Search "monokle+saints" 469 Items

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.

What happens when an American musician gets stuck in Munich during a worldwide pandemic? A specially concocted audible brew of Crow Bref is stewed to perfection: a collaboration between NorthernDraw & LeoLex, So fresh! You'll say, as it blends together a medley of diverse genres and guest features reaching from London, Berlin, Munich, Oakland and of course special spices from the Rose City.

Crow Bref Is a collaborative album between Portland native NorthernDraw & Munich rapper LeoLex that was recorded in München, Germany from 2020-2022, featuring a kaleidoscope of lo-fi beats and international boom bap rap.

What happens when an American musician gets stuck in Munich during a worldwide pandemic? A specially concocted audible brew of Crow Bref is stewed to perfection: a collaboration between NorthernDraw & LeoLex, So fresh! You'll say, as it blends together a medley of diverse genres and guest features reaching from London, Berlin, Munich, Oakland and of course special spices from the Rose City.

Crow Bref Is a collaborative album between Portland native NorthernDraw & Munich rapper LeoLex that was recorded in München, Germany from 2020-2022, featuring a kaleidoscope of lo-fi beats and international boom bap rap.

Arghhh yeah and we're back in with a new Season of the Herring.



So my man Hakan Dougpark, a well known demo tape hunter and youtube poster hit me up with the Lord Dakim and the Mellow One demo tape from 93 and said: "Yo Bob, any chance of making this happen?". It took a while but finally the producer Jerry (Ain't it Funky) Phillips found the OG tapes and this stunning EP was born.



Peep the interview below to get more info on the crew. There were only 50 demo tapes ever, most of which ended up at radio stations and labels. No significant interest emerged, that is until 30 years later when Herring came along to make it happen. What can I say fisherman, it was definitely worth the wait!!!





There are 300 copies only in Full Colour Large Sticker cover.

Black wax only.

Arghhh yeah and we're back in with a new Season of the Herring.



So my man Hakan Dougpark, a well known demo tape hunter and youtube poster hit me up with the Lord Dakim and the Mellow One demo tape from 93 and said: "Yo Bob, any chance of making this happen?". It took a while but finally the producer Jerry (Ain't it Funky) Phillips found the OG tapes and this stunning EP was born.



Peep the interview below to get more info on the crew. There were only 50 demo tapes ever, most of which ended up at radio stations and labels. No significant interest emerged, that is until 30 years later when Herring came along to make it happen. What can I say fisherman, it was definitely worth the wait!!!





There are 300 copies only in Full Colour Large Sticker cover.

Black wax only.

Limited edition of 300 copies on vinyl of "Gebete ohne Gott", the new album by Hazenberg from Cologne. Included are old acquaintances like Knowsum, Retrogott or Lazy Jones, as well as new acquaintances like omega.ma, Repeter T or fosfoxn.
Make yourselves comfortable and listen to what Hazenberg has to say.

DJ $HIN's first new release in 16 years, the culmination of many years of battle craftsmanship has been completed!

A masterpiece crafted with precision - the more you experience, the more you appreciate!

Product Review by DJ $HIN

Side A has 15 skipless scratch contents unified at 83 BPM (total of 19 pieces including drum material and tone material).

Side B features 9 skipless scratch contents at 99 BPM and 3 songs to practice beat juggling. (17 pieces, including drum and tone material) We crafted this record to make it accessible for beginners and experts alike.

Track List
Side A
1. Ahhh Fresh
2. Freshhh Ah
3. Ahhhh Fresh
4. Ahh Really Fresh
5. Buta 1
6. Tone 1
7. Unstoppable Uh Go
8. Get Wild Ha Yeah
9. Break Down Yo Word
10. WTF Say Ahh
11. Buta 2
12. Tone 2
13. Rock The Beats with your Hands
14. Break It Down Say Yeah
15. Hey What Yo Come On
16. 1,2,3, Run
17. To The Break It Down
18. All Skipproof Contents 1
19. Tone 3 (Endless)

Side B
1. Ahhhh Beep
2. Freshhh Beep
3. Ahh Fresh Yo Yeah
4. Ah Cut Skratchin' Fresh
5. Buta 3
6. Tone 4
7. Wow Bah woo Hey
8. Yo What It's Fresh
9. Do It huh Come On Yeah
10. Here We Go Ah What Is It
11. Buta 4
12. All Skipproof Contents 2
13. Skratch Samples (ENG)
14. Impeach 2023
15. King Kuter
16. Baddest DJ
17. Endless Beats

Following in the footsteps of his famed brother Madlib, Oh No has become one of the most celebrated independent hip-hop artists of the 21st century. His storied career has included not only rap success but an impressive resume behind the boards, with production credits for Mos Def, Freddie Gibbs, De La Soul, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Ab-Soul, and more. An innovator in the art of sampling with a history of exploring diverse source material, Oh No is now back with Good Vibes / Bad Vibes, a new instrumental album deconstructing the work of iconic vibraphonist Roy Ayers. A split collection with two thematically distinct halves, the album is entirely constructed from the early, jazz-centric realm of the Ayers archive. Good Vibes is "light and vibrant, with colorful layers radiating under the sun shine,” Oh No explains, while Bad Vibes contains “dark murky atmospheric tones for the angry moments, those times when it’s necessary to step in the mud.”

Formed by Toronto DJ/ producers K.Cut, Sir Scratch, and Brooklyn MC/producer Large Professor, Main Source was one of the seminal groups of the East Coast’s hip-hop scene in 90’s. The original trio’s first and only album Breaking Atoms, was released in 1991 to critical and commercial acclaim, before Large Professor left the group. They recorded a second album, The Science, and even ran ads for it in The Source, before the group’s breakup led to its indefinite shelving. Until now! P-vine Records is proud to announce that we’re giving The Science its long deserved official release, almost three decades after it was initially set for release. This gem among gems of 90’s hip-hop, which had never seen so much as a bootleg release, is going to be released on CD, Analog vinyl (1xLP and 1xLP+7 Inch), and cassette tape. With tracks such as “Bootleg”, “Raise Up, “Time (Alternate Mix)”, and “Hella Vision”, taken from master tapes owned by the three original members, as well as well-loved classics like “Fakin’ The Funk” and “How My Man Went Down In The Game”, this record is sure to be killer. Large Professor’s flows are as smooth and lyrical as ever, and the sample-heavy beats that the producers lay down are supreme. Trust me when I say, that this is one record you’re not going to want to miss.

Formed by Toronto DJ/ producers K.Cut, Sir Scratch, and Brooklyn MC/producer Large Professor, Main Source was one of the seminal groups of the East Coast’s hip-hop scene in 90’s. The original trio’s first and only album Breaking Atoms, was released in 1991 to critical and commercial acclaim, before Large Professor left the group. They recorded a second album, The Science, and even ran ads for it in The Source, before the group’s breakup led to its indefinite shelving. Until now! P-vine Records is proud to announce that we’re giving The Science its long deserved official release, almost three decades after it was initially set for release. This gem among gems of 90’s hip-hop, which had never seen so much as a bootleg release, is going to be released on CD, Analog vinyl (1xLP and 1xLP+7 Inch), and cassette tape. With tracks such as “Bootleg”, “Raise Up, “Time (Alternate Mix)”, and “Hella Vision”, taken from master tapes owned by the three original members, as well as well-loved classics like “Fakin’ The Funk” and “How My Man Went Down In The Game”, this record is sure to be killer. Large Professor’s flows are as smooth and lyrical as ever, and the sample-heavy beats that the producers lay down are supreme. Trust me when I say, that this is one record you’re not going to want to miss.

Prolific producer Stu Bangas is back with a new collection of hard-hitting collaborations on Death Wish (Part II), the much anticipated sequel to the 2021 original. The project finds the Boston beatsmith rocking with some of his favorite emcees of all time as well as familiar names who always seem to bring their best work to his instrumentals. For Stu, it’s an honor to work with the likes of Ras Kass and Psycho Les (of the Beatnuts). He made the connections while creating the phenomenal Empires LP with Eric Bobo (of Cypress Hill), and it led to the bangers you hear on Death Wish (Part II). The track with Ras, “Sus,” is an equally hilarious and hardcore takedown of weak-willed phonies, while Psycho Les teams with Celph Titled for the gangster-but-lighthearted “Y’all Clowns.” “I grew up on all the Beatnuts albums, my whole group of friends loved them,” Stu says. “And Soul on Ice by Ras Kass? That’s a certified classic for any hip-hop head.” The other tracks on Death Wish (Part II) include more standout features, from the shoulder-brushing raps of Ty Farris on “Of Course It’s Me,” to the appropriately titled “Feeling Brolic” with Recognize Ali & Mr. Lif. And if you’re left wanting more from Stu and his stable of raw collaborators, keep an eye out for what’s next from the producer. In addition to plans for more joint projects and instrumental releases, he is already starting to stash songs for a Part III.

Summer's Mine is the third studio album from acclaimed Detroit legend and rapper, Babyface Ray. After an enormous 2022 that saw the release of two full-length studio albums, getting named to 2022's XXL Freshman Class & YouTube Music's Black Voices Fund, and a sold out nationwide headlining tour, Babyface Ray returns to bless the streets with something fun for the summer. The 16 track album showcases a side of Ray that fans have become familiar with, and features appearances from fellow Motor City peers Veeze and Los & Nutty, King Hendrick$, Vory, & Hip-Hop luminary Westside Gunn. Never afraid to make a bold statement, Ray is here to say that in 2023, Summer's Mine.

Powerhouse R&B/Soul vocalist and Canadian Idol finalist. Gary Beals, is thrilled to be releasing his new album, The Melody Within. The Melody within is a musical journey that unfolds across two sides, much like a story that reveals new layers with each turn. The album is more than just a collection of songs; it's an emotional guide that beckons us to explore the depths of our own feelings and explores navigating emotions, self discovery, and nostalgia through soulful melodies. "This album serves as the aftermath to my previous album, "Bleed My Truth". It's a continuation of my musical journey, a fusion of soulful melodies and diverse influences that mirror both my personal and artistic evolution," said Gary Beals. "Each song is a chapter, a piece of my heart and soul, inviting listeners into my world of emotions, experiences and connection. It uncovers the melody that resides within. The anticipation is building as I look forward to sharing this collection of new music, and I hope it resonates deeply, offering a meaningful and memorable musical experience enriched with a multitude of emotions." With this new body of work, Gary had the opportunity to work with two talented primary producers,Beatchild (Drake, Justin Nozuka, Glen Lewis) and Myles "Losh'' Schwartz (Allan Rayman, Tobi, The Game, Pretty Lights). Additional production credits on the album include, Chris Guirguis, Frizzy Astro (Raz Fresco, Daniel Son), Jordan "Tempo" Farmer, Kobebeats (Rodwave, Kcamp, Sevyn),Sid Aakowa, Ty Danelley (Popcaan, Tory Lanez, Pressa) and Warren Williams, who all helped to shape the makings of the album while maintaining a consistent synergy. Side A of the album draws inspiration from the likes of Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, and James Brown, and pays homage to artists who have played an integral part in shaping Gary's musical roots. This side includes Gary's previously released singles, "Good People, Good Vibes" and "All of Me," and the album's title track "The Melody Within," that commends the process of self-discovery and introspection. Also included is the album's 5th single, "Self Revolution," which will be released on October 27th along with the official music video. On Side B, you'll encounter a fusion of R&B and pop elements while still staying true to the album's soulful essence. Included on this side, is Gary's third single "I Like That," featuring Jrdn and Kayo ,and the new single "How Do I Say (I Love You)," released September 22nd. "How Do I Say (I Love You)" dives into the inner conflict of conveying affection, showing vulnerability, and the bravery needed to expose one's heart to someone else. About Gary Beals: Two decades ago, Gary embarked on his musical journey when he, a small-town kid from Nova Scotia (now calling Toronto home), made a remarkable entrance onto the national stage as a part of Canada's inaugural season of Canadian Idol. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the finale where Gary was crowned as the "runner up" on the show. The experience ignited a transformative period of self-reflection and discovery that propelled Gary toward personal growth, shaping his life and musical career in lasting ways.
Fast forward through three albums and twenty years, Gary's work and talent have made a remarkable impact and received widespread critical acclaim. Among his accomplishments are debuting in the top 10 of the Canadian sales chart, being nominated for a Juno Award for "Best R&B/Soul Recording," winning an East Coast Music Award and seven African Nova Scotia Music Awards, as well as scoring nominations for an Urban Music Award and a Canadian Radio Music Award. These accomplishments led to his home province's Premier officially designating November 22nd as Gary Beals Day in acknowledgment of his achievements.
With his return, Gary is poised to make a positive impact on the ever-expanding global community as he prepares to release his new album The Melody Within. The album will stand as a tribute to the strength that resides within all of us and a reminder that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving goals, but from discovering the intricate beauty that lies within our own hearts and souls.
Craig Charles is a big supporter of Gary Beals and spun his single 'All Of Me' for three weeks in a row on his Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio Six
His first album, Gary Beals, entered the Canadian album charts at Number 10 and went on to sell 110,000 copies

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on red with black splatter vinyl, limited to 100 copies.

Prolific producer Stu Bangas is back with a new collection of hard-hitting collaborations on Death Wish (Part II), the much anticipated sequel to the 2021 original. The project finds the Boston beatsmith rocking with some of his favorite emcees of all time as well as familiar names who always seem to bring their best work to his instrumentals. For Stu, it’s an honor to work with the likes of Ras Kass and Psycho Les (of the Beatnuts). He made the connections while creating the phenomenal Empires LP with Eric Bobo (of Cypress Hill), and it led to the bangers you hear on Death Wish (Part II). The track with Ras, “Sus,” is an equally hilarious and hardcore takedown of weak-willed phonies, while Psycho Les teams with Celph Titled for the gangster-but-lighthearted “Y’all Clowns.” “I grew up on all the Beatnuts albums, my whole group of friends loved them,” Stu says. “And Soul on Ice by Ras Kass? That’s a certified classic for any hip-hop head.” The other tracks on Death Wish (Part II) include more standout features, from the shoulder-brushing raps of Ty Farris on “Of Course It’s Me,” to the appropriately titled “Feeling Brolic” with Recognize Ali & Mr. Lif. And if you’re left wanting more from Stu and his stable of raw collaborators, keep an eye out for what’s next from the producer. In addition to plans for more joint projects and instrumental releases, he is already starting to stash songs for a Part III.

Plus One is the brand-new album from Brooklyn-based artist Lindsay Powell aka Fielded. While Fielded has put out several solo projects steeped in their trademark psychedelic R&B, they also has quietly built a reputation as a genre-bending vocalist and sought-after musical collaborator. Plus One turns that dynamic on its head, bringing together an indie music elite on Fielded’s guest list including Armand Hammer, Felicia Douglass, Kenny Segal, They Hate Change, DJ Haram, Wolf Weston, The Lasso, Child Actor and Steel Tipped Dove.

“I’ve offered myself in blips and breaths and moments, sighing under a powerful lyric, or punctuating another vocalist’s breakthrough performance,” Fielded says. “We wanted to see what could happen when I brought those same artists in to add flourishes to my visions and depth to my stories.”

Plus One is executive produced by billy woods, building on a creative partnership that goes back to the rapper’s 2019 album, Terror Management. Since then Fielded has engineered, produced and performed on a slew of Backwoodz Studioz releases, in addition to putting out two projects on the label- 2020’s Demisexual Lovelace and 2021’s Young Medusa- in addition to their extensive outside commitments. That history is reflected in the breadth of Plus One’s collaborations; Fielded stole the show on Small Bills “Safehouse,” the first song on ELUCID and The Lasso’s 2019 album Don’t Play It Straight. Here they reunite, cooking up a slinky R&B banger with “Waves.” Wolf Weston and Fielded traded harmonies on Saint Mela’s 2020 EP all for this strange baptism, and Weston returns the favor to fantastic effect on “Goddess Woes.” In 2019, Fielded joined forces with Fat Tony and Steel Tipped Dove for the Houston rapper’s Don’t Move EP. On Plus One, both artists step into her world and find their footing effortlessly—Tony on the woozy numbness of “Where I Came From,” and Dove with a stumbling cascade of drum and piano on “World’s Away.” Yet, it’s some of the newest pairings that yield the ripest fruit. Kenny Segal and Fielded combine for two album highlights, and A. Billi Free pops up for the record’s biggest curveball (unless you give that to Florida rappers They Hate Change setting fire to an ELUCID beat). Through it all, Fielded holds court, always taking or leaving exactly what the song requires.

“It is an album telling full stories, walking through valleys and cities, landscapes rich and sometimes heartbreaking,” Fielded explains. ”No one is filler. Everyone has been welcomed and valued. Everyone made the work weird, wonderful and honest, and for that I am grateful.”

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

Your Old Droog recently delivered one of the most impressive runs hip-hop has ever seen, releasing seven expertly crafted, thematically distinct projects over a span of only thirteen months. Now, the final two albums in this historic creative flurry are available in physical form for the first time ever, with this unique joint release of "The Yodfather" and "The Shining". With both collections inspired by classic films, this physical release is being presented as a "double feature" in the style of vintage movie screenings, with "The Yodfather" on the front cover and "The Shining" on the back. Originally released only on digital outlets, these deeply cinematic collections strike a perfect balance of soulful and sinister, with beats supplied by the likes of Madlib, SadhuGold, Fortes, Wino Willy, and more. While Droog’s mind-bending wordplay takes center stage, the set also features appearances by Che Noir, Tha God Fahim, and Rockness Monsta, along with the unreleased bonus track “North Face With The ACGs”.

The reputation of the Japanese hip-hop production team Grey October Sound is spreading both in Japan and abroad. While they have released quality albums such as "Timeless" and "The Cave," their two lo-fi hip-hop cover albums, "Lo-Fi Ghibli" and "Lo-Fi City Pop," have become hits in record stores around the world. For the third installment of this series, they have set their sights on Japan's world-famous anime songs!

They will be covering songs from "Bleach", "Saint Seiya", "Puella Magi Madoka Magica", "k-on! and "Dragon Ball", all of which are lo-fi arrangements of theme songs and insert songs of high quality, while still showing respect for the originals. The cover of this album was designed by Rika Hase, an illustrator who also created the artwork for "Lo-Fi Ghibli" and "Lo-Fi City Pop".

An independent hip-hop fixture for more than 15 years, famed Los Angeles emcee Blu has mastered the lost art of the album, imbuing each project with unique themes and often recruiting a single producer to craft a cohesive sonic experience. This has lead to full-length collaborations with the likes of Exile, Madlib, Shafiq Husayn, Oh No, Damu The Fudgemunk, and more, along with the 2018 classic Gods In The Spirit, Titans In The Flesh, produced by Virginia beatsmith Nottz. With major credits dating back to the late 1990s, Nottz is a production icon who has worked with Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Scarface, The Game, Pusha T, Ghostface Killah, Slaughterhouse, Rapsody, Asher Roth, Little Brother, Talib Kweli, and more. Now, Blu and Nottz are reuniting for the new album Afrika, a celebration of the rich history and culture of their ancestral homeland. With Swahili song titles and thunderous beats from Nottz, the collection finds Blu proudly embracing his roots, connecting black struggles in the U.S. to those of African peoples worldwide. This powerful message is reinforced by a legion of talented guests, as Afrika features appearances by Quelle Chris, Mickey Factz, Shad, Ill Camille, Scienze, Cashus King, and more.

3Sunz (Ishmael Nehemiah and Solomon) have been making a buzz in the underground for some years now. These 2 young lyricists from the Tennessee mountains with a gift for introspective rhymes hooked up with longtime friends and producers Confidence and J Ferra back in 2021 and the result of that was "The Ride".



Here's what Ishmael Nehemiah had to say about the album last week.



"What a ride this music journey has been for me. I mean truly such a series of ups and downs and pluses and minuses. I have been inspired and I have trusted myself enough to know that my art is and will always be impactful. This album still represents exactly what it did To me the day it released and that is to enjoy life with the people you truly love. It’s a wild ride. The work was fully dedicated to the relationship me and my brothers have preserved for one another since we were children. Nothing short of a taste of our whole lives into just a small piece of work. This project is filled with fun, laughter, sadness and sorrow. Self worth and self love. And dedication. Very impactful subjects if you ask me. Thank you to every last soul who made this project become a reality and you know who you are. May this music live on for eternity… To infinity….and beyond"



Now on vinyl and CD in limited fashion! We will have a dope colored edition limited to only 100 copies and a black vinyl edition limited to only 150 copies. The CD will be limited to only 200 copies total.

3Sunz (Ishmael Nehemiah and Solomon) have been making a buzz in the underground for some years now. These 2 young lyricists from the Tennessee mountains with a gift for introspective rhymes hooked up with longtime friends and producers Confidence and J Ferra back in 2021 and the result of that was "The Ride".



Here's what Ishmael Nehemiah had to say about the album last week.



"What a ride this music journey has been for me. I mean truly such a series of ups and downs and pluses and minuses. I have been inspired and I have trusted myself enough to know that my art is and will always be impactful. This album still represents exactly what it did To me the day it released and that is to enjoy life with the people you truly love. It’s a wild ride. The work was fully dedicated to the relationship me and my brothers have preserved for one another since we were children. Nothing short of a taste of our whole lives into just a small piece of work. This project is filled with fun, laughter, sadness and sorrow. Self worth and self love. And dedication. Very impactful subjects if you ask me. Thank you to every last soul who made this project become a reality and you know who you are. May this music live on for eternity… To infinity….and beyond"



Now on vinyl and CD in limited fashion! We will have a dope colored edition limited to only 100 copies and a black vinyl edition limited to only 150 copies. The CD will be limited to only 200 copies total.

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.

3Sunz (Ishmael Nehemiah and Solomon) have been making a buzz in the underground for some years now. These 2 young lyricists from the Tennessee mountains with a gift for introspective rhymes hooked up with longtime friends and producers Confidence and J Ferra back in 2021 and the result of that was "The Ride".



Here's what Ishmael Nehemiah had to say about the album last week.



"What a ride this music journey has been for me. I mean truly such a series of ups and downs and pluses and minuses. I have been inspired and I have trusted myself enough to know that my art is and will always be impactful. This album still represents exactly what it did To me the day it released and that is to enjoy life with the people you truly love. It’s a wild ride. The work was fully dedicated to the relationship me and my brothers have preserved for one another since we were children. Nothing short of a taste of our whole lives into just a small piece of work. This project is filled with fun, laughter, sadness and sorrow. Self worth and self love. And dedication. Very impactful subjects if you ask me. Thank you to every last soul who made this project become a reality and you know who you are. May this music live on for eternity… To infinity….and beyond"



Now on vinyl and CD in limited fashion! We will have a dope colored edition limited to only 100 copies and a black vinyl edition limited to only 150 copies. The CD will be limited to only 200 copies total.

What would music say if it musicked about itself?

Jukebox got warped but records are fine.Voice box grew coarse, textured with brine.

“Loose seal!”

I looked as good as the waitress. The jukebox unplugged itself. I fed a curved coin to a smiling slot.

“Lucille!” Both Dylan’s and Lennon’s toes went up in their boots when they heard that one. Formed bands. Bands get stolen, lured to the bigger gigs. New bands form.

Auditions skip conversation. If it works, it’s a go. Leave good and bad in the last century. What if I told you a band is a solo act? What if I told you we’re all one? You knew that already, duh. Is there anything I could say that would change us? Change anything?

When the barman asks, “What’s your poison?” he’s not exaggerating. “What’s your cure?” I asked. “You’re well-preserved,” he observed. “You tell me.” “Can I use this space during the day for a chess camp?” I asked him. Little Richard finished playing. “Great idea,” the barman said.

Wait, am I the jukebox? Lou Reed said he was receiving songs like a radio at all times. “Black Light, Black Heat” greeted our first chess meet. “Turn it down so the kids can concentrate,” demanded my kids’ teammates’ square parents. The jukebox reduced its rock to a whisper, revealing my snores.

If this was the last verse I ever wrote, I would want it to be of use like a leather coat or measured rope.

Is Brooklyn in the house band?

— MC Paul Barman

The reputation of the Japanese hip-hop production team Grey October Sound is spreading both in Japan and abroad. While they have released quality albums such as "Timeless" and "The Cave," their two lo-fi hip-hop cover albums, "Lo-Fi Ghibli" and "Lo-Fi City Pop," have become hits in record stores around the world. For the third installment of this series, they have set their sights on Japan's world-famous anime songs!

They will be covering songs from "Bleach", "Saint Seiya", "Puella Magi Madoka Magica", "k-on! and "Dragon Ball", all of which are lo-fi arrangements of theme songs and insert songs of high quality, while still showing respect for the originals. The cover of this album was designed by Rika Hase, an illustrator who also created the artwork for "Lo-Fi Ghibli" and "Lo-Fi City Pop".

LP+CD+7"

Tkay Maidza, the first female rapper signed to 4AD, announces details of her highly anticipated new album, Sweet Justice. The follow-up to her 2016 self-titled debut will be released on 3 November and includes the recent Flume-produced earth-shuddering single ‘Silent Assassin’. Today, Tkay shares a blistering new track, ‘Ring-A-Ling’ and official video directed by Jocelyn Anquetil.

“I’m never choosing compliance,” a defiant Maidza utters ‘Ring-A-Ling’; a warning from the Zimbabwean-born, Australian-raised, Los Angeles-based rapper, singer and producer and a mantra for Sweet Justice. Produced by Two Fresh, Tkay says of ‘Ring-A-Ling’, “I wanted to make an empowering song that tells others that my biggest focus are my goals.”

The result of a dark night of the soul—and ensuing epiphany—that led to a series of professional and personal reckonings, Sweet Justice isn’t a revenge album, but it does stem from a profound sense of karma. In a traditional sense, it’s a breakup record: about Tkay splitting off from her self-doubt and warped sense of self; the toxic figures that populated the last chapter of her life; and the idea that she should stick to any one lane.

After severing ties with old friends, she found some new ones on the same creative wavelength: Canadian producers Stint and Kaytranada, and fellow Australian Flume, all of whom contribute production. Sweet Justice is an album that embodies the beautiful contradictions of Tkay’s art: it’s a coming-of-age record by someone who’s mastered the game; an album about karmic justice and accountability that’s bright, breezy and incredibly fun. In Tkay’s mind, it’s a rebirth album, a record about harnessing the feminine power that was innate in her the whole time.

Tkay Maidza says, “Sweet Justice was a way for me to channel my emotions from what I’ve experienced in the last two years. It’s a diary of things and thoughts I’ve kept to myself. Making the record was a healing experience and I’m grateful to have worked with producers who have inspired me throughout my career.” Sweet Justice follows the 3-year-long, 24 song-strong genre-bending Last Year Was Weird trilogy exploring Maidza’s own African-Australian experience. The project earned her a 2021 ARIA Awards win for Best Soul/R&B Release and an NME Award for Best Solo Act From Australia in 2022. Following on from tours with Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, Tkay is currently in the southern hemisphere for arena shows with Lizzo with her own headline shows to be announced soon.

Rockabye Baby transforms rock favorites into beautiful instrumental lullabies. Guitars and drums are traded for xylophones and bells, and the volume is turned down from an eleven to a two. Tonight, the cradle will rock.

Do noisy babies have you saying miss you sleep? Rockabye Baby's quiet versions of eminem's favorites will turn the lights off and help keep 'em off all night long. Do it for the kids.

An independent hip-hop fixture for more than 15 years, famed Los Angeles emcee Blu has mastered the lost art of the album, imbuing each new project with unique themes and often recruiting a single producer to craft a cohesive sonic experience. This has lead to full-length collaborations with the likes of Exile, Madlib, Shafiq Husayn, Oh No, Damu The Fudgemunk, and more, along with the 2018 classic Gods In The Spirit, Titans In The Flesh, produced by Virginia beatsmith Nottz. With major credits dating back to the late 1990s, Nottz is a production icon who has worked with Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Scarface, The Game, Pusha T, Slaughterhouse, Ghostface Killah, Rapsody, Asher Roth, Little Brother, Talib Kweli, and many more. Now, Blu and Nottz are reuniting for the new album Afrika, a celebration of the rich history and culture of their ancestral homeland. With Swahili song titles and thunderous beats from Nottz, the collection finds Blu proudly embracing his roots, connecting black struggles in the U.S. to those of African peoples worldwide. "I hope this project inspires many others to speak on the father and home of humanity, Afrika,” Blu explains. This powerful message is reinforced by a legion of talented guests, as Afrika features appearances by Quelle Chris, Mickey Factz, Shad, Ill Camille, Scienze, Cashus King, and more.

Known for weaving together complex rhymes with style, Elzhi has been rapping circles around the competition for more than two decades. After years as a member of iconic group Slum Village, Elzhi’s impressive solo career has included projects produced by acclaimed artists like Black Milk, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Khrysis, and Will Sessions. Now, the Detroit emcee is linking with California beat maestro Oh No for the new collaborative album Heavy Vibrato. A multitalented underground hip-hop luminary, Oh No has built a formidable resume behind the boards, crafting tracks for Mos Def, Freddie Gibbs, MF Doom, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Ab-Soul, Danny Brown, and more. Heavy Vibrato is a thrilling showcase for Elzhi’s lyrical wizardry and cinematic storytelling, as Oh No breathes new life into a compelling tapestry of jazz samples, producing the entire collection. “The only thing you need to absorb this experience is an open mind,” says Elzhi. With guest appearances by Blu and Guilty Simpson, Heavy Vibrato taps into an undeniable frequency.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP incl. bonus 7" ("Buddah Blessed It" b/w "Instrumental").

Set to be released in 1995, Supernatural's debut "Natural Disasters" got shelved and never saw an official release until now. 21 tracks of pure Golden Era heat by one of the most respected freestyle MC's in Hip Hop, entirely produced by Djinji Brown.

"This album was created between January - April of 1995 in Brooklyn, NYC. It was a special moment in time captured musically by two friends who had a vision. A vision that really couldn’t be labeled, but could only be put into sounds. In my mind this album could only have been created in Brooklyn at this exact juncture in time. In general NYC was on fire artistically. There was so much creativity in the air, the ground, everywhere, the streets were talking indeed. All you had to do was listen and the message was clear “Create from Creativity”! Everyone had something to say, and Supernatural had a unique way of doing it. The forces of nature work in mysterious ways and when certain elements align the result is something very unique. We truly hope you enjoy “Natural Disasters”, which is more of a journey into the minds and imaginations of two creative spirits than it is a rap album. But in the same breath it could not have been born if not for Hip Hop." - Djinji Brown

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Set to be released in 1995, Supernatural's debut "Natural Disasters" got shelved and never saw an official release until now. 21 tracks of pure Golden Era heat by one of the most respected freestyle MC's in Hip Hop, entirely produced by Djinji Brown.

"This album was created between January - April of 1995 in Brooklyn, NYC. It was a special moment in time captured musically by two friends who had a vision. A vision that really couldn’t be labeled, but could only be put into sounds. In my mind this album could only have been created in Brooklyn at this exact juncture in time. In general NYC was on fire artistically. There was so much creativity in the air, the ground, everywhere, the streets were talking indeed. All you had to do was listen and the message was clear “Create from Creativity”! Everyone had something to say, and Supernatural had a unique way of doing it. The forces of nature work in mysterious ways and when certain elements align the result is something very unique. We truly hope you enjoy “Natural Disasters”, which is more of a journey into the minds and imaginations of two creative spirits than it is a rap album. But in the same breath it could not have been born if not for Hip Hop." - Djinji Brown

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 300 copies on CD in jewel case.

Set to be released in 1995, Supernatural's debut "Natural Disasters" got shelved and never saw an official release until now. 21 tracks of pure Golden Era heat by one of the most respected freestyle MC's in Hip Hop, entirely produced by Djinji Brown.

"This album was created between January - April of 1995 in Brooklyn, NYC. It was a special moment in time captured musically by two friends who had a vision. A vision that really couldn’t be labeled, but could only be put into sounds. In my mind this album could only have been created in Brooklyn at this exact juncture in time. In general NYC was on fire artistically. There was so much creativity in the air, the ground, everywhere, the streets were talking indeed. All you had to do was listen and the message was clear “Create from Creativity”! Everyone had something to say, and Supernatural had a unique way of doing it. The forces of nature work in mysterious ways and when certain elements align the result is something very unique. We truly hope you enjoy “Natural Disasters”, which is more of a journey into the minds and imaginations of two creative spirits than it is a rap album. But in the same breath it could not have been born if not for Hip Hop." - Djinji Brown

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.