US Hip Hop 241 Items

In the early 1990s gangsta rap was becoming more popular. KRS-One took to the mic and continued to write socially conscious raps resulting in the hard-hitting 1992 album Sex And Violence which would be the fifth and final studio album under the Boogie Down Productions name. Produced by KRS-One, Pal Joey, Kenny Parker, D-Square, and Prince Paul, the album explores the darkest sides of the American urban landscape and psyche, with KRS as narrator, detailing all sides of the matrix. While singles like the alarming drum-driven "Duck Down" and the funky-as-hell "We In There" got most of the attention in ‘92, the deeper sequence reveals plenty of additional gems: the history lesson of the dark and dusty "Drug Dealer"; "Ruff Ruff", with scowling MC favorite Freddie Foxxx (aka Bumpy Knuckles); the grooving "Questions and Answers," and the frantic record industry track "How Not To Get Jerked." The album kicks off with an intro skit featuring KRS-One as a DJ in panic needing vinyl which at the time was a dying format while cassettes and CDs became the dominant format. Thirty-two years later vinyl DJs and Hip-Hop vinyl collectors no longer need to panic. Get On Down in partnership with Sony Music's Certified is proud to bring back to vinyl this underrated gem in the BDP catalog. Featuring one of the dopest album covers by American artist Robert Williams, Sex and Violence is pressed on colored vinyl and packaged in a gatefold jacket with full lyrics.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Originally released in 1995 on cassette-only via Misfit Records, "Bomb Threat" showcases the variety of talent during the mid-90's in Portland, OR. Representing the Lifesavas and Frontline crews, the "Bomb Threat" collabo was a blueprint for Golden Age hip hop in the North West pairing that special boom bap sound with an hardcore feel to it.

Available in a limited run on 1LP, CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 300 copies on black vinyl 1LP with printed innersleeve - only 1 per customer.

Originally released in 1995 on cassette-only via Misfit Records, "Bomb Threat" showcases the variety of talent during the mid-90's in Portland, OR. Representing the Lifesavas and Frontline crews, the "Bomb Threat" collabo was a blueprint for Golden Age hip hop in the North West pairing that special boom bap sound with an hardcore feel to it.

Available in a limited run on 1LP, CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Boldy James "Penalty Of Leadership" is the follow up to Nicholas Craven produced "Fair Exchange No Robbery". Released digitally January 2024, this time around they've both sharpened their unique approach to Detroit-meets-Montreal soul sample inspired drug raps and further solidify their lightning in a bottle chemistry. "Penatly of Leadership" received a 7.9/10 review from Pitchfork, "The pair's chemistry is still potent enough to chill the blood running through your veins, and Boldy's brush with death [2023 car accident] makes Penalty of Leadership a heavier and more reflective listen than their previous joint album".

Fresh new 6-tracker by Blu!

In recent years, Los Angeles rapper Blu has become one of hip hop’s most prolific artists, releasing more than a dozen acclaimed projects and building a worldwide fanbase. The gifted lyricist often joins forces with a single producer for an entire collection, leading to classic collaborative releases with Exile, Nottz, Madlib, and more. Now, Blu is back with The Blueprint, a new mixtape produced by Shafiq Husayn. Known as one third of visionary production team Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Shafiq has produced for the likes of Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Andre 3000, John Legend, Anderson Paak, Thundercat, Bilal, Ty Dolla $ign, Ice T, and many more. Dedicated to the gang culture that permeates the city they both call home, The Blueprint reflects Blu’s eternal L.A. state of mind, with Shafiq’s eclectic soundscapes providing the perfect backdrop.

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Dooooooooope!

Limited to 300 copies worldwide. Only available at HHV.
The world received a true hip-hop classic with 2007’s release of, Below The Heavens. And with Blu & Exile’s recent acquisition of the album’s master rights, the duo are pleased to join forces
with Coalmine Records for a special, deluxe edition reissue! Throughout the album’s 15 tracks, you can here Blu & Exiles shared intent, which was to create something that was distinctly their own. They were young, hungry artists with gifts they wanted the world to hear, not only to showcase their abilities but to also reveal another side of West Coast rap. The early to mid aughts was a dichotomous time for L.A. hip-hop especially. The underground was brimming with creative releases from acts like Freestyle Fellowship and Living Legends, but to the rest of the world, gangster rap remained the city’s calling card.Before there was even a Blu & Exile, the producer kept hearing about this up-and-coming rapper named Blu who was performing at
venuesthroughout the city. And it was one of Exile’s other collaborators, Aloe Blacc (who formed Emanon with Exile), who helped bring the duo together. The two immediately hit it off, and embarked on a recording spree where the blueprint for Below The Heavens began to take shape. The duo laid down more than 50 tracks steeped in lived truths and tack-sharp writing from Blu as well as Exile’s jaw-dropping sample flips and drums. Through painstaking decisions and track sequencing, the end result was a modern classic in the style of Blu’s biggest influences—Nas, Common, Planet Asia, and DMX. Below The Heavens beautifully captures a special place and time for the then fledgling duo, while remaining a timeless piece of art. It’s shivers-inducing nostalgic, but also modern in its sentiments and voice. It’s a classic.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP in gatefold sleeve.

Originally set to be released in 1996, the self-titled debut "The Black Spooks" finally gets the official release treatment. The trio consisting of Dirty Birdy, Sly Boogy and DJ KMP represented the Inland Empire region of California, sporting a more progressive Westcoast sound but still keeping it street. The album was planned to be released on Perspective Records, but it never saw the light of day until now. 18 tracks in total straight from DJ KMP's original DAT's.

Available in a limited run on 2LP, CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Black Geez is an OG of the Rochester scene and as such, he has been working with a lot of the underground's most buzzing artists since before anyone outside of Flour City knew their names. One MC/producer he has seen rise to popularity is Eto (formerly known as Lil' Eto). The two have made classic material together, including last year's "Few More Holes" off Geez' Concrete Struggles album. In 2020 though, they uncaged a beast of a collab project titled Flour City Street Bible, which was produced entirely by Eto. The LP puts Geez raw street raps on display over a variety of vibes. The release features guest verses from 38 Spesh, Che Noir, Street Justice, and Eto gets a verse in as well.

Official Army Of The Pharaohs and Demigodz emcee Blacastan has been steadily staking his claim to the title of ‘savior of underground rap music’ since his debut mixtape Me Against The Radio and its key cut and video "Life Of A Tape" became an underground cult classic in 2007. The rapper turned his attention to the mic after the Hartford, CT street life, and his strong-arm style of handling business, left a then 16-year-old Blacastan serving a bid in the mid-'90s. He emerged from prison with a remarkable skill set, a throwback style, and an unrivaled drive.
His 2010 debut album Blac Sabbath boasted production & vocals from the likes of Statik Selektah, Blue Sky Black Death, Mr. Green, Esoteric and Celph Titled, and 2012’s The Master Builder Part II, which was mixed by legendary DJ Doo Wop, had features from Slaine and Reef the Lost Cauze, among others. He has since also racked up appearances on Jedi Mind Tricks Violence Begets Violence, the Army of The Pharaohs albums In Death Reborn and Heavy Lies The Crown, the Demigodz Killmatic album, Apathy’s Wanna Snuggle?, Mr Lif’s Don’t Look Down and Czarface’s A Fistful of Peril, plus toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia with Celph Titled and Block McCloud.
2014 saw Blac teaming up with producer and longtime AOTP and Demigodz collaborator Stu Bangas for the first installment of Watson & Holmes, which featured Esoteric, Apathy, Celph Titled and Vinnie Paz. Stu has been in the trenches since the early 2000s, producing heatrocks for Slaine, Esoteric, Tragedy Khadafi, Heltah Skeltah, Jedi Mind Tricks, Vinnie Paz, Blaq Poet, Copywrite, Chino XL, Cappadonna, AOTP and Sean Price, including the lead single “Definition of God” from Sean Price's upcoming posthumous album Imperius Rex.
The duo is back with The Uncanny Adventures of Watson & Holmes, a sophomore effort that improves on the first in every way. Stu gets completely brutal with the beats, and Blac ups the ante on the rhymes. Plus, they’ve enlisted Ill Bill (Non-Phixion, La
Coka Nostra), Nutso, Apathy (Demigodz, AOTP) 7L & Esoteric (AOTP, Czarface), and Tragedy Khadafi to lend their talents to the project.

Griselda Records' own Benny The Butcher released his Tana Talk 3 project in the winter of 2018, the album was produced entirely by Griselda mainstay Daringer and Alchemist and included appearances from his Griselda/Shady Records label-mates Westside Gunn and Conway and Royce 5’9” and Meyhem Lauren. Tana Talk 3 peaked at #4 on Apple’s Hip-Hop chart upon its release and was a mainstay on the charts for months after. Commercial success aside, the album also resulted in tremendous critical acclaim, as it was included in “Best of 2018” lists from Pitchfork, Complex & HipHopWired which crowned Tana Talk 3 as its favorite album of 2018 and a nod from Complex as one of its 20 Rappers to watch for 2019. For further proof Benny’s star is on the rise, he was one of a select few artists to be invited by J. Cole to participate in the recording sessions for Dreamville’s forthcoming Revenge Of The Dreamers III compilation and he recently made “Headlines” alongside his Griselda brethren Westside Gunn and Conway guesting on DJ Premier’s new single. With anticipation at a fever pitch, Benny announces his new project, The Plugs I Met, which will be released on compact disc in late July. The project features collaborations with Pusha T, Jadakiss, Conway, RJ Payne, Alchemist and Daringer. Benny also released the projects first single, “18 Wheeler,” which features Pusha T. Now under the management of Roc Nation, The Plugs I Met is further proof that the future is now for Benny The Butcher.

After the collaboration in 2014 the two parties team up again for this full length, produced by Frank Dukes (Danny Brown, 50 Cent). Guestlist includes MF Doom!

180g vinyl.

Limited Edition of 3000! Still in shrink but opened. Few paper scuffs and tiny wear.

"The Bad Bunny Anniversary Trilogy 3X LP Vinyl Boxset features reissues of the Reggaeton artist's first three studio albums: X 100pre, Yhlqmdlg, and El Último Tour Del Mundo. The entire collection in the box set is pressed on black vinyl and comes with a lithographic poster that shows all three album covers in the boxset. You will also find a QR code inside of the box that takes you to an AI experience." - Rimas Entertainment

17 tracks feat. Son Doobie, Proof of. D12, Everlast, Defari ...

feat. Mellow Man Ace!, Son Doobie, Eminem, Bizarre and more!

Af Ter Being Out Of Print For Years, Atmosphere's Fif Th Studioalbum, You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having, Returns On Vinyl. Following The Breakthrough Success Of Their Fourth Album, Seven's Travels, The Group Returned In 2005, Showing Impressive Growth And Inventiveness In Their New Compositions. Citing Inspirations From A List Of Less-Than Expected Sources, Including Tom Waits, Mark Lanegan, Shawn Phillips, Spoon, The Mars Volta, Alopecia, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, The Beauty Pill, Infected Wisdom Teeth, Craig Finn, Tv On The Radio, Australia And I-94 East, Among Others, The Album Pushed Boundaries Without Overreaching. "[Atmosphere] Has Never Sounded As Pointed And Focused As It Does Here On Its Fifth Album." -Billboard [8 Oct 2005]"Both A Return To Form And A Major Step Forward." -Urb Magazine[Dec 2005, P.94]"Ant Has Never Captured Slug`S Pen Strokes Quite Like This, And As An Emcee And A Songwriter, Slug Has Never Sounded This Good Over The Course Of An Lp. [You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having] Is Absolutely Their Zenith, In Every Sense." -Hiphopdx [4 Oct 2005]

In their 25-plus years as a duo, Atmosphere's rapper Slug and producer Ant have built a legacy that is embedded in the fabric of underground hip-hop. Rising in the ranks of Minneapolis, their debut album, Overcast! was released in 1997. Presented as a flurry of vignettes, and paired with an unending touring schedule, the album was a springboard from which the group was able to become a fixture in the midwest music scene. It wasn't long before their songwriting evolved from telling inventive third-person tales to delivering introspective first-person eviscerations, and by the early 2000's Slug would jokingly birth the phrase "emo rap" in an interview before publications began running with the genre tag to describe them and others. In the decades since their debut, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. The venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music. Slug has proven masterful at storytelling and writing compelling narratives, leaving a trail of his own influence while paying homage to the rappers and songwriters that helped shape him. Meanwhile, Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop's pioneering DJ's and producers, creating his own trademark sounds and providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, guiding generations of listeners through this thing called life. Their newest album, 2023's So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously, captures perhaps some of Atmosphere's most personal work to date. The odyssey opens with a gentler approach than recent works, with the lead-off track "Okay" seemingly focused on comforting and reassuring the listener. As Slug raps over one of the most twinkling productions Ant has ever released, the song lays the groundwork for an album-length exercise in fumbling consciousness. Yet, as gently as the album begins, there's an unmistakable sense of unease from the outset that continues to evolve throughout the project, as Slug and Ant weave the listener through indistinct themes of insomnia and woe. From the subtle panic at the heart of songs like "Dotted Lines" to the overt anxiety of songs like "In My Head," the unease across tracks is unmistakable. Yet, as the tears might begin to well, they find resolve again through songs like "Still Life," whose hopeful outlook undercuts the tensity of the album. All the while, the rhythms on So Many Other Realities are some of the most inventive of Atmosphere's career. Ant's playful percussion on "In My Head" acts as a nice counterweight to the roiling writing, while the drum patterns on "Holding My Breath" and "Bigger Pictures" allow Slug to play with his flow to emphasize the anxiety driving the record. Where previous records in this most recent act of Atmosphere's career have been focused on emphasizing the parts of life that carry the most meaning_family, brotherhood, purpose_So Many Other Realities is an almost unnerving excavation of paranoia inspired by the general malaise of a pandemic weary society full of civil unrest. The tension in these songs is palpable, but the album's mere presence is a testament to the hope that has to underpin even the most stressed out epiphanies. The greatest risk Atmosphere has continued to take across their career is that of being vulnerable and unafraid. The world has inconceivably changed since Slug and Ant entered into the underground hip-hop scene, but despite the seismic shifts in music and culture, they've held strong to a foundation rooted in sly innovation and truth. The duo's relentless release & touring schedules only tell a piece of the story, but spending time with their records_whether you're a new fan or a longstanding listener_reveals a pair of friends who love to create and live for unabashed self-expression. Their bare reflections on life and the mundane traumas and joys that make living worthwhile are a gift, and that is Atmosphere's legacy in and of itself. If the music stopped tomorrow, the duo would go down as two quiet titans who changed the course of everyman rap forever.

Sealed copy.
Cover corners slightly dented.

Classic Hip-hop meets minimalism and dusty vinyl on Anchovies. Cali Agents alum Planet Asia is as sharp as ever with his lyrical smithing. Apollo Brown’s style is evident behind the dust and grime of these smoky samples. The Detroit producer approached this album like a director would a movie. Apollo painstakingly laid out every detail of the project and knew what he wanted from the finished product. He knew that only one rapper could execute his vision. Enter Planet Asia. The West Coast legend was able to fit directly into the plan and bring his talents to the album, creating a perfect match.

The symphony of scramblers, dreamers, and go-getters—andrew's latest solo album harmonizes the hustle of the working artist. These songs paint a picture of relentless ambition and the grind that defines Philly's essence: keep going cause no one is coming here to save you.

Once again fully produced by andrew and joined by a bevy of first time collaborators, "don't forget me, bluest." is his most polished album yet.

Still shrink wrapped.
Cover with corners slightly dented.

When an emcee finds a producer who fuels his verbals, he keeps him close. Atoms Fam, Hangar 18, and Def Jux alumnus, Alaska found just such a fire in steel tipped dove on last year’s The Structural Dynamics of Flow. A journeyman in the pits, dove’s credits run way below the surface of things, and his pedigree shows in his ability to keep the rig moving no matter. Once again on the black circles is the inimitable Marcus Pinn, steady adding nitrous to the mix. Over numerous releases in the last few years including two from 2023 alone, Alaska has settled into a style as mature as it is versatile. He knows the course comfortably now, so he can take the turns, open it up, and just drive.

Along for the ride this time are PremRock and Curly Castro (a.k.a. ShrapKnel), who with Zilla Rocca, make up three-fourths of the Wrecking Crew. All appear on different tracks here, not that keeping them separated blunts their impact in the least. Prem and The Prophet, Fatboi Sharif, are Alaska’s accomplices on “Murder by Numbers,” and fellow Atoms Family member Cryptic One joins Zilla and Alaska on “Disappearing Acts.” There’s also Bateria, a.k.a Jedi Son of Spock, on “Imposter” and Sleeping Dogs on “Vulture Stones,” among others. Those guys are all undeniably dope, but they’re only passengers here.

Alaska never lets you forget who’s behind the wheel as he drops lyrical references to everything from classic slashers and Wu-Tang to Violent Femmes and Hunter S. Thompson. It’s fun, but it’s serious. You can feel the aging aches of “Mild for the Night” in your lower back. You can also feel the frustration on “Hundred Dollar Bills” when Alaska raps, “Yeah, I’m a nihilist, but only ‘cause I’m tired of shit.” Word to the dead man’s ego.

Roy Christopher

Limited Edition.
No. 232/500

Cover corners dented, otherwise VG+
Record with just a few paper scuffs.
Includes original insert.

Limited edition of 500 copies on black vinyl.

We are very pleased to present Adagio!'s "Str8 Off The DAT", the third release of the duo comprised of Obvious Wonder (also known as Carta' P.) and Ray Foges (also known as Ray Supreme) on 90's Tapes. The group dug deep in their crates to come up with 7 unreleased tracks recorded between 1992 and 1997, bringing you that special Adagio! vibe once again.

Available in a limited run on LP, CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

13 dynamic tracks with frequent collaborator BIONIK, as well as Daniel Merriweather, Treasure Davis and, most notably, singer Cee Lo Green.

Limited Edition.
Yellow Opaque Vinyl Marbled W/Light Green.

Still shrink wrapped but opened.
Cover corners slightly dented.
Includes original insert.
Records are close to VG+

Still in shrink but opened with hype sticker. Original inner sleeves. Tiny corner wear.

instant classic folks, a must have for all hip hop connaisseurs! Absoluteclassicalistic!

Until the End of Time is the seventh studio album, and third posthumous album by 2Pac. It follows his previous posthumous albums R U Still Down? (Remember Me) and Still I Rise. The album consists of material recorded while the rapper was on Death Row Records from 1995–1996. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.

A majority of the music compositions were remixed from their original state. Highly anticipated, Until the End of Time was ultimately one of the best selling hip hop albums of 2001. There were only three times references to Death Row Records were not censored (“Until the End of Time” (both versions), “U Don’t Have 2 Worry”, and “All Out”). The core vocal tracks and some instrumentation was recorded during and after the All Eyez On Me and Makaveli: The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory sessions.

This will be a 180 gram 4LP 20th anniversary reissue of the long out-of-print, 4x platinum, posthumous album.

In commemoration of its 25th anniversary Interscope presents the reissue of “2Pacalypse Now”. “2Pacalypse Now” is the debut studio album by American rapper 2Pac. It was released on November 1991, by Interscope Records and EastWest Records America. Less polished than it later proceed with his studio album, “2Pacalypse Now”, which is 2Pac's commentary on contemporary social issues facing American society such as racism, police brutality, poverty, black on black crime, and teenage pregnancy, some issues giving a lyrical glimpse into the world of a young black man on the urban streets of the United States. It featured three singles; "Brenda's Got a Baby", "Trapped", and "If My Homie Calls". 2Pacalypse Now was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) 1995 for sales of 500,000 copies in the United States.

The album generated significant controversy stemming from then-U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle's public criticism after Ronald Ray Howard murdered a Texas state trooper and his defense attorney claimed he was influenced by “2Pacalypse Now” and its strong theme of police brutality. Quayle made the statement, "There's no reason for a record like this to be released. It has no place in our society."

Limited Edition.
Yellow & Black Splattered Vinyl.

Still shrink wrapped but opened.
Cover corners slightly dented.