UK Hip Hop 233 Items

Connecting Swindle’s grime and dubstep roots with UK jazz, funk and soul, No More Normal was created over a three year period, and spans “strings-laden soul to voicebox-heavy p-funk – often in the course of one song.”

The 11-track album features MCs Kojey Radical, Ghetts, D Double E and P Money, instrumentalists Yussef Dayes, Nubya Garcia, Riot Jazz, and singers Etta Bond, Eva Lazarus and Kiko Bun.

Team Dreebs Vol.1 - Cloud 9, Concept of Thought, Benaddict, M. Kozi, Mr Slipz, Tonks and more…

Jester Jacobs on the mic Formz on the beats

LP number three. The Baxter wave shows no signs of slowing anytime soon!

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

Jam Baxter's high in demand classic album 'The Gruesome Features' is finally back in
stock on limited edition double violet vinyl. Widely regarded as the crown jewel in his
discography so far, ‘The Gruesome Features’ is the perfect introduction to the mind
bending lyricism of Jam Baxter.
Featuring cult classics such as 'Brains' & 'Filet Mignon' and boasting feature verses and
production from an all star cast of UK Hip Hop legends, this album is not to be missed -
Especially not the second time around! With only 300 copies pressed up (and already
selling fast from our webstore), it would be wise to snap this one up before it disappears
FOREVER!
This is the second edition of the 2xLP pressing of this album. It was originally released in
2012 as an EP containing only a selection of the tracks available on the CD/Digital
version.

15 track album by Bronze Nazareth and Leaf Dog.

High Focus Records stalwart, Dirty Dike, not usually one to hold his tongue, is making a return to the airwaves this April without even saying a word. This time letting the beats do the talking for him, as he continues to gain as much respect for his production as he does on the microphone. After having produced Rag N Bone Man's critically acclaimed 'Put That Soul On Me' 12'' as well as one of the biggest breakthrough tunes of 2014, 'Walking', for phenomenal newcomer Ocean Wisdom, the second official installment of the 'A Dirty Dike Production...' series is upon us! This time around the outspoken rapper turned instrumentalist has enlisted none other than incomparable Northern lyricist supreme Lee Scott for a full length LP of that straight up unadulterated buttery Jazz Funk aptly titled 'Butter Fly'.
Following the tried and tested 1 producer 1 MC formula which has been responsible for some of Hip Hop's most classic and cohesive albums, the pair blend seamlessly together as both the production and the lyrics complement one another perfectly. Veering off from the thick soul sound of ‘Put That Soul On Me’ with Rag N Bone Man, Dike has opted to go for a more Jazzy approach. The album is densely packed with smoked out, nonchalant jazzy blends which provide the perfect musical bedding for an equally cool as a cucumber Lee Scott to deploy his effortless, hilarious and incisive social commentary to great effect. As Lee Scott puts it himself, he is that 'cool Daddy Boney M was going on about' and he always, always keeps it fly, totally money and utmost buttery.

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.

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.

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

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

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

The album is completely produced by illinformed and features 1jack, All Hail Y.T, Babylon Dead, Bil Next, Bill Shakes, Bisk, BVA, Chris Skillz, Crossbow T, Datkid, Dirt Platoon, Eric The Red, Frek 1, Gaza Glock, General, Inja, Jack Jetson, Jay Nice, Leaf Dog, Left Lane Didon, Lisaan'Dro, Pertrelli, Res One, Ruste Juxx, Sean Peng, Sk!nt, Smellington Piff, Tony Broke, Verb T, Wish Master & Wyatt Earp.

Axel HolyandMarka Sandeliver three songs off their first collaborative effort, the Chess (ep), available on limited 7" vinyl. "Strange World," "Parlez Vous," and "Chess," are the first offerings from the pair's EP.
All 7" include a free download code for the full EP.
The full6-track features six original tracks with an incredible amount of depth: grime, hip-hop, and trap. Axel Holy delivers gritty UK grime vocals over Marka San's dark post-apocalyptic atmospheric soundscapes.
Bouncing nitty gritty beats and rhythms between Ljubljana and Bristol, Axel Holy and Marka San's goal of a small EP quickly turned into 20-plus songs. The duo handed the songs over to their label,rx:tx, to finalize the track list of what would become theChess (ep).
Make sure you check out this exclusive 3-track release from Axel Holy and Marka San's upcomingChess (ep). Don't miss out, get yourself a limited vinyl while supplies last!

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.

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!

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

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

Onoe Caponoe, a London based, yet widely travelled audio astronaut, has been leaving stepping stones and musical bread crumbs for his listeners for years now, traveling further and further into the uncharted depths of the galaxy with each musical offering. Onoe Caponoe has consistently displayed an evolution in originality, experimentation, creativity and intergalactic psychedelic space travel through which his fans have faithfully followed him through every quadrant of the galaxy relishing in its hallucinatory and other worldly properties. In doing so he has become one of the most progressive and exciting artists in the London music scene, pushing the inter-dimensional envelope further into the multi coloured cosmos than any of his contemporaries who seem glued to the earth’s mundane concrete surface.

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.

Something a little special for the landmark AE Productions catalogue number Ae050. Recorded circa 2012 and intended for release on High Noon Music, Mr Fantastic and J. Todd’s follow up to their superb ‘All The Critics’ has sat in the vaults ever since. With AE’s 50th release coming up we arranged with the kind help of High Noon Music to release ‘Don’t Worry’ on AE as originally intended on 7” with the instrumental on the flip, albeit around 11 years later.

The beat starts with a nice slice of Funk guitar which leads into Mr Fantastic’s customary big crunchy drums and a booming 808 sub kick. The intro sample then doesn’t reappear as is but is chopped to pieces and replayed with all guitar and bass parts taking on an entirely new groove which sits on the drums perfectly and is augmented with additional sounds.

Milwaukee’s finest J. Todd graces the track with a nice aggressive pacey flow which works as a nice counter balance to the vocal on ‘All The Critics’ and giving the track a more hardcore underground feel. J. Todd’s freestyle and tongue in cheek braggadocios battle rhymes ride the beat with ease which provides an easy listen considering the tough feel of the track.

We dug out an image taken around the time of recording to keep it in keeping with the image that may have been selected at the time had it been released. The audio is the original master from 2012 so as to retain the original flavour of the track but was done by our mastering engineer of choice Rola @ Khameleon Sounds. We hope you agree that the wait was worthwhile.

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).

Home Cooking' is the new, mature sound of DJ Yoda. Maximising the experience and enjoyment gained from recording live instruments and prioritising songs over beats for his previous two albums 'Breakfast of Champions' and 'Chop Suey', this is a big step for the cut-and-paster as a producer, having wowed the world over for over two decades with his celebrated turntable tomfoolery. Recorded between his own studio and the world famous Abbey Road, 'Home Cooking' keeps one foot in the hip-hop old school with collaborations with the returning Jungle Brothers (the party-starting 'Afrika') and Boston bastion Edo. G (a peaceful route from London to 'Roxbury'), and spreads to a melodic vibe scoring chilled Sunday mornings.

"I titled this one 'Home Cooking' because the music is so close to my heart, in terms of what I grew up on, and what really speaks to me on a personal level". Imbued with the spirit of Guru's 'Jazzmatazz', the output of Acid Jazz and 90s vitals from the Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, Yoda admits that it's a happy accident that, whilst drawing on jazzy, soulful hip-hop from 25 years ago, the sound of 'Home Cooking' is very much of-the-moment.

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.

LP+CD+7"

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

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

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

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

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

While most spend their days wading through the treacly undercurrents of a decaying hometown, Jam Baxter spends his days carving out on a new existence in the heart of Mexico City.

With a forest of rare succulents of house plants on his eighth floor balcony, a notepad in his back pocket (for lizard spotting) and a flea market typewriter primed in his writing room, Baxter affords himself the time and grace for his new surroundings to seep into him, watching his writing take on new life in the exchange; days and nights spent in quiet contemplation as he sharpens his skills in unpacking the universe.

Granuja has eschewed the at-times chaotic metropolis of Medellín for a quiet life in the hills of La Ceja, where he produces and writes (followed around by his pack of loyal dogs). Six years since his debut solo LP ‘Círculo Vicioso’ dropped back in 2017, Granuja has been steadily carving a name for himself in Latin America and beyond with a series of critically acclaimed rap releases.

Baxter & Granuja first met in 2020; the former taking an impromptu 2-hour taxi cab in thickest night to Granuja’s studio way up in the winding hills of Antióquia. As with all great creative endeavours, plans to record ‘a couple of tracks’ snowballed; a single became an EP became an album, the momentum fuelled by a new Jack Danz’ instrumental landing in Baxter’s inbox every fortnight.

Before sunrise the bones of ’De las Sombras’ were born.

There is no question that Granuja and Baxter bring out a different side of one another. The two artists hopping borders, barriers and time zones; switching languages as often as they switch flows across an album unified by an all-encompassing sense of doom.

At its core, ‘De las Sombras’ is a gothic listen. A haunting, swooning downward spiral. Blacks, whites, purples and greens bubbling a thick concoction. Life and death at loggerheads in the back-and-forth; expertly soundtracked by Jack Danz most haunting works to date and complemented by a series of curated vocal samples furthering the gloom.

We like to think of ’De las Sombras’ as an OST for the album artwork. The castle a picture perfect symbol of an album persistently flirting with the supernatural.

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

We are delighted to unveil TrueMendous' sophomore album ‘Great. On Purpose’. ⁠ Sporting 15-tracks of evolutionary music, ‘Great. On Purpose’ is without question True's most ambitious body of work to date.⁠

Since sharing the unrelenting lead single 'Talkk' Feat. Mysdiggi, and after a double serving on follow up 'Really Wanna Love' x 'Still Don't Wanna', the album is a rollercoaster ride. Just listen to her most recent single 'Yourself or The World?' featuring the almighty Skinnyman if you're in need of anymore proof.

Featuring a heavyweight lineup of guest appearances from the aforementioned Skinnyman and Mysdiggi, but also including Janel Antoneshia, Vaddy, Princess, Ashley Allen, and DJ Sammy B-Side, complemented by Illinformed, GhostTown, Pitch 92, Forest DLG, Muckaniks, Mark Fear and Bear on production duties - ‘Great. On Purpose’ is Stacked from top-to-tail.

'Great. On Purpose' is available to pre-order on a Super Limited run of 2 x 12" Sunset Splatter Vinyl (250 Copies Only). Never to be repressed in this colour way again, be sure to secure yours now!

Opening with euphoric keys and soothing birdsong, Jman & The Argonautz’ debut LP ‘Therapy In Session’ feels like a seminal moment. Not just for the band (it’s not everyday you reveal your debut album to the world) but also in the HF canon.

As a label founded on emcees and breaks, the notion of releasing a fully fledged Live studio album, crafted by a 6-piece of likeminded and deeply connected musicians makes for a hugely refreshing kink in the arc, at a time when championing true art has never been more important.

The thing we love most about ’Therapy In Session’ is the sense of togetherness that runs through the album. From the aforementioned opening notes to the very last cymbal, every member bringing out the very best in one another as the track list unfolds. Everything poised and perfectly measured, Jman’s lyrical dexterity and Maddy’s accompanying melodies offering up a rich assortment of emotion and mood for the band to blanket in warm arrangements.

Above all else, ‘Therapy In Session’ represents catharsis for both Jman and The Argonautz; each track a deep dive into the highs and the lows, fears, lessons and regrets that life too often throws at us; 16-tracks, each eloquent and razor sharp at every turn.

The album is completely produced by illinformed and features 1jack, All Hail Y.T, Babylon Dead, Bil Next, Bill Shakes, Bisk, BVA, Chris Skillz, Crossbow T, Datkid, Dirt Platoon, Eric The Red, Frek 1, Gaza Glock, General, Inja, Jack Jetson, Jay Nice, Leaf Dog, Left Lane Didon, Lisaan'Dro, Pertrelli, Res One, Ruste Juxx, Sean Peng, Sk!nt, Smellington Piff, Tony Broke, Verb T, Wish Master & Wyatt Earp.

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.

The time has come for hip-hop’s favourite superheroes to unleash their highly anticipated album. The industry’s most recognisable voice, Chali 2na, and turntable wizard Krafty Kuts have been not-so-secretly preparing this project since 2017 through over 150 live shows and countless studio sessions. The time has finally come to grab your capes, don a pair of tights and load up the turntable ready for the show to begin. This is ‘Adventures Of A Reluctant Super Hero’ – prepare for the Purple Assassin and the Scratchman as they come and save your city, the scene and hip-hop as we know it.
Featuring a who’s-who of collabs and guest appearances from hip-hop royalty, this 14-track record takes you to just about every corner of the genre, leaving no stone unturned. With Lyrics Born and Gift Of Gab joining on ‘Guard The Fort’ to deliver a serious statement of intent to open the LP, the rest of the record is an adventure through funk, breaks, rolling basslines, buckets of groove and everything in-between. Throw in a generous portion of expertly delivered bars and vocals from genre sidekicks like Harry Shotta, Skye (Morcheeba), Omar, Dynamite MC and more, and you’re left with a hip-hop record that not even the comic books could have conceived.

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

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

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

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

Heavyweight sound 45rpm 7” from London’s Sister Marion Ft. Mass aka James Massiah (Babyfather), with an absolutely deadly version on the B side produced by Sister Marion featuring John T. Gast. Don’t sleep on this. Comes in a PVC sleeve with download code and photo insert.

Hit plus 2 unreleased tracks

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

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

Known as the 1st MC to fully use the English accent mixed with Yardie, to make it more distinctly an African thing, is Green Crypto Knight formerly known as Bionic from the Human Beatbox Sipho Jozana's group London Posse alongside Rodney P and DJ Biznizz. Sipho left the group early and Bionic retired a few years later. In the following years he continued to make music,producing his own tracks just to stay match fit but with no intentions to release anything. That was until Jan 2018 when DJ Jazz T sent him a track they had done along with producer Dr Zygote 10 years earlier called Superlover (the first word in the chorus). The tune was a banger and as he now went by the name Green Crypto Knight he decided the tune should be renamed "Superman"(the last word in the chorus). He knew it was time for the resurrection after that career death at age 33. Now back Better Stronger Faster Bionicman (BionicAsar) has been rebuilt on positive settings to do was he was made for and release music infused with love and intelligence .
The 12" is pressed on Transparent Green vinyl and has full colour artwork by Ronny Oner.