US Hip Hop 496 Items

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.

The latest mash up masterpiece from AMERIGO GAZAWAY unites the NOTORIOUS B.I.G. and the Godfather of Soul JAMES BROWN for 10 crucial cuts cleverly titled "B.I.G. POPPA'S GOT A BRAND NEW BAG", "THE B.I.G. PAYBACK", "SEX MACHINE GUN FUNK", "TEN CRACK COMMANDMENTS" and more. Full picture sleeve.

This was the first release from Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge as Nxworries: "Suede" and "Link Up" were their first two tracks. "Droogs" is a Knx remake of an Anderson .Paak single. Instrumentals and bonus beats around out the EP.

The work of acclaimed L.A. rapper Blu is a hip-hop time capsule perfectly embodying the vibrant culture of the City of Angels. With no signs of slowing down, the talented artist continues to supply listeners with vivid lyrical imagery over exceptional production.

The latest addition to his catalog is A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night, a new album entirely produced by Oh No. The son of singer Otis Jackson and younger brother of beat god Madlib, Oh No has been among the most consistently relevant artists on the independent hip-hop scene since the release of his influential debut album 15 years ago. Equally skilled as an emcee and producer, Oh No’s storied career has included forming the duo Gangrene with Alchemist, composing the original score for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, and producing for De La Soul, Mos Def, Action Bronson, Talib Kweli, Danny Brown, Prodigy, and many more.

Now, these two unique and innovative artists are joining forces for an impressive full-length album. With Oh No’s dynamic, soulful production setting the stage, Blu’s effortless flows and streetwise storytelling are on full display. "It's a true honor to put it down with the legendary Jackson Brothers,” says Blu. “Oh No never fails and this project has been provided with straight heat for the streets."

Featuring guest appearances from Abstract Rude, MED, Self Jupiter, Ca$hus King, and more, "A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night" is now available worldwide on CD and vinyl.

FEATURES AN EXCLUSIVE EMBOSSED COVER, PLUS PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED INSTRUMENTALS
FEATURING: PUSHA T, BLACK THOUGHT, JADAKISS, CONWAY THE MACHINE, RJ PAYNE AND MORE PLUS BEATS BY: ALCHEMIST, DARINGER, DJ SHAY AND MORE

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.

The Plugs I Met, which was released on compact disc in late July, 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.

“The anticipation for this project is crazy. I came out with Tana Talk 3 and it’s a classic and everybody wants to see what I am going to do next. People are on my dick, you can bet that. It’s like they are pitting me against myself” Benny exclaimed to Complex. “People are waiting to see if I will fail, or if I will succeed. Trust me, I delivered with The Plugs I Met; I took my time with it. It’s fucking crazy!"

Producer album by Roman beat maker Slim One executive produced by Termanology. /// Featuring guest appearances by Tek of /// Smif-N-Wessun, Ruste Juxx, Krumbsnatcha and Termanology himself. /// Available on limited edition vinyl (300 hand-numbered copies made, all including 3D glasses) and CD /// Roman producer Slim One teams up with MA legend Termanology as executive producer to bring his debut full-length "Iconic" to life. This first studio effort by the Italian beatmaker features some of the best names around, from legends such as Tek of Smif-N-Wessun, Ruste Juxx, Krumbsnatcha and Termanology himself to some underground buzzing ones such as Nems, Flee Lord and Chris Rivers as well as ST Records affiliates such as Ea$y Money and Artisin among several others. Limited edition of 300 hand-numbered copies made, all including 3D glasses:
- 100 on white vinyl
- 200 on black vinyl

“If You're Reading This It's Too Late” is the fourth mixtape by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released through the iTunes Store without prior announcement on February 2015, by Cash Money Records. There is a debate upon whether this project is a mixtape or a studio album; although it was released commercially through his record label, Drake himself referred to the project as a mixtape.
The mixtape received generally positive reviews and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with three-day sales of 495,000 copies and 40,000 for online streaming credits, making this Drake's fourth time at the top of the chart.

While there are plenty of ladies repping in Hip-Hop in 2019, it still seems like a prerequisite for them to show some T&A to get
ahead. Well, the Buffalo born and raised master of ceremony known as Che Noir is about to change all that.
Not since the mid-‘90s has there been such a strong earth in the game that doesn’t use sex to sell. She is reminiscent of hardcore
female emcees that held it down in the Golden Era like Bahamadia, Lady of Rage, and Heather B. Noir has the ideal mix of bars,
flow, and engaging content. And although she has only been on the scene for three years, this 24 year-old is already recognized
as a problem. She has shared the mic with her label boss 38 Spesh, Benny The Butcher, Elcamino, Jamal Gasol, and she has more
than held her own on each and every song.
To prove how nice she is, Che gave listeners the 'The Thrill of the Hunt' mixtape last year, which had her ripping up classic East
Coast beats like Fabolous’s “Breathe,” Total’s “Can’t You See,” and NORE’s “Banned From TV.” Then, she was invited to appear
on 38 Spesh’s 'Son of G Ra' album on the DJ Premier-produced “Young 1s,” which also featured Anthony Hamilton. Her ill verse
on that cut lead to her guesting on every 38 Spesh project since, including '38 Strategies of Raw' and '5 Shots'. Further, she is a
major presence on the recently released 'Trust Tape 3', catching bodies on five of the album’s fourteen songs.
Now, it’s time to hit heads with the next phase of her evolution, 'The Thrill of the Hunt 2'. This offering is wholly produced by
38 Spesh and offers listeners a taste of what’s to come. This is the drop that will set her apart from the comp. It features
appearances by Eto, Planet Asia, Termanology, and of course Spesh himself.
If you stay up on The Joe Budden Podcast with Rory & Mal, you know the team up there loves her. And her buzz in the streets
has reached deafening levels. Des

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.

When Curren$y, Smoke Dza and Harry Fraud got together at a Times Square recording studio one night in the summer of 2013, they didn't know that they would be recording The Stage EP in one session. However, once they got into the room together, they locked the door and didn't come out until they had laid down four heaters, all over classic Harry Fraud style beats. The trio immediately knew they had something special and enlisted the services of French Montana and Big K.R.I.T. to round out their masterpiece.

Turning an impromptu studio session into the foundation for a full collaboration project is nothing new to these industry vets, with Curren$y and Harry Fraud creating /recording their Cigarette Boats EP in similar fashion. The Stage was initially released as a "mixtape" on DatPiff in October of 2013, and only recently made available on DSPs. On June 7th, 2019 fans of Curren$y, Dza and Fraud will finally be able to add to this gem to their vinyl collection by ordering this limited edition pressing, available on Opaque Purple wax, and with the Instrumentals included on the b-side... With only 1000 copies of this colorway being pressed, make sure you don't miss out!

Ohio rapper Stalley burst onto the scene in 2010 with his breakthrough mixtape “Lincoln Way Nights”. In the years since, he's seen his stock rise further after signing with Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group, contributing to chart-topping albums, and releasing acclaimed solo projects featuring artists like Scarface, Nipsey Hussle, Migos, 2Chainz, Ty Dolla $ign, Meek Mill, Curren$y, and more. Now going the independent route, Stalley is back with the new project “Reflection Of Self: The Head Trip”. The collection is entirely produced by Jansport J, the California beatsmith responsible for tracks by Snoop Dogg, Ab-Soul, Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs, Kool G Rap, Planet Asia, and many more. With Jansport’s raw, soulful instrumentals setting the tone, "Reflection Of Self: The Head Trip" is Stalley’s most introspective project to date. "With this music it’s more spiritual - it’s my story," he explains. "By being independent and having total control of my career, I now have the freedom to create freely and bare my whole self to my true supporters."

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!

Fresh off 2018’s collaborative LP with the enigmatic MF DOOM, “Czarface meets Metal Face,” the adventure continues as Czarface now faces off with Wu-Tang Clan’s Ghostface Killah.
"Czarface meets Ghostface” brings strictly mind melting beats and bars as 3 emcees clash like villains & heroes in the Savage Land. Czarface, a hip-hop & comics force comprised of Wu-Tang Clan General Inspectah Deck, Esoteric (who recently penned an X-Men comic for Marvel) and super producer 7L team up with Ghostface aka Iron-Man aka Tony Starks for murderous mayhem! Czar commando's Rebel INS & Esoteric trade lines such as "follow in my footsteps might tear your Achilles," & "flow customized got that Dapper Dan touch" with Ghost on the assist "chain is off the cooler, charm look like a shrunken head". With track titles like "The King Heard Voices", "Mongolian Beef", "Czarrcade '87", "Masked Superstars" & "Powers and Stuff" expect nothing short of a super charged collaboration!

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.

SMK aka South Memphis King is one of the real godfathers of Memphis rap. He released his first album in 1991 and is still active today. This is one of his early recordings, never released on vinyl before, Straight bangin' underground shit for the streets of your city. Roll a blunt and enjoy the sick madness over here.