UK Hip Hop 295 Items

We are truly living in strange times. Our reality is snowballing into a dystopian nightmare with all powerful pig headed political figures pulling the rest of the world towards oblivion. Headlines read like chapters from the darkest of Orwellian fantasies and our world is starting to resemble the bleakest of premonitions put forward by the most ‘out there’ science fiction writers. To say the least, things are going a bit strange.
Few artists have managed to capture and reflect the current sate of affairs as well as new High Focus Records signings Strange U have with their debut album ‘#LP4080’. Perhaps one the most unique acts to hit the hip hop scene; bringing a truly fresh take on a subject matter lesser rappers have toiled with for years. Rapper King Kashmere and producer Zygote (aka The Maghreban) blend a careful mixture of social commentary and experimental excellence over left of centre rhythms sent from the mother ship whilst staying 100% Hip Hop throughout as the album title would suggest - a reference to the famous Tribe Called Quest Industry Rule.
But don’t get it twisted, it isn’t all doom & gloom. The album takes the listener to many different dimensions whilst maintaining a signature cohesiveness. From politics on "Mr Kill”, a pastiche of the modern rap game on "Shots" to the other worldly Sci-Fi of "Cimmerian Shade" and the self deprecating wit of "Waste of Space".
Overall, the duo aim to make music that bangs and that takes you elsewhere. Maybe it harks back some of the references they connected over, perhaps when hip hop acts had more character. More Goofball. More Experimental. More Gonzo.

Picture the scene; King Kashmere goes down a rabbit hole watching Cuth playing live on his Instagram channel. After catching much wonderment from the experience, KK DMs Cuth to propose the idea of working on some music together…

Fast forward a few and Kashmere finds himself riding a wave of overwhelming nostalgia as he listens through the zip Cuth swiftly sent his way. All the beats ‘Sound Like Home’. Potent flashes of his formative years in-and-around NW London begin to dominate his writing; all the time wrestling with the otherworldly references that have become synonymous with King Kashmere’s penmanship.

Fast forward a few more and ‘Sounds Like Home’ lands in our inbox; a 13-tracker home to some of KK’s most emotive work to date. Reminiscing on simpler times, long lost friends and offering up a fresh perspective on the beauty (and brutality) of the human condition, ‘Sounds Like Home’ is both the first HF release of 2024 and an enlightening reminder of Kashmere’s view of the world.

Due for release on July 28, 2023 on High Focus Records, a new collaborative LP ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ from the powerhouse trio of producer Mr Slipz with rappers Verbz & Nelson Dialect. This new LP is a continuation and culmination of the sounds heard on their previous records. The dynamic rhyming partnership of Nelson Dialect & Verbz going back and forth with relentless wordplay over the signature hard hitting drums & jazzy samples of Mr Slipz production. Showcasing a variety of moods throughout the record from neck snapping, classic rap joints like 'Strike Back’ & the album title track 'Sight Beyond Sight’ to more reflective & personal songs about loss and relationships heard on 'Homecoming’ or 'Beside Me’. To vivid storytelling and conceptual cuts like 'Cause and Effect’ Verbz and Nelson communicate the aspirations and the choices of young artists in the modern world like a roadmap any individual can reference; ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ truly offers something for every listener. There are notable features on the album including the deeply reflective cut 'Homecoming’ with Hiatus Kaiyote back up vocalist Jace XL on the chorus. There is also the blistering posse cut 'Starting 5’ featuring UK Hip Hop legend King Kashmere, NuphZed & Renelle 893, who recently signed to High Focus. Having already released critically acclaimed albums on the cult UK Hip Hop label High Focus, the anticipation is brewing and stage is set for another landmark release for the label from this exciting new trio with ‘Sight Beyond Sight’.

Psych-rap enigma Onoe Caponoe returns with his fifth studio album ‘Concrete Fantasia’ on High Focus Records.

In crystal clear communication with the mothership; littered with striking references to fantastical realms and uncommon lore, but very much anchored in the inner city blocks and smoggy roadsides that inform his everyday, ‘Concrete Fantasia’ is a dark fantasy tape that expertly blurs the lines between genres, tones, moods and character profiles.

Of this world and out-of-this-world perfectly poised; Onoe offering up escape portals, before quickly pulling the listener back in with wave-upon-wave of catdelix riptides. ‘Concrete Fantasia’ is something of a tug-of-war; peppering movie samples, vignettes and complex go-betweens tickling the senses, combining with a cacophony of mind-bending lyricism resulting in a singular journey, with Onoe confidently filling the shoes of both author and narrator.

Pinocchio ducking feds in the hood, an Ice King ruling over a frostbitten kingdom, The Cheshire Cat trying to clean up Alice’s act, sweet serenades to off-shore mermaids, the trials and tribulations of life in a haunted trap house, big booty witches, flying carpets and beyond, ‘Concrete Fantasia’ is a real trip through the imaginative mind of Onoe Caponoe.

With an eclectic line-up of featured artists and productional talent propping up the fictional cast, ‘Concrete Fantasia’ has all the makings of an alt-rap odyssey for the ages.

Speaking on the album, Onoe Caponoe explains…

“I wanted to create a record that offers up an alternate space for the listener to escape while still commenting on the highs and lows of city life.”

For the uninitiated, Cmpnd (pronounced compound) are a hybrid rap super group formed of producer and rapper Wundrop and MC’s Kemastry & Vitamin G. Coming off the back of their cult classic, Eagle Court (released on High Focus Records) the trio are gearing up to return with more raucous depraved antics on Eagle Court II: Long Live
The Court. Picking up right where they left off mixing insanity and debauchery, pain and pleasure, introspection and surrealism into a deludamolic delicacy for the audience to savour.

Skilfully expressing their unique personalities whilst simultaneously producing a coherent piece of art that stays true to Cmpnd’s underbelly ethos.

This densely packed 18 track album defies categorisation, as the trio bring a whole new vision and aesthetic to the forefront whether it be the mind boggling production or the ferocious pen game. Featuring Datkid, TrueMendous, Orifice Vulgatron, Bil Next & many more, this is essential listening for all..

LP+CD+7"

Tkay Maidza, the first female rapper signed to 4AD, announces details of her highly anticipated new album, Sweet Justice. The follow-up to her 2016 self-titled debut will be released on 3 November and includes the recent Flume-produced earth-shuddering single ‘Silent Assassin’. Today, Tkay shares a blistering new track, ‘Ring-A-Ling’ and official video directed by Jocelyn Anquetil.

“I’m never choosing compliance,” a defiant Maidza utters ‘Ring-A-Ling’; a warning from the Zimbabwean-born, Australian-raised, Los Angeles-based rapper, singer and producer and a mantra for Sweet Justice. Produced by Two Fresh, Tkay says of ‘Ring-A-Ling’, “I wanted to make an empowering song that tells others that my biggest focus are my goals.”

The result of a dark night of the soul—and ensuing epiphany—that led to a series of professional and personal reckonings, Sweet Justice isn’t a revenge album, but it does stem from a profound sense of karma. In a traditional sense, it’s a breakup record: about Tkay splitting off from her self-doubt and warped sense of self; the toxic figures that populated the last chapter of her life; and the idea that she should stick to any one lane.

After severing ties with old friends, she found some new ones on the same creative wavelength: Canadian producers Stint and Kaytranada, and fellow Australian Flume, all of whom contribute production. Sweet Justice is an album that embodies the beautiful contradictions of Tkay’s art: it’s a coming-of-age record by someone who’s mastered the game; an album about karmic justice and accountability that’s bright, breezy and incredibly fun. In Tkay’s mind, it’s a rebirth album, a record about harnessing the feminine power that was innate in her the whole time.

Tkay Maidza says, “Sweet Justice was a way for me to channel my emotions from what I’ve experienced in the last two years. It’s a diary of things and thoughts I’ve kept to myself. Making the record was a healing experience and I’m grateful to have worked with producers who have inspired me throughout my career.” Sweet Justice follows the 3-year-long, 24 song-strong genre-bending Last Year Was Weird trilogy exploring Maidza’s own African-Australian experience. The project earned her a 2021 ARIA Awards win for Best Soul/R&B Release and an NME Award for Best Solo Act From Australia in 2022. Following on from tours with Billie Eilish and Dua Lipa, Tkay is currently in the southern hemisphere for arena shows with Lizzo with her own headline shows to be announced soon.

Finally, we have it in our hands. The long overdue 6 Track Monster EP by Franky Roar (Hamburg Hardcore City) and Alikazam (of Dookie Squad). 6 superdope tracks bringing together the classic Hardcore HipHop / Britcore Vibe in a modern way, 666% our cup of tea with hevay features by DJ Specifik (of B-Line Recordings), Mr.Memory (of Dookie Squad), Chrome (of Def Tex / Chrome/ill Inspired), Mistha Bohze and DJ Krashslaughta (of Two Tone Committee), MC Oliver Twist, Whirlwind D (Solid ‘n’ Mind / B-Line Recordings) and Remark (of Deliveranc).

check the snippets here or on youtube, we are sure, you gonna love it as we do.

full picture cover with incredible Artwork by John Dyer.

This is the limited red vinyl edition with additional cover artwork once again made by the incredible Skat himself, only 100 made.

Finally, here it is, the hard to find 1995 “chapter two” demotape from 1995. Numskullz, Britcore Rawmance Records, Burning Anger Records and Underground United joined forces to put together the whole thing in the best possible way. Coming as a 14 track 2xLP in a beautiful full colour gatefold sleeve. Furious early 90ies classic Bristol UK HipHop History right here. Mastered by Rola himself.

All Artworks by Sam.

100 regular copies on black wax and 100 regular copies on red wax plus 25 testpress copies.

Limited to 100 copies

Debut album by UK trio following their “Undertones” EP on Meltin Pot
Music, the label that brought you Twit One, FloFilz, Suff Daddy, Brenk
Sinatra, Dexter and others!
"Uhuru" is the debut album by Summers Sons & C.Tappin from London and Bristol.
The journey of this album started back in 2015 and was inspired by the people and
places of Tanzania. After three years of channelling the vibe into beats and bars, it is
finally here!
Summers Sons are Turt (rap) + Slim (beats) who are actually brothers. They are
longtime friends with vocalist and pianist C.Tappin. Their music can be described as
rap with a lot of jazz. We like to call it cool bap.
Turt first got into hip-hop through Grime but also cites UK wordsmith Jehst as a
major influence. Slim was doing UK Garage for a while, when his brother asked him
for some more chilled beats to rap to. Tappin came up in a musical family, picked up
the piano as a kid and played in indie bands.
With such diverse backgrounds Summers Sons and C.Tappin are not your average
rap group. They would actually rather name their crew a band. Which makes total
sense when you catch them live. Slim slices up the beats on his SP404. Tappin gets
busy on the keys and adds vocal harmonies while Turt holds down the vibe on the
mic, spitting lyrics with a message.
Still only in their early twenties Turt, Slim and Tappin are somehow old souls when it
comes to music. If you listen to "Uhuru" you are unmistakably reminded of the
Soulquarians school of fusing hip-hop, soul and jazz. Follow the Sons' "Road To
Uhuru" playlist on Spotify and you are treated with gems from D'Angelo, Dilla, Badu
and Bilal back to back with new UK Jazz tunes from Alfa Mist or Ezra Collective.
Rounded up with a selection of dusty beats from German beatmakers like Hubert
Davis and Twit One. On their own songs Summers Sons and C.Tappin are
connecting these dots in their very own style and fashion.
While Slim had already released beats on Banoffee Pies and Brownswood, Turt and
Tappin made their official debut on the "Hay Luv" album by Twit One , who they had
met when he played a DJ gig in Bristol some years ago. With the release of the
Summers Sons' "Undertones" EP on MPM in early 2018 the London - Cologne
connection became official. The six tracker introduced the sound of the Summers
and Tappin to a bigger audience and included remixes by FloFilz and Twit One.
Now get yourself ready for "Uhuru" ! To learn more about the album we recommend
the liner notes: We’re all as simple complex as the next man. No one really comes
correct with a set plan. It’s all guesswork. Feet stepping, Keep checking with my
head first.

Recorded with a traditional live set up this time!

The Menu is a 16 track album by Leaf Dog & BVA. The album features M.O.P and Keith Murray with most of the production done by Leaf Dog but featuring production from Illinformed and Stevi Beats

15 track album by Bronze Nazareth and Leaf Dog.

Skepta finally releases his sophomore album! Don't sleep!

Uluru is back with a Reggae Hip-Hop future classic. Following the teaching of masters like J-Star, Dj Maars and L'Entourloop, Dj Dibba makes is own solo debut on vinyl with 2 heavy weight dancefloor killers, meticulously assembled in Rome, Italy. Fusing rocksteady with hip hop, spicing it up with dub influences and modern drum beats, this 7” will definitely give a shake to the reggae hip-hop scene.

Pull up guaranteed!

Pressed on high quality black and yellow/orange vinyl (48 gr.) Edition of 500, cut it loud and fat, highly recommended for big sound systems.

Jason Williamson (Sleaford Mods) slamming words reflecting a society ever further disorientated into a lawn cut by scissors. Have a look, and listen to the inner parts of a world which isn't ours anymore.

Acrylic Snail’ is the fifth album from Dirty Dike. Following a three-year hiatus since his last solo
outing ‘Sucking On Prawns In The Moonlight’ and after a ream of production work for the likes of
Rag ’n’ Bone Man (‘Put That Soul On Me’), Ocean Wisdom (‘Chaos 93’) and Lee Scott (‘Butter
Fly’) during that time, Dike is back with a brand new 14-track album; his most personal release
to date and a body of work that shines a full-beam-floodlight on his formative years, but
moreover, the dreamlike transition between then and now.
Firmly anchored in a chapter of the UK underground before everything went to shit, situated a
couple behind this current grizzly chapter, the songs bounce off the walls of abandoned
industrial estates and whoosh by at breakneck speeds like trains through tunnels. The album
embodies the freezing cold concrete pours, twilight toe slaps and irregularly shaped ballast
banks of the network. In short, ‘Acrylic Snail’ pays homage to the things Dike saw in the very
farthest reaches of night that made him who he is today.
Featuring a roster of guests vocalists (Rag ’n’ Bone Man, Jam Baxter, Lee Scott, Dabbla, Leaf
Dog, Eva Lazarus, J Man, Ronnie Bosh, Inja, Killa P, Foreign Beggars) and production from a
team of music makers (including Dike himself) ‘Acrylic Snail’ is an AAA invitation to Dirty Dike’s
playground and further cements his hard-earned status as one of UKHH's greatest
torchbearers.

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted writers in the UK, it is finally time for JAM BAXTER to reveal
his formidable new album ‘TOUCHING SCENES’. Treating us to 16 tracks of some of his most
polished and accomplished work to date, a fully fledged audio visual experience - a psychedelic
opus. A Touching Scene. Whether it is the incredible avant garde production, or the all-encompassing
scenic vocals. Nothing comes out of this experience unscathed. Tears of joy guaranteed.
Similarly to his previous record, the slightly slurred and and debauched ‘Mansion 38’, Jam Baxter
recorded this new body of work in the tropical settings of Bangkok, Thailand, with long time
collaborator and audio landscapist, Chemo. However, this time around, the pair have enlisted the
capable hands of GhostTown, Sumgii, Last Japan & Sam Zircon to contribute to the colour palette of
this more refined body of work, allowing the project to stand alone sonically as a more evolved sequel
to its low tempo predecessor. The album blurs the conventional genre lines of hip hop and grime in
it's production, with lyrical influences ranging from William S. Burroughs to Young Thug. There are a
multitude of sumptuous flavours in this finely woven package that cater to every conceivable taste
bud - perhaps making this LP Jam Baxter’s most complete and polished effort to date.
Jam Baxter is joined on this journey by a very carefully selected & varied set of vocalists; who all bring
their unique vista to the project, further enriching the tapestry. From modern day super star
Rag’n’Bone Man, to the ingenious Kate Tempest, to Grime pioneer OG Rootz (FKA Durrty Goodz), to
underground sensation Stinkin Slumrok as well as up & coming singer Rhi - there is a representative
from every facet of the fragmented UK scene all coming together to add to the poignancy of the
Touching Scene.

“Talk about a misfit, living in his own world…”

High Focus Records is delighted to announce ‘Art Thief’, the debut album from Renelle 893.

Citing Steve Jobs’ famous use of Picasso’s "Good artists copy, great artists steal” quote as central to the concept, ‘Art Thief’ is the culmination of Renelle’s wide-eyed appreciation of the river of influences that feed into the music he makes. From the trials and tribulations of life in the big smoke, to the grandiose cultural references that contribute to his style, the album is a triple distilled example of taking cues from the world and making them your own.

‘Art Thief’ is also a transformative listen, Renelle embarking on a profoundly personal journey across 14-tracks; addressing love, family, addiction, loyalty, pleasure and pain, each chapter expertly soundtracked by long-time collaborator Bay29. His expert production serving as the glue that binds the deeply personal with the wider narratives amidst a flurry of samples and signature breaks.

With guest appearances from Clbrks, Illiterate and HF’s own Nelson Dialect, ‘Art Thief’ is Renelle’s best attempt (to date) of transcending the rap game; this notion best represented in the album artwork which pays homage to Caravaggio's 'St. Jerome Writing', casting Renelle as both creator and masterpiece.

“Talk about a misfit, living in his own world…”

High Focus Records is delighted to announce ‘Art Thief’, the debut album from Renelle 893.

Citing Steve Jobs’ famous use of Picasso’s "Good artists copy, great artists steal” quote as central to the concept, ‘Art Thief’ is the culmination of Renelle’s wide-eyed appreciation of the river of influences that feed into the music he makes. From the trials and tribulations of life in the big smoke, to the grandiose cultural references that contribute to his style, the album is a triple distilled example of taking cues from the world and making them your own.

‘Art Thief’ is also a transformative listen, Renelle embarking on a profoundly personal journey across 14-tracks; addressing love, family, addiction, loyalty, pleasure and pain, each chapter expertly soundtracked by long-time collaborator Bay29. His expert production serving as the glue that binds the deeply personal with the wider narratives amidst a flurry of samples and signature breaks.

With guest appearances from Clbrks, Illiterate and HF’s own Nelson Dialect, ‘Art Thief’ is Renelle’s best attempt (to date) of transcending the rap game; this notion best represented in the album artwork which pays homage to Caravaggio's 'St. Jerome Writing', casting Renelle as both creator and masterpiece.

Written during a year of hedonistic isolation whilst exiled to a forgotten mining village, Alecs in Wonderland’ is the debut self-produced rap album by rap enigma and ‘one man band’ Alecs DeLarge.

Alecs navigates ‘Wonderland’ with a bulging backpack of references to 90’s Toonami imports, king skins and rap nerdology, multi-syllable boxing through beats in a smoked out stream-of-consciousness drawl. From the cartoonish braggadocio on ‘Scooby Snax’ and ‘AM To AM’, to proclaiming his love for his anthropomorphic MPC 2000 on ‘Girl Joint’, Alecs emphatically proving that he’s much more than just the man behind the boards. Merging classic New York rap sensibilities with sarcastic British humour, 110’s and Berghaus coats taking the place of Timb boots and Lo sweaters.

Musically Alecs draws inspiration from Quasimoto’s anything goes approach, feeding his sampler a range of ingredients from 80’s pop to private-press French prog. Grainy samples of VHS TV recordings warble atop rumbling 808s, diced up jazz and funk fragments punch their way through stuttering MPC drums, whilst guitar loops rock back and forth, all glued together by a loose narrative made up of cut up cartoon dialogue, movie trailers and adlibs.

Wonderland is Alecs’ custom built version of The Matrix, a perfect world created to escape the one outside his council flat window, idyllic living in Lynchian reality. A therapeutic outpouring of the lonely man’s psyche, or maybe just a slow descent into madness, polished and delivered to your ears

in Long Play form.

For the majority of ‘in Wonderland’, Alecs is the sole cast member. The first of the two guest spots going to the ever brilliant King Kashmere, reuniting with Alecs to ruminate the two sides of fame on ‘Megabus Dreams’, whilst Hpblk swoops in to drop a “stack on your conscious” on ‘Empty Pocket Posse’.

Ghetts proudly presents new album, On Purpose, With Purpose. The record - which follows 2021’s epic Conflict Of Interest - continues the ongoing artistic evolution and unstoppable rise of one of the UK’s greatest rappers.



Ghetts returns sounding sharper, more unflinchingly honest and boldly confident than ever before, and is joined by several guests, including; Kano, Wretch 32, Sampha, Unknown T, Dexta Daps and Moonchild Sanelly.



As well as achieving dizzying new heights as a songwriter and rapper, On Purpose, With Purpose finds Ghetts expanding his sonic palette by reaching out beyond rap and incorporating elements of wider musical influences such as soul (Double Standards), R&B (Mine), gospel (Hallelujah), Afrobeat and amapiano (Gbedu, Blessings, Tumbi).

Very Limited (120 copies through Srd) RED Vinyl 7” with Shepard Fairey artwork. Ree-vo Announce THE Release OF Their ‘spacebox’ Single ON 7” With Remixes BY Nøise AND Batbirds AND Stunning Original Artwork BY Shepard Fairey.

The latin word “magnum opus” literally translates into “masterpiece”, and what this UK dream team has put together on this fulllength is exactly that. MC Micall Parknsun and producer Giallo Point’s collaboration “The Magnum Opus” has been elaborated on the three or four colour model by enumerating a variety of chemical steps to be performed. This was often arranged in groups of seven or twelve stages, this consistency is crafted within 13 solid forms. The process of transmutation, weaving their entire narrative with alchemical symbolism. The full-length boasts collaborations with Ric Branson, SmooVth, Jehst, Confucius MC, The Jones Bros, Juga-Naut, SonnyJim, Phybaoptikz, Napoleon Da Legend and Da Flyy Hooligan. Limited edition of 250 numbered copies, 100 on yellow vinyl w/ black splatter and the remaining 150 on black vinyl. This is the black one.

UK rap legend Verb T returns with ‘The Tower Where The Phantom Lives’, a mesmerising new LP that sits alongside the most enlightened and adventurous in his glittering discography.

Bound by a set of contrasting emotions and energies; fiction and fantasy wrestling with everyday curveballs, ‘The Tower Where The Phantom Lives’ showcases Verb T at his razor sharp best. It is the wisest version of Verb T to date; complemented by the wonderfully melodic production of Vic Grimes, the Canadian producer proving to be the perfect ally for Verbs to deconstruct the world at large, his magnifying glass growing more-and-more forensic as each track unfolds.

Mental exploration, self deprecating humour, didactic story telling woven together by haunting movie samples, ‘The Tower Where The Phantom Lives’ listens like an OST; each track / scene propping up a wonderful narrative arc; Verb T the lead role and Vic Grimes the composer of their very own psychological thriller, extreme highs and lows eventually settling into a contemplative groove on final track (and lead single) ‘Your Heart Deserves’.

Down The Local is the latest album from one the UK’s newest up and coming record labels. Certain Sound Records has been dropping releases from some of the UK’s finest artists since 2019.

This latest release is around the theme of the good and bad trips down the local boozer, it features an impressive line-up of some of the UK’s top Hip Hop artists, this includes Deeflux & Miracle, Louie G, Barry Manalog, Cappo, Luther Andross, Ash The Author, DJ Chud (Steel Devils), Gee Bag, Mysdiggi and Chrome.

Limited Edition 12" Vinyl.” LP

High Focus Records are excited to present 'Ever Since', the brand new album from prolific Brighton-based producer Mr Slipz and the newest member of the HF family, Australian rapper Nelson Dialect - A landmark release and signing for High Focus with Nelson being the first international signing on the label.

UK listeners might have first heard Nelson collaborating with Verbz & Mr Slipz on the song ‘Hope’ from their acclaimed LP ‘Radio Waves’ released on High Focus in 2020. Nelson has a cult following in his own right in Australia, and previously released music on the legendary U.S label Fat Beats to great acclaim.

Now teaming up with one of the most exciting and respected UK producers, Nelson & Mr Slipz deliver ‘Ever Since’. A statement piece by two artists with well over a decade spent on their craft which sounds as urgent and refreshing as if it were their first time releasing music. The album’s title is a reference to the endless quest for a timeless sound, reflecting the creative partnerships which spark from a seemingly forever existing thread of music.

The album features a slew of impressive guest verses including label mates Vitamin G & Verbz on the emphatic ‘Oxford Scholars’. Two legends Jehst & Confucius MC combine on ‘Smooth Ride’. Bronx pioneer & D.I.T.C legend A.G delivers a show stopping verse on ‘Trembling the Marrow’. There are hypnotic singing performances by Indira May on ‘First Date’ & ‘Open Book’ as well as Hiatus Kaiyote back up vocalist Jace XL on the soul stirring anthem “Figure Out What’s Right”. U.S rappers SickInTheHead & Cazeaux O.S.L.O round out the impressive guest list on the album with their inspired verses.

High Focus Records is proud to present ‘A Question Of Time’, a brand new collaborative album from Hip Hop’s most prolific duo:
Verb T & Pitch 92.
Not only did the pair deliver one of the most solid Hip Hop albums at the tail end of 2017 with ‘Good Evening’, but they went on to
provide the score for Romesh Ranganthan’s Sky One Smash TV show ‘The Reluctant Landlord’ thrusting their signature sound into
prime time TV territory. Verb T is a highly respected veteran of the scene with over 14 LPs to his name spanning every era of the genre
so far, as well as being part of trailblazing super group The Four Owls. His partner in crime Pitch 92, is following suit & is churning out
incredible projects at an startling rate including last year’s ‘Lost In Space EP’ and February critically acclaimed ‘3rd Culture’ album - as
heard at length on Marry Anne hobbs’ BBC Radio 6 Music Show, not to mention being Manchester’s ‘go-to’ producer, producing
entire projects for the likes of [ KSR ], DRS, The Mouse Outfit and many more.
It is clear that these two artists are truly on a roll, this ’boost’ is unmistakable when listening to their brand new offering ‘A Question Of
Time’ - which resumes where the duo left off with ‘Good Evening’ but with a palpable & revitalised burst of energy which literally picks
the listener up by the scruff of the neck and hurls them into the future.
At 13 tracks, clocking just over 38 minutes, ‘A Question Of Time’ is a full on immersive experience. Much like the nature of time, its
hard to quantify how the pair have packed so many concepts, rhythms and rhymes into such a small space. Whether nostalgic or
looking forward, Verb T, guides the listener on an epic journey over the ever changing moods and atmosphere’s provided by Pitch 92
which vary from urgent ‘the clock is ticking’ type pressure to the ‘time slows down’ mellow vibes he has become known for,
appropriately described as ‘Pete Rock Perfection’ by The Wire.

Born in Dublin, yet grew up in both Germany & Switzerland, to mastering his craft in Manchester, producer
Pitch 92 is indeed a 3rd Culture kid. Being exposed to a wide variety of cultural influences from a young age, the
extensively traveled & worldly wise beatsmith is here to share his vision of the world along with a few friends on
his debut album ‘3rd Culture’.
Following on from the trailblazing 'Lost In Space EP', Pitch 92 is gearing up to drop his debut full length album
'3rd Culture'. As we have to come to expect from Pitch 92, this record boasts 17 expertly produced tracks
featuring the crème de la crème of UK talent - '3rd Culture' is a gargantuan Hip Hop masterpiece. Reading like
the 'who's who' of the UK Hip Hop & R'n'B scenes, the list of featured artists alone should be enough reason to
check out this record: The Four Owls, Jehst, Foreign Beggars, Tyler Dayley (Children Of Zeus), Coops,
Fliptrix, Verb T, Sparkz, DRS, Layfullstop, Marie Plassard, Jerome Thomas, Mysdiggi, King Kashmere, Dr
Syntax, Micall Parknsun, Jazz T & many more...
The ever versatile Pitch 92 manages to create the perfect foundation for each of his guests to expand upon,
blessing each production with his signature swing and keen ear for melody, resulting in a very strong and cohesive
body of work. To put it bluntly, Pitch 92, makes very sick beats and has crafted one of the most important Hip
Hop albums of 2019!

Following on from Ramson Badbonez’ super limited ‘Jason Bonez’ concept album release in May 2018,
the rapper is once again donning the blood stained hockey mask as he returns to the character of Jason
Bonez and presents us with the blood curdling ‘Mic Day The 13th’. Continuing where the first ‘Jason
Bonez’ left off, this LP is heavily influenced by the cult classic horror film ‘Friday The 13th’ - Badbonez
proceeds to execute, mangle & massacre everything in his path over 12 expertly produced tunes, taking
care to explore different flow patterns and cadences on each track, a true feat considering Badbonez’
already very impressive level of lyricism. Featuring gritty production from Illinformed, Jazz T, Skeleton
Key & Mark Fear Beats; ‘Mic Day The 13th’ is not for the faint hearted, taking the term hardcore to
levels unheard.

Limited pressing!

Written during a year of hedonistic isolation whilst exiled to a forgotten mining village, Alecs in Wonderland’ is the debut self-produced rap album by rap enigma and ‘one man band’ Alecs DeLarge.

Alecs navigates ‘Wonderland’ with a bulging backpack of references to 90’s Toonami imports, king skins and rap nerdology, multi-syllable boxing through beats in a smoked out stream-of-consciousness drawl. From the cartoonish braggadocio on ‘Scooby Snax’ and ‘AM To AM’, to proclaiming his love for his anthropomorphic MPC 2000 on ‘Girl Joint’, Alecs emphatically proving that he’s much more than just the man behind the boards. Merging classic New York rap sensibilities with sarcastic British humour, 110’s and Berghaus coats taking the place of Timb boots and Lo sweaters.

Musically Alecs draws inspiration from Quasimoto’s anything goes approach, feeding his sampler a range of ingredients from 80’s pop to private-press French prog. Grainy samples of VHS TV recordings warble atop rumbling 808s, diced up jazz and funk fragments punch their way through stuttering MPC drums, whilst guitar loops rock back and forth, all glued together by a loose narrative made up of cut up cartoon dialogue, movie trailers and adlibs.

Wonderland is Alecs’ custom built version of The Matrix, a perfect world created to escape the one outside his council flat window, idyllic living in Lynchian reality. A therapeutic outpouring of the lonely man’s psyche, or maybe just a slow descent into madness, polished and delivered to your ears

in Long Play form.

For the majority of ‘in Wonderland’, Alecs is the sole cast member. The first of the two guest spots going to the ever brilliant King Kashmere, reuniting with Alecs to ruminate the two sides of fame on ‘Megabus Dreams’, whilst Hpblk swoops in to drop a “stack on your conscious” on ‘Empty Pocket Posse’.

High Focus Records is proud to reveal the second instalment in our ‘Producer Spotlight’ series across digital and a Super Limited run of 50 cassette tapes.

Setting the scene with ‘Orla’, swiftly followed by ‘Dice’, ‘Delicacies’ is a collection of exquisite instrumental works from Dublin native Pitch 92.

Having laid the foundations during lockdown #01, all of the original works were written as instrumentals. Designed to keep the listener engaged without the need for a rapper or singer; Pitch worked meticulously, focussing on layering and sample selection to offer up some of his most potent production work to date.

‘Delicacies’ is made up of eight original works and six instrumentals lifted from Pitch 92’s glittering back catalogue. Tracks featuring the likes of Verb T, Manik MC, Ocean Wisdom, Kofi Stone and Confucius MC make up the project which, both new and old, fully lives up to its name.

10 years since their debut LP, Jam Baxter, Dabbla and GhostTown make their long-awaited return with 'Cherry Turbo / Death By A Thousand Cocktail Sticks'.

‘Cherry Turbo / Death By A Thousand Cocktail Sticks’ is available to Order.

Limited edition pressing on vinyl, full colour 350gsm reverse board gatefold sleeve. 6 track album. Shrink wrapped.

Due for release on July 28, 2023 on High Focus Records, a new collaborative LP ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ from the powerhouse trio of producer Mr Slipz with rappers Verbz & Nelson Dialect. This new LP is a continuation and culmination of the sounds heard on their previous records. The dynamic rhyming partnership of Nelson Dialect & Verbz going back and forth with relentless wordplay over the signature hard hitting drums & jazzy samples of Mr Slipz production. Showcasing a variety of moods throughout the record from neck snapping, classic rap joints like 'Strike Back’ & the album title track 'Sight Beyond Sight’ to more reflective & personal songs about loss and relationships heard on 'Homecoming’ or 'Beside Me’. To vivid storytelling and conceptual cuts like 'Cause and Effect’ Verbz and Nelson communicate the aspirations and the choices of young artists in the modern world like a roadmap any individual can reference; ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ truly offers something for every listener. There are notable features on the album including the deeply reflective cut 'Homecoming’ with Hiatus Kaiyote back up vocalist Jace XL on the chorus. There is also the blistering posse cut 'Starting 5’ featuring UK Hip Hop legend King Kashmere, NuphZed & Renelle 893, who recently signed to High Focus. Having already released critically acclaimed albums on the cult UK Hip Hop label High Focus, the anticipation is brewing and stage is set for another landmark release for the label from this exciting new trio with ‘Sight Beyond Sight’.

Due for release on July 28, 2023 on High Focus Records, a new collaborative LP ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ from the powerhouse trio of producer Mr Slipz with rappers Verbz & Nelson Dialect. This new LP is a continuation and culmination of the sounds heard on their previous records. The dynamic rhyming partnership of Nelson Dialect & Verbz going back and forth with relentless wordplay over the signature hard hitting drums & jazzy samples of Mr Slipz production. Showcasing a variety of moods throughout the record from neck snapping, classic rap joints like 'Strike Back’ & the album title track 'Sight Beyond Sight’ to more reflective & personal songs about loss and relationships heard on 'Homecoming’ or 'Beside Me’. To vivid storytelling and conceptual cuts like 'Cause and Effect’ Verbz and Nelson communicate the aspirations and the choices of young artists in the modern world like a roadmap any individual can reference; ‘Sight Beyond Sight’ truly offers something for every listener. There are notable features on the album including the deeply reflective cut 'Homecoming’ with Hiatus Kaiyote back up vocalist Jace XL on the chorus. There is also the blistering posse cut 'Starting 5’ featuring UK Hip Hop legend King Kashmere, NuphZed & Renelle 893, who recently signed to High Focus. Having already released critically acclaimed albums on the cult UK Hip Hop label High Focus, the anticipation is brewing and stage is set for another landmark release for the label from this exciting new trio with ‘Sight Beyond Sight’.

The adequately titled ‘The Album To End All Alien Abductions’ sees UK stalwart King Kashmere and producer/rapper extraordinaire Alecs DeLarge unite for a 24- track ride through an epic space age boom bap odyssey. “F**k with your boy Judas Ascariot, who came back swinging - whipping the super chariot” declares a triumphant King Kashmere on the album opener ‘Angel Strike’, proving he hasn’t lost a step since his last full length rap project, #lp4080 dropped back in 2017. Thematically Kash’s lyrics are routed in sci-fi and Jack Kirby era comic lore, but on cuts such as ‘Old Earth’ (an ode to his Mother and coming of age on a North London council estate and ‘House of Cards’ (an exploration of mental health) the Iguana Man shows a rare glimpse into the man behind the freshly pressed super suit. Several cuts also see Alecs stepping from behind the boards to join Kashmere on mic duties, a pairing best displayed on the dusty bubbler ‘Most Blunted’ in which the duo trade verses in a puff puff pass of lyrical spliff boxing.

"Every album is a reflection of where I am currently; reflecting on the past, projecting to the future…”

Fliptrix earmarked a nine album run when he released his first solo offering back in 2007. The highest numeral has always played a significant part in Fliptrix’s appreciation of the universe, so it always felt a fitting number to aspire to.

Fast forward sixteen years and Fliptrix finds himself where he always hoped to be; gearing up to reveal his ninth album ‘Mantra No. 9’ to the world.

As an artist committed to spreading positivity, sharing light and love through his music, and with a clear focus on inspiring his fans to achieve what they want in life through the messages he champions, ‘Mantra No. 9’ is as potent an example of these driving forces from Fliptrix to date; written and recorded in his new studio, off-grid, deep in the Portuguese mountains he now calls home.

After a year long break from writing, ‘Mantra No. 9’ sees Fliptrix more focussed and reactive than ever. Contemplating his immediate and speaking on the profound impact his new surroundings have had on him as both a person and musician, the album is truly from the source; interwoven by escapism, solitude, nature (and the chaotic world events that saw him embark on a new life chapter in the first place).

In celebration of the journey, ‘Mantra No. 9’ sees Fliptrix reconnect with the classic sonics that defined his earlier output, calling upon an all-star list of production and feature talent from the High Focus roster to help him on his way.

18-tracks, showcasing the evolution of the artist, each reaffirming why Fliptrix is regarded as one of the most valuable and forward-thinking voices in the hip hop movement today.

Lewis Parker continues to dig deeper and get stronger in ways, on his most recent addition to his impressive and wide body of work. 20 plus releases into his career, Parker goes in from the opening bars of his new LP ‘Frequency of Perception’. The veteran producer and rapper comes in hot, clearly rooted in his ideas and views, wasting no time dropping knowledge and his opinions on social issues, current rappers, and the rap industry itself. The prolific UK-born hip-hop legend proves to be as tapped into the feel of a pocket as he was when he came on the scene in the 90s. “All I Got”, the album’s first single, has a groove to the bassline that you won’t forget and keeps the delivery of Parker’s bars moving. The spacey keys show themselves early in the record and are a constant that gives the record a dreamy feel, adding mystical and psychedelic energy. “All My Life” is a well-executed balance between the energy found in the flute production and the smooth vocal hook on the tune. Keeping the progressions in check, but also allowing it to maintain a free spirit. That spirit is complemented by features by Eloh Kush and John Robinson, on the track. Other feature appearances on the record include Planet Asia, who is a familiar collaborator of Parker’s, and once again delivers a notable performance on “Thug Livin”. The bar is high whenever these two come together on a record, collectively with nearly 50 years of experience, it feels as if they communicate on another level when creating together. The whole album touches on dynamics in line with the iconic sound that Parker built his reputation on for decades. All while finding new ways to tell stories, not just through his own lyrics, but further exploring instrumentation. Lewis remains consistent in his craft, continuing to cook up beats and productions with classic techniques and fresh ingredients. There is no sense of reaching, the productions exude an attitude that reaps a true passion for his craft.

Debut vinyl release from Spinning Wheel Records. Luxury g rap music. High quality lacquer cut premium 45. Anti themes throughout playfully mused through different women - heavy drums - analogue, sample led sound. All written and produced by Mosik Rhymes. MPC2000xl. Mixed and mastered by Morriachi & Mr Slipz. Graphic design by Mosik Rhymes. Cover model Lauren Leola

17 track album 'Roma Supreme' by Smellington Piff & Illinformed

Very limited (300 only) turquoise blue vinyl in a gatefold sleeve which also comes with a limited 10” orange vinyl featuring remixes and collaborations from The Bug, Object Object, NØISE and Dälek

The LP ‘All Welcome on Planet Ree-Vo’ due for release on 29th July could only really have been made in one city steeped as it is in Bristol’s decades of less conventional hip hop and bass music. Tweaked and fine tuned during the summer of 2020 the record punches with a mix of red eyed paranoia to a playful future funk. The album was all recorded, produced and mixed by Andy at Christchurch Studios, Bristol (home of Mezzanine era Massive Attack) with all vocals written and performed by T. Relly.