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50 Cent is one of the most polarizing figures in hip-hop. With the aid of Eminem and Dr. Dre he became one of the world's bestselling rappers and rose to prominence. During his career 50 Cent has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award, thirteen Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and four BET Awards. This compilation is made up of 18 of 50's biggest songs ever.

In 2000, Aesop Rock released his first official album, Float, following his steady ascent in the underground from two previous releases, the collection of works CD of lore, Music For Earthworms (1997), and the Appleseed EP (1999). And, while every album Aesop has done since then has captured his continual evolution as both a producer and a writer, Float was undeniably exceptional in its own right. For one, there was something impacting about a full-length album, 20 tracks deep, that never had any singles. Every track only existed as part of the album experience. That in mind, the album's production is split nearly in half between Aesop Rock and longtime collaborator and good friend, Blockhead, as well as one offering from Omega One, the Reggae-vibed "Skip Town". The album's production largely seems to have one collective goal, to immediately capture the intended mood, luring the listener in and leaving them attentive and prepared for the carefully crafted accompanying lyricism. Lyrics in mind, Aesop Rock is clearly the star of the record, but the few guest appearances, strategically spread throughout the album, are either the result of great foresight or unavoidable synergyâÇ"perhaps bothâÇ"as Slug (of Atmosphere), Vast Aire (of Cannibal Ox), and Dose One were all right in the midst, or directly on the verge, of breakthrough career moments of their own around the same time they were featured on Float. As for Aesop, the album finds him diving deep into his intricate, visually descriptive and emotionally riveting writing style, which has only gotten more vigorous and diverse over time. His delivery feels settled into the hints of urgency, as if he is well aware that the journey and challenges, as well as triumphs, that he shall face are arduous and plentiful. Twenty years after its debut, Float is a time capsule of an artist on the brink of fully tapping into creative freedom, while the industry was simultaneously in the middle of a notable shift, which still remains a powerful statement on its own, decades later. To celebrate, Rhymesayers is re-releasing Float on 2xLP vinyl, available in three different, limited edition colorways!

In 2000, Aesop Rock released his first official album, Float, following his steady ascent in the underground from two previous releases, the collection of works CD of lore, Music For Earthworms (1997), and the Appleseed EP (1999). And, while every album Aesop has done since then has captured his continual evolution as both a producer and a writer, Float was undeniably exceptional in its own right. For one, there was something impacting about a full-length album, 20 tracks deep, that never had any singles. Every track only existed as part of the album experience. That in mind, the album's production is split nearly in half between Aesop Rock and longtime collaborator and good friend, Blockhead, as well as one offering from Omega One, the Reggae-vibed "Skip Town". The album's production largely seems to have one collective goal, to immediately capture the intended mood, luring the listener in and leaving them attentive and prepared for the carefully crafted accompanying lyricism. Lyrics in mind, Aesop Rock is clearly the star of the record, but the few guest appearances, strategically spread throughout the album, are either the result of great foresight or unavoidable synergyâÇ"perhaps bothâÇ"as Slug (of Atmosphere), Vast Aire (of Cannibal Ox), and Dose One were all right in the midst, or directly on the verge, of breakthrough career moments of their own around the same time they were featured on Float. As for Aesop, the album finds him diving deep into his intricate, visually descriptive and emotionally riveting writing style, which has only gotten more vigorous and diverse over time. His delivery feels settled into the hints of urgency, as if he is well aware that the journey and challenges, as well as triumphs, that he shall face are arduous and plentiful. Twenty years after its debut, Float is a time capsule of an artist on the brink of fully tapping into creative freedom, while the industry was simultaneously in the middle of a notable shift, which still remains a powerful statement on its own, decades later. To celebrate, Rhymesayers is re-releasing Float on 2xLP vinyl, available in three different, limited edition colorways!

Why you'll love it...
By 2007, Aesop Rock was a decade into a career that had firmly established him as one of rap’s unreplicable auteurs, an artist who could be bitten only insofar as he could be understood. And still, when he sat down to write hisfifth full-length album, None Shall Pass, relics of his earliest work kept popping back up: the sorrow and salvation that can each be found in rigid structures, the horror of the ordinary, the tyranny of routine. Over a series of beats constructed in near-total by himself and Blockhead (El-P furnishes one track and co-produces another; Aes’ friend Rob Sonic handles the digital-gothic “Dark Heart News”), None Shall Pass argues for Aes as the chief correspondent of an American decline so smooth that it often felt comfortable.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Rhymesayers created this limited edition 3xLP vinyl package that includes a gatefold jacket with revised art layouts, printed sleeves, a 4-panel insert with full album lyrics, two cream & black marble-colored vinyl, and a UV printed ultra-clear bonus disc vinyl with four exclusive bonus tracks! Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or simply appreciate great lyricism, this album is a must for any collection. Initially released in 2012, Aesop Rock's sixth studio album Skelethon marked a significant moment in the rapper's career. It had been 5 years since his previous effort None Shall Pass was released, and his former label had since been shuttered. As a result, Skelethon became his first solo release on Rhymesayers Entertainment. Coincidentally, it was also his first album that was entirely self produced. The album's title, a portmanteau of "skeleton" and "telethon," was a metaphor for what felt like a long period of many adversities for Aesop. Throughout the album's 15 tracks, he meticulously exhumes and examines these many skeletons in detail, exploring everything from death to distrust, insecurity and isolation, with moments of humor and hope scattered throughout as well. Some of the many standout tracks from the release include "Zero Dark Thirty," a rapid-fire exploration of displeasure over dizzying drums, "zzz Top," an impressive ode to youthful expression, and "Cycles to Gehenna," with its haunting production and imaginative musings. Upon release, Skelethon was praised for its intricate storytelling that expertly balanced abstract imagery with concrete details, and its immersive production incorporating sample-based beats with dusty pianos, distorted guitars, and psychedelic synths. To this day, the album remains a fan favorite and a critical darling, praised for its poignant introspection and razor-sharp wordplay.

Cats are always hittin me up saying "When will you drop another Stranger Danger production" and today is that day yo!



Recorded in 2016 and only released on digital at the time, this incredible concept album drags the listener through the crack-littered gutters of skid row, referencing every [non-legal] buzz under the sun. The breaks are typical of that Left Coast, Stranger Danger sound: jazzy horns, funky-b-lines, loads of film samples and drums baby, lots of drums. MC's Amxone the Crooked Tooth Bastard (aka Al Cohol) and Vice the Antihero (aka D.Rugs) are your loyal narrators and drunk drivers for the duration of this psychedelic hip hop trip. I'm reminded of Cypress Hill mixed with The Furry Freak Brothers and a smidgen of Cheech & Chong. Effin love this ish!!!!

Limited Opaque Green Vinyl.Anthony "Ant" Davis is a distinguished hip-hop producer, one-half of the renowned duo Atmosphere, and a founding member of independent record label Rhymesayers Entertainment. His decades-long career of beat-making has also included works for MF DOOM, Brother Ali, Murs, Rav, Sage Francis and a dozen others. Raised in a military family, his nomadic upbringing exposed him to many diverse influences and, coupled with his father's love for collecting records, laid the groundwork for his deep appreciation for all sorts of music. Ant's latest endeavor, Collection of Sounds, is a four-volume series of instrumental works showcasing the breadth and depth of his musical expertise.The Collection of Sounds series offers a window into Ant's creative journey, reflecting his evolution as an artist over the years. Drawing from a vast vault of unreleased material, he's exhumed cross sections of his catalog with surgical precision, organizing songs by sound rather than mere chronology. Volume 1 is at times so intimate as to border on claustrophobia, like the creeping "Bar One" or the haunted twinkling of "I Was Always A Collector" while other tracks are expansive enough to fill entire venues, like the forebodingly airy "4-Track Beyond Beat 1996."Many of the beats on Collection of Sounds: Volume 1 have pockets that are practically begging for rappers to explore. When he first pondered releasing an instrumental series, Ant figured he might want to make the songs more intricate than the ones gave to his rapper collaborators, filling up the space in the mix that would normally be given over to their vocals. "But then it would be jazz, right?" he says with a loud laugh. "And I'm not that." Fitting, as Collection of Sounds is not about forgetting who you are-it's about remembering, reconfiguring and reimagining, all at once; a testament to Ant's artistic integrity.

Described at one point as "the new Eminem", Apathy has gone on to carve out a unique niche all his own. Apathy laid down “No Place Like Chrome” with producer Celph Titled for the UK label Antidote just after signing to Atlantic. Collaborations between the two Army of The Pharaohs and Demigodz members continue to this day. Hot off his first all instrumental outing, “Dive Medicine”, it’s a great time to head back towards the beginning of Apathy’s now storied career with this reissue of “No Place Like Chrome.

Seasoned MC and producer, Apathy, delivers his 9th full length album as an integral piece of his impressive 25+ year career. Back in 2014, he blessed hip hop heads with "Connecticut Casual", one of his most personal and fan-favorite outings to date. Once again heavily inspired by his hometown surroundings and shore-life encounters, Ap brings to fruition the next chapter in the soundtrack to the New England way of life with this new-age sequel to the original "CT Casual". The majority of the project is painstakingly produced by newcomer beatsmith, Playa Haze, with additional production from Apathy himself, along with contributions from Alcapella, plus Little Vic on both the boards and the mic. Ap's longtime partner-in-rhyme, Celph Titled, appears as one of the few guest features blessing the LP. Sail along this ride through murky waters, mysterious folklore, brash talk, and experience the East Coast lifestyle through the eyes of a Demigod.

Seasoned MC and producer, Apathy, delivers his 9th full length album as an integral piece of his impressive 25+ year career. Back in 2014, he blessed hip hop heads with "Connecticut Casual", one of his most personal and fan-favorite outings to date. Once again heavily inspired by his hometown surroundings and shore-life encounters, Ap brings to fruition the next chapter in the soundtrack to the New England way of life with this new-age sequel to the original "CT Casual". The majority of the project is painstakingly produced by newcomer beatsmith, Playa Haze, with additional production from Apathy himself, along with contributions from Alcapella, plus Little Vic on both the boards and the mic. Ap's longtime partner-in-rhyme, Celph Titled, appears as one of the few guest features blessing the LP. Sail along this ride through murky waters, mysterious folklore, brash talk, and experience the East Coast lifestyle through the eyes of a Demigod.

Featuring Pharoahe Monch, M.O.P., Celph Titled, A.G., Locksmith, Ryu and Diabolic. Production by DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Buckwild, Nottz, Stu Bangas, Chumzilla and more.

After developing a loyal cult following which spans over 15 years worth of catalog, seasoned veteran Apathy unleashes his 6th studio full length, which undoubtedly is one of the biggest albums of his career thus far. The Demigodz/Army of the Pharaohs MC maintains a hardcore vibe with surgically-precise writing and has brought along a who's who of legendary hip hop heavyweights to contribute on the project. Conceptually, the album is steeped within the mysteries of Freemasonry, showcasing songs that touch upon subject matter that only a Master Mason could craft. A theme running throughout the album that evokes intrigue with a sneak peak behind the curtain of an ancient fraternity. The concepts also delve in to the metaphysical, philosophical and spiritual -- Dissecting corruption of the government and holding a mirror to the ills of society, without losing the tradition of classic boom bap hip hop.

Originally Released In The Summer Of 1997, Overcast! Markedthe Start Of A Storied Career That Still Shows No Signs Of Slowing Down. While Slug And Original Co-Member Spawn's Rhymepatterns And Passion For Wordplay May Have Hinted At Someof Their Influences, Their Creative Songwriting And Inventiveconcepts, Paired With Ant's Brooding And Melodic Production,Made The Album Stand Apart From Its Predecessors And Peers.Overcast! Covers A Range Of Topics And Moods, From Thedramatic Storytelling On "Wnd", To The Sobering Reflections On"Caved In", To The Meticulous Imagery And Cultural Dissectionon "Clay", All Joined By A Wealth Of Clever Punchlines Andmetaphors Coming Together To Form A Well-Balanced And Diversecollection Of Lyricism. Of Course, There's Also "Scapegoat", With Its Beautifully Ominous Musical Backdrop And Slug's Perfectly Scripted Satirical Rant, Which Took The Underground By Storm And Played A Significant Role In Opening Ears Around The World To Give A Listen To What Atmosphere And Rhymesayers Had To Say. Although Widely Considered An Underground Classic, The Full Length Overcast! Album Was Never Pressed On Vinyl Until Alimited Edition Run Hit Stores In 2017, In Celebration Of Thealbum's 20th Anniversary. Now Re-Packaged And Produced Forwider Distribution, Fans Everywhere Can Add This Re-Masteredmasterpiece To Their Collection. Celebrate Atmosphere'slegacy Of Creative Expression With The Album That Started It All!

In their 25-plus years as a duo, Atmosphere's rapper Slug and producer Ant have built a legacy that is embedded in the fabric of underground hip-hop. Rising in the ranks of Minneapolis, their debut album, Overcast! was released in 1997. Presented as a flurry of vignettes, and paired with an unending touring schedule, the album was a springboard from which the group was able to become a fixture in the midwest music scene. It wasn't long before their songwriting evolved from telling inventive third-person tales to delivering introspective first-person eviscerations, and by the early 2000's Slug would jokingly birth the phrase "emo rap" in an interview before publications began running with the genre tag to describe them and others. In the decades since their debut, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. The venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Meanwhile, Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop's pioneering DJ's and producers, creating his own trademark sounds and providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, guiding generations of listeners through this thing called life. Their newest album, 2023's So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously, captures perhaps some of Atmosphere's most personal work to date. The odyssey opens with a gentler approach than recent works, with the lead-off track "Okay" seemingly focused on comforting and reassuring the listener. As Slug raps over one of the most twinkling productions Ant has ever released, the song lays the groundwork for an album-length exercise in fumbling consciousness. Yet, as gently as the album begins, there's an unmistakable sense of unease from the outset that continues to evolve throughout the project, as Slug and Ant weave the listener through indistinct themes of insomnia and woe. From the subtle panic at the heart of songs like "Dotted Lines" to the overt anxiety of songs like "In My Head," the unease across tracks is unmistakable. Yet, as the tears might begin to well, they find resolve again through songs like "Still Life," whose hopeful outlook undercuts the tensity of the album. All the while, the rhythms on So Many Other Realities are some of the most inventive of Atmosphere's career. Ant's playful percussion on "In My Head" acts as a nice counterweight to the roiling writing, while the drum patterns on "Holding My Breath" and "Bigger Pictures" allow Slug to play with his flow to emphasize the anxiety driving the record. Where previous records in this most recent act of Atmosphere's career have been focused on emphasizing the parts of life that carry the most meaning_family, brotherhood, purpose_So Many Other Realities is an almost unnerving excavation of paranoia inspired by the general malaise of a pandemic weary society full of civil unrest. The tension in these songs is palpable, but the album's mere presence is a testament to the hope that has to underpin even the most stressed out epiphanies. The greatest risk Atmosphere has continued to take across their career is that of being vulnerable and unafraid. The world has inconceivably changed since Slug and Ant entered into the underground hip-hop scene, but despite the seismic shifts in music and culture, they've held strong to a foundation rooted in sly innovation and truth. The duo's relentless release & touring schedules only tell a piece of the story, but spending time with their records_whether you're a new fan or a longstanding listener_reveals a pair of friends who love to create and live for unabashed self-expression. Their bare reflections on life and the mundane traumas and joys that make living worthwhile are a gift, and that is Atmosphere's legacy in and of itself. If the music stopped tomorrow, the duo would go down as two quiet titans who changed the course of everyman rap forever.

A thoughtful, literate “gangsta” rapper in the truest of New York traditions, critics have long celebrated AZ’s lyrical prowess. Like local peers Nas and Jay-Z, not only does AZ bring intelligence to his rhymes, but also an impressive flow and delivery that further sets him apart from the flood of New York MC’s fighting for survival in the crowded rap game. With a successful underground career dating back to 1995, AZ has often been linked to Nas (beginning with a career making step-out on Nas’ “Life’s a Bitch” from the album “Illmatic”). With Pete Rock crafting beats for him on his solo outings, his career took a sudden upswing as he joined rap super group The Firm (featuring Nas, Foxy Brown and Nature) recording with Dr. Dre and The Trackmasters for the ‘97 release of The Firm’s “The Album”. He followed up the group outing with five heralded solos albums, including ‘Doe or Die’, ‘Pieces of a Man’, ‘Aziatic, ‘9 Lives’, and ‘sosa (Save Our Streets Az)’.

The 6th full length solo effort from the rapper, ‘awol’, is a rock solid album of classic AZ material. With production from highly regarded New York underground legends such as DJ Premier, Buckwild, and DipSet production duo the Heatmakerz, and features from Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, the rapper stepped away from his previously money-oriented subject matter, stating that he "wanted it to be all street.” The results are a certified classic.

The Kid That Did is the fourth studio album from acclaimed rapper and Detroit staple, Babyface Ray. Known for his effortless, conversational flow and sharp wordplay, Ray has been building momentum over the past few years, and his latest project promises to be another milestone in his career.

Following the success of 2022’s Face, which reached #3 on Apple Music’s all-genre chart and earned praise from outlets like Billboard and Complex, and MOB, which featured collaborations with heavyweights like Lil Durk and Blxst, Ray’s new work showcases an artist at the peak of his game. His recent singles “Green Carpet,” “Money On My Mind,” and “Understand” each pulled in over 1.5 million streams in their first week, setting the stage for The Kid That Did to be his biggest release yet.

Fresh off a label deal with Empire and riding the success of his first RIAA-certified gold record, Babyface Ray’s influence continues to grow. After a sold-out tour and major appearances, including a performance on Jimmy Fallon and being named to XXL’s 2022 Freshman Class, Ray is ready to take things to the next level with The Kid That Did.

With his signature Detroit sound and an impressive lineup of collaborators including Bossman Dlow, Peezy, Fabolous, G Herbo, DJ Esco & more, The Kid That Did is set up to be a defining moment for Ray as he solidifies his place in modern hip-hop.

Amidst a sea of MCs wielding average talents at best and substandard jewels at worst, West Coast hip-hop crew the Tunnel Rats have consistently challenged the LA underground scene for over the past 20 years with top notch innovations from the studio to the stage. The Tunnel Rats were notorious for producing hard-hitting 90s West Coast hardcore hip-hop albums such as the collective’s first disc Experience and the subgroup LPG’s inaugural classic entitled The Earthworm (both efforts produced by Peace 586 and also the album responsible for hosting the legendary Pigeon John’s first appearance on record). The crew entered the early 2000s with a better label situation and distribution thru Uprok Records and perfecting their progressive sound, combining their evangelical Christian commitments with the rawest and audacious hip-hop content (mixing both organically to the point that many fans had absolutely no idea that they doubled in the “Christian hip-hop” market). The 2000s saw the Tunnel Rats releasing The Battle for LA (2003), a provocative documentary on the Los Angeles battle scene (in which various members of the crew took on opponents, one of whom was Blu of Blu and Exile, battling Tunnel Rat member Propaganda), as well as both producing and featuring on KRS-One’s album Life (2006). This special 7” showcases infamous and feared TR lyricist Jurny Big alongside original Tunnel Rat producer Peace 586, known together as “The Battery.” After returning to the scene after about decade hiatus, Jurny linked up with Peace and released three Battery EPs (One, Two, and The Change Up) on indie label Illect Records (Theory Hazit, Braille), all well-received by their core fanbase and newcomers. On “Rear View,” Jurny, known and respected for his exceptional and abrasive conceptual battle rapping, head to head and on record, approaches a raucous and heavy Peace beat alongside fellow Tunnel Rat soldiers Propaganda and Sojourn of TR former subgroup Future Shock with punchlines that take us back to his earlier days as a formidable verbal foe who showed up and showed out on tracks with the likes of Myka Nyne (Freestyle Fellowship, Haiku D’Etat, Project Blowed) and Ahmad (4th Avenue Jones). “Rear View” features three seasoned lyricists doing more than justice to this massive Peace track, showing die-hard fans why the Rats still aren’t to be taken lightly. Also, this is Jurny’s first appearance on vinyl in his long and remarkable career, an occurrence many Tunnel Rats enthusiasts have anticipated. Limited to 200. This 7” is truly a very important and unique contribution to West Coast hip-hop history, past and present.

“Ben Buck B Sides” is a remix compilation by rapper/beatboxer/producer, Ben Buck. Born and raised in Austin Texas, Ben Buck has become a mainstay of the underground hip hop scene in Texas for the past several years. “B Sides” came about during the height of the 2020 corona virus epidemic. With limited ways to collaborate with other artists face to face, Buck came up with a way to re-tool his past discography by sending out the acapellas from his past 3 albums (Kilroy, Speaker Bump Deluxe and The Marquee) to producers all over the country. What came about was the first volume of “Ben Buck B Sides”. With deep influences in the golden era and traditional styles of underground hip hop, Ben Buck strives to innovate and continue the legacy of artists who paved the way before him. Hailing from a musical family, Ben Buck’s father Mike Buck was a founding member of the legendary blues group “The Fabulous Thunderbirds”. Mike Buck is also the co-owner of the historic Antone’s Record Shop in Austin Texas where both Ben and his sister Billie work. His sister Billie Buck is also the frontwoman for the garage/punk band “Sailor Poon” (Austin Chronicle’s Best Punk Band 2018, 2019 and 2020). She is a gifted graphic designer and poster artist, and frequently does designs for Ben’s merchandising and album covers. Over the course of his musical career, Ben Buck has beatboxed on stage alongside several hip hop legends on their tour dates through Texas including: Ghostface Killah and Inspectah Deck (Wu Tang Clan), Skyzoo, Bushwick Bill (Geto Boys), Czarface, RA The Rugged Man, Aceyalone (Freestyle Fellowship, Project Blowed) and many others. Buck’s live performance centers around high energy lyricism and live beatbox looping, with large emphasis on crowd work, reminiscent of a blend of artists such as Reggie Watts, Rahzel and Action Bronson.

Benny The Butcher blazed a trail as an elite voice in rap’s underground to become a top artist in all of music. The prolific Buffalo, New Yorker has established two legendary (and concurrent) album series, broken bread with industry leaders, and twice reached the Billboard Top 40 albums chart as an independent. Now Benny sets the table for a definitive 2022. Soon, he will unveil his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4. By 2004, Benny combined these experiences to launch the Tana Talk series while on house arrest. As TT3 promised, Benny delivered two volumes of The Plugs I Met, in 2019 and 2021, on his Black Soprano Family imprint. In between, Benny inked with Roc Nation management and made songs with Drake, Lil Wayne, Black Thought, and Freddie Gibbs. He also partnered with Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy to flaunt his range on 2020’s acclaimed Burden Of Proof. If the third installment of Tana Talk made Benny a formidable presence in Rap, Volume 4 propels him to stardom. Debut single “Johnny P’s Caddy” partners The Butcher with J. Cole over The Alchemist production. Al’ and Daringer handle the album’s music, just as they seamlessly did on TT3. Conway, Westside Gunn, 38 Spesh and more guest on TT4, as does Stove God Cooks. Benny’s skills and authenticity have cemented his place in the game. However, in a career defined by will and perseverance, The Butcher’s blade keeps getting sharper.

Benny The Butcher blazed a trail as an elite voice in rap’s underground to become a top artist in all of music. The prolific Buffalo, New Yorker has established two legendary (and concurrent) album series, broken bread with industry leaders, and twice reached the Billboard Top 40 albums chart as an independent. Now Benny sets the table for a definitive 2022. Soon, he will unveil his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4. By 2004, Benny combined these experiences to launch the Tana Talk series while on house arrest. As TT3 promised, Benny delivered two volumes of The Plugs I Met, in 2019 and 2021, on his Black Soprano Family imprint. In between, Benny inked with Roc Nation management and made songs with Drake, Lil Wayne, Black Thought, and Freddie Gibbs. He also partnered with Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy to flaunt his range on 2020’s acclaimed Burden Of Proof. If the third installment of Tana Talk made Benny a formidable presence in Rap, Volume 4 propels him to stardom. Debut single “Johnny P’s Caddy” partners The Butcher with J. Cole over The Alchemist production. Al’ and Daringer handle the album’s music, just as they seamlessly did on TT3. Conway, Westside Gunn, 38 Spesh and more guest on TT4, as does Stove God Cooks. Benny’s skills and authenticity have cemented his place in the game. However, in a career defined by will and perseverance, The Butcher’s blade keeps getting sharper.

Limited to 500 copies.

Benny The Butcher blazed a trail as an elite voice in rap’s underground to become a top artist in all of music. The prolific Buffalo, New Yorker has established two legendary (and concurrent) album series, broken bread with industry leaders, and twice reached the Billboard Top 40 albums chart as an independent. Now Benny sets the table for a definitive 2022. Soon, he will unveil his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4. By 2004, Benny combined these experiences to launch the Tana Talk series while on house arrest. As TT3 promised, Benny delivered two volumes of The Plugs I Met, in 2019 and 2021, on his Black Soprano Family imprint. In between, Benny inked with Roc Nation management and made songs with Drake, Lil Wayne, Black Thought, and Freddie Gibbs. He also partnered with Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy to flaunt his range on 2020’s acclaimed Burden Of Proof. If the third installment of Tana Talk made Benny a formidable presence in Rap, Volume 4 propels him to stardom. Debut single “Johnny P’s Caddy” partners The Butcher with J. Cole over The Alchemist production. Al’ and Daringer handle the album’s music, just as they seamlessly did on TT3. Conway, Westside Gunn, 38 Spesh and more guest on TT4, as does Stove God Cooks. Benny’s skills and authenticity have cemented his place in the game. However, in a career defined by will and perseverance, The Butcher’s blade keeps getting sharper.

These copies have a damaged cover (seamsplit).

Benny The Butcher blazed a trail as an elite voice in rap’s underground to become a top artist in all of music. The prolific Buffalo, New Yorker has established two legendary (and concurrent) album series, broken bread with industry leaders, and twice reached the Billboard Top 40 albums chart as an independent. Now Benny sets the table for a definitive 2022. Soon, he will unveil his highly-anticipated Tana Talk 4. By 2004, Benny combined these experiences to launch the Tana Talk series while on house arrest. As TT3 promised, Benny delivered two volumes of The Plugs I Met, in 2019 and 2021, on his Black Soprano Family imprint. In between, Benny inked with Roc Nation management and made songs with Drake, Lil Wayne, Black Thought, and Freddie Gibbs. He also partnered with Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy to flaunt his range on 2020’s acclaimed Burden Of Proof. If the third installment of Tana Talk made Benny a formidable presence in Rap, Volume 4 propels him to stardom. Debut single “Johnny P’s Caddy” partners The Butcher with J. Cole over The Alchemist production. Al’ and Daringer handle the album’s music, just as they seamlessly did on TT3. Conway, Westside Gunn, 38 Spesh and more guest on TT4, as does Stove God Cooks. Benny’s skills and authenticity have cemented his place in the game. However, in a career defined by will and perseverance, The Butcher’s blade keeps getting sharper.

Why you'll love it...
While fighting through label limbo and placing his budding film career on freeze, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton spent a couple years readying the artillery for his solo close-up. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is both a testament to the maturation of Big Boi and a tribute to his late father; underneath, it’s a speakeasy at breakneck speed, sittin’ on 32s. Where many other formidable MCs would be eaten alive, Big Boi shapeshifts across every mood and landscape with his trademark tenacity. He’s an effortless showboat who can portray sleaze with ease, but he’s a true class act who’s got nothing left to prove, yet will never let it show. Flanked by his known co-conspirators and many more, Big Boi blesses the senses the way only an East Point playboy can; it’s an intergenerational time warp, and another funky ride in HD. The final product is a natural progression of his Organized Noize lineage, sent across dimensions to return with an assemblage of time-tested potent Black grooves, then pressure-cooked in the kitchen of thefinest booty club in Georgia.

If you’ve been paying close attention to what’s been happening in Buffalo, NY over the last few years then you’re most definitely familiar with the name Billie Essco. Purveyor of the finest things in life, fashion connoisseur and an incredible MC, Billie Essco literally backs up his claim of being the “illest MF that you’ve ever seen” and lives what he raps. The album features guest appearances by CJ Fly, Stevie Crooks, Jae Skees and Clovis Ochin, natural wine ambassador and friend he’s met in Paris while writing part of this album attending fashion week with Westside Gunn. Album features an incredible cover art by french artist Johanna Tordjman.

Black MOON’s 1993 debut album Enta Da Stage was a gamechanger to those it reached. The pulse of the underground and DIY spirit flowed through the release as members Buckshot, 5ft and DJ Evil Dee dug deep into the record that would become an east coast hip-hop classic. Buckshot, front and center, shone with his foot on the gas, and no intention to sweeten the hard-hitting lyrical flow. 5ft carved out his own on “Ack Like You Want It” and “Son get Wrec”. DJ Evil Dee threw down an early career production masterclass on the jazzy “Who Got Da Props?” with Mr. Walt - the first of many production projects for Da Beatminerz. P-vine is excited to be reissuing the record for the first time as a limited edition cassette tape with two bonus tracks off the Buck Em Down 12” to complete this sixteen track deluxe record.

Black MOON’s 1993 debut album Enta Da Stage was a gamechanger to those it reached. The pulse of the underground and DIY spirit flowed through the release as members Buckshot, 5ft and DJ Evil Dee dug deep into the record that would become an east coast hip-hop classic. Buckshot, front and center, shone with his foot on the gas, and no intention to sweeten the hard-hitting lyrical flow. 5ft carved out his own on “Ack Like You Want It” and “Son get Wrec”. DJ Evil Dee threw down an early career production masterclass on the jazzy “Who Got Da Props?” with Mr. Walt - the first of many production projects for Da Beatminerz. P-vine is excited to be reissuing the record for the first time as a double picture disc with two bonus tracks off the Buck Em Down 12” to complete this sixteen track deluxe record.

If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a record that features the amazing vocal talents of Dee Dee Bridgewater. Whether it be Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker or Carlos Garnett - Dee Dee is the glue that fuses these artists together. Although best known for her jazz work, Dee Dee has had a wonderfully rich and varied career encompassing soul, musicals, gospel, and underground disco from the 70's to the present day. She is still active as a vocalist, composer, and producer and remains one of our favourite vocalists at Mr Bongo HQ. We take things back to the early years of Dee Dee's career with her debut album 'Afro Blue'. Recorded in Tokyo in 1974, the album was released exclusively in Japan via two different Japanese labels (Trio Records in 1974 and All Art in 1985 respectively). Each release had unique cover art and we have opted to present the album in its original 1974 form. 'Afro Blue' features an exquisite collaboration of American and Japanese musicians, such as Cecil & Ron Bridgewater, Motohiko Hino and producer Takao Ishizuka. The result is a sublime deep soul-jazz masterpiece with timeless versions of 'People Make The World Go Round', 'Love From The Sun', and 'Afro Blue'. It is arguably one of the finest albums in its genre. This record has long been a sought-after item for DJs and collectors alike, so we are delighted to finally make this wonderful music from an understated great available to all.

A quarter century since their 1998 debut, No Fear of Time finally reunites one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time, Black Star. Group members yasiin bey and Talib Kweli first joined forces to deliver their iconic breakout, Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star, which quickly became one of hip-hop's most revered works and launched both already-rising stars into the stratosphere. Although each has since enjoyed success and acclaim in their individual careers, they've never realigned for a sophomore follow-up to that release until now.Produced entirely by renowned beatsmith Madlib, No Fear of Time has a future vibe with vintage soul. The 9-track album was recorded guerrilla-style in hotels and dressing rooms around the globe, and initially saw a non-traditional release, being made available exclusively on a subscription-based podcast platform. Now, the album is officially available on physical formats for fans worldwide to own and appreciate the triumphant return of Black Star.

A quarter century since their 1998 debut, No Fear of Time finally reunites one of the greatest hip-hop duos of all-time, Black Star. Group members yasiin bey and Talib Kweli first joined forces to deliver their iconic breakout, Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star, which quickly became one of hip-hop's most revered works and launched both already-rising stars into the stratosphere. Although each has since enjoyed success and acclaim in their individual careers, they've never realigned for a sophomore follow-up to that release until now.Produced entirely by renowned beatsmith Madlib, No Fear of Time has a future vibe with vintage soul. The 9-track album was recorded guerrilla-style in hotels and dressing rooms around the globe, and initially saw a non-traditional release, being made available exclusively on a subscription-based podcast platform. Now, the album is officially available on physical formats for fans worldwide to own and appreciate the triumphant return of Black Star. Yasiin Bey fka Mos Def

"L.A. rapper Blu burst onto the scene in the late 00s with the widely acclaimed Exile collaboration Below The Heavens, igniting a West Coast hip-hop renaissance in the process. With his cool Cali demeanor and undeniable lyrical talent, Blu drew praise from fans and tastemakers alike, launching a remarkable career that continues thriving to this day. His first ever double album, the 2014 masterpiece Good To Be Home is an essential part of this story. An unapologetic celebration of Los Angeles music and culture, the album takes listeners on a vivid journey through Blu’s storied stomping grounds. With sweeping strings and hypnotic bass lines supplied by producer Bombay, Good To Be Home features a host of West Coast hip-hop luminaries, including Evidence, Fashawn, Alchemist, Casey Veggies, MED, Planet Asia, Oh No, Pac Div, Strong Arm Steady, Thurz, Visionaries, and more. A cohesive collection with 20 tracks and no filler, this classic release is now available again on vinyl after years out of print."

The work of acclaimed L.A. rapper Blu is a hip-hop time capsule perfectly embodying the vibrant culture of the City of Angels. With no signs of slowing down, the talented artist continues to supply listeners with vivid lyrical imagery over exceptional production.

The latest addition to his catalog is A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night, a new album entirely produced by Oh No. The son of singer Otis Jackson and younger brother of beat god Madlib, Oh No has been among the most consistently relevant artists on the independent hip-hop scene since the release of his influential debut album 15 years ago. Equally skilled as an emcee and producer, Oh No’s storied career has included forming the duo Gangrene with Alchemist, composing the original score for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, and producing for De La Soul, Mos Def, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Danny Brown, Prodigy, and many more.

Now, these two unique and innovative artists are joining forces for an impressive full-length album. With Oh No’s dynamic, soulful production setting the stage, Blu’s effortless flows and streetwise storytelling are on full display. "It's a true honor to put it down with the legendary Jackson Brothers,” says Blu. “Oh No never fails and this project has been provided with straight heat for the streets."

Featuring guest appearances from Abstract Rude, MED, Self Jupiter, Ca$hus King, and more, "A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night" is now available worldwide on CD and vinyl.

The 10 year anniversary edition of this classic album includes a 2xLP on custom blue and purple colored vinyl in gatefold jacket with matte UV and spot-gloss finish, a 24-page zine in 7" size, plus digital download card. First trained in his church choir, Blueprint played in R&B bands in high school and later developed a reputation as a standout rapper. On Adventures in Counter-Culture, he experiments with the synths, keyboards, and drum machines that connected the musical dots of those early days. Print began pursuing his career as a musician in 2001, working on several hip hop projects including his collaborative project Soul Position with DJ/Producer Rjd2. Releasing The Unlimited EP & 8,000,000 Stories on Rhymesayers Entertainment with RJ, Blueprint began work in 2004 on what would become his first solo album, 1988. The success of that album allowed him to tour extensively throughout North America and Europe, before returning home to focus on writing and recording his next album. When he sat down to work on this sophomore effort, Print began with the dark, soulful and sample heavy hip hop of the early 90's, but soon found himself hitting a creative wall. What shook him loose was a new mission: to create an album that encompassed every facet of music he knew, blurring genre lines and bringing it back home as one cohesive listening experience. The more he worked to pair new found interest in rock & electronic music with his love of hip hop, the more he was able to break down that creative barrier. Thus began his Adventures in Counter-Culture, a monumental undertaking that would involve reinventing himself as a musician and person. His growing cynicism with the world, his disdain for pop culture, the state of politics, and an apathetic, uninspired society, all worked as fuel to inspire this sophomore album. Moved by the impact that sampling lawsuits were having on the music community, Blueprint also decided to return to his roots and began writing and producing his own original content.

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.

Brainorchestra has found plenty of DIY success through Bandcamp with over a dozen albums released selling well to a fervent fanbase. All physical iterations are either sold out or nearly sold out.
-Recent praise clocked at Pitchfork Media, Complex, and Bandcamp Daily.

New Jersey-based emcee/producer Brainorchestra returns with his latest effort, It Means A Lot. The eight track EP takes a look into his new perspective on life following the success of his previous release, Big Brain, which has made a major impact on his career. Pieced together by unapologetic honesty, new experiences and growth, Brainorchestra is joined by a supporting cast that includes both Butch Dawson and Kenn Starr, we are witnessing the start of practice paying off. The record is produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the fast-rising artist, and comes equipped with the b-side instrumentals. It Means A Lot is set to be released through his recent partnership with Fat Beats.

Prince Paul hit Chopped Herring up to release this dope early 90's project!!

The first incarnation of the group was formed around 1989 in Amityville, Long Island, New York, although the family grew up in Long Island. The family of four brothers (Anthony, Richard, Joel, and Edward) and one sister (Dawne), of which Anthony (Poetic) was the eldest, were born to Trinidadian parents who moved from Trinidad and Tobago in 1971, making their first residence in Queens, New York for a short time, then moving to Long Island. John Berkeley (a pastor and a local businessman) and Ela Berkeley (a homemaker, cook-nutritionist, and teacher) were both singers and artistic in general, and they encouraged artistic expression in their five children. The family was well-rounded musically, singing gospel and R&B up to their early teens all around New York, other states, and Canada as "The Berkeley Singers". Anthony (Poetic), Dawne, and Joel (Brainstorm) sang, accompanied by Richard on the drums and Eddie (E-Sharp) on the piano or keyboard.

Poetic began rhyming in his early teens in Wyandanch, and was known by many names and building a name for himself as a lyrical battle MC. He changed his name to Poetic around 1985, and in 1986 he formed the crew known as Too Poetic, who in 1988-89 released a modestly popular single called: “God Made Me Funky/Poetical Terror”, under the DNA/Tommy Boy Music imprint. The group’s relationship with Tommy Boy Records eventually panned out for various reasons, scrapping the album and making Poetic very displeased, an early casualty of the politics of the music business.

While Poetic was just beginning his formal hip hop career in 1987–89, Brainstorm was attending college at the State University of New York at Farmingdale, Long Island, where he was the roommate of Brooklyn’s own Super DJ Richie Rich (who had been in Third Base, Clark Kent’s Supermen, and the movie Juice). The university was host to many hip hop artists as visitors for parties and to do shows like Rakim, EPMD, Producer-Super DJ Clark Kent, and Biz Markie.

After Brainstorm finished his college run in 1989, he took time to learn many aspects of the music business, but in 1989 he and Poetic mutually decided to pair up with a hardcore lyrical edge, original word play, and acute metaphors, after many collaborations between them since 1985. Thus, Da Bruthas G.R.Y.M. was born shortly after Too Poetic’s deal with DNA/Tommy Boy had soured. The energy and high chemistry between these true by-blood brothers at the time was, simply put, natural.

In the first Bruthas G.R.Y.M. era (c. 1989–1992), the brothers Poetic (Brother One) and Brainstorm (Brother Two) garnered much respect on the underground hip hop scene of New York Their first official demo featured the underground bangers like “Bruthas G.R.Y.M.”, “Circle-Circle-Dot-Dot”, the politically charged “Popcorn” and “Livin’ In Hell (Had To Survive)”. The demo featured production mastering by Nate "NATO" Tinsley, their in-house producer Semi-Automatic (Pedro Sims, Mr. Semi, Gravediggaz), and the brothers themselves. After blazing underground radio and live shows around New York City, they were listed in The Source magazine as the best unsigned rap group of 1989. The crew was then managed by longtime friend Jack Pope (Jack Sprat, Starving Artists Entertainment), who later became the road manager of the Gravediggaz.

These cassette tape “dubs” floated around the New York streets in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and their demo eventually made their way to the seasoned musical ear of fellow Amityvillain Prince Paul (Stetsasonic, De La Soul, Gravediggaz) from his association with the local Long Island artists who had met the brothers and saw their raw talent. In 1990 Prince Paul decided to fund and executive produce further demos, finding various other known and up-and-coming producers for the unnamed project, as well as being the tentative DJ for the group.

Then the unfortunate happened – being disenfranchised by the politics and games of the music business and life in general, Brainstorm just quit altogether for “personal enlightenment”, before any formal deal could solidify. Poetic understood about Brainstorm’s personal path at that stage in his life, but was silently devastated because they were so close to sealing a major record deal that would have propelled them further into Hip Hop history.

Their original demo, even today, is still one of Prince Paul’s favorites. It was not until 1992 that Poetic, after Brainstorm quit in 1991, that it is said that Poetic “fell on hard times”, including a short period of homelessness.

Brainstorm would continue to write for leisure and therapeutic reasoning, but never to seriously pursue a music career, moving to Brooklyn New York and later down south to various states; in fact, Brainstorm was so “finished with Hip Hop” that he gave Poetic all of his original rhyme books to use at his own discretion – some lyrics ending up on Gravediggaz projects.

Limited to 3000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of Busta Rhymes' The Coming is pressed on Cloudy Red vinyl at GZ Vinyl as part of our year-long celebration of Hip Hop with Warner Music Group and Hip Hop at 50. The 2LPs will arrive in a double gatefold, tip-on, foil-stamped and numbered jacket. It was mastered by Cicely Balston at Alchemy Mastering at AIR.

The Coming is the debut studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes, released on March 26, 1996, by Elektra Records. The album marked the beginning of Busta Rhymes’ solo career after his time with the hip-hop group Leaders of the New School and introduced his distinct animated style, explosive energy, and versatile flow to a wider audience. The Coming also helped establish Busta Rhymes as one of the most charismatic figures in hip-hop.

The Coming is a fusion of East Coast hip-hop, featuring a mix of hardcore beats, funk samples, and jazz-influenced production. Busta Rhymes’ distinctive delivery and larger-than-life persona shine throughout the album, with tracks that range from introspective moments to wild, party anthems.
The production was handled by several notable producers, including DJ Scratch, Easy Mo Bee, and Busta Rhymes himself, creating a diverse yet cohesive sound. The beats are aggressive, with deep basslines and heavy drums, reflecting the East Coast sound of the mid-90s.

"Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" – The album’s lead single, and one of Busta Rhymes’ most iconic songs, "Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check" became a massive hit due to its high-energy performance and infectious hook. The track features Busta’s eccentric personality and rapid-fire delivery over a bouncing, funky beat. It reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel Busta Rhymes into the mainstream.
"Everything Remains Raw" – A more hardcore track with aggressive production and Busta Rhymes showcasing his lyrical dexterity. The track is a perfect example of Busta’s ability to balance complex wordplay with his trademark animated flow.
"It's a Party" (featuring Zhane) – A smoother, more laid-back track compared to the album’s more aggressive moments, this song features Zhane on the hook and is a party anthem, highlighting Busta Rhymes' versatility as both a lyricist and entertainer.
"Ill Vibe" (featuring Q-Tip) – This track features Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, and the two rappers deliver jazzy, smooth verses over a laid-back, boom-bap beat. Their chemistry on this track is undeniable, with Q-Tip’s cool delivery perfectly balancing Busta’s more animated style.
"Flipmode Squad Meets Def Squad" (featuring Jamal, Redman, Lord Have Mercy, and Rampage) – A standout posse cut featuring members of Busta Rhymes' Flipmode Squad and the Def Squad. The track is an aggressive, competitive showcase of lyricism, with each MC bringing their best.

Eccentricity and Braggadocio: Busta Rhymes brings his larger-than-life personality to the forefront, mixing humor, confidence, and intense energy. Tracks like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” feature Busta flexing his skills, while maintaining an entertaining and wild demeanor.
Street Life and Survival: While much of the album is fun and animated, Busta Rhymes also addresses more serious themes, such as growing up in the streets and overcoming adversity.
Party and Celebration: The Coming is also packed with party anthems, which became a staple of Busta Rhymes’ career. Tracks like “It’s a Party” emphasize having a good time, with infectious beats and smooth hooks.

The production on The Coming is diverse but maintains a cohesive sound. DJ Scratch, Easy Mo Bee, The Ummah, and Busta Rhymes himself contributed to the album’s sound, combining elements of funk, jazz, and hardcore hip-hop. The beats are aggressive, with hard drums and funky basslines, complementing Busta Rhymes’ wild vocal delivery.

The Coming received positive reviews from critics, who praised Busta Rhymes for his unique style and infectious energy. It was seen as a strong debut, and Busta’s lyrical prowess and dynamic flow were highly praised.
The album debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA, establishing Busta Rhymes as a force in the rap industry.
The Coming helped pave the way for Busta Rhymes’ successful solo career and positioned him as one of the most creative and charismatic figures in hip-hop. His animated delivery and ability to seamlessly blend humor, intensity, and skill became his trademark.

The Coming is a powerful debut that showcases Busta Rhymes’ talent and unmatched energy. The album’s mix of party anthems, aggressive lyrics, and eclectic beats provided the blueprint for Busta’s long and successful career. With standout tracks like “Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check” and collaborations with Q-Tip and Redman, The Coming remains a classic in 90s hip-hop, highlighting Busta Rhymes’ ability to merge eccentricity with lyrical skill.

Since receiving critical acclaim for their debut LP Good Luck With That, an album which was praised for the duo’s classic east coast touch, and secured a spot on Bandcamp’s 10 Best New Hip Hop Releases of 2017, Career Crooks (producer Small Professor and rapper Zilla Rocca) are back to prove that no idea is original. The two have kept busy throughout 2017, not only performing alongside Busdriver, Billy Woods, Quelle Chris, Elucid, and B Dolan, and releasing their LP, but also gearing up for their new air tight collection of remixes, titled Thieving As Long As I’m Breathing.

The new single “Crook With a Deal”, is a reworking of the 50 Cent and Mad Rapper classic “How to Rob”, targeting indie rappers like Open Mike Eagle and Run The Jewels. The album also features five in-house remixes from Small Pro and Zilla Rocca, draped in styles inspired by the likes of DITC and the Beastie Boys. Canadian MPC champ FreshKils also makes an appearance and flips the fan favorite “Steve Martin” into a soundtrack for a car chase outside a Chemical Brothers show. Other remix features include DJ Manipulator, Willy, Shane Great, Rolled Gold Beats, and John Morrison.

The twelve track LP moves as fast as a cat with its tail on fire and maintains its own vibe while paying homage to that which has come before it. The group’s primary sound encompasses “…raw ‘90s flows while still maintaining a modern edge.” (Philip Mylnar, Bandcamp.com)

A year and a half after releasing his self-produced, independent full-length LP Saturday Morning to critical acclaim, producer and multi-instrumentalist Carrtoons plans his return to music with his next album, Homegrown. Evolving his trademark Modern Motown sound, Carrtoons continues to expand his already diverse musical repertoire in jazz, soul, hip-hop, and more. Set for release on April 20th, 2022, Homegrown is Ben Carr's inaugural release with renowned Wichita Recordings (Bloc Party, First Aid Kit, My Morning Jacket, Yeah Yeah Yeahs.) The youngest son of jazz violinist Richard Carr (Bill Laswell, Bootsy Collins), Ben received his college degree in Jazz Performance, made his debut with Mad Satta, and opened for artists like Thundercat, Nick Hakim, Gabriel Garzon Montano, and Mac Ayres. Over the last few years, he has become one of the most sought-after producers in music through his eye-catching Instagram videos, powerful bass lines, and memorable melodies. His unique fills, phrases, and compositions made him an instant favorite, leading to recent collaborations with Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, Kiefer, and Butcher Brown. The success of Saturday Morning was the first sign of evolution in Carrtoons career, with the album surpassing 2 million streams on Spotify in mid-February. The ad placement of his track "Give It Up" with Green Mountain Coffee gave him exposure to a whole new audience, while his guest feature on the Tiny Desk series rearranging the NPR theme songs for their 50th anniversary was also a hit. Starting 2022 off strong, Carrtoons' recent work with The Kount led to the release of their ultra-viral video "On My Way" and the organic growth of over 100,000 followers in 4 weeks on Instagram. His continued strides in music, along with astonishing growth across several platforms is clear indication of Ben Carr's promise and potential. More than just an album; Homegrown characterizes the hard work, seeds sown, and natural growth of a gifted musician. An artist you will want to watch!

Humans are fragile. Careers are fragile. Reps are fragile. What you build in a lifetime you can ruin in a day. Cas Metah and Sintax the Terrific have lived some real life after years of making music as members of the mega crews Scribbling Idiots and Deepspace5, respectively. And, they’ve never been more acquainted with their own mortality than now. But, Mere Mortals doesn’t try and solve the world or themselves. Sometimes an album just follows the music it’s given. And, when you have Dj Sean P in the lab and on the tables that’s an easy lead to follow. From the accessible first single Mere Mortal to the sure-to-be new summertime fav, Alright, to the sober finale, Homecoming, Sean P carries the many sentiments. Lament and celebration, braggadocios and confessionary. Mere Mortals isn’t too heavy and isn’t too light. It’s just everything in between. Three artists just trying to justify this fragile human existence.

Chris Crack is back with a brand new album called, Growthfully Developed. Fans and critics alike are already calling it the Westside Chicago native’s best album in the last few years. Pitchfork said “Crack’s latest album is a delicate balance of fresh and familiar from one of the funniest and most thoughtful rappers working today.” With song titles like “Pussy Better When You Eat It First” and “Shitting With The Door Open,” it’s no wonder why he’s said to have the best song titles in the game. Whether it’s heavy hitting 808’s, soul loops or head nodding boom bap Chris laces up the variety of beats with style and finesse. Praised by media outlets such as Billboard and Rolling Stone as well as by iconic hip hop artists such as Earl Sweatshirt and Madlib. Like the album title suggests, Chris has fully grown and developed to reach this point in his career and critics will believe that Growthfully Developed be looked back upon as a pivotal album in his prolific career.

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

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

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

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

This instant hip hop classic and call to action from the modern-day renaissance man - a GRAMMY-, Emmy-, and Oscar-winning artist, activist, actor, and two time New York Times Bestselling author - features seven new songs and two new interludes that catch Common at a new prime in his career. With a core band that includes Robert Glasper (keys), Karriem Riggins (drums), Burniss Travis (bass), Isaiah Sharkey (guitar), and PJ (vocals), plus features from Black Thought and Lenny Kravitz, A Beautiful Revolution Pt 1 is music meant to “uplift, heal, and inspire listeners dealing with racial injustices as well as other social injustices,” says Common.



He continues: “A Beautiful Revolution Pt 1 is affirmation. It's recognition. It's elevation. It's music to go with a movement. Because the truth is, there is still so much work to do. Regardless of the outcome of the election, we need to make sure things do not return to the status quo. The intention of the music is to channel all of our pain and outrage into something productive, inspirational, and good. It’s to help lead a movement into our next phase of the work to be done.”



Our first taste of the project comes with the new single “Say Peace.” This shape-shifting sonic shuffle finds Common trading bars with Black Thought and PJ, as the music mirrors the illusory search for peace that we all pursue. On the new song, Common simply says: "I found my peace, my peace through making these albums.”



Common will perform the new single, joined by Black Thought and PJ, on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 4th, the night after the U.S. presidential election.

Embracing his career path as an emcee/entertainer, Crimapple returns with his latest solo effort, El Cantante, which serves as an ode to Hector Lavoe and The Fania Era of salsa music's profound storytelling. Although devoid of any guest appearances, Crime is joined by a supporting cast of praise-worthy producers throughout the project whom include Bohemia Lynch (Westside Gunn), Michaelangelo (Avenue, Vel the Wonder) as well as his frequent collaborator, Buck Dudley, among others. And while there’s tracks that borrow aesthetics akin to latin music—such as the syncopated rhythm patterns on “Tuesday,” or the looping pan flute heard on “Out the Way”—you’ll still find the archetypal soundscapes that have defined Crime’s discography. These include the soulful/zone-inducing loops on tracks like the album opener, “My Song,” as well as “Together,” “Encore,” and “Precious.” And then there’s the chest-pounding bangers like “Cosos,” where Crime lyrically remains in his bag with unrelenting, braggadocious rhymes: “You cheesecake, rappers know I get on this shit and eat great / Get better at any take and drop on anyone’s release date” All in all, El Cantante is a self realization of sorts as the New Jersey emcee shares his current life perspectives as he touches on what it’s like to be considered a hip-hop legend by many, while also reflecting on the path that brought him to this point in his career.

Embracing his career path as an emcee/entertainer, Crimapple returns with his latest solo effort, El Cantante, which serves as an ode to Hector Lavoe and The Fania Era of salsa music's profound storytelling.

Although devoid of any guest appearances, Crime is joined by a supporting cast of praise-worthy producers throughout the project whom include Bohemia Lynch (Westside Gunn), Michaelangelo (Avenue, Vel the Wonder) as well as his frequent collaborator, Buck Dudley, among others. And while there’s tracks that borrow aesthetics akin to latin music—such as the syncopated rhythm patterns on “Tuesday,” or the looping pan flute heard on “Out the Way”—you’ll still find the archetypal soundscapes that have defined Crime’s discography. These include the soulful/zone-inducing loops on tracks like the album opener, “My Song,” as well as “Together,” “Encore,” and “Precious.” And then there’s the chest-pounding bangers like “Cosos,” where Crime lyrically remains in his bag with unrelenting, braggadocious rhymes: “You cheesecake, rappers know I get on this shit and eat great / Get better at any take and drop on anyone’s release date”.

All in all, El Cantante is a self realization of sorts as the New Jersey emcee shares his current life perspectives as he touches on what it’s like to be considered a hip-hop legend by many, while also reflecting on the path that brought him to this point in his career.

Embracing his career path as an emcee/entertainer, Crimapple returns with his latest solo effort, El Cantante, which serves as an ode to Hector Lavoe and The Fania Era of salsa music's profound storytelling.

Although devoid of any guest appearances, Crime is joined by a supporting cast of praise-worthy producers throughout the project whom include Bohemia Lynch (Westside Gunn), Michaelangelo (Avenue, Vel the Wonder) as well as his frequent collaborator, Buck Dudley, among others. And while there’s tracks that borrow aesthetics akin to latin music—such as the syncopated rhythm patterns on “Tuesday,” or the looping pan flute heard on “Out the Way”—you’ll still find the archetypal soundscapes that have defined Crime’s discography. These include the soulful/zone-inducing loops on tracks like the album opener, “My Song,” as well as “Together,” “Encore,” and “Precious.” And then there’s the chest-pounding bangers like “Cosos,” where Crime lyrically remains in his bag with unrelenting, braggadocious rhymes: “You cheesecake, rappers know I get on this shit and eat great / Get better at any take and drop on anyone’s release date”

All in all, El Cantante is a self realization of sorts CrimeAPPLE shares his current life perspectives and touches on what it’s like to be considered a hip-hop legend by many, while also reflecting on the path that brought him to this point in his career.

SWE is back with Seattle crew Crooked Path's previously unreleased debut album from 1992! Check out Funk Daddy's breakdown on the group's history.

Funk Daddy: "Crooked Path consists of JaySkee, Dee-Lyrious, and DJ Funk Daddy (then known as Greg B). JaySkee was the mastermind as he was always putting things together and making things happen. Dee-Lyrious was a producer, DJ, and Rapper who was the more lyrical one of the group with a gangsta voice. Funk Daddy (Greg B) was the producer, battle DJ, and vocalist on some of the tracks as well.

"All 3 of us went to the University Of Washington where we all met. JaySkee playing football, Dee-Lyrious playing basketball and Funk Daddy DJing all the college parties. JaySkee brought everyone together and we all meshed naturally."

In 1992 Crooked Path recorded and completed "After Dark" of which only a few promo tapes were pressed. Two of the album's tracks later appeared on Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Seattle... The Dark Side" compilation album in 1993.

The CD will be limited to 250 copies only! We revamped the original tape artwork and the tracklist will feature some "Fun Facts" provided by Funk Daddy.

SWE is back with Seattle crew Crooked Path's classic 1998 album "Which Way Is Up" for the first time ever on vinyl!



This edition will be limited to 300 copies and will be available in 3 versions each limited to 100 copies. As a bonus the D-Side will contain 4 previously unreleased Crooked Path demos.

SWE is back with Seattle crew Crooked Path's classic 1998 album "Which Way Is Up" for the first time ever on vinyl!



This edition will be limited to 300 copies and will be available in 3 versions each limited to 100 copies. As a bonus the D-Side will contain 4 previously unreleased Crooked Path demos.

SWE is back with Seattle crew Crooked Path's classic 1998 album "Which Way Is Up" for the first time ever on vinyl!



This edition will be limited to 300 copies and will be available in 3 versions each limited to 100 copies. As a bonus the D-Side will contain 4 previously unreleased Crooked Path demos.

The 10-track release, Collection Agency, is Curren$y’s first project of 2021. The album marks his 11th solo studio album, and 90th overall project. Even more impressively, the quality has remained consistent throughout his prolific career. The Louisiana rapper links up with several notable producers on the project including DJ.Fresh, Harry Fraud, Rsonist of The Heatmakerz, Trauma Tone, Purps, & Black Metaphor. We also see an appearance by longtime friend and collaborator, Larry June. At just under 24 minutes, Curren$y delivers another unforgettable round of smooth joints and cruising music.

The 10-track release, Collection Agency, is Curren$y’s first project of 2021. The album marks his 11th solo studio album, and 90th overall project. Even more impressively, the quality has remained consistent throughout his prolific career. The Louisiana rapper links up with several notable producers on the project including DJ.Fresh, Harry Fraud, Rsonist of The Heatmakerz, Trauma Tone, Purps, & Black Metaphor. We also see an appearance by longtime friend and collaborator, Larry June. At just under 24 minutes, Curren$y delivers another unforgettable round of smooth joints and cruising music.

Finally, the wait is over! Curren$y and Harry Fraud's new joint effort is here. The rapper-producer duo unloaded “The Marina EP”, an eight-track project featuring guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA and Street Wiz as a digital release at the end of May, and now it is seeing its way to vinyl.
Curren$y (aka Spitta Andretti) and Fraud previously connected on Cigarette Boats, an EP they dropped in 2012 as a Sound Cloud only release. “The Marina” sees their chemistry is still as sharp as ever, with each artist lending what we think are career-best efforts.
“The Marina” is a showcase for Spitta's understated, but clever brand of lyricism. Mr. Fraud also delivers, crafting a soundscape as dynamic as Spitta's subtly versatile flows. The chemistry between the two would make Walter White envious.
The show begins with "Radar Tower," a dreamy opening for a project filled with gems from Fraud and Curren$y. "Yours truly in the booth, packaging and wrapping these bricks/My style capture a chick, she was dressed quite ravishing/In the parking lot at the Radisson/With garbage bags of cash in the back of the van," Curren$y raps, tying in some nice alliteration while sounding as relaxed as can be.
With additional tracks featuring heavyweights like French Montana, Action Bronson, Smoke DZA and Wiz Khalifa, this release is certain to become an instant “must cop” release.

Following up on the classic 2019 LP "Kiss Da Converse", Clever 1 now takes the Role of himself as Agent40oz7, a hitman for hire with a golden drunken touch. On this mission he's paired with the none other than Cognac Kingz Import Specialist Giallo Point(G) as his Intel & weapons reinforcement Tech. Together they're gearing up to hit the streets with a brand new action packed audio thriller! A "StashBox Office Hit" is what the critics are saying...

From Imported Clothing Smuggling, Casino Crashing, SafeHouse Heisting & adventurous outdoor-sportsman leisurely mic massacres. On this new opus they craftily pull off a myriad of suspenseful crime capers and high flying adventures keeping everyone from the cops to the crooks to the casual observers on their toes for the duration.

As Hired Professionals, Any Mission is Possible when Clever1 has Gunz, Knivez and Nunchuckz from Giallo Point.

His first solo album since 2014’s Rap Fantastic Boston based emcee, Dagha returns with D-A To The G. The eleven track effort is entirely produced by long-time ally, DJ Real (Insight, Martiangang). Closing in at over two decades into his hip-hop career, the album is unapologetically late 80’s and 90’s authentic. Not in a retro rose-glasses approximation of the style but direct from two vets who were actually in the culture and making music back then. Speaking on the release, the emcee said “I feel like it’s a statement album from me. At this point, I have a deeply supportive underground fan base and they know my music. This new album applies the same formula of voice, positivity, fun, and banging beats but this time on vinyl. Yes, there are messages but never from a preachy place.” Among these messages is “Knowledge Over Faith” which the emcee says is about “instead of following blindly to traditions and behaviors passed down from our families and peers use facts and the tools accessible to us to make our own informed decisions.” There’s also “Black Trucks” where Dagha and Ruste Juxx (Boot Camp Clik) warning garbage emcees that time’s up as Dagha says “the ones who are contributing to the current culture of misogyny, addiction and fronting.” Also guesting on four tracks is Dagha’s original rhyme-partner Cloke, the chemistry is definitely evident, with Cloke’s baritone grit and Dagha’s nimble flow. Dagha says “I don’t think my passion for hip-hop has diminished over time, if anything, I’m even more passionate about the music I release.”