UK Hip Hop 232 Items

From Munchen 2 Croydon ... Producer Bobby Slice (Germany), LeoLex (Germany) & The Strange Neighbour (uk) link up to create this international connection ... featuring artists from all over the globe!

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.

Ramson Badbonez returns with his brand new album ‘fusion’.

Embedded in the streets and lanes of Dalston, Hackney and Islington, where Badbonez made his way up, no stone is left unturned as Badbonez dissects the many highs and lows that took him from a life running the roads, to documenting his experiences across thirteen brand new tracks.

The most impressive thing about ‘fusion’ is the dexterity Badbonez showcases across the release, expertly traversing a catalogue of rhythms and tempos with his now signature delivery; crystal clear, unapologetic, razor sharp, yet intricate and highly complex multi-syllables.

This genre blurring offering is, in part, down to the curated production talent joining forces to ensure a formidable spectrum of neck-snapping sonics are offered up to both Badbonez and the listener. From album opener ‘Alpha’ produced by the one-and-only High Plains Drifter Jehst, to offerings from Dead Players’ very own GhostTown, long-time collaborator Mark Fear and heavy-hitter Forest DLG, and with a features list that includes TrueMendous, Datkid and Confucius MC, ‘fusion’ marks a significant moment in Ramson Badbonez career; elevating his position as one of the great commentators on life in London town, but further, as one of the rap games most innovative outliers.

The ‘fusion’ Neon Green limited edition 2 x 12" vinyl comes with a digital download on release day & is limited to only 300 copies!

Verbz & Mr Slipz team up with drum and bass legend Alix Perez on the remix of stand-out single ’The Rain’, lifted from their acclaimed LP ‘Radio Waves’, released on High Focus Records back in 2020.

With a fever dream vocal hook from avant-garde / Berlin-based vocalist Riah Knight elevating the offering to even greater heights, ‘The Rain Rmx’ offers up a looking glass to the world as Verbz sees it; a deep palette of blues and greys emanating from his committed multi-syllables, punctuated by bright sparks of colour courtesy of Mr Slipz’ expertly curated sample-work and Alix Perez’s rolling rhythms and basslines.

With Summer 2022 in full swing, ‘The Rain Rmx’ offers up a different, reflective viewpoint to the anthems running riot across festival season. The track feels like a perfectly balanced short film, and cements both Alix Perez’ and Mr Slipz’ reputations as expert music makers and Verbz and Riah Knight as valuable voices in uncertain times.

Verbz & Mr Slipz have been jumping on the train (52m, 0 changes) between Croydon and Brighton to reconnect on ‘Where It Started’; a 10-track EP that does everything (and more) you have come to expect from the duo.

Shimmering with nostalgia, but with one eye firmly on the next motive, ‘Where It Started’ offers a front row seat to the trials and tribulations of Verbz & co. doing what they did (and still do) to thrive and survive on the streets of Croydon, expertly scored by the meditative swing of Slipz’ 100% sample-free production.

Think classic hip hop aesthetics, beautifully reincarnated; chunky MPC drums, deeply personal multi-syllables, tales of loss, heartache, learning the hard way but coming back stronger. 5 x vocals and 5 x Instrumentals, Where It Started’ is a 50/50 deep dive into the hearts and minds of Verbz & Mr Slipz; perfectly poised as a duo, the EP is an unmissable trip down memory lane

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.

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..

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..

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.

Sealed copy with a bent corner!

Limited edition of 500 copies of the collaborative album "Stop Signs" by Confucius MC and Pitch 92 with cameos by the likes of Jehst, King Kashmere and Renelle 893. The vinyl edition includes all 12 vocal tracks plus all respective instrumentals to make it 24 tracks in total. Play it loud!

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).

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).

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.

“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.

Brand new 19 track album by BVA - The Dam Builder, which is entirely produced by Leaf Dog and features Benny the Butcher, Leaf Dog, Verb T & Ramson Badbonez.

Introducing Tvi051, a DJ-friendly Funk/Rap 45 featuring 2 emcees who appear more than comfortable with the flow and demands of up-tempo rhythms.

Hailing from Whanganui, New Zealand, Emcee, producer, DJ, and writer Nat Lover is an actively performing and recording artist within Aotearoa's Hip Hop culture. He collaborates with DLT, Raiza Biza, and Raw Collective, alongside his regular participation and creation within Indigenous Maori arts.

Joining Nat on the microphones is Buffalo, New York native Emcee, producer, DJ, Shuteyes, who makes up one half of the dynamic rap duo Anteek Recipes. With his solo work, he has collaborated with West Side Gun.

On production, Dirty Hairy lays down a neck-snapping b-boy jam on the Mpc60 for side A and a greasy chunk of 80s funk for some disco rap sensations on the flip.

Worldwide reknown for his unique Industrial North West New Town Retro Futuristic Philosophical Ignorant Rap Music from outer space, Lee Scott has recorded a live version of his latest self-produced full-length offering "There Is A Reason For Everything" in his living room. We're happy to release this unique take take on vinyl, with a brand new artwork by Jack "getarealjobkid" Rogers, housed in a beautiful screen printed thick cardboard jacket for all you collectors out there.

I feel it will be a real head- turner for anyone who knows my music. I'm really
proud of that. It's exactly what I wanted to do... Make music that I'd listen to and
I'd put on my playlist."
Destined for a playlist, speakers and stage near you imminently: 'Dog Eat Dog
Food World' simultaneously takes things back to Niko's roots but also zooms out
to reveal a much wider picture of who he is and what makes him tick. He
describes his new creations as happy music and that he feels it's a refection of
what it's like to be a British teenager but each cut comes with a barbed tale of
high, lows, lols and woes.
Featuring singles such as 'trespass coat', 'ur bundle of joy!', '14 days', 'miniclip'
and 'it's not litter if you bin it', Niko's nak of sharing relatable smalltown stories,
deconstructing the concept of trying to adult in the 21st century and the
challenges of living, laughing and loving under the late stage capitalist kosh
secure his role as a Gen-Z Mike Skinner.
We're going to really hone in on Niko's engaged and strong online presence with
an abundance of fun, unique content. There will be 3 skits released in between
each of the singles to tease elements of the album and showcase the narrative of
the lyrics and themes. We will be collaborating with the likes of Buzzfeed/Evening
Standard/The Metro/Dazed/The Face and connect with fans via live streams

Brand new 19 track album by BVA - The Dam Builder, which is entirely produced by Leaf Dog and features Benny the Butcher, Leaf Dog, Verb T & Ramson Badbonez.

Here’s the summer 2k24 banger from Flexi Cuts. This time they’ve roped in Daniele Tomassini, aka Feel Fly, DJ and producer from Perugia who’s graced labels like Hell Yeah, Internasjonal, Bosconi, International Feel, New Interplanetary Melodies, and co-founded the Afro Templum party. “Sole” is a euphoric, powerful, liberating track that’ll blow your mind and get you moving. It's a little anthem, versatile and dance-worthy, with those beloved Italo-house vibes that Daniele (and us) are totally into. Flip it over for the “Tramonto Mix” on the B-side, which teleports you to ethereal Balearic atmospheres, be it mesmerizing sunsets over the sea or dawns at the end of a club night.

South London’s James Massiah returns to Jon Rust’s Levels imprint with the highly anticipated follow-up to the 2019 underground hit ‘Natural Born Killers’ EP. The six-track EP ‘True Romance’ is the artist / poet / DJ / producer's richest work to date, autobiographically charting the peaks and troughs of 21st century love, life and relationships. Massiah’s rap leanings ride over his signature neon productions, taking in an arc of influences including dancehall, dub, acid house, grime and left field pop. Gritty and shimmering in equal measure, this is essential for devotees of the Dean Blunt, Lord Tusk axis, or anyone switched on to the stream of rap bubbling up from the UK right now. Heavy rotations from Benji B, Jamz Supernova, Shy One & Scratcha DVA. A vital release for 2024.

Limited TO 350 Copies!

Ocean Blue vinyl, full colour 350gsm reverse board sleeve with Gold Embossed accents. 14-track album. Shrink wrapped.

“Well travelled in my life got the maddest mileage…”

One year on from the release of ‘Mantra No. 9’, Fliptrix returns with his tenth solo album ‘Dragonfly’.

Written and recorded off grid in the Portuguese mountains and produced in full by the Leigh Brothers (Leaf Dog & Illinformed), ‘Dragonfly’ is Fliptrix’s lightning in a bottle moment; a series of life-changing events compelling Fliptrix to hole up in the studio to capture the true essence of his recent experiences in real time.

The result is his most alive offering to date; handbrake fully off, emotions and energies dialled up to 11 across 14-tracks. Each unpacking a tumultuous year which included the birth of his daughter and unexpected passing of his father, all this while navigating the ever-shifting music scene he has championed for so many years as the founder of High Focus Records and 1/4 of supergroup The Four Owls.

Exploring the connections between the natural landscape and the spirit world, the dragonfly as a totem to the other, but more poignantly, in the fact that Fliptrix’s late father played drums in his own rock band of the same name in the 1970’s, ‘Dragonfly’ carries a personal weight that sets it apart from his previous album offerings, Fliptrix delving deeper than ever before; incredible highs paired with moments of introspection, reflection and mourning as he searches for meaning in the songs that he writes.

And with a stunning feature courtesy of psychedelic RnB superstar Greentea Peng on huge single ‘Cosmic Scenes’, ‘Dragonfly’ is the perfect body of work to round off Fliptrix’s canon of ten solo albums, spanning seventeen years (and counting) of music making at the very top of the scene.

Limited TO 150 Copies!

“Well travelled in my life got the maddest mileage…”

One year on from the release of ‘Mantra No. 9’, Fliptrix returns with his tenth solo album ‘Dragonfly’.

Written and recorded off grid in the Portuguese mountains and produced in full by the Leigh Brothers (Leaf Dog & Illinformed), ‘Dragonfly’ is Fliptrix’s lightning in a bottle moment; a series of life-changing events compelling Fliptrix to hole up in the studio to capture the true essence of his recent experiences in real time.

The result is his most alive offering to date; handbrake fully off, emotions and energies dialled up to 11 across 14-tracks. Each unpacking a tumultuous year which included the birth of his daughter and unexpected passing of his father, all this while navigating the ever-shifting music scene he has championed for so many years as the founder of High Focus Records and 1/4 of supergroup The Four Owls.

Exploring the connections between the natural landscape and the spirit world, the dragonfly as a totem to the other, but more poignantly, in the fact that Fliptrix’s late father played drums in his own rock band of the same name in the 1970’s, ‘Dragonfly’ carries a personal weight that sets it apart from his previous album offerings, Fliptrix delving deeper than ever before; incredible highs paired with moments of introspection, reflection and mourning as he searches for meaning in the songs that he writes.

And with a stunning feature courtesy of psychedelic RnB superstar Greentea Peng on huge single ‘Cosmic Scenes’, ‘Dragonfly’ is the perfect body of work to round off Fliptrix’s canon of ten solo albums, spanning seventeen years (and counting) of music making at the very top of the scene.

“I’m always living this life with one foot in, one foot out…”

‘Cosmic Scenes’ is the latest single from HF wordsmith Fliptrix.

Teaming up with the incredibly talented Greentea Peng, the epic new track sees two of the UK’s most conscious minds come together to spread messages of freedom, pursuing your dreams and being the change you want to see in the world.

With Leaf Dog at his mesmerising best on production; ‘Cosmic Scenes’ stretches the listeners’ imagination beyond the limits of the real world, and in doing so, has all the makings of a Massive summertime anthem.

Accompanied by a new unreleased track ‘The Glow’ (Prod. Illinformed) on Side B, which shines Brightly in its own right, this Limited Edition 7” is pressed on Eco-mix wax; a sustainable process that guarantees no two vinyls are the same.

Limited to 250 copies, hand-numbered, never to be repressed.

* This 10th Anniversary Edition will be one pressing and then gone, the album is remastered, pressed on Transparent Red Vinyl, features new sleeve art by Cold War Steve, comes with a fanzine and a flexi disc featuring an unreleased track. **