US Hip Hop 470 Items

10 tracks feat. Blacastan & Del The Funky Homosapien!

10 tracks feat. Blacastan & Del The Funky Homosapien!

Limited edition of 300 copies only!

Mr. Complex is truly a veteran MC from NYC, a memberof The Polyrhythm Addicts and released many classic records since 1995. His new 7-inch “I’m Ready” features Dres, from Black Sheep and El Fudge from the Rawkus era b/w “Commercial Rap. Production comes from the talented though undiscovered producer Mortal 1.

“I’m Ready” is a high energy track with sharp lyrics redefining why their presence is still needed. The B-side “Commercial Rap” is a vintage Mr. Complex song where he references classic TV commercials with top notch wordplay. Mr. Complex and Mortal 1 recorded a whole album "Forever new" that is coming up soon.

Production supplied by the new and undiscovered producer Mortal 1.
This EP has the vintage Mr. Complex sound featuring strong tracks with wild wordplay, bars and stories. A few features from Truth Enola from De La Soul's "Stakes is High", Distrakt and Cole Williams on the heavy soulful joint "Stormy Weather". "I’m Ready" features Dres (Black Sheep) and Rawkus alum El Fudge. “Dumb It Down” and “Fanatic” have that underground Boom Bap. Mr. Complex and Mortal 1 recorded a whole album "Forever New" that is coming up soon.

After two Polyrhythm Addicts albums, four solo albums, a mixtape, collaboration album and an EP, Mr. Complex drops his best work yet: “Forever New”. Grown man rap music that has that Boom Bap sound with the late great 90's feel. One producer Mortal 1 for the entire album. Mr. Complex directed five music videos for the album.

The album has the Complex you are accustomed to with a bit of growth, wordplay, storytelling and humor. A very well rounded MC and a pronounced song writer. This album is loaded with high caliber singers Maya Azucena, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Cole Williams, Anna Simpson and others. Guest bars from Emcee's OC, Sadat X, General DV, Prince Po, Tiye Phoenix and Truth Enola.

Mood is a hip hop group based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, composed of rappers Main Flow, Donte, and record producer Jahson. They first came to prominence with the Hi-Tek produced single "Hustle on the Side" in 1996. Their 1997 album "Doom" (Blunt/TVT) featured production by a young Hi-Tek and a guest appearance by Talib Kweli. In 2000 they appeared on "Mission Control Presents", a compilation which featured acts associated with producer Jahson and his record label Mission Control.

Now in 2011 they return with "Live Again". Donte and Main Flow spit thought provoking conscious lyrics over deep, melodic well-crafted tracks produced by Jahson & co-produced by BBG. This album is soon to be a classic, providing listeners with a positive vibe and hard hitting lyrics, bringing an essential breath back into the now commercially drowned Hip Hop music scene. Features cameos by J.Sands of Lone Catalysts, Holmskillet, Ragga, Ianigma and others.

Check out this dope, fully unreleased project out of Queens from 1994-1997. Included are 5 tracks from the 1994 demo tape period (recorded from the original studio masters) as well as 3 tracks penned for a potential Makin' Records release in 1997, which never happened. This underground release is full of massive bangers.

Mandala is the fourth Mello Music Group compilation – previous compilations include Mental Liberation, Helpless Dreamer, and Self Sacrifice - featuring Oddisee, Apollo Brown, L'Orange, Quelle Chris, Murs, Milo, Georgia Anne Muldrow and more.

The album showcases the ever-evolving roster of top-tier producers and rappers on MMG, many of whom (e.g. Oddisee & Quelle Chris) fill both roles with equal dexterity. Additionally, it features several artists nearby MMG, a testament to their commitment to working with those who possess singular sonic and lyrical abilities.

Mandala is at once compact and comprehensive. There is not a minute wasted and not a miss in sight. It is diverse and yet somehow cohesive, tailor made to rock your car speakers and your brain stem. It is MMG's reminder that hip-hop is alive and well, and a reintroduction to a label that's tried never to forget what makes music compelling.

With a multitude of producers behind the boards, the soundscapes on Mandala cover the map and the album is all the better for it. Oddisee helms the opener and tracks throughout with a musicality like few in Hip-Hop today. L'Orange brings subtle, jazzy suites to the table, and Quelle Chris provides dusty samples looped over hard-hitting drums as well as anyone else. Each beat is far richer and more inventive, able to play on its own and provide the perfect complement to the raps at hand.

As far as the rhymes are concerned, the rappers on Mandala leave nothing to chance. The MCs on the comp are intelligent and self-aware, capable of the comic, tragic, and in-between at the sound of a snare. They have an old-school reverence for rhyme with a modern state of mind and modern problems. Come-up or comedown, shine or shadow, friend or foe – they are fearless in confronting all fears.

Above all, Mandala is a sign of the great and innovative music in the history of MMG.

Mandala is the fourth Mello Music Group compilation – previous compilations include Mental Liberation, Helpless Dreamer, and Self Sacrifice - featuring Oddisee, Apollo Brown, L'Orange, Quelle Chris, Murs, Milo, Georgia Anne Muldrow and more.

The album showcases the ever-evolving roster of top-tier producers and rappers on MMG, many of whom (e.g. Oddisee & Quelle Chris) fill both roles with equal dexterity. Additionally, it features several artists nearby MMG, a testament to their commitment to working with those who possess singular sonic and lyrical abilities.

Mandala is at once compact and comprehensive. There is not a minute wasted and not a miss in sight. It is diverse and yet somehow cohesive, tailor made to rock your car speakers and your brain stem. It is MMG's reminder that hip-hop is alive and well, and a reintroduction to a label that's tried never to forget what makes music compelling.

With a multitude of producers behind the boards, the soundscapes on Mandala cover the map and the album is all the better for it. Oddisee helms the opener and tracks throughout with a musicality like few in Hip-Hop today. L'Orange brings subtle, jazzy suites to the table, and Quelle Chris provides dusty samples looped over hard-hitting drums as well as anyone else. Each beat is far richer and more inventive, able to play on its own and provide the perfect complement to the raps at hand.

As far as the rhymes are concerned, the rappers on Mandala leave nothing to chance. The MCs on the comp are intelligent and self-aware, capable of the comic, tragic, and in-between at the sound of a snare. They have an old-school reverence for rhyme with a modern state of mind and modern problems. Come-up or comedown, shine or shadow, friend or foe – they are fearless in confronting all fears.

Above all, Mandala is a sign of the great and innovative music in the history of MMG.

Limited to 250 copies pressed on green colored vinyl with 3D glasses!

“Born Yesterday” is the long anticipated 3rd album from Queens, NY native MC WhiteOwl.
WhiteOwl has been creating Hip-Hop music since 1988 as an MC and DJ and used to hang out with his friends such as DJ Notaro and DJ Eclipse.
Production by Statik Selektah, DJ Fred Ones, DJ Mondee, Jakk Wonders, FatCatHayze156 and Wann Sklobi!

Only one copy per customer!
Limited edition of 350 copies only!

The main question might still be, how does a cat born in 1997 make such an authentic "mid-90's-sounding" record? Answer: Dope influences. MC Gels out of the Bronx, recorded his debut album "Wandering Souls" last year.

The final Herring drop for early 2017 is MC Gels' debut release from early in 2016 - now available on wax for the first time. Following on from last year's "Wandering Souls" LP on Chopped Herring, this heater produced by Chief Rugged had to make its way onto wax - straight out the BX, the young MC Gels - "Da Funkee Man"..

Samples Nu Shooz … whoop!

This modern classic, while previously available only in a plain sleeve, is given the proper treatment of a full color jacket.

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.

Channel 85 Presents Nittyville is perhaps the most traditional release from Madlib’s ambitious Medicine Show series, and we make no bones about it: one MC, one producer, and a rap record all about stunts, blunts and hip-hop. Frank is Detroit's Frank Nitt, protegee of the late J Dilla, formerly of Frank-n-Dank. Madlib is the Beat Konducta, Quasimoto, half-Madvillain & Jaylib, one of hip-hop's most acclaimed producer's favorite producers. As for Channel 85, it's clearly off most dials. This albumís concept TV station runs one show only, the comic-drama, reality-musical called Nittyville, featuring Frank, MED, Oh No, Madlib, and a supporting cast of extras.

After a brief pause in the Medicine Show series, Madlib returns with a 28-track, full-length hip-hop album of collaborations with AG, Guilty Simpson, MED, Oh No, Strong Arm Steady and others. Karriem Riggins pops in for a short Supreme Team session, Madlib & Oh No debut their group The Professionals, and we hear for the first time a Jaylib-era track from Madlib & Dilla's never-realized second album. Limited edition 3LP contains 14 additional Madlib beat instrumentals.

Black Friday Record Store Day 2022 Reissue. Color: Clear Pink. Limitation: unknown.

Madlib Invazion presents a colored vinyl issue of the long out of print 11th issue on the Madlib Medicine Show series - Low Budget High-Fi Music, on clear pink vinyl. In 2010, Madlib launched an ambitious series of releases known as the Madlib Medicine Show, which allowed the prolific producer to release new material on a monthly basis. The series touched on all the genres Madlib digs, and that’s just about any genre you can consider - from Jazz to Rock, Soul to Disco, myriad African musics, Brazilian and Reggae. On the 11th installment in series Madlib returned to his hip hop roots with Low Budget High-Fi Music. Featuring a run-down of regular Madlib collaborators who provide the Beat Konducta’s foil, it also included a hint of what was meant to come on the never realized second Jaylib album, with a previously unreleased J Dilla collaboration.

Repress 2023
After the release of his 2011 debut ‘Blue Slide Park’, Mac Miller started using promethazine to cope with the album’s negative reviews and subsequent stress of his Macadelic tour.
Maybe that’s why his second LP proper, ‘Watching Movies With The Sound Off’, is hazy and somewhat introspective. “You was Easy Mac with the cheesy raps / Who the f*ck is Mac Miller?” a male voice asks midway through the 70-minute recording.
He doesn’t get too personal; instead, Miller spits disoriented rhymes atop an equally disjointed soundtrack. He glorifies his drug habit one moment while atoning for it the next. “Halleluah, thank God I have a future,” Miller raps on ‘The Star Room’; “Praying I don’t waste it getting faded.”
With ‘Movies’, Miller channels his past addiction into an impressive set of stoner rap, far beyond the carefree ‘Blue Slide Park.’ These sounds are heavier and Miller flows naturally in this element. He still likes a good time, but he’s giving us more of himself in the process. Looks like he’s growing up after all. - clashmusic.com