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Your Old Droog season is upon us. The prolific Brooklyn artist has cemented his place as one of the most important figures in the modern hip-hop landscape, delivering a steady stream of acclaimed projects. Now, YOD is at it again, unveiling a physical release of his recent collection Yodney Dangerfield. With beats by Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, Lee Scott, and Jonwayne, the album is another extraordinary body of work from the talented Ukrainian wordsmith. And yet, the music industry still gives him no respect. This edition includes the physical-only bonus track “Metal Face Medley”, a Your Old Droog live performance montage honoring dearly departed rap god MF Doom.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, Your Old Droog has become a key figure in the modern hip hop landscape. Fresh off a series of acclaimed projects, the master author is back with the new album "Space Bar".

Evoking a tavern located deep within the realms of a top secret galaxy, the collection features appearances by Lil Ugly Mane, billy woods, Tha God Fahim, and Nickelus F. Despite Droog's prolific output, each of his releases are meticulously crafted, and "Space Bar" is no exception.

"This album was conceptualized around the same time as 'It Wasn’t Even Close'," YOD explains. "Throughout the years, it has evolved and taken on many different forms and shapes." With beats by 88 Keys, Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, and Elaquent, "Space Bar" finds Your Old Droog serving up intoxicating lyricism over spaced-out production, exploring unseen terrains.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, Your Old Droog has become a key figure in the modern hip hop landscape. Fresh off a series of acclaimed projects, the master author is back with the new album Space Bar. Evoking a tavern located deep within the realms of a top secret galaxy, the collection features appearances by Lil Ugly Mane, billy woods, Tha God Fahim, and Nickelus F. Despite Droog's prolific output, each of his releases are meticulously crafted, and Space Bar is no exception. "This album was conceptualized around the same time as 'It Wasn’t Even Close'," YOD explains. "Throughout the years, it has evolved and taken on many different forms and shapes." With beats by 88 Keys, Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, and Elaquent, Space Bar finds Your Old Droog serving up intoxicating lyricism over spaced-out production, exploring unseen terrains.

Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, Your Old Droog has become a key figure in the modern hip hop landscape. Fresh off a series of acclaimed projects, the master author is back with the new album "Space Bar".

Evoking a tavern located deep within the realms of a top secret galaxy, the collection features appearances by Lil Ugly Mane, billy woods, Tha God Fahim, and Nickelus F. Despite Droog's prolific output, each of his releases are meticulously crafted, and "Space Bar" is no exception.

"This album was conceptualized around the same time as 'It Wasn’t Even Close'," YOD explains. "Throughout the years, it has evolved and taken on many different forms and shapes." With beats by 88 Keys, Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, and Elaquent, "Space Bar" finds Your Old Droog serving up intoxicating lyricism over spaced-out production, exploring unseen terrains.

After making serious noise in the modern funk world, XL Middleton makes a return to the g-funk/hip hop sound that marked his earlier work with "2 Minutes Till Midnight." It’s a funked out, synth-heavy excursion with an equal amount of appeal for modern funksters or the underground legions of g-funk fans that put XL on the map originally. Those familiar with his most recent albums, “Tap Water” and “Things Are Happening,” will recognize the signature synth leads and intricate analog bass lines. Those unfamiliar with Middleton as an MC will find that he challenges standards in the worlds of both underground and mainstream rap, eschewing the backpack as much as the Bentley, falling into a space that few can. XL’s lyricism is cerebral and well-read, yet it’s clear that he comes from a part of the world that relishes khakis, Chuck Taylors & Zapp records. "2 Minutes Till Midnight" stands firmly rooted in the funk tradition of Los Angeles, showing reverence for the music that inspired it by bringing g-funk legends Kokane & Domino ("Getto Jam") into the fold as guest artists and by featuring album artwork from Joe Cool, who designed the iconic "Doggystyle" album cover for Snoop Dogg. XL's contemporaries, such as labelmates Zackey Force Funk, Moniquea, & I, Ced, also join in and help to remind us that the album is not just a self-indulgent tribute to a bygone era of music. As modern funk grew largely out of hip hop, XL takes that growth backward, and moves the music forward as a result.

After making serious noise in the modern funk world, XL Middleton makes a return to the g-funk/hip hop sound that marked his earlier work with "2 Minutes Till Midnight." It’s a funked out, synth-heavy excursion with an equal amount of appeal for modern funksters or the underground legions of g-funk fans that put XL on the map originally. Those familiar with his most recent albums, “Tap Water” and “Things Are Happening,” will recognize the signature synth leads and intricate analog bass lines. Those unfamiliar with Middleton as an MC will find that he challenges standards in the worlds of both underground and mainstream rap, eschewing the backpack as much as the Bentley, falling into a space that few can. XL’s lyricism is cerebral and well-read, yet it’s clear that he comes from a part of the world that relishes khakis, Chuck Taylors & Zapp records. "2 Minutes Till Midnight" stands firmly rooted in the funk tradition of Los Angeles, showing reverence for the music that inspired it by bringing g-funk legends Kokane & Domino ("Getto Jam") into the fold as guest artists and by featuring album artwork from Joe Cool, who designed the iconic "Doggystyle" album cover for Snoop Dogg. XL's contemporaries, such as labelmates Zackey Force Funk, Moniquea, & I, Ced, also join in and help to remind us that the album is not just a self-indulgent tribute to a bygone era of music. As modern funk grew largely out of hip hop, XL takes that growth backward, and moves the music forward as a result.

Wu Tang & Staten Island MC/Producer come together again in new vinyl release Wutang x Remedy.Remedy is a MC/producer from Staten Island, New York who first made his mark with the song "Never Again" off the Wu-Tang Killa Beez' debut album The Swarm in the summer of '98. He eventually made his full-length debut The Genuine Article in the spring of '01 & followed it up with Code Red about 2½ years later. The last we heard from him on his own was when It All Comes Down to This was released in 2010. But as the 12-year anniversary of that approaches in a few weeks, he's enlisting a star studded cast of veterans to be featured on his 4th album. Ghostface Killah tags along for the opener "Modern Day Miracle" working in an occultist loop to verbally abuse anyone who wants to challenge them whereas "Death Defying" with Inspectah Deck finds the 2 over an operatic instrumental talking about choosing whether to kill or be killed. "Sparrow" takes a more soulful route feeling comparing himself to the titular bird leading into Ghostface returning alongside Conway the Machine for "The Pulpit" incorporating some orchestral samples talking about the street life.The penultimate track "Noir Story" is a full-on Killah Priest solo cut with a drumless instrumental & his lyricism on here is a reminder as to why he's this reviewer's 2nd favorite affiliate right behind Killa Sin in terms of lyrical skill, the previous cuts. "Never Again" then ends the album by mournfully paying tribute to those we've lost along the way.If you're a diehard Wu fan like I am, then you're gonna come away from this highly impressed. It's great to hear Remedy completely rejuvenated & he does an awesome job of paying homage to my all-time favorite hip hop group from the guests to the production.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Rostrum Records, label founder Benjy Grinberg has curated a 2xlp compilation spanning the entire history of the label, featuring never-before-released-on-vinyl tracks by Mac Miller, Wiz Khalifa, Problem ft. Snoop Dogg and Freddie Gibbs, Innanet James ft. Pusha T and Kallitechnis, Mod Sun ft. DeJ Loaf, Biz Markie, Mike Taylor, Brevin Kim, Rockie Fresh, and more. This RSD Black Friday title, only at record stores, marks the first physical release of Mac Miller's Kids bonus track "Back in the Day" and feature on Boaz's "Don't Know."

After a short digression with High Jon on the beats, Peter Manns is reunited with his Brother of another Mother – Thelonious Coltrane – and they take the standard of the last album (2019) with „ii'nd“ to the next level.

Everybody having seen those two on stage together knows about the energetically explosive chemistry of this extraordinary tag team. Their second LP is characterised by an evolution in sound and lyrics. Thelonious Coltrane’s productions cover an enormous spectrum between perfectly picked, overcompressed loops and brutally driving drumsets. With his self-critical, reflectiv, but also technically phenomenal lyrics, Peter Manns forms coherent songs, which not seldomly exceed the four-minute-mark. Lovingly arranged, with suitable citations and enchantingly applied vocal contributions from Kasia Konstance, many songs of the LP become modern RnB-highlights.

„ii'nd“ creates the taste of fiery life with all of its ups and downs, of friendship, passionate musical-craftmanship and studio sweat by the bucket. We ought to be delighted to soothingly lie in each other's arms to the sound of „Run it Up“ or „Today I Die Again“, as soon as those two will be going on tour. Halleluja!

„Undagawds – II'nd“ drops on 2LP on the 17th June 22 via Sichtexot Records

Better pray!

SXT

Strongly limited edition of 300 copies of the 7th release in our »HHV Boombap 45's« series.

This time we present Ugly Duckling's classic cuts "Everybody C'mon" and "Everything's Alright" from the 1999 "Fresh Mode" EP for the first time on 7" vinyl.

In the Garden" is an experimental Hip-Hop album founded on the soul-sought recollections of multi-genre producer and lyricist Tonio Sagan (The Problemaddicts). The self produced album counters modern production with organic instrumentation, underscoring oration that is both grounded in self reflection and challenging those reflections with objective philosophical concepts.

20 years after their debut album "Original Pirat Material" and 12 years after the last album of The Streets, the new record "The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light" with an accompanying feature film will be released in October.
The first single "Troubled Waters" is reminiscent of the good old Streets sound, but in a modern guise and will certainly meet the taste of Mike Skinner fans.
Accompanying the new album, Skinner's first feature film of the same name will premiere. The 80-minute film has Skinner almost completely alone on the legs, in addition to the direction, the sound and the financing, he also played, produced and written.

Reissue of a Rawkus Records classic from 1999.

Trusted with a culture kept under the concrete, the warning has been spread for years. Many assumed their operations were limited to underground societies or secret networks. But, The Black Opera have been among us all along. The time to hide is behind them. There will be no riot; the revolution has already taken place. The Great Year has come.

The newest movement from The Black Opera is truth. After the telling of the three part epic, The Black Op: Era I, TBO has returned without allegory or allusion. The Great Year is a modern story of emergence and art- a resistance to assimilation. It is a story of triumph and camaraderie and a renaissance of new thinking.

The new album’s influences musically are as diverse as they are aesthetically. From tribal rhythms to overdriven synths and from pulsing drums to intimate vocals, The Great Year’s sound is distinctly its own. Taking on a modern day palette, TBO has envisioned a new world, musically. With orchestration from creative minds like Tall Black Guy, Waajeed, yU and Arjun Singh, The Black Opera have assembled a team to help them communicate their message to the world.

Limited TO 150 Units

Tha God Fahim has earned his spot at the forefront of hip-hop's modern underground movement, crafting immersive musical experiences rooted in raw instrumentation and elevated by razor-sharp lyricism. A frequent collaborator of enigmatic rap god Mach-Hommy, Fahim has steadily bolstered his mystique with a wealth of acclaimed releases, embodying the themes of self-empowerment and continual expansion contained in his verses. Two decades after the release of his classic debut The Disrupt, renowned California artist Oh No has become an undeniable creative force, balancing rap success with production work for Mos Def, Action Bronson, Prodigy, Dilated Peoples, Aesop Rock, Rapsody, Elzhi, and many more. Tha God Fahim recently recruited Oh No to produce the new album Berserko, and now this stellar collaboration is receiving a vinyl release for the first time ever. The collection finds Fahim in peak form, with Oh No's hypnotic sonic textures sparking some of the Atlanta emcee's most complex rhymes to date . With guest appearances by Your Old Droog and Jay NiCE, Berserko is a wild ride showcasing the unbridled creativity of two remarkable artists.

Tha God Fahim has earned his spot at the forefront of hip-hop’s modern underground movement, crafting immersive musical experiences rooted in raw instrumentation and elevated by razor-sharp lyricism. A frequent collaborator of enigmatic rap god Mach-Hommy, Fahim has steadily bolstered his mystique with a wealth of acclaimed releases, embodying the themes of self-empowerment and continual expansion contained in his verses. Two decades after the release of his classic debut "The Disrupt", renowned California artist Oh No has become an undeniable creative force, balancing rap success with production work for Mos Def, Action Bronson, Prodigy, Dilated Peoples, Aesop Rock, Rapsody, Elzhi, and many more. Tha God Fahim recently recruited Oh No to produce the new album "Berserko", and now this stellar collaboration is receiving a vinyl release for the first time ever. The collection finds Fahim in peak form, with Oh No’s hypnotic sonic textures sparking some of the Atlanta emcee’s most complex rhymes to date. With guest appearances by Your Old Droog and Jay NiCE, "Berserko" is a wild ride showcasing the unbridled creativity of two remarkable artists.

Atlanta native Tha God Fahim has emerged as a leading figure in hip-hop’s thriving modern underground, captivating listeners with masterful street soliloquies and timeless production. Uninterested in the flashy trappings of the modern rap game, Fahim has channelled his energy into building a phenomenal catalog, blending soulful aesthetics with hard-edged rhymes. Now, the talented emcee is taking a break from his dizzying mixtape schedule to unveil the new studio album "Iron Bull". Highlighting the power of relentless determination, the collection finds Tha God Fahim stronger than ever, elevating beyond adversity while remaining true to self. "Iron Bull" includes guest appearances by Mach-Hommy, Your Old Droog, and Jay NiCE, along with hypnotic production by Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, Camoflauge Monk, and Fahim himself.

Atlanta native Tha God Fahim has emerged as a leading figure in hip-hop’s thriving modern underground, captivating listeners with masterful street soliloquies and timeless production. Uninterested in the flashy trappings of the modern rap game, Fahim has channelled his energy into building a phenomenal catalog, blending soulful aesthetics with hard-edged rhymes. Now, the talented emcee is taking a break from his dizzying mixtape schedule to unveil the new studio album "Iron Bull".

Highlighting the power of relentless determination, the collection finds Tha God Fahim stronger than ever, elevating beyond adversity while remaining true to self. "Iron Bull" includes guest appearances by Mach-Hommy, Your Old Droog, and Jay NiCE, along with hypnotic production by Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, Camoflauge Monk, and Fahim himself.

Limited to 50 copies with Bonus Instrumentals of all tracks.

‘Of Process and Progression’ is a perfectly balanced combination of hip-hop, jazz, and soul from longtime collaborators Tall Black Guy & Ozay Moore, who continue to push themselves creatively after a collective more than 30 years in the game. On each and every track on this LP, the duo beautifully blend Golden Era boom-bap with modern sounds to deliver something altogether timeless and inspiring.

There’s just so much to love about ‘OPAP,’ an easy candidate for one of the year’s best releases, regardless of genre. Both TBG and Ozay have been on a tear these past few years with their respective careers, but it’s safe to say they’re reaching a new peak together with this release.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on grey vinyl, limited to 200 copies.

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes as mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively, whiling maintaining his artistic integrity. Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF Doom, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant and talented multi-instrumentalist. After releasing a groundbreaking joint project back in 2006, Talib Kweli and Madlib are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever.

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes at a moment when mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively while maintaining his artistic integrity, working with top talent across the musical spectrum in the process. Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF Doom, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant who has crafted beats for the likes of Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Tyler The Creator, Logic, De La Soul, and many more. After releasing a groundbreaking collaborative project back in 2006, Madlib and Talib Kweli are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. “The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip hop has lost some of its luster,” Kweli explains. ìNever has there been a better time for such honest, message driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.” A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever.

Lyrically gifted, socially aware, and politically insightful, Talib Kweli is one of the most influential hip-hop artists of the last 25 years. His early collaborative albums with Mos Def and Hi-Tek were among the most important releases in the genesis of modern rap, forging a future for thought-provoking lyricism and raw soundscapes at a moment when mass commercialization threatened the soul of the genre. Now more than two decades into a thrilling solo career, Kweli has evolved creatively while maintaining his artistic integrity, working with top talent across the musical spectrum in the process. Known for classic collaborative albums with artists like J Dilla, MF Doom, and Freddie Gibbs, widely celebrated producer Madlib is a sampling savant who has crafted beats for the likes of Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Tyler The Creator, Logic, De La Soul, and many more. After releasing a groundbreaking collaborative project back in 2006, Madlib and Talib Kweli are reuniting for the highly-anticipated follow-up Liberation 2. Expansive in concept, the album is a vivid exploration of revolution, love, pan-Africanism, music, spirituality, and more, with Madlib’s jazz-inflected instrumentals providing the perfect soundtrack. “The materialism and debauchery that is stereotypically associated with hip hop has lost some of its luster,” Kweli explains. ìNever has there been a better time for such honest, message driven music that pays tribute to the sounds that came before us.” A global call for unity through space and time, Liberation 2 features appearances by Q-Tip, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, Roy Ayers, Goapele, Wildchild, Pink Siifu, and more, plus a posthumous verse by Mac Miller. Not on traditional digital outlets, the album is now available in physical form for the first time ever.

Writing on cover. tear on back cover

The “The Balancing Act” album title is inspired by the way Statik balances his responsibilities as a father, as an artist, as a producer and as a DJ. To execute his vision for the album cover, Statik enlisted famed designers Dom Dirtee and Tristan Eaton, whose work can be seen in the Museum of Modern Art's (MoMA) and has been featured across the world from Paris to Shanghai.

The album follows Statik’s collaborative album with Bun B in April 2019, when they famously teamed up to release TrillStatik – a joint album that was created entirely from scratch during an 11-hour livestream on YouTube. Prior to that release, Statik released a 2017 solo artist album, 8, which featured heavyweights like Run the Jewels, G-Eazy, Wiz Khalifa, Action Bronson, Wale, The LOX and Raekwon, among many others.

Earlier this year, XXL named Statik Selektah as one of the 48 Greatest Hip-Hop DJs of All-Time. As a producer, he’s known for his work on a slew of standout songs, including J. Cole and Joey Bada$$’s “Legendary” and Eminem’s collaboration with Big Sean, Royce da 5’9”, Danny Brown, Dej Loaf and Trick-Trick on “Detroit vs. Everybody.”

The “The Balancing Act” album title is inspired by the way Statik balances his responsibilities as a father, as an artist, as a producer and as a DJ. To execute his vision for the album cover, Statik enlisted famed designers Dom Dirtee and Tristan Eaton, whose work can be seen in the Museum of Modern Art's (MoMA) and has been featured across the world from Paris to Shanghai.

The album follows Statik’s collaborative album with Bun B in April 2019, when they famously teamed up to release TrillStatik – a joint album that was created entirely from scratch during an 11-hour livestream on YouTube. Prior to that release, Statik released a 2017 solo artist album, 8, which featured heavyweights like Run the Jewels, G-Eazy, Wiz Khalifa, Action Bronson, Wale, The LOX and Raekwon, among many others.

Earlier this year, XXL named Statik Selektah as one of the 48 Greatest Hip-Hop DJs of All-Time. As a producer, he’s known for his work on a slew of standout songs, including J. Cole and Joey Bada$$’s “Legendary” and Eminem’s collaboration with Big Sean, Royce da 5’9”, Danny Brown, Dej Loaf and Trick-Trick on “Detroit vs. Everybody.”

Limited to 100 copies. Underground hip-hop legends Spectac & Amiri are back with their latest offering, "Beautiful Soul", set for release through Ill Adrenaline Records. Known for their signature jazzy, soulful soundscapes and introspective lyricism, this album builds on the success of their critically acclaimed project Soul Beautiful. Once again, Amiri's soulful production lays the foundation for Spectac's sharp, reflective rhymes, proving the duo's chemistry is as potent as ever.

Amiri has long been praised for his ability to blend golden-era vibes with modern production techniques, crafting beats that seamlessly combine jazz, soul, and boom bap. Over the years, his work has earned a respected place in the underground scene, producing for a wide array of artists while staying true to his unique sound.

On the mic, Spectac is a seasoned emcee from South Carolina with roots in North Carolina, known for his witty wordplay and freestyle prowess. With a career spanning over a decade, his lyricism often explores personal experiences and societal issues, making his verses both relatable and thought-provoking. Together, the duo has earned the respect of underground hip-hop heads globally, delivering consistently high-quality music that blends nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Having worked with the likes of 9th Wonder, Big Daddy Kane, and A Tribe Called Quest, Spectac & Amiri are most definitely veterans in the game. Their releases have always been rooted in the spirit of true-school hip-hop, which has enabled them to maintain their underground presence for decades.

The lead single from Beautiful Soul, titled "Yeah Y’all", features their long-time friend and collaborator DJ Shakim, who adds his signature blend of scratches and cuts over Amiri’s dreamy instrumental. Spectac's effortless flow shines with lines like, "…me and Amiri not the greatest but close enough, a stone throws away from a J-Dilla donut…"

With tracks like "When We Do It", "Sermons for Bentleys", "Got a Feeling", and "Wake Up!", the duo dives into themes ranging from reflections on their personal journeys to commentary on the political and social challenges they've witnessed throughout their careers. As always, the album serves a balanced mix of lyrical depth and soulful vibes, offering something for both new listeners and longtime fans.

For those familiar with Spectac & Amiri, Beautiful Soul is a return to form, delivering the kind of lush, thoughtful hip-hop that's become their trademark. And for newcomers? Consider this your backstage pass to one of the best-kept secrets in the underground. Get ready, because once you hit play, you're not just listening — you’re vibing with legends.

Underground hip-hop legends Spectac & Amiri are back with their latest offering, "Beautiful Soul", set for release through Ill Adrenaline Records. Known for their signature jazzy, soulful soundscapes and introspective lyricism, this album builds on the success of their critically acclaimed project Soul Beautiful. Once again, Amiri's soulful production lays the foundation for Spectac's sharp, reflective rhymes, proving the duo's chemistry is as potent as ever.

Amiri has long been praised for his ability to blend golden-era vibes with modern production techniques, crafting beats that seamlessly combine jazz, soul, and boom bap. Over the years, his work has earned a respected place in the underground scene, producing for a wide array of artists while staying true to his unique sound.

On the mic, Spectac is a seasoned emcee from South Carolina with roots in North Carolina, known for his witty wordplay and freestyle prowess. With a career spanning over a decade, his lyricism often explores personal experiences and societal issues, making his verses both relatable and thought-provoking. Together, the duo has earned the respect of underground hip-hop heads globally, delivering consistently high-quality music that blends nostalgia with fresh creativity.

Having worked with the likes of 9th Wonder, Big Daddy Kane, and A Tribe Called Quest, Spectac & Amiri are most definitely veterans in the game. Their releases have always been rooted in the spirit of true-school hip-hop, which has enabled them to maintain their underground presence for decades.

The lead single from Beautiful Soul, titled "Yeah Y’all", features their long-time friend and collaborator DJ Shakim, who adds his signature blend of scratches and cuts over Amiri’s dreamy instrumental. Spectac's effortless flow shines with lines like, "…me and Amiri not the greatest but close enough, a stone throws away from a J-Dilla donut…"

With tracks like "When We Do It", "Sermons for Bentleys", "Got a Feeling", and "Wake Up!", the duo dives into themes ranging from reflections on their personal journeys to commentary on the political and social challenges they've witnessed throughout their careers. As always, the album serves a balanced mix of lyrical depth and soulful vibes, offering something for both new listeners and longtime fans.

For those familiar with Spectac & Amiri, Beautiful Soul is a return to form, delivering the kind of lush, thoughtful hip-hop that's become their trademark. And for newcomers? Consider this your backstage pass to one of the best-kept secrets in the underground. Get ready, because once you hit play, you're not just listening — you’re vibing with legends.

Speak has carved a path with quick wit and wordplay since 2011 and his debut album Inside Out Boy. His sophomore album Gnarly Davidson peaked at #27 on the iTunes Top 100. Speak also wrote the RIAA gold-certified "Gucci Gucci" for Kreyshawn, a song far ahead of its time that has gone on to inspire modern rap sounds into this decade. Speak has culminated a body of work that has reached a global scale with millions of plays across various streaming platforms and touring in the US, Canda, Latin America, and the UK. Unique album configurations with accompanying merchandise lines, live shows, and music video projects continue to separate Speak from other artists in modern rap, representing Mexico City's explosion of new sounds, styles, and culture with a bold message. Collaborations over the years include Vince Staples, Mac Miller, The Internet, Denzel Curry, Juicy J, Odd Future, and many more. From the gritty Sex Quest series to the more introspective hearth throb visions of My Lonely Primavera, and now the futurism of Singularity, Speak continues to reinvent himself with every project.

The mark that the late producer J Dilla left upon hip-hop during the 90s and early-to-mid 00s is undeniable, and his work with De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, and many more has long been cemented in the annals of hip-hop history. It was during his time as a member of seminal Detroit group Slum Village however that ranks as among his greatest. His work with rappers Baatin and T3 would be a strong influence upon
modern rappers like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, and earn widespread critical praise, and comparisons to other legendary groups like A Tribe Called Quest. In speaking retrospectively on their most famous album ""Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 1"", The Roots' drummer Questlove has said of the release that it "single-handedly birthed neo-soul."

J Dilla has been gone for over 10 years now, and Slum Village has moved on from their time with the legendary beatsmith, recruiting new members along the way. Despite this, new Dilla compositions are still being discovered, and his legacy continues to be shared and celebrated with a modern hip-hop audience. Ne'Astra Music Group now presents a new compilation of rare Dilla material: Vol. 0. Ten tracks featuring the classic Slum
Village lineup of Dilla on vocals and production, with Baatin & T3 also on the mic, collected by modern SV member Young RJ from unreleased material and demos recorded between 1994 and 1997. The knowledgable hip-hop head may recognize key tracks from the circulated EPHCY Sessions, while others have never seen the light of day. A piece of hip-hop history that would have otherwise wallowed in obscurity, until now.

Future Times is elated to announce our next release, the album Bop 3 from Sir E.U + Tooth Choir. Sir E.U is one of the best. He has modes aplenty, ranging from classic rap music to collaborations with DC’s dance and electronic music producers. This album finds him in duo mode, every beat by the formidable Tooth Choir, for a new classic entry. Bop 3 is a scuzzed-out rap masterpiece. Tooth Choir’s beats range from the acid house bang of “Turn It Up! (ft. Cal Rips)” to the piano dream state of the closer “Can’t Stop Thinking Bout My Baby,” in which E.U goes galactic for 20 minutes of purely-bared soul. “End Of Time” sounds like Jungle Wonz with the ions reversed, some sort of Chicago House-indebted nightmare funk. “Hey Mom” and “Untitled (2 Much)” dig into a post-punk and wave angle, evocative of everything from Robert Hood and Sleeparchive to Joy Division and other reverb scroungers. Sir E.U compliments this fully, with a surprising range of melody and bizarro hooks, as in the demented pop highlights “mua” and “How Much Longer (Until We Go Get Em).” The sheer sonics of his voice and breadth of his expression, which he is manipulating and re-inventing constantly throughout Bop 3, are wonderful on their own, but Sir E.U is also straight up one of the greatest rappers doing it today; his styles and flows are constantly stunning, and each EP or track release via his own channels becomes a fountain of inspiration for anybody rapping right now. You can hear E.U in many rappers today, well beyond his local Washington DC. Bop 3 is a full-length exploration of the potent duo of Sir E.U + Tooth Choir, in sync to a serious degree, making some of the wildest rap music imaginable.

The days have become shorter, and the nights are cold and long. Winter season aside, we're living in uncertain times. From politics to healthcare, the rising cost of living and more - apathy and cynicism are the themes of the modern day. Even just getting by has become a demanding daily operation. However, in light of this social despondency, hope can be found between the cracks of the concrete. Hopefully, is a sharp and seductive six-track jolt of upliftment for the weak and weary among us. Sareem's penmanship across the EP is intentional and minces no words about the everyday struggle of surviving and thriving. However, the beauty of the music and message blossoms within the juxtaposition. On the title track, Sareem plays neighborhood hope dealer and wishes health, wealth and strength to one and all. As expected, the song is littered with thoughtful lines ("I hope you never have to code switch so you can blend"), which land firmly in the message received section of the brain. The sermon-like bars continue on Ain't No Time, where Sareem displays calm confidence in the rat race against the hourglass. He deftly reminds the listener that the past is always in the future and time is not to be feared - but embraced. Further introspection can be found on Piece Of The Pie. Sareem enters the center with thanksgiving in his heart, reflecting on the grind's culmination and celebrating the spoils of family and friendship. The mosaic-like production by Madi, who used to go by DJ Allstar, is smooth and spacious - bespoke in its bounce and bop. The former Uprok Records DJ serves up splurges of atmospheric buoyancy that pulsate through the mind, body and soul. The lost art of the head nod returns in a big way, and Madi delivers in an emphatic fashion. All hope aside, the chemistry between Sareem Poems and Madi is a wistful reminder of the sacred nature of the Hip Hop duo. The one emcee and one producer tandem are held dear in Hip Hop culture. These two hope dealers carry on tradition while pushing forward. Written by Christopher Mitchel (Breaking Atoms)

Relocating home to Zambia during the pandemic, Sampa sought to reconnect with a different side of herself, a side that is freer and closer in resemblance to the younger artistry she cultivated growing up in Africa. This process of discovery would become the gateway to revealing her highest version of self. Choosing to collaborate with creatives Rochelle Nembhard and Imraan Christian from South Africa, As Above, So Below introduces us to a 360 Sampa, unveiling her many sides for the first time. From the funny to the serious to the sensual, As Above is Sampa outside’s self, and So Below, is the Sampa within, together uniting to reveal the most authentic version of Sampa, without a mask, or role to play. As Above, So Below is anchored by spoken word in Bemba. The record delves into Sampa’s memories of Africa, Africa’s relationship to the world and what womanhood in Africa means to the world. We are also introduced to the persona of Eve, the highest version of Sampa that speaks to all facets of her womanhood. The musical styles of As Above, So Below reflect the hybridity of Sampa’s upbringing. Raised in Botswana (a different country to her birthplace in Zambia), and then going on to attend school in different countries again, Sampa picked up varied musical influences along the way. Each style has attached itself to her own musical encyclopedia, and finds a new mode for expression throughout the record.

Relocating home to Zambia during the pandemic, Sampa sought to reconnect with a different side of herself, a side that is freer and closer in resemblance to the younger artistry she cultivated growing up in Africa. This process of discovery would become the gateway to revealing her highest version of self. Choosing to collaborate with creatives Rochelle Nembhard and Imraan Christian from South Africa, As Above, So Below introduces us to a 360 Sampa, unveiling her many sides for the first time. From the funny to the serious to the sensual, As Above is Sampa outside’s self, and So Below, is the Sampa within, together uniting to reveal the most authentic version of Sampa, without a mask, or role to play. As Above, So Below is anchored by spoken word in Bemba. The record delves into Sampa’s memories of Africa, Africa’s relationship to the world and what womanhood in Africa means to the world. We are also introduced to the persona of Eve, the highest version of Sampa that speaks to all facets of her womanhood. The musical styles of As Above, So Below reflect the hybridity of Sampa’s upbringing. Raised in Botswana (a different country to her birthplace in Zambia), and then going on to attend school in different countries again, Sampa picked up varied musical influences along the way. Each style has attached itself to her own musical encyclopedia, and finds a new mode for expression throughout the record.

The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl contains six new tracks serving as a companion piece to Sa-Roc's already acclaimed Rhymesayers debut, The Sharecropper's Daughter, released in October of 2020. These new songs further showcase Sa-Roc's sharp skills as a lyricist, and her gift for captivating melodies and engaging content, featuring production from Sol Messiah and Evidence, as well as a guest verse from MF Doom. The lead single for the bonus vinyl, "Wild Seeds" is a lyrical testament to the beauty, mysticism, and wisdom of the elders and ancestors who've guided and bolstered generations of Black women through history's assault and neglect of them. With a title inspired by the sci-fi novel Wild Seed by visionary author Octavia Butler, the song serves as a celebration of women such as Queen Nanny, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and many others, whose legacies inform future generations of their propensity to bloom under the harshest of conditions. "Just like wild seeds, we remain unfettered and unbroken, adding beauty and immeasurable value to a world that chooses not to acknowledge us," Sa-Roc states, "but our very existence is the only acknowledgement we require." Throughout the songs of The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl, Sa-Roc maintains a concise blend of thought provoking commentary and razor sharp lyricism. On the opening track, "Options", she delivers a raw and searing testimony of the dedicated yet, all too often, underappreciated artist, reminding us to give our flowers to the living while we're still able. "The Great Escape" examines humankind's tendency to try to mask the unsavory elements of our past we're either unwilling or unable to confront head on. Echoing both sentimentality and sorrow, "Reconstruction of the Heart" recalls some of Roc's childhood memories and muses on the many ways in which our earliest experiences can scar, strengthen, and shape the very core of who we'll become. The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl chapter fittingly comes to a close with "The Rebirth", which remarks on the plight of the vulnerable artist and the quest for balance between creative transparency and overexposure. Here, Sa-Roc labors through her discomfort and commits to being brutally honest about the experiences that have informed her expression and made her a better artist. Featured guest, the late MF Doom continues this line of thinking, offering his own unique observations, "Quick as a quitter will fold, some of what glitters is gold. Same story is old, getting left in the blistering cold. Broken souls get remold with little arbitration. Fortune favors the bold as does incarceration." This bonus vinyl pulls no punches in showcasing Sa-Roc's continual growth as an artist who, as NPR recently put it, "is a modern day griot whose aura radiates calm in a world of chaos."

Starting off their careers as young protege to the legendary hip-hop producer Kutmasta Kurt, Rushden & Diamonds first got their start writing rhymes and making beats while digging in the crates of 1980’s rnb and royal orchestral music. The duo’s early productions would eventually make their way onto R&D’s debut release “2010”, a critically acclaimed double album hip-hopera which featured the likes of MC Paul Barman, Moka Only, Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams) voicing as an alias and more.

Now, while channeling inspirations from their favorite retro music, video games, and action movie culture, Rushden & Diamonds' bring you their highly anticipated follow up to “2010” appropriately titled "2020". The new 10 track studio album features the likes of Kool Keith, Kutmasta Kurt, Moka Only, Dylan Ross (Rozz Dyliams), Mega Ran, Naoto Tanaka, Castro Satoshi and more.

And we're back for the Autumn 2023 with the stunning sequel to the 2019 drop on Herring produced almost exclusively by Anu El. The drums on this project knock hard like a goddam door to door salesman! Probably the flyest project Rec has dropped to date and for me it's an undeniable Aoty contender. Yeah yeah, more superlatives, but I think heads will agree, this is a special joint and destined to be a modern classic. Mark my words!!!





There are 450 copies on Clear WAX in full colour jacket.

And we're back for the Autumn 2023 with the stunning sequel to the 2019 drop on Herring produced almost exclusively by Anu El. The drums on this project knock hard like a goddam door to door salesman! Probably the flyest project Rec has dropped to date and for me it's an undeniable Aoty contender. Yeah yeah, more superlatives, but I think heads will agree, this is a special joint and destined to be a modern classic. Mark my words!!!





There are 450 copies on Clear WAX in full colour jacket.

HHV Records Exclusive colored edition limited to 300 copies.

Soul is more than a sound. It is a timeless idea and an immortal condition. It can’t be borrowed or traded, bequeathed or imitated (no matter how much they try). Soul isn’t the blues, but the best blues has soul. Hip-Hop isn’t soul, but it’s the most fundamental component of its DNA. R&B is the genre, but soul is the yearning, the lust, the regret. Without soul, love is merely sex. With it, you get something like Lovesick. Lovesick is a collaboration between the 3x Grammy-nominated singer Raheem DeVaughn and the legendary hip-hop producer, Apollo Brown, best known for making hip-hop so grimy that it permanently lodges in your lungs and underneath your fingernails. It is a work of startling beauty, a blend of modern R&B, classic soul, and guttural funk that recalls Smokey Robinson, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye. Yet it doesn’t sound out of step alongside DeVaughn’s peers The-Dream, Anderson.Paak, and Miguel. It is an album that bears the echoes of Jodeci and James Brown, but it is ultimately the clarion vision of two masters of their respective forms.
Released on Mello Music, Lovesick is a stylistic departure from Apollo Brown’s coldblooded 21st century boom-bap, but it shouldn’t come as a shock considering his historical skill at soulful sample chopping. Still, it’s testament to the Michigan native’s versatility and emotional depth; he has turned a sonic left turn into an eternal groove -- an expansion that feels reminiscent of DJ Premier producing for D’Angelo, Salaam Remi collaborating with Amy Winehouse, J Dilla’s bible material with Erykah Badu, or more recently, Knxlwdge’s NxWorries project with .Paak.
Credit DeVaughn for making the extraordinary feel effortless. In Lovesick, the Love King has built a vessel to transport you to a different, better time. It is a tribute to the artists who came before him: all those aforementioned names, plus Parliament and Prince. Listening to the lead single, “When a Man,” you intuit the sweat and soulful anguish of the hardest working man in show business, but also float from Apollo’s head nod to A Tribe Called Quest’s “Luck of Lucien.” The post-modern commentary seductively fused into a warm-hearted nostalgia. “If I Made Love to You” finds DeVaughn telling his lover that he’ll play all the slow jams and quiet storm ballads for them, before unleashing a falsetto that can stop space and time. If you play this at the proper volume on the right system, the aromatic candles and incense will light themselves, and the sheets will turn to 10,000 thread count silk. A form of bedroom gospel. On “Just Fall in Love,” DeVaughn grapples with the carnal double standards that apply to men and women. For the third act, Compton’s Westside Boogie, unleashes a hyper-melodic rap lamentation, in search of loyalty, healing, and love. Elsewhere, on the album, Skyzoo and 3D Na’Tee contribute impressive lyrical 16s that are seamlessly interwoven into its satin tapestry.

For the legendary DeVaughn, it further cements his stature as one of the finest crooners of his generation. The DMV raised singer has sold hundreds of thousands of records, won BET Awards and been nominated for three Grammys, but this stands among his finest work. He has conjured the perfect record for the Sunday backyard BBQ and for riding in the car with the object of your affections, the ideal nocturnal soundtrack for when it’s time to lower the lights. For Brown, this is a panoramic expansion that shows the full range of his gifts. It is the home cooked meal, the perfectly rolled joint, soft lighting, a pledge to love and fidelity, and all the struggles with temptation. It is soul, as smooth and supernatural as it gets.

After making several bangers over a number of EPs, Psalm One and Custom Made have finally collaborated on a full-length project, inspired partly by Madam C.J. Walker.

Together they deliver a razor sharp message that serves as a beacon of light to those on a mission to be the best version of themselves. Confronting themes of Black support, Black entrepreneurship, queer acceptance, good mental health and patriarchal independence, Psalm poetically deconstructs these issues while building up her ever evolving humanity. Custom Made provides a rich, thumping and finely-crafted backdrop to Psalm’s musings.

Sometimes the journey may reveal the ugliness of human nature, but the eventual triumph is beautiful. This is the soundtrack to such a journey. Bigg Perrm.

Princess Nokia – aka New York rapper Destiny Frasqueri – has been releasing music via Youtube and Soundcloud since she was in High School, and slowly bubbling up on the internet, garnering a rabid fanbase. Last year, with the self-release of her 1992 mixtape, she catapulted herself to the next level, solidifying her position as one to watch. Since its release, she’s toured the world over, selling out various venues across the globe in mere days, and racked up literally millions of views/listens on her tracks. She is not only a brilliant rapper & lyricist but a feminist icon who is unapologetically herself, and aligns equally with the values of punk rock and riot grrl, ‘90s R&B, and the best of forward-thinking hip-hop. This is powerful, passionate, outspoken, vibrant modern music with deep roots in both NYC and rap history.
1992 Deluxe will be released via Rough Trade and is her first ever physical album; boasting 8 additional brand new songs - her first music since 2016. This expanded version includes the original 1992 tracks fully remastered and comes with a beautiful gatefold package.