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Daily Operation is the third studio album by Gang Starr, released on May 5, 1992. The duo, consisting of rapper Guru (Keith Elam) and DJ/producer DJ Premier (Christopher Martin), was already known for blending jazz and hip-hop in innovative ways, but Daily Operation marked a pivotal moment in their career. The album is widely considered a classic of East Coast hip-hop, combining DJ Premier’s minimalist, sample-heavy production with Guru’s intellectual and streetwise lyrics.

Daily Operation was a defining record in early 90s New York hip-hop, with a gritty, boom-bap sound that became emblematic of the era.
The album blends jazz samples, hard-hitting beats, and Guru’s deep, monotone delivery, creating a unique soundscape that is both cerebral and raw.
Lyrically, Guru addresses a wide range of topics, including social issues, loyalty, the state of hip-hop, and personal reflection, all delivered with his trademark cool, calm demeanor.

The production on Daily Operation is quintessential DJ Premier: he uses chopped-up jazz and soul samples, deep basslines, and hard drums, with frequent scratches and vocal samples from other rappers as hooks.
Premier’s use of jazz horns, piano loops, and understated but funky basslines gives the album a smooth, sophisticated feel, while still maintaining the rugged edge of early 90s East Coast rap.
The album’s minimalist production style was a departure from the heavier, layered sound that dominated other hip-hop albums of the time, helping to cement Gang Starr’s reputation as pioneers of jazz rap.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Take It Personal" – The lead single from the album, this track is often seen as a diss song directed at those who have betrayed or doubted Guru. The beat is simple but powerful, with a rolling piano loop and Premier’s sharp scratches. It became one of the group’s signature songs.
"Ex Girl to Next Girl" – One of the more laid-back tracks on the album, it features Guru discussing moving on from a toxic relationship. The track is driven by a jazzy, smooth beat and features Guru’s classic calm, reflective delivery.
"Soliloquy of Chaos" – A storytelling track where Guru describes the chaos of a violent night at a club, offering insight into the dangers and unpredictability of life in the streets. The haunting piano loop and somber tone of the track reflect the gravity of the subject matter.
"I'm the Man" (featuring Lil Dap and Jeru the Damaja) – This posse cut features verses from Lil Dap (of Group Home) and Jeru the Damaja, introducing listeners to these future Gang Starr Foundation members. The track has a hard, aggressive beat, and each rapper delivers strong performances.
"The Place Where We Dwell" – An ode to Brooklyn, where DJ Premier lived, and Boston, where Guru was from. The track pays tribute to the cities that shaped them, over a jazzy, uptempo beat.
"2 Deep" – This track features Guru reflecting on life’s struggles and his pursuit of success, set to one of Premier’s most atmospheric beats. The bass-heavy production and moody saxophone sample give the song a contemplative feel.
"Flip the Script" – A hard-hitting track where Guru flexes his lyrical skills, delivering sharp, precise verses over a gritty, bass-heavy beat. It’s one of the more aggressive tracks on the album, with a punchy delivery and tough production.

Self-Reflection and Growth: Many tracks, such as "Take It Personal" and "Ex Girl to Next Girl," focus on Guru’s personal experiences with betrayal, relationships, and self-growth. His lyrics often take a philosophical approach, offering wisdom and life lessons.
Street Life and Social Commentary: Tracks like "Soliloquy of Chaos" delve into the violence and unpredictability of street life, while others, like "2 Deep," explore the challenges of navigating a world filled with obstacles and injustices.

Throughout the album, Guru expresses his loyalty to authentic hip-hop culture and addresses the importance of staying true to oneself, which is a recurring theme in Gang Starr’s music.
Production and Collaborations:
DJ Premier’s production on Daily Operation is minimalist yet innovative, marking a shift toward the stripped-down, sample-heavy sound that he would later perfect. He heavily utilizes jazz samples, drawing on his deep knowledge of jazz and soul records to create sophisticated, head-nodding beats.
Jeru the Damaja and Lil Dap appear on the album, marking their introduction to the broader hip-hop world through the Gang Starr Foundation, a collective of artists associated with the duo. Both rappers would go on to have influential careers, especially Jeru, who became a critical voice in underground hip-hop.

Daily Operation received widespread acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of the 1990s. Critics praised its blend of lyrical sophistication and innovative production, as well as the balance between jazz influences and hardcore hip-hop beats.
The album was recognized for its intellectual depth, with Guru’s thoughtful, reflective lyrics offering a counterpoint to the more aggressive or party-focused styles that were dominant at the time.
The album did not achieve massive commercial success but became an underground classic, solidifying Gang Starr’s reputation as one of the most influential acts in hip-hop.

Daily Operation is often considered one of the defining albums of the boom-bap era of East Coast hip-hop, influencing countless artists with its combination of jazz sampling and gritty production.
DJ Premier’s production on this album helped shape the sound of 90s hip-hop, setting the template for his later work with Nas, Jay-Z, and others.
Guru’s smooth, intellectual lyricism was seen as a refreshing contrast to the more aggressive styles of the time, earning him respect as one of the genre’s most thoughtful MCs.
The album also played a key role in establishing the Gang Starr Foundation, paving the way for artists like Jeru the Damaja and Group Home to make their mark on hip-hop.

Daily Operation is a classic East Coast hip-hop album, showcasing Gang Starr at the height of their powers. DJ Premier’s innovative, jazz-infused production combined with Guru’s thoughtful and commanding lyricism created a timeless project that resonates with hip-hop fans decades after its release.
The album’s influence can be heard in the work of numerous hip-hop artists, particularly in the boom-bap and jazz rap subgenres. It remains a landmark in both Gang Starr’s career and the broader landscape of 90s hip-hop, revered for its subtle sophistication and gritty realism.

Collision Course is a collaborative EP by Jay-Z and Linkin Park, released on November 30, 2004. The project was an experimental mash-up album that combined elements of hip-hop and nu-metal, blending Jay-Z's raps with Linkin Park's rock sound. Produced by Mike Shinoda (of Linkin Park) and Jay-Z, Collision Course merges some of the biggest hits from both artists into new, hybrid tracks that fuse their distinct genres.

Collision Course was the result of MTV’s "Mash-Up" series, where artists from different genres collaborated to create new music by combining their songs. The project quickly gained attention because it featured two hugely popular artists from vastly different musical backgrounds.
The EP features six tracks, each a combination of Jay-Z’s iconic verses and Linkin Park’s hard-hitting rock instrumentals and vocals. It brings together Jay-Z's hip-hop classics with Linkin Park’s emotionally charged, alternative rock anthems.
The release was accompanied by a DVD, which included behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the album and a live performance of the mash-up tracks.

The mash-ups blend hip-hop beats with rock instrumentation, creating a genre-bending sound. Jay-Z’s verses, which are typically supported by hip-hop production, are now backed by guitar riffs, drums, and electronic elements from Linkin Park’s catalog.
Linkin Park’s co-lead vocalists, Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda, intertwine their vocals with Jay-Z’s raps, adding a dynamic contrast between Chester’s melodic hooks and Mike's rap-style verses.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Numb/Encore" – This is arguably the most well-known track from the EP and became a major hit. It combines Jay-Z’s "Encore" from The Black Album with Linkin Park’s "Numb" from Meteora. The song blends Jay-Z's braggadocious lyrics about legacy and success with the emotional weight of "Numb," creating a powerful contrast. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2006.
"Dirt Off Your Shoulder/Lying from You" – This track combines Jay-Z’s "Dirt Off Your Shoulder" from The Black Album with Linkin Park’s "Lying from You" from Meteora. The mix of Jay-Z’s swaggering, confident lyrics with the angsty tone of "Lying from You" creates an intense, high-energy track.
"Big Pimpin'/Papercut" – In this mash-up, Jay-Z’s party anthem "Big Pimpin’" from Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter is combined with "Papercut", one of Linkin Park’s hard-hitting tracks from Hybrid Theory. The contrast between Jay-Z’s carefree lyrics and the darker themes of "Papercut" makes for a unique and striking combination.
"Jigga What/Faint" – This high-energy mash-up blends Jay-Z’s "Jigga What" from Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life with Linkin Park’s "Faint" from Meteora. The aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced production of "Faint" complement Jay-Z’s rapid-fire rhyming, making this one of the more intense tracks on the album.
"Izzo/In the End" – This track mashes up Jay-Z’s hit "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" from The Blueprint with Linkin Park’s massive hit "In the End" from Hybrid Theory. The combination of Jay-Z’s celebratory lyrics with the reflective, melancholic tone of "In the End" creates a unique emotional balance.
"Points of Authority/99 Problems/One Step Closer" – This mash-up brings together Jay-Z’s "99 Problems" from The Black Album with Linkin Park’s "Points of Authority" and "One Step Closer" from Hybrid Theory. It’s one of the hardest-hitting tracks on the EP, with aggressive beats and heavy guitars, paired with Jay-Z’s defiant lyrics.

Contrast between genres: One of the major themes in Collision Course is the juxtaposition of hip-hop bravado and rock’s emotional intensity. Jay-Z’s confident, self-assured lyrics are often paired with Linkin Park’s more vulnerable and introspective lyrics, creating a dramatic tension in the songs.

Jay-Z’s lyrics in tracks like "Encore" and "Big Pimpin’" focus on his rise to fame, success, and the challenges he’s overcome, while Linkin Park’s contributions often explore themes of alienation, frustration, and personal struggle.
Critical Reception:
Collision Course received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its creativity and for bridging the gap between two different musical genres. While some critics felt that the mash-ups were too formulaic, others admired the seamless blending of two very different musical styles.
The EP performed well commercially, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. "Numb/Encore" was particularly successful, becoming a mainstream hit and one of the most recognizable tracks from the project.

Collision Course is seen as a significant experiment in genre fusion, helping to bridge the gap between hip-hop and rock audiences. It contributed to the growing trend of genre-blending that would become more prominent in the 2000s.
The success of the EP demonstrated that collaborations across genres could be commercially viable, paving the way for future projects that mixed hip-hop with rock, pop, and other genres.
The live performance of the EP’s tracks, particularly the "Numb/Encore" mash-up at events like the Grammys and MTV Music Awards, helped to cement its place in pop culture, with fans of both Jay-Z and Linkin Park embracing the crossover.

Collision Course stands as a unique collaboration in music history, bringing together two icons from different genres and creating a blend that resonated with both rock and hip-hop fans. Though brief, the EP’s six tracks showcased the possibilities of genre fusion and delivered some of the most memorable mash-ups of the 2000s. The project continues to be celebrated for its innovation and the seamless combination of Jay-Z’s iconic flows with Linkin Park’s powerful instrumentals and emotive vocals.

Liquid Swords is the second studio album by Genius / GZA, released on November 7, 1995, on Geffen Records. Widely regarded as a hip-hop masterpiece, the album is known for its lyrical complexity, dark production, and vivid storytelling. Produced entirely by RZA, Liquid Swords features guest appearances from Wu-Tang Clan members and incorporates themes of philosophy, street life, martial arts, and the internal conflicts faced by individuals in harsh environments.

Liquid Swords is often described as one of the most lyrically sophisticated albums in hip-hop, with GZA’s intricate wordplay and storytelling at the forefront. His lyrics are filled with metaphors, layered meanings, and intellectual references, drawing comparisons to chess, martial arts, and samurai culture.
RZA’s production on Liquid Swords is dark, gritty, and atmospheric, using minimalist beats combined with eerie samples, many of which come from the 1980s martial arts film "Shogun Assassin". The result is an album that feels cinematic and moody, with a dystopian, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The album’s lyrics often reflect on mental discipline and strategic thinking, with tracks like "Liquid Swords" using metaphors related to chess and battle strategy. GZA frequently draws from his nickname as “The Genius,” delivering cerebral verses filled with metaphors about intellectual battles.
Street Life and Survival: While much of the album is rooted in intellectualism, GZA also explores themes of urban struggle, survival, and the harsh realities of inner-city life. Tracks like "Cold World" present a bleak picture of street violence, poverty, and crime.
Martial Arts and Samurai Imagery: Throughout the album, GZA incorporates imagery of samurai swords, warriors, and martial arts, using these motifs as metaphors for mental sharpness, discipline, and conflict. This is reflected in both the lyrics and the sound design, with many tracks featuring samples from martial arts films.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Liquid Swords" – The album’s opening track is both its title track and a standout moment. GZA’s sharp lyricism is paired with RZA’s haunting production, setting the tone for the album’s focus on philosophical reflection and street life. The intro features dialogue from "Shogun Assassin", solidifying the album’s martial arts theme.

"4th Chamber" – This track is a highlight for its raw energy and features strong verses from Ghostface Killah, Killah Priest, and RZA. The lyrics touch on social decay, political corruption, and personal resilience.

"Shadowboxin’" (featuring Method Man) – Known for its catchy hook and Method Man’s standout guest verse, this track is an excellent example of the synergy between GZA and his fellow Wu-Tang Clan members. The song explores themes of mental combat and shadowboxing as a metaphor for intellectual battles.

"Cold World" (featuring Inspectah Deck) – A dark, introspective track that paints a vivid picture of the struggles in urban life. The production is minimalist but powerful, allowing GZA’s detailed storytelling to take center stage.

"Duel of the Iron Mic" – Featuring verses from Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck, this track is a lyrical sparring match, with each MC delivering sharp, battle-ready verses. The song is both a testament to GZA’s lyricism and a showcase for Wu-Tang’s collective talent.

RZA handles all production on the album, using a style that emphasizes minimalism, gritty samples, and cinematic soundscapes. Many of the tracks feature dialogue from martial arts films or atmospheric samples that enhance the album’s philosophical and introspective themes.
The beats are often slow and menacing, allowing GZA’s dense, introspective lyrics to take center stage. RZA’s use of disjointed loops, eerie melodies, and sparse instrumentation gives the album a unique, otherworldly feel.

Upon release, Liquid Swords received widespread critical acclaim for its lyrical complexity and innovative production. Critics praised GZA’s ability to blend philosophical themes with street narratives, and RZA’s production was hailed for its dark, cinematic quality.
The album has since been regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and one of the best releases from the Wu-Tang Clan collective. It is often cited as one of the finest examples of 90s East Coast hip-hop and is revered for its storytelling, intellect, and atmospheric production.
Liquid Swords has influenced a generation of rappers, particularly in the lyrical, underground, and alternative hip-hop scenes, with its combination of intricate wordplay and thematic depth setting a standard for future artists.

Liquid Swords has been listed on numerous "greatest albums" lists and continues to be studied and admired for its lyrical depth and thematic consistency. GZA’s methodical, intellectual approach to hip-hop remains influential, and his ability to blend street narratives with philosophical musings has set him apart as one of the most respected lyricists in the genre.
In summary, Liquid Swords is a landmark album that showcases GZA’s lyrical genius and RZA’s unparalleled production. Its blend of martial arts imagery, philosophical themes, and dark, atmospheric beats has made it an enduring classic in the hip-hop world.

Following his most commercially and critically successful year to date, Conway the Machine returns with his first full length offering of 2024, “Slant Face Killa.” Long teased as the second half of the chart-topping 2023 album, “won’t HE DO IT,” fans see Conway the Machine embracing his killer instincts on the mic, and doing so with versatility - rapping over the familiar gritty, dark beats fans remember discovering him on during his come up (Milano Nights, Pt. 1) to more unconventional beats, showcasing his ability to adapt and grow (Raw!). With an impressive feature list including Method Man, Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Key Glock, Jay Worthy & more, and production from heavyweight producers such as The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Cardo, Swizz Beatz & more, The Machine illustrates both his reach in today’s rap game, as well as his ability as a tastemaker. Known for consistently delivering quality music for his die-hard fans, The Machine is back to put his stamp on 2024. 2xLP Vinyl, includes Gatefold Jacket.

Madvillainy is the debut and only studio album by Madvillain, a collaboration between legendary rapper MF DOOM (Daniel Dumile) and acclaimed producer Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr.), released on March 23, 2004 by Stones Throw Records. The album is often hailed as a masterpiece of underground hip-hop, characterized by its unconventional structure, eclectic production, and MF DOOM’s intricate, surreal lyrics.

Madvillainy was a highly anticipated project in the underground hip-hop scene, bringing together two of its most respected figures. MF DOOM, known for his complex wordplay and villainous persona, and Madlib, celebrated for his experimental and sample-heavy production, combined to create a dense, atmospheric album.
The project was recorded over several years, with Madlib working on beats while traveling and MF DOOM crafting his lyrics with a stream-of-consciousness style.
The album has a lo-fi aesthetic, featuring short, fragmented tracks, many of which do not follow traditional song structures like verses and hooks. Instead, Madvillainy is more of a collage, with some tracks acting as interludes or musical sketches.

Madlib’s production is eclectic and layered, drawing from jazz, soul, Brazilian music, obscure soundtracks, and 1970s psychedelia, creating a moody and experimental backdrop for MF DOOM’s vocals.
The album’s beats are sample-heavy, often gritty, and feature unorthodox tempos and time signatures. Madlib also uses interludes and vocal samples from obscure sources, giving the album a cinematic, almost comic book-like feel.
MF DOOM delivers his signature abstract and multi-syllabic rhymes, filled with internal rhyme schemes, pop culture references, and complex wordplay. His delivery is intentionally offbeat, which complements the nontraditional structure of the production.

Lyrically, Madvillainy is a blend of surrealism, humor, and complex storytelling. MF DOOM’s persona as the masked supervillain is ever-present, with much of the album reflecting his mischievous, sardonic view of the world.
His lyrics often appear cryptic, with layers of meaning that reward close listening. He plays with words in ways that defy conventional hip-hop norms, eschewing clear narratives in favor of dense, puzzle-like rhymes.
Themes in the album include betrayal, paranoia, and the villain’s perspective, often narrated from a detached, almost nihilistic point of view. However, DOOM’s approach is often playful, filled with irony and wit.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Accordion" – A minimalist, standout track where MF DOOM delivers one of his most well-known verses over a sparse accordion loop. The track captures DOOM’s style perfectly, with cryptic, tightly-packed bars and Madlib’s minimalist approach.
"Meat Grinder" – A haunting, jazz-infused beat serves as the backdrop for MF DOOM’s dense wordplay, as he raps with a stream-of-consciousness flow, dropping surreal imagery and twisted humor.
"America’s Most Blunted" (featuring Quasimoto) – A playful, weed-themed track featuring Madlib’s alter ego, Quasimoto. The track is both funky and chaotic, with vocal samples interspersed between DOOM and Quasimoto’s verses.
"Curls" – One of the shorter tracks, with a smooth, almost nostalgic beat. DOOM’s verses are filled with detailed, vivid descriptions, encapsulating his ability to turn everyday observations into poetic rhymes.
"All Caps" – Perhaps the most iconic track on the album, known for its booming beat and DOOM’s punchy, comic book-inspired verses. The title refers to MF DOOM’s alias, urging fans to spell it in all capital letters, reinforcing his larger-than-life persona.
"Rhinestone Cowboy" – The album’s closer, featuring a soulful, downtempo beat and some of DOOM’s most introspective and reflective lyrics. It’s a contemplative end to an otherwise chaotic and fragmented album.

Madvillainy is a nonlinear album, with many of the tracks flowing directly into each other without clear transitions. It’s constructed more like a sonic collage, making the album feel like a continuous, abstract narrative rather than a collection of separate songs.
The album contains numerous interludes and brief tracks, some less than a minute long, but all contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere. Tracks like "Sickfit" and "Do Not Fire!" are instrumental breaks that give Madlib’s production room to shine.

Upon release, Madvillainy was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for its innovation, lyrical complexity, and cohesive production, with critics noting its departure from conventional hip-hop formulas.
It quickly became regarded as one of the most important and influential underground hip-hop albums of all time, with its influence extending beyond just hip-hop into broader experimental music.
MF DOOM’s and Madlib’s artistic approach on Madvillainy helped solidify their reputations as avant-garde artists, unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre.
The album is frequently included in lists of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and is particularly beloved by fans of alternative and underground hip-hop. It has been noted for its lasting influence on the sound and style of future hip-hop artists, especially in the abstract, lo-fi, and experimental spaces.
Impact on MF DOOM and Madlib's Careers:
MF DOOM further cemented his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and talented lyricists. His use of the supervillain persona, combined with his intricate rhyming style, made him a cult figure in the genre.
Madlib also gained widespread recognition for his unique production style, which merged elements of hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music. His ability to create deeply layered and textured beats without sacrificing their lo-fi charm became a hallmark of his production style.
Madvillainy’s success paved the way for other projects in the underground scene and inspired a new wave of artists who saw hip-hop as a medium for abstract, avant-garde expression.

Madvillainy continues to be revered as a benchmark in underground hip-hop. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, The Creator to more experimental producers and MCs who were inspired by Madlib's and MF DOOM’s fearless approach to crafting an album.
The mystique surrounding MF DOOM, especially after his untimely death in 2020, only added to the album’s legendary status, with Madvillainy often considered his definitive work.
The album’s blend of complex lyricism, unorthodox production, and nontraditional structure helped redefine what could be done in the hip-hop genre, making it a timeless work of art.
In summary, Madvillainy is a landmark album in hip-hop, pushing the boundaries of both lyricism and production. Its influence is far-reaching, and its status as one of the greatest underground albums remains unchallenged. The partnership between MF DOOM and Madlib resulted in a project that is as dense, surreal, and captivating as it is groundbreaking.

Last chance, last pressing.

Cleo Sol - Rose in the Dark is the debut studio album by British singer-songwriter Cleo Sol, released on March 27, 2020. The album was produced by Inflo, who is also a key figure in the Sault collective. Rose in the Dark established Cleo Sol as a powerful voice in neo-soul and modern R&B, offering a soothing and reflective collection of songs that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience.

The album blends soul, R&B, jazz, and folk influences, marked by warm, organic instrumentation with a retro feel, featuring lush strings, gentle piano, and smooth rhythms. Cleo Sol's voice is central to the album's sound, with its soft, emotional delivery giving the tracks an intimate and reflective tone.

Lyrically, Rose in the Dark centers on themes of love, personal growth, self-worth, and healing. The songs are largely introspective, with Cleo Sol reflecting on relationships and personal challenges, often with a focus on finding inner strength. There’s a sense of vulnerability and emotional honesty throughout the album, which resonates deeply with listeners.

Key Tracks:
"Rose in the Dark" – The title track, a soulful and introspective song about navigating love and finding inner peace.
"Why Don’t You" – A standout track that combines a classic soul sound with a modern twist, addressing themes of self-worth and being true to oneself.
"When I’m in Your Arms" – A tender, love-infused track that showcases Cleo Sol’s ability to capture the warmth and comfort of love through her soulful voice and minimalist production.
"Her Light" – A reflective track about empowerment and self-awareness, encouraging self-love and growth.
Critical Reception: Rose in the Dark was met with widespread acclaim from critics who praised Cleo Sol's soothing voice, the album's timeless sound, and the introspective lyricism. Many noted the calming and healing quality of the album, especially during its release in 2020, a year marked by uncertainty and upheaval. The minimalist production allowed Cleo Sol's vocals and lyrical content to shine, making the album a standout in contemporary soul music.

The album was produced by Inflo, who has been instrumental in shaping the sound of both Cleo Sol’s solo work and the output of the Sault collective. Rose in the Dark shares the same organic, soulful production style found in Sault’s albums, though it feels more intimate and personal due to its focus on Cleo Sol's own journey.

Rose in the Dark has been hailed as a modern soul classic, with its focus on healing, love, and emotional clarity resonating with a wide audience. It’s a highly personal work that highlights Cleo Sol’s talent not only as a vocalist but also as a thoughtful and introspective songwriter.

This album set the stage for her later work, including Mother (2021), where she continued exploring deeply personal and emotional themes

Deluxe Edition celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the second The Roots album. Comes with a 24-page booklet. Must have!

Do You Want More?!!!??! is the second studio album by The Roots, released on January 17, 1995. This album is a landmark in hip-hop because it showcases The Roots' use of live instrumentation rather than relying on samples and drum machines, which was the dominant production method in rap at the time. It helped establish The Roots as a unique force within hip-hop, blending genres like jazz, funk, and soul into their music and standing out as pioneers of the "alternative rap" movement.

The album is notable for its organic sound, primarily driven by live instruments, with contributions from musicians such as drummer Questlove, keyboardist Scott Storch, and bassist Leonard Hubbard.
It represents The Roots’ early jazz-influenced, laid-back sound, which sharply contrasted with the harder, sample-driven beats of mainstream hip-hop in the mid-1990s.
Do You Want More?!!!??! was the group’s first major-label release (on DGC/Geffen Records) and introduced them to a broader audience beyond their underground roots.

The album is known for its strong jazz-rap influence, with heavy use of improvisation, live drumming, and horn sections, giving it a feel akin to a live jam session.
The Roots draw from the traditions of jazz and soul music, fusing those styles with the vocal rhythms and lyrical complexity of hip-hop.
Beatboxing and vocal percussion are also used throughout the album, particularly with contributions from Rahzel, known as "The Godfather of Noyze," who uses his beatboxing skills as an instrument in several tracks.

Lyrically, Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) and Malik B (Malik Abdul Basit) address topics ranging from urban life and relationships to the state of hip-hop and artistic integrity.
Much of the album is celebratory, exploring themes like the joy of performing, living in the moment, and reflecting on personal experiences.
The lyrics are often introspective and conversational, matching the album’s laid-back, jazzy feel. Unlike the aggressive or gangsta rap style popular at the time, the focus here is more on storytelling and social commentary.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Proceed" – One of the album’s standout singles, with a mellow, jazzy beat and Black Thought's smooth, confident flow. This track became one of The Roots' signature songs, with several remix versions following its release.
"Distortion to Static" – A jazz-heavy, upbeat track that features both Black Thought and Malik B trading verses, with intricate lyricism and a distinct live sound. This song helped establish their reputation as lyrical craftsmen.
"Mellow My Man" – A smooth, funk-infused track that showcases The Roots' musicianship, particularly Questlove’s drumming, and explores more laid-back, reflective themes.
"Essaywhuman?!!!??!" – An almost entirely improvised, live track, with live scatting and beatboxing, blending hip-hop with jazz in real-time, giving the listener a glimpse of The Roots' live performance energy.
"Silent Treatment" – One of the few songs on the album that delves into personal relationships, specifically the emotional dynamics of a romantic relationship gone awry. The song’s smooth delivery and production make it one of the more accessible tracks on the album.
"Datskat" – A playful track with an emphasis on jazz improvisation, including a prominent saxophone section and Rahzel’s beatboxing, highlighting the album’s unique sonic experimentation.
Collaborations and Guest Appearances:
Rahzel (beatboxing) and Scott Storch (keyboards) both play significant roles on this album, contributing to its eclectic, live-instrument sound.
Saxophonist Steve Coleman and trumpeter Graham Haynes lend their jazz expertise, enhancing the album’s jazz-fusion vibe.

Do You Want More?!!!??! received critical acclaim for its innovative use of live instrumentation and jazz influences in hip-hop. Critics praised the album for its originality and the band’s musical proficiency.
The album was celebrated for breaking away from the sample-driven norm of hip-hop production in the 1990s, helping to expand the genre’s sonic possibilities.
Despite its critical success, Do You Want More?!!!??! did not achieve major commercial success at the time, but it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic in both hip-hop and alternative music circles.
Themes:
A key theme in the album is the exploration of musicianship in hip-hop. By blending jazz improvisation and live performances with rap, The Roots were not just making music—they were actively challenging the boundaries of what hip-hop could be.
Cultural identity and artistic integrity also play central roles in the lyrics, with Black Thought and Malik B often ruminating on their roles as artists in a changing and often commodified hip-hop landscape.

While not a massive commercial hit upon release, Do You Want More?!!!??! has become regarded as one of the seminal albums of the jazz-rap genre and a landmark in alternative hip-hop.
The album set the stage for The Roots’ later success and is seen as an important precursor to their subsequent, more polished and socially-conscious works, like Things Fall Apart (1999).
Do You Want More?!!!??! also helped to redefine live hip-hop performance, as The Roots proved that a live band could create complex, compelling music that resonated both within and beyond the hip-hop community.
Its influence extends to many artists in hip-hop and neo-soul, especially those involved with the Soulquarians, a collective of artists like Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Common with whom The Roots would collaborate extensively.
The album's blend of jazz, live instrumentation, and socially-conscious lyrics helped The Roots carve out a distinct niche in the hip-hop world, making Do You Want More?!!!??! a defining moment in their career and a critical touchstone in the evolution of alternative hip-hop.

Limited to 500 copies, only available at HHV! Only 2 per customer!

Following his most commercially and critically successful year to date, Conway the Machine returns with his first full length offering of 2024, “Slant Face Killa.” Long teased as the second half of the chart-topping 2023 album, “won’t HE DO IT,” fans see Conway the Machine embracing his killer instincts on the mic, and doing so with versatility - rapping over the familiar gritty, dark beats fans remember discovering him on during his come up (Milano Nights, Pt. 1) to more unconventional beats, showcasing his ability to adapt and grow (Raw!). With an impressive feature list including Method Man, Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Key Glock, Jay Worthy & more, and production from heavyweight producers such as The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Cardo, Swizz Beatz & more, The Machine illustrates both his reach in today’s rap game, as well as his ability as a tastemaker. Known for consistently delivering quality music for his die-hard fans, The Machine is back to put his stamp on 2024. 2xLP Vinyl, includes Gatefold Jacket.

The item comes with a slight corner bump.

Limited to 1994 copies worldwide. US customers, please order with Get On Down. Pressed ON Blue AND Butter Cream Colored Vinyl

With Hand Numbered OBI Limited to 1994 Copies

Deluxe edition vinyl which includes the original album plus 3 Resurrection remixes with liner notes featuring interviews with Common and NO I.D all in a beautiful gatefold jacket.

Get On Down is proud to present, Commons sophomore album, Resurrection. While the album was originally neglected by the mainstream, it has since received a great deal of critical acclaim and is now on The Sources 100 Best Rap Albums. In comparison to his debut album, Commons musical style evolved lyrically by his expressing of himself rather than just describing street life. With its Jazz and Hip Hop flavors, Resurrection furthered the growth of both genres. Overall, the album is commonly perceived as an underrated Rap classic and now this legendary album is available in a much anticipated, 2xLP gatefold jacket edition.

Resurrection was produced almost entirely by No I.D., who has gone on to work with heavyweights like Usher, Alicia Keys and Rihanna, and he recently produced the first two singles for Jay-Zs new album The Blueprint 3. In addition, No I.D. is credited as the man who introduced Kan ye West to Hip Hop production, inviting him to his sessions with Common when West was only starting out.

The 2xLP features the original 15 album tracks (all cuts remastered from the original masters) and three remixes of Resurrection. Two of the remixes were produced by the one and only Large Professor of Main Source fame and the third is another track by No I.D. The gatefold jacket art features in-depth liner notes written by Brian Coleman with Common and No I.D.

Midnight Marauders is the third studio album by A Tribe Called Quest, released on November 9, 1993. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time, known for its sophisticated jazz-infused production, smooth lyricism, and impactful social commentary. The album helped cement A Tribe Called Quest as pioneers of the alternative hip-hop movement.

Midnight Marauders continues the group’s fusion of jazz samples and boom-bap beats, much like their previous album, The Low End Theory. However, the production on Midnight Marauders is tighter, more polished, and showcases a richer sound with more layers of sampling and instrumentation.
The album features both Q-Tip (Kamaal Ibn John Fareed) and Phife Dawg (Malik Taylor) at the height of their lyrical powers. Q-Tip delivers introspective, philosophical verses with his signature smooth, laid-back delivery, while Phife Dawg provides sharp, witty, and streetwise commentary, offering a perfect contrast to Q-Tip’s style.

The album addresses a range of topics, from the complexities of Black identity and the state of hip-hop to reflections on love, competition, and the music industry. The lyrics are often intellectual yet grounded in everyday experiences, making them accessible and thought-provoking.
The themes in the album extend to the critique of societal issues like police brutality and systemic racism, but they are presented in a conversational, unpretentious manner.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Award Tour" (featuring Trugoy from De La Soul) – One of the album’s biggest singles, this track celebrates Tribe’s success while maintaining a humble, down-to-earth tone. It’s driven by a catchy, upbeat beat and has an infectious hook.
"Electric Relaxation" – A classic, smooth track known for its laid-back vibe and jazzy production. The song features witty, flirtatious lyrics, where both Q-Tip and Phife Dawg reflect on relationships and romance. It remains one of the group’s most popular songs.
"Oh My God" (featuring Busta Rhymes) – A high-energy track that blends frantic, lively production with sharp lyricism from Q-Tip and Phife, while Busta Rhymes brings his signature hype-man energy on the chorus.
"Sucka Nigga" – In this controversial track, Q-Tip delves into the history of the N-word, its reclamation, and the complexities of language in African American culture. The track is a reflective and thought-provoking commentary on racial identity.
"We Can Get Down" – A track that highlights the camaraderie between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg as they rap about friendship and mutual respect, reinforcing the tight bond within the group.
"Clap Your Hands" – With its boom-bap beat and jazz-heavy instrumentation, this track is a quintessential Tribe song, showcasing their ability to create music that is both catchy and intellectual.

Midnight Marauders was produced by A Tribe Called Quest themselves, with the assistance of their longtime collaborator Ali Shaheed Muhammad. The production continues to focus on sampling jazz records, but it’s more refined, with a greater emphasis on layered sounds, creating a warmer, fuller sonic experience.
The album also features funk, soul, and R&B influences, giving it a dynamic, genre-blending feel that set it apart from the more sample-heavy hip-hop albums of the time.

Midnight Marauders was both a critical and commercial success, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200 and receiving widespread acclaim for its innovative production and insightful lyricism. Critics praised the album for its balance of jazz-inflected beats and clever wordplay, as well as its thoughtful approach to social issues.
The album is often included in "greatest albums" lists and is considered one of the essential works of 90s hip-hop. It influenced a wide range of artists, from Kendrick Lamar to J. Cole, and helped solidify A Tribe Called Quest’s legacy as one of the most innovative and impactful groups in hip-hop history.

Midnight Marauders represents the perfect blend of jazz, hip-hop, and social commentary, with A Tribe Called Quest striking a balance between intellectual exploration and accessible, feel-good music. The album’s cohesive sound, sharp lyricism, and cultural relevance have made it a cornerstone of hip-hop and one of the genre’s most beloved records.

Limited to 300 copies, only available at HHV!

Celebrated producer and musician Danger Mouse and prodigiously
talented New York rapper Jemini are gearing up to release their long
delayed collaborative album, Born Again
Remarkably this soul and funk infused hip-hop tour de force arrives two decades
after its creation and the duo's debut LP, Ghetto Pop Life which celebrates its 20th
anniversary this year.
Enthused by the response to Ghetto Pop Life, soon after Danger Mouse and
Jemini began to tour and to write and record Born Again. Finally, having been
recorded two decades ago and indefnitely shelved until now, Born Again will
fnally be released to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of Ghetto Pop Life.
The previously unheard record retains many of the elements of Danger Mouse
and Jemini's debut; the fun- loving, shit- talking innocence, but also adopts a
noticeably more introspective and confessional tone. This time, in addition to
lighthearted topics such as being an incredible artist (Knuckle Sandwich II,
Brooklyn Basquiat), living large and being a magnet for attention (Me), Jemini
also delivers highly- personal and occasionally devastating lyrics about missed
opportunities and redemption (All I, Born Again), his time in prison (Locked Up)
and complicated relationship with his father (Dear Poppa).
His effortless free fowing cadence and indelible sing-song delivery elevate each
track with a melodic infectiousness whilst Danger Mouse exhibits an afnity for
resonant instrumentals built from sampled organ, vibraphone, or guitar loops and
infused with his trademark minor key magic. The result is a classic, timeless hiphop record.

"b-sides, Remixes, Rarities: Volume 3 & 4" is the second DLP in the master of mash-up's "soul Mates" series, compiling 15 more tracks from AMERIGO's extensive catalog. Featuring Kendrick Lamar vs. Marvin Gaye, DR. DRE vs. Curtis Mayfield, Black Star vs. Aretha, and many more.

Madvillainy is the debut and only studio album by Madvillain, a collaboration between legendary rapper MF DOOM (Daniel Dumile) and acclaimed producer Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr.), released on March 23, 2004 by Stones Throw Records. The album is often hailed as a masterpiece of underground hip-hop, characterized by its unconventional structure, eclectic production, and MF DOOM’s intricate, surreal lyrics.

Madvillainy was a highly anticipated project in the underground hip-hop scene, bringing together two of its most respected figures. MF DOOM, known for his complex wordplay and villainous persona, and Madlib, celebrated for his experimental and sample-heavy production, combined to create a dense, atmospheric album.
The project was recorded over several years, with Madlib working on beats while traveling and MF DOOM crafting his lyrics with a stream-of-consciousness style.
The album has a lo-fi aesthetic, featuring short, fragmented tracks, many of which do not follow traditional song structures like verses and hooks. Instead, Madvillainy is more of a collage, with some tracks acting as interludes or musical sketches.

Madlib’s production is eclectic and layered, drawing from jazz, soul, Brazilian music, obscure soundtracks, and 1970s psychedelia, creating a moody and experimental backdrop for MF DOOM’s vocals.
The album’s beats are sample-heavy, often gritty, and feature unorthodox tempos and time signatures. Madlib also uses interludes and vocal samples from obscure sources, giving the album a cinematic, almost comic book-like feel.
MF DOOM delivers his signature abstract and multi-syllabic rhymes, filled with internal rhyme schemes, pop culture references, and complex wordplay. His delivery is intentionally offbeat, which complements the nontraditional structure of the production.

Lyrically, Madvillainy is a blend of surrealism, humor, and complex storytelling. MF DOOM’s persona as the masked supervillain is ever-present, with much of the album reflecting his mischievous, sardonic view of the world.
His lyrics often appear cryptic, with layers of meaning that reward close listening. He plays with words in ways that defy conventional hip-hop norms, eschewing clear narratives in favor of dense, puzzle-like rhymes.
Themes in the album include betrayal, paranoia, and the villain’s perspective, often narrated from a detached, almost nihilistic point of view. However, DOOM’s approach is often playful, filled with irony and wit.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Accordion" – A minimalist, standout track where MF DOOM delivers one of his most well-known verses over a sparse accordion loop. The track captures DOOM’s style perfectly, with cryptic, tightly-packed bars and Madlib’s minimalist approach.
"Meat Grinder" – A haunting, jazz-infused beat serves as the backdrop for MF DOOM’s dense wordplay, as he raps with a stream-of-consciousness flow, dropping surreal imagery and twisted humor.
"America’s Most Blunted" (featuring Quasimoto) – A playful, weed-themed track featuring Madlib’s alter ego, Quasimoto. The track is both funky and chaotic, with vocal samples interspersed between DOOM and Quasimoto’s verses.
"Curls" – One of the shorter tracks, with a smooth, almost nostalgic beat. DOOM’s verses are filled with detailed, vivid descriptions, encapsulating his ability to turn everyday observations into poetic rhymes.
"All Caps" – Perhaps the most iconic track on the album, known for its booming beat and DOOM’s punchy, comic book-inspired verses. The title refers to MF DOOM’s alias, urging fans to spell it in all capital letters, reinforcing his larger-than-life persona.
"Rhinestone Cowboy" – The album’s closer, featuring a soulful, downtempo beat and some of DOOM’s most introspective and reflective lyrics. It’s a contemplative end to an otherwise chaotic and fragmented album.

Madvillainy is a nonlinear album, with many of the tracks flowing directly into each other without clear transitions. It’s constructed more like a sonic collage, making the album feel like a continuous, abstract narrative rather than a collection of separate songs.
The album contains numerous interludes and brief tracks, some less than a minute long, but all contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere. Tracks like "Sickfit" and "Do Not Fire!" are instrumental breaks that give Madlib’s production room to shine.

Upon release, Madvillainy was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for its innovation, lyrical complexity, and cohesive production, with critics noting its departure from conventional hip-hop formulas.
It quickly became regarded as one of the most important and influential underground hip-hop albums of all time, with its influence extending beyond just hip-hop into broader experimental music.
MF DOOM’s and Madlib’s artistic approach on Madvillainy helped solidify their reputations as avant-garde artists, unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre.
The album is frequently included in lists of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and is particularly beloved by fans of alternative and underground hip-hop. It has been noted for its lasting influence on the sound and style of future hip-hop artists, especially in the abstract, lo-fi, and experimental spaces.
Impact on MF DOOM and Madlib's Careers:
MF DOOM further cemented his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and talented lyricists. His use of the supervillain persona, combined with his intricate rhyming style, made him a cult figure in the genre.
Madlib also gained widespread recognition for his unique production style, which merged elements of hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music. His ability to create deeply layered and textured beats without sacrificing their lo-fi charm became a hallmark of his production style.
Madvillainy’s success paved the way for other projects in the underground scene and inspired a new wave of artists who saw hip-hop as a medium for abstract, avant-garde expression.

Madvillainy continues to be revered as a benchmark in underground hip-hop. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, The Creator to more experimental producers and MCs who were inspired by Madlib's and MF DOOM’s fearless approach to crafting an album.
The mystique surrounding MF DOOM, especially after his untimely death in 2020, only added to the album’s legendary status, with Madvillainy often considered his definitive work.
The album’s blend of complex lyricism, unorthodox production, and nontraditional structure helped redefine what could be done in the hip-hop genre, making it a timeless work of art.
In summary, Madvillainy is a landmark album in hip-hop, pushing the boundaries of both lyricism and production. Its influence is far-reaching, and its status as one of the greatest underground albums remains unchallenged. The partnership between MF DOOM and Madlib resulted in a project that is as dense, surreal, and captivating as it is groundbreaking.

"Our Thang" is the instrumental revisit of a classic JB funk tune with extra guitar work,
trombone solo and vibraphone (courtesy of Jorun's "Espressolites" band) giving the tune
a new breath of life and color. A must have for the 45 collectors.

"Phungry" instrumentally combines a 90's Hip Hop classic together with reggae vocals
in the same musical key. You never heard it like this before!
The perfect addition to your record crate that will sit comfortably next to your original version
of "Passing me By" and will musically blend perfectly with it.

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

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

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

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

Celebrated producer and musician Danger Mouse and prodigiously
talented New York rapper Jemini are gearing up to release their long
delayed collaborative album, Born Again
Remarkably this soul and funk infused hip-hop tour de force arrives two decades
after its creation and the duo's debut LP, Ghetto Pop Life which celebrates its 20th
anniversary this year.
Enthused by the response to Ghetto Pop Life, soon after Danger Mouse and
Jemini began to tour and to write and record Born Again. Finally, having been
recorded two decades ago and indefnitely shelved until now, Born Again will
fnally be released to coincide with the twentieth anniversary of Ghetto Pop Life.
The previously unheard record retains many of the elements of Danger Mouse
and Jemini's debut; the fun- loving, shit- talking innocence, but also adopts a
noticeably more introspective and confessional tone. This time, in addition to
lighthearted topics such as being an incredible artist (Knuckle Sandwich II,
Brooklyn Basquiat), living large and being a magnet for attention (Me), Jemini
also delivers highly- personal and occasionally devastating lyrics about missed
opportunities and redemption (All I, Born Again), his time in prison (Locked Up)
and complicated relationship with his father (Dear Poppa).
His effortless free fowing cadence and indelible sing-song delivery elevate each
track with a melodic infectiousness whilst Danger Mouse exhibits an afnity for
resonant instrumentals built from sampled organ, vibraphone, or guitar loops and
infused with his trademark minor key magic. The result is a classic, timeless hiphop record.

R.I.P. MF DOOM

Superhero? Supervillain? Super WHAT? CZARFACE & MF DOOM's newest team-up record Super What? is, much like the Avengers' arch-enemy Thanos...inevitable (and all-powerful!). The icon MF DOOM unleashes his wizardry and wordplay throughout the record, while CZARFACE (bolstered by the legendary Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck and Esoteric) slash through each of the Czar-Keys' produced tracks as the team raises the bar on their previous LP, Czarface meets Metalface (2018). Featuring golden-age superhero DMC (of RUN-DMC) and Hieroglyphics' leader Del The Funky Homosapien,
With art by longtime CZARFACE co-creator Lamour Supreme, this album will bring all the thrills of a cosmic summer blockbuster. Recorded and slated for an early 2020 release, and paused while COVID raged, this collaboration of masked men is finally finding its way to you on all formats.

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!

"Our Thang" is the instrumental revisit of a classic JB funk tune with extra guitar work,
trombone solo and vibraphone (courtesy of Jorun's "Espressolites" band) giving the tune
a new breath of life and color. A must have for the 45 collectors.

"Phungry" instrumentally combines a 90's Hip Hop classic together with reggae vocals
in the same musical key. You never heard it like this before!
The perfect addition to your record crate that will sit comfortably next to your original version
of "Passing me By" and will musically blend perfectly with it.

The latest mash up from AMERIGO GAZAWAY is a scorcher! You loved FELA SOUL and BIZARRE TRIBE, now YASIIN GAYE: 13 tracks that perfectly blend MOS DEF and MARVIN GAYE. Features TEDDY PENDERGRASS, KANYE WEST, TAMII TERRELL,TALIB KWELI and BLACK ASTRONAUTS. Full picture sleeve, double vinyl!

Limited to 200 copies.

It’s a producer’s dream: Being given access to a vast library of material to construct something completely new and exciting out of all of it—and when Blockhead’s at the controls, the results are a listener’s paradise, too. The New York City-based hip-hop production legend’s latest album, Luminous Rubble, is also the fifth release in the London-based label Def Pressé’s KPM Crate Diggers series, which hands the keys to the KPM Library’s storied collection—home to over 70 years of music and sound designs made for television, film, and radio—to some of the best behind the boards. The results are like witnessing a kid unleashed in a candy shop, as Blockhead unleashes his boundless creative mind on the KPM Library’s limitless potential—pure inspiration and joy, for your listening pleasure.

Luminous Rubble is the latest missive in a particularly busy period for underground hip-hop veteran Tony Simon, who’s spent the last decades lending his considerable talents to work from artists like Armand Hammer, billy woods, Murs, and Open Mike Eagle; in 2021, he released the critically acclaimed collab LP Garbology with rap legend and longtime collaborator Aesop Rock, just last year he unleashed his twelfth solo album, The Aux. Luminous Rubble had its origins in a chance meeting after a Hamburg show between Simon and a KPM rep, who explained the Crate Diggers conceit to him.

“For me, as a producer who uses samples, there’s nothing better than free rein,” Simon recalls. “I was like, ‘Are there any rules?’ And he said, ‘Just make whatever you want.’ That was so exciting for me. I don’t get that on my own releases, but in this case every sample is cleared and it’s all good.”

As is the case with many sample excavators, Simon already had a deep history with what the KPM library had to offer him as well—to the point where, while digging through the crates in the making of Luminous Rubble, he even came across records he’d sampled from in the past. “Their vault is the one I’m most familiar with,” he says with a laugh. “Back when I used to go record shopping a lot, I would pretty much buy any KPM record on sight. They were always a huge find at record stores. So to be able to tap into these records with no limitations was really nice.”

“The challenge for me was trying to boil down what I wanted to do,” Simon continues while discussing the genesis of Luminous Rubble, which came together over the course of 2022. “I thought about making an album of super-long songs, but it would’ve been a whole different undertaking. So I just went with what I knew, because it’s a foolproof approach to me.” Of course, Simon’s track record as Blockhead meant that the familiar path was tried and true—but as Luminous Rubble’s ten tracks prove, it’s foolish to assume that would mean any laurel-resting on his part.

“My music is always very quirky and melody-driven,” Simon states while talking about how he stretched his creative wings in the studio. “I took chances more than usual when it came to samples and how I used them for foundation.” Indeed, Luminous Rubble finds Simon using the KPM library’s vastness to craft new and engagingly twisted beat-driven shapes; “Dork Crystal” radiates a sinister ominousness, with streaks of strings rubbing against stabbing guitar chords, while a delightfully scuzzy horn line dances around a hi-hat shuffle in “Scumlord.” “There’s something dirty about the horn sample,” Simon explains while discussing the track’s title. “It reminds you of oil-slicked streets in an alley. I wanted to embrace that feeling.”

Glittering bells and a woozy gait to “Serious About My Fitness” makes the tune sound as if you’re sweating it out on the Stairmaster (in a good way), while there’s a distinct thousand-karat shine to “Oh You Fancy,” which nearly resembles a glitzed-out haunted house in its gilded spookiness. “It just sounds like royalty,” Simon exclaims, before going into greater detail about how the creative parameters of the Crate Diggers series proved its own inspiration.

“I’ve always appreciated working within limitations,” he says. “Having no boundaries can be overwhelming when it comes to the creative process. Working with these samples forced me to find middle ground in cases where I’d typically just walk away and look elsewhere.” After hearing Luminous Rubble, you’ll be happy he stuck around.

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

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

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

PRESSED ON BLUE & WHITE SWIRL VINYL!

HOUSED IN A HIGH GLOSS JACKET WITH EACH LP TUCKED INTO A PRINTED INNER SLEEVE
Nasir "Nas" Jones' 2001 record Stillmatic was considered a major comeback for the 90s rap icon. It signaled a return to the gritty, urban chaos of his acclaimed debut album, after releasing record after record of gradually more mainstream material, and Nas' return to prominence in the highest echelons of hip-hop. In spite of this newfound critical clout, Stillmatic's release did nothing to squash his then ongoing feud with fellow New Yorker Jay-Z, who had gone so far as to challenge Nas to a pay-per-view rap battle. A challenge Nas rejected, stating "If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people decide."

Nas fans never would get the no-holds barred lyrical battle with Jay-Z many had speculated. What they got instead was one of Nas' most personal and introspective releases to date in 2002. Not long after Stillmatic's release, Nas spent much of his time away from the limelight to tend to his ill mother, who would pass on from breast cancer in 2002. His experiences with his mother's mortality as well as the fallout of his feud with Jay-Z, who continued to produce diss tracks as Nas tended to his mother, would inspire much of the lyrical material on his next record.

God's Son was released in December of 2002, and like Stillmatic before it, was subject to major critical acclaim. On God's Son, Nas effectively took the battle-hardened demeanor he had cultivated and tore it down across 14 tracks that were emotionally insular, though still dusted in urban grit, and still finding time to shoot back at Jay-Z's potshots on tracks like "Last Real Nigga Alive" and "Mastermind." Assisting Nas was a slew of top-tier producers like The Alchemist, Eminem, Ron Browz, and Salaam Remi, over samples of James Brown, the Incredible Bongo Band, Fela Kuti, and Beethoven, and guest vocals from Alicia Keys, Kelis, Claudette Ortiz of City High, and even a posthumous 2Pac.

God's Son has been out of print on vinyl since 2020. This deluxe pacakge was remastered from its original audio and pressed on colored vinyl!

Releasing now for well over a decade - Neue Grafik: known to friends as Fred, has successfully transplanted from Parisian rookie to one- man London Institution. Beginning as a solo producer and DJ,Fred spread his wings upon relocating to South London - at first with his Neue Grafik Ensemble and later with his now iconic twice-weekly Orii Jam - the latter of which has given agency to an entire new generation of musicians; spawning an aesthetic, nurturing a unique sound and becoming a launchpad for countless artists.

Dalston Tape Volume 1 is Fred’s attempt to fall back in love with beatmaking - taking it back to the roots of where the project began. I say “attempt” because he’s simply learnt too much and made too many friends along the way to make a mere DIY beat tape. Since his early MPC-led productions on Parisian label, Beat X Changers, Fred has learnt to play the keys to a concert hall standard, he has become proficient in double bass and built up a dense network of collaborators who he has composed, recorded, engineered and produced for both at home in SE London and in the iconic Total Refreshment Centre Studios in Dalston.

This experience adds unavoidable dimensions to his toolbox - resulting in something more akin to a miniature-magnum-opus than a simple beat-tape.

Yes, we hear the influences of Pete Rock, Mad Lib, J Dilla and Al Dobson Jr but we also hear the musicality of D’Aneglo, James Blake and live contributions from an ever growing army of young graduates of the Orii School.