US Hip Hop Preorder 44 Items

A Nnew deluxe 16 track DLP edition of Amerigo GAZAWAY's cult classic reimagining of his fav D'angelo cuts includes all the original tracks alongside their corresponding instrumentals, plus a few unreleased gems. A perfect mixture of hip-hop, gospel, house, neo-soul and R&B. Awesome full pic sleeve.

First Word Records is very proud to bring you the 10th anniversary edition of Tall Black Guy's debut LP '8 Miles to Moenart'!

It includes two brand new jazz interpretations ('From Home To Work, And Back' and 'Running The Motor'), recorded with a live band, as well as a new intro cut ('Black Detroit'), and an alternative mix of the single 'Mon Amie De'troit', previously only available on 7" vinyl.

The original vinyl LP release was a one-time limited edition pressing; this being the first time this project has been available on wax since then, and also includes entirely new artwork and photography.

From humble origins in Detroit, raised on a healthy diet of Motown, jazz and hip hop, Terrel Wallace (aka Tall Black Guy) has become a standard bearer for the hip hop beats scene. Through a steady stream of soulful productions filled with incredibly clever sample flips and deft production chops, he has won fans across the world, including Gilles Peterson, Benji B, Don Letts, Lefto, Tom Ravenscroft, Lord Finesse, Huey Morgan, Anthony Valadez and countless others, along with sessions for Boiler Room and more.

'8 Miles To Moenart' literally brought Tall Black Guy full circle, and proceeds to do so once again. Detroit was where he started making music, and it's to his hometown he took inspiration for this debut album. Taking in low-slung hip hop, downtempo house and jazz-tinged street soul, it's a record of rare focus. It encapsulated the musical heritage of Detroit, through the looking glass of Tall Black Guy's own signature sound.

Follow up releases included his sophomore First Word album 'Let's Take A Trip' (which also featured the likes of Masego, Daniel Crawford, Miles Bonny and Moonchild), and records on Ubiquity, Bastard Jazz and Street Corner Music, to name a few, along with a steady slew of limited self-released edits amd productions, most recently with his #7DayVaults series.

He's worked with a number of formidable artists worldwide, including recent extensive work with Zo! (Little Brother), Ozay Moore, Deborah Bond and Dee Jackson (80's Babies), as well as collaborations with 14kt and First Word label-mate Allysha Joy, to name just a few. He is also an integral player for DJ Jazzy Jeff's infamous PLAYlist Retreat sessions, along with more First Word family, Kaidi Tatham and Eric Lau, as well as artists like James Poyser, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Questlove, and he was a core contributor to First Word's 'Nothing Leaves The House' series, along with Eric, Mr Thing and kidkanevil.

Tall Black Guy has firmly established himself to be one of the most influential producers working today.

Terrel says "I made the bulk of this album back in Detroit around 2012/2013, before I relocated to the UK. I've been back living and working in the States for a while now, and it's great to look back on this project. But while it's nice to reminisce, it's important to look forwards, so I wanted to include something new here to represent my progression as an artist, so there's some new versions included, that I created with the help of some jazz musician friends of mine."

'8 Miles to Moenart' (10th Anniversary Edition) will be released on digital & vinyl on October 18th 2024.

Limited edition of 500 copies, featuring a black vinyl, a printed inner sleeve, and a sticker.

Limited edition of 330 copies only on Glow In The Dark vinyl. This is pressed with a new method so there is no sound difference between black vinyl and glow in the dark anymore.

The problem with being recognized as a creative genius is that you've got to live up to it 24/7. Kool Keith was given such a mantle upon the release of the “Dr. Octagonecologist” album, and it's not something he seems happy about: on the first track of “First Come, First Served”, he--as Dr. Dooom--kills Octagon. It's the perfect move for Keith, and it sets the tone for the album, which is a mix of humorous tracks ("Neighbors Next Door," which asks you to imagine having Keith and Jacky Jasper living in the next apartment, and "You Live at Home with Your Mom") and songs on which Keith lays down the law ("No Chorus" and "Leave Me Alone"). Few MCs could hope to match Keith, but here--rapping over knocked-off Octagon grooves (produced with Kutmaster Kurt, they're still more innovative than most) and settling lots of personal scores--he sounds like he's just trying to get a bunch of ideas out of his head as quickly as possible. Still, there's an amazing EP's worth of material here, but it's spread over a full album. Minus the filler, Dooom might just be Octagon's better. --Randy Silver

Thes One returns with a one-off sequel to last summer's Chemistry Collective 45. The uptempo A-Side celebrates team rider Brian Perez' accomplishment of making the El Salvador Olympic Team for surfing and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to his expenses as he travels to France and Tahiti to compete in the 2024 Olympics. The B-Side is a downtempo mood piece where Thes One captures lazy day beach vibes and hangin' on a central american beach with stray dogs.

The Need to Know is Queens-based rapper Duncecap’s most refined project to date. steel tipped dove (Armand Hammer, Fatboi Sharif) crafts the new album with a cinematic touch, soundtracking the worlds Dunce builds with dusty kicks and bespoke samples.

Art-rap legends doseone and Skech185 lend verses to the project, and stalwart collaborator Samurai Banana lends his cutting hand for frenzied scratching over Dove’s plucky thumps and sprawling loops.

With a triumphant pessimism, The Need to Know examines the human condition through big-box store nostalgia and city parking; trans-humanism, and anxiety. steel tipped dove accentuates the levity and tension of Duncecap’s writing with nuanced expertise, bringing out funky colors from the bouncy darkness.

Available for the first time on vinyl, Sean Price aka Sean “Grinch” originally dropped this single and video in the holiday spirit in December 2012. “How Sean P! Stole Christmas” features Brownsville’s finest wreaking havoc on Christmas in the only way he can, and -- spoiler alert -- swiping gifts from under the tree is hardly the worst offense. Produced by Khrysis, this 7” single features dirty, clean, and instrumental versions, and is pressed on limited edition Neon Green Vinyl.

Nickelus F, hailing from Richmond Virginia returns a brand new album. Venture into the world of "reluctantly obligated" with Nickelus F's latest releast Mmcht - inspired by the sound of sucking teeth. A must-have for all hip-hop fans, this album combines top-tier lyricism, captivating production, and introspective storytelling. F's artistry shines as he continues to connect with fans and push creative limits.

The ever-prolific Kaelin Ellis is a rare gem of a musician. His rise to prominence has grown through his skills as a talented multi-instrumentalist and a very earnest need to build community and collaboration. This is made beautifully apparent in his Fool's Gold debut entitled, You Are Here, Start. This album is full of the melodic and rhythmic sensibilities that has made Kaelin a respected and revered household name. With features that range from Duckwrth, Guapdadd 4000 and 2-time Juno Award winning rapper TOBi, to savant pianist Anomalie and RnB/Blues crooner C.S. Armstrong, "You Are Here, Start" covers sonic ground in ways only Kaelin can. There's a certain warmth to this project that wraps around you like the sun.

Nickelus F, hailing from Richmond Virginia returns a brand new album. Venture into the world of "reluctantly obligated" with Nickelus F's latest releast Mmcht - inspired by the sound of sucking teeth. A must-have for all hip-hop fans, this album combines top-tier lyricism, captivating production, and introspective storytelling. F's artistry shines as he continues to connect with fans and push creative limits.

Limited Vinyl to 300 Copies. 200 Black 100 Splatter colored Vinyl.

Limited Vinyl to 300 Copies. 200 Black 100 Splatter colored Vinyl.

Originally scheduled for release way back in March 1996, "The Raw Factor" by North Carolina native Omniscence is one of the last of the unreleased mid-90's albums to see the light of day. Despite being awarded The Source's coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" and dropping two well-received singles ("Amazin" and "Touch Y'all"), record label politics meant the full-length "The Raw Factor" album was never released and fans were left wondering what might have been.

28 years later, "The Raw Factor" is finally being released on vinyl, CD and digital stores. Featuring punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic, the album is a must-own for fans of 90's Hip Hop.

Omniscence haunted the same early 90's cyphers and stages that many lyrical greats from the era had to cross. With a gruff delivery and equal adeptness with punchlines and metaphors, his high finish at the 1994 edition Battle For World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar assured heads across the culture were watching. After this, Omniscence locked in with producer Fanatic (who also laced tracks for Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Michael Jackson). The result was "The Raw Factor" album, fifteen plus tracks of jazzed out boom-bap, replete with crackin' drums.

Now Below System Records has not only given the album its first deluxe physical release (including 2xLP, CD and digital) as well as a slew of bonus/unreleased tracks.

Originally scheduled for release way back in March 1996, "The Raw Factor" by North Carolina native Omniscence is one of the last of the unreleased mid-90's albums to see the light of day. Despite being awarded The Source's coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" and dropping two well-received singles ("Amazin" and "Touch Y'all"), record label politics meant the full-length "The Raw Factor" album was never released and fans were left wondering what might have been.

28 years later, "The Raw Factor" is finally being released on vinyl, CD and digital stores. Featuring punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic, the album is a must-own for fans of 90's Hip Hop.

Omniscence haunted the same early 90's cyphers and stages that many lyrical greats from the era had to cross. With a gruff delivery and equal adeptness with punchlines and metaphors, his high finish at the 1994 edition Battle For World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar assured heads across the culture were watching. After this, Omniscence locked in with producer Fanatic (who also laced tracks for Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Michael Jackson). The result was "The Raw Factor" album, fifteen plus tracks of jazzed out boom-bap, replete with crackin' drums.

Now Below System Records has not only given the album its first deluxe physical release (including 2xLP, CD and digital) as well as a slew of bonus/unreleased tracks.

Widely recognized as the most influential underground hip hop artist of the past 15 years, Roc Marciano returns with his latest masterpiece “Marciology.” Once again, Roc effortlessly colors his signature raw production with the razor sharp multisyllabic rhyme styles that spawned countless imitators. “Marciology” is mostly self-produced as usual, with Alchemist and Animoss offering up a few beats a piece., with guest verses from Larry June, Jay Worthy, Crimeapple, Flee Lord, and Knowledge the Pirate.

Five Five is the second studio album from the Miami-born underground rap pioneer, Pouya. Marking a slight transition into a more mature sound, Five Five showcases Pouya’s evolution as an artist while maintaining the raw authenticity that has endeared him to his fans. With tracks like "Suicidal Thoughts in the Back of the Cadillac Pt. 2" and "Handshakes," Pouya delves into themes of struggle, resilience, and personal growth, offering listeners a glimpse into his journey. In what became truly a solo effort, Five Five is limited to one feature in Night Lovell, with production primarily handled by Mikey The Magician (Track 4 produced by Chevali). The album draws from elements of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, yet remains uniquely rooted in Pouya’s own style. Over the years, Pouya has developed a long lasting core fanbase, first bubbling up in Miami alongside artists such as Denzel Curry, and then becoming a nationally celebrated artist. Back in print for the first time since originally released in 2018. Pressed on Wire Wheel Picture Disc Vinyl and cut at 45 RPM.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on red vinyl, limited to 100 copies.

When Your Old Droog first entered the hip-hop scene a decade ago, he was cloaked in anonymity. The Ukraine-born, Brooklyn bred rap phenomenon was known solely for his sharp, punchy lyrics wrapped in a gruff delivery. He finally came into the light with his eponymous debut release, the catalyst for what has become a prolific career. Since then, Droog has crystallized his place as the erudite rapper who can tackle any beat with precision; a product of the underground, yet designed for the mainstream. With his new project Movie, YOD is in a new era, where his days of being the dark horse in rap are over. He has countless co-signs from some of the greatest to ever touch a mic, and now he's finally geared to join them. "Movie is everything that's dope about me," Droog explains. "Every song, every mood. This is my story." A layered masterpiece, the album features appearances by Method Man, Yasiin Bey, and Denzel Curry, plus production by industry stalwarts like Just Blaze, Harry Fraud, Conductor Williams, and the legendary Madlib.

Yogisoul returns with his first album in 8 years, after breaking through creative blocks and discovering a newfound love for his producing craft rooted in his childhood.

A timeless throwback offering, an instant classic that will leave you wondering if you somehow missed this record reminiscent of 90’s West Coast Rap. It’s that blunt rolling record, with the deep G-Funk grooves, skits, and raps by Woof. A record inspired by the albums Yogisoul grew up listening to. A combination of his imagination of the West Coast California landscape portrayed by 90’s records on Death Row Records, and the real-life experiences of California-based rapper, Woof.

But before Yogi could get started on the project, he had some creative barriers to work through, hurdles that had him wondering if he’d continue making music at all.

“A few years back I became a father, worked as a teacher, and didn't really feel inspired by the music I was making. I was kinda fed up with the lane I was in musically and had doubts about continuing. Which was very strange since I´ve been into music so heavily since I was a kid. Time for music was a bit limited and I just hit a creative stop for a while.”

Sometimes an existential crisis is all you need to unlock the tools to look deep within and take stock of what inspired your love for making music in the first place. For producer Yogisoul, it was thinking about the golden era of hip hop that initially sparked his interest in becoming a producer, and revisiting the albums that remain deep within his canon that inspired the beginnings of his new LP, Let the Dopeness Begin! Yogisoul began an inward journey that found him trying to produce from the perspective of himself as a kid.

“I started listening back to the records I really loved as a young teen. When I listened, I loved and felt very connected to the music, but had no idea of how it was made or what went into the record-making process. I found it very refreshing trying to make music from that perspective of the young mind just feeling the music, not understanding it or breaking it down. I really found my creative output again that way. When I grew up, the rappers and producers I listened to were like superheroes, larger than life.”

As Yogi dove deeper, he was able to move past the self-doubt that had him overanalyzing what he was creating and started producing beats that he felt could set the stage for storytelling. He wanted to make music that made you feel like you were watching a movie or listening to a soundtrack, cruising the streets in a lowrider in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Let The Dopeness Begin, taps into that storytelling not only with Woof’s raps but by offering multiple layers of production and sequencing that leaves room for skits that invite you into the sonic world of the album. When Yogi was trying to find a vocalist to collaborate on the album with, he had a vision for what the right voice would be for the project.

“In the process of finding my sound, I wanted to work with vocalists or artists that tell a story. Not necessarily by storytelling or in the lyrics, but just by hearing their voice you instantly know where they are from, what they represent, and what they are about. Like an outlaw on the prairie with an out-of-tune guitar is more interesting than a studio musician. Woof is that guy! Not on the prairie but in a lowrider under the streetlights sipping on gin & juice. My ability is not in living that life, but in the musical experience of knowing what can facilitate him in the best way sonically. Setting the scene for him with the beats, the talkbox, the scratches, and the skits on the record.” - Yogisoul

Yogi had become aware of Woof’s raps back in 2012, he always felt as if Woof was overlooked or going unnoticed. He made attempts to track him down, but it wasn't until more recently that Woof popped up on a social media page, which allowed Yogi to reach out in regards to the possible collaboration. The two made the record completely remotely, never even having a single conversation on the phone, it was all orchestrated via text. Yogi would send beats and Woof would send raps back, always making the recorded raps work for the beat, no matter the approach. Forcing Yogi to be creative with his production in ways he hadn’t before, testing his abilities to create a polished sonic world to lose yourself in.

“I worked a lot to make his vocals sound as good as they do, and have used a lot of analogue gear and processing to get them sounding the way they do now. The stems he had sent me have felt like a puzzle, and I pieced it together to a record in the end. I think that is what makes the record unique.” - Yogisoul

The first track they worked on was “94 Heavy”, which would become the first single on the album and is first the song on the record, past the album's introduction track. It wastes no time setting a vibe and transporting you back to 1994, the record is not just a record, it’s a time machine. A true representation of the whole record in one track, and a quintessential track within this collaboration of Yogisoul and Woof. It’s an undeniable head nodder, with smooth horns, deep synth bass that will leave no question about the record's low-end power, and a dope drum swing.

Other notable tracks on the record are “Comin Thru”, which is a braggadocious, G-Funk, banger! It contains all the ingredients of classic West Coast Rap albums. A smooth beat for Woof to weave in and out of, talkbox, scratches in the hook, and samples of legendary Los Angeles voices. A track that will make you feel like you should have a forty and a doobie nearby.

The title track, “Let the Dopeness Begin”, the self-titled track on the album is an homage to the West Coast Classics radio station on GTA: San Andreas. A cruise with the windows jam that slaps! “I want people to put this record on when the summer is incoming, when they pull their windows down, when they roll by the old court where they used to play basketball.”
For a record that comes in at just under 30 minutes, it is absolutely packed with material, and opportunities to explore the world created with the production, raps, and skits.
credits
releases August 16, 2024

All songs written by Colin Beverly AKA Woof
All songs produced by Lasse Mandelid Karlsen AKA Yogisoul
Mastered by Christian Øbermayer at Strype Audio
Recorded and mixed by Lasse Mandelid Karlsen
Vinyl lacquered by Shane "The Cutter" at Finyl Tweek
Cover art by Will Child
Art direction by Elliot Baxter

Schäffer the Darklord and my new album presents a collection of tracks inspired by beloved Disney narratives, albeit with a darker interpretation. Among the featured songs are "No Windows, No Doors," drawing inspiration from the eerie Haunted Mansion ride; "Rated G for Trauma," which revisits the most unsettling scenes across Disney films; "Rivers of Avren," based on "The Black Cauldron"; and "The Wizard's Assistant," reflecting on "Fantasia's" Sorcerer's Apprentice. The album also explores "The Mayor's Head" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Finding Dreamfinder" from EPCOT's imaginative journey with Figment, and "Boogedy," inspired by the ghostly tale of Mr. Boogedy. Further tracks include "Tink of the Fae," offering a twist on "Peter Pan"; "Five Ways to Kill a Toon," hinting at the mixed universe of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"; "Pleasure Island," channeling the cautionary tale from "Pinocchio"; and "Mr. Ravenswood," which pays homage to the lore of Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland Paris.

Limited edition glass mastered CD edition of "The Toronto Tape" by Bozack Morris. Featuring the illest emcees from Toronto. Includes bonus track "Karate Practice" featuring Daniel Son.

Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver's "Day Ones" from their latest series of projects. Available on vinyl with all new artwork exclusively from Near Mint.

Mafia Musik is the fourth studio album from mercurial Los Angeles rapper, D. Savage. Initially breaking out in the SoundCloud rap scene in 2016 with the track, “30 Round Clip,” D. Savage has blossomed from underground icon to full-fledged star, with Mafia Musik serving as his magnum opus. At 13 tracks, D. Savage relentlessly keeps his foot on the gas for the entire duration of the album, with scorching hits such as “Kome On,” “Dirty Dan,” & “joker, Pt. 2.” One of the leading artists in the plugg sub-genre, his delivery and style is melodic and airy, yet far from soft. It’s clear the future is bright for D. Savage, and Mafia Musik serves as a great foundation for what is to come for him.

YELLOW COVER: 2xLP, Widespine Jacket, Black & White Cookie SplitVinyl, Alternate Yellow FrontCover, Marketing Sticker. Ltd to 50 copies.

With help from Jerry Seinfeld himself, one of the classics from the mixtape era, Wale’s More About Nothing sees its first official release on CD & Vinyl. Originally released in 2008, the album is nothing short of a masterpiece in his celebrated catalog, and features appearances from then-budding artists Wiz Khalifa & Fat Trel, among others. True fans of the musician will undoubtedly know how crucial this project is to the culture; a Jerry Seinfeld collaboration with Wale finally available for all.

With I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy, Fat Tony embodies the kind of quixotic figure he would rap about; a singular entity who’s motivated, confident, and hungry; a perpetual-motion-machine locked in a staring contest with his country. It’s the latest album in his catalog produced entirely by L.A-based producer Taydex since 2020’s Wake Up. Later that same year Fat Tony released Exotica, and ever since he’s demonstrated he is in his own lane as a professional rapper with the mind of a magician, as quick to conjure an image as pull it out from under you, deftly manoeuvring through so many details and references a listener feels as if they have witnessed the work of an illusionist. He paints these canvases inside of songs that rarely spill past three minutes; they’re pocket-sized diaries replete with acute observations, character studies, microdoses of storytelling, and single-minded ruminations on a topic that bud, blossom, and fade before too long. Fat Tony & Taydex’s I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy cements Tony’s status as someone whose albums are not so much lyrically-lyrical as they are picaresque.

As with any Fat Tony project, the bars are tight as ever, but are so fluid for the 34-year-old it’s almost easy to take for granted the details, warmth, and humanity inside his free-associative tales of day-one friends who’ve passed, edgelord grifters who want to spit game, and nights on ketamine. Taydex’s production sprints through disparate yet simpatico styles, dipping its toes into Pi’erre Bourne-esque bass (see lead single “Spectacular”), house (“Loosen Up”), and even hyperpop. Meditations on loss and grief are woven throughout, but Tony throws a few curveballs as well: Consider “Alexis,” which sweetly reflects on a long-term platonic friendship. Taydex finds a Teddy Riley-indebted New Jack Swing groove just deep enough for the feeling to land and underlines the song’s sincere candor. This is the appeal of Fat Tony writ-large: his boisterous voice and genial personality invite you to the party, then you stick around to hear what he’s saying, which is frequently more introspective and complex than one assumes.

Written and recorded in Taydex’s new studio in North Hollywood, Tony says, “We had much more freedom and flexibility in making this album and you can hear it. It felt like a family project.” If the album is comfortable and loose, it is also dense and substantial. The album’s final two tracks contextualize the immediacy of what came before it—the mezcal with ices drank, Paul Wall swangin’ through to drop knowledge, the Polaris Prize-winning rapper Cadence Weapon providing a vibe check. “Make a Baby” accounts for Tony who’s seen everything, and knows he’s met the one to be a father with, and yet chooses to take his time to get it done. Taydex’s beat recalls turn-of-the-century R&B and the millennial promise of an endless good time. Sombre closer “Jasper, TX” is Tony coming to grips with the story of James Byrd, Jr., a Black man from East Texas dragged to his death by three white supremacists in 1998. These songs are not only trademarks of Tony’s fastidious rapping—they are deeply personal examples of his approach to artistry and life itself, where every decision is made in the shadow of history.

It’s here the mission statement of I Will Make a Baby in this Damn Economy comes into focus—you get the sense he means it, he’s ready for it, he’ll fight for it. He’s waiting to take the world at its word.

Indie Exclusive Black Vinyl Edition.

It might blow up, but it won't go pop!

De La Soul’s third studio release, Buhloone Mindstate, released on September 21, 1993, saw the group evolve into a new sound as they continued to grow stylistically and musically. There were several moments on the album which proved the band had matured. "I Be Blowin'" was a departure as the track was an instrumental featuring saxophone playing by Maceo Parker. The introspective "I Am I Be" showed De La Soul at their most self-referential to date. "Long Island Wildin'" was a collaboration with Japanese hip hop artists Kan Takagi (Major Force) and trio Scha Dara Parr (sdp). The album's first single, "Breakadawn", used a sample of Michael Jackson's "I Can't Help It" and Smokey Robinson's "Quiet Storm". De La Soul collaborated for the first time with Gang Starr's Guru on "Patti Dooke", and female MC Shortie No Mas who was prominent on many tracks on the album and showcased particularly on "In The Woods". The album ended with an old school Biz Markie collaboration called "Stone Age".

Attention: Intro, Skits and Interludes are not part of this reissue, unfortunately.

R.I.P. Trugoy the Dove

Finally back on vinyl. Now as a double vinyl LP, officially reissued. Must have! 3 Feet High and Rising is the debut studio album by hip hop trio De La Soul and was released on March 3, 1989 It marked the first of three full- length collaborations with producer Prince Paul, which would become the critical and commercial peak of both parties. Critically, as well as commercially, the album was a success. It contains the singles, "Me Myself and I", "The Magic Number", "Buddy", and "Eye Know". The album title came from the Johnny Cash song "Five Feet High and Rising". It is listed on Rolling Stone's 200 Essential Rock Records and The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums. When Village Voice held its annual Pazz & Jop Critics Poll for 1989, 3 Feet High and Rising was ranked #1. It was also listed on the Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Released amid the 1989 boom in gangsta rap, which gravitated towards hardcore, confrontational, violent lyrics, De La Soul's uniquely positive style made them an oddity beginning with the first single, "Me, Myself and I". Their positivity meant many observers labeled them a 'hippie' group, based on their declaration of the 'D.A.I.S.Y. Age' (Da. Inner. Soul. Yall). Sampling artists as diverse as Hall & Oates, Steely Dan and The Turtles, 3 Feet High and Rising is often viewed as the stylistic beginning of 1990s alternative hip hop (and especially jazz rap).

A simple but ill concept: J Dilla & Madlib go back and forth and create a modern day hip hop classic! Finally repressed and back in stock. This one includes the new version of "The Red". Instant Classic.

So so classic album by The Fugees' first lady!