US Hip Hop 422 Items

NME Magazine sums up:

'Savage Mode II’ feels like a throwback: one rapper and one producer focused on a single creative project. Think Eric B and Rakim; Missy Elliot and Timbaland; Method Man and RZA. Their collaborators, such as Drake and Young Thug (the latter on ‘Rich N**ga Shit’, an anthemic rap about their lavish lifestyles), ably support, stepping in occasionally to craft the project into a more well-rounded shape.

‘Savage Mode II’ allows the Atlanta-based MC the space to make his point and cast all nonsense aside, letting his talent speak for itself. Metro Boomin, meanwhile, further showcases his generational abilities. As a whole, the album is confirmation of two young artists at the top of their game, watching the landscape unfold from the throne they earned themselves four years ago.

Most fans of hardcore Hip-Hop know and love Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh's 2018 joint album Stabbed & Shot, yet many aren't aware that before that there was Cocaine Cowboys. The duo dropped this potent joint mixtape back in 2008. They split the project into two parts and added a couple hard-to-find bonus cuts for the vinyl release. Plus, new alternate art by the one and only Manuel "Cep" Concepcion only available on this second edition re-release.

Most fans of hardcore Hip-Hop know and love Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh's 2018 joint album Stabbed & Shot, yet many aren't aware that before that there was Cocaine Cowboys. The duo dropped this potent joint mixtape back in 2008. They split the project into two parts and added a couple hard-to-find bonus cuts for the vinyl release. Plus, new alternate art by the one and only Manuel "Cep" Concepcion only available on this second edition re-release.

"Let’s take a little time travel vacation to Daly City, California (just south of San Francisco) to September of ‘95. Travel beneath the surface and enter the 99th Demention, yes that’s right, D-e-m-e-n-tion, as dementia (n. mental deterioration), demente

The incredible new album by Souls Of Mischief/Hiero memThe incredible new album by Souls Of Mischief/Hiero member A-Plus, with ridiculous production from The Architect (Homeliss Derilex].

The incredible new album by Souls Of Mischief/Hiero member A-Plus, with ridiculous production from The Architect (Homeliss Derilex].

Above the Law is one of the best and most underrated rap groups from the west coast, and 'Uncle Sam's Curse' may be their best album. Musically it is very experimental. Producer Cold 187um, one of the west coast's best beatmakers, uses some electronic instrumentals with his usual heavy bass and whiny synths to create an almost futuristic sound, aided by frequent movie samples, snippets of speeches which people express their urban political views. The production is classic and the rhymes are deep and real. Their flows are laid back and sound like they are lacking some aggression and energy, but it is their own thing, and what they rap about is real. This is pure West Coast G-Funk in your ear!

In 2000, Aesop Rock released his first official album, Float, following his steady ascent in the underground from two previous releases, the collection of works CD of lore, Music For Earthworms (1997), and the Appleseed EP (1999). And, while every album Aesop has done since then has captured his continual evolution as both a producer and a writer, Float was undeniably exceptional in its own right. For one, there was something impacting about a full-length album, 20 tracks deep, that never had any singles. Every track only existed as part of the album experience. That in mind, the album's production is split nearly in half between Aesop Rock and longtime collaborator and good friend, Blockhead, as well as one offering from Omega One, the Reggae-vibed "Skip Town". The album's production largely seems to have one collective goal, to immediately capture the intended mood, luring the listener in and leaving them attentive and prepared for the carefully crafted accompanying lyricism. Lyrics in mind, Aesop Rock is clearly the star of the record, but the few guest appearances, strategically spread throughout the album, are either the result of great foresight or unavoidable synergyâÇ"perhaps bothâÇ"as Slug (of Atmosphere), Vast Aire (of Cannibal Ox), and Dose One were all right in the midst, or directly on the verge, of breakthrough career moments of their own around the same time they were featured on Float. As for Aesop, the album finds him diving deep into his intricate, visually descriptive and emotionally riveting writing style, which has only gotten more vigorous and diverse over time. His delivery feels settled into the hints of urgency, as if he is well aware that the journey and challenges, as well as triumphs, that he shall face are arduous and plentiful. Twenty years after its debut, Float is a time capsule of an artist on the brink of fully tapping into creative freedom, while the industry was simultaneously in the middle of a notable shift, which still remains a powerful statement on its own, decades later. To celebrate, Rhymesayers is re-releasing Float on 2xLP vinyl, available in three different, limited edition colorways!

"Be not afraid! Whether you’re simply sightseeing, enjoying temporary flights of fancy or considering a more permanent relocation, the all-new Spirit World Field Guide offers twenty-one insightful chapters of firsthand know-how into the terrain, wildlife, and social customs of our parallel universe. The narrator’s vast expertise of multiple global entry points and various modes of inter-dimensional transport informs a rich tapestry of tips, tricks and tools to unfailingly aid in your ultimate survival. If you are among the countless individuals who find themselves feeling both dead and alive at the same time, the information contained within may serve as an invaluable asset to your journey. Godspeed and good luck."

Those are the words of the album’s narrator -- an attempt to prepare listeners, both old and new, for a safe entry into the Spirit World.

It’s been a long road for Aesop Rock to get here, releasing a steady stream of impressive albums, singles, and collaborative projects that have continued to invigorate, solidify and grow his diverse fan base, but he shows no signs of slowing down or deviating from his path, constantly pushing his creative limits. Last year saw the release of Malibu Ken, a joint effort featuring the psychedelic and trippy sounds of producer Tobacco, providing a different type of intrigue for Aesop's descriptive, compelling, and often humorous, writing. Then, he kicked 2020 off with a hard-driving single, "Rogue Wave", followed not long after by Freedom Finger, which found Aesop immersing himself in the video game world that the music was written and produced for. And this year still has a few exciting releases on the horizon yet, a 20-year anniversary vinyl release of his debut album, Float, and now his brand new album, Spirit World Field Guide.

Since his debut in the late nineties, Aesop Rock’s writing has been of the highest caliber, but one thing that has continually evolved is his near-flawless and diverse flow, now perfectly infused with his personality and a gift for visual imagery. On Spirit World Field Guide, characters, inanimate objects, and their surrounding environments vividly come to life as Aesop describes each passing moment throughout the album’s twenty-one chapters. Welcome to the Spirit World. Explore with intention.

Hailing from the New-York underground Hip-Hop scene, AFU-RA has sold more than 700,000 copies of its first 4 albums. Through these projects, he has collaborated with many artists such as Guru and DJ Premier but also Wu-Tang s RZA and GZA, Ky-Mani Marley, Saïan Supa Crew... to name a few. Over the years, the former member of the Gang Starr Foundation has created a style of his own: striking flows on militant and conscious lyrics and a visual universe inspired by martial arts. AFU-RA comes back with the project Urban Chemistry ; mixing Hip-Hop, Reggae and Soul, produced by Digital Cut, to be released in February 2020 on X-Ray Production. On this new album, AFU-RA has invited one or more guests on each of the 18 tracks such as Sizzla, Jah Mason, Keny Arkana, Lord Kossity, Big Shug or Mann... Thanks to an exclusive collaboration with the brand Canna, all songs have been filmed as music videos in 15 cities of 8 different countries.

After the Fall comes the Winter. Ag Da Coroner serves the masses a splendid offering, an aperitif in the form of "Crushed Grapes". An intoxicating 9 song EP that breathes the streets of New York. The orchestral back drop is carefully conducted by the maestro ATG. The featured voices come from Ag's closest collaborators and help lend additional layers to the robust make up of the project. All this is to wet the pallet, to challenge the senses and ready the mind for "Sip the Nectar" this winter. Enjoy Friends. It was all made for you.

Just in time for the remake of arguably the most iconic and influential turn based role playing video game of all time, Ahwlee drops VII; a seventeen track album sure to stir up the nostalgic memories of boxy and pixelated 32 bit goodness that inspired many of us in the 90's all the way up to now. Ahwlee tastefully presents us this tribute album as a testament of the weeks of his life spent beating this game countless amounts of times. With a large portfolio of work and ties with artists such as Pink Siifu (as B. Cool Aid), Earl Sweatshirt, MNDSGN, Maxo, Navy Blue, and many more emerging names/future gatekeepers in the art-form, this particular vinyl will be an absolute essential to any collectors out there. Multiple pieces of artwork for the record and tape were created by the ever so talented Kikkujo, really piecing this album into a masterpiece of its own. The cassette tape also contains bonus material not found on the record or digitally. You really gotta buy both, don't sleep.

Produced Entirely By Tone Beatz, The Spoils Of Babylon Chronicles The Life & Times of Man existing in an age of uncertainty. What a time to be alive, It seems like we're living something out of an H.G. Wells novel, or Your favorite Sci-Fi Film. Technological advances promise a better life, but at what expense? Y.T. wrestles with trying to fulfill his own base desires and needs, While the world around him is in utter turmoil. Climbing the heights of Success, Wealth and vanquishing his enemies mean nothing, When It seems the universe as he know's It is in Peril.The Project includes features from Heavy Hitters Eto, Tha God Fahim, Left Lane Didon , Jay NiCE & Chris Skillz. Experience "The Spoils Of Babylon"...

Y.T. & Yos are back again, adding to the V-12 saga with 5 new records. We take you on a sonic ride with "v-12 Soul". With Features from Anthony Danza, Chris Skillz, Ladyy, Left Lane Didon, K.O. & Ru$h. No Matter What kind of vehicle you have or even if you don't own one at all. This is motivation to take the "metaphorical" Wheel in your own life's course and reach the finish line with flying colors.

Light the fire, pour up the eggnog and listen to this must have hip hop holla-daze mash up on wax for the first time. Featuring 2 PAC, Erykah Badu, Butya Rhymes, Jay-z, Outcast and Notorious B.I.G. Red vinyl color with full color gift wrap-styled sleeve limited to 500 copies for the 2020 holiday season. Ho Ho Ho!

Limited Edition 300. Here is a brandnew doublesider by the amazing Andy Cooper of Ugly Duckling and The Allergies fame. Both tracks are featured on his upcoming album "L.I.S.T.E.N.", to be released on Unique Records in late September. "The Man" is co-produced by DJ Moneyshot of The Allergies. Two sides of funky Hip Hop that you can not miss out on!

Buffalo & Detroit are America’s broken dream. They are once thriving cities, now known for frigid temperatures and violent crime. The cities were birthed in a different era, forged in fire, built of cold steel. It follows that the rawest Hiphop in recent memory has bled from these two regions. No two artists exemplify this hard truth more than legendary Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Buffalo’s maverick emcee Che’ Noir. The two artists came together to create a sound as natural as calm after the storm.

The soulful, head-nodding production of Apollo Brown has been a staple called on by some of the greatest to ever do it. From Ghostface Killah to Danny Brown, and from Freddie Gibbs to Chance the Rapper, Apollo Brown’s signature style has become an iconic staple of the culture.

Meanwhile, Che’ Noir has stepped onto the scene as smoothly as any double dutch veteran. Having already worked alongside Benny The Butcher, Kool G Rap, and Fred The Godson, she has emerged as one of the most extraordinary New York talents heard in years.

The pair’s new album, “As God Intended”, drifts up and down city streets and offers a glimpse behind closed doors, telling the stories of gunshots, missing fathers, & playing the system.

The new album from Apollo Brown & Che’ Noir features Skyzoo, Blakk Soul, Planet Asia, Ty Farris, and Black Thought. Coming July 10th on Mello Music Group, it is exactly “As God Intended.”

Buffalo & Detroit are America’s broken dream. They are once thriving cities, now known for frigid temperatures and violent crime. The cities were birthed in a different era, forged in fire, built of cold steel. It follows that the rawest Hiphop in recent memory has bled from these two regions. No two artists exemplify this hard truth more than legendary Detroit producer Apollo Brown and Buffalo’s maverick emcee Che’ Noir. The two artists came together to create a sound as natural as calm after the storm.

The soulful, head-nodding production of Apollo Brown has been a staple called on by some of the greatest to ever do it. From Ghostface Killah to Danny Brown, and from Freddie Gibbs to Chance the Rapper, Apollo Brown’s signature style has become an iconic staple of the culture. Meanwhile, Che’ Noir has stepped onto the scene as smoothly as any double dutch veteran. Having already worked alongside Benny The Butcher, Kool G Rap, and Fred The Godson, she has emerged as one of the most extraordinary New York talents heard in years.

The pair’s new album, “As God Intended”, drifts up and down city streets and offers a glimpse behind closed doors, telling the stories of gunshots, missing fathers, & playing the system.

The album from Apollo Brown & Che’ Noir features Skyzoo, Blakk Soul, Planet Asia, Ty Farris, and Black Thought. Part of the Mello Music Group 24 for '24 Artist Series featuring limited edition vinyl art by oil painter KipDaFog.

For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots. 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 shaped him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop’s pioneering producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks.



At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life. Much like everything else in 2020 though, Atmosphere's new album, The Day Before Halloween, is something of a detour from the anticipated path. Cutting loose and eschewing their established norms, Slug and Ant have delivered the anti-pop answer to the content and compositions of previous albums. Over razor-sharp drums and distorted synths, The Day Before Halloween explores the life of a visual artist living in an antiquated surveillance state. It's menacing. It's murky. It's George Orwell meets Keith Haring at a video arcade, on New Year's Day, 1985. If you've entertained any theories that we've slipped into an alternate reality, you may find further evidence in this dark and brooding release of future's past.

For over two decades, Atmosphere has maintained a course of rigorous output, releasing over two dozen studio albums, EP's and collaborative side projects in as many years. In that time, the venerated duo have built a legacy out of bringing honesty, humility and vulnerability to the forefront of their music, continually challenging themselves to evolve without straying too far from their roots. 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 shaped him. Ant has skillfully molded the soundtracks with inspiration from soul, funk, rock, reggae, and the wizardry of hip-hop's pioneering producers, creating his own trademark sounds while providing the pulse for songs about life, love, stress and setbacks. At its essence, Atmosphere has been a musical shepherd, and with each new album comes a new journey as they guide generations of listeners through this thing called life. Much like everything else in 2020 though, Atmosphere's new album, The Day Before Halloween, is something of a detour from the anticipated path. Cutting loose and eschewing their established norms, Slug and Ant have delivered the anti-pop answer to the content and compositions of previous albums. Over razor-sharp drums and distorted synths, The Day Before Halloween explores the life of a visual artist living in an antiquated surveillance state. It's menacing. It's murky. It's George Orwell meets Keith Haring at a video arcade, on New Year's Day, 1985. If you've entertained any theories that we've slipped into an alternate reality, you may find further evidence in this dark and brooding release of future's past.

"To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy" On Vinyl For The First Time Ever, 2xlp With All New Artwork And Packaging Designed And Illustrated By Dave Quiggle!Similar To Their Now-Legendary Lucy Ford Release, Atmosphere Had Originally Conceived To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy As Two Separate Ep's (To All My Friends And, Of Course, Blood Makes The Blade Holy). Much Like Lucy Ford, The Desire To Simplify The Concept For The Sake Of Tour Merchandising And Retail Distribution Led Them To Join The Two Ep's Together, Packaged Onto One Cd. However, Unlike Lucy Ford, Neither Of These Individual Ep's Were Ever Made Available For Purchase On Vinyl _ Though The Most Attuned Fan Would Point Out There Was A Very Limited Pressing Of The To All My Friends Ep Tucked Inside The First Deluxe Print Edition Of Photographer Dan Monick's Photo Essay Book, 7 Years With Atmosphere, But That Vinyl Was Never Sold Separately, Much Less Granted Packaging Or Artwork. Another Likeness This Release Shared With Lucy Ford Was That These Two Ep's Worked So Well Together, One Would Never Guess They Weren't Conceived As One Cohesive Project_and A Powerful One At That. While It Was Never Touted As An "Album" (Sales And Marketing Channels Were Explicitly Informed This Was Intended To Be A Tour Cd Only, "But We Love Our Retail Friends Too"), The Caliber Of Music On This Release Stands With Anything Else From Atmosphere's Catalog. Hard-Hitting Tracks Like "Until The Nipples Gone" And "The Loser Wins" Brought A Commanding Energy To The Project, As Well As Their Live Performances, While "The Best Day", One Of The Most Popular Songs From Atmosphere's Entire Catalog With Its Honest And Upbeat Message Of Humility, Was Also Featured On This Release. As Much As They May Have Underplayed The Initial Release, It's Hard To Overstate The Relevance Of This Project Or The Staying Power These Songs Have Had.

For over 20 years, Atmosphere have pursued the underbelly of what it means to be human with a rabid curiosity. Ant’s dusky production has provided the pulse for Slug’s evolving and matter-of-fact pen. As Slug transitioned from throwing-up-in-the-backseat-raps to holding-hands-when-you-cross-the-street-raps, Ant has grown to be a master of crate digging and unearthing the humanity of a drum loop. Thriving at the intersection of guttural and self-effacing, Atmosphere will go down as some of America’s best archivists.

On Whenever, the duo continue to move in lockstep. Within the minutiae lie clues they’re still struggling with mortality and the need to protect emotional energy, as on previous releases, but there’s a quiet romanticism now, with Slug sounding—reluctantly—in love with life. And no other producer can pull truths out of a rapper like Ant fishes the blues out of Slug. Be it the twinkle of “Bde Maka Ska” leading into twanging guitars, or the anxious skitter of “Lovely,” Slug finds obvious comfort in working with Ant. “Postal Lady” recounts the simplicity of Slug’s life over warm and enveloping production, while “Romance” recalls God Loves Ugly with its undulating glitches, as if we crawled through Ant’s drum machine. It’s clear the pair’s harmony is reaching new peaks.

These aren’t dad-raps, these aren’t anti-establishment-raps, and these aren’t chasing-old-fire-raps. Even at its darkest (“You’re Gonna Go”) Whenever houses blessed-to-be-alive-raps. The album breathes in the way only Slug and Ant could summon a collective breath. On Whenever, the duo inhale panic and exhale greatness.

Baronski and Andy Cooper from Ugly Duckling teamed up under the wings of We Keep Shit Dope Records to bring you back that simple recipe:

Beats & Rhymes & Cuts

The story behind this 7 inch is quite simple. Take one of Germanys talented producers on the MPC hook him up with a master of ceremony from Long Beach, shake and whirl everything and get dancefloor banger on side A and some mystic vibes on the flip side.

Amidst a sea of MCs wielding average talents at best and substandard jewels at worst, West Coast hip-hop crew the Tunnel Rats have consistently challenged the LA underground scene for over the past 20 years with top notch innovations from the studio to the stage. The Tunnel Rats were notorious for producing hard-hitting 90s West Coast hardcore hip-hop albums such as the collective’s first disc Experience and the subgroup LPG’s inaugural classic entitled The Earthworm (both efforts produced by Peace 586 and also the album responsible for hosting the legendary Pigeon John’s first appearance on record). The crew entered the early 2000s with a better label situation and distribution thru Uprok Records and perfecting their progressive sound, combining their evangelical Christian commitments with the rawest and audacious hip-hop content (mixing both organically to the point that many fans had absolutely no idea that they doubled in the “Christian hip-hop” market). The 2000s saw the Tunnel Rats releasing The Battle for LA (2003), a provocative documentary on the Los Angeles battle scene (in which various members of the crew took on opponents, one of whom was Blu of Blu and Exile, battling Tunnel Rat member Propaganda), as well as both producing and featuring on KRS-One’s album Life (2006). This special 7” showcases infamous and feared TR lyricist Jurny Big alongside original Tunnel Rat producer Peace 586, known together as “The Battery.” After returning to the scene after about decade hiatus, Jurny linked up with Peace and released three Battery EPs (One, Two, and The Change Up) on indie label Illect Records (Theory Hazit, Braille), all well-received by their core fanbase and newcomers. On “Rear View,” Jurny, known and respected for his exceptional and abrasive conceptual battle rapping, head to head and on record, approaches a raucous and heavy Peace beat alongside fellow Tunnel Rat soldiers Propaganda and Sojourn of TR former subgroup Future Shock with punchlines that take us back to his earlier days as a formidable verbal foe who showed up and showed out on tracks with the likes of Myka Nyne (Freestyle Fellowship, Haiku D’Etat, Project Blowed) and Ahmad (4th Avenue Jones). “Rear View” features three seasoned lyricists doing more than justice to this massive Peace track, showing die-hard fans why the Rats still aren’t to be taken lightly. Also, this is Jurny’s first appearance on vinyl in his long and remarkable career, an occurrence many Tunnel Rats enthusiasts have anticipated. Limited to 200. This 7” is truly a very important and unique contribution to West Coast hip-hop history, past and present.

Mit Beastie Boys Music wird am 23. Oktober eine Sammlung von 20 Songs veröffentlicht, welche die mit dem GRAMMY®-Preis und mehrfach mit Platin ausgezeichnete Karriere der Beastie Boys umfasst. Die auf der Sammlung enthaltenen Beastie Boys-Klassiker aus der über 30-jährigen Karriere der Band umfassen u.a. "Fight For Your Right", "Brass Monkey" und "So What’Cha Want" von den gefeierten Alben Licensed To Ill und Check Your Head. Aber auch andere Alben, wie z.B. Ill Communication, Hello Nasty und To the 5 Boroughs sind durch Hits auf dem Album vertreten.

Die Sammlung ist ein Pendant zu dem von der Kritik gefeierten Dokumentarfilm Beastie Boys Story, der aktuell für 5 Emmys® nominiert ist.

Das Album wird digital, auf CD und als 180 Gramm Doppelvinyl-Set erhältlich sein.