US Hip Hop 144 Items

Purple wax!

BigM Productions is back full force!

Only 500 of these collector’s items will be made (each pressed on colored wax & housed in a one-of-a-kind silkscreened sleeve). #6 features exclusive & unreleased tracks by J.Rocc and Kutmah and is pressed on opaque gray vinyl.

You gotta love it. Smoked out Detroit local with his vinyl debut!

2013 is officially under way, and we're celebrating with this limited-edition 7" featuring three artists who'll be releasing some of the most highly anticipated Nature Soundsprojects this year.

Limited edition for Record Store Day 2013

Only 1 per cutomer!

Limited edition 7" release of the dream collab between Bus x Rock!

New material from Detroit's Guilty Simpson on production from Russia's Musca!

Ill Adrenaline Records and Soul Tools Entertainment proudly present a new collaborative project by top-notch producer Confidence (of Rashad/Purpose & Confidence fame) and Detroit hip-hop duo The Regiment!

The Legion is back with some more BX rawness for your ears! Following the success of their "Straight Flow / Automatic Systematic" 7-inch from earlier this year, the Bronx trio (Chucky Smash, Molecules and Cee-Low) hits you with two more unreleased tracks before they bless the hip-hop world with a brand new album. "Keep Your Eyes Open" and "Street Truth" are two certified bangers recorded back in 1995 at the infamous D&D Studios, NYC.

Stix Records rounds up all recent Mato’s 7inches anthems into this extended player, with all the cuts remastered for the occasion ... this collection
also includes four unreleased hits: “Gangsta Lovin’” by Eve, “La Saga”
by IAM, “Whateva Man” by Redman and “Off The Books” by The Beatnuts.

OFWGKTA's own Frank Ocean releases his 1st album on Def Jam. Looks like Andre 3000, John Mayer and Earl Sweatshirt are with him!

El-P and Killer Mike are Run The Jewels. The duo’s self- titled, collaborative record – a contender for hip-hop album of the year – will be released throughout Europe in December via Big Dada.

Woof, woof, the original OFWGKTA Wolf is back!

The King of “Reggae vs Hip-Hop” remixes is back with a new and last LP collecting all his 7inches released over the past few months and a bunch of unreleased new Rocksteady remixes, done for the occasion. Yaaaayyyyy!

Masta Killa may not be the most high-profile member of the Wu-Tang Clan, but he's undoubtedly among the most consistent. The last original member to go solo, Killa has released two critically acclaimed albums in No Said Date and Made In Brooklyn, and has repeatedly stolen the show on recent Wu classics like Ghostface's Fishscale, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2 and RZA's Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. Now, more than six years after the release of his last studio album, Masta Killa is back with Selling My Soul!

Delicious Vinyl will soon release "Sunset Blvd.", the all new album from Yancey Boys, the group piloted by John “Illa J” Yancey and Frank Nitt. The dynamic new collection is built around previously unheard tracks created by Illa J’s brother: the late, great J Dilla (James Yancey). With Frank Nitt’s standing as J Dilla Music Catalog Curator and the official approval of Yancey Media Group, all productions on "Sunset Blvd." originate from The Lost Scrolls — the stunning cache of beats Dilla left behind.
The first official single from "Sunset Blvd." is "Quicksand" which features Common & Dezi Paige. And the B-Side is no sleeper; “The Fisherman” is a full-court press featuring a chorus from Vice and blistering rhymes from Detroit Serious and cuts by J.Rocc of Beat Junkies. The track is, as Frank Nitt promises, “guaranteed to make you bang your head!” Nitt also reminds us that “this isn’t a nostalgia trip: Dilla’s beats were so future-forward that they’re right on time in 2013.”

Includes download card with bonus content!

15 bangin' beats!

Guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Krizz Kaliko, Masta Ace, Brother Ali, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Vinnie Paz, Eamon, Sadat X and others … whoo!

The largely self-produced effort finds Havoc rhyming alongside Royce Da 5'9", Lloyd Banks, Raekwon, Styles P, Twista, and more. Yes!

Produced by Patchworks aKa Mr President aKa Uptown Funk Empire and more…

Masta Ace, Nature, Malik B, Rah Digga, Lil Fame, Ill Bill, Big Noyd, Roc Marciano, AG, Torae & lots of others are featured, whoa!

These records come with an oversized poster — half of the records with Fyah Flames, half with I Jahbar.

Entire album produced By Scram Jones! Feat. Jadakiss, N.O.R.E., Raekwon & Sheek Louch!

Produced by Duppy Founders in Los Angeles and Jamaica, limited to 500 copies incl. Giant poster!

A critic and cult favorite in Hip Hop circles, Reks is back with an instant classic!

Produced entirely by Harry Fraud (who produced French Montana's "Shot Caller"), Smoke DZA's upcoming LP will feature appearances from the likes of Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, and his Jet Life labelmate Curren$y, among others. Harlem's own Smoke DZA has seen his career skyrocket lately, as acclaimed projects like George Kush Da Button and Rolling Stoned have introduced the public to Smoke's irresitible laid-back flow. DZA has also been collaborating with a who's who of young hip-hop stars (Asher Roth, A$AP Rocky, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, Cory Gunz, Mickey Factz, Dom Kennedy, and more), firmly establishing himself as a leader of the next generation of rhyme spitters. The proud stoner is now joining forces with High Times for Rugby Thompson, a brand new album produced entirely by Harry Fraud. With Fraud's pounding drums providing the backdrop and appearances from Action Bronson, Curren$y, Sean Price, Schoolboy Q, and Domo Genesis of Odd Future, Rugby Thompson is among DZA's most impressive work to date. Also available: Substance Abuse, the hit mixatpe now re-mastered for retail with six bonus tracks (features Devin The Dude, Nipsey Hussle, Curren$y, Cory Gunz, Curtains, and more).

An unexpected but surprisingly effective combination straight out of hip-hop fans' fantasies.

Aloe Blacc & Charles Bradley are joining the Nu on this one!

... Greatest Rap Hits!Digitally re-recorded and remastered versions of the Def Jam classics.

In music, timing is everything. When soon-to-be-renowned Boston hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck on the title track to 7L&E’s debut EP "Speaking Real Words" in 1999, the timing was perfect. The upstart duo was building a serious buzz on the East Coast and beyond, while Deck was still winning praise for his gold-selling solo disc "Uncontrolled Substance". As flashy pop-oriented rap was pumped on commercial radio stations, their natural chemistry and simpatico skills shone as a beacon to real hip-hop fans, a base of listeners who were soon asking about their next musical summit.
14 years later, the hunger for sharp lyrics and head-snapping beats hasn't dissipated. In the face of the ever-worsening status quo of watered-down and vapid radio rap songs, the call for something real has only gotten stronger, and once again the time is right for a call to action – for someone or something to come in and send wack rappers running for the hills in fear. Enter "Czarface", the upcoming, uncompromising full-length album from Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric.
Not surprising, respect for real hip-hop runs deep, and "Czarface" brings an army with it — consider the star-studded guest list which includes Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks,) Oh No (Gangrene,) Mr. MFN eXquire and Deck's fellow Wu-Tang Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna.
Aside from one track blessed by the almighty DJ Premier, production on "Czarface" belongs exclusively to DJ 7L, who provides the musical backbone which holds the album together. His ability to craft a hip-hop sound that's current and exciting with a classic feel left Deck impressed: “This is one of the first albums I've heard in a while that gives you so many different feels. You hear the ‘80s hip-hop style, ‘80s R&B and rock combined with what's going on now. That’s creating something new, in my opinion.”

Following the release of Cook Classics Vs. Now-Again, Now-Again presents its second Oh No library offering.

Ill Bill, Slaine, Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Celph Titled, Apathy and Snak the Ripper on the guest list this time!

2012 was a crazy year and album, that’s how hip-hop heads worldwide will remember it. Following in the footsteps of great DJ/Producer and MC duos like Eric B. & Rakim and GangStarr, Statik Selektah & Termanology once again combine to form the powerhouse group
1982. The formula is perfected and flawless as Statik crafts the perfect sonic landscapes for Term’s more mature and sophisticated delivery - see the uplifting first single “Shining.”
Holding Term down on the microphone side of things are great guest spots from some of the hottest new talent in the game, Mac Miller, Roc Marciano and Freddie Gibbs blend nicely with iconoclasts Bun B., Havoc of Mobb Deep and Lil Fame of M.O.P and Shawn Stockman
from Boyz 2 Men. 2012 has already garnered high praise as this month’s Source Magazine has given the full length it’s coveted “Independent’s Day” column and XXL has a great review ready for it’s May 22nd issue.

HHE is back with some legendary old school Houston, TX hip-hop! Rap-A-Lot headz better take notice right now!! For those unfamiliar, NoDōz were an old school rap duo out of Houston, TX created by the legendary Def Jam Blaster and rapper D. Latroi.



Def Jam Blaster... aaah where to begin? Maybe back in 1987 when he worked on a 7" which started the career of a local rapper named DJ Akshen? Or 1988 when he worked on one of the most iconic 12" records Ever in hip-hop? A 12" from that same rapper Akshen that would have the world forever know him as Scarface from that day on. Or when Def Jam Blaster started the duo Private Identity in 1989 with another legendary Houston rapper 3-2? Or how in 90's Def Jam Blaster worked on albums for Raheem, Royal Flush, Willie D, Big Mello, Madd Hatta and Mobb Deep.



I think you get my point by now, this is a man that paid his dues with the best of them... Now back to our story... After Private Identity died down after doing some recordings Def Jam Blaster hooked back up with D. Latroi, a rapper he met a year before, and started making some demos, material that has remained shelved up until now as we have had the pleasure to include them as bonus tracks for the CD release.



In 1992 NoDōz were signed to Revolution Records, an imprint that was focused primarily on R&B. Right before they could finish the album D. Latroi started having some serious health issues and Revolution Records started second guessing their decision to drop a hip-hop record so the album was shelved.



Now 30 years later we are excited to present you all the tracks from those 1992 sessions, the demos and remixes all from the DAT tapes. The 8 page booklet will include an interview done by Werner Von Wallenrod with Def Jam Blaster which was done specifically for this release. All tracks remastered by Justin Perkins and DJ Pyra-C and the entire CD layout was handled by man Laurence Di Lullo.



Limited to only 300 copies!

Classic golden age hip hop featuring Tash, Sadat X, KRS-One, Percee P, MC Eiht, Myka Nyne, and Max Julien, and more!

"First of a Living Breed" follows a string of great singles, EPs and videos dropped throughout the year! Booooomb.

Anniversary Edition with bonus tracks!

Releasing 14 albums over the past 3 years, there is no slowing down for prolific emcee LMNO of the Visionaries. Reconnecting with Evidence of Dilated Peoples, LMNO's latest masterpiece "After the Fact" brings together his signature original delivery and masterful
wordplay, over the classic Evidence beats that has had heads nodding worldwide since the late '90s. The entire album was produced by Evidence, with guest lyrical features by Oh No, MED, and Rakaa (Dilated Peoples), along with scratches by J Rocc (Beat Junkies), DJ Babu (Beat Junkies Dilated Peoples), LD, and DJ Romes (Lootpack).

Some records are steeped in mythology. Frank N Dank’s 48 Hours is just such a recording. Why so few samples from Dilla? Was that MCA’s decision as they didn’t believe they could get clearances? Why did MCA shelve the recording for so long? Where’s the “original version”? There are nearly more questions about this album than cuts on the album. But according to Frank, “contrary to popular belief there was never an 'original version’ of 48 Hours. We started recording songs to sample driven beats of Dilla‘s and we got 80% of the album done and Dilla decided to change the beats to all the songs.”
That’s right, it wasn’t MCA’s legal department, it was Dilla’s creative vision that stripped out the samples. But what about the sample laden “Take Your Clothes Off” and “Off Your Chest” you may ask? Frank interjects, “those were done after the fact.” And why did MCA shelve the project, was this a label afraid to release what the Detroit trio had concocted? Well that doesn’t appear to be the case. According to Nitt turnover in the A&R department at the time was rapid to the point that no one seemed to know who at MCA was responsible for the project. This led to a call to then MCA president Jay Boberg who agreed to release Frank N Dank from their deal. So there you have it. As Freud once said, “sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”. In the case of 48 Hours, it’s one hell of a tasty cigar. 48 Hours is now at last ready for the respect and proper release it has deserved all along, with the complete album as well as a second vinyl of Dilla’s instrumentals. As Frank reminds us, “This is the exact version of 48 Hours that we (Frank N Dank & Dilla) turned in to MCA and the way Dilla intended it to be!”

Bajka, Nosliw, Simple One, KC Da Rookee & MC Sick join LMNZ on this worldwide rap journey!

On green colored vinyl!

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

Even more 808s & Dark Grape flavors!

Born and raised in Brooklyn N.Y., Doom has been into the culture since the early 80's from being a Graff writer, a B-Boy, a DJ and a Hip Hop producer. He has been in the studio with numerous artists all over the globe. His latest album "Temple of Doom" was a great success and received positive reviews worldwide. It featured many veteran MC's, including Craig G, Large Professor, Prince Po, Krumbsnatcha, Blaq Poet, and Grand Daddy I.U. to name a few.

It was last year, when talks about this record started. Doom invited Reks and Blacastan to create what was originally planned a 7" single. After a few months of brainstorming, and organizing the content, together with Doom we decided to extend it to an EP format.

Though again, produced using the mighty SP1200, we present to you a completely different record than all of our previous releases, our first 10" vinyl.

'City Of God' featuring Reks is a powerful narrative about the violent state of affairs in many of America's cities. Inspired by the movie 'Cidade De Dios' by Fernando Meirelles, Reks gives the listener an in-depth descriptive about everyday events one has to experience in order to survive in a tough, concrete jungle. Doom's precisely chopped piano stabs complement his lyrics, adding further gloominess to the track.
There are two versions of 'City Of God' on this record, the original on Side A, and the "Park Bench Mix" featured on Side B.

On 'Transmitting Live', Blacastan schools all wanna-be rappers on what it takes to be a true, hard to the bone MC. The charismatic poet, Blac brings us right to the centre of action in a crime-filled neighborhood, where gang violence is omnipresent. His explosive delivery and gripping storytelling blends perfectly with Doom's grimey, head-nodding instrumental.

The last track on the EP is a bonus beat called "SP Madness". Like in all of the instrumentals on the 10", here Doom also utilized only 10 seconds of sampling time.

Limited to 1,000 copies on blue vinyl with aqua swirls.

R.I.P. MF DOOM

2021 Repress. All beats by Jneiro, guest spots by Damon Albarn, Beth Gibbons & Khujo Goodie! Includes download card!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

close to NM. Limited edition promo copy.

Still shrink wrapped but opened.
Record is close to VG+.

"PRESSED ON LIMITED EDITION RED & WHITE VINYL! How do you define the music of Mantronix? Is it Hip Hop? Electro? Funk? House? Maybe the answer is all of the above (or is it none of the above?). It is true that Mantronix will be remembered for their multi-faceted sound as well as their ability to bend and blend genres flawlessly into a cohesive musical tapestry, but they will also most importantly they will be remembered as musical innovators and sub- genre pioneers. Kurtis Mantronik and MC Tee formed the group Mantronix In the early 80s. Their Sleeping Bag Records debut: Mantronix: The Album shot to commercial success on the strength of their debut single, ""Fresh Is The Word"". The influence of this groundbreaking debut is still felt in popular music today, having been sampled by the likes of Beastie Boys, Beck, The Prodigy and more. Kurtis Mantronik was also as dangerous behind the desk as he was behind the boards. Working as A&R for Sleeping Bag while signed to the label, Mantronik also helped recruit, sign, and produce for artists such as T La Rock and Just-Ice. Notable records from this era include, Just Ice's ""Cold Gettin' Dumb"" and ""Back to the Old School"" as well as T La Rock's ""Breaking Bells (12"" Version)"". Traffic Entertainment Group in conjunction with Sleeping Bag Records and Warlock Entertainment now presents; Mantronix: King of the Beats, The Anthology 1985-1988. This carefully curated double LP compilation combines the best of Mantronix's work from the early, and arguably, best era of their career into one amazing listening experience. Whether you are an avid Mantronix fan or are looking for a place to start - this is the collection to wrap your ears around."