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Yesterday & Tomorrow is more than just a beat tape. It’s the personal story of Val Murray’s gender transition. Evolving beautifully over three acts, each of the 15 songs is a necessary moment in an emotional arc that begins with Murray’s self-revelations at the start of the pandemic, through to her gradual acceptance and self-actualization in the summer of 2021.

The first act, discovery, is about Murray’s first steps into her transition, developing an acute awareness of her own gender dysphoria, or as she describes it: “searching for the keys to your true self and coming up empty handed.” In this act it’s fitting that beats like psilocybin and opal feel foggy and vaporous. trees featuring Floco Torres, asks us to ponder our undeniable inner truth and outer truth, so we can stay in touch with the world around us. Torres’ incisive lyrics on trees are an extension of an hour-long conversation with Murray after the police shooting of Jacob Blake, painting an intense picture of self-discovery in disorienting times. To end the act, Dysphoria sunshine and drown take us deeper into Murray’s 8 to 9 month period of dysphoria before glimmers of hope appear.

In act two, reflection, we are with Murray as she finds herself at the bottom of a proverbial mountain she doesn’t know she can climb. Dealing with new realizations about her true gender identity, a final grad class in theoretical computer science that feels beyond her capabilities, and a late in life autism diagnosis, she has no choice but to push herself further than she’s ever gone before. This is where she ascends, expanding her mind and growing more firm in who she is. Songs like the girl in the mirror and ikigai, show light entering through the clouds, and along with it, a new purpose for Murray: “live as me.” With prism, a track that began before her transition, Murray sees the world through her new self with life-affirming vividness and meaning.

In the final act, we enter the most recent stage of Murray’s transition: actualization. This is a stage on-going today, one full of questioning: what does it means to be oneself? What assumptions are accurate? What’s been an act all along? It’s a period of her life, and on the album, that’s deconstructive and lighter in tone, all while being abstract. Songs like parallel are meant to occupy two realities or timelines: the then and the now (the now being the only timeline that matters.) With the penultimate thank you, Murray creates an ode to close friends who’ve been supportive all along, whose positivity continue to bring comfort. Finally on see u again, Murray leaves us with a peaceful yet dissonant closer about living your truth and everything that comes with it. Including all the bad feelings that can creep in from time to time.

Yesterday & Tomorrow is a beat tape like no other, an intimate epic about Murray’s past and future. Although deeply personal, there’s a message for all of us to internalize: no matter how dark things get, there’s always hope. Even when you think it’s completely out of reach.

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

Great minds think alike. Eprom & Barclay Crenshaw’s remixes of Yung Skrrt’s “McDonalds” are cosmically connected. Both artists separately discovered the track via Bandcamp, and both began transmitting the frequencies through their DJ sets on different stages around the world. Once the parallel universe became perpendicular and crossed paths, they each decided to make their own interpretations and now the world is one.

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”.

Yogisoul returns with his first album in 8 years, after breaking through creative blocks and discovering a newfound love for his producing craft rooted in his childhood.

A timeless throwback offering, an instant classic that will leave you wondering if you somehow missed this record reminiscent of 90’s West Coast Rap. It’s that blunt rolling record, with the deep G-Funk grooves, skits, and raps by Woof. A record inspired by the albums Yogisoul grew up listening to. A combination of his imagination of the West Coast California landscape portrayed by 90’s records on Death Row Records, and the real-life experiences of California-based rapper, Woof.

But before Yogi could get started on the project, he had some creative barriers to work through, hurdles that had him wondering if he’d continue making music at all.

“A few years back I became a father, worked as a teacher, and didn't really feel inspired by the music I was making. I was kinda fed up with the lane I was in musically and had doubts about continuing. Which was very strange since I´ve been into music so heavily since I was a kid. Time for music was a bit limited and I just hit a creative stop for a while.”

Sometimes an existential crisis is all you need to unlock the tools to look deep within and take stock of what inspired your love for making music in the first place. For producer Yogisoul, it was thinking about the golden era of hip hop that initially sparked his interest in becoming a producer, and revisiting the albums that remain deep within his canon that inspired the beginnings of his new LP, Let the Dopeness Begin! Yogisoul began an inward journey that found him trying to produce from the perspective of himself as a kid.

“I started listening back to the records I really loved as a young teen. When I listened, I loved and felt very connected to the music, but had no idea of how it was made or what went into the record-making process. I found it very refreshing trying to make music from that perspective of the young mind just feeling the music, not understanding it or breaking it down. I really found my creative output again that way. When I grew up, the rappers and producers I listened to were like superheroes, larger than life.”

As Yogi dove deeper, he was able to move past the self-doubt that had him overanalyzing what he was creating and started producing beats that he felt could set the stage for storytelling. He wanted to make music that made you feel like you were watching a movie or listening to a soundtrack, cruising the streets in a lowrider in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Let The Dopeness Begin, taps into that storytelling not only with Woof’s raps but by offering multiple layers of production and sequencing that leaves room for skits that invite you into the sonic world of the album. When Yogi was trying to find a vocalist to collaborate on the album with, he had a vision for what the right voice would be for the project.

“In the process of finding my sound, I wanted to work with vocalists or artists that tell a story. Not necessarily by storytelling or in the lyrics, but just by hearing their voice you instantly know where they are from, what they represent, and what they are about. Like an outlaw on the prairie with an out-of-tune guitar is more interesting than a studio musician. Woof is that guy! Not on the prairie but in a lowrider under the streetlights sipping on gin & juice. My ability is not in living that life, but in the musical experience of knowing what can facilitate him in the best way sonically. Setting the scene for him with the beats, the talkbox, the scratches, and the skits on the record.” - Yogisoul

Yogi had become aware of Woof’s raps back in 2012, he always felt as if Woof was overlooked or going unnoticed. He made attempts to track him down, but it wasn't until more recently that Woof popped up on a social media page, which allowed Yogi to reach out in regards to the possible collaboration. The two made the record completely remotely, never even having a single conversation on the phone, it was all orchestrated via text. Yogi would send beats and Woof would send raps back, always making the recorded raps work for the beat, no matter the approach. Forcing Yogi to be creative with his production in ways he hadn’t before, testing his abilities to create a polished sonic world to lose yourself in.

“I worked a lot to make his vocals sound as good as they do, and have used a lot of analogue gear and processing to get them sounding the way they do now. The stems he had sent me have felt like a puzzle, and I pieced it together to a record in the end. I think that is what makes the record unique.” - Yogisoul

The first track they worked on was “94 Heavy”, which would become the first single on the album and is first the song on the record, past the album's introduction track. It wastes no time setting a vibe and transporting you back to 1994, the record is not just a record, it’s a time machine. A true representation of the whole record in one track, and a quintessential track within this collaboration of Yogisoul and Woof. It’s an undeniable head nodder, with smooth horns, deep synth bass that will leave no question about the record's low-end power, and a dope drum swing.

Other notable tracks on the record are “Comin Thru”, which is a braggadocious, G-Funk, banger! It contains all the ingredients of classic West Coast Rap albums. A smooth beat for Woof to weave in and out of, talkbox, scratches in the hook, and samples of legendary Los Angeles voices. A track that will make you feel like you should have a forty and a doobie nearby.

The title track, “Let the Dopeness Begin”, the self-titled track on the album is an homage to the West Coast Classics radio station on GTA: San Andreas. A cruise with the windows jam that slaps! “I want people to put this record on when the summer is incoming, when they pull their windows down, when they roll by the old court where they used to play basketball.”
For a record that comes in at just under 30 minutes, it is absolutely packed with material, and opportunities to explore the world created with the production, raps, and skits.
credits
releases August 16, 2024

All songs written by Colin Beverly AKA Woof
All songs produced by Lasse Mandelid Karlsen AKA Yogisoul
Mastered by Christian Øbermayer at Strype Audio
Recorded and mixed by Lasse Mandelid Karlsen
Vinyl lacquered by Shane "The Cutter" at Finyl Tweek
Cover art by Will Child
Art direction by Elliot Baxter

Limited edition of 300 copies on 2LP in gatefold sleeve incl. two inlay cards & bonus 7" ("Left Field" b/w "Instrumental"). Only 1 per customer!

In the midst of North Carolina's Tobacco Road and ACC basketball flowed an eloquent and bizarre Hip Hop juggernaut known as Yaggfu Front. The genuinely warped minds of D'ranged & Damaged, Jingle Bel and Spin 4th fused to form this acronym, a simple edict declaring "You're Gonna Get Fucked Up If You Front".

The 1993 debut album "Action Packed Adventure!" runs deep in lyrics and thick in production. Some of the lyrics are well within the ballpark of MC comprehension, while some transcend left field for the parking lot and on out to the f*#@ing highway. Beat fiends will incredulously shake their heads as the production crackles like that of crate PHD's Diamond and Pete Rock.

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.

In the midst of North Carolina's Tobacco Road and ACC basketball flowed an eloquent and bizarre Hip Hop juggernaut known as Yaggfu Front. The genuinely warped minds of D'ranged & Damaged, Jingle Bel and Spin 4th fused to form this acronym, a simple edict declaring "You're Gonna Get Fucked Up If You Front".

The 1993 debut album "Action Packed Adventure!" runs deep in lyrics and thick in production. Some of the lyrics are well within the ballpark of MC comprehension, while some transcend left field for the parking lot and on out to the f*#@ing highway. Beat fiends will incredulously shake their heads as the production crackles like that of crate PHD's Diamond and Pete Rock.

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. Only 1 per customer!

In the midst of North Carolina's Tobacco Road and ACC basketball flowed an eloquent and bizarre Hip Hop juggernaut known as Yaggfu Front. The genuinely warped minds of D'ranged & Damaged, Jingle Bel and Spin 4th fused to form this acronym, a simple edict declaring "You're Gonna Get Fucked Up If You Front".

The 1993 debut album "Action Packed Adventure!" runs deep in lyrics and thick in production. Some of the lyrics are well within the ballpark of MC comprehension, while some transcend left field for the parking lot and on out to the f*#@ing highway. Beat fiends will incredulously shake their heads as the production crackles like that of crate PHD's Diamond and Pete Rock.

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

WYS has arrived in time to rescue winter with his album ‘South Pole’: a chilling, but warmly-welcomed sequel to the highly-acclaimed ‘North Pole’. Bundle up and grab your sled for this short, nostalgia-filled auditory trip. Comforting guitar riffs feel cosy as woollen gloves, and bittersweet melodies like icy serenades, together with soothing gusts of wind, will send you adrift into the endless expanse of white. A quiet, faraway place you can always return to - where the ice never melts, and your favourite memories are preserved beneath the sleeping glaciers. Close your eyes, and let your mind drift off in the snowstorm…

Limited edition 2nd pressing of 200 copies on black wax!
Chill Terrific from V.N.P Crew and Yanbian finest Wootacc, rap in Cantonese and Mandarin. Sampling based still, synth-pop mind with modern taste.

Eclectic Edison, New Jersey-born, Philadelphia-raised producer Wino Willy releases his highly anticipated latest album, Wino From Another Planet This expansive, conceptual project is centered around the story of The Wino (Wino Willy), an escaped producer on the run from his home planet. Reflecting the theme with its astral, psychedelic instrumentation and futuristic sound palette, Wino From Another Planet is a potent dose of forward-thinking boom-bap that further proves Wino Willy’s place among the echelon of today’s most creative underground hip-hop producers. Chock full of boundless, spacey sounds laced with Afro-futuristic influences, Wino From Another Planet refuses to be placed in a box from the get-go. Taking the listener on a vibrant head-trip through time and space, the album finds the perfect median between atmospheric, ethereal sonics and grimy boom-bap aesthetics. Wino From Another Planet is a mind-expanding record that puts Willy’s eclectic, progressive boom-bap sound at the forefront, featuring standout names like billy woods of Armand Hammer, Fatboi Sharif, Daniel Son, Da Buze Bruvaz, Gabe ‘Nandez, and more. Set to be one of the most creative, engaging underground hip-hop releases of the year, the record’s 16 tracks take the listener on a surreal ride soundtracked by Willy’s space-age sampling and dusty, hypnotic percussion.

Limited edition of 300 copies on black vinyl.

Wandl, the progressive 25-year-old producer, musician and vocalist from Vienna, is back with his second solo album, "Womb". Following the success of his debut release "It's All Good Tho" (2017), an extensive tour with Bilderbuch in Germany, a performance at Primavera Sound in Barcelona (2018) and several artistic projects (2019), "the master of delayed loops" now delivers a self-produced and highly condensed work of about 25 minutes that focuses on the dark chords of the emotional keyboard.

With "Womb", Wandl engages in musical interspaces where potential clarity gradually dissolve into the nebulous blanket of the night. In the midst, Wandl's distinct voice unites with his characteristic soundscapes and the warm euphony of the piano. His songs deal with self-doubt, emotional inhibition, freedom found in loneliness, undesired social acknowledgement, transcendence and the arrival in the womb of an unexpected maternal reconnection. In the end there is even yodeling.

The usual platitudes of the new economy as crude maximization strategies are thus safely ignored: Wandl is a genre unto itself. Something for your mind, body and soul – in the best sense of the word.

Underground rap stalwart, Vinnie Paz returns with his seventh studio LP, Tortured in the Name of God’s Unconditional Love. The 18 track LP falls on the heels of Jedi Mind Trick’s 10th album, The Funeral and the Raven, which dropped in November of ’21, and succeed’s the April 21 release of Vinnie’s sixth studio LP, Burn Everything That Bears Your Name.

Weighing in at nearly one hour of all new music, the hard-hitting LP ranks among Vinnie’s most decorated line-up of guest appearances to date, with features from the likes of Method Man, M.O.P., Kurupt, Geechi Suede (Camp Lo), Ras Kass, ILL Bill, Lord Goat, Big Twins, Thirstin Howl the 3rd and more. To boot, Pazienza calls upon the production talents of DJ Muggs, C-Lance, Stu Bangas, Oh No and more to lay the foundation with their neck-snapping soundscapes.

Over the past two decades, Pack Pistol Pazzy has ranked amont the most commercially successful indie hip-hop artists in the underground, and with his latest solo effort his legacy is only further reinforced.

The sixth solo album from Jedi Mind Tricks frontman, Vinnie Paz, featuring the lead single and video, "Papi Wardrobe".

Verbz & Mr Slipz have been jumping on the train (52m, 0 changes) between Croydon and Brighton to reconnect on ‘Where It Started’; a 10-track EP that does everything (and more) you have come to expect from the duo.

Shimmering with nostalgia, but with one eye firmly on the next motive, ‘Where It Started’ offers a front row seat to the trials and tribulations of Verbz & co. doing what they did (and still do) to thrive and survive on the streets of Croydon, expertly scored by the meditative swing of Slipz’ 100% sample-free production.

Think classic hip hop aesthetics, beautifully reincarnated; chunky MPC drums, deeply personal multi-syllables, tales of loss, heartache, learning the hard way but coming back stronger. 5 x vocals and 5 x Instrumentals, Where It Started’ is a 50/50 deep dive into the hearts and minds of Verbz & Mr Slipz; perfectly poised as a duo, the EP is an unmissable trip down memory lane

High Focus Records regular and member of UK rap super group The Four Owls, Verb T has joined forces with production wizard Pitch 92 for the new album ‘Good Evening’. Pitch, who has spent the past few years as the musical mastermind behind the award winning
Mouse Outfit collective has excelled himself on this release bringing to the table a delectable selection of funk & soul infused bangers serving as the perfect backdrop for Verb T to unleash his smooth brand of thoughtful lyrics and hooks.
Having spent 3 years writing for ‘Good Evening’ Verb T has put forward some of his most personal rhymes to date, delivered with a new found passion that sees the veteran build on a body of work that stretches back to the days of Low Life Records and now sees him as a major part of the ever expanding High Focus Records movement. The album features guest vocals from UK giants Ocean Wisdom, Jehst, DRS, Fliptrix, BVA, King Kashmere of Strange U, Sparkz, Black Josh, Rye Shabby, Confucious MC and Moreone.
Individually, Verb T and Pitch 92 have accomplished a huge amount, however with ‘Good Evening’ both artists have put forward arguably the best work of their careers. Built from scratch with the live show element in mind, this album really feels like a party, Good Evening! Enjoy!

The music of v i v (they/them) is a shuttle for your mind to a state of complete zen. Ultimately, the album you are experiencing is about a personal self-acceptance.

As a label and creative individuals, our team is excited to welcome them to the family and share this beautiful and intimate album with the world.

Tear Dance goes beyond the realm of v i v’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The album, which is scheduled for a release on artists’ 30th birthday, tells stories learned so far.

You need to have “Patience” with yourself to understand the “Essence” of life and go through its “Cadence”. That’s why those three songs are placed in that manner in the album, as intro, midtro, and outro.

“In ‘Patience’, you can hear me breathing slowly in the background trying to calm myself down. Mindful breathing is one of the few things that has helped me manage my anxiety. This is the reason why I tried to incorporate breath sounds in most of the songs, to symbolize that I’m still alive and fighting through my struggles. At the end of the song, I whisper to myself that ‘everything’s going to be okay’, hoping that I’d eventually fall asleep. “When The Lights Go Off” is exactly about that – the moment I fall asleep and start dreaming about the magical world of music. Almost all the songs on the album came from my dreams, so I thought it’d be fitting to open the album with this track.”, shares v i v.

“Time” is a collaboration with another Stereofox Records artist – Norwegian producer fnonose.

“Most of my late 20s, I’ve spent worrying about running out of time. This, of course, exacerbated my anxiety, and I kept feeling that time was constantly going against me. I definitely realized in the past year, after we were all forced to slow down by the pandemic, that time is actually on our side, and that we can all learn to calmly move with its flow. The faint ticking clock sound in the background, which used to trigger my anxiety, has now become a part of this lovely relaxing tune ‘Time’ that I’ve had the honour to make with one of the kindest, most talented producer I’ve met on this musical journey, fnonose.”

“Essence depicts how I hear my music ideas and what I feel when I hear them. Everything is stripped down. No fancy gear; It’s just me and the piano in the room. The focus is solely on the sound of the melodies. There’s nothing to cover up the imperfections. I try to capture those imperfections by recording this in one-take, without correcting anything. There’s beauty in having flaws. It took me a while to understand, but now I know how to embrace them. That to me is the essence of life.”

Album’s centerpiece is the pillar of v i v’s and it reveals the most intimate part of artists’ soul.

“Tear Dance tells a story of my younger self, who fell deep into depression and struggled with insecurities and self-doubt. Making music started off as a means to cope with my mental issues, but I quickly realized that that’s where my passion lies. Unfortunately, my family was against the idea of me becoming a musician. I ended up going the usual route of studying something “safe”, just to not disappoint anyone. I felt that I was always entertaining to make people happy, without them seeing the sadness that I’ve carried along with me. In a way, it’s a story about being misunderstood and invisible.”

Album’s last 2 tracks focus on different people in v i v’s life and how one person’s presence in your life can completely change your life.

“‘The Rain in Your Eyes’ is a song about having and showing empathy. It’s about myself no longer feeling invisible. I felt understood because someone could finally see the rain in my eyes and choose to stand in that rain with me. I learned that in life, we don’t have to go through the hard times alone. We can share our burden; we don’t have to act tough all the time. There is strength in being vulnerable, and that’s something we need to be proud about. On this track I’ve partnered with the amazingly talented Imelda Lizal, who has believed in me from day one and convinced me that I had it in me to complete this project. This album wouldn’t have been possible if it’s wasn’t for her. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you, Mel.

“On the other hand, ‘Cadence’ is a song I wrote for my best friend, who is featured on the track. Her dad had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and she took upon herself to care for him and spend more time with him. As a friend, all I could do is to listen to her when she vents her frustrations to me. I felt so powerless, imagining how awfully painful it must be for her to witness her dad slowly slipping away from her. That’s when this song just flowed out of me. Through her experience, I learned that your loved ones are far more important than chasing after materialistic things, that having regrets is one of the saddest things you can experience in life.”

Label co-founders Joey Deez & Doug (Remulak) had long discussed the concept of creating a compilation album in order to showcase the wide rage of styles that comprise the imprint's eclectic output.

In May of this year, the pair decided that the time had come to put their vision into action and began planning the compilation to be ready to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary in December 2020. Sadly, just weeks after the decision had been made, Joey Deez unexpectedly passed away. This compilation represents the last of the project that Joey had planned, and was curated and executed with his tastes firmly in mind.

The 21-tracks of the double vinyl release feature label favourites such as Funkonami, Aver & Move 78, Robohands, and Mr. Thing & Micall Parknsun, as well as label affiliates Evil Ed, Omas, and Fthmlss, plus a fitting debut release from one of Joey's best friends: Meridian Fold.

Label co-founders Joey Deez & Doug (Remulak) had long discussed the concept of creating a compilation album in order to showcase the wide rage of styles that comprise the imprint's eclectic output.

In May of this year, the pair decided that the time had come to put their vision into action and began planning the compilation to be ready to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary in December 2020. Sadly, just weeks after the decision had been made, Joey Deez unexpectedly passed away. This compilation represents the last of the project that Joey had planned, and was curated and executed with his tastes firmly in mind.

The 21-tracks of the double vinyl release feature label favourites such as Funkonami, Aver & Move 78, Robohands, and Mr. Thing & Micall Parknsun, as well as label affiliates Evil Ed, Omas, and Fthmlss, plus a fitting debut release from one of Joey's best friends: Meridian Fold.

This is a story about a young Russian girl named Jinna Morocha who had a vision of one day flying to the Moon.
Many years ago during the hard times of life in Moscow, the young girl saw the Moon consciously for the first time and at that very moment the dream began. These vivid thoughts remained in her mind and she started to ask herself “How can I get to the Moon?“. Soon she found the label Project: Mooncircle over the internet and told them her story, at once she saw a chance to come a few steps closer to her dream. By now Jinna lived in Germany and it was possible for her and the label to meet, her key question was “Can you bring me to the Moon?“. The answer was a faltering “No, but maybe we can let you fly to the Moon in your mind. Let’s build the soundtrack to this vision, close your eyes, clear your thoughts and let us begin on your journey“.

That was the beginning of “The Moon Comes Closer“, come embark upon this voyage with us lead by the next level soundscapes of:

Robot Koch, fLako, Pavel Dovgal, I.D. 4 Windz, John Robinson, Lambent, 813, Nienvox, Juj, Mr Cooper, MyOwn, Long Arm, Daisuke Tanabe, Graciela Maria, Scienz Of Life, Andy Kayes, Abnormal, Capella, Comfort Fit, Kansano, Gards From KC, Puzzle, Sense of The Q4, Sotu The Traveller, V. Raeter, Himuro Yoshiteru, Skyence, Dexter, Portformat, 40 Winks, Dela, Brazzaville & Killing Skills.

This is a story about a young Russian girl named Jinna Morocha who had a vision of one day flying to the Moon.
Many years ago during the hard times of life in Moscow, the young girl saw the Moon consciously for the first time and at that very moment the dream began. These vivid thoughts remained in her mind and she started to ask herself “How can I get to the Moon?“. Soon she found the label Project: Mooncircle over the internet and told them her story, at once she saw a chance to come a few steps closer to her dream. By now Jinna lived in Germany and it was possible for her and the label to meet, her key question was “Can you bring me to the Moon?“. The answer was a faltering “No, but maybe we can let you fly to the Moon in your mind. Let’s build the soundtrack to this vision, close your eyes, clear your thoughts and let us begin on your journey“.

That was the beginning of “The Moon Comes Closer“, come embark upon this voyage with us lead by the next level soundscapes of:

Robot Koch, fLako, Pavel Dovgal, I.D. 4 Windz, John Robinson, Lambent, 813, Nienvox, Juj, Mr Cooper, MyOwn, Long Arm, Daisuke Tanabe, Graciela Maria, Scienz Of Life, Andy Kayes, Abnormal, Capella, Comfort Fit, Kansano, Gards From KC, Puzzle, Sense of The Q4, Sotu The Traveller, V. Raeter, Himuro Yoshiteru, Skyence, Dexter, Portformat, 40 Winks, Dela, Brazzaville & Killing Skills.

O.G. Psychokilla who hails from South Central, LA has been collecting tapes since as long as he can remember. He's one of the guys behind the WGFprod. discogs account and collective and has one of the most impressive tape collections on the planet. Demos, unreleased material and rarities is what he focuses on strictly.



I'm proud to announce the very first volume of "O.G. Psychokilla Presents G-Funk Tha World" which will be distributed exclusively through HHE. The tracklist will blow you away, and keep in mind that this is material that most likely will never see the light of day. Vaulted Death Row tracks, demos and unreleased material it's all included. This mixtape will be factory pressed, and will be limited to only 250 copies.

New Flava Volume 1 is an audacious project birthed in Austin Aggrey-Odoom's brain in the Spring of 1995. Austin, being a devoted Christian as well as a massive music fan, was a regular at different churches across the London Area during the mid-90's. He then connected with many young aspiring Gospel/Soul/R&B singers and had the idea to produce a Gospel album that could appeal to a younger crowd, mixing US R&B influences, to create a new kind of Christian R&B that could have radio potential, while showcasing U.K.'s underground Soul talents from the Gospel community. His love of God and passion for music would finally merge into this hybrid compilation project called New Flava Volume 1. With the help of producer Paul Cumberbatch, they recorded a selection of the finest voices that Austin could find amongst the Gospel circuit. Inspired by popular US R&B/Hip-Hop artists of that time, they aimed to recreate a heavy and well-polished sound that would resonate with the fans of Mary J. Blige, Joe and SWV amongst others. The result is quite mind-blowing, Cumberbatch's top-notch productions make a strong foundation to let the artists shine throughout the compilation, such as Tyrone Henry on the instant-classic « Time For You And Me » or the label-favorite « Heaven Is In My Home » by Jasmine Kirby. The U.K. has always been a great hunting ground for Soul talents, and this compilation is yet another example of it. Now for the first time on 2LP, New Flava Volume One is a must-have for any 90's R&B collectors !

It’s that time of the day again to relax with a warm cup of coffee, and let your mind slowly wake up to a new day. “Morning Coffee” is a compilation showcasing calming vibes from a multitude of talented artists around the world. Sit down and look outside the window - there’s an endless amount of possibilities today.

The release is a limited edition with only 250 copies for sale. This is a compilation of Illadelph Records Rare and Unreleased tracks and collaborations with its associated artists. These mind blowing gems were recorded between1994 and 2003 There are 14 tracks on this release. The artists included are Maylay Sparks, Grand Agent, Munk wit da Funk, Chops of The Mountain Brothers, K. Sara, Militant Mind State, Banx & Brax, Braxknuckles aka Brax, Stewey Nuke’em DJ Cosmo Baker and Oneway.

We have two versions (two different covers) - black vinyl or multicolor, limited, hand nubered (111 copies) vinyl.
Two years after the well-received compilation "Nebula," Himalaya Collective (probably the largest team of beatmakers in Poland) returns with another release. This time the Himalayan section of 24 producers (and some exceptional guests from outside the collective) will take us on a journey into the skies. On "Latawce" (which means "Kites" in English), we will hear 24 tracks with one goal in mind - to allow a maximum two-minute flight. The premiere (not accidentally) will take place on the 1st day of summer.

The sound of each Kite has been colored thanks to the excellent mastering done by Eprom. The album's vinyl version was made in two options and with two different covers. @Eloprzemi is responsible for the design of the classic version, and the cover of the limited surprise vinyl was designed by Gbur. The limited edition is hand-numbered (111 copies), and the surprise is worth emphasizing the different colors of each vinyl! Crazy Action! Great album! The perfect soundtrack for the summer holidays 2022!

So Joe City aka Third Eye Ent hits me up and says B, hook up with my man Strez, he might have some ish you are looking for. So outta Norfolk, Virginia, this is the Foundation Entertainment EP. Most of these tracks appeared on an extremely rare couple of cds from 97 & 99 as well as one off a demo tape and one unreleased from the House of Reps unreleased stash!!! Peep this short interview with DJ Strez for some background info:



Where did you grow up? “I grew up in the Park Place/Villa Heights section of Norfolk Virginia born & raised.”

What are your earliest memories of the culture? “My earliest moments of the culture are begging my mom to go to the record store to buy The Fatboys first album, LL Cool J “Radio”, Run-D.M.C. “Raising Hell” & Beastie Boys “Licensed To Ill” albums. When I got home that day I played these albums non stop. That’s when I knew I was in love with Hip Hop.”

Who were your fav beatmakers coming up? “My Favorite Beat Makers/Producers coming up was Marley Marl, Pete Rock, The Bomb Squad, DJ Premier, Large Professor, Diamond D & Joe City (VA Native)”

What was the VA scene like? “The VA Scene Between 1991-2001 was a great time to be involved with music.A lot of local artists that were coming out started making tapes and selling them at shows or in the clubs.We had so many outlets back then and the major artists were also coming down checking the scene out as well. We definitely had hidden gems as far as talent.”

When did you start making beats? “I started making beats when I was around 16 years old. I was always fascinated with making music and always wanted to learn. The music that was made between “87-99″ was always mind blowing to me. Once i realized that they were taking loops from old records,sampling and making beats out of them i knew that that is what i wanted to do”

What were your first bits of gear? “My first bits of gear was a Casio Sk-1, a Gemini Sampler Ds-1224, a Korg M1, a Boss Dr-5 & a Pair of technics belt drive turntables.”

When did you set up Foundation Ent? “Foundation Ent was formed around 93-95 through my partner Carlton Barnard and he was also my manager. We met at a mall out here in VA called Military Circle in 1996 and we chopped it up and immediately clicked. It all started and developed when he said he had equipment that wasn’t really being used and i asked him if i could use it and eventually it led to us getting a building for a studio and signing artists.”

How did you hook up with all the mcs? “Before Foundation Ent, I was in a group with a friend of mine named Stratagee Real which later became an artist on Foundation Ent so we were already connected. Carlton did beats and had the group Coalition & a female artist named Bad News already so we started teaming up and recording music together in the studio. The other artists that were on the roster were mostly people that we came across that rap and sing.”

After a long day of work - or not - when the stars come out to play, it’s time to hit the hay. Listen to Lofi Girl’s newest compilation ‘’, featuring 35 talented international artists. Calming guitars and subdued melodie create an atmosphere as cozy as a woollen blanket, inviting you to doze off; rhythmic beats blend into the background, as your mind settles and your tension dissipates. No need to set a sleep timer - wake up to warm sunlight, together with Lofi Girl and Cat in the early morning hours.

After a long day of work - or not - when the stars come out to play, it’s time to hit the hay. Listen to Lofi Girl’s newest compilation ‘’, featuring 35 talented international artists. Calming guitars and subdued melodie create an atmosphere as cozy as a woollen blanket, inviting you to doze off; rhythmic beats blend into the background, as your mind settles and your tension dissipates. No need to set a sleep timer - wake up to warm sunlight, together with Lofi Girl and Cat in the early morning hours.

"I don't like rap music at all. I don't think it's music. It's just a beat and rapping." Nina Simone

Straight off the streets, Hip-Hop burst onto the scene, leaving no one indifferent, igniting a cultural revolution that would shape generations to come. Now, in celebration of its 50-year anniversary, Art That Kills proudly presents Hhcomp01.

Hhcomp01 aims to capture the freshness and innocence of a genre in the midst of defining itself. As the world embraced this new phenomenon, it was a time of raw creativity and unbridled expression. With a selection of seven fantastic tracks stepped out of the underground, Hhcomp01 is a window into the origins of a genre that has resonated with countless hearts and minds.

With two full-length albums already under their belts that garnered them buzz in the underground ("Lasting Impressions" & "The Revisited"), New Jersey originated emcee uMaNg, reunites with Swedish producer B.B.Z. Darney ("The Boom Bappin' Zombie"), to complete their trilogy of albums with their label debut on Ill Adrenaline Records entitled, "The Black Rose Certificate."
Shortly after inking a deal with the label, the next eight months would find uMaNg & B.B.Z. embarking on a musical journey that would result in their most personal & brutally honest record to date. The title "The Black Rose Certificate", while a representation of many a symbolism, reflects the duo's state of mind, the hand they've been dealt as typecasts in society. Since being impossible to produce a "black rose" also stands for purest devotion. A kind of devotion that uMaNg & B.B.Z. put forth in their respected crafts.
Over the course of 14 tracks, the duo sonically stick to their traditional "boom-bap" roots, whilst also bringing sounds that range from "darker" to "aggressive", to even more "melancholic". The production B.B.Z. Darney showcases is heavier, more conceptual than previous releases. uMaNg has been notable throughout his career for being a clever & witty, punchline heavy emcee. While staying true to his stylings on the mic, he gets deeper & more transparent than past albums have suggested. For every braggadocious track, there is another where the Jersey emcee bares his soul through the pen, opening up about past discretions, family HIStory, amongst other topics on the emcee's mind. Also unlike "Lasting Impressions" & "The Revisited", that found the duo being the lone contributors to their works alongside the legendary DJ Grazzhoppa, they now bring along with them close collaborators as well as in-label artists. The album features tracks from the likes of Brick City veteran and close Artifacts affiliate Beneficence, Purpose of the Tragic Allies camp, close friends HexOne & Tek-nition of the critically acclaimed duo Epidemic, and Hashfinger to lend their talents and further enhance the album's disposition.

Full Dose kick your door in with this prime selection of cuts from a new name on the label: Tuck Chains. Who is Tuck Chains? Who knows! But with a crew known for their futuristic and dub-inflected sound, "Tapes" manages to take the label to new heights.

Serving as a masterclass in the sacred art of sample chopping, Tuck Chains offers up a platter of instrumentals that wouldn't sound out-of-place coming from LA in the late 2000s. True to its name, Fd013 feels like a mixtape in its delivery, but has a depth and refinement that's difficult to find. Instrumental hip hop of this quality may well have disappeared from the underground but Tuck Chains has successfully iterated on a style guaranteed to bring blunted energy.

"Lock Down", the opening track, quickly sets the scene with metallic and saturated drums. Interspersed with surgical sample chops, the track oscillates between lively and chill after an almost musique concrète sounding intro. This contrast between straight and faded becomes a theme of the album, with moments of intensification punctuating the mellow.

Tracks like "Chrome and Glass" balance fizzy snares, rumbling low end and stabby piano hits to take you on a slow motion coastal journey, while "Ewan Hughes-Army" has an erratic and head-nodding feel that demands your attention. Warbly, downtempo tape vibes feature throughout the release, a combination ripe for repeated, couch-bound listens. With this in mind, "Spanish" feels like the perfect closer - the type of track that oozes sun and THC. Let this be the soundtrack to your hazy holiday.

Arriving directly from the plant and mastered by the label's own Lvcchesi, this could well be the beat tape you knew you were missing! "

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.