US Hip Hop 287 Items

The Brand New Heavies' album "Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol.1" remains widely listened to even more than 30 years after its release, as an innovative work that connected UK club jazz with US hip-hop through collaborations with artists and bands like Main Source, The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, and Black Sheep. From this historic album, two significant tracks, 'Soul Flower feat. The Pharcyde' and 'It's Gettin Hectic feat. Gang Starr,' are being released for the first time as 7-inch singles.

Why you'll love it...
By 2007, Aesop Rock was a decade into a career that had firmly established him as one of rap’s unreplicable auteurs, an artist who could be bitten only insofar as he could be understood. And still, when he sat down to write hisfifth full-length album, None Shall Pass, relics of his earliest work kept popping back up: the sorrow and salvation that can each be found in rigid structures, the horror of the ordinary, the tyranny of routine. Over a series of beats constructed in near-total by himself and Blockhead (El-P furnishes one track and co-produces another; Aes’ friend Rob Sonic handles the digital-gothic “Dark Heart News”), None Shall Pass argues for Aes as the chief correspondent of an American decline so smooth that it often felt comfortable.

Why you'll love it...
‘’In spite of systemic challenges, there is some glory in Nappy Roots’ humble lot—at least, as they depict it. Anthems like ‘’Country Boyz,'' the down and dirty ‘’Slums,'' and ‘’Kentucky Mud'' show a kind of refreshing solidarity with people who might not have ever heard themselves in hip-hop before. That was the Nappy movement, as its creators saw it: finding the joy and beauty, where one could, in an unfair system instead of trying to cover it up. Taking qualities and status perceived as undesirable—''nappiness,'' rural living, being part of the working poor—and finding within them a sense of community and appeal without masking all the things that make them so awful.

As a new recession hit and the U.S. slid into yet another war, ‘’Po’ Folks'' reached #21 on the Hot 100; their message of humble resilience rang out everywhere. A new dimension of hip-hop had cut into the mainstream, one that was neither preachy nor apocalyptic but simply made in solidarity. As Deville put it, by way of explaining the album’s title, it’s ‘’the refreshment, the soul food—the shit that’s going to stick to you.''''

"Aiming to rescue the airwaves from run-of-the-mill rap and humdrum Hip-Hop, the Hometown Heroes crew swoops into view, bringing together audiovisual evangelist DJ Yoda, soundsystem shocker Brad Baloo of The Nextmen, and legendary rhyme supplier Edo G out of Boston for a funky fix of unashamed dad-hop. The holy trinity have dozens of classics under their belts covering Rap’s golden era to the present and ‘Hometown Heroes’ is another gem providing the sort of rewindable Hip-Hop that’s hella breezy, but still packing plenty of bluster beneath the surface."

"Pressed on Clear Teal Wave colored vinyl Limited to 500 Hand-Numbered copies Worldwide! APT 6E by Dave East x Mike & Keys is now available on vinyl! The 15-track album was produced entirely by frequent East collaborators Mike & Keys and features Shaggy, Buddy, Kurupt, and Stacy Barthe. East previously teamed up with Mike & Keys for their last acclaimed drop, Hdigh. On APT 6E, the team kept the winning formula to bring you an unskippable masterpiece with unforgettable production and lyricism throughout."

The debut collaboration by Harlem, New York City raised, Ugandan born, award winning hip-hop creative Emma Lee M.C. and decorated German producer Roccwell is a potent offering of globally creative proportions. Merging her bold, flowful vocals and piercingly imaginary lyricism with his smooth, classic, world-renowned "boom bap" production over seven tracks, the two who met during a pandemic aimed to stifle their artistry have used the "new normals" as opportunity to create new energy, tell new stories and re-balance tastes in the culture.

On the lead single “Like It’s 93” featuring hip-hop legend Masta Ace, listeners are treated to a unique twist on nostalgia. Emma Lee personifies hip-hop by lyrically describing a dysfunctional but loving relationship using over 40 classic rap album titles all released in the year 1993, with Masta Ace responding metaphorically in a classic rebuttal. The track rolls in with a dreamy soundscape over Roccwell's signature snare drum spine, lifts and waves with Emma Lee's softly layered vocals in the hooks, and ends with a sonic collage of reflective cuts by DJ LP2 reminding us why we fell in love with hip-hop. As mentioned from "Digable Planets to Doggystyle," this track is a witness and poetic questioning of a pivotal time in music.

The follow-up single "Cravings & Withdrawals" with hip-hop legend Bahamadia holds its own as one of the smoothest rap duets put to wax in a long time. As Roccwell riffs the beat like a spacey and jazzy interlude, an elite skill level of emceeing is on display by two generational talents unapologetically pouring onto the track. The dream duo gives us an unbeatable breather during the hooks which are elevated by an adaptation of classic neo-soul R&B, asking whether listeners are "craving something real?" Clever cuts by DJ LP2 once again punctuate the odyssey and are sure to please most music heads.

“Chocolate Bars” by Emma Lee M.C. & Roccwell stays true to its rooted theme and includes a few musical twists, start to finish. From its concept, choice of instruments, variation, undeniable lyricism, sounds and messaging, it creates both curiosity and satisfaction, and leaves hip-hop lovers surely wanting more.

The classic is back! Gummy Soul's Amerigo Gazaway mashes up Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti with acapellas from De La Soul to killer effect! A fantasic journey into the "world of afrobeat rhythms, funky horn riffs & classic hip-hop gems". Bonus track added, now on colored vinyl in a full color picture sleeve!

Afrobeat legend FELA KUTI mashed with DE LA SOUL acapellas to killer effect! A fantastic journey into the world of afrobeat rhythms, funky horn riffs & classic hip-hop gems". This colored vinyl repress comes on blue colored vinyl for the first time. Includes new "secret" 2024 bonus cut.

After almost a year of sitting on this gem Recognize Ali is finally ready to drop the part 3 of his Underground King series.The album features heavyweights such as Vinnie Paz Lord Goat ILL Bill Lil Supa Rj Payne Estee Nack and more.Preorder and await greatness as usual! The Underground King will need all the support on this one Peace!!

10 track LP of beat forward, no-nonsense classic hip hop with tinges of soul and funk, from illustrious UK producer Wipe THE Needle (with releases on Gamm, Local Talk and Slip ‘N Slide) and Atlanta's Stan "steam" Smith, with an appearance from the late great TY. A project that's throwback in theory but forward thinking by design.

Analog Mutants back with the summer hit of the millenium, across the entire galaxy!

After almost a year of sitting on this gem Recognize Ali is finally ready to drop the part 3 of his Underground King series.The album features heavyweights such as Vinnie Paz Lord Goat ILL Bill Lil Supa Rj Payne Estee Nack and more.Preorder and await greatness as usual! The Underground King will need all the support on this one Peace!!

Upper Space is the new album from beloved Hip Hop DJ/Producer/turntablist, Rude One. Upper Space was sparked when Rude suffered a serious burn out from his day job in NYC's ultra high-end interior design world. Moonwalking out of that life, and away from a $250k income, he retreated to a small apartment in downtown Cincinnati where he attended every Cincinnati Reds home game for a full baseball season. The remainder of his time was spent utilizing hallucinogens, running long distances, talking to his cats, writing short stories, and making beats that would ultimately pave the foundation for this project. Upper Space is comprised of 9 songs featuring Rude's hand-crafted production specifically tailored for a select list of collaborators such as Valee, Stove God Cooks, Jeremiah Jae, Roc Marciano, RXKNephew, Ynot Dusable and more. Upper Space is the official follow-up to Rude’s 2016 LP, ONEderful, which featured Your Old Droog, Westside Gunn, Roc Marciano, and Conway The Machine ahead of their stints as leaders of a stylistic shift in Hip Hop. Upper Space will be out via Closed Sessions on October 18th, 2024.

Mister Modo from "Modonut" is back with Music FOR Bugs ! Under cover of a dedicated project to these nasty insects, the obsessive digger delivers a conceptual record, a kind of mutant beat tape, stringing together obscure, powerful loops in an emotionally rich rap and cinematic ambience. An ultra-limited LP vinyl not to be missed, signed and stamped by Mister modo himself. Only 222 copies worldwide !!!

When Crimeapple and Big Ghost Ltd fi rst linked up on their "Aguardiente" collaboration in 2016, the two came to shake the game up. The iconic Antioqueño bottle left a mark in underground hip-hop that still stands strong to this day, and to follow up they cooked up the deadliest material to do that once again with "Bazuko". Named after the deadliest and most addictive street drug in Colombia, basuco, the album embodies the raw, uncut and un fi ltered essence of their artistic process, much like the gritty remnants of cocaine paste. Crimeapple's razor-sharp lyricism cuts through Big Ghost Ltd's masterful, hard-hitting beats, creating a visceral, addictive and immersive soundscape. With "Bazuko," the two aren't just following up on "Aguardiente"; they're raising the stakes, delivering a project that is as potent and unforgettable as its namesake.

Brand new MF Grimm! Limited to only 50 copies on CD!

And here is Volume 3 in the Souls of Mischief x The Architect Series.

Following on from the 2020 A-Plus record and the 2023 Tajai project, we have the Opio version!!!



Side A includes 9 tracks from the previously CD-only 2008 Vulture's Wisdom album and Side B is a mix of material from Vulture's Wisdom Vol 2. as well as various Opio & The Architect EPs - none of which have ever been released on vinyl.



As usual all tracks produced by Homeliss Derilex producer The Architect. Killer fish!!!





There are 225 copies on Trad Black Vinyl

Analog Mutants back with the summer hit of the millenium, across the entire galaxy!

Get your ass up and let’s get ill! Yep, that’s right it’s Krash Slaughta and Phill – more accurately, it’s Phill and Krash because it’s that way round on what you get for your cash. Actually, face it, you’ll pay by card, though you won’t be bothered as these rhymes go hard. And you know it ain’t just them fat rhymes either, KS got the beats to give you a fever. That’s Side One, Definition Of Ill, but you know there’s another on the other side still. I Ain’t Playin’ With Y’All is what that’s called, more premium hip-hop to keep you enthralled. Phill says the music inspired the lyrics – apt because the finished tracks inspired this critic. Peace, I’m out! And if you don’t get your skates on, stores will be out too – of stock that is because while this one comes in two different cover & label versions, it’s strictly limited and there will be no re-press. Don’t sleep peeps!

Bough is the new album from Deca & Dealz, who blend hip-hop, jazz, and psychedelic instrumentation with introspective and meditative lyricism. Despite never working together previously, the two artists sound like they’ve been collaborating for years—a sentiment Deca explores on the title track: “Dealz makes beats I go in/ A universal language we speak like old friends.” It’s their mutual musical understanding that makes Bough such an incredible project. Not only was Deca inspired by his collaborator’s production on the lyrical front, but he also put his own production skills to work to edit and reconstruct the album’s instrumentals. It makes for such a uniquely crafted sound that only these two could create.

Analog Mutants back with the summer hit of the millenium, across the entire galaxy!

Why you'll love it...
“The concept of Few Good Things is the realization of self after a search for exterior fulfillment,” shared Saba on the inspiration behind the album’s title. “It is the satisfaction and completeness you gain by simply living a life that is yours. Few is a small number, but few is not lonely. In the face of all adversity, a few good things is recognizing and accepting blessings. Few is to count them, one by one – an empty glass is full of air, an empty bank is full of lessons, and an empty heart is full of memories. Few good things is to grow comfortable with the empty, and despite that, finding your fullness.”

Limited to 2000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of Saba's Few Good Things is pressed on Tan vinyl at Precision Record Pressing (PRP). The 2 LPs will arrive in a gatefold, direct-to-board, foil-stamped and numbered jacket.

Nickelus F, hailing from Richmond Virginia returns a brand new album. Venture into the world of "reluctantly obligated" with Nickelus F's latest releast Mmcht - inspired by the sound of sucking teeth. A must-have for all hip-hop fans, this album combines top-tier lyricism, captivating production, and introspective storytelling. F's artistry shines as he continues to connect with fans and push creative limits.

Acid Jazz Records' leading group 'Brand New Heavies'. Two finest tracks are included in the ep from their masterpiece album "Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1", a integration between the band's sound and a host of other stellar artists such as Main Source, Gang Starr, The Far Side and Black Sheep.

Over fi ve years after the release of "Blue Notes", V Don and Willie The Kid are back at it with the 2nd chapter! Willie The Kid keeps delivering fl awless bars over V Don's cinematic and stone cold productions to give you the chills, featuring guest appearances by Flee Lord, Ransom, Ankhle John, Babymaine, TY Da Dale, Whoisbravy and Hobx. "Blue Notes 2" is also available on black vinyl, digipack CD and cassette.

V Don and Willie The Kid are back at it with the 3rd chapter of their "Deutsche Marks" saga, and just like with any of their prior releases they bring their offering to the next level. Throughout the years the two have masterfully crafted their own sound as a duo, with V Don showcasing some of the highest quality productions in the game right now and Willie The Kid seamless delivery perfectly riding along with it. DM3 featuring guest appearances by long time collaborator Eto as well as Rome Streetz, Ransom, Lord Apex and Abe Linx, and is set to be yet another classic in their catalog!

“For fans old and new, they can expect to be reintroduced to some raw, authentic, classic Detroit Hip-Hop from beginning to end.”-Phat Kat on the Deluxe Edition re- release of “Carte Blanche”. Phat Kat’s phenomenal sophomore solo LP, “Carte Blanche”, fi rst released in ’07 via Look Records, is the sound of Detroit. It’s gritty, soulful, and raw, three key ingredients in bringing the blue-collar city’s vibe to life in music form. It’s also a modern classic that is getting the deluxe edition re-release it deserves, Below System Records is adding two rare bonus tracks produced by late Detroit legend, J Dilla. Anyone familiar with Kat or Dilla’s work knows the two shared a special bond. In fact, Dilla would often go to the gruff-voiced emcee whenever he was looking to create a particularly tough track. This friendship led to them forming the group 1st Down, and this re-release’s two bonus cuts, “World Premiere” and “It Don’t Get No Liver Than This (feat. La Peace),” which were recording in 1996 and ’97, respectively. Despite 1st Down never taking off due to label issues, Kat and Dilla remained close and recorded a number of underground classics. Those include several joints off “Carte Blanche”, such as the stirring “Don’t Nobody Care About Us”, “Game Time”, and the Elzhi-featured “Cold Steel”. It’s actually that last track that Kat picks as his favorite cut off the record. “If I gotta choose one, it would have to be ‘Cold Steel’ because it makes you wanna wild out as soon as the beat drops”, he says, adding that this was the fi rst time he got to choose a Dilla beat to rap over. “He would never let me rock over beat tape beats-he use to say ‘Nah Kat, just write to them cause I’m gonna make all ya shit from scratch.’ ” The album also boasts collaborations with other Detroit rap heavy-hitters, such as Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Nick Speed, and T3 & Young RJ (of Slum Village). With Kat as their host, they were able to not only capture the sound of the Motor city in 2007 (when the album was originally released), but also cement its place in the greater canon of hip-hop as we know it today.