UK Hip Hop 225 Items

Experimental producer Parallel Action - aka Jude Greenaway - continues to cement himself as a key player in the trip-hop resurgence with his cinematic, self-titled album. Released via his own label C7nema100, Parallel Action is a space for Jude to combine his passion for Trip Hop, Contemporary Classical and Future Jazz, with sonic storytelling. His unique style is married with collaborations ranging from soulful singers and spoken word artists to scratch DJs, taking the listener on a journey that speaks to the uncertainty of a society on edge. It’s a fascinating and cutting-edge body of work that seamlessly blends experimental Jazz drums with heavy Hip-Hop elements, allowing Jude the freedom to tell stories in his own beguiling way.

Exploring unchartered territories both through his raw yet refined lyricism and genre-bending experimental soundscape, Fliptrix flips the notion of conventions on its head and delivers this in the form of brand new album ‘Inexhale’. Expanding the lexicon of Hip Hop, the project goes beyond the boundaries as he takes you on a metaphorical journey buried deep with out of the box symbolism and concepts.

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.

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

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.

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.

Magnetic is the 10th studio album by rock band Goo Goo Dolls, released on June 11, 2013, through Warner Bros. Records. The recording process took place during the latter half of 2012 and into early 2013. Rzeznik thought of the album title during a phone conversation with his manager, who told Rzeznik to "think of a title for the record. Try to use one word." Magnetic was the first word that came to Rzeznik's mind. This is the last album to feature drummer Mike Malinin who left the band in December 2013.

Recorded with a traditional live set up this time!

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.

* 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. **

High Focus Records is proud to present the second pressing of Verbz & Mr Slipz’ milestone of an album ‘Radio Waves’.

This record is the culmination of 2 years of hard work and is jam packed with absolute Heat, as we have all come to expect. With their unrivalled chemistry, the dynamic duo have proven themselves to be some the most exciting artists on the scene. ‘Radio Waves’ is going to cement their position at the top of the pile, considering the calibre of Verbz' penmanship and the sheer density of Mr Slipz' production.

This repress of the "Radio Waves' double disc vinyl is limited to 500 copies only and comes in a full colour premium sleeve on blue marble heavyweight vinyl

High Focus Records are proud to present the latest collaboration from Verb T and Illinformed.

Stranded in Foggy Times both continues and completes the trilogy that began back in 2015, with The Man with the Foggy Eyes, before broadening the horizons with last year’s release of The Land of the Foggy Skies. This final chapter returns to the same conceptual landscape as its predecessors, but also sees Verb T and Illinformed returning to a more classic approach to album making.

In spite of its concept, the Foggy Trilogy is something of a personal outpouring for Verb T, with the original aim being to vicariously discuss the trials and tribulations that play a part in his life, including his struggles with chronic illness and the feeling of alienation from leaving his hometown, while also reflecting on the state of the world as a whole.

As with the previous albums, Stranded in Foggy Times finds Illinformed moving away from the more rugged sound that has shrouded the British scene over the last few months, thanks to his collaborations with the likes of Datkid and Wish Master, instead providing Verb T with an arguably more mellow backdrop. From the string and piano driven introduction on Legacy, to the blissful head-nod vibes of the closing track, Blind Faith, the union between beats and rhymes sits at the perfect level.

The album also boasts one of the most impressive guestlists of the year, one that is very much a product of both players’ worlds. Thanks to Illinformed’s Bristol connection, there are features from the likes of Res One, Datkid, Leaf Dog, Smellington Piff and Chillman, as well as some locally sourced cuts from DJ Rogue. While on Verb T’s side of the fence, we have features from Rye Shabby and Moreone, along with a collaboration that reignites the same creative spark he found in his early days, as King Kashmere steps into the booth on Feeling Strange.

All in all, Stranded in Foggy Times does exactly what it sets out to do, by drawing the trilogy to a close while also providing insights into Verb T’s personal world and the world at large. The fact that it also happens to be one of the strongest rap albums of the year is the icing on the cake.

High Focus Records are proud to present the latest collaboration from Verb T and Illinformed.

Stranded in Foggy Times both continues and completes the trilogy that began back in 2015, with The Man with the Foggy Eyes, before broadening the horizons with last year’s release of The Land of the Foggy Skies. This final chapter returns to the same conceptual landscape as its predecessors, but also sees Verb T and Illinformed returning to a more classic approach to album making.

In spite of its concept, the Foggy Trilogy is something of a personal outpouring for Verb T, with the original aim being to vicariously discuss the trials and tribulations that play a part in his life, including his struggles with chronic illness and the feeling of alienation from leaving his hometown, while also reflecting on the state of the world as a whole.

As with the previous albums, Stranded in Foggy Times finds Illinformed moving away from the more rugged sound that has shrouded the British scene over the last few months, thanks to his collaborations with the likes of Datkid and Wish Master, instead providing Verb T with an arguably more mellow backdrop. From the string and piano driven introduction on Legacy, to the blissful head-nod vibes of the closing track, Blind Faith, the union between beats and rhymes sits at the perfect level.

The album also boasts one of the most impressive guestlists of the year, one that is very much a product of both players’ worlds. Thanks to Illinformed’s Bristol connection, there are features from the likes of Res One, Datkid, Leaf Dog, Smellington Piff and Chillman, as well as some locally sourced cuts from DJ Rogue. While on Verb T’s side of the fence, we have features from Rye Shabby and Moreone, along with a collaboration that reignites the same creative spark he found in his early days, as King Kashmere steps into the booth on Feeling Strange.

All in all, Stranded in Foggy Times does exactly what it sets out to do, by drawing the trilogy to a close while also providing insights into Verb T’s personal world and the world at large. The fact that it also happens to be one of the strongest rap albums of the year is the icing on the cake.

Experimental producer Parallel Action - aka Jude Greenaway - continues to cement himself as a key player in the trip-hop resurgence with his cinematic, self-titled album. Released via his own label C7nema100, Parallel Action is a space for Jude to combine his passion for Trip Hop, Contemporary Classical and Future Jazz, with sonic storytelling. His unique style is married with collaborations ranging from soulful singers and spoken word artists to scratch DJs, taking the listener on a journey that speaks to the uncertainty of a society on edge. It’s a fascinating and cutting-edge body of work that seamlessly blends experimental Jazz drums with heavy Hip-Hop elements, allowing Jude the freedom to tell stories in his own beguiling way.

"This record is about...growing up. I think. It's about dealing with your own stuff for once. Accepting responsibility, maybe. It's a self help book addressed to myself. And just like every other piece of art ever made in history of the hominid, I was going through some shit when I was making it. I'd just left home and everyone I knew, looking to chase a dream. It was an awkward phase, like stage two puberty. I was learning how to be grown. Humility had my pride in a headlock. I was the old man at the art exhibition, the young boy at the art gallery. Everyone was in a K-hole, I was at K-Mart." - Tom Scott

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.

Originally released in 2017, Loyle Carner’s album Yesterday’s Gone will be released on picture disc for Record Store Day 2023.Loyle chose photos of him and his beloved poodle Ringo for the front and reverse of the disc: “People say I should have a rottweiler”, says Loyle, “But I like poodles”. Nominated for the 2017 Mercury prize, Yesterday’s Gone is a certified classic of UK hip-hop which continues to win new fans as it’s remarkable streaming figures prove.

Deluxe double vinyl version of the latest album from Wish Master X Illinformed. Pressed on heavyweight double 12" vinyl which are two totally different colours A/B side is neon purple while C/D side is a neon orange which is a limited run of 150 with obi strip.

Label co-founders Joey Deez & Doug (Remulak) had long discussed the concept of creating a compilation album in order to showcase the wide rage of styles that comprise the imprint's eclectic output.

In May of this year, the pair decided that the time had come to put their vision into action and began planning the compilation to be ready to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary in December 2020. Sadly, just weeks after the decision had been made, Joey Deez unexpectedly passed away. This compilation represents the last of the project that Joey had planned, and was curated and executed with his tastes firmly in mind.

The 21-tracks of the double vinyl release feature label favourites such as Funkonami, Aver & Move 78, Robohands, and Mr. Thing & Micall Parknsun, as well as label affiliates Evil Ed, Omas, and Fthmlss, plus a fitting debut release from one of Joey's best friends: Meridian Fold.

High Focus Records is proud to announce Verbz & Mr Slipz’ forthcoming album ‘Radio Waves’ set to drop on the 13th of November 2020. This record is the culmination of 2 years of hard work and is jam packed with absolute Heat, as we have all come to expect. With with their unrivalled chemistry, the dynamic duo have proven themselves to be some the most exciting artists on the scene, and ‘Radio Waves’ is going to cement their position at the top of the pile. Considering the calibre of Verbz' penmanship and the sheer density of Mr Slipz' production, this is going to make some serious noise.

"Radio Waves' limited edition double disc vinyl is limited to 300 copies only and comes in a full colour premium sleeve with a digital download upon fulfilment of your order. Classic black heavyweight vinyl

Label co-founders Joey Deez & Doug (Remulak) had long discussed the concept of creating a compilation album in order to showcase the wide rage of styles that comprise the imprint's eclectic output.

In May of this year, the pair decided that the time had come to put their vision into action and began planning the compilation to be ready to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary in December 2020. Sadly, just weeks after the decision had been made, Joey Deez unexpectedly passed away. This compilation represents the last of the project that Joey had planned, and was curated and executed with his tastes firmly in mind.

The 21-tracks of the double vinyl release feature label favourites such as Funkonami, Aver & Move 78, Robohands, and Mr. Thing & Micall Parknsun, as well as label affiliates Evil Ed, Omas, and Fthmlss, plus a fitting debut release from one of Joey's best friends: Meridian Fold.

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).

This set features the original album plus Demos and Remixes, incl. Massive Attacks Remix of "Manchild". Three discs in single LP sleeves, housed in a rigid slip-case, includes original album remastered and two bonus discs of b-sides, remixes & extras
Also features the 48-page book

Remastered at Abbey Road, pressed on heavyweight vinyl, with download card included.

30th anniversary of Neneh Cherry’s classic hit album Raw Like Sushi (1989),“an unorthodox and brilliantly daring blend of R&B, rap, pop, and dance music”, sees the original album remastered and given the super deluxe treatment as a 3LP box set.

This box sets feature a 48-page 12x12 book packed full of iconic photos, new interviews, liner notes and memorabilia. The album features 5 singles - includes the worldwide smash hit single ‘Buffalo Stance’ (number 1 US Dance Chart) as well as hit singles – ‘Manchild’ produced by Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja, ‘Kisses On The Wind’, ‘Heart’ & ‘Inna City Mamma’. Also features rare mixes of key tracks by Massive Attack, Arthur Baker, Smith N Mighty, and more.One of the most important records of all-time. Listed as one of the "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".