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The Need to Know is Queens-based rapper Duncecap’s most refined project to date. steel tipped dove (Armand Hammer, Fatboi Sharif) crafts the new album with a cinematic touch, soundtracking the worlds Dunce builds with dusty kicks and bespoke samples.

Art-rap legends doseone and Skech185 lend verses to the project, and stalwart collaborator Samurai Banana lends his cutting hand for frenzied scratching over Dove’s plucky thumps and sprawling loops.

With a triumphant pessimism, The Need to Know examines the human condition through big-box store nostalgia and city parking; trans-humanism, and anxiety. steel tipped dove accentuates the levity and tension of Duncecap’s writing with nuanced expertise, bringing out funky colors from the bouncy darkness.

Brain Candy was developed thanks to help from a sub-audible humming made by brutalist architecture in high winds. You may not hear it, but behind every lyric… beneath every beat… the tone is there and it holds the album together. - Luke H Simmons

"Pressed on Clear Teal Wave colored vinyl Limited to 500 Hand-Numbered copies Worldwide! APT 6E by Dave East x Mike & Keys is now available on vinyl! The 15-track album was produced entirely by frequent East collaborators Mike & Keys and features Shaggy, Buddy, Kurupt, and Stacy Barthe. East previously teamed up with Mike & Keys for their last acclaimed drop, Hdigh. On APT 6E, the team kept the winning formula to bring you an unskippable masterpiece with unforgettable production and lyricism throughout."

Blood Smoke Vinyl.The Instrumental version of the underground classic El Michels Affair & BlackThought collaborative album Glorious GameWhen Leon Michels and El Michels Affair released their rst record, SoundingOut The City, in 2005, it was hard to guess what was next for Michels andhis then-introduced, now-patented "cinematic soul" sound. Now, four EMAstudio albums and scores of tribute and remix projects later_all whileproducing for some of the biggest names in the industry_Michels hastrademarked his sound, with each project taking audiences somewhere newand pushing the boundaries of what he is known for. The man is a river, not alake and this time he takes his golden touch into the realm of hip-hop layingdown a musical bed for one of the greatest to ever rhyme into a microphone:Black Thought of The Roots crew.Releasing on Big Crown Records, the LP is called Glorious Game and it is aremarkable debut partnership in more ways than one. Michels provides hisbottom-heavy, soul-tinged production for Black Thought who gives us some ofthe more personal and transparent verses we've ever heard from him. Michelsand Black Thought have been in each other's orbit for a while now. The tworst met in the 2000s when Thought was rst getting familiar with thecontemporary soul scene. "Out of that whole world, Menahan Street Bandwas probably my favorite," recalling the funk and soul group Michels was afounding member of back in 2007. Fast forward a few years and musiciansfrom that collective_Dave Guy on trumpet and Ian Hendrickson-Smith on sax_are now full time players with The Roots. This connection eventually ledLeon and Thought to doing a few fundraising events around NYC and Phillytogether. "Before long, Black Thought was coming around the studio andwould jam with us from time to time," Michels explains. "Then, fast forward to2020 and COVID lockdowns, he just hit me up out of the blue, wanting me tosend him stuff to write to. We both were looking to stay busy."Bei...

When an emcee finds a producer who fuels his verbals, he keeps him close. Atoms Fam, Hangar 18, and Def Jux alumnus, Alaska found just such a fire in steel tipped dove on last year’s The Structural Dynamics of Flow. A journeyman in the pits, dove’s credits run way below the surface of things, and his pedigree shows in his ability to keep the rig moving no matter. Once again on the black circles is the inimitable Marcus Pinn, steady adding nitrous to the mix. Over numerous releases in the last few years including two from 2023 alone, Alaska has settled into a style as mature as it is versatile. He knows the course comfortably now, so he can take the turns, open it up, and just drive.

Along for the ride this time are PremRock and Curly Castro (a.k.a. ShrapKnel), who with Zilla Rocca, make up three-fourths of the Wrecking Crew. All appear on different tracks here, not that keeping them separated blunts their impact in the least. Prem and The Prophet, Fatboi Sharif, are Alaska’s accomplices on “Murder by Numbers,” and fellow Atoms Family member Cryptic One joins Zilla and Alaska on “Disappearing Acts.” There’s also Bateria, a.k.a Jedi Son of Spock, on “Imposter” and Sleeping Dogs on “Vulture Stones,” among others. Those guys are all undeniably dope, but they’re only passengers here.

Alaska never lets you forget who’s behind the wheel as he drops lyrical references to everything from classic slashers and Wu-Tang to Violent Femmes and Hunter S. Thompson. It’s fun, but it’s serious. You can feel the aging aches of “Mild for the Night” in your lower back. You can also feel the frustration on “Hundred Dollar Bills” when Alaska raps, “Yeah, I’m a nihilist, but only ‘cause I’m tired of shit.” Word to the dead man’s ego.

Roy Christopher

Vince Staples’ Dark Times serves as the Long Beach rapper’s sixth studio album and is a snapshot of Staples presently: on top of the world on the surface, but reality might be trickier. Throughout the album’s thirteen tracks, he grapples with life’s heaviness, all while understanding what the gravity of his work means in the grand scheme of things.

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

First part of an ongoing series of singles featuring some of the globes finest. x 2 tracks produced by Morriarchi Side A will be available to stream but Side B is vinyl only.

Polyglot on Chloroform presents two of the best kept bicoastal secrets in an effort of linguistic expressionism and genre abolition. In 7 tracks Los Angeles’ Rhys Langston turns his rapping into a conceptual artist’s toolkit. And in the 20 min runtime, Brooklyn’s steel tipped dove employs his decades of experiences in the dungeons of leftward rap to take texture and timbre to task. Tearing through the boundaries of experimental rap, Langston rhymes abstraction and absurdity, with poetic English peppered in Romance language phrases, – even as he croons like an alternate-reality grunge singer, and mutters spoken word in Spanish. Bouncing off the contemporary underground’s dour flavor, dove crafts tilt-shifting beats, pliable chord progressions, and oddball foley– nestling the maximalist approach to language and meaning in careful impressionism. Released on Fused Arrow Records, it sees Rhys Langston’s music for the first time ever on vinyl, and builds upon steel tipped dove’s emergent role as prolific underground curator, collaborator, and mastermind.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ/Producer and musical storyteller J.PERIOD (The Hamilton Mixtape, Black Thought, The Live Mixtape) is back with his highly-anticipated Story To Tell (Chapter Two), a sonic adventure through Hip Hop, Soul, R&B and Reggae featuring performances from Andra Day, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone, Kardinal Offishall, Estelle, Mumu Fresh, Camp and Mayda Del Valle; narration from Dave Chappelle; co-production from Rance Dopson (1500 or Nothin), J.Mo, DJ Khalil, Tall Black Guy and Stro Elliot; and original illustrations from acclaimed artist, Dan Lish.

London-based label, Def Presse are very pleased to announce their partnership with legendary Library Music label KPM. Def Presse Editions/KPM Crate Diggers are works built around samples from KPM releases. As part of the series - Blockhead presents his new album, Luminous Rubble, where the artist dives deep into KPM’s iconic music and sound design library. Blockhead has released 15 albums over the past 15 years and is regarded as one of the modern masters of instrumental hip-hop. 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 Luminous Rubble is the latest missive in a particularly busy period for the underground hip-hop veteran, 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. “For me, as a producer who uses samples, there’s nothing better than free rein. That was so exciting for me. 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. 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.

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.

Production by Domingo, Marco Polo, B Dvine , Nickel Plated, SupaDave and more. Back in print 8 years after date, cardboard sleeve edition.

Get ‘Em started as a collaboration between producers, Computer Jay and Dream Dave. It turned out to be Computer Jay’s first attempt on the mic, evolving into Taylor The Terror, accompanied by long-time Cohort Imani the Ghetto Oracle (from The Pharcyde). The project unknowingly snowballed into an LA Riot of features ranging from established wordsmiths to producers and DJs picking up the mic to bring an unknown underbelly of vocals to the canvas. Get ‘Em is undoubtedly cut from the golden era of Hip Hop, but with exponential growth of Technique in the production, cuts, and lyric schemes. This 16-song album has the cinematic action of Fight Club mixed with Blaxploitation films. The Get ‘Em Got it, and it and the Gettin weigh a ton of pounds. The Get ‘Em Gettin, and is of the Weird Science Sound.

Get ‘Em started as a collaboration between producers, Computer Jay and Dream Dave. It turned out to be Computer Jay’s first attempt on the mic, evolving into Taylor The Terror, accompanied by long-time Cohort Imani the Ghetto Oracle (from The Pharcyde). The project unknowingly snowballed into an LA Riot of features ranging from established wordsmiths to producers and DJs picking up the mic to bring an unknown underbelly of vocals to the canvas. Get ‘Em is undoubtedly cut from the golden era of Hip Hop, but with exponential growth of Technique in the production, cuts, and lyric schemes. This 16-song album has the cinematic action of Fight Club mixed with Blaxploitation films. The Get ‘Em Got it, and it and the Gettin weigh a ton of pounds. The Get ‘Em Gettin, and is of the Weird Science Sound.

You know that feeling when an incredible actor pops up in a surprise cameo in a movie and your jaw hits the floor? Or when you are listening to a brand new song without looking at the credits and you hear your favorite rapper check the mic - about to start their verse? Multiply that excitement by 10 and you’ve got the new album by AJ Suede and steel tipped dove.

Reoccurring Characters transports the listener into the sonic universe of two of the most undeniable forces in current rap music. Fresh from a world tour AJ Suede is penning rich, clever and poignant lyrics, performing them with his truly engrossing flow and pure rap skill flexing. Linking up with steel tipped dove to map out a chaotic smooth instrumental framework to inhabit, these two transport you to a whole new dimension.

A few other prodigious characters hopped in the hovercraft, including Premrock, Fatboi Sharif, Duncecap & Curly Castro - each delivering their own stunning display of word flow mastery. Playing Reoccurring Characters will place you in Suede and dove’s nomadic phonic world, always looking for new and rare places to go.

After a three year hiatus, the rap trident known as Death At The Derby is back with another full LP, this time entirely produced by Toronto based producer Finn. An 11 track project, “Capitano” is themed behind some of the games most respected & legendary captains to rock the honorary armband.

Inspired by their previous 2020 release “Ballon D’Or”, this latest LP is both the first official drop, yet second installment to their newest series entitled Club & Country. With the third & final season of their celebrates derby series around the way, this record is the next phase in their wave of worldwide work.

Cuts provided by their resident DJ, DJ Dubplates, the project is both a rare & raw blend of potent underground production, cultured sound bites, top flight lyricism & love for the beautiful game. Whether El Salvador, Romania, North Ireland or Argentina, the roster is monster. Centered around a tracklist aligned by the player’s actual jersey numbers, this collection of stars shine bright as any constellation.

RSD First, Limitation: 2500

After endless requests for a Czarface and Dr. Octagon collaboration, the comic book-inspired supergroup Czarface takes a turn for the cosmic, creating a funky full length adventure with the spacey Kool Keith! When the record is playing, they become a counterpart character that can even give the mighty Czarface a run for his money: Stress Eater! You can expect a rich blend of what makes both acts so special: block-rocking beats and bizarre, mind-bending lyricism...all served up with a cover from Czarface artist Lamour Supreme.

RSD First, Limitation: 1000

A 2010 to 2020 collection of the biggest hits of Big Freedia, the Queen of New Orleans Bounce, pressed on pink vinyl for RSD Black Friday.

Yellow Vinyl Edition.
Includes original insert.

tbc

What would music say if it musicked about itself?

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

“Loose seal!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Brooklyn in the house band?

— MC Paul Barman

After the amazing NoDōz album we dropped last year, we hooked up with Def Jam Blaster once again to bring you more rare & unreleased heat! We have compiled no less than 19 tracks from the vaults of Def Jam Blaster. All tracks were transferred from the original master tapes and were recorded between 1987 and 1993.



We have Private Identity (3-2 & Def Jam Blaster), NoDōz, Big Mike, Infinity, Black B. Nimbl, Kerijames, D. Latroi and Billy Dee M.C. all spitting on this historical piece of Houston, TX hip-hop.



Once again you will be treated with a Werner Von Wallenrod interview with Def Jam Blaster about him opening up the vaults and dropping knowledge about this project. The booklet contains no less than 12 pages and besides the interview it will also include additional photos from the contributing artists and a track by track commentary by Def Jam Blaster filling in the blanks for us.



All music has been remastered by Jee Van Cleef and the artwork was handled by LDL. The CD will be limited to only 250 copies!

Tuff City anthology of Old School DJ scratch classics with insert 7", half on red vinyl, half on blue featuring Davy DMX, Marley Marl, Cool Djaj, Charlie Chase of the Cold Crush Brothers Tuff City is pleased to present the best possible reissue program of Hip-Hop's first decade. These reissues were made as a tribute to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. Each volume represents an important facet of performers on Tuff City: The Solo MC’s, The MC Crews, The DJ’s and The Female MC’s. Each volume features an inner sleeve with liner notes and bonus 7” insert. Each pressing consists of 750 on red vinyl and 750 of an opaque color specific to the volume (Yellow, Gold, Blue, Orange). A bonus 7” single is slipped in the cover encased in a Tuff City logo sleeve in the style of its iconic 12” singles. The series was also conceptualized as a multiset release to stand side by side with the classic Old School Rarities series (The Funky Drum Jams, The Electro Jams, The Linn Drum Jams & The Disco Jams) issued by our Ol’ Skool Flava imprint. The DJ’s get going with “Masters of The Scratch” from West Harlem duo Master OC & Krazy Eddie. Legendary Hollis, Queens multi-instrumentalist Davy DMX gives us the classic “One For The Treble.” Crash Crew DJ Darryl C is here with the previously unreleased “Party and Bullspit.” DJ Charlie Chase of the Cold Crush Brothers closes the first side with “We’re Gonna Need A Little Scratch.” Side Two opens with a master mix from the then 16 year old Hot Day from Queensbridge. Also from Queensbridge, genre archetype Marley Marl delivers his theme song “The Man Marley Marl.” DJ Quik aka Beatbox Master Quick delivers a “Scratch Attack.” The 1982 classic “Ah, That’s The Joint” by another early legend DJ AJ closes out the second side. The bonus includes a Ced Gee remix of “The 900 Number,” a signature track from The 45 King backed with “Marley Marl’s Scratch” from Marley Marl with a feature from MC Shan. Track Listing: A1 Master O.C. and Krazy Eddie-Masters of the Scratch; A2 Davy DMX-One For The Treble; A3 Daryl Cee AKA Julio- Party and Bullspit; A4 Charlie Chase-We're Gonna Need A Little Scratch; B1 Hot Day-Hot Day Master Mix; B2 Marley Marl-The Man Marley Marl; B3 Beatbox Master Quik-Scratch Attack; B4 Cool DJ AJ aka DJ Scratch-Ah, That's The Joint; Single A: The 45 King-The 900 Number (Ced Gee Remix); B: Marley Marl-Marley Marl Scratch.

Tuff City anthology of Old School group rap classics half on red vinyl, half on gold featuring Ultramagnetic MC’s, PHD featuring Havoc from Mobb Deep, Flavor Unit featuring Queen Latifah, Spoonie Gee with The Treacherous Three feat. Kool Moe Dee, etc. Tuff City is pleased to present the best possible reissue program of Hip-Hop's first decade. These reissues were made as a tribute to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. Each volume represents an important facet of performers on Tuff City: The Solo MC’s, The MC Crews, The DJ’s and The Female MC’s. Each volume features an inner sleeve with liner notes and bonus 7” insert. Each pressing consists of 750 on red vinyl and 750 of an opaque color specific to the volume (Yellow, Gold, Blue, Orange). A bonus 7” single is slipped in the cover encased in a Tuff City logo sleeve in the style of its iconic 12” singles. The series was also conceptualized as a multiset release to stand side by side with the classic Old School Rarities series (The Funky Drum Jams, The Electro Jams, The Linn Drum Jams & The Disco Jams) issued by our Ol’ Skool Flava imprint. The MC Crews starts with the innovative scratch legend from the Bronx, Grand Wizard Theodore with the Fantastic Romantic 5. The classic “Can I Get A Soul Clap?” features a live rhythm section. Spoonie Gee with the Treacherous Three (including Kool Moe Dee) is a relentless tour-de-force that popularized the freestyle concept. A much sought-after 1986 remix of the 1980 “High Power Rap” from The Crash Crew closes out the first side. New Jersey is well represented with “Flavor Unit Assassination Squad.” The Flavor Unit produced by 45 King features Lakim Shabazz, Lord Alibaski, Apache, Double J and Queen Latifah at the turn of the 90’s. The Undefeated Three represent the Grand Concourse section of the Bronx with “U-N-D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D.” The bonus single features PHD from Queensbridge with an appearance from Havoc from Mobb Deep. The flip side is a freestyle from Bed-Sty's Freddy B & The Mighty Mic Masters. Track Listing: A1 Grand Wizard Theodore & The Fantastic Romantic 5-Can I Get A Soul Clap; A2 Spoonie Gee with The Treacherous Three-New Rap Language; A3 Crash Crew-High Powered Rap (Remix); B1 Flavor Unit feat Queen Latifah-Flavor Unit Assasination Squad; B2 Undefeated Three-U-N-D-E-F-E-A-T-E-D; Single A: PHD feat Havoc-Set It Pt. 3; B: Freddy B & The Mighty Mic Masters-Bed Stuy Freestyle

Tuff City anthology of early Hip-Hop solo performers with insert 7" half on red, half on yellow vinyl featuring Spoonie Gee, T-Ski-Valley, Ultramagnetic MC’s featuring Kool Keith, Grandmaster Caz, etc. Tuff City is pleased to present the best possible reissue program of Hip-Hop's first decade. These reissues were made as a tribute to Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. Each volume represents an important facet of performers on Tuff City: The Solo MC’s, The MC Crews, The DJ’s and The Female MC’s. Each volume features an inner sleeve with liner notes and bonus 7” insert. Each pressing consists of 750 on red vinyl and 750 of an opaque color specific to the volume (Yellow, Gold, Blue, Orange). A bonus 7” single is slipped in the cover encased in a Tuff City logo sleeve in the style of its iconic 12” singles. The series was also conceptualized as a multiset release to stand side by side with the classic Old School Rarities series (The Funky Drum Jams, The Electro Jams, The Linn Drum Jams & The Disco Jams) issued by our Ol’ Skool Flava imprint.

The Solo MC’s kicks off with Harlem’s pioneering Spoonie Gee’s influential “Spoonin’ Rap” from 1979. “Catch The Beat” from T-Ski Valley captures the post-Disco Bronx era of Rap. The side closes with the underground personality Funkmaster Wizard Wiz whose “Knucklehead Rappers” came after he broke from The Undefeated Three. Brooklyn’s Jimmy Spicer delivers a 14+ minute marathon “Adventures of Super Rhyme (Rap).” Grandmaster Caz from Cold Crush is paired with the Fantastic’s Whipper Whip for “To All The Party People” Captain G Whiz from Freddy B’s Mighty Mic Masters closes with his solo 12” track “All The Way Live.” The bonus single features a Kool Keith solo from the Ultramagnetic MCs backed with Grandmaster Caz by himself doing “I’m What Is and You’re What Wants To Be.” Track Listing: A1 Spoonin' Rap-Spoonie Gee; A2 T-Ski Valley-Catch The Beat; A3 Funkmaster Wizard Wiz-Knucklehead Rappers; B1 Adventures of Super Rhymes-Jimmy Spicer; B2 Grandmaster Caz with Whipper Whip-To All The Party People; B3 All the Way Live-Captain G. Whiz; Single A: Ultramagnetic MC's-Kool Keith Wild; B: Grandmaster Caz-I'm What Is Your What Wants To Be

"The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain" marks a triumphant return for rapper Lloyd Banks, as he delves deep into the intricacies of his life and experiences, unveiling raw emotions and profound wisdom. In this highly anticipated album, Banks collaborates with legendary artists such as Method Man, Cormega, 38 Spesh, Vado, Dave East, and Tony Yayo, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners.

In this musical journey, Banks weaves together a compelling storyline, sharing pieces of his own pain and struggles, inviting listeners to connect with his authenticity. With Method Man's signature lyrical prowess, Cormega's poetic finesse, and the raw energy of 38 Spesh, the album boasts a stellar lineup of features that enhance its impact.

Banks' sharp lyricism and introspective storytelling shine throughout the album, exploring themes of resilience, triumph over adversity, and the complexities of life. Each track serves as a piece of his soul, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength. With the collaborative efforts of his fellow artists, "The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain" delivers an immersive and powerful listening experience, solidifying Lloyd Banks' position as a master in the rap game and the one and only Punch Line King.

"The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain" marks a triumphant return for rapper Lloyd Banks, as he delves deep into the intricacies of his life and experiences, unveiling raw emotions and profound wisdom. In this highly anticipated album, Banks collaborates with legendary artists such as Method Man, Cormega, 38 Spesh, Vado, Dave East, and Tony Yayo, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners.

In this musical journey, Banks weaves together a compelling storyline, sharing pieces of his own pain and struggles, inviting listeners to connect with his authenticity. With Method Man's signature lyrical prowess, Cormega's poetic finesse, and the raw energy of 38 Spesh, the album boasts a stellar lineup of features that enhance its impact.

Banks' sharp lyricism and introspective storytelling shine throughout the album, exploring themes of resilience, triumph over adversity, and the complexities of life. Each track serves as a piece of his soul, revealing layers of vulnerability and strength. With the collaborative efforts of his fellow artists, "The Course of the Inevitable 3: Pieces of My Pain" delivers an immersive and powerful listening experience, solidifying Lloyd Banks' position as a master in the rap game and the one and only Punch Line King.

Grafh is one of only a handful of rappers from the early 2000s NYC scene to successfully transition into the new underground movement. After releasing two solo LPs and collab albums with Flee Lord and DJ Shay (rip) in the last four years, he recently dropped his highest profile project to date, Art of Words, entirely produced by the top emcee/producer in the game, 38 Spesh. The 10-t+W29rack offering reaffirms Grafh is a force to be reckoned with on the mic. To add gas to the already blazing fire recruited an all-star guest line-up for the album that includes Conway The Machine, Rome Streetz, Bun B, Dave East, and Giggs.

Philly's first supergroup returns with a new LPThey released four albums. Their joint debut LP with The Krown Rulers from Camden, New Jersey included production by the Ultramagnetic MCs' Kool Keith and Ced Gee, with a style that was bass-heavy with the Roland TR-808 drum machine and E-mu SP-12 sampler, raw "street" lyrics and aggressive scratch DJing. They performed with Public Enemy, Run-D.M.C., Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, LL Cool J, and many others. They toured the US as the support act for 2Live Crew, and were fan favorites on the groundbreaking Street Beat radio program on Power 99, hosted by Lady B. They were racially mixed and ethnically diverse, and were regular performers at the After Midnight club in North Philly, once the largest Hip-Hop club in America. Their contemporaries included DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, DJ Cash Money and Marvelous, Cool C, Schoolly D, MC Breeze, and Three Times Dope. Brand new tracks and new version of classic My Part Of Town.

MAX Tannone, the man behind Jaydiohead, drops "mos Dub" mashing up 10 fresh MOS DEF raps like "MS. FAT Booty", "travellin Man", and "hurricane" feat. Common & Black Thought with classic dub & reggae cuts from Desmond Dekker, LEE Perry, King Tubby & Errol Thompson.

The Machine is back! Following the 2022 release of the wildly successful, God Don't Make Mistakes, Conway the Machine returns with his next studio album, Won't HE DO IT. Aptly titled for touching on the various obstacles he's been faced with and overcome to be in the position he's in today, Conway hopes to inspire listeneres to imagine the possibilities they themselves can achieve by breaking through the walls that have been put up and relentlessly pursuing their goals to turn their dreams into reality. The 14 track album sees appearances by longtime collaborators Westside Gunn & Benny the Butcher, as well as Jae Skeese, Sauce Walka, Juicy J, Fabolous, Dave East, GooseByTheWay, 7xvethegenius, Jozzy, Ransom & Drea D'Nur. Production is handled by heavyweight producers such as J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Khrysis, Daringer, Juicy J & more.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Beastie Boys’ 3× Platinum album Hello Nasty. This is a limited edition reissue of the rare deluxe 4LP version of the album that was released as an artist store exclusive in 2009. Long out-of-print and sought after by fans/collectors, it features two extra LPs (w/ 21 tracks) of bonus content, including remixes, live versions and B-sides (all of which are available at DSPs). The 4 LPs will be pressed on 180 gram vinyl and housed in a quad jacket inside a rigid slipcase. A sew-on patch is also included.

The Machine is back! Following the 2022 release of the wildly successful, God Don't Make Mistakes, Conway the Machine returns with his next studio album, Won't HE DO IT. Aptly titled for touching on the various obstacles he's been faced with and overcome to be in the position he's in today, Conway hopes to inspire listeneres to imagine the possibilities they themselves can achieve by breaking through the walls that have been put up and relentlessly pursuing their goals to turn their dreams into reality. The 14 track album sees appearances by longtime collaborators Westside Gunn & Benny the Butcher, as well as Jae Skeese, Sauce Walka, Juicy J, Fabolous, Dave East, GooseByTheWay, 7xvethegenius, Jozzy, Ransom & Drea D'Nur. Production is handled by heavyweight producers such as J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Khrysis, Daringer, Juicy J & more.