US Hip Hop 1079 Items

2LP | 2011 | US | Reissue (Glassnote)

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Undun is the tenth studio album by The Roots, released on December 6, 2011. It is a concept album that tells the tragic, reverse-chronological story of a fictional character named Redford Stephens, a young man who becomes involved in a life of crime and meets an untimely death. The album explores the themes of fate, choice, and the socio-economic pressures that lead individuals into cycles of poverty, crime, and existential struggle.

Undun is told in reverse order, beginning with Redford’s death and slowly moving back through the key moments of his life that led to his demise. This structure provides a reflective, somber narrative, examining the forces that shaped his decisions and eventual downfall.
The album’s narrative structure emphasizes the sense of inevitability and regret, making it a powerful meditation on the fragility of life and the consequences of choices.
The character of Redford Stephens was inspired by a piece of music by composer Sufjan Stevens, titled "Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)." This instrumental track is reinterpreted and appears toward the end of the album, underscoring its emotional weight.

Musically, Undun is a mix of hip-hop, neo-soul, orchestral elements, and art rock. The production is lush yet sparse, with haunting melodies, complex arrangements, and The Roots' trademark live instrumentation.
Questlove’s drumming and Black Thought’s lyricism are central to the album, with the music often using minimalist beats and atmospheric soundscapes to complement the lyrical themes of existential despair and reflection.
The album also features moments of instrumental interludes, which add to the cinematic and conceptual feel of the project.

Key Tracks and Highlights:
"Sleep" – The album’s opening track (which depicts the final moment of Redford’s life) is introspective and haunting. Black Thought raps about the moments before death, with lyrics like "I’ve lost a lot of sleep to dreams" capturing the sense of hopelessness and inevitability.
"Make My" (featuring Big K.R.I.T.) – This single features a melancholic beat and lyrics that delve into regret and introspection, with Big K.R.I.T.'s verse complementing Black Thought’s meditations on life and death.
"One Time" (featuring Phonte and Dice Raw) – A standout track that focuses on the idea of seizing moments and making choices, set to a gritty, understated beat. Black Thought and guest rapper Phonte trade verses, exploring themes of existential crisis and fleeting opportunities.
"Kool On" (featuring Greg Porn and Truck North) – One of the lighter, more groove-driven tracks on the album, yet still reflective, with lyrics addressing Redford’s attempts to navigate the temptations and pressures of street life.
"The Otherside" – A soul-stirring track that looks at the crossroads between life and death, with deeply philosophical lyrics. Black Thought’s introspective verse, combined with Dice Raw’s somber chorus, reflects the haunting struggle between moral choices and survival.
"Tip the Scale" – A reflection on the difficulty of breaking free from the cyclical patterns of poverty and crime, with Black Thought delivering some of the most emotionally raw and philosophical verses on the album.
"Redford" (the instrumental suite) – A moving four-part instrumental conclusion, drawing from Sufjan Stevens' original composition. This suite, made up of piano, strings, and drums, evokes the emotional depth of Redford’s life and his ultimate fate.

Existentialism and Free Will: The album continually questions the role of fate versus choice. Redford’s life is portrayed as a series of decisions that, while influenced by his environment, ultimately lead to his downfall, raising questions about whether he had any real control over his fate.
Social Injustice and Poverty: Many of the lyrics explore how systemic injustice, poverty, and lack of opportunity can push individuals into lives of crime. The album highlights the harsh realities faced by young Black men in America, grappling with the intersections of race, class, and violence.
Regret and Reflection: Much of the album has a reflective, mournful tone as Black Thought and other guest vocalists deliver verses that look back at life’s moments, filled with what-ifs and regrets, exploring the loss of potential and the weight of past decisions.
Production and Collaborations:
The album is largely produced by The Roots themselves, with Questlove overseeing much of the production. The minimalist yet atmospheric production style mirrors the album’s darker themes, with an emphasis on live instruments.
Undun includes collaborations with Big K.R.I.T., Phonte, Dice Raw, Truck North, and Greg Porn, all of whom contribute to the narrative through their verses and vocal contributions.

Undun received widespread critical acclaim for its ambitious concept, narrative depth, and emotional resonance. Critics praised the album for its cohesive storytelling, complex themes, and innovative production.
Many hailed it as one of The Roots' best albums, with its conceptual depth and musical sophistication setting it apart from conventional hip-hop albums.
The album was noted for its maturity and introspective tone, marking a departure from The Roots’ earlier, more outwardly political works, and instead focusing on the internal struggles of the individual within a broken system.

Undun is often regarded as one of the best concept albums in hip-hop, comparable to works like Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city for its narrative depth and thematic richness.
The album’s reverse chronology and philosophical musings influenced other artists looking to explore more experimental and narrative-driven albums.
Undun reinforced The Roots' reputation as one of the most innovative and thoughtful acts in hip-hop, further blurring the lines between rap, live instrumentation, and high-concept artistry.

Undun is a deeply reflective and philosophical album, focusing on the life and fate of a character caught between the societal pressures and personal choices that ultimately lead to his demise. With its reverse storytelling, live instrumentation, and poignant lyricism, the album stands as one of The Roots’ most emotionally complex and musically innovative works. It challenges listeners to think deeply about the forces that shape lives and the fine line between survival and destruction.

Go to Item

Childish Gambino

Camp

26,99 €*

Factor & The Chandeliers EP

Release: 2011 / US – Reissue

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Factor & The Chandeliers

10" | 2011 | US | Original (Fake Four Inc.)

The Elmatic Instrumentals

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Canadian super-producer, Factor under the new moniker Factor & the Chandeliers, creates his first sample-free fully instrumental album which Factor's signature dusty breaks experiment with a variety of genres from Hip Hop, 80s era R&B and Shoegaze.

Go to Item

Will Sessions

LP | 2011 | US | Original (Fat Beats)

30,99 €*

LP | 2011 | UK (Ghostfunk)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Instrumental versions to Elzhi's (Slum Village) tribute to Nas "Illmatic" performed by Chicago funk band Will Sessions. Limited edition vinyl with free mp3 download card.

Go to Item

Ghostface Killah

Ghostfunk EP

33,99 €*

The Resurrection Of The Golden Wolf

Release: 2011 / UK

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

After the phenomenal success of Jaydiohead, Mos Dub, Dub Kweli, Double Check Your Head and Jaydiohead 2 but to name a few, Max Tannone is back with his new masterpiece – Ghostfunk! Released in 2011, Ghostfunk pairs one of his favorite hip-hop artists, Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah, with vintage African funk, high-life, and psychedelic rock.

Go to Item

Krumbsnatcha

CD | 2011 | US | Original (Chamber Musik)

17,99 €*

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Krumbsnatcha made his fame back in the 1990's as part of the legendary
Gangstarr Foundation. Mentored by the late Guru of Gangstarr, he
debuted on the classic album ""Moment of Truth"", and went on to perform
on many recordings with Guru as well as albums under his own name.
Hailing from Massachusetts, he is also a member of the W.O.L.V.E.S. crew,
thus the moniker of ""Golden Wolf"". Recently joining up with the Wu-Tang
Management team, he is now affiliated with Wu-Tang as well, and this is
his first outing as such. This album represents his ressurection as ""King
Solomon"" back from the Hip-Hop ""Dead"", as well as his first project since
Guru's unfortunate passing last year. Featured on this record are Dungeon
Masta (Wu-Tang), Black Jesus (Gangstarr Foundation/Wu-Tang), DJ JSOne,
Hectic, Nuborn, Lex Boogie and none other than Guru himself on two
tracks. Production comes from the likes of Thorotracks, Nickel Plated, GClef
da Mad Komposa, and more.

Go to Item

Open

13,99 €*

Mac Dre Presents Thizz Nation 30: Starring (707)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

While the buzz around Blu has continued to grow, one aspect of the L.A. rapper’s artistry has been overlooked: he’s becoming one of hip-hop’s best new producers. Since early work with producers Exile, Ta’Raach, and Mainframe, Blu has begun creating his own soundscapes for recent projects Her Favorite Colo(u)r and Jesus. Now, he’s putting his beats on full display, with the producer album Open. Featuring a slew of promising up-and-comers on the mic, Open is a perfect showcase for Blu’s hazy, lo-fi production. The album also showcases Blu’s ear for talent, turning fans on to the next generation of rhyme-spitters.

Go to Item

V.A.

CD | 2011 | US | Original (Thizz)

19,99 €*

7" | 2011 | US | Reissue (Get On Down)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

IOU

Chill Out

Release: 2011 / US – Reissue

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Get On Down keeps kickin’ it old school with the latest installment in the Get On Down 7” series, IOU’s “Chill Out”. As with other offerings in the series, this one was originally released as a 12” and has never before been available on a “doughnut”. First issued on Peter Brown’s Georgia Peach imprint even the most rabid
collector’s and Mr. Brown aren’t certain of the exact year of release. But the thick layers of electro funk and vocoder has the educated ear landing this between ‘82 & ‘84. In fact, this cut may have the most vocoder per minute of any cut in recorded music history. Which only reinforces its status as an electro classic and gives you good reason to Get On Down and pick up this destine tom be collectible reissue.

Go to Item

Jesus

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (Geffen)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Recently, a mysterious album titled Jesus turned up on the popular music site Bandcamp, uploaded by an artist calling himself “b”. Soon, the LP was discovered to be the latest work from enigmatic L.A. rapper Blu, and within hours, it was the talk of the blogosphere. The album was soon removed, but now it’s back, this time in physical form. New World Color is proud to present the latest lo-fi masterpiece from one of hip-hop’s most intriguing figures. Officially the debut for alter-ego “b”, Jesus is sure to satisfy the cult-like fanbase that’s been steadily growing around the artist most famously known as Blu ... feat. Madlib, Planet Asia, Alchemist, Hezekiah!

Go to Item

The Game

The R.E.D. Album

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (Def Jam)

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Go to Item

Jay-Z & Kanye West

Watch The Throne

21,99 €*

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

The 2 biggest rappers of the '00s combine for their magnum opus ... cover design by Riccardo Tisci, Givenchy's creative director ... oh la la!

Go to Item

Illmind

Behind The Curtain

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Despite being of hip-hop’s most in-demand producers, !llmind has never released an official album of his own until the instrumental Behind The Curtain, which isavailable from Nature Sounds on now. Having spent so much time working with vocalists, !llmind assures listeners that this is no ordinary beat tape. “ I make music based on emotion, that feeling you get when you are drawn to a piece of music.” To give fans a true look “behind the curtain,” !llmind will also be offering the album’s audio stems (drums parts, bass parts, horns parts, etc) through a download code on each CD. While hip-hop producers are known to operate in secrecy, !llmind hopes to inspire the next generation of track masters. “I’ve found that so many of my fans are producers,” he explains. “I know they’ll be excited for this.”

Go to Item

Pipe Bomb / Riot Muzik!! Apollo Brown Remix

Release: 2011 / UK

Genre: Hip Hop, Electronic & Dance

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Samples Nu Shooz … whoop!

Go to Item

5 Elementz

7" | 2011 | US | Original (Funk Night)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

5 Elementz was a Detroit group formed by Proof (of D12), J Dilla (aka Jay Dee), DJ Sicari, Thyme & Mudd.

Go to Item

LP | 2011 | US | Original (Nature Sounds)

Her Favorite Colo(u)r

33,99 €*

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (XL)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Lp includes an extra 7" for all donut lovers. Dooooooooope!

Go to Item

Tyler The Creator

Goblin

13,99 €*

CD | 2011 | US | Original (Mello Music Group)

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Wolfgang or Odd Future or OFWGKTA or whateveryoumightcallem come up with their first proper release: Tyler, The Creator's Goblin on XL Recordings … includes the 4 million-youtube-surprise 'Yonkers'!

Go to Item

Oddisee

Odd Seasons

15,99 €*

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Oddisee has previously dropped 'Odd Spring', 'Odd Winter', 'Odd Autumn' & 'Odd Summer' over the years but come May 17th, 2011 Mello Music Group will be dropping 'Odd Seasons' on remastered vinyl & CD physical editions as one cohesive collection!

Go to Item

Her Favorite Colo(u)r

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (Bad Taste)

Release: 2011 / US – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Dooooooooope!

Go to Item

Cunninlynguists

Oneirology

Robot Koch & John Robinson

Release: 2011 / EU – Original

Genre: Hip Hop

Add to Cart Coming Soon Sold out Currently not available Not Enough Coins

Everyone's favorite Punani connaisseurs are back with yet another deeply emotive and well-produced album. Tip!

Go to Item

Robot Robinson

CD | 2011 | EU | Original (Project: Mooncircle / HHV)