D.J., aged 19-23. The Harleckinz are multicultural and multilingual with ethinical backgrounds: American (New York), German, Jamaican, Spanish, and Turkish. The music has potential to embrace an underground, as well as mainstram audience due to it's strong beats on one hand, and soulfoul, melodious accompaniment on the other hand. Lyrics and music are solely written / produced by the Harleckinz.

As far as it is known, Harleckinz is the first German HipHop act seriously attempting to internationalize the rap music scene by intentionally seeking a record contract / career in the U.S. and simultaneously or subsequently promoting their anyhow made name throughout Europe's, precisely Germany's, flourishing HipHop community. The Harleckinz have performed in the U.S. and Germany with celebrities such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, K7, D.J. Kool Herc and Zhane (see performances)."

In the years after the Harleckinz hit the charts with 2 singles and released their one and only album "Now We Are Talkin'" in 2000, followed by a KMC crew album in 2002 via Universal.

To us, "From The Levels Below" is still one of the best Hip Hop records ever been produced in Germany. Next to the vinyl reissue the release is also made available digitally for the very first time.

Haviah Mighty didn’t need to change her birth name when she decided to dedicate her career to music. In fact, Mighty couldn’t be
more accurate a word to describe the artist, named one of XXL’s 15 Toronto Rappers You Should Know in 2019.
Raised in a musical household in Brampton, Ontario, Mighty started singing at the age of 4, rapping at 11, and producing at 15.
Well-known for being one of the three MCs who make up The Sorority — a hip-hop group born during an all-female cypher on International
Women’s Day in 2016 — Mighty is making equally large waves as a solo artist.
Haviah has been releasing music independently since 2009, but it was her project, Flower City (2017), that propelled her solo
career into further success. To date, Mighty recently released Polaris Prize-winning album, 13th Floor (2019), her most fully-realized
project to date - making history as the first hip hop artist and the first black woman to ever receive the award. Garnering overwhelming
praise from the likes of Pitchfork, Billboard, Hot New Hip Hop, and Lyrical Lemonade to name a few, Haviah continues
to carve out spaces that boldly defy gendered expectations for women in hip hop.
Haviah’s explosive live show, filled with in-your-face intensity and her fast, technical flows, has also quickly developed her reputation
as one to keep an eye on, earning her opening slots for acclaimed artists like Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, Redman and
Method Man, Sheck Wes, Nelly, Desiigner, and Kranium.

"Singing was always a big passion for me..I was always fascinated at all the acrobatic vocal runs some singers do with their voice. To me it's an athletic thing and I definitely see myself as a vocal athlete..and for that deeper understanding of my voice that I now have I have to thank my vocal coach Betty Lane. She literally helped me to push out the voice that had been waiting there for years, ready to come out, like "John use me, I'm your voice" and It was always a goal of mine to make a project that showcases my singing. I see myself as a singer songwriter first, I just grew up in the generation of rap, so the 2 styles just fused together naturally. I started writing poems around 8 or 9 years old, then songs, and then raps. I eventually put it all together…22 years later...the journey to my heart , through all the ups and downs of my career trying to discover my voice, who I am, all my travels around the globe. It all leads back to Home, in the most literal sense. The house I’m sitting in front of on the video for "Home" is the house my parents brought me home to as a baby. So for me it’s like going back to the original source, the original purpose. That purpose for me is to sing. That's why this album is so special for me...and Calvin made the perfect soundtrack for me to take you on a soulful stroll through my hometown, Detroit Michigan aka Motown. Hope you enjoy! As Dank would say.."Bless up!!!!!!!!""

Illa J

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.

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.

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes at a moment when mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively while maintaining his artistic integrity, working with top talent across the musical spectrum in the process. Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF Doom, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant who has crafted beats for the likes of Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Tyler The Creator, Logic, De La Soul, and many more. After releasing a groundbreaking collaborative project back in 2006, Madlib and Talib Kweli are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. “The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip hop has lost some of its luster,” Kweli explains. ìNever has there been a better time for such honest, message driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.” A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever.