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2023 repress

On purple wax and finally in a gatefold sleeve.

Classic 1995 album by Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon the Chef, entirely produced by RZA. Features Ghostface, Method Man, RZA, GZA, Nas, Cappadonna, U-God and many more!

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... (1995) is the solo debut of American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon. Produced by RZA and starring Ghostface Killah, it features appearances from every other member of the Wu-Tang Clan. It also features an acclaimed guest appearance from rapper Nas, which marked the first collaboration with a non-affiliated artist on a Wu-Tang related album.

RSD Exclusive, Limitation: 2200

In 1999 Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon issued the follow-up to his legendary solo debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx with Immobilarity. Dropping in November, the record hit the Top 10 on US album charts and was certified gold by the RIAA within a month.
For RSD Black Friday, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of this landmark recording, Get On Down presents Immobilarity as a double LP in a never-to-be-repeated Galaxy Effect vinyl pressing, housed in a gatefold jacket with lyrics included, and topped off with a collectable OBI strip.

Analha was one of the first approaches I had with the design of analog basses and drums, to understand the way in which we can involve so many sounds and transform them to our own liking, to give it its own narrative, a sense, an identity in which it can be navigated about different styles without problem.

They are two pieces that make up totally different break paths where "Mi ama Dic K no" [a1] is my own exploration and vision of the break beat, three melodies written in F # that count the subtlety, while the bass contrasts in an aggressive idea to the beat of many changing rhythms in the drums, which sorfs between a Mpc, 808, Dsm & V Modular ; Classic trip hop voices samples that guide the way this own idea progresses on the breaks and pads that generate a more complete environment with a very energetic atmosphere that is constantly on the rise in the active and natural development of the track.

Towards the B side "Run mami run" [b1] is composed by a classic intro of acid cut while some seconds of drums interpose which are accompanied by a radio narration of a chase, a return change is present with a vinyl spin between voices from GTA & WU Tang Clan which make an intro for an infusion of breaks fully aligned to the beginnings of oldskool drum and bass which are accompanied by voices recorded, treated and edited to connect more directly between the spaces interrupted by the glitch acid chords.

Among contrary structures "Analha" contains hidden but marked criticisms, it is a project that comes from 2018 and ended at the beginning of 2019 which made him think about how to involve more than music within his own sound narrative.

The sonorous identity of rachiid today is different, he understands his environment but does not believe in adapting, he tells us that each exploration and discovery during these years have led him to think how this first release was born until now but is not connected at all with what nowadays, describes his sonority today as changeable, essential and highly with IDM, experimental and breaks.

he year is 1999 and The Neptunes (Pharrell Williams & Chad Hugo) are working on a new track for Wu Tang Clan Member, Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s new album. The track in question, “Got Your Money”, was an unexpectedly poppy, upbeat and melodic track that would go on to have global success. Buried within the multi-track recordings of the ODB’s hit track is an acapella by Pharrell, recorded early in the tracks production. Bringing his own laid-back style and flow, but keeping to the narrative of ODB’s track, Pharrell delivers a secret version of the track, few will have heard. Alloy Cuts delivers two versions of Pharrell’s hidden bars, mashing up one side with Montel Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It”, giving the track a more golden era sound and on the flip side the classic ragga riddim, the “Snake Riddim”, is used to great effect!

Some emcees have preserved the gift of quality over time and Phantasm is one of these emcees. In the 90's and early 2000 Phantasm and then partner UG were signed to almighty Loud Records as Cella Dwellas (later just The Dwellas) along with several heavyweight acts on the label's roster including Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, Xzibit, M.O.P, and Mobb Deep. Phantasm & UG's debut album "Realms 'N Reality" (1996) debuted at #160 on the Billboard 200 charts and was mainly produced by underground mainstay beatsmith Nick Wiz. The Flatbush duo was also featured on fellow Brooklyn artist Masta Ace's classic album "Sittin' On Chrome". The Dwellas followed up with a dope second album ("The Last Shall Be First") in 2000 which featured Large Professor, Cocoa Brovaz, Organized Konfusion, Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), and many more.
Phantasm recently teamed up with Ill Adrenaline Records to release a timeless single ("Louder Than Ever") produced by Germany's own SP1200 maestros 12 Finger Dan and B-Base (aka Soulbrotha). Complete with a true school feel and a dope scratch hook, Phan executes with a sharp delivery with lines like "...had to pen them bars, got out the street life had to mend them scars. Praise God or Allah whoever sent us Nas." Tall Man Phan is back to basics on his latest release.

Some emcees have preserved the gift of quality over time and Phantasm is one of these emcees. In the 90's and early 2000 Phantasm and then partner UG were signed to almighty Loud Records as Cella Dwellas (later just The Dwellas) along with several heavyweight acts on the label's roster including Wu-Tang Clan, Big Pun, Xzibit, M.O.P, and Mobb Deep. Phantasm & UG's debut album "Realms 'N Reality" (1996) debuted at #160 on the Billboard 200 charts and was mainly produced by underground mainstay beatsmith Nick Wiz. The Flatbush duo was also featured on fellow Brooklyn artist Masta Ace's classic album "Sittin' On Chrome". The Dwellas followed up with a dope second album ("The Last Shall Be First") in 2000 which featured Large Professor, Cocoa Brovaz, Organized Konfusion, Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan), and many more.
Phantasm recently teamed up with Ill Adrenaline Records to release a timeless single ("Louder Than Ever") produced by Germany's own SP1200 maestros 12 Finger Dan and B-Base (aka Soulbrotha). Complete with a true school feel and a dope scratch hook, Phan executes with a sharp delivery with lines like "...had to pen them bars, got out the street life had to mend them scars. Praise God or Allah whoever sent us Nas." Tall Man Phan is back to basics on his latest release.

He made remixes matter more than the original songs. He introduced dramatic, forceful horns to rap’s sonic discussion. It almost goes without saying that Pete Rock is among the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, and Soul Brother #1 is still crafting timeless music. Now back on vinyl for the first time in years, Pete’s acclaimed album NY’s Finest features an impressive lineup of vocalists, including Wu-Tang emcees Raekwon and Masta Killa, Jim Jones, Little Brother, Styles P, Redman, Max B, Papoose, and more. Entirely produced by Pete Rock, the album is a modern masterpiece from a legendary artist. This repress also includes the bonus track “It’s So G” featuring Roc Marciano, a lost treasure from the NY’s Finest sessions that wasn’t on the original tracklist.

He made remixes matter more than the original songs. He introduced dramatic, forceful horns to rap’s sonic discussion. It almost goes without saying that Pete Rock is among the greatest hip-hop producers of all time, and Soul Brother #1 is still crafting timeless music. Now back on vinyl for the first time in years, Pete’s acclaimed album NY’s Finest features an impressive lineup of vocalists, including Wu-Tang emcees Raekwon and Masta Killa, Jim Jones, Little Brother, Styles P, Redman, Max B, Papoose, and more. Entirely produced by Pete Rock, the album is a modern masterpiece from a legendary artist. This repress also includes the bonus track “It’s So G” featuring Roc Marciano, a lost treasure from the NY’s Finest sessions that wasn’t on the original tracklist.

Los Angeles emcee Pawz One returns with Featured Unreleased Collab Kollection Issue Two (F.U.C.K I.T!), the second installment in the series that features guest appearances, unreleased songs and remixes. The 16 track album includes artists like Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, A.G of D.I.T.C and others are featured on the album along with artwork done by Gift Revolver who recently did artwork for Conway, Wu-Tang and Big Pun. Producers include Snowgoons and many others from Japan, Netherlands, Chicago and Los Angeles.

"Paula rapped for the first time over the phone. I was impressed that she just rapped at the drop of a dime, no hesitation. She didn't explain what the rhyme was going to be about , she just rhymed!" Masta Ace recalls. "The female rappers who were out in rap at the time weren't really flowing as well -- on record or at shows -- as she did over the phone.”

Ace liked Paula's style and put her down with The INC., where she was featured on “Who u Jackin'" (from the LP Slaughtahouse) as well as doing background vocals for “What's Going On”, and "Eastbound." Paula also later appeared on the 1995 Sittin' on Chrome album tracks “This Ain't No Game" and "The 8-Side." While being a member of The INC. Paula toured the world with Ace, sharing the stage with the likes of Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, Warren G., Blackstreet, and Queen Latifah.

In getting a deal for Paula, Ace decided to create the music and get it out to the underground, instead of taking the customary route of shopping a demo tape to various record labels. They concocted "Paula's Jam (I Keep It Real Like That)" and after the song was completed, he pressed up some vinyl and shipped it to the top DJ’s all over the country. Once the record was serviced, it immediately became a mixtape staple and requests for the record came from all over including record stores, radio stations, clubs and college radio. Early supporters include New York DJ's Red Alert and Funkmaster Flex, mixtape kings Mister Cee and D.J. Clue, along with Wu-Tang's Method Man and rapper Redman. Record labels were bidding for Paula, but Loose Cannon won out.

"Paula Perry is one of the most talented rappers I've ever heard. She epitomizes what the label is looking for -- raw talent and in your face style. Paula's a true loose cannon and we look forward to blowing up the spot with her," says Lisa Cortes President of Loose Cannon Records.



All the info above are parts taken from an original press release issued by Loose Cannon Records after “Paula’s Jam” was released and in anticipation of the full album that would later become known as “Tales From Fort Knox”. Soon after in 1996 Polygram made the decision to discontinue “Loose Cannon Records” and from the entire label roster only Buju Banton was retained. Paula then shortly fell under the Mercury umbrella but after a lot of in-house changes she ended up at Motown, who planned to release the album on their “Mad Sounds Recordings” sublabel which was primarily focused on hip-hop. When it was time for “Extra, Extra!!” to be released, the label had shifted big chunks of Paula’s promotional budget to Queen Latifah and eventually the album ended up getting shelved.



The album contains production by Domingo, DJ Premier, Easy Mo Bee, Masta Ace (Ase One), Clark Kent, Fanatic, DR Period, Jesse West and features by Masta Ace, Jesse West, Lost Boyz, Kelly Price, Bahamadia, Heather B, Nikki D, Precious Paris & Rah Digga.



Limited to only 350 copies, including a 4 page booklet and all tracks have been remastered by Tradd. The CD version will also have an extra bonus track, the "Paula's Jam (Remix)" produced by Knobody.

Conceived At The Heel Of Italy's Boot-Shaped Peninsula In Apulia, Patrick Belaga's Blutt Makes Music For The Unruly Imagination. The Title Is An Old German Word For 'Naked', 'Bare', But It Can Also Mean 'Blood' When Spelt Blut. Take Away Another Letter And It Makes 'Butt'. None Of These Definitions And Adaptations Were What Prompted The Classically-Trained Composer And Cellist To Name His Second Album With A Word Simulating The Sound Of A Punctured Artery. That Came Later. Blutt's Nine Woozy Compositions Are Inspired By A Contemplative Road Trip With A Friend, And The Mysterious Muffled Music Heard From An Unidentified Source. It Was A Combination Of Jazz And Classical Music That Haunted Belaga's Wanderings Through The Byzantine Town Gallipoli, And Soon Infected His Dreams Of Long-Gone Civilizations. This Record Is Its Outcome, Where Organic Instrumentals And Electronic Production Merge Into A Sound That's Both Contemporary And Ancient. Samples Of Mewing Incantations And Tape Hiss Sway Atop The Waltzing Thud Of Piano Chords On "Sigh". Composite Layers Of Belaga's Cello Play In Downcast Harmony On "Rust". There's A Wistful Sense For The Romantic, In The Eerie Rhythm Of A Piece Like "Momentum". The Quarter Tones Of An Eastern European And Middle Eastern Folk Scale Probe A Profound Melancholy Via Kai Knight's Violin. Its Notes Are Haunted By A Field Recording Of Running Water On "Unsoft", Echoes Of Panpipes And A Jew's Harp On Opener "Lilt". As A Consummate Composer And Performer Known For His Work With Artists Wu Tsang, Boychild, Josh Johnson And Asma Maroof, Belaga's Blutt Is Itself Marked By Flawless Collaborations. Vocalist And Instrumentalist Jazmin Romero Sings And Composes The Surreal Melodies Of "Grey Eye". Multidisciplinary Dance Artist And Producer Riley Watts Contributes To The Muted, Motorik Movement Of "The Tunnel Is A Tower". Together, The Record Plays As A Stunning Soundtrack To The Strangeness Of Sleeping, And The Heartbreaking Transience Of Time. Like An Intense Dream Half-Remembered, The...

sampled by Wu-Tang Clan

Illmatic, the 1994 studio debut of Nasir "Nas" Jones, was more than just a critical success for the Queensbridge-based rapper. At a time when East Coast hip-hop was increasingly being taken less seriously than their West Coast counterparts, Illmatic's raw jazz and soul-based production, dire atmosphere and lyrics, coupled with Nas' uncompromising flow was integral in restoring interest in the East Coast as a hotbed of hip-hop artistry. Along with key releases from Wu-Tang Clan and Notorious B.I.G.,it shifted attention away from the funky, dayglo synth-based G-funk coming out of California and back to the grimy streets of New York. After such an unprecedented debut record, expectations were understandably high for Nas' follow-up. What came next threw critics and fans for a loop, but was no less influential than Illmatic, and would become the most commercially successful album in the entirety of Nas' discography. The 1996 sophomore follow-up was titled It Was Written, and in contrast to the urban bleakness of his debut, had Nas dipping his toes into the world of mafioso rap. Amidst production from heavy hitters like Trackmasters, Dr. Dre, L.E.S., Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Illmatic-collaborator DJ Premier, among others, Nas weaves evocative narratives of gang warfare, downtrodden neighborhoods, drug deals gone awry, and gangsta triumph, against a backdrop of samples from Sam Cooke, Etta James, the Isley Brothers, and even Chuck Mangione.

It Was Written was not hard up for top-tier guests either, featuring major guest turns from Lauryn Hill and Joel "JoJo" Hailey of K-Ci & JoJo. It also introduced the world to The Firm, the brief Nas-led msupergroup featuring rappers AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. mIt even managed to cause some minor controversy in the hip-hop mcommunity for its collaboration with West Coast producer Dr. Dre, at a time when the East Coast/West Coast rap feud was reaching a fever pitch, briefly attracting the ire of one Tupac Shakur. Not only was It Was Written received warmly by critics, but became a major commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard 200 charts, reaching platinum sales status four times, and alongside malbums like Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, helped usher in the era of mafioso rap in the mainstream. It rendered chart hits out of singles like the Eurhythmics-mimicking "Street Dreams", and the Grammy-nominated "If I Ruled The World Imagine That", and proved to be a major influence on artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lupe mFiasco, and many more.

The Infamous is the second studio album by the American Hip Hop duo Mobb Deep, released in 1995. The album features guest apperances from Nas, Wu-Tang Clan members, Reakwon and Ghostface Killah. The Infamous is Mobb Deep's masterpiece, a relentlessly bleak song cycle that's been hailed by hardcore Rap fans as one of the most realistic gangsta albums ever recorded.

180g vinyl edition.

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the iconic Def Jam Recordings brings us some of its classic repertoire on vinyl in a spectacular “fruit punch” variant – a color emblematic of its longstanding association with Def Jam. Some titles include Public Enemy’s Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Ludacris’ Word of Mouf, Method Man’s Tical, and Slick Rick’s The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

Back in print! The 1st real Wu-Tang solo album!

Masta Killa may not be the most high-profile member of the Wu-Tang Clan, but he's undoubtedly among the most consistent. The last original member to go solo, Killa has released two critically acclaimed albums in No Said Date and Made In Brooklyn, and has repeatedly stolen the show on recent Wu classics like Ghostface's Fishscale, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2 and RZA's Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. Now, more than six years after the release of his last studio album, Masta Killa is back with Selling My Soul!

Why you'll love it...
Wu-Tang Clan’s Masta Killa, who had been tinkering with his first solo record since the ’90s, unabashedly embraced the sounds of Wu on his debut. In the early 2000s, New York City-based gangsta rap took RZA’s style to almost cartoonish, exaggerated heights. In a way, No Said Date is a response to that: taking those shiny commercialized elements down to a more grounded level. RZA served as executive producer and more than half of the songs were produced by him or those under the Wu-Tang family tree: Allah Mathematics and True Master.

And while some of the classic ’90s Wu debuts were often epics with these great cinematic themes, No Said Date is an intimate, often lowkey tribute to Masta Killa’s childhood growing up in Brooklyn in the ’70s and ’80s — with the majority of verses centered around park jams, young love, school days and catching wreck.

The last Wu-Tang Clan member to launch a solo career, Masta Killa had fans asking when his album was dropping for more than a decade. His emphatic response was No Said Date, an expertly crafted collection that proved to be worth the wait. Killa's seminal 2004 debut heralded another unique voice emanating from hip-hop’s favorite 9-headed monster, just as iconic releases like Liquid Swords, Only Built For Cuban Linx, Ironman, and Tical, had done years earlier. Now remembered as a classic, No Said Date remains an impressive contribution to the Wu-Tang legacy: dusty, dissonant soul loops, razor-sharp lyrics, and the unmistakably sinister quality embodied by the Wu's best material. A true family affair, the album features appearances by every single member of Wu-Tang Clan, as well as vintage production from the likes of RZA, Mathematics, and True Master. Long out of print, No Said Date is now available on CD and limited-edition vinyl for the first time in years.

Detroit, Michigan hip hop artist, producer and Wu-Tang affiliate Bronze Nazareth began cooking up heat in 2002. Twenty years later, ain’t a damn thing changed — except he’s bringing the noise for a new generation with fellow Detroit artist, Lord Jessiah. Their latest outing, Time Waits for No One is a bangin’ street soundtrack that’s sure to leave bullet holes in every speaker that blasts it. Features include Recognize Ali, Ty Farris and a team of heavy gunners from hip hop’s frontlines.

Detroit, Michigan hip hop artist, producer and Wu-Tang affiliate Bronze Nazareth began cooking up heat in 2002. Twenty years later, ain’t a damn thing changed — except he’s bringing the noise for a new generation with fellow Detroit artist, Lord Jessiah. Their latest outing, Time Waits for No One is a bangin’ street soundtrack that’s sure to leave bullet holes in every speaker that blasts it. Features include Recognize Ali, Ty Farris and a team of heavy gunners from hip hop’s frontlines.

This 6-track EP is the 2nd installment of Lex Luga and is an ode to 90s east coast beats - inspired by hard hitting drums, infamously chopped samples, forgotten loops and all the while stands in direct homage to legends in the music game such as Pete Rock, Wu-Tang and Gang Starr.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of La the Darkman’s Heist of the Century LP, Coalmine Records has partnered up with the Brooklyn native for a special edition vinyl reissue, marking the first time that the record’s been repressed since its original release. This album is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most underrated releases from a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, and it’s easy to understand why once you hear its dynamic 18 tracks. The Killer Bee embodies the raw spirit of the Wu while adding his own signature gritty flavor throughout Heist of the Century. He shines whether he’s spitting solo on standouts like “Shine,” “Street Life,” and the title track, and when he’s joined by rap heavyweights like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Havoc, and Masta Killah and more. Rae actually delivers two show-stopping guest performances on ”Az the World Turns” and “Spring Water.”

The production lineup is just as serious, which boasts credits from the likes of RZA, DJ Muggs, Havoc, 4th Disciple, as well as Carlos “Six July” Broady—who produced 10 tracks—among others. Whether you were there day one, only started diving into the Wu’s vast discography recently, or somewhere in between, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better representation of their sound than Heist of the Century.

“Heist of the Century undeniably continues in the vein of the surrealistic, orchestral sound that branded the Wu-Tang Clan as one of the most revolutionary hip-hop groups of the decade.”-MTV

From Long Beach, California and Gun Rule, MI unearths the newly refined classical Wu-Tang x C.O.B sounds of elite lyricism and production hand crafted by none other than Kxng Crooked aka Crooked I and Bronze Nazareth. Gravitas features 14 powerful tracks from the impeccable duo featuring the likes of RZA, Ghostface Killah, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Royce da 5’9?, Hus Kingpin, LA the Darkman, Planet Asia, Killah Priest, Bishop Lamont, Benny the Butcher, .38 Spesh and many more.

Krumbsnatcha made his fame back in the 1990's as part of the legendary
Gangstarr Foundation. Mentored by the late Guru of Gangstarr, he
debuted on the classic album ""Moment of Truth"", and went on to perform
on many recordings with Guru as well as albums under his own name.
Hailing from Massachusetts, he is also a member of the W.O.L.V.E.S. crew,
thus the moniker of ""Golden Wolf"". Recently joining up with the Wu-Tang
Management team, he is now affiliated with Wu-Tang as well, and this is
his first outing as such. This album represents his ressurection as ""King
Solomon"" back from the Hip-Hop ""Dead"", as well as his first project since
Guru's unfortunate passing last year. Featured on this record are Dungeon
Masta (Wu-Tang), Black Jesus (Gangstarr Foundation/Wu-Tang), DJ JSOne,
Hectic, Nuborn, Lex Boogie and none other than Guru himself on two
tracks. Production comes from the likes of Thorotracks, Nickel Plated, GClef
da Mad Komposa, and more.

You know Krash Slaughta right? The man behind the recent wildly successful Doom/Sugacubes mash-up LP Sugar-Coated Doom, not to mention his unofficial remixes of the Wu’s K.R.E.A.M. and P.L.O. Style and collab. 45 with Phill Most Chill, Rebel Base? ‘Is he at it again?’ the monkey hears you ask. Yes, he is at it again, though the closest of the the three aforementioned releases to what he’s about to drop is the Wu remix 45. And what he’s about to drop is Diggin Deeper, not a single this time but a whole remix album of one of his (and the monkey’s!) all-time favourite hip-hop LPs – to wit, Niggamortis – more usually known as Six Feet Deep (especially in the U.S., though minus the best track under that name) by hip-hop supergroup Gravediggaz.

As many will know, this LP with its horror-movie fixated lyrics gave birth to a whole hip-hop sub-genre – that of ‘horrorcore.’ However, none of those who came after seemed to manage the lyrical humour of The RZArector, The Grym Reaper and The Gatekeeper (a.k.a. RZA, Poetic and Frukwan) and the only bit of production by The Undertaker (a.k.a. Prince Paul) that they seemed interested in was the sub-metal rap sludge of the shouty Bang Your Head – i.e. the LP’s one weak spot. But don’t worry, Krash isn’t interested in that sort of thing. Not only does he avoid rap-metal beats for Bang Your Head, he doesn’t use any on the LP at all – hurrah! What he does do is employ, arguably, as eclectic an array of sample sources as Prince Paul on the original – though with an entirely different end result. Bang Your Head with its apparently sixties garage band-derived beat for example is one of the standouts. The skeletal piano skank of 6 Feet Deep is another, while a beat featuring spaced-out eighties synths forms the new musical backdrop to Constant Elevation. Two more of the monkey’s favourites on this one are Here Comes The Gravediggaz, now underpinned by double-bass-led funk and the glorious inappropriately joyous bounce of Blood Brothers. The result? Your favourite cuts on this one might not be the same as your favourite cuts on the original. Two different versions of a much-loved LP, then; it’s why people remix hip-hop. All the vocal stems were created by Krash and the ultimate intention is to do a limited vinyl release. Cover art is by the Dead Residents’ Junior Disprol.

You know Krash Slaughta right? The man behind the recent wildly successful Doom/Sugacubes mash-up LP Sugar-Coated Doom, not to mention his unofficial remixes of the Wu’s K.R.E.A.M. and P.L.O. Style and collab. 45 with Phill Most Chill, Rebel Base? ‘Is he at it again?’ the monkey hears you ask. Yes, he is at it again, though the closest of the the three aforementioned releases to what he’s about to drop is the Wu remix 45. And what he’s about to drop is Diggin Deeper, not a single this time but a whole remix album of one of his (and the monkey’s!) all-time favourite hip-hop LPs – to wit, Niggamortis – more usually known as Six Feet Deep (especially in the U.S., though minus the best track under that name) by hip-hop supergroup Gravediggaz.

As many will know, this LP with its horror-movie fixated lyrics gave birth to a whole hip-hop sub-genre – that of ‘horrorcore.’ However, none of those who came after seemed to manage the lyrical humour of The RZArector, The Grym Reaper and The Gatekeeper (a.k.a. RZA, Poetic and Frukwan) and the only bit of production by The Undertaker (a.k.a. Prince Paul) that they seemed interested in was the sub-metal rap sludge of the shouty Bang Your Head – i.e. the LP’s one weak spot. But don’t worry, Krash isn’t interested in that sort of thing. Not only does he avoid rap-metal beats for Bang Your Head, he doesn’t use any on the LP at all – hurrah! What he does do is employ, arguably, as eclectic an array of sample sources as Prince Paul on the original – though with an entirely different end result. Bang Your Head with its apparently sixties garage band-derived beat for example is one of the standouts. The skeletal piano skank of 6 Feet Deep is another, while a beat featuring spaced-out eighties synths forms the new musical backdrop to Constant Elevation. Two more of the monkey’s favourites on this one are Here Comes The Gravediggaz, now underpinned by double-bass-led funk and the glorious inappropriately joyous bounce of Blood Brothers. The result? Your favourite cuts on this one might not be the same as your favourite cuts on the original. Two different versions of a much-loved LP, then; it’s why people remix hip-hop. All the vocal stems were created by Krash and the ultimate intention is to do a limited vinyl release. Cover art is by the Dead Residents’ Junior Disprol.

Kount Fif's new producer album "Ascension" takes the listener on a journey of exploration within themselves. A seasoned producer hailing from Virginia, Kount Fif reached out to the finest artists working to collaborate on his new album. With appearances from the likes of Killah Priest, Bless Picasso, Ruste Juxx, Chino XL, Copywrite, Daniel Son, Bobby J, Mopes, Davy Fresh, Timbo King, Double A.B. and more.

This album is a collaboration between Phoniks and Boston emcee V Knuckles (known from Natural Born Spitters/Snowgoons). We got some nice features for this album including the legend Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang), Fredro Starr (of Onyx), Edo. G, Termanology, Reks, Awon, Flash (of Nbs) and more.

This album is a collaboration between Phoniks and Boston emcee V Knuckles (known from Natural Born Spitters/Snowgoons). We got some nice features for this album including the legend Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang), Fredro Starr (of Onyx), Edo. G, Termanology, Reks, Awon, Flash (of Nbs) and more.

Long Beach legend Kxng Crooked takes a break from his consistently dope “Weeklys” series to serve up listeners a slab of hardcore hip-hop fashioned with lauded Wu-Tang clan affiliate Bronze Nazareth. It's East meets West in a collision of sound. And plenty of Crooked and Bronze's homies come along for the ride, including Snoop Dogg, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, and many more. Kxng Crooked aka Crooked I is best known as a former member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse with other members Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz and Royce da 5'9". Bronze Nazareth is from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is a hip hop music producer and emcee associated with the Wu-Tang Clan. He has a solo career as an emcee and is also a part of the hip-hop group Wisemen along with his brother Kevlaar 7. Album art by Manuel "Cep" Concepcion

Longtime Wu-Tang associate, Killah Priest, reissues his 2009 low key masterpiece The Exorcist on CD and for the first time ever on vinyl!

This reissue features all new artwork as well as a limited edition run of RED vinyl!

Mystery Channel EP by Killah Priest Killah Priest’s Mystery Channel EP, is his first release on 600 Block Records after his acclaimed features on Pugs Atomz’ Test Drive LP in 2022. The EP, coming this August 11th on limited edition vinyl, features two original productions from Tusk57, an amazing Tall Black Guy Productions remix, and instrumentals of all three tracks. The single was premiered on The Fader to rave reviews.

Tall Black Guy’s remix of Mystery Channel is a soulful jazzy take on the EP’s namesake, bringing his signature style to his first collaboration with 600 Block Records. From humble origins in Detroit, raised on a healthy diet of Motown, Jazz and early Hip Hop...Tall Black Guy has become a standard bearer for the current hip hop beats scene. Through a steady stream of productions filled with incredibly clever sample flips and deft production chops, he has won fans across the world, including Gilles Peterson, Lefto, Jazzy Jeff, Questlove and countless others.

Killah Priest made his first appearances on such Wu-Tang side and solo projects as Gravediggaz’ 6 Feet Deep, Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Return to the 36 Chambers, and Genius/GZA’s seminal Liquid Swords. His contributions to those releases — especially Liquid Swords’ “B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth),” essentially a Priest solo track — paved the way for the release of the MC’s acclaimed debut album, 1998’s Heavy Mental, and a lengthy and respected career in the hip-hop underground. In addition to his prolific solo work, he was an integral member of the groups Sunz of Man, the Hrsmen (aka the Four Horsemen), and Black Market Militia.

About Tusk57 A musician turned producer, Tusk57 brings a live feel to recording sessions and is most at home leading a band in front of a live audience. He is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter who has released multiple records under many other stage names in various genres, garnering critical acclaim including a Billboard hit. He is now based in LA and is using this moniker to develop a signature textured sound for hip hop and soulful music.

RSD Exclusive, Limitation: 1500

Keith Murray first came up in the world of hip-hop as a part of the group Def Squad, whose other members included Redman (later of Wu-Tang Clan) and Erick Sermon (from EPMD). On The Most Beautifullest Thing In The World Sermon serves as the main producer, with a contribution from Redman in the mix, as well as a contribution from Busta Rhymes.
In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of this stellar recording Get On Down presents The Most Beautifullest Thing in the most beautifullest fashion yet seen – as a double LP in an RSD Black Friday exclusive pressing on Ultra-Clear, Opaque BlueJay & Metallic Silver Splatter vinyl, housed in a gatefold jacket with an OBI. To make things even more beautiful, this special pressing closes out with selections previously issued only on individual 12” singles.

Hailing from Queens, New York City, The Shadow Clan was a movement within underground Hip-Hop that generated a buzz back in the early 2000s. They were essentially a 90’s-Hip-Hop-loving army of young artists brought forth under the auspices of the legendary Zulu Nation. This neothrowback crew have gained many fans among Chambermusik listeners with their raw, nononsense style that hearkens back to the days of both the Native Tongues and early Wu-Tang movements. “The Essence” was the first mixtape album by Shadow Clan underboss, Jus-P. Featured here are several Shadow Clan members including GS Advance and Fivestarr aka Bigz, who also contributes several original tracks. To be frank, this is underground hardcore Hip-Hop at its finest, and we are finally presenting it properly to all retail venues. Take a ride through Queens circa 2007 with these then young Z’s as they bring you back to that tru-skool feeling, but at the same time, was perhaps the most important and original movement in Hip-Hop. It should be noted that Shadow Clan preceded both the Pro-Era movement that would come about a few years later, as well as the Griselda movement that would arise a bit later.

Hailing from Queens, New York City, The Shadow Clan was a movement within underground Hip-Hop that generated a buzz back in the early 2000s. They were essentially a 90’s- Hip-Hop-loving army of young artists brought forth under the auspices of the legendary Zulu Nation. This neothrowback crew have gained many fans among Chambermusik listeners with their raw, no-nonsense style that hearkens back to the days of both the Native Tongues and early Wu-Tang movement s . Alumni Jus -P, GS Advance, Mr. Nickelz, & Shogunna have all carved their own niche in the game since the days of this music’s initial release in the streets. The rest of the members, Samhain, Prince, Watt, Why-Gee, Mad, Roulette & Skramble lay it down for you and y o u r s . T o b e f r a n k , t h i s i s underground hardcore Hip-Hop at its finest, and we are finally presenting it properly to all retail venues. Take a ride through Queens circa 2007 with these then young Z’s as they bring you back to that tru-skool feeling, but at the same time, was perhaps the most important and original movement in Hip-Hop. It should be noted that Shadow Clan preceded both the Pro- Era movement that would come about a few years later, as well as the Griselda movement that would arise a bit later.

2023 Vinyl Reissue Of "Enclosure". On April 8, 2014 Record Collection released ENCLOSURE, the 11th full-length album from John Frusciante. Following a series of releases that all explore similar electronic themes and diversions as e.g. PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone album and surrounding EPs Letur-Lefr and Outsides, saw Frusciante diving headfirst into disorienting, barely cogent electronic music and filling in any remaining space with outspaced stuff from Funkadelic-like guitar solos to cameo appearances by members of Wu-Tang Clan. Not easily understood as dance music, experimental music, or rock music, Enclosure considers, rejects, and reconsiders all of them on a second-to-second basis and stands as one of the more listenable of Frusciante's ever-obtuse solo albums. Enclosure was written, produced, performed and engineered by Frusciante in his Los Angeles-based recording studio.

180g vinyl edition. Recorded between New York, New Orleans, Miami and Costa Rica, After A Thousand Years features legendary multi-instrumentalist Bill Summers, famed for his work with Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Eddie Henderson. The album also features Malawian-American guitarist Masauko Chipembere who has worked with the likes of RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and Ladybug Mecca from Digable Planets.

“Banana Peel is exactly what we need now. Visionary Jneiro Jerel at his finest channelling healing sounds and rhythms from Mother Earth. A much-anticipated lens through Jneiro’s third eye. Thank you!” King Britt

Why you'll love it...
Uncontrolled Substance, the acclaimed 1999 solo debut from Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck, is the VMP Hip-Hop Record of the Month for January 2023. The first-ever reissue of the record, our edition is here on exclusive 2LP "Cop Car Blue" colored...

Hellrazah is a respected lyricist and Sunz of Man (Wu-Tang) member
who has been involved in countless projects in the field of
underground Hip-Hop. Presented for the first time anywhere, comes
his own special series of unreleased material for fans and collectors
alike, entitled Hell-Hop. The second of this series, volume two
features Timbo King, Killah Priest, J-Quest, Prodigal Sunn, 60 Second
Assassin, and Mezza Morta, among others. This is a limited edition
collectors item, and not to be missed people!

A brand new collabo album between Wu-Tang affiliated Sunz of Man rapper HeavenRazah and UK producer Bizi Beats. Back to his old "Renaissance Child" form and just the kind of production that blends perfectly with Razah's lyrical prowess!



Comes with striking, dope artwork in a beautiful metal case made by Julien Galland aka DJ Diaze. High end "vinyl look" professionally pressed Cd-r disc.

Chron "Hell Razah” Smith was a member of Wu-Tang Clan affiliate group Sunz of Man, who scored a gold album with their debut The Last Shall Be First. Sometimes known as Heaven Razah, his solo career is highlighted the critically-acclaimed album, Renaissance Child, which found him collaborating with MF Doom, Talib Kweli, Tragedy Khadafi and more. Razah continues to issue a steady stream of albums and guest features, and leads his online community, the Ghetto Government.

HHV worldwide exclusive limited to 1000 copies.

Gravediggaz: "Digging graves of the mentally dead and resurrecting their state of unawareness and ignorance." Frukwan describes the meaning of the group's name. Helping give birth to hip-hop’s subgenre of Horrorcore and one of hip-hop's first supergroups, Gravediggaz were born at a time when all four members were at low points in their careers. Already one of hip-hop’s most legendary producers, Prince Paul was at a crossroads in his career resulting in experimenting with darker sounding beats. He recruited a young soon to be legendary producer RZA, who was at a different type of crossroads in his career, not having the best experiences with various labels and before going on to start the global phenomenon that is The Wu-Tang Clan. Also added were Frukwan, a former member of Stetsasonic with Paul, and Too Poetic, a young MC navigating his way in the game after creating underground buzz with his 2 brothers and their short lived group the Brothers Grym and before his unfortunate death from colon cancer. The four transformed themselves into The Undertaker (Paul), The RZArector (RZA), The Gatekeeper (Frukwan) and The Grym Reaper (Too Poetic) to form Gravediggaz. On 6 Feet Deep the group utilize horror-themed imagery and lyrics combined with black comedy and satire to vent their frustrations with the hip-hop record industry. Singles "Diary of a Madman," "Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide" and "1-800 Suicide" lead an onslaught of tracks which The Quietus writer David Bennun
described as "a then novel means of addressing black life at street level [and] finding a new way of getting that message across". Production is mostly handled by Paul with RZA handling a few tracks. Highly regarded and still sought after, this pressing comes in a premium gatefold jacket with only 1000 of this classic available on blood red vinyl at HHV.

On Gong Gong Gong's Raucous Debut, Phantom Rhythm, The Minimalist Beijing Duo Created A Drummer-Less Sound That Was More Than The Sum Of Its Parts, Inspired By Back-Porch Blues, Sahelian Guitar Music, New York No-Wave, Cantonese Lion Dance Percussion, And, Seemingly Most Incongruously, Techno.With Phantom Rhythm Remixed, Gong Gong Gong Bring To Life A Concept They've Planned Since The Release Of Their Acclaimed First Album, Curating Their Favorite China-Connected Electronic Music Producers To Remix Phantom Rhythm In Its Entirety. The Globe-Spanning Collaboration Features Yu Su (Vancouver/Kaifeng), Zaliva-D, Simon Frank, Howie Lee (Beijing), Mong Tong, Scattered Purgatory (Taipei), Knopha (Xiamen), Wu Zhuoling (Chengdu), Angel Wei (Copenhagen), And P.E. (Brooklyn). The Lp Traces A Common Thread, Organically Expanding The Palette Of Gong Gong Gong Into Ambient Club Tracks, Thumping Dance Music, Cinematic Soundscapes, And Doomy Bit-Crushed Psych.

* The brand new record from Seattle’s own “Queen of Rap,” Gifted Gab
* Two distinct hip-hop sounds: An A-side of hard-hitting gangsta murder rap, with sweet R&B on the flip
* Pressed on clear red vinyl and limited to 1,000 individually numbered copies
* Cover design painted by Gifted Gab herself
* Specially mastered for vinyl by Adam Straney Fresh off a year playing the top music festivals in America--Austin City Limits, Bumbershoot, Heiro Day, House of Creatives and Music Tastes Good--Seattle's own "Queen of Rap," Gifted Gab, has dropped her latest project, "Cause & Effect."

It fittingly arrives on national weed holiday 4/20 and opens with a warning to stay away from that poor quality bam. This record is a premium strain ten-track opus, with no features, and one lone producer, Antwon Vinson. Spark your best blunt and play it loud, ‘cause this chronically high sound is gonna trip you out.

“Cause & Effect” shines a light on both sides of Gifted Gab’s singular style, mixing complexity with wit, confidence with seduction, bars-upon-bars with R&B melodies. Half of the album is hard-hitting gangsta murder music, while the flip side is effortlessly smooth, "for the after-party, the kickback. When you finally got the one you’ve been vibing with all night up close and personal," as DJ Mike Ramos describes in the liner notes.

This is uncompromising, in-your-face music free of bullshit. Gifted Gab's lyrical dexterity and street-smart prowess marries the '90s hip-hop sounds of female emcees Queen Latifah, MC Lyte and Bahamadia with Bay Area legends like Mac Dre and E-40. Fans familiar with her unrestrained rap style, wall-to-wall classicist flow and combative, codeine-dipped blunts, may be surprised on the B-side by singing and harmonies that even your mother might approve of. The entire album features a fresh sound supported by real ass musicians: Max Watters on guitar, Andrew Imanaka on bass, Medearis Dixon on keys and sax, DJ Vega on the Technics, and Antwon Vinson conducting the crew. And not only can the multi-talented Gifted Gab rap your ass off and sing sweetly, but the cover art is also an original painting by the artist herself.

Two singles from the album, “Eye on Em” and “That Way” are part of a Spring 2019 North America-wide college radio campaign mounted by Airplay Junkie radio promotions.

Seattle underground hip-hop label Crane City Music is proud to release a special, limited-edition vinyl version of "Cause & Effect" on transparent red vinyl. The record is the color of blood and love, both appropriate analogies for its twin sides. The vinyl edition is has been specially mastered by Adam Straney, has liner notes from DJ Mike Ramos and is limited to 1,000 numbered copies. (The record will be distributed worldwide by Light In The Attic.) Grab one before they're gone for good. The music is also available online on all major streaming services (iTunes, Google Play, etc.)

Gabrielle "Gifted Gab" Kadushin was born and raised in Seattle, WA's Central District. She's shared stages with DJ Quik, Rakim, Cam'ron, Slick Rick, Method Man, and Lupe Fiasco, and received accolades from hip-hop heavyweights XXL, VH1, and Dope. TIME magazine counts her amongst the top seven female rappers in America right now. In 2016, she curated & headlined her own eight-city tour. Her collaboration with Blimes Brixton, “Come Correct,” received viral attention and over 15 million video views. And let's not forget her stature as first lady amongst the many men in the Moor Gang, Seattle’s answer to the Wu-Tang Clan crew.

Limited to 300 copies. Alternate Cover. Bone Colored Vinyl. Ghostface Killah returns for his 14th Studio Album, Set The Tone (Guns & Roses). Album artwork includes photos by the legendary Danny Hastings (widely known for art directing and shooting the cover image for Wu-Tang Clan's Enter The 36 Chambers). The album features a star-studded cast of guest MCs including Nas, Kanye West, Method Man, Raekwon, Busta Rhymes, AZ, and more...

RSD First, Limitation: 1000

For RSD Black Friday, a limited edition pressing of Set The Tone (Guns & Roses) by Ghostface Killah of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan on double picture disc vinyl.
Features cameos by Nas, Ye, Method Man, Raekown, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes and more. Includes a 24" x 24" poster with photos by Danny Hastings (the shooter behind classic album covers such as Enter The 36 Chambers, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, I Am and more).

Ghostface Killah released his debut solo album 25 years ago on October 29, 1996. Produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, Ironman found inspiration in sources ranging from blaxploitation films to classic soul and charted a whole new direction for hip-hop in the process. The album features classic bangers like Daytona 500 featuring Raekwon and Cappadonna to soulful emotionally moving cuts like All That I Got Is You with Mary J Blige.

To commemorate the 25 year anniversary Get On Down is proud to present Ironman in a 2xLP set available on both ‘Blue & Cream’ and ‘Chicken & Broccoli’ half-n-half colored vinyl, each version housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket, packed inside a ‘shoebox’-style 2nd outer jacket embossed with the year 1996.

In Europe only available at HHV: US customers please order with Get On Down. Ghostface Killah released his debut solo album 25 years ago on October 29, 1996. Produced by fellow Wu-Tang Clan member RZA, Ironman found inspiration in sources ranging from blaxploitation films to classic soul and charted a whole new direction for hip-hop in the process. The album features classic bangers like Daytona 500 featuring Raekwon and Cappadonna to soulful emotionally moving cuts like All That I Got Is You with Mary J Blige.

To commemorate the 25 year anniversary Get On Down is proud to present Ironman in a 2xLP set available on both ‘Blue & Cream’ and ‘Chicken & Broccoli’ half-n-half colored vinyl, each version housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket, packed inside a ‘shoebox’-style 2nd outer jacket embossed with the year 1996.

Ironman is the debut solo album by Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killah, released in 1996. Many music critics have praised the album for Ghostface Killah's imaginative lyricism and RZA's production style, with some revering it as one of the greatest Wu-Tang solo albums of all time.

180g vinyl.

Get On Down proudly present the debut solo album from Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah. Released in 1996 on Epic Records, Ironman earned immediate success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Produced by RZA, Ironman found inspiration in sources ranging from blaxploitation films to classic soul and charted a whole new direction for hip-hop in the process. The album features classic bangers like “Daytona 500” featuring Raekwon and Cappadonna to soulful emotionally moving cuts like “All That I Got Is You” with Mary J Blige. The album earned gold status a year after its release and platinum by 2004, a true testament to the staying power or this classic piece of Wu-Tang artistry.

After the phenomenal success of Jaydiohead, Mos Dub, Dub Kweli, Double Check Your Head and Jaydiohead 2 but to name a few, Max Tannone is back with his new masterpiece – Ghostfunk! Released in 2011, Ghostfunk pairs one of his favorite hip-hop artists, Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah, with vintage African funk, high-life, and psychedelic rock.

In celebration of the five year anniversary of Ghostface Killah’s widely acclaimed 2018 LP, The Lost Tapes — produced entirely by Big Ghost LTD — Coalmine Records is pleased to announce their partnership with Holy Toledo Productions for a deluxe edition reissue that includes both the main and instrumental passes. Despite what the title may suggest, The Lost Tapes is not a collection of rare or unreleased tracks, but rather an album recorded with the intention of summoning an incarnation of an early Tony Starks, akin to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, Ironman, and Supreme Clientele. And this is achieved largely by the production value that Big Ghost LTD brings to the table, whose rise to fame first came by way of Twitter with his spot-on Pretty Toney parody. Armed with a cache of raw beats, Big Ghost tastefully weaves soulful samples to create a satisfying cocktail of distinctively up-to-date boom bap. This especially holds true on tracks like “Majestic Accolades” and “Watch Em’ Holla.” The former of which is among the album’s highlights, as Starky Love raps one of the more memorable hooks, talking about his experiences with girls, hustling, and life in general. Narrated by Michael Rapaport, the ’90s hip-hop aficionado, actor and comedian helps keep the pace for Ghost Deini’s 10th solo LP by reminding us that we’re in the presence of greatness. But it’s the chemistry of emcee and producer that elevates The Lost Tapes to one of the more stand-out solo releases in Wu-Tang’s discography of recent memory. Entrenched in the classic Wu sound, the 12 track LP slaps like a ‘90s record without sounding like a strained attempt to recapture lightning in a bottle. To boot, The Lost Tapes are also abound with features from hip-hop luminaries such as Snoop Dogg, Raekwon, E-40, Killah Priest, Kxng Crooked, Cappadonna, Big Daddy Kane, Ras Kass and more. All in all, The Lost Tapes is a victory lap, and one who’s purpose is to not only to create nostalgia, but to formulate a group of songs that represent who Ghostface was as a person back then, and where he stands now as one of the most exemplary emcees of all time.

Fans who have been waiting for the past 2 years can finally rejoice -
Adrian Younge and Ghostface Killah's 'Twelve Reasons To Die II' is
finally here.
To up the ante this time Ghostface has added a very important lyrical
companion to the mix, Raekwon. The chemistry cemented two
decades ago on Rae's classic 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' is as strong as
ever. On the topic of chemistry executive producer and Wu-Tang
patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator.
The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of
Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic,
psychedelic soul. The music - on which Younge hiimself plays
upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs - was recorded strictly on
analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the 70s era that provides the
'Twelve Reasons' backdrop.
Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all
involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills
an intellect into thie dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into
the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding
musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.

Fans who have been waiting for the past 2 years can finally rejoice -
Adrian Younge and Ghostface Killah's 'Twelve Reasons To Die II' is
finally here.
To up the ante this time Ghostface has added a very important lyrical
companion to the mix, Raekwon. The chemistry cemented two
decades ago on Rae's classic 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' is as strong as
ever. On the topic of chemistry executive producer and Wu-Tang
patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator.
The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of
Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic,
psychedelic soul. The music - on which Younge hiimself plays
upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs - was recorded strictly on
analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the 70s era that provides the
'Twelve Reasons' backdrop.
Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all
involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills
an intellect into thie dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into
the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding
musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.
includes bonus instrumental CD!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Korean artist and musician Jin Won Lee (이진원), otherwise known as Gazaebal, began his career in New York. Working as a sound engineer, alongside such illustrious artists as the Wu-Tang Clan and Janet Jackson, led him to develop a keen ear for dexterous audio design, melodic flair and catchy rhythm. But his true interest lay in uncovering the unique textures and synthetic qualities of electronic music. From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, Gazaebal focused on developing himself as a producer, synergising a uniquely potent take on club music, releasing three albums and appearing on numerous collaborations.

An established figure in the realm of contemporary art, Jin Won Lee is well-known for his hybrid, highly technological practice. In 2008, together with Jang Jaeho, he formed The Tacit Group, a collective for computer-coded art. Presenting works that manipulate audio and visuals in real-time through programming, the group has performed at the Fams Choice selection, Lincoln Center in New York, at the Seoul branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, among many others. As a solo practitioner, he initiated in 2023, a project that examines sound as abstracted vibration. brings together Jin Won Lee’s decades long investigations into sonic experimentation and the physicality of noise.

Outside the avant-garde, Gazaebal has enjoyed mainstream success, collaborating with Big Hit Productions founder and BTS songwriter Mr. "Hitman" Bang on remixes and arrangements for K-pop albums. They also formed the two-man group Banana Girl, with Gazaebal focusing on composition while Bang handled vocals, achieving a big hit with their 2000s track ‘Butt.’

Another crucial figure in Gazaebal’s life is his wife Nine who operates as his agent and business partner. Initially released in 1999 on Nine’s independent imprint dmstrax, the titular track ‘Talk’ first appeared on techno@kr, a compilation CD of Korean electronica. Together, they co-founded G Records, which was partly absorbed into Bighit Entertainment in 2005. Appearing as the inaugural record on Bighit, the original version of 'And So On' – featuring Bang’s vocal production – was not available for re-release due to licensing difficulties. But thankfully the multitrack was well preserved. Utilising these components, Nawon Ha (aka Korean-but-Amsterdam-based artist Naone) re-imagines the song for Betonska Records.

A combination of un- and self-released material, Talk is an album that firmly belongs to the millennium while sounding utterly outside of space and time. A cosmic trance trip that draws on rock’s steely drive, wiggy acid basslines and warbling dub, the record is presented as a mix-friendly mini-album, with the 6 tracks ideally tailored to DJ-level quality and loudness. As much suited to the psychedelic rave scene of yesteryear as they are to present-day dancefloors, Gazaebal’s productions are defined by his idiosyncrasies. Melding the sheen of tight production and pop sensibilities with a flagrant DIY spirit, his music assuages the high-commercialism of the 2000s, resulting in a style that’s as definitely punchy as it is precise

Lost Children of Babylon offshoot group The Flying Dutchmen is a project that took years in the making. Produced exclusively by group member Vanderslice, The Dutchmen feature the non-stop, in your face lyrical bombs by Jon Murdock and Lex Starwind. Also featured on this album are Cappadonna (Wu-Tang), Philadelphia legend Burke the Jurke, Ricky Fitz, Grand Scheme, Natsy Knuckles, and Dave Vegas. This album is an instant classic, and presents some of the hardest tru-school beats known to mankind. Fans of hardcore underground East Coast Hip-Hop are going to lose their minds over this one, as there is really nothing out there on the market quite like “Foul Weather”. The trio are immediately showing pride in their Pennsylvania roots with the whole Dutchmen imagery, and skits, and their lyrics and musical backdrop only further enhances it to create quite the mysteriously dark mood. This is Pennsylvania settler rap at its best.

What happens when an Austrian rap producer with a history of more than 20 years in the game, teams up with some of his favorite MC's from the US? First of all, great music. But wait a second, who's that guy? Flip is a veteran producer and rap enthusiast from Linz, Austria who got addicted to hip-hop and its culture in the early 80's when he first heard joints by The Fat Boys and Melle Mel on Austrian radio. A couple years later, heavily being influenced by the sound of Public Enemy, Eric B & Rakim and EPMD, Flip and a bunch of other rap-nerds founded the nationally critically acclaimed group Texta in 1993 and became the originators of the Austrian rap scene. Flip also has been organizing hip-hop shows in his hometown Linz since 1994 and started building connections to the US indie rap circuit since 2000. So as these connections grew, Flip began to record songs with the artists passing through and doing shows. Out of many tracks Flip recorded, he picked the best collabos for his "Reflections" album, with a line-up boasting artists from all corners of the US, like AG (of D.I.T.C.), Killah Priest of the Wu-Tang family, Elzhi, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Edo. G, Kev Brown, LMNO, Tragic Allies and many more.

Friday Forever is the second album from multi-artist project Everything Is Recorded, helmed by producer artist Richard Russell. This follows the critically acclaimed and Mercury Music Prize nominated debut of 2018, Everything Is Recorded by Richard Russell. Friday Forever takes on a multi-lensed perspective of a classic night out, followed closely by the sobering reflections of the next morning. The album features an array of new collaborators – in British rappers Aitch, Flohio and Berwyn, Irish singer songwriters Maria Somerville and Kean Kavanagh, the inimitable voices of A.K. Paul, James Massiah, and returning vocalist Infinite Coles – as well as established names like Ghostface Killah and Penny Rimbaud.

Along with Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck and 7L, MC Esoteric is probably best known as 1/3rd of the acclaimed trio Czarface. Before creating the comic friendly hip-hop supervillain, Eso developed and unleashed another fictional anti-hero that bolstered his music, and that character was dubbed Egoclapper. You could view Egoclapper as Czarface's predecessor. Esoteric's legacy as a leading vanguard of Boston's underground rap scene extends far beyond Czarface, Aotp, and recent collaborations with MF Doom, it leaps across multiple decades of records both solo and in collaboration with 7L. So now, Eso's imprint Fly Casual Records is proud to present this sterling reissue of his 2007 solo debut; the twitchy, punchy, eccentric Egoclapper. Not only has this record never previously been released on vinyl, but it is now presented on exclusive transparent blue wax.

Producer Endemic Emerald has provided top-notch beats for many in the rap game over the years - notable names such as various members of the Boot Camp & Wu Tang camps, Tragedy Khadafi, Ill Bill, and Planet Asia. On ‘Renegade Soul’ he digs deep into his sounds to bring us his 1st instrumental album. The set features an array of soulful soundscapes, accompanied by a gritty undertone. The album moves through different moods, utilising a range of jazzy pianos, intense strings, and heavy basslines. Accompanied by soulful voices throughout a real edge is provided and makes ‘Renegade soul’ guaranteed head-nod material. The album will be available on 12” Vinyl, Cassette & CD on June 30th.

Producer Endemic Emerald has provided top-notch beats for many in the rap game over the years - notable names such as various members of the Boot Camp & Wu Tang camps, Tragedy Khadafi, Ill Bill, and Planet Asia. On ‘Renegade Soul’ he digs deep into his sounds to bring us his 1st instrumental album. The set features an array of soulful soundscapes, accompanied by a gritty undertone. The album moves through different moods, utilising a range of jazzy pianos, intense strings, and heavy basslines. Accompanied by soulful voices throughout a real edge is provided and makes ‘Renegade soul’ guaranteed head-nod material. The album will be available on 12” Vinyl, Cassette & CD on June 30th .

Fresh off of their 2020 offering Adult Themes, El Michels Affair is back with a new full-length release. Titled Yeti Season, this newest album has everything we've come to expect from EMA's patented cinematic style of instrumental soul music. Where Adult Themes inspired a soundtrack to an imaginary film, Yeti Season brings us to a different place in time_with new inspirations. Taken with Turkish-styled funk and an almost Mumbai-esque take on soul, El Michels Affair offers us a different kind of drama and imagination with Yeti Season. If you've been following along, this shouldn't be viewed as too far a departure for El Michels Affair. The first single off of Yeti Season showed their hand back in 2018. A double-sided banger, that release brought the musical textures to the fore that dominate this record. The first song, titled "Unathi," is fully realized with the beautifully haunting-yet-hopeful vocals of Piya Malik, formally of 79.5_another Big Crown artist. Singing in Hindi, Piya's ethereal voice is telling us to work and strive together toward progress. Even if you don't understand her language, you can still hear the urgency of purpose, creating a lasting vibe that sits on top of it all. Leon Michels explains that Piya had a vital influence on this record: "When Piya started singing in Hindi, she had a different voice, a different tone. I knew we had to do something together." And so Piya appears on three other songs on Yeti Season: "Zaharila," "Murkit Gem," and "Dhuaan." Each providing particular signatures to the album. "Zaharila" is a building and changing love song punctuated by blaring trumpets, driving drums, and Piya's pleading lyrics. While the more upbeat "Murkit Gem" opens with a fuzzed out, Wu-Tang-esque baseline that buoys Piya's stylings. The psychedelic guitar and Piya's changing tones and textures singing about an all-consuming love are what pushed "Dhuaan" on to the second single from Yeti Season. There is also a vocal appearance from Shannon Wise of The Shacks, yet another Big Crown artist. Her song called "Sha Na Na," lies more in the familiar EMA vein: melodic, hypnotic, soulfully visual. But between Shannon's airy singing, the jumpy baseline, moody vibes, the active drum lines, it sounds like a pensive walk home after a strangely dramatic night. So what is Yeti Season? It could be more of a feeling than an actual place or time of year. It's a heavy album_as evidenced by the signature musicianship and dramatic vocal expressions. But it's also a hopeful record, with phrasings, textures, and chord changes that hint at something better_or fuller_coming our way. You hear it in songs like "Ala Vida," with its stabby, pulsing chords laying a bedrock for EMA's bright, atmospheric horn lines. Or even in "Fazed Out," which leaves you with a feeling of determination, a striving for resolution even though the driving, march-like song structure should accompany some conquering army. This persistence has to come from the fact that Leon Michels and company finished this record during the lockdown. It was a tough and troublesome time. But look at what has come of it: Yeti Season_a record of high and heavy drama, but also one of hope and promise. It may take a year like 2020 behind us to find hope in a winter big footed creature like a Yeti, but that's where we are.

Fresh off of their 2020 offering Adult Themes, El Michels Affair is back with a new full-length release. Titled Yeti Season, this newest album has everything we've come to expect from EMA's patented cinematic style of instrumental soul music. Where Adult Themes inspired a soundtrack to an imaginary film, Yeti Season brings us to a different place in time_with new inspirations. Taken with Turkish-styled funk and an almost Mumbai-esque take on soul, El Michels Affair offers us a different kind of drama and imagination with Yeti Season. If you've been following along, this shouldn't be viewed as too far a departure for El Michels Affair. The first single off of Yeti Season showed their hand back in 2018. A double-sided banger, that release brought the musical textures to the fore that dominate this record. The first song, titled "Unathi," is fully realized with the beautifully haunting-yet-hopeful vocals of Piya Malik, formally of 79.5_another Big Crown artist. Singing in Hindi, Piya's ethereal voice is telling us to work and strive together toward progress. Even if you don't understand her language, you can still hear the urgency of purpose, creating a lasting vibe that sits on top of it all. Leon Michels explains that Piya had a vital influence on this record: "When Piya started singing in Hindi, she had a different voice, a different tone. I knew we had to do something together." And so Piya appears on three other songs on Yeti Season: "Zaharila," "Murkit Gem," and "Dhuaan." Each providing particular signatures to the album. "Zaharila" is a building and changing love song punctuated by blaring trumpets, driving drums, and Piya's pleading lyrics. While the more upbeat "Murkit Gem" opens with a fuzzed out, Wu-Tang-esque baseline that buoys Piya's stylings. The psychedelic guitar and Piya's changing tones and textures singing about an all-consuming love are what pushed "Dhuaan" on to the second single from Yeti Season. There is also a vocal appearance from Shannon Wise of The Shacks, yet another Big Crown artist. Her song called "Sha Na Na," lies more in the familiar EMA vein: melodic, hypnotic, soulfully visual. But between Shannon's airy singing, the jumpy baseline, moody vibes, the active drum lines, it sounds like a pensive walk home after a strangely dramatic night. So what is Yeti Season? It could be more of a feeling than an actual place or time of year. It's a heavy album_as evidenced by the signature musicianship and dramatic vocal expressions. But it's also a hopeful record, with phrasings, textures, and chord changes that hint at something better_or fuller_coming our way. You hear it in songs like "Ala Vida," with its stabby, pulsing chords laying a bedrock for EMA's bright, atmospheric horn lines. Or even in "Fazed Out," which leaves you with a feeling of determination, a striving for resolution even though the driving, march-like song structure should accompany some conquering army. This persistence has to come from the fact that Leon Michels and company finished this record during the lockdown. It was a tough and troublesome time. But look at what has come of it: Yeti Season_a record of high and heavy drama, but also one of hope and promise. It may take a year like 2020 behind us to find hope in a winter big footed creature like a Yeti, but that's where we are.

Fresh off of their 2020 offering Adult Themes, El Michels Affair is back with a new full-length release. Titled Yeti Season, this newest album has everything we've come to expect from EMA's patented cinematic style of instrumental soul music. Where Adult Themes inspired a soundtrack to an imaginary film, Yeti Season brings us to a different place in time_with new inspirations. Taken with Turkish-styled funk and an almost Mumbai-esque take on soul, El Michels Affair offers us a different kind of drama and imagination with Yeti Season. If you've been following along, this shouldn't be viewed as too far a departure for El Michels Affair. The first single off of Yeti Season showed their hand back in 2018. A double-sided banger, that release brought the musical textures to the fore that dominate this record. The first song, titled "Unathi," is fully realized with the beautifully haunting-yet-hopeful vocals of Piya Malik, formally of 79.5_another Big Crown artist. Singing in Hindi, Piya's ethereal voice is telling us to work and strive together toward progress. Even if you don't understand her language, you can still hear the urgency of purpose, creating a lasting vibe that sits on top of it all. Leon Michels explains that Piya had a vital influence on this record: "When Piya started singing in Hindi, she had a different voice, a different tone. I knew we had to do something together." And so Piya appears on three other songs on Yeti Season: "Zaharila," "Murkit Gem," and "Dhuaan." Each providing particular signatures to the album. "Zaharila" is a building and changing love song punctuated by blaring trumpets, driving drums, and Piya's pleading lyrics. While the more upbeat "Murkit Gem" opens with a fuzzed out, Wu-Tang-esque baseline that buoys Piya's stylings. The psychedelic guitar and Piya's changing tones and textures singing about an all-consuming love are what pushed "Dhuaan" on to the second single from Yeti Season. There is also a vocal appearance from Shannon Wise of The Shacks, yet another Big Crown artist. Her song called "Sha Na Na," lies more in the familiar EMA vein: melodic, hypnotic, soulfully visual. But between Shannon's airy singing, the jumpy baseline, moody vibes, the active drum lines, it sounds like a pensive walk home after a strangely dramatic night. So what is Yeti Season? It could be more of a feeling than an actual place or time of year. It's a heavy album_as evidenced by the signature musicianship and dramatic vocal expressions. But it's also a hopeful record, with phrasings, textures, and chord changes that hint at something better_or fuller_coming our way. You hear it in songs like "Ala Vida," with its stabby, pulsing chords laying a bedrock for EMA's bright, atmospheric horn lines. Or even in "Fazed Out," which leaves you with a feeling of determination, a striving for resolution even though the driving, march-like song structure should accompany some conquering army. This persistence has to come from the fact that Leon Michels and company finished this record during the lockdown. It was a tough and troublesome time. But look at what has come of it: Yeti Season_a record of high and heavy drama, but also one of hope and promise. It may take a year like 2020 behind us to find hope in a winter big footed creature like a Yeti, but that's where we are.

Side A's cover of "Tearz" is as much an homage to the Wendy Rene sample as it is to the Wu-Tang Clan track. The song starts as a glazed over cover of "after laughter, comes tears" with Shannon Wise of The Shacks singing Wendy Rene's timeless mantra. Halfway through, the mood dramatically shifts and the drums and organ that drive the original RZA sample take over. A dubbed out Lee Fields taps in like only he can, and the song spirals into outer space.Side B finds EMA dipping into the deeper side of the Wu catalog with Raekwon's "Verbal Intercourse." Mixing the grimy, gritty production aesthetic of the original with elements of dubbed out reggae, El Michels Affair once again pushes the definition of a "cover" and truly makes it a tune of their own.

Over 10 years ago, Leon Michels released his first full length record, Sounding Out The City. It was Michels' first full length record under
the moniker El Michels Affair. At the time, the budding retro soul scene consisted of mostly organ quartets a la The Meters and of course,
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings were in the early days of their ascent to world domination.
Leon Michels, who was 18 when recording Sounding Out The City began, had just released Thunder Chicken, the first record by his high
school band The Mighty Imperials. At the time of SOTC, Michels was just discovering early rocksteady, afrobeat, and 60's garage rock,
which inevitably crept its way into the songwriting. He purchased a Tascam 388, an 80's 1/4" reel to reel 8 track intended for home
recordings, and began recording music in a 10x10 box with no windows that also doubled as his childhood bedroom. Along with fellow
Mighty Imperials Nick Movshon, Homer Steinweiss, and Sean Solomon, and Michael Leonhart, Thomas Brenneck, and some of the
musicians from The Dap Kings, Michels recorded the LP over a two year period.
Upon it's release, it received some rave reviews and the small deep funk community ate it up, but due to the lack luster promotion and
distribution the rest of the world was slow to catch on to the instrumental gems featured on SOTC, which Michels appropriately labeled
as "cinematic soul". However, in 2005 it found it's way into the hands of the people who were organizing a series of concerts for Scion
that paired bands with MC's. El Michels Affair was contacted about playing one show with Raekwon The Chef of Wu Tang Clan fame. The
show was such a success it led to a tour, and then to another set of concerts that featured multiple members of the Wu-Tang Clan. This
eventually led to the release of El Michels Affair's second record, "Enter the 37th Chamber" which introduced them to a much larger
audience and has been their most successful release to date.
Michels has since gone on to produce and co-produce numerous records for powerhouse soul artists like Lee Fields. He shares
songwriting credits with Adele, Jay-Z, Ghostface Killah, Aloe Blacc, and has played on records by Ray LaMontagne, Lana Del Rey, The
Black Keys and Dr. John.

Off of the backs of the 2006 release a pair of 7-inch singles called the Shaolin Series, El Michels Affair would eventually drop the LP “Enter the 37th Chamber” in 2009, which covered classics by the Wu-Tang Clan. To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the landmark full-length, Fat Beats Records is not only re-releasing the original 45s in the Shaolin Series, but will be adding to the series with choice cuts from the LP. First up is “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” a hauntingly unforgettable take on ODB’s classic single, with blaring horns and a chorus of children to sing the iconic hook. The b-side features a darker, moodier interpretation of Raekwon’s “Incarcerated Scarfaces,” perfectly representing El Michels Affair’s slow-riding style dubbed “Cinematic Soul.”

Return To The 37th Chamber” is being issued on vinyl with four unique cover designs as pictured above. Which cover art you will get will be picked at random.

The wait is over, „Return To The 37th Chamber” is El Michels Affair’s highly anticipated follow up to 2009's underground cult classic “Enter the 37th Chamber”. Churning out classic records since then for the likes of Lee Fields, The Arcs, The Shacks, and tons more, it is clear that EMA's signature sound is stronger & sharper than ever.
This time, in addition to re-interpreting the Wu compositions for a live band, EMA pays homage to the production and sonic fog that makes a RZA beat so recognizable. Producer and bandleader Leon Michels recorded the album completely analog, sometimes hitting 6 generations of tape before it was ready for mixing, giving the “Return to The 37th Chamber” it’s own hazy sound. Adding to the unique fidelity, the record is laced with psychedelic flourishes, “John Carpenter” synths, heavy metal guitars, triumphant horns, and traditional Chinese instruments that make up for the lack of the Wu’s superlative vocals. From start to finish it’s a dark trip that walks the line between RZA’s timeless hip-hop aesthetic and the cinematic soul EMA has become known for.
El Michels Affair tackles some classics like “4th Chamber” and “Wu Tang Aint Nuthin to Fuck Wit”, as well as some deeper cuts like Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Snakes”, Raekwon’s “Verbal Intercourse”, and “Shaolin Brew”, Wu-Tang’s contribution to the St. Ide’s Hip Hop endorsement campaign from 1994.
This time El Michels brings some of the Big Crown family along for the ride. Lee Fields handles vocal duties on “Snakes” and is joined by Shannon Wise of The Shacks for their version of “Tearz”, which pays as much homage to the Wendy Rene sample as it does to the Wu-Tang Clan. Lady Wray makes an appearance on the cover of Method Man’s hit, “All I Need”, lending her vocal prowess to what gave the Wu one of their biggest hits of all time. Interspersed throughout the record are some original interludes that are like the “rug that ties the room together,” giving “Return To The 37th Chamber” a cinematic narrative that makes it a proper El Michels Affair record and not just a collection of covers.
The vinyl version of “Return To The 37th Chamber” is presented with 4 different hand painted covers. The originals were painted on two sewn together flour sacks in Accra, Ghana by Heavy J and Stoger, two artists who are legends in the Ghanaian Mobile Cinema scene and regular contributors to the Deadly Prey Gallery’s collection in Chicago.
From the music to the presentation, this album is a perfect example of what can only be achieved through diversity. The end result is as much a kaleidoscope of influences and multiculturalism as the city it was recorded in. El Michels Affair is once again, “Sounding Out The City” that raised them, pulling elements of art and culture from across the country and around the globe to create an album truly unique in its own right.

Repress as black vinyl! The world moves faster than ever these days, and even in the digital age, things can always be counted on to go in cycles. Despite all of the advances in computer recording technology, home studios, and electronic instruments, there is a flourishing interest in analog recording techniques and in recreating the mood and sound of vintage soul records. With one foot in the past but their eyes firmly set on the future, El Michels Affair are among the leaders of a resurgent funk & soul movement from New York City that’s sweeping both the music community and the charts.

Led by saxophonist/organist Leon Michels and producer/engineer Jeff Silverman, El Michels Affair began as a loose collaboration of session musicians (including members of top-selling acts Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, the Budos Band, and Antibalas) that looked to blend some of the vibrant quality of soundtrack records with the recording aesthetic of early reggae, and the rawness of 60's rock--they called it 'Cinematic Soul.' This delicate balance was evident on their 2005 debut album Sounding Out the City, which earned critical acclaim and acted as the inaugural full-length release for Michels and Silverman’s burgeoning label Truth & Soul (also the moniker for the duo as a production team).

The buzz generated from the album and a series of moderately successful 7” vinyl singles from Truth & Soul led to an invitation by Toyota’s Scion division for El Michels Affair to accompany the rapper Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan for a promotional concert. As avid Wu-Tang fans, not only were the band leaders thrilled with the opportunity, but Michels found that the ‘Cinematic Soul’ sound was consistent with the moods of RZA’s gritty soundscapes on the classic Wu-Tang releases. The concert was such as success, El Michels Affair went oan to play several more concerts nationwide backing Raekwon and other members of the Clan, and the shows led to the recording of two smash 7” singles featuring instrumental reinterpretations of the Wu-Tang classiac songs “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Bring Da Ruckus.” The singles combined to sell an extraordinary amount of over 7,000 units worldwide, and their success led to a contract in 2007 with indie hip hop powerhouse Fat Beats Records to record an entire album of Wu-Tang Clan interpolations entitled Enter the 37th Chamber.

Since the contract was inked, a worldwide explosion of retro soul led by Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings has transformed the pop music landscape, and the Truth & Soul production duo have been in strong demand, recording with everyone from breakthrough Grammy-nominated artist Adele to punk rock innovator Iggy Pop. They’ve been commissioned for official remixes of Amy Winehouse and Dinah Washington (for the popular Verve Remixed series), and produced for Australian multi-platinum acts Jet and Gabriella Cilmi.

Despite the eclectic group of clients for the Truth & Soul production company, El Michels Affair continued to build an audience within the hip hop community. A track from Sounding out the City was sampled for Ghostface Killah’s 2007 track “Shakey Dog Lolita,” and a horn part written and performed by Michels (for Menahan Street Band) was famously lifted for Jay-Z’s smash single “Roc Boys.” Truth & Soul also worked in the studio on original productions with multi-platinum producer Just Blaze (T.I.’s “Live Your Life,” Jay-Z, Usher).

With their increasing presence behind the scenes in the industry, El Michels Affair looks to have their status as recording artists rise significantly in 2009. With the release of their finally-completed album Enter the 37th Chamber, they can finally step out of the shadows of the retro-soul trend and establish their status as one of the most exciting and versatile bands in modern recorded music.

Originally released on Fat Beats Records in 2009, El Michels Affair’s landmark album “Enter the 37th Chamber” is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2024. Featuring reinterpretations of hip hop anthems from the Wu-Tang Clan, the album took stripped-down, raw hip hop bangers and flipped them into richly-arranged instrumentals. Cover versions of tracks such as “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Can It All Be So Simple” instantly sounded as vintage as the records that RZA had sampled to create the originals, with the familiar melodies and driving rhythms elevated by expertly-arranged horns and strings. The gritty and bottom-heavy style of these analog recordings—dubbed “Cinematic Soul”—has been both widely celebrated and often imitated. El Michels Affair namesake Leon Michels has since gone on to produce for and collaborate with artists as diverse as Adele, Black Thought, Lana Del Rey, and The Carters (Beyonce & Jay-Z). Now 15 years from its initial release, “Enter the 37th Chamber” has proven to be one of the true classic instrumental albums of its era, every bit as enduring as the music it had meant to pay homage to.

After scoring a surprise hit in 2006’s red-hot 7” funk market with their cover of “C.R.E.A.M.,” El Michels Affair quickly turned around another smash 7” double-single of re-imagined takes of the Wu-Tang Clan. “Duel of the Iron Mics” sees the hypnotic piano hook of the “Liquid Swords”-classic elevated to intriguing heights with dramatic strings and Catch the blast of a hype version on the b-side, where “Bring Da Ruckus” is brought to life in imaginative ways not hinted at on the bulletproof original. The raw sample stabs and sub-bass of the stripped-down Wu-Tang stunner are replaced with mind-bending bass notes, and the re-played organ hook turned way up. Both of these tracks would eventually feature prominently on El Michels Affair’s landmark LP “Enter the 37th Chamber,” celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2024.

In 2006, the slight buzz of a Brooklyn band called El Michels Affair started to sound a bit more like a swarm of killer bees when their instrumental rendition of Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” was released as a 7” vinyl single. The band’s namesake Leon Michels and his production partner Jeff Silverman dropped the single on their boutique label called Truth & Soul, and it created such commotion that it would spawn an entire album of Wu-based covers. In honor of the 15th anniversary of that LP— “Enter The 37th Chamber”—the single is now getting its first vinyl repress in years. “C.R.E.A.M.” is featured on Side A, with its prominent guitars and powerful horns complementing the signature baseline and unforgettable piano hook that practically defined an era of New York hip hop. The B-side “Glaciers of Ice” offers a deeper, melancholic interpretation of the hard-driving “Cuban Linx” banger, with a mood consistent to the A-side, as the drums take a comfortable backseat to the melodic guitars and punchy horn lines. Originally released in 2009, El Michels Affair’s “Enter The 37th Chamber” LP on Fat Beats Records is celebrating its 15th Anniversary in 2024.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Adult Themes, the latest full length offering from El Michels Affair. This album takes the band's "Cinematic Soul" aesthetic literally and sends the listener on a journey through a whirlwind of moods and energies. With their 2005 debut album Sounding Out The City, EMA spearheaded an instrumental funk / soul movement that inspired a slew of bands and even lead to the creation of a few independent record labels. El Michels has since lent his signature sound to artists from Adele to Dr John, Lana Del Rey to Aloe Blacc, and a who's who list of others. In 2016 he co-founded Big Crown Records and has since produced the lion's share of its output. A short stint as the touring band for Wu Tang Clan in 2007 led to the cult classics Enter The 37th Chamber (2009) and Return To The 37th Chamber (2017). Adult Themes marks the long awaited, highly anticipated return to an album of original compositions from El Michels Affair. In 2017 in between producing, playing, and recording on other artists' records Leon Michels began creating compilations of short interludes intended to be sampled by hip hop producers. Some of these wound up becoming songs by Jay Z & Beyonce, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver. These minute-long snippets were inspired by the dense moody work of `60s composers like David Axelrod, and Francois de Roubaix, as well as Moondog's brand of classical jazz. Michels was having so much fun creating these instrumental / orchestral nuggets that he decided to expand on some of the ideas and create what would become the soundtrack for a movie that has yet to be made, an imaginary film entitled "Adult Themes." The album plays like the colors on an artists pallet. Songs like "Rubix" and "Villa" are densely orchestrated with the hard-hitting drums that El Michels Affair is known for. On "Life of Pablo", Leon's son makes his first appearance on record and intros a song with an epic arrangement and a moving mood. "Hipps" is a drum heavy ballad that could've easily fit on EMA's debut record, Sounding Out the City. Other compositions like "The Difference" and "Kill The Lights" are bare, melodic mood pieces with sparse drums and sophisticated chord movement. All of these tunes come together to make perfect backgrounds for dialogue and action. One of the beautiful things about instrumental music is that the listener can decide what the narrative is. With Adult Themes El Michels Affair has created a "choose your own adventure" in musical form.

Big Crown Records is proud to present Adult Themes, the latest full length offering from El Michels Affair. This album takes the band's "Cinematic Soul" aesthetic literally and sends the listener on a journey through a whirlwind of moods and energies. With their 2005 debut album Sounding Out The City, EMA spearheaded an instrumental funk / soul movement that inspired a slew of bands and even lead to the creation of a few independent record labels. El Michels has since lent his signature sound to artists from Adele to Dr John, Lana Del Rey to Aloe Blacc, and a who's who list of others. In 2016 he co-founded Big Crown Records and has since produced the lion's share of its output. A short stint as the touring band for Wu Tang Clan in 2007 led to the cult classics Enter The 37th Chamber (2009) and Return To The 37th Chamber (2017). Adult Themes marks the long awaited, highly anticipated return to an album of original compositions from El Michels Affair. In 2017 in between producing, playing, and recording on other artists' records Leon Michels began creating compilations of short interludes intended to be sampled by hip hop producers. Some of these wound up becoming songs by Jay Z & Beyonce, Travis Scott, and Don Toliver. These minute-long snippets were inspired by the dense moody work of `60s composers like David Axelrod, and Francois de Roubaix, as well as Moondog's brand of classical jazz. Michels was having so much fun creating these instrumental / orchestral nuggets that he decided to expand on some of the ideas and create what would become the soundtrack for a movie that has yet to be made, an imaginary film entitled "Adult Themes." The album plays like the colors on an artists pallet. Songs like "Rubix" and "Villa" are densely orchestrated with the hard-hitting drums that El Michels Affair is known for. On "Life of Pablo", Leon's son makes his first appearance on record and intros a song with an epic arrangement and a moving mood. "Hipps" is a drum heavy ballad that could've easily fit on EMA's debut record, Sounding Out the City. Other compositions like "The Difference" and "Kill The Lights" are bare, melodic mood pieces with sparse drums and sophisticated chord movement. All of these tunes come together to make perfect backgrounds for dialogue and action. One of the beautiful things about instrumental music is that the listener can decide what the narrative is. With Adult Themes El Michels Affair has created a "choose your own adventure" in musical form.