US Hip Hop 121 Items

Fifty is back in building, with features by Dr.Dre, Jadakiss & Styles P and others.

Fifty is back in building, with features by Dr.Dre, Jadakiss & Styles P and others.

The sixth album from legendary hip-hop group Souls of Mischief, There Is Only Now, is a unique cinematic 90s crime tale of love, loss, and revenge. A conceptual collaboration with producer Adrian Younge and the first release on his freshly launched Linear Labs Records label. This ambitious full-length offering will be available in July. There Is Only Now sees the Souls of Mischief crew members trading bars with a cast of hip-hop and soul luminaries. This, the first single from the project, will hit in June with Snoop Dogg and the title track “There Is Only Now” on the A-Side. The 7” vinyl is housed in a deluxe, die cut sleeve emblazoned with the Linear Labs and Souls of Mischief logos tucked into a full color jacket. This is your first taste from a full-length destined to be among the best albums to be released in 2014. Souls of Mischief and Adrian Younge have created a hip-hop album like no other. The result of a special moment for all involved, There Is Only Now proves that after two decades in the rap game hip-hop’s Fab Four remains committed to the expansion of their legacy as hip-hop innovators and pioneers.

Another 15 track deep look at Slugs life & times.

With insert. White vinyl edition. Cover is close to NM.

Why you'll love it...
While fighting through label limbo and placing his budding film career on freeze, Antwan “Big Boi” Patton spent a couple years readying the artillery for his solo close-up. Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is both a testament to the maturation of Big Boi and a tribute to his late father; underneath, it’s a speakeasy at breakneck speed, sittin’ on 32s. Where many other formidable MCs would be eaten alive, Big Boi shapeshifts across every mood and landscape with his trademark tenacity. He’s an effortless showboat who can portray sleaze with ease, but he’s a true class act who’s got nothing left to prove, yet will never let it show. Flanked by his known co-conspirators and many more, Big Boi blesses the senses the way only an East Point playboy can; it’s an intergenerational time warp, and another funky ride in HD. The final product is a natural progression of his Organized Noize lineage, sent across dimensions to return with an assemblage of time-tested potent Black grooves, then pressure-cooked in the kitchen of thefinest booty club in Georgia.

Why you'll love it...
Album of the Year, Black Milk's fourth studio album, was produced almost entirely by himself with assistance from Will Sessions and originally released in 2010.

Limited to 1000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of Black Milk's Album of the Year is pressed on Gold Nugget vinyl at GZ Vinyl. The 2LPs will arrive in a widespine, direct-to-board, foil-stamped and numbered jacket.

"L.A. rapper Blu burst onto the scene in the late 00s with the widely acclaimed Exile collaboration Below The Heavens, igniting a West Coast hip-hop renaissance in the process. With his cool Cali demeanor and undeniable lyrical talent, Blu drew praise from fans and tastemakers alike, launching a remarkable career that continues thriving to this day. His first ever double album, the 2014 masterpiece Good To Be Home is an essential part of this story. An unapologetic celebration of Los Angeles music and culture, the album takes listeners on a vivid journey through Blu’s storied stomping grounds. With sweeping strings and hypnotic bass lines supplied by producer Bombay, Good To Be Home features a host of West Coast hip-hop luminaries, including Evidence, Fashawn, Alchemist, Casey Veggies, MED, Planet Asia, Oh No, Pac Div, Strong Arm Steady, Thurz, Visionaries, and more. A cohesive collection with 20 tracks and no filler, this classic release is now available again on vinyl after years out of print."

L.A. rapper Blu burst onto the scene with the widely acclaimed Exile collaboration Below The Heavens, igniting a West Coast hip hop renaissance in the process. In the years since, Blu has released a steady stream of critically-acclaimed projects, from the love-themed concept album Her Favorite Colo(u)r to the eclectic masterpiece York. In the process, he's worked with a host of hip-hop's top talents, including The Roots, Alchemist, Lupe Fiasco, B.o.B., Madlib, Aloe Blacc, Asher Roth, 9th Wonder, Evidence, Nottz, and many more. Now, Blu is back with Good To Be Home, his first ever double album. Featuring a host of West Coast hip-hop luminaries, Good To Be Home is an unapologetic celebration of Los Angeles music and culture. "This is my most defining record ever," says Blu. A cohesive collection with two discs and no filler, Good To Be Home is an important addition to Blu's already impressive catalog.

HFC is now finally mastered and commercially available for the first time, marking the first-ever proper solo releases for Blu.

Originally released in the fall of 2014 as a lighter themed counter-balance to the dark and somber "Neverlove" album on Warner Bros.
which was released on the same day. "Laundromat Boogie" became the critically acclaimed as the preferred choice between the two releases among die hard Buck 65 fans. The original theme "Laundry Day" was conceptualized by Jorun Bombay and pitched to Buck 65 as a solidified theme to write lyrics around. This was being worked on as "Neverlove"
was to completion and was purposely focused on being a lighter and more fun theme to counter balance the dark mood of the "Neverlove" release.
This is a completely independent and well timed experimental release.

This banger features none other than Action Bronson. Meyhem and Action have been partners in crime for some time as the East Coast Underground team known as the Outdoorsmen, and on here they run the voodoo down with a granite rock beat from Multi-Platinum producer of D.I.T.C. fame, Buckwild.

King of Hearts is the fourth and final album by the late rapper, singer and producer, Camu Tao. Originally posthumously released in 2010 by Definitive Jux in collaboration with Fat Possum, King of Hearts was Tao's last record before his untimely death at just 30 years old from lung cancer in 2008. Recorded with Definitive Jux label head, EL-P (also one half of Run the Jewels), had it been released in 2008 when it was originally slated to, it probably would have felt ahead of its time. Pop-focused, hook-driven, and more sung than rapped, it pre-dates the similar ideas since explored by Kid Cudi, Janelle Monae, and even 808 and Heartbreaks-era Kanye. So singular and affecting was Tao's music, it led to EL-P dedicating an entire solo record to his legacy, on the now-classic Cancer 4 Cure. Now on Oct 18th 2019, Fat Possum will finally issue the album on vinyl for the first time, and re-introduce Camu Tao's music to the wider audience it deserves.

Pressed at GZ Media, CZ.

Limited edition for Record Store Day 2014

Cormega teams up with Raekwon on a Large Professor beat, the instrumental is on the B as well. Limited edition of 500 copies on red transparent vinyl!

Clear vinyl.

Copy n° 96 / 300

Second part of the "Antediluvian" EP series, entirely produced by the almighty X-Ray Da Mindbenda!

Limited to 500 hand numbered copies.

Devin The Dude is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. Devin released his 6th studio album Suite 420 on the unofficial weed smoker's holiday, 4/20, in 2010. Full of laid-back grooves and features from Devin's OG crew Da Odd Squad aka the Coughee Brothaz (Jugg Mugg and Rob Quest) and other Houston affiliates, Suite 420 is pure southern comfort hip-hop music.

Thanks to Get On Down for sharing this exclusive with us for the European fans.

When Diamond District dropped In the Ruff on Mello Music Group in 2009, the gritty drums and grimy raps combined as elementally as hydrogen and oxygen. The D.C. Voltron of Oddisee, yU, and X.O. dusted off and revitalized a sound once consigned to the catacombs.

Hailed as an instance classic, its impact reverberated throughout the underground and mainstream. The Washington D.C. City Paper called it the city’s best album in many years. During an era when lyricism was deemed too intellectual and samples too dated,Diamond District overturned conventional logic. They preserved the raw and made it righteous.

A half-decade later, the holy trinity has returned with March on Washington. The truths remain timeless. Wisdom over rhythm. Slang turned into testament.

Back in.
Custom printed gatefold jacket with spot gloss finish, double transparent clear vinyl, 2-panel insert containing full album lyrics, custom printed labels and free digital download card, yeah! New Dilated Peoples album feat. Aloe Blacc & Vince Staples!

DJ Harrison celebrates a decade of Stashboxxx, an essential early solo release via Richmond, VA’s Jellowstone Records. The record includes popular joints such as “Erykah’s Gun” and “Dilla’s Eclair”, and will be joined with a collection of unreleased Bonus Traxxx.

feat. FloRida, Young Dro, Gorilla Zoe, Belly, Juvenile, ...

Unreleased track from 1994 pressed on yellow vinyl, yeah!

produced by Erykah Badu, 9th Wonder, James Poyser, Shafiq Husayn, Kariem Riggins, J Dilla, Madlib, Georgia Anne Muldrow. The Ankhh is backck!

New album by canadian beatsmith Factor with features from Awol One, Ellay Khule, Sunspot Jonz of Living Legends, Onry Ozzborn, Joe Dub, NoCanDo, Noah 23 and many more!

Classic!

Danny Brown, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, Raekwon, Scarface, Domo Genesis, Ab-Soul, Polyester the Saint, BJ The Chicago Kid, Big Time Watts, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko & Freddie Kane are featured on this 17 track collaborative album ... this is collaborative for sure!

Danny Brown, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, Raekwon, Scarface, Domo Genesis, Ab-Soul, Polyester the Saint, BJ The Chicago Kid, Big Time Watts, G-Wiz, Casey Veggies, Sulaiman, Meechy Darko & Freddie Kane are featured on this 17 track collaborative album ... this is collaborative for sure!

All Day is the fifth studio album by American musician Gregg Gillis, known by his stage name Girl Talk. The album was originally released as a free digital download by Illegal Art on November 15, 2010. Gillis composed the album using overlapping samples of 372 songs by other artists. All Day was released as one seamless 71-minute file and as 12 separate tracks, available in MP3 and Flac. As with prior Girl Talk albums, All Day was "intended to be listened to as a whole," but was "broken up into individual tracks only for easier navigation."

Gorillaz strike back, this time feat. Snoop Dogg, Kano, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul & Bobby Womack!

Gorillaz strike back, this time feat. Snoop Dogg, Kano, Mos Def, Lou Reed, De La Soul & Bobby Womack!

The profile of French producer Guts has grown steadily in recent years and he is now considered to be one of the leading producers in France and a recognised name on the European beats scene. ‘Hip Hop After All’ features an array of stellar MCs and vocalists, including Grand Puba, Masta Ace and Cody Chestnutt. Double LP gatefold sleeve with insert & download card, exclusive content for the download card.

His hit "Brand New Revolution" was played by many radio stations worldwide and was used in Grand Theft Auto V. His compilation series ‘Beach Diggin' is now a reference point for summer and quality music in general.

After three instrumental albums, Guts decided to come back to his Hip Hop roots (he created the French rap band Alliance Ethnik in the 90's) and invited quality MCs and singers to join him in the studio. You can find on this album, Hip Hop legends such as Grand Puba, Masta Ace, Bob Power, Rah Digga, plus singers such as Cody Chestnutt, Patrice and a batch of new talent - Leron Thomas, Lorine Chia, Quelle Chris & Denmark Vessey and Dillon Cooper.

The second single from the Gutter Snypes. Cel One has been hidden away at a secret training camp. And now he returns to deliver a mighty "Sucker Punch". Flipped with "Jillian", the seedy story of one very high class hooker!

Comprised of two of the most verbose MC's in Hip-Hop today– Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic– Hail Mary Mallon prepares to unleash their second full-length release, Bestiary. Individually, these two lyricists are well known for wordy expressions eliciting oft-despondent themes. Together, however, they appear to push one another to the limits of humorously witty wordplay, while simultaneously crafting complex rhyme patterns. The very title of the album, Bestiary, was inspired by the fact that they both went into beast mode, here.

The group's hunger comes across in more than just the lyrics, though. With both Aesop & Rob sharing production duties, the album is laden with hypnotic beats ranging from dense & murky to melodic & twisting, all complemented by the cutting precision of turntablist DJ Big Wiz.

Comprised of two of the most verbose MC's in Hip-Hop today– Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic– Hail Mary Mallon prepares to unleash their second full-length release, Bestiary. Individually, these two lyricists are well known for wordy expressions eliciting oft-despondent themes. Together, however, they appear to push one another to the limits of humorously witty wordplay, while simultaneously crafting complex rhyme patterns. The very title of the album, Bestiary, was inspired by the fact that they both went into beast mode, here.

The group's hunger comes across in more than just the lyrics, though. With both Aesop & Rob sharing production duties, the album is laden with hypnotic beats ranging from dense & murky to melodic & twisting, all complemented by the cutting precision of turntablist DJ Big Wiz.

Following the critically acclaimed "Pillars" EP with MindsOne, Kev Brown teams up again with Ill Adrenaline Records, this time collaborating with fellow Low Budget Crew member Hassaan Mackey to bless listeners with "That Grit".
Both the Washington D.C. based producer-on-the-mic and the Rochester, NY emcee are longtime members of the prolific artist collective and have previously worked together various times, but this mini-album marks the first time the two embark on a full project. Most boom-bap enthusiasts should already be well acquainted with both Kev Brown and Hassaan Mackey: double threat Kev Brown already showcased his skills on microphones as well as production boards on countless releases and has been dubbed "king of basslines" by fans worldwide. In addition to his solo recordings Kev's credits include beats for heavyweights like Busta Rhymes, Biz Markie, De La Soul, Jazzy Jeff, and Marley Marl just to name a few, as well as handling entire album production for LMNO, Kaimbr, and Raw Poetic. Hassaan Mackey released a string of albums, including a full-length LP with Apollo Brown, and appearances on releases by Oddissee, Kaimbr, The Left and L'Orange.
Recorded during a series of impromptu bus and train trips Hassaan took from Rochester to visit Kev in Washington, "That Grit" was created with a spontaneous approach, reflecting both Mackey's freestyle background and Brown's proven "random joints" formula. Entirely produced by Kev Brown and featuring his signature bassline-driven and raw but soulful sound, "That Grit" consists of an intro, eight full-length tracks and six instrumentals. Hassaan and Kev share mic duties on most of the songs, inviting close friends/frequent collaborators Kaimbr, Toine, yU, Kenn Starr, Eye-Q, Asheru (of Unspoken Heard) as well as the Younger Soul Brother Grap Luva along as feature guests, turning the record into a true family affair.

Heaven Razah marks a rebrith for Razah, who has re-fashioned himself as a modern day hip-hop prophet, spitting spiritual wisdom about the apocalypse, the presence of demons, mortality, and the afterlife. In light of recent events, his words sound even more prophetic. "It was like a premonition. I was thinking about these themes, and my destiny was already in my brain, but I didn't even know it," explains Razah in his first comments since his being hospitalized. "This is my testimonial. It's like I'm seeing the future through music."

Vinyl close to NM. Copy n° 276/300.

Vinyl with scuffs and hairlines. Cover with bumped corner. Slipmats are missing!

Limited edition for the Cassette Store Day 2014!

Record Store Day 2021 Release.

Jay-Z's 'Black Album' acapellas mashed up with classic Studio One riddims striaght out of 70s Kingston.

Jay-Z's 'Black Album' acapellas mashed up with classic Studio One riddims striaght out of 70s Kingston.

Finally back on wax. Great album feat. Sach of The Nonce, Yesh, Count Bass D, Ladybug Mecca & other fine MCs!

"Modern Vintage" is the new collaboration album from veteran emcee John Robinson (aka Lil Sci of world renown Hip-Hop group Scienz Of Life) and prolific drummer, composer, producer and band-leader Pat Van Dkye (aka PVD). John Robinson and PVD originally met at a show in 2008 and since then their chemistry has grown organically and has developed into the duo performing
many formal shows together at venues like SOB’s, Blue Note NYC, LPR and others around the NY-NJ Tristate area.

16 tracks feat. Sadat X, El Da Sensei, Shabaam Sahdeeq, ID 4 Windz and others!

"Blackmarket Seminar", an album by Kazi and entirely produced by Madlib. Guest features by Madlib, MED, Wildchild, Declaime (Dudley Perkins) and Oh No. The album was recorded in 1996 and now digitally remastered in 2016 and re-remastered in 2021.

Kazi says: We recorded this album in the wee hours at CDP studios back in ‘96. It was pretty much me, Madlib and Declaime in the lab when this album was recorded.

I learned so much from Lib cadence, rhyme patterns, timing and how to dig for records. What some people don’t know is this cat actually took the time to show me how to make beats. I must say working with Lib was an amazing experience. The “Blackmarket Seminar” is a very raw and dark album. We came up with “Black Market” because at the time we were doing Hip Hop that nobody else was doing and to us you could only get it on the “Black Market”. When you first play the album you'll hear characters on a skit in search of the black market seminar. We really tried to make it seem like the characters were outside walking around looking for it.

We recorded a new video for the song “To Be Lost” as it is about MCs selling out to remain in the game and still makes perfect sense in the present day.

Cudi is on the moon again and brings you "The Legend Of Mr. Rager". Entertaaaaaaaaaainment.

L’Orange’s most revealing effort yet, 19 tracks feat. Homeboy Sandman, Blu, Jeremiah Jae, Billy Woods & others!

19 tracks feat. Noah23, Icon The Mic King, Lady Daisey, Chefket and many more, rapping in English, Spanish, Dutch, Bosnian, German and other languages.

Best Kept Secret, originally released digitally in 2010, showcases OGC's Louieville Sluggah and his Out of The Park family. Smif-N-Wessun's own Steele also makes an appearance. Hennyville's effortless flow and complex rhyme scheme are displayed throughout this 11-track CD. The production, mainly handled by Smoke the World, is everything a real Hip Hop fan is looking for: catchy, soulful and bangin'. This is the first time this release has been made.

Cover has sticker rip offs due to PVC outersleeve.
Bonus disc in G+ condition.

Quantity: 3000
Release type: 'RSD First' Release

Before The Verdict Hits For RSD Black Friday 2023 In A Gold Vinyl Pressing In 2010 Madlib launched the Madlib Medicine Show Series - an ambitious undertaking that saw the prolific producer release a new title on a monthly basis - which kept him busy into 2011. The series debuted with Before The Verdict with Guilty Simpson, a seventeen track rap outing with the Detroit MC. In addition to being the debut of Madlib's Medicine Show Series the release also served as a prelude to Guilty Simpson's OJ Simpson album, his collaboration with Madlib from later that year. Before The Verdict, an action-adventure psycho-thriller in the form of a full-length rap album, is back on print on vinyl for RSD Black Friday 2023

Before The Verdict Hits For RSD Black Friday 2023 In A Gold Vinyl Pressing In 2010 Madlib launched the Madlib Medicine Show Series - an ambitious undertaking that saw the prolific producer release a new title on a monthly basis - which kept him busy into 2011. The series debuted with Before The Verdict with Guilty Simpson, a seventeen track rap outing with the Detroit MC. In addition to being the debut of Madlib's Medicine Show Series the release also served as a prelude to Guilty Simpson's OJ Simpson album, his collaboration with Madlib from later that year. Before The Verdict, an action-adventure psycho-thriller in the form of a full-length rap album, is back on print on vinyl for RSD Black Friday 2023 Before The Verdict Hits For RSD Black Friday 2023 In A Gold Vinyl Pressing In 2010 Madlib launched the Madlib Medicine Show Series - an ambitious undertaking that saw the prolific producer release a new title on a monthly basis - which kept him busy into 2011. The series debuted with Before The Verdict with Guilty Simpson, a seventeen track rap outing with the Detroit MC. In addition to being the debut of Madlib's Medicine Show Series the release also served as a prelude to Guilty Simpson's OJ Simpson album, his collaboration with Madlib from later that year. Before The Verdict, an action-adventure psycho-thriller in the form of a full-length rap album, is back on print on vinyl for RSD Black Friday 2023

Beat Konducta in Africa is a 37-track instrumental hip-hop album produced & mixed with Madlib, featuring J. Rocc. This album bases itself on the obscure vinyl gems from the afro-beat, funk, psych-rock, garage-rock & soul movements of African countries as diverse as Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana and Ivory Coast

Madvillainy is the debut and only studio album by Madvillain, a collaboration between legendary rapper MF DOOM (Daniel Dumile) and acclaimed producer Madlib (Otis Jackson Jr.), released on March 23, 2004 by Stones Throw Records. The album is often hailed as a masterpiece of underground hip-hop, characterized by its unconventional structure, eclectic production, and MF DOOM’s intricate, surreal lyrics.

Madvillainy was a highly anticipated project in the underground hip-hop scene, bringing together two of its most respected figures. MF DOOM, known for his complex wordplay and villainous persona, and Madlib, celebrated for his experimental and sample-heavy production, combined to create a dense, atmospheric album.
The project was recorded over several years, with Madlib working on beats while traveling and MF DOOM crafting his lyrics with a stream-of-consciousness style.
The album has a lo-fi aesthetic, featuring short, fragmented tracks, many of which do not follow traditional song structures like verses and hooks. Instead, Madvillainy is more of a collage, with some tracks acting as interludes or musical sketches.

Madlib’s production is eclectic and layered, drawing from jazz, soul, Brazilian music, obscure soundtracks, and 1970s psychedelia, creating a moody and experimental backdrop for MF DOOM’s vocals.
The album’s beats are sample-heavy, often gritty, and feature unorthodox tempos and time signatures. Madlib also uses interludes and vocal samples from obscure sources, giving the album a cinematic, almost comic book-like feel.
MF DOOM delivers his signature abstract and multi-syllabic rhymes, filled with internal rhyme schemes, pop culture references, and complex wordplay. His delivery is intentionally offbeat, which complements the nontraditional structure of the production.

Lyrically, Madvillainy is a blend of surrealism, humor, and complex storytelling. MF DOOM’s persona as the masked supervillain is ever-present, with much of the album reflecting his mischievous, sardonic view of the world.
His lyrics often appear cryptic, with layers of meaning that reward close listening. He plays with words in ways that defy conventional hip-hop norms, eschewing clear narratives in favor of dense, puzzle-like rhymes.
Themes in the album include betrayal, paranoia, and the villain’s perspective, often narrated from a detached, almost nihilistic point of view. However, DOOM’s approach is often playful, filled with irony and wit.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Accordion" – A minimalist, standout track where MF DOOM delivers one of his most well-known verses over a sparse accordion loop. The track captures DOOM’s style perfectly, with cryptic, tightly-packed bars and Madlib’s minimalist approach.
"Meat Grinder" – A haunting, jazz-infused beat serves as the backdrop for MF DOOM’s dense wordplay, as he raps with a stream-of-consciousness flow, dropping surreal imagery and twisted humor.
"America’s Most Blunted" (featuring Quasimoto) – A playful, weed-themed track featuring Madlib’s alter ego, Quasimoto. The track is both funky and chaotic, with vocal samples interspersed between DOOM and Quasimoto’s verses.
"Curls" – One of the shorter tracks, with a smooth, almost nostalgic beat. DOOM’s verses are filled with detailed, vivid descriptions, encapsulating his ability to turn everyday observations into poetic rhymes.
"All Caps" – Perhaps the most iconic track on the album, known for its booming beat and DOOM’s punchy, comic book-inspired verses. The title refers to MF DOOM’s alias, urging fans to spell it in all capital letters, reinforcing his larger-than-life persona.
"Rhinestone Cowboy" – The album’s closer, featuring a soulful, downtempo beat and some of DOOM’s most introspective and reflective lyrics. It’s a contemplative end to an otherwise chaotic and fragmented album.

Madvillainy is a nonlinear album, with many of the tracks flowing directly into each other without clear transitions. It’s constructed more like a sonic collage, making the album feel like a continuous, abstract narrative rather than a collection of separate songs.
The album contains numerous interludes and brief tracks, some less than a minute long, but all contributing to the overall mood and atmosphere. Tracks like "Sickfit" and "Do Not Fire!" are instrumental breaks that give Madlib’s production room to shine.

Upon release, Madvillainy was met with widespread critical acclaim. It was praised for its innovation, lyrical complexity, and cohesive production, with critics noting its departure from conventional hip-hop formulas.
It quickly became regarded as one of the most important and influential underground hip-hop albums of all time, with its influence extending beyond just hip-hop into broader experimental music.
MF DOOM’s and Madlib’s artistic approach on Madvillainy helped solidify their reputations as avant-garde artists, unafraid to push the boundaries of the genre.
The album is frequently included in lists of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time and is particularly beloved by fans of alternative and underground hip-hop. It has been noted for its lasting influence on the sound and style of future hip-hop artists, especially in the abstract, lo-fi, and experimental spaces.
Impact on MF DOOM and Madlib's Careers:
MF DOOM further cemented his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic and talented lyricists. His use of the supervillain persona, combined with his intricate rhyming style, made him a cult figure in the genre.
Madlib also gained widespread recognition for his unique production style, which merged elements of hip-hop, jazz, and experimental music. His ability to create deeply layered and textured beats without sacrificing their lo-fi charm became a hallmark of his production style.
Madvillainy’s success paved the way for other projects in the underground scene and inspired a new wave of artists who saw hip-hop as a medium for abstract, avant-garde expression.

Madvillainy continues to be revered as a benchmark in underground hip-hop. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Earl Sweatshirt and Tyler, The Creator to more experimental producers and MCs who were inspired by Madlib's and MF DOOM’s fearless approach to crafting an album.
The mystique surrounding MF DOOM, especially after his untimely death in 2020, only added to the album’s legendary status, with Madvillainy often considered his definitive work.
The album’s blend of complex lyricism, unorthodox production, and nontraditional structure helped redefine what could be done in the hip-hop genre, making it a timeless work of art.
In summary, Madvillainy is a landmark album in hip-hop, pushing the boundaries of both lyricism and production. Its influence is far-reaching, and its status as one of the greatest underground albums remains unchallenged. The partnership between MF DOOM and Madlib resulted in a project that is as dense, surreal, and captivating as it is groundbreaking.

Stix Recordings rounds up all those essential Mato 7" anthems onto this extended player, with all the cuts remastered for the occasion! Includes two unreleased hits featuring Blackstreet (No
Diggity) & Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre (The Wash). Woopiwoop, that's the sound of reggae-hip hop perfection!

Mandala is the fourth Mello Music Group compilation – previous compilations include Mental Liberation, Helpless Dreamer, and Self Sacrifice - featuring Oddisee, Apollo Brown, L'Orange, Quelle Chris, Murs, Milo, Georgia Anne Muldrow and more.

The album showcases the ever-evolving roster of top-tier producers and rappers on MMG, many of whom (e.g. Oddisee & Quelle Chris) fill both roles with equal dexterity. Additionally, it features several artists nearby MMG, a testament to their commitment to working with those who possess singular sonic and lyrical abilities.

Mandala is at once compact and comprehensive. There is not a minute wasted and not a miss in sight. It is diverse and yet somehow cohesive, tailor made to rock your car speakers and your brain stem. It is MMG's reminder that hip-hop is alive and well, and a reintroduction to a label that's tried never to forget what makes music compelling.

With a multitude of producers behind the boards, the soundscapes on Mandala cover the map and the album is all the better for it. Oddisee helms the opener and tracks throughout with a musicality like few in Hip-Hop today. L'Orange brings subtle, jazzy suites to the table, and Quelle Chris provides dusty samples looped over hard-hitting drums as well as anyone else. Each beat is far richer and more inventive, able to play on its own and provide the perfect complement to the raps at hand.

As far as the rhymes are concerned, the rappers on Mandala leave nothing to chance. The MCs on the comp are intelligent and self-aware, capable of the comic, tragic, and in-between at the sound of a snare. They have an old-school reverence for rhyme with a modern state of mind and modern problems. Come-up or comedown, shine or shadow, friend or foe – they are fearless in confronting all fears.

Above all, Mandala is a sign of the great and innovative music in the history of MMG.

Mandala is the fourth Mello Music Group compilation – previous compilations include Mental Liberation, Helpless Dreamer, and Self Sacrifice - featuring Oddisee, Apollo Brown, L'Orange, Quelle Chris, Murs, Milo, Georgia Anne Muldrow and more.

The album showcases the ever-evolving roster of top-tier producers and rappers on MMG, many of whom (e.g. Oddisee & Quelle Chris) fill both roles with equal dexterity. Additionally, it features several artists nearby MMG, a testament to their commitment to working with those who possess singular sonic and lyrical abilities.

Mandala is at once compact and comprehensive. There is not a minute wasted and not a miss in sight. It is diverse and yet somehow cohesive, tailor made to rock your car speakers and your brain stem. It is MMG's reminder that hip-hop is alive and well, and a reintroduction to a label that's tried never to forget what makes music compelling.

With a multitude of producers behind the boards, the soundscapes on Mandala cover the map and the album is all the better for it. Oddisee helms the opener and tracks throughout with a musicality like few in Hip-Hop today. L'Orange brings subtle, jazzy suites to the table, and Quelle Chris provides dusty samples looped over hard-hitting drums as well as anyone else. Each beat is far richer and more inventive, able to play on its own and provide the perfect complement to the raps at hand.

As far as the rhymes are concerned, the rappers on Mandala leave nothing to chance. The MCs on the comp are intelligent and self-aware, capable of the comic, tragic, and in-between at the sound of a snare. They have an old-school reverence for rhyme with a modern state of mind and modern problems. Come-up or comedown, shine or shadow, friend or foe – they are fearless in confronting all fears.

Above all, Mandala is a sign of the great and innovative music in the history of MMG.

20 years of Illmatic! Remastered original album!

180g vinyl with download card.
Download includes 10 rare remixes, demos and freestyles.