Search "Minds" 348 Items

This is Guice with 'Ashes of my Blunt'. One of the sickest and smokiest classic rap albums Memphis got to date. First time on vinyl and official as fuck. Tracks like 'Murder on they Minds', 'Fire it up' and 'Find myself' are genius and timeless bombs for your eardrums. Enjoy them tunes while drinking Alizé and smoking a big fat blunt. Wet dreams come true!

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.

New Jersey, Brick City hip-hop legend Beneficence and UK based producer duo Jazz Spastiks unearth a timeless treasure with the release of their collaboration album "Summer Night Sessions". With a completely jazzy street feel and slick written, soothing, intellectual lyrics the Ill Adrenaline co-founder releases his 8th full length album. Over 25 years of successfully releasing independent music, Beneficence set the bar high by using lo-fi, jazzy boom-bap sounds masterfully. Following his most successful "Stellar Mind" (2021) release accompanied with a memoir ("Concrete Soul - The Memoir & Making of Ill Adrenaline Records") of his life and music journey, the close Artifacts affiliate delivers a personal collage of authentic hip-hop music with a brilliant Jazz Spastiks backdrop. Well selected guest appearances in these "Summer Night Sessions" include Skyzoo, Saukrates, Doodlebug (of Digable Planets), Awon, El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), J-Live, Rakaa Iriscience (of Dilated Peoples), Kid Abstrakt, Shabaam Sahdeeq, and grammy nominated R&B singer Anthony David on a CD/digital only bonus track. On the first single "Do This, Do That" feat. Awon, Beneficence flows smoothly over simple but captivating horns reminiscing about his come up on the music scene. "At the time I was seated behind Diddy and Biggie, '95 Source Awards keys to the city". "Mic Epps" displays lyricism in its finest form when Beneficence playfully pans between a reference to comedian Mike Epps and microphone episodes. "Civilize 'em with a mic check, I get funny on 'em, Mike Epps, you coming ugly imma swipe left, what we giving you is priceless, the nicest!". The musical marriage between the beautiful sounds of Jazz Spastiks and the sharp pen of Beneficence is tactfully done with rich and hypnotic bangers for hip-hop lovers with an ear for certified dopeness.

Ill Adrenaline Records co-founder and Brick City native Beneficence drops his seventh album entitled "Stellar Mind", entirely produced by longtime collaborator and Boston producer Confidence (of Rashad & Confidence). "Stellar Mind" is the follow up to Benef's underground smash hit album "Basement Chemistry" (2016) that included an array of bangers with high caliber guest appearances by Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), Masta Ace, MC Eiht, and many more. More than four years in the making, "Stellar Mind" takes a deep journey and boom bap ride with flawless production courtesy of Confidence, the man with the golden sound. Benef’s & Conf’s latest installment is a mastery of beats, rhymes, jazz loops, and soul at its apex. With slick vocals and blue-collar aesthetics, it gives the listener head-nodding street anthems and stays true to its roots. 16 tracks strong, the album takes a more personal approach and drops around the same time as Benef's book "Concrete Soul: Memoir & Making of Ill Adrenaline Records". In the intro (Hypnosis) the close Artifacts affiliate rhymes with conviction, "many failed to see the vision, homey who are we kidding, breads with Goldman Sachs, forget the hands of a vixen". Another banger is the infectious horn laced "Travelling Man" where Benef runs down a list of moments in time. "DB Coppers hi jack, John Coltrane's tenor sax, the lost notebook that Eminem hoping to get back, the final destination that we all will end up at". The album's first single "My Way" features Masta Ace and Phantasm (of Cella Dwellas), revealing their perspectives of choice options in life and music. Beneficence & Confidence is a dream team that boom-bap connoisseurs have been patiently eager to hear. Along with slick intelligent rhymes, thought-provoking concepts, and sharp & precise cuts handled by 12 Finger Dan, DJ Grazzhoppa, and DJ Kaos (rip), the LP comes equipped with an impressive guest list of rhyme slingers to deliver a long-awaited gem for underground hip-hop fans around the globe. Features include Masta Ace, Keith Murray, Ras Kass, AG (of D.I.T.C.), Chubb Rock, Lord Tariq, Craig G, El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), Phantasm (of Cella Dwellas), Ali Vegas, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wordsworth, Queen Herawin (of Jugganots), Truth Enola, and soul singer Melinda Camille. The thoroughbred soul survivors are back for the people.

New Jersey, Brick City hip-hop legend Beneficence and UK based producer duo Jazz Spastiks unearth a timeless treasure with the release of their collaboration album "Summer Night Sessions". With a completely jazzy street feel and slick written, soothing, intellectual lyrics the Ill Adrenaline co-founder releases his 8th full length album. Over 25 years of successfully releasing independent music, Beneficence set the bar high by using lo-fi, jazzy boom-bap sounds masterfully. Following his most successful "Stellar Mind" (2021) release accompanied with a memoir ("Concrete Soul - The Memoir & Making of Ill Adrenaline Records") of his life and music journey, the close Artifacts affiliate delivers a personal collage of authentic hip-hop music with a brilliant Jazz Spastiks backdrop. Well selected guest appearances in these "Summer Night Sessions" include Skyzoo, Saukrates, Doodlebug (of Digable Planets), Awon, El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), J-Live, Rakaa Iriscience (of Dilated Peoples), Kid Abstrakt, Shabaam Sahdeeq, and grammy nominated R&B singer Anthony David on a CD/digital only bonus track. On the first single "Do This, Do That" feat. Awon, Beneficence flows smoothly over simple but captivating horns reminiscing about his come up on the music scene. "At the time I was seated behind Diddy and Biggie, '95 Source Awards keys to the city". "Mic Epps" displays lyricism in its finest form when Beneficence playfully pans between a reference to comedian Mike Epps and microphone episodes. "Civilize 'em with a mic check, I get funny on 'em, Mike Epps, you coming ugly imma swipe left, what we giving you is priceless, the nicest!". The musical marriage between the beautiful sounds of Jazz Spastiks and the sharp pen of Beneficence is tactfully done with rich and hypnotic bangers for hip-hop lovers with an ear for certified dopeness.

Limited edition of 300 copies on 3LP in gatefold sleeve with printed innersleeves. Only 2 per customer!

Following the release of their self-titled debut "Circle Of Power", the duo consisting of Mone & Wiz1 established the underground super group Blak Forest in 1997. "You Are Now Entering The ..." unites several like-minded artists such as LMNO of The Visionaries, Hakim Tha Wize, the Urbanites or Sleeze 1 to drop deep lyrics on the productions of Circle Of Power and DJ ICD.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, 2CD in jewel case, 2MC and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on double cassette. Only 2 per customer!

Following the release of their self-titled debut "Circle Of Power", the duo consisting of Mone & Wiz1 established the underground super group Blak Forest in 1997. "You Are Now Entering The ..." unites several like-minded artists such as LMNO of The Visionaries, Hakim Tha Wize, the Urbanites or Sleeze 1 to drop deep lyrics on the productions of Circle Of Power and DJ ICD.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, 2CD in jewel case, 2MC and digitally on all major platforms.

Scorpion is the second studio album by Eve. It was by Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Interscope Records on released 6th March, 2001. The album’s title is a reference to Eve’s zodiac sign, Scorpio. It features the Grammy-winning hit single, “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”, a duet with Gwen Stefani, winning their first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, a new category at the time.

Scorpion was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number four on the US Billboard 200 and became her second consecutive number-one album on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Scorpion was later certified Platinum by the RIAA on 10th May, 2001. Scorpion was also nominated for Best Rap Album at the 44th Grammy Awards in 2002

Scorpion will release on 16th April in 2LP 180 gram black vinyl.

Hailing from Hiroshima, Meitei, unveils the final chapter of his transformative Kofū trilogy. “Kofū Iii” marks the apex of a musical journey that began in 2020, unraveling an introspective exploration of the artist's psyche while delving deep into the essence of Japanese culture. This latest release invites listeners into the innermost sanctums of Meitei's existence — a passage filled with serenity, self-discovery, and the triumphant conquest of personal demons.

Meitei's journey has been deeply intertwined with his surroundings. His move from bustling Kyoto to the tranquil rural town of Onomichi in Hiroshima wasn't just a change of location but a profound shift in his life. Navigating through the ebbs and flows of mental well-being, Meitei found solace in the quiet, low-key energy of Onomichi, where he began creating his distinctive brand of "ambient" music dedicated to resurrecting ‘lost Japanese moods’.

"Kofū Iii" is not just a collection of songs; it's a window into Meitei's mind, where he reflects on ‘the Japanese mental landscape,’ as experienced during the period of his return to his hometown. This album stands as a testament to Meitei's evolution, from his tentative inner quest to a state of deep healing.

"Kofū” and its precursor, "Kwaidan,” germinated in the solitude of Onomichi, embodying the mysterious, vanishing essence of Japan that Meitei unearthed in the shadows of his hometown. With "Kofū III," this exploration reaches its zenith, weaving musical landscapes that transcend temporal bounds. Each track vividly paints bygone eras and vignettes, all while drawing on the rich tapestry of Japanese literature and mindscapes.

Meitei introduces listeners to the tranquil Hiroshima countryside in 'Reimei,' while 'Hiroshima' reflects upon the city's transformation. It explores Meitei's intricate relationship with the city and contemplates the ever-changing visage of contemporary Japanese progress.

Within the sonic fabric of "Kofū III," "Shisei" brings listeners to Japan's past, when tattoos bore the name "Shisei." Fueled by Junichiro Tanizaki's "Shisei" narratives, the song paints a sensual tale of a tattooed man adorning a woman with a spider tattoo.

Meitei's authenticity shines through in "Kofū III," where complex emotions metamorphose into a kaleidoscopic fusion of lo-fi bliss. In "Yume-jūya," Meitei recounts a peculiar dream and the lingering anxiety it left behind. Also, inspired by the famous Japanese writer Soseki Natsume's "Yume-jūya," Meitei's interpretation offers his own perspective on this comical and bizarre tale.

"Edogawa Ranpo" stands as a mind-bending loop track that pays homage to the genius of the lesser-known Japanese author Edogawa Ranpo, a pioneer of the mysterious and bizarre. This experimental piece melds folklore, electronic rapture, and distortion, echoing Meitei's fascination with Ranpo's work since his elementary school days.

At the core of "Kofū Iii" lies "Heiwa," originally titled "1945," encapsulating Meitei's profound reflection on peace education in his hometown and the weighty significance of acknowledging historical tragedies. Its renaming as "Peace" symbolizes his personal odyssey towards understanding and reconciliation.

As Meitei concludes his Kofū trilogy, global listeners are invited to embark on this voyage to unearth the hidden treasures of Japanese culture and the depths of the human soul. "Kofū Iii" is a meditation on the intangible threads that bind us to our past - a portal to Japan's veiled history, capturing the essence of Japan's elusive spirit through the enigmatic landscapes of Meitei's inner terrains.

"Kofū Iii" is slated for release on December 1, 2023, in 180g LP, CD, and digital formats via Kitchen. Label. Both LP and CD format are presented in a debossed sleeve with obi strip and include an accompanying 32-page booklet. This album is mastered by Chihei Hatakeyama in Tokyo, Japan.

In recent years, SadhuGold has emerged as one of hip-hop’s most exciting new sonic architects. Specializing in raw, dusty vibes with an otherworldly feel, the Philadelphia native has crafted tracks for acclaimed artists like Mach-Hommy, Westside Gunn, Your Old Droog, Rome Streetz, Tha God Fahim, and more. Originally released on cassette tape in extremely limited quantities, the "Golden Joe" trilogy helped establish SadhuGold's signature sound and fuel the growing mystique surrounding his unique artistry. With those cassettes now rare collectibles, the enigmatic producer is unveiling an official pressing of "Golden Joe Vol. 3", concluding the first ever vinyl release of his acclaimed instrumental series. Fully remastered, the collection is a journey through the imagination of the alchemically psychedelic mind that is SadhuGold.

In recent years, SadhuGold has emerged as one of hip-hop’s most exciting new sonic architects. Specializing in raw, dusty vibes with an otherworldly feel, the Philadelphia native has crafted tracks for acclaimed artists like Mach-Hommy, Westside Gunn, Your Old Droog, Rome Streetz, Tha God Fahim, and more. Originally released on cassette tape in extremely limited quantities, the "Golden Joe" trilogy helped establish SadhuGold's signature sound and fuel the growing mystique surrounding his unique artistry. With those cassettes now rare collectibles, the enigmatic producer is unveiling an official pressing of "Golden Joe Vol. 2", continuing the first ever vinyl release of his acclaimed instrumental series. Fully remastered, the collection is a journey through the imagination of the alchemically psychedelic mind that is SadhuGold.

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.”

Before the acclaimed albums Legends Never Die and All My Heroes Are Dead brought his career to new heights, R.A. The Rugged Man spent years as an underrated rap enigma, with a slew of storied records to his name that had never received a proper release. With the 2009 compilation Legendary Classics Vol. 1, R.A. finally unleashed many of the lost gems that earned him a reputation as one of hip-hop's most feared lyricists, showcasing his undeniable history. An essential collection from a true hip-hop original, the album features appearances by The Notorious B.I.G., Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jedi Mind Tricks, Kool G Rap, J-Live, Hell Razah, Tragedy Khadafi, Akinyele, and Sadat X, along with track-by-track commentary from the Rugged Man himself. This Legendary Classics Vol. 1 reissue on limited-edition "blood smeared" colored vinyl also includes the new bonus track "The Greatest" featuring famed Italian singer Marcella Puppini, which has never before been available on vinyl.

In recent years, SadhuGold has emerged as one of hip-hop's most exciting new sonic architects. Specializing in raw, dusty vibes with an otherworldly feel, the Philadelphia native has crafted tracks for acclaimed artists like Mach-Hommy, Westside Gunn, Your Old Droog, Rome Streetz, Tha God Fahim, and more.

Originally released on cassette tape in extremely limited quantities, the "Golden Joe" trilogy helped establish SadhuGold's signature sound and fuel the growing mystique surrounding his unique artistry. With those cassettes now rare collectibles, the enigmatic producer is unveiling an official pressing of "Golden Joe Vol. 1", launching the first ever vinyl release of his acclaimed instrumental series. Fully remastered, the collection is a journey through the imagination of the alchemically psychedelic mind that is SadhuGold.

Mere months after releasing an undisputed Aoty contender for 2020 with Burden Of Proof and only three months after being shot, Benny got back on his feet (way ahead of schedule) and re-immersed in his element “back to that little pot, that little flame”. While he has separated himself from his peers, Benny from Montana Ave knows the game is to be sold and never told and he has put all of these accolades in his rearview mirror to focus on his next lick; The Plugs I Met 2. The Plugs I Met 2 is the coronation of a true G going from worker to the PLUG---and never looking back. “I came in as an underdog, to filling out my position as one of the elite rhymers in the industry. Plugs 2 expands upon that mindset; the same confidence, same attitude, cocky, but I still have something to prove” Benny asserts. Produced entirely by Harry Fraud, the Brooklyn bred producer describes The Plugs I Met 2 as “the story of a hustler who’s realized success but understands how fragile it is. Lyrically the album shows Benny reflecting on what he’s sacrificed to get here and what he’ll need to do to continue his rise to the top. With this project we set out to transport the listener into a world that was lush but still gritty, triumphant but still emotional and sonically diverse across the board.”

Birds of a feather, flock together. It is a very old saying; It means that people with the same interests 'move' the same way. Fate, to some, is but a mere theory human beings adopt to try and make sense of the world around them. To others it is something solidified in the belief of serendipity, luck or good fortune if you will. Whatever the listeners personal concept of the term, the results of two musical minds from foreign lands meeting by accident is something I find difficult to believe happened by chance.

During a cold winter in Innsbruck, while snow slept on the early morning streets, something was happening between the four walls of Philanthropes’ top floor apartment, as the rest of the city slumbered. Was it the mix of caffeine, lost love and their fondness of jazz? Or simply the right time and place, that gave way to these artists embarking on this instrumental journey together? I guess that is a question for the listener themselves.

Whatever the conclusion, I’m sure you will enjoy the fruits of their musical labour during those times. Sit down, relax and take flight; let this record give you a time for contemplation, reflection and peace.

-Eugene Saunders New Musical Times

Rising from the wreckage of a war torn planet, Czarface joins forces with MF Doom in the epic Czarface Meets Metal Face!
Blending Doom's trademark abstractions and Czarface's in-your-face lyrical attack, this album is ripe with cartoon violence, societal observations and pop culture musings. Over banging beats provided by The Czar-Keys, the armored team give you the witty unpredictable treats any hip-hop fan can sink their fangs into.
Expect beats, rhymes, and metal as Czarface controlled by Wu-Tang Clan powerhouse Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric team up with everyone's favorite villain, MF Doom. With track titles like "Nautical Depth","Meddle With Metal", "Astral Traveling"
to "Madness of Badness" this album packs a punch with 16 brand new tracks. Add that with features from Open Mike Eagle and Jedi Mind Tricks' Vinnie Paz, we promise you mind-bending metaphors and brain-melting beats as this powerful pairing sounds off in
March 2018!

Before the acclaimed albums "Legends Never Die" and "All My Heroes Are Dead" brought his career to new heights, R.A. The Rugged Man spent years as an underrated rap enigma, with a slew of storied records to his name that had never received a proper release. With the 2009 compilation "Legendary Classics Vol. 1, R.A. finally unleashed many of the lost gems that earned him a reputation as one of hip-hop's most feared lyricists, showcasing his undeniable history. An essential collection from a true hip-hop original, the album features appearances by The Notorious B.I.G., Havoc of Mobb Deep, Jedi Mind Tricks, Kool G Rap, J-Live, Hell Razah, Tragedy Khadafi, Akinyele, and Sadat X, along with track-by-track commentary from the Rugged Man himself. This "Legendary Classics Vol. 1" reissue also includes the new bonus track “The Greatest” featuring famed Italian singer Marcella Puppini, which has never before been available on vinyl.

In music, timing is everything. When soon-to-be-renowned Boston hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck on the title track to 7L&E’s debut EP "Speaking Real Words" in 1999, the timing was perfect. The upstart duo was building a serious buzz on the East Coast and beyond, while Deck was still winning praise for his gold-selling solo disc "Uncontrolled Substance". As flashy pop-oriented rap was pumped on commercial radio stations, their natural chemistry and simpatico skills shone as a beacon to real hip-hop fans, a base of listeners who were soon asking about their next musical summit.
14 years later, the hunger for sharp lyrics and head-snapping beats hasn't dissipated. In the face of the ever-worsening status quo of watered-down and vapid radio rap songs, the call for something real has only gotten stronger, and once again the time is right for a call to action – for someone or something to come in and send wack rappers running for the hills in fear. Enter "Czarface", the upcoming, uncompromising full-length album from Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric.
Not surprising, respect for real hip-hop runs deep, and "Czarface" brings an army with it — consider the star-studded guest list which includes Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks,) Oh No (Gangrene,) Mr. MFN eXquire and Deck's fellow Wu-Tang Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna.
Aside from one track blessed by the almighty DJ Premier, production on "Czarface" belongs exclusively to DJ 7L, who provides the musical backbone which holds the album together. His ability to craft a hip-hop sound that's current and exciting with a classic feel left Deck impressed: “This is one of the first albums I've heard in a while that gives you so many different feels. You hear the ‘80s hip-hop style, ‘80s R&B and rock combined with what's going on now. That’s creating something new, in my opinion.”

“The Realm of Realness" is The New Album from Neek The Exotic. The title Track Is Melodic and takes your mind away. The first music video: "Good Cop Bad Cop" stands out as it hits on all cylinders with thought provoking lyrics featuring some of Hip Hops Best, Napeleon Da Legend, Punchline, Kooltajthegr8, innocent? & GeeBag. The Album impacts From Start to Finish with tracks such as the Intro "It’s a New Beginning" to The Gritty "Rappers Step Up To This". This album is produced by Kapital, J.Depina and William Bostick. Over all Its one of The Best Album’s out now showing and proving that Neek The Exotic Never Fakes The Funk and is Still One Of The Best In The Game Period.

Beat Art Department and HHV proudly present this limited edition of Flips new album that comes with a bonus 45 including two productions by Flip with vocals by Sadat X & Fokis as well as ONYX! Only 100 copies. Only at HHV.

As instrumental HipHop albums seem to be at an all-time high, ranging from so called lo-fi aesthetics to progressive sounds with electronic vibe, one of Austrian HipHop’s godfathers and OGs on the boards has finally dropped an instrumental album on his own. The title “Experiences“ has been chosen not without reason as it both reflects the personal experiences the artist has gone through in his 25 years plus career but also hint the influences and musical aspects that went into this album.
Flip has tried to give insight into his musical influences that began in the 80ies with groups like Public Enemy or EPMD into the 90ies era with sounds ranging from Native Tongue territory to a DJ Premier or Pete Rock or the DITC producers, when he started making beats on his own for his rap group Texta. You can hear links to other production wizards like J Dilla, Hi-Tec or Madlib that changed the sampling techniques post 2000 with albums like Donuts, Hi-teknology or Madvillain. So yes, „Experiences“ is sample-based but further developed by Flip with original basslines, keys, guitar riffs played by the producer himself.
The final result though is not just a simple look back into the golden era but more a retro-futuristic approach that Flip tried to execute within those sixteen compositions. Additional scratches and vocal chops add more flavor to the tracks and as one song flows with ease into the next one, this makes „Experiences“ an experience for the listener, too. While a lot of HipHop instrumental albums just let some loops run for two minutes, Flip took a more ambitious approach where continued listening to the album will reveal new details and musical ideas every
time.

Another fact that won t go unnoticed is the heavy punch of the drums which is due to the As instrumental HipHop albums seem to be at an all-time high, ranging from so called lo-fi aesthetics to progressive sounds with electronic vibe, one of Austrian HipHop’s godfathers and OGs on the boards has finally dropped an instrumental album on his own. The title “Experiences“ has been chosen not without reason as it both reflects the personal experiences the artist has gone through in his 25 years plus career but also hint the influences and musical aspects that went into this album. Flip has tried to give insight into his musical influences that began in the 80ies with groups like Public Enemy or EPMD into the 90ies era with sounds ranging from Native Tongue territory to a DJ Premier or Pete Rock or the DITC producers, when he started making beats on his own for his rap group Texta. You can hear links to other production wizards like J Dilla, Hi-Tec or Madlib that changed the sampling techniques post 2000 with albums like Donuts, Hi-teknology or Madvillain. So yes, „Experiences“ is sample-based but further developed by Flip with original basslines, keys, guitar riffs played by the producer himself. The final result though is not just a simple look back into the golden era but more a retro-futuristic approach that Flip tried to execute within those sixteen compositions. Additional scratches and vocal chops add more flavor to the tracks and as one song flows with ease into the next one, this makes „Experiences“ an experience for the listener, too. While a lot of HipHop instrumental albums just let some loops run for two minutes, Flip took a more ambitious approach where continued listening to the album will reveal new details and musical ideas every time.
Another fact that won t go unnoticed is the heavy punch of the drums which is due to the ́ usage of old samplers like the legendary SP-1200, the ASR-10 or the MPC2000XL that Flip is still using, blending it though with the power of modern soft and hardware. So put your headphones on take a trip through Flip s musical mind.

Produced Entirely by Harry Fraud. Features by 2 Chainz, Fat Joe, French Montana, Jim Jones, Chinx and Rick Hyde. Mere months after releasing an undisputed Aoty contender for 2020 with Burden Of Proof and only three months after being shot, Benny is back on his feet (way ahead of schedule) and re-immersed in his element “back to that little pot, that little flame”. While he has separated himself from his peers, Benny from Montana Ave knows the game is to be sold and never told and he has put all of these accolades in his rearview mirror to focus on his next lick; The Plugs I Met 2. The Plugs I Met 2 is the coronation of a true G going from worker to the PLUG---and never looking back. “I came in as an underdog, to filling out my position as one of the elite rhymers in the industry. Plugs 2 expands upon that mindset; the same confidence, same attitude, cocky, but I still have something to prove” Benny asserts. Produced entirely by Harry Fraud, the Brooklyn bred producer describes The Plugs I Met 2 as “the story of a hustler who’s realized success but understands how fragile it is. Lyrically the album shows Benny reflecting on what he’s sacrificed to get here and what he’ll need to do to continue his rise to the top. With this project we set out to transport the listener into a world that was lush but still gritty, triumphant but still emotional and sonically diverse across the board.”

Fresh off 2018’s collaborative LP with the enigmatic MF DOOM, “Czarface meets Metal Face,” the adventure continues as Czarface now faces off with Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah.
"Czarface meets Ghostface” brings strictly mind melting beats and bars as 3 emcees clash like villains & heroes in the Savage Land. Czarface, a hip-hop & comics force comprised of Wu-Tang Clan General Inspectah Deck, Esoteric (who recently penned an X-Men comic for Marvel) and super producer 7L team up with Ghostface aka Iron-Man aka Tony Starks for murderous mayhem! Czar commando's Rebel INS & Esoteric trade lines such as "follow in my footsteps might tear your Achilles," & "flow customized got that Dapper Dan touch" with Ghost on the assist "chain is off the cooler, charm look like a shrunken head". With track titles like "The King Heard Voices", "Mongolian Beef", "Czarrcade '87", "Masked Superstars" & "Powers and Stuff" expect nothing short of a super charged collaboration!

In recent years, Los Angeles rapper Blu has become one of hip hop’s most prolific artists, releasing more than a dozen acclaimed projects and building a worldwide fanbase. The gifted lyricist often joins forces with a single producer for an entire collection, leading to classic collaborative releases with Exile, Nottz, Madlib, and more. Now, Blu is back with The Blueprint, a new mixtape produced by Shafiq Husayn. Known as one third of visionary production team Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Shafiq has produced for the likes of Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Andre 3000, John Legend, Anderson Paak, Thundercat, Bilal, Ty Dolla $ign, Ice T, and many more. Dedicated to the gang culture that permeates the city they both call home, The Blueprint reflects Blu’s eternal L.A. state of mind, with Shafiq’s eclectic soundscapes providing the perfect backdrop.

HHE is proud to announce a collaboration with Munk Wit Da Funk, Illadelph Records and The Militant Mind State. We have a double disc anthology that will include all the classics, unreleased tracks, demos, original remixes, freestyles and rarities recorded between 1994 and 2000.

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 2LP in gatefold sleeve incl. bonus 7" ("C'mon" b/w "Instrumental"). One per customer!

"Down To Earth" marked the debut album by Chicago's very own Grav. Originally released in 1996, the deep-voice MC flows on productions by No I.D., Dug Infinite, Big Q and a young Kanye West. Album guests include Al' Tariq and Lil Ray as well as DJ Nu-Mark on the cuts.

Underground lyrical terrorist, Grav, is among Chi town's most jovial and modest rappers. His personality is a blend of tranquillity and sangfroid, whether he's belting out razor sharp metaphors or head-nodding in time with a hip hop DJ. He grew up in Harlem when hip hop's street poets began taking a firm hold on the minds and hearts of New York's disenfranchised urban youth. He often journeyed to a park within the Lincoln Projects at 135th Street between Fifth and Madison avenues to hear such emerging hip hop artists as Doug E. Fresh beat box or rhyme. Grav remembers a special camaraderie emanating from those park jam sessions. "Everybody just grew up being cool with everybody," he says. "It was like a second family." In 1992, Grav moved to the Midwest to major in computer animation and sound engineering at the Art Institute of Chicago. Once he got to the Windy City, Grav decided to settle in the section of town referred to as Wicker Park. Wicker Park is the Midwest equivalent of Greenwich Village with it's ultra bohemian clubs, art galleries, cafes, bookstores, and theaters. Grav was then introduced to the city's underground hip hop scene through his roommate, Free. Grav spent most of his days with his head buried deep in his university school books to master the heavy scholastic work load. But his nights were spent flexing in freestyle sessions and ripping ciphers to shreds at clubs with an open mic night. He took on the name "Grav" when he teamed up with rapper, Magpie. In 1993, the two of them organized the group Indigenous Theory. Commenting on his unique moniker, Grav says, "My name reflects my down to earthness with people and how they react to me when I perform. I'm not just up there kicking lyrics. There's something in my style that attracts people to me, like the force of Gravity." Eventually Grav went solo when the group broke up in 1994. During this time Grav decided to seriously enter the rap game and lie concentrated on captivating audiences with the machine gun rhythm of his incredible flow and delivery at the legendary B Side Café. Grav rapidly graduated from headliner to host, with shows on Chicago's underground rap circuit. His debut album "Down To Earth" adds to the handful of projects that Grav already has on his plate, like rhyming on countless underground mix tapes and contributing to producer No.ID album (beat maker supreme for Common, Al Tariq, etc.).

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

12" matte gatefold jacket, white color double vinyl & embossed reverse board record sleeves.

A tech company's "senior spirit guide" finally comes to the defense of the "financially unsuccessful" Vincent van Gogh; wonders of the natural world are reimagined as "muster points for brainstorming innovators"; the "artificial char lines" on fast-food burgers are cited as if signs of the apocalypse. For the better part of three decades, Aesop Rock has used the syntax of the moment to pinpoint the fault lines in that moment's supposedly solid foundation. With his tenth album, Integrated Tech Solutions, Aes wields insidious corporatespeak as a tool to pry that parasitic worldview away from the parts of life that truly matter. A concept album about an organization offering "lifestyle- and industry-specific applications designed to curate a desired multi-experience," Integrated Tech Solutions picks apart the charlatan language that hears app inventors put themselves on continuums starting with cavemen and continuing through da Vinci. On "Mindful Solutionism," the wheel evolves seamlessly into modern agriculture - and then into atomic bombs, Agent Orange, cigarettes, and surveillance cameras. In a rare moment of transparency, the engineers Aes give voice to sum up this spiral in just a few words: "We cannot be trusted with the stuff that we come up with." Appropriately, the album sounds like the past and future at once. Largely self-produced, Integrated Tech Solutions catches Aes at his leanest and most innovative, leveraging "SolutionismÖs careening bounce against the wistful "By the River" or the slow creep of "Salt and Pepper Squid." The effect is a record that sounds itself like an organism growing, mutating, hurtling toward profitability - and then destruction. As fans have come to expect, Aes is cuttingly funny and slyly profound at once, whether recounting a childhood restaurant run-in with Mr. T ("100 Feet Tall") or quipping, on "Pigeonometry," that "white dove is a pigeon - you motherfuckers is bigots." At the same time, Integrated Tech Solutions is working on another parallel project: tracing the sprawl of modernity and cutting directly to its core. "I've been doing laps of the lost worlds," he raps on "All City Nerve Map," sounding at once wearied and reinvigorated. "I can draw a map to the raw nerve."

When you get the chance to re-release a piece of Hip-Hop history, then it would be churlish of us not to surely? So, when we stumbled into Grand Wizard Theodore again, we thought it would be nice to get an affordable, mint 12 inch reissue out there of this early Hip-Hop classic.

This is the guy who invented scratching no less. Two cuts that any music head needs in their collection, "Can I Get A Soul Clap 'Fresh Out Of The Pack" and "Hey What's Your Sign, What's Your Name, What's On Your Mind" Instrumental. This version hasn’t been reissued since 1982 and sells for up to £300, with the cheapest original at present clocking in at £200, over 10 times more than this “mint” remastered reissue. This is a crucial slice of musical culture right here - a double sided Hip Hop belter, with original Soul-O-Wax imprint labels.

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”.

Upstate NY heavyweights 38 Spesh and Conway The Machine have joined forces for a collaboration album fans did not see coming. Having recorded with each other for well over a decade, these two lyrical powerhouses' styles mesh effortlessly on this 10-track offering. The soundbeds for the illustrious affair are provided by Spesh himself with the help of a producer he has championed for years, Jimmy Dukes. Instead of continuing to mine the '90s like their contemporaries, the duo bring a sound that calls back to early '00s Hip-Hop. On top of verses that will etch themselves in your mind courtesy of Spesh and Conway, the project includes standout bars and hooks by the likes Lloyd Banks, Pharoahe Monch, Benny The Butcher, Che Noir, ElCamino, and Emanny.

Why you'll love it...
By All Means Necessary is often discussed like it’s some departure from Criminal Minded. The moment KRS turned into “The Teacha” and became a politically minded, socially conscious wordsmith. In reality, this is who he already was. Misunderstanding and tragedy is what compelled him to not only refocus on the role he wanted to play in hip-hop, but create an album that gave way to a very important movement in hip-hop, too.

By All Means Necessary is an essential and definitive BDP and KRS album. It marks the moment where KRS wasn’t just concerned with being a great emcee but a teacher, too, continuing his exploration of sociopolitical subjects on BDP’s following three albums, as well as throughout his solo career.

Limited Edition of 1.000 copies on colored blue / white 12" vinyl.

Kota the Friend's album "Foto" is a must-listen for fans of introspective and thought-provoking hip-hop. The album is various snapshots of Kota‘s life, an endearing invitation to the mind and mood of the NYC MC. With smooth beats and honest lyrics, the Brooklyn rapper takes listeners on a journey through his personal experiences and struggles, touching on topics such as mental health, relationships, and the challenges of pursuing a career in the music industry. Featuring collaborations with talented artists like Saba, "Foto" showcases Kota's versatility as a rapper and his ability to craft compelling stories through his music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Kota's music, "Foto" is an album that should not be missed.

For an hour, "Foto" flows like the gentle whisk of a breeze or the soft lapping of the waves. The project features mellow soundscapes with similar cadences to Australian producer Origami Beats, a carefully-curated selection of jazzy, lo-fi hip-hop replete with fuzzy static and spacious melodies.

Features with Saba, Hello Oshay, Lizzy Ashliegh, Isa Reyes & Richard Parker.

Why you'll love it...
To be the backbone of Cash Money is to be an oft-underappreciated figure like Mannie Fresh, who manned nearly an entire era of production singlehandedly while *still* finding the gall to grow and reinvent himself. Though his solo album came on the back end of Cash Money’s descent into peril, 'The Mind of Mannie Fresh' is far more fun than anticipated, chock full of outrageous punchlines and overindulgent skit work. The beats still do the maximum, and Mannie as an MC isn’t afraid of his creations in the slightest, rising to his own occasion even as the results find him stumbling over with a grin on his chin. In canon, this album’s one of the more forgotten; to delve further into building the Cash Money folklore, spin it for a peek into the source code behind your favorites.

With the elements in Hip-Hop divided, Pawz One & Preed One return to their grafitti roots with the new collaboration album “Murals & Mayhem”. Pawz approaches each song as verbal graff piece that covers Preed One’s soulful and gritty background production. The duo bring the color out of topics such as tainted love, friendships, the culture of Hip-Hop and surviving the mayhem of the Los Angeles streets. Adding more to the mural are guests like Guilty Simpson, Copywrite and Ruste Juxx. Blended together each song creates a larger piece that covers the mind walls from top to bottom.

R.I.P. Trugoy the Dove

Bringing a sound and energy unlike any other, De La Soul quickly became one of the most revered, game-changing artists in hip-hop and forever cemented their legacy in the hearts and minds of fans around the world. Despite their rapid success and recognition, De La Soul continued to prove themselves as one of the most original, authentic and creative groups in hip-hop, following on May 14, 1991 with the release of their sophomore album, De La Soul is Dead. Featuring, once again, the production of visionary producer Prince Paul, their second album further fanned the flames; landing on charts around the world. “A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays,” “Ring, Ring, Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” and “Keepin’ the Faith” have become certified classics in the De La Soul catalog.