UK Hip Hop 202 Items

Original AE co-founder Truck is back with a new album coming soon and delivers a taster with this lead off 7” single featuring fellow AE Productions recording artist and Hip Hop legend Phill Most Chill. 3,665 refers to the distance between Truck and Phill Most Chill’s home cities and the pair duel brilliantly over a heavy beat by Sir Beans OBE (The Aroma/Parlour Talk/Ruztik Records). No chorus hook nonsense here but Mr Fantastic supplies some sharp cuts to complement the MC’s.
The B-side is the ‘Raw Skeleton Version’ of Right or Wrong – a special stripped back version of a track from the forthcoming album produced by Mr Fantastic which will not to be released elsewhere. Truck flows effortlessly over the DJ friendly obscure Funk groove.
Available on black vinyl 7” in a run of 350 retail copies in full colour sleeve designed by Mr Krum.

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.

Jester Jacobs on the mic Formz on the beats

Where the previous 184 & Big Toast album was a bluntly worded denunciation of the zeitgeist over a classic Hip Hop soundtrack, Who Shit in The Sandpit takes a sonic direction more akin to 184’s Trip-Hoppy electronic-folk collective, Button Eyes. With more

melodious production and a greater range in the vocal tones and styles of delivery, it sees the duo step outside of their comfort zones and attempt something less restricted by the confines of their genre. The title is an abstract and Toast-esque expression referring to how the world the next generation stand to inherit (the Sandpit) is being destroyed by the greed and stupidity of older generations (the shit). It is at least a partial departure from the nihilistic and misanthropic themes on previous projects, perhaps a consequence of Toast’s desire to leave a better world for his firstborn, who arrived during the making of the project. While no album which closes on a track about a nuclear holocaust can be described as light, Who Shit in the Sandpit? has moments of real humour, providing comic relief from the more pointed social and political statements elsewhere. Fellow Tuff Boy, The Strange Neighbour, joins Toast on “Anyone Order a Tough Guy?”, a verbal skewering of wannabe hardmen, and the offensively absurd “F.W.L.”. Sometime Sleaford Mods vocalist John Paul contributes his own unique brand of observational poetry to “Backpack” and Croydon’s Breezy Lee elevates every track she features on with her sumptuously soulful vocals. Halo Jones adds the finishing touches with his distorted guitar riffs,

providing further musicality to an already boundary- pushing Hip Hop album.

Counting Trip-Hop, Ambient, West African High Life, Dancehall, Jungle, Folk and Film Soundtracks as his influences, there is something for everyone on this creative masterpiece.Predominantly instrumental but does have a handful of collaborations with vocalists Killa P, Jerome Thomas, RHI, Penelope Oddity and Chris Belson. ‘I Am Delicious And Cute. So I Will Go Buy Again’ is a meditative journey upriver, whilst ‘Wickedest Ting’ completely flips the switch with a dancehall barrage from Killa P. Another highlight is the apocalyptic jazz of ‘Greed’ which features the remarkable neo-soul vocals of Jerome Thomas.

During times of such uncertainty, music and its healing properties have become even more vital. ‘Boring & Weird Historical Music’ is a calming, curative and monumental 15 track journey through the mind of the enigma that is Telemachus. As he himself puts it: ‘the album certainly rewards a thorough and engrossed listen, but equally the general atmosphere is pleasant enough to play for your auntie when she comes for tea.’

This limited edition double LP comes in a premium gatefold sleeve, with exclusive artwork as well as the the story of 'Uncle Som', a peculiar parable, upon which the album is based around

Limited to 300 copies.

15 track album by Bronze Nazareth and Leaf Dog.

Limited pressing!

Limited pressing!

Limited pressing!

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.

Limited vinylpostcard in collaboration with Postmanslove. The card features the track "Be Together" and shows art by 2econd Class Citizen himself aka Aaron Auguste Thomason. The card additionally features access to the Vinylpostcards app.

“Be Together” is the first single off of 2econd Class Citizen’s album “unlearn”. It is available digitally as well as a limited vinylpostcard in collaboration with Postmanslove.

A few more notes about the upcoming album:
Unlearn is the long awaited fourth album of DJ and producer 2econd Class Citizen. It marks the artist’s return back to the newly relaunched label Equinox Records. Their previous collaborations achieved high acclaim for their genre bending fusion of hip hop, electronica and folk to form a cinematic journey which is full of twists and turns.

Unlearn is an exploration of an artist journeying beyond their conventional confines. It is a musical adventure peppered with vintage samples concerning the perception of reality and our struggles with conforming to a broken society. It teaches us to discard rigid rules, to trust our instincts and to work mindfully.

Village Live Records are proud to present ‘Phantoms / Subterranean’ (tvi038), the forthcoming new 7″ vinyl by Reading-based rapper, Ash The Author!

Featuring production from DJ Drinks & George Fields, with additional razor-sharp cuts from Mr Brown on the A-side

15 track album by Bronze Nazareth and Leaf Dog.

he next chapter in the “Seven Deadly Sins” saga brings you something very very special. Believe it or not, we managed to find another unheard/unreleased THE Sworn Lord tune from the vaults of Davy G. Originally recorded in 1990 after “the vengeance is mine” 12inch was released, which is impossible to find or huge expensive, super rare UK Holy Grail. to make “the vengeance is mine” available again, we tried our best to find the OG masters, but couldn’t find them, so we made a vinyl rip off and Gavin Weiss remastered this Beasttune the best way possible. The result is a bit different to the OG version from the 12inch, super dirty, super raw with deep bass. What this release makes so special is the flipside, “The B-Side wins again”: MC Phaser aka. The Sworn Lord -who sadly passed away a few years ago (R.I.P.)- spits pure fire over a 666% Britcore Style pure fire 131 bpm beat produced by Davy G feat. furious epic scratch pattern by DJ Soundmaster. Completly unknown, unheard UK hardcore hiphop from the early 90ies. People into classic Blade, Silver Bullet, Gunshot, Hijack etc etc. gonna love it. We listened to it 24/7 for over 6 months, its a heavy heavy tune which leaves you addicted, you cant stop listening to this, believe us and check the snippet. to underline again: This is NOT made for the club. this pure 1990 Golden Era UK HipHop Hardcore Fire, a document uk UK HipHop History, super dope Random Rap, a raw diamond perfect for the label and the “Seven Deadly Sins Series” on Britcore Rawmance. Nothing FOR Audiophile Hipsters. Regular copies in the usual artwork of the “7 deadly sins” series plus a n orptunity to change to a picture cover. includes a superdope Sketch by Hamburgs finest Skat inside the fold out sleeve.

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

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.

The first AE Productions release of 2022 comes in the form of a 7” by J & Mo – otherwise known as J Man (of Cut Beetlez) and DJ Mo Money. Finnish DJ/producer duo who are in the midst of creating an album. To pre-empt the album release this lead off 7” serves as a taster of what is to come - a mix of well-crafted vocal and instrumental Hip Hop tracks with some great guest MC’s.

The main cut here ‘Rhymes Be Bomb’ features Emcee G Roc Gayle (of The Vibe Drops/Piece Of Mind), and is a perfect example of a track that works on 45 for DJ’s with a nice bouncing groove, excellent turntable work and good vocals that are clean so great for radio play.

The flipside ‘Pelottaa’ (Finnish for frightened) is exclusive to this 7” but is an indication of the flavour of the instrumental tracks that appear on the album and features J Man’s fellow Cut Beetle HP Lovescratch on the vanishingly rare vinyl appearance of human beatbox.

Sleeve design and direction by Mr Krum references a vintage board game with superb results by replacing the bombs with microphones which takes the theme of musical bombs and applies the same metaphor to the artwork.

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

Pitch 92 is back with his brand new album Intervals.

Available to order on all formats now, 'Intervals' is due for release on 27/08/21.

'Intervals' is available on limited edition 12" vinyl. Very limited pressing of only 250 units.

Vinyl comes with a digital download of the album upon fulfilment of your order.

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.

Lex Neville is a 16 track album produced by Leaf Dog and Illinformed with guest verses from Datkid, Jack Jetson, King Kashmere, Leaf Dog, Smellington Piff and Verb T, cuts by Jazz T

Juga-Naut, a multi-talented artist, emcee, producer and chef with an international following. He creates every aspect of his music himself from concept to final product. He has gained major recognition with a prolific plethora of solid self released projects. 'Marble & Granite' is a gargantuan collaboration between Jugz & Jazz T. The sound is two mountains colliding with the classic Hip-Hop ethos and a modern flyness. The core of the track is sculpting beautiful art from the hardest materials, starting from scratch with raw talent, never stopping, constantly honing your craft to create a solid lasting legacy. Available on 7" vinyl with full colour artwork by Jugz and digital!

Babylon Dead consists of J Man & Illinformed

The 18 track album features Badness, Daddy Freddy, Devilman, Irah, Jamalski, Killa P, Rider Shafique & Warrior Queen

Seeing himself as a social commentator, Coops continuously draws inspiration from everything around him and is feeling more inspired than ever. Having signed to the label in 2018 he has already released 2 poignant albums and continues to create at rapid speed. The 8-track project - which was made in just 4 studio sessions - is unlike Coops’ usual 14+ track albums both he and his fans have become used to. Coops turned the album around in record time to ensure his music was released during this unparalleled time in history. The homegrown beats come from his close friend and long term collaborator Talos who has produced almost all his beats to date. In the opening track, ‘ Boom Biddy Bye’ Coops doesn’t waste a second in putting his fellow rappers through their paces. A block rapper with no one to please but himself, Coops professes that he barely listens to what other rappers release to ensure they don’t infiltrate and influence his own music. Highly appropriate for these times, title track ‘ Crimes Against Creation ’ is the stand out voice of this generation and his message to the world. ‘W arped perception, thwart connections, they force perfection, then claim the antidotes an injection...’ plays out and we begin to appreciate how the current situation is playing heavily on his mind. As the album progresses we get to see all sides of Coops’ personality with ‘Piss Poor’ reminding us of the raw gritty London lifestyle from which he has risen from, whilst ‘Profile’ demonstrates his softer more promiscuous side as well as touching on themes of fatherhood and online relationships. Coops’ musical entry point begun by making music with his friends, but it wasn’t until he really looked at himself and the world around him when he decided he needed to go it alone, opening his mind and his solo stream of creativity which hasn’t stopped since. A self-proclaimed hermit he embodies the essence of a true artist and only finds comfort in doing what he loves, not what he is told.

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.

Issued in a 6 panel digipak.

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.

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).

Ed Scissor + Lamplighter return with Joysville.

Written in the witching hour of lockdown one, Joysville represents a distinct shift in process from the duo. Ungoverned by the more meticulous considerations of the past, Joysville evolved freely from a small zip of instrumental sketches, before taking shape as a fully realised concept in the space of a short few weeks.

Ed Scissor’s signature storytelling, accompanied by Lamplighter’s sparse and spacious instrumentals, make Joysville their most personal and accomplished work to date.

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 200 Copies!

His most striking offering to date, ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ is an evolutionary listen, Onoe staying true to the primordial pillars found in the DNA of all the great albums; love and lust, loss and heartbreak key players in an inspired narrative arc that sees Onoe reveal all about his recent past in unmistakeable fashion.

Having written a heap of songs and arranged a number of versions he was More than happy with, real life events saw Onoe return to the bones of the album, with a desire to create something truly timeless. As a result, he moved away from a mixtape mentality and began to carve out the real truth along a stricter, more considered sonic path, crystallising his experiences with an immediacy that makes the album even more unique.

Writing a love album made all the more sense after speaking directly to fans when touring Europe late last year. Stories of love, heartbreak, and the positive influence his music has in moments of extreme emotion became a driving force for Onoe when writing the record and constructing the arc…

“…everything is fine, then they break up, then follows the aftermath. Repeat.”

‘Tears Of The Dragon’ follows the same aesthetic that has become synonymous with Onoe’s universe. A tapestry of speeds and rhythms, nights and days, smooth and hardcore; expertly tied together by Onoe's love-fuelled source code.

15-tracks, with features from Lofty305, Ledbyher, Eter & 169 stalwart L-Zee Roselli, ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ really is an album for the ages.

As Onoe explains…

“I want this album to be my Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ … I also listened to Prince a lot and would tell people my next album is gonna sound like Prince meets Max B at a Halloween party…”

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Vanguard captures the iconic Bristol Sound. The early days of the iconic Bristol Sound are captured in a new album including an exclusive re-release of the very first track from Massive Attack and tracks from Smith & Mighty, Purple Penguin and more. The curated tracks are also linked in that all were originally released with bespoke original covers from legendary Bristol street artists, including Banksy and Will Barras, tying its release toVanguard’s current exhibition Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement at M Shed, Bristol, running until October. Compiled by DJ Boca 45 (Scott Hendy), Vanguard brings together the seminal tracks that defined the rebellious era which saw the birth of the Bristol Sound for the first time. Featured tracks include an exclusive re-release of Any Love - the first ever track by Massive Attack released on Massive Attack Records in 1988, Smith & Mighty’s breakout hit Walk On, Purple Penguin’s downtempo classic Memphis and other trip hop classics. The LP celebrates the globally recognised Bristol Sound whose experimental breakbeat rhythms and influence still dominate the scene today. Along with classic tracks from the ‘90’s into the ‘00’s and beyond, the album uncovers lesser known cuts by some of Bristol’s pioneering musicians such as One Cut and West Country hip hop’s finest Aspects. The explosion of the Bristol Sound coincided with the boom in UK street art which led to fruitful collaborations between artists and musicians. Finding inspiration in each other’s work, street artists frequently designed rave posters, logos and cover art while DJs provided the beats to accompany street artists’ clandestine painting. Vanguard The Album pays homage to these relationships with a beautifully put together gatefold LP featuring iconic cover art designed by some of the biggest names in street art such as Inkie, Dicy, Will Barras and Nick Walker. These early works capture the boisterous energy of the era and confirm Bristol’s status as an extraordinary cultural melting pot. The double vinyl record also features extensive sleeve notes written by Bristolian writer and curator Jamie Hombre as he reflects on these ground breaking cover art collaborations.

I admit I wasn't familiar with this album, so many just pass us by, but as I sat back and listened, I slowly realised that this isn't just any soul LP, its a masterpiece, full of passion and tenderness, it was like a huge hug from long lost lover... Beautiful... Enjoy it.

“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.

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.

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.

Lex Neville is a 16 track album produced by Leaf Dog and Illinformed with guest verses from Datkid, Jack Jetson, King Kashmere, Leaf Dog, Smellington Piff and Verb T, cuts by Jazz T

Once again off the back of another very productive year, Micall Parknsun is on vinyl again. Teaming up with the mighty Boot Records to bring you his brand new Extended Player, the "Back In Business" EP. This killer record consists of 5 tracks and instrumentals , 3 produced by the main man himself, 1 produced by everyone's favourite DJ, DJ Jazz T and 1 produced by Jazz T & Dr Zygote. With the only feature being Brooklyn's very own Napoleon Da Legend, this is a sure fire bit of wax you won't want to miss out on.

Seeing himself as a social commentator, Coops continuously draws inspiration from everything around him and is feeling more inspired than ever. Having signed to the label in 2018 he has already released 2 poignant albums and continues to create at rapid speed. The 8-track project - which was made in just 4 studio sessions - is unlike Coops’ usual 14+ track albums both he and his fans have become used to. Coops turned the album around in record time to ensure his music was released during this unparalleled time in history. The homegrown beats come from his close friend and long term collaborator Talos who has produced almost all his beats to date. In the opening track, ‘ Boom Biddy Bye’ Coops doesn’t waste a second in putting his fellow rappers through their paces. A block rapper with no one to please but himself, Coops professes that he barely listens to what other rappers release to ensure they don’t infiltrate and influence his own music. Highly appropriate for these times, title track ‘ Crimes Against Creation ’ is the stand out voice of this generation and his message to the world. ‘W arped perception, thwart connections, they force perfection, then claim the antidotes an injection...’ plays out and we begin to appreciate how the current situation is playing heavily on his mind. As the album progresses we get to see all sides of Coops’ personality with ‘Piss Poor’ reminding us of the raw gritty London lifestyle from which he has risen from, whilst ‘Profile’ demonstrates his softer more promiscuous side as well as touching on themes of fatherhood and online relationships. Coops’ musical entry point begun by making music with his friends, but it wasn’t until he really looked at himself and the world around him when he decided he needed to go it alone, opening his mind and his solo stream of creativity which hasn’t stopped since. A self-proclaimed hermit he embodies the essence of a true artist and only finds comfort in doing what he loves, not what he is told.

Seriously dope unreleased UK album from 1995. Straight outta Liverpool UK from 1995, the previously unreleased FULL album from First In Command. Chopped Herring dropped a vinyl EP of some of the joints back in the day but now it’s time for the full ting. Massive UK release that never saw the light of day, in full, for the scouse headz!!

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”.
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’. One of the most important records of all-time. Listed as one of the "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".

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 50 Hand Numbered Copies!

His most striking offering to date, ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ is an evolutionary listen, Onoe staying true to the primordial pillars found in the DNA of all the great albums; love and lust, loss and heartbreak key players in an inspired narrative arc that sees Onoe reveal all about his recent past in unmistakeable fashion.

Having written a heap of songs and arranged a number of versions he was More than happy with, real life events saw Onoe return to the bones of the album, with a desire to create something truly timeless. As a result, he moved away from a mixtape mentality and began to carve out the real truth along a stricter, more considered sonic path, crystallising his experiences with an immediacy that makes the album even more unique.

Writing a love album made all the more sense after speaking directly to fans when touring Europe late last year. Stories of love, heartbreak, and the positive influence his music has in moments of extreme emotion became a driving force for Onoe when writing the record and constructing the arc…

“…everything is fine, then they break up, then follows the aftermath. Repeat.”

‘Tears Of The Dragon’ follows the same aesthetic that has become synonymous with Onoe’s universe. A tapestry of speeds and rhythms, nights and days, smooth and hardcore; expertly tied together by Onoe's love-fuelled source code.

15-tracks, with features from Lofty305, Ledbyher, Eter & 169 stalwart L-Zee Roselli, ‘Tears Of The Dragon’ really is an album for the ages.

As Onoe explains…

“I want this album to be my Michael Jackson ‘Thriller’ … I also listened to Prince a lot and would tell people my next album is gonna sound like Prince meets Max B at a Halloween party…”

Unsettled Scores Records is thrilled to announce the long-awaited release of Bombin’ by Brim, available for the first time ever on 7” vinyl and digital download. Bombin’ is the iconic title track from Dick Fontaine’s acclaimed graffiti documentary that originally aired on UK’s Channel 4 in early 1988. The documentary follows the journey of graffiti artist Brim in 1985, as he travels from The Bronx, New York to various locations across the UK, encountering legendary figures including a young Goldie (mbe) and 3D (Massive Attack / The Wild Bunch). The track became legendary to a generation of graffiti artists and Hip Hop lovers who grew up with the documentary. Remastered from a recently discovered cassette tape in the collection of Bombin’ composer David Toop Unsettled Scores Records is proud to finally release the full length recording, including previously unheard verses by Brim.

“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.

Wow, we’re so happy to reissue these incredible two gems from the mighty Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. Mr. Auger is a superb Hammond organist & pianist. Known previously for his work with Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger & The Trinity in the 60s, Oblivion Express vibes kicked off in the 70s.

Our A side ‘Inner City Blues’ is a cover of the Marvin Gaye classic. A Hammond driven groove with a deep percussive backing and killer vocals, this version stands up as a banger in its own right, a must have cut!! b/w ‘Voices Of Other Times’ is one of my favorites from the Closer To It LP, a super funky, jazz-rock thang, up-tempo and includes a wonderful sample and loop. Dynamite Cuts DJs tool, and one for the collectors!

Both tracks are taken from the groundbreaking ‘Closer To It’ album from 1973 which was such a genre bending release it entered the US jazz, R&B and rock charts simultaneously. We release this amazing 45 with the permission & cooperation of Greg Boraman’s Soul Bank Music – who recently announced they have licensed Brian Augers’ full back catalogue to re-issue, including many previously unheard rarities from Brian’s personal archive.

The Frosted label is back with more brilliance from Inland Knights in the form of this newly remastered version of the classic 'Figure It Out.' It was first put out back in 2013 as the first release on the label and remains a vital tune from the British pair. On the flip, Mark Farina is one of those hallowed producers who always has his own unique sonic signature, most famously under his Mushroom Jazz alias. His edit brings plenty of depth and broken beat lushness with noodling guitar riffs and spoken words making it a backroom gem.

Limited to 200 copies.

Bristol based MC and Split Prophets member Upfront has once again teamed up with beppo on production for their second collaborative project "Reflections". Originally written, produced and recorded during Upfront's extensive stay in Leipzig in 2017, this very personal and lyrical album finally sees the light of day in 2022.

“Introvert” is an expansive piece of music that begins with a mighty orchestral fanfare and doesn’t let up as Simz peels off bars that grapple with fear, frustration, and possibility on both a personal and more universal level. “My speech ain’t involuntary,” Simz raps, “Project with intention straight from my lungs/I’m a black woman and I’m proud one/We walk in blind faith not knowing the outcome/But as long as we unified then we’ve already won.”

Sometimes I Might Be Introvert follows Little Simz’s 2019 album, Grey Area. Simz produced the album with her regular collaborator Inflo, and it will feature guest appearances from Cleo Sol, Obongjayar, and even The Crown star Emma Corrin.

Limited Edition 12" Vinyl.” LP