US Hip Hop 205 Items

In a city famed for its disparate and varied musical excellence, the Detroit-based alignment of feted electronic artist and producer Shigeto aka Zach Saginaw and rapidly rising Bruiser Brigade member ZelooperZ is an entirely natural thing. Introduced by mutual friends in the city, an instant bond was formed, and ZGTO was born. A Piece Of The Geto is out August 4th on Ghostly International, with a limited edition vinyl pressing by Third Man Records.

For Shigeto, this is the first time he's musically stepped out of the box of a solo artist and worked with a vocalist on a project. There is a ''less is more'' philosophy with the production where the vocals of ZelooperZ are seamlessly interlaced into the fabric of the beats. It's minimal in a sense, but the emotion felt through the words of ZelooperZ makes the songs as a whole intense and heavy with sentiment.

With transcendent lyrical skills, an impossibly perfect rap voice, and a uniquely cool, calm, and collected flow, Brooklyn rapper Your Old Droog is one of the brightest young stars in hip-hop today. Looseys is a collection of Droog tracks that lit up blogs but never made it onto any of his acclaimed projects. Now, this rare project is receiving a much-deserved official release. Looseys features collaborations with Joey Bada$$, Styles P, and Rast RFC, plus stellar production from famed producers like Alchemist, Oh No, Black Milk, Statik Selektah, and Jonwayne.

With transcendent lyrical skills, an impossibly perfect rap voice, and a uniquely cool, calm, and collected flow, Brooklyn rapper Your Old Droog is one of the brightest young stars in hip-hop today. His latest offering is "Looseys", a collection of tracks that lit up blogs but never made it onto any of Droog’s acclaimed projects. The 6-track EP features collaborations with Joey Bada$$, Styles P, and Rast RFC, plus stellar production from famed producers like Alchemist, Oh No, Black Milk, and Statik Selektah.

The lead single from the highly sought-after “Travel At Your Own Pace” features the exclusive, previously unreleased B-side, “Pyramids”. This song includes a rare vocal appearance from Damu The Fudgemunk.

This the song's first official reissue and its first appearance pressed on a 45. Both songs packaged in full color double sided cover art.

Known to many as the group Y Society, Insight the Truncator and Damu the Fudgemunk celebrate 10 plus years of friendship and a creative partnership that hold the two in high esteem of their fans. The MC & producer's new 7" is a compelling display of why the duo have always been at the top of their game despite their reserved output since debuting as a team in 2007.

Surprising the world at the top of the year with their full length, "Ears Hear Spears" was a great way to sound the alarm for the excitement of new activity. Selective by nature, Insight and Damu's calculations have served advantageous in making moves and presenting listeners with the right music at the right time. The latest incarnation of this truth can be heard in the previously unreleased b-side track entitled "Pyramids to the Ghetto." Although it was recorded in 2008, it was archived and remained unreleased until now. Now in 2017 this particular song couldn't be any more relevant in how the artists analyze the effects racism of the past & present and its correlation to black plight throughout the Americas (both Insight & Damu drop verses on this track).

Continuing narratives of such legends as Public Enemy and Jeru the Damaja in which the track title quotes, the group individually presents short essays in rhyme form that give a candid account of what they've witnessed as black U.S. citizens living in the 20th and 21st Century. Not only are the social effects on the table for examination, but the positive and negative impacts a racist society has had on black contributions to art and culture are discussed. For the songwriters, "Pyramids to the Ghetto" is therapeutic in which harsh realities are confronted in an unapologetic manner contrasting the previous socially charged material in Insight and Damu's back catalog.

For the listeners, it's a history lesson and a call to motivate us all that history doesn't always have to repeat itself even when it's been the norm for centuries. Adversity and oppression historically have hold some back and made some stronger, but acknowledgement is the first step of progression.

The A-Side, "Never Off (On & On)" speaks on just that. It's a roadmap to dealing with everyday adversity, maintaining faith in self and striving to reach your full potential. Insight presents sermons of encouragement to the everyday person over the Fudgemunk's uplifting beat. The producer chimes in on the chorus with a few words of his own that insists to keep on your path and never fall off. The old saying goes, "Life ain't easy", but the group knows success is not unrealistic. "Never Off (On & On)" was the debut single from the debut album, "Travel at Your Own Pace" which has remained a staple in Insight the Truncator's and Damu the Fudgemunk's legacy.

Only 21 numbered copies made with custom Threshold test labels!

Wiki’s new album is an acidic and vivid manifestation of his city, at times surreal and too real, with contributions from Earl Sweatshirt, Kaytranada, Ghostface Killah, and more. - Pichfork rating 8.1.

/ Gifted Oh No Remix ... Lead single from the "Earthology" album with an extra gifted Oh No remix on the B.

Incredibly sought after tracks which have been originally been released in 2017. Now on 7".

This is a story about a young Russian girl named Jinna Morocha who had a vision of one day flying to the Moon.
Many years ago during the hard times of life in Moscow, the young girl saw the Moon consciously for the first time and at that very moment the dream began. These vivid thoughts remained in her mind and she started to ask herself “How can I get to the Moon?“. Soon she found the label Project: Mooncircle over the internet and told them her story, at once she saw a chance to come a few steps closer to her dream. By now Jinna lived in Germany and it was possible for her and the label to meet, her key question was “Can you bring me to the Moon?“. The answer was a faltering “No, but maybe we can let you fly to the Moon in your mind. Let’s build the soundtrack to this vision, close your eyes, clear your thoughts and let us begin on your journey“.

That was the beginning of “The Moon Comes Closer“, come embark upon this voyage with us lead by the next level soundscapes of:

Robot Koch, fLako, Pavel Dovgal, I.D. 4 Windz, John Robinson, Lambent, 813, Nienvox, Juj, Mr Cooper, MyOwn, Long Arm, Daisuke Tanabe, Graciela Maria, Scienz Of Life, Andy Kayes, Abnormal, Capella, Comfort Fit, Kansano, Gards From KC, Puzzle, Sense of The Q4, Sotu The Traveller, V. Raeter, Himuro Yoshiteru, Skyence, Dexter, Portformat, 40 Winks, Dela, Brazzaville & Killing Skills.

Hip Hop has come a long way since it exploded onto the globe in the early 1980’s – it’s turned MC’s into global icons, given a voice to a youth movement, helped ethnic groups to cross colour lines and inspired all manner of political change and growth. Sugar Hill Records was there from the start and gave birth to Hip Hop’s first superstars. Original Hip Hop Classics presented by Sugar Hill Records presents the definitive collection of records that defined the first wave of Hip Hop to break through into the mainstream.

Including beats and rhymes from The SugarHill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, The Furious Five, Melle Mel, The Treacherous Three and The Sequence plus ground-breaking releases such as ‘Rapper's Delight’, ‘The Message’ ‘White Lines (Don't Do It)’, ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash On The Wheels of Steel’ and more this is a true document of one of the most exciting and pivotal musical genres of all time.

Quality Goods Records finally presents the vinyl release of UZ’ album “Layers” in limited edition gold vinyl!

Something of a man of mystery, UZ emerged into the world of constantly evolving bass music back in 2012, and his intense musical creativity has kept fans guessing ever since. Widely considered one of the founding fathers of the floor-shattering trap sound that has taken the world by storm, UZ’s innovative approach to production and impeccable reputation as a tastemaker has kept him on top of the pile for the past five years.
2017 is possibly set to be the biggest year to date for this artist, having built such a tangible platform for himself over the past couple of years, both as a DJ and producer. Reaching five full years in the game this April, a giveaway of material from 2012-2015 hit well over 600,000 downloads – showing the consistent demand for fresh “Trap Shit” sounds, including the series of 25 tracks that fell under the same name. The likes of SPIN, Complex, Billboard and Hypetrak have offered their full support since the start, pushing his vision to a wider audience. UZ counts official remixes for the likes of Flosstradamus, Zeds Dead, 12th planet, Birdy Nam Nam, Ice Cube, Elliphant, GIA, Alvin Risk and DJ Shadow in his arsenal, whilst in 2013 he was commissioned to make a very special mixtape for Red Bull Academy.
UZ’s touring schedule continues to take him across the globe several times over, appearing in Australia, Canada, Asia, Europe, South America and South Africa. Representing bass music at its finest, he is increasingly in demand from international festivals such as Coachella, Sonar, Ultra, Stereosonic and EDC.
2016 saw the start of a thrilling chapter, with UZ beginning his trap-influenced record label Quality Goods Records in April. Hand selecting the most exhilarating new music and artists, the inaugural release came from the label head himself in the form of “Magellan” EP. Other works include the UZ & Myrne remix of “Trapshit 16,” “Amazon” from Mayhem and UZ and a remix EP of the brilliantly received “Magellan.” QGR is just getting started, and as with UZ, the best is yet to come…

Tyler The Creator remains controversial, handles the producttion of Flower Boy entirely by himself, and features guest vocals from a range of artists, including Frank Ocean, ASAP Rocky, Anna of the North, Lil Wayne, Kali Uchis, Steve Lacy, Estelle, Jaden Smith and Rex Orange County.

The album featuring A$AP Rocky, Frank Ocean, Lil Wayne, Estelle, Kevin Abstract & Rex Orange County.

“I believe in the afterlife, hell and heaven, demons and angels. The horror in my music comes from a real place including things I’ve seen as well as nightmares and visions I have had.” While currently only in his mid-twenties the Inland Empire/Los Angeles rapper known as Trizz has come to be viewed as the dark horseman of Hip-Hop for almost a decade at this point.
Now following up on that sonically dank masterpiece before the duo of producer AC3 and MC Trizz presents a new full-length album together, “Ashes N Dust”. Self-described as a suburban horror flick on tape, Trizz explains “the town I come from looks beautiful but it holds dark secrets. At night, all hell breaks loose and goes undocumented. Ashes N Dust contains the lost files with everything you need to know about where I come from.”
The album’s first single “The Backstreet” is a collaboration with the current heir to the West’s G-Funk legacy, G Perico. The L.A. natives initially linking up by a chance encounter during this year’s Hiero Day in Oakland. Other collaborators on the album include Rob $tone, King Iso and Pomona Drey to name a few.

Brooklyn, New York City based MC Thirstin Howl III is known for his unique style and sometimes comical and humorous rhymes. He is of Puerto Rican descent and raps in both Spanish and English. In 1997 he won the Source's Unsigned Hype award. He also owns and operates his own label, Skillionaire Enterprises.
Now, one of the illest MC's in the game blesses Chopped Herring with some previously never pressed on vinyl classics from the 1999 debut release "Skillionaire. Peep these joints from "Skillionaire" on wax for the very first time plus the bonus "Prostitute joint" featuring an early Meyhem Lauren. You won’t regret it!

On 11 October 2010, Brainfeeder released the debut album by a 23 year old ex-skater, painter and music producer from Chino Hills called Teebs (real name Mtendere Mandowa). The title 'Ardour' means great enthusiasm, love or passion and was a fitting descriptor for his inherently warm, lushly textured beats. It’s an undisputed classic in the Brainfeeder canon and more widely considered an essential chapter in the ever-evolving puzzle of the global “beat scene”.

Brainfeeder and Teebs are celebrating the 10th anniversary with a limited special edition reissue of this landmark record. Pressed on deep pink 2LP and housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with artwork by Teebs himself, the new edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks.

With roots at the ‘My Hollow Drum’ collective, Dublab and Low End Theory, Teebs has been a staple in Los Angeles music. “My creative family in LA is so important,” he explains. “It’s a part of who I am when I step outside and how others in LA view me. I love the feeling of community and trying to understand how I can be useful in it.”

Following 'Ardour' (2010), Teebs released 'Collections' (2011), 'Estara' (2014) and, after a 5 year hiatus, his most recent album 'Anicca' in 2019, with the help of a host of musical friends including Panda Bear (Animal Collective), Sudan Archives, Ringgo Ancheta aka MNDSGN, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Anna Wise. Universally acclaimed, Pitchfork gave 'Anicca' a glowing 7.8 review hailing Mandowa’s “effortless, shape-shifting tracks that make time stand still.” Meanwhile, FADER described the record as “deeply atmospheric... cool-headed and uncanny.”

Exclusive to HHV in Europe!

Strangers Of Necessity consist of young upcoming producer, CoryAyo from Iowa City, IA, and veteran rhyme sayer, Fooch the MC, from Chicago,IL. The two connected by chance via twitter, after Cory saw Fooch in a 319 cypher video on youtube. They linked up offline and quickly became friends, sparking an immediate chemistry and need to make quality hip-hop music together; hence the name Strangers Of Necessity. They instantly began recording music and doing shows locally, generating a small buzz in the area. With CoryAyo's affiliation with London, UK based netlabel, Hard Jazz 7, and Fooch being an artist on Mic Hand Recordings, they knew they had the launch pad needed to release their debut EP, Tangerine Avenue.

Their sound is best described as a fresh take on that golden era of hip-hop, blending tasteful jazz and soul samples, crisp snares, boomy kicks on wonky patterns with a soulful delivery, dense schemes and potent punch-lines that hit peaks before unseen. Strangers Of Necessity now better acquainted and constantly adding shows to their calendar, are hoping to bring you retro fresh beats and rhymes that speak to right now; giving you that feeling that can only be described as ""goose bump music."

Every rapper is a struggle rapper. The degree of adversity changes from one tax bracket to the next, but no contract comes with immunity. The pursuit of happiness lasts as long as you do. Stik Figa has been trying to tell you for years.
“Central Standard Time”, the Topeka, KS native’s second official Mello Music Group release, is a meditation on struggles new, old, and eternal. Stik Figa’s rhymes remain intricate yet accessible, the words interlocking to create fresh meanings. Every verse displays his hard-won honesty. Though the pains are personal, the moments are strikingly familiar. These are the songs you play when you’re tired of being told to turn up, when you avoid your bank statement like the plague, when you still can’t shake the first time someone called you “nigger,” when another relationship has wrecked your life.
With production from venerated heavyweights like Nottz, Exile, Black Milk, and Apollo Brown, there is never a stale loop or drum pattern. Beats crafted to fry subwoofers are offset by those warm and poignant. L’Orange produced lead single “Cold,” deftly straddles that divide. Over cavernous drums and a soul-stirring sample, Stik Figa indicts posturing trap rappers with searing wit.
When he’s not dismantling the unoriginal alone, Stik Figa enlists indie luminaries Elzhi, Homeboy Sandman, and Quelle Chris. And on album closer “The Git Down,” he macks alongside Bay Area legend Rappin' 4-Tay. With each feature, the results are even more arresting.
Ultimately, “Central Standard Time” is a reminder that sharing our burdens helps others do the same. It’s rap as therapy, the words written to move forward. Listen and do likewise. Struggle waits for no man.

Features Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, D-Block, M.O.P., Kool G Rap, Krs-One, Az, Cormega, Freeway, Royce 5’9”, Slum Village and many others!
It has been 10 years since Statik Selektah’s long awaited first official studio album landed, and now it’s available for the first time on vinyl. Red vinyl too.
It features a bona fide ‘who’s who’ in Hip Hop from underground celebs like Skyzoo, Termanology and Reks, to legends like Kool G Rap, KRS-One, AG, Q-Tip (A Tribe Called Quest),
Joell Ortiz, Freeway, Cormega, Royce 5’9”, AZ, Large Pro, M.O.P., Slum Village, Alchemist, Evidence, and more.. “Spell My Name Right (The Album)” has something for everyone,
with street anthems (“G Shit (Showoff Mix)”), underground bangers (“Did What We Had To Do”), straight battle raps (“Time To Say Goodbye”) and even the long forgotten DJ song
(“No Mistakes Allowed”). East to left coast, ALL the big dogs show up for this one, with all production by Statik Selektah. Receiving support from DJs worldwide, Kay Slay, Funk
Master Flex, Clinton Sparks and DJ Khaled to name a few, Statik has risen to an elite rank with his DJing and production skills, and is set to release his 8th solo album later this
year. he can be heard producing for the likes of Action Bronson and Eminem, and on his weekly radio show on Sirius/XM 'Shade 45' (Thursday Nights from 8PM - 12AM).
Hear where it all began with this limited red vinyl edition of “Spell My Name Right”!"

Statik Selektah is a renowned DJ and Producer based in NYC, born and raised in Boston. Statik hosts a weekly radio show on Sirius / XM Shade 45 every Thursday from 7PM to 9PM. Statik's 8th studio album, aptly titled, '8,' features new music from 2 Chainz, Wiz Khalifa, Run The Jewels, Action Bronson, Wale, G-Eazy, Joey Bada$$, The Lox, Joyner Lucas, Sean Price, Curren$y, PNB Rock, Raekwon, Royce Da 5’9, B-Real, Everlast, No Malice, Prodigy & more.

The mark that the late producer J Dilla left upon hip-hop during the 90s and early-to-mid 00s is undeniable, and his work with De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, The Pharcyde, and many more has long been cemented in the annals of hip-hop history. It was during his time as a member of seminal Detroit group Slum Village however that ranks as among his greatest. His work with rappers Baatin and T3 would be a strong influence upon
modern rappers like Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar, and earn widespread critical praise, and comparisons to other legendary groups like A Tribe Called Quest. In speaking retrospectively on their most famous album ""Fan-Tas-Tic Vol. 1"", The Roots' drummer Questlove has said of the release that it "single-handedly birthed neo-soul."

J Dilla has been gone for over 10 years now, and Slum Village has moved on from their time with the legendary beatsmith, recruiting new members along the way. Despite this, new Dilla compositions are still being discovered, and his legacy continues to be shared and celebrated with a modern hip-hop audience. Ne'Astra Music Group now presents a new compilation of rare Dilla material: Vol. 0. Ten tracks featuring the classic Slum
Village lineup of Dilla on vocals and production, with Baatin & T3 also on the mic, collected by modern SV member Young RJ from unreleased material and demos recorded between 1994 and 1997. The knowledgable hip-hop head may recognize key tracks from the circulated EPHCY Sessions, while others have never seen the light of day. A piece of hip-hop history that would have otherwise wallowed in obscurity, until now.

The third full length from enigmatic Texas folk-hop producer, Sixo, features vocal appearances by Open Mike Eagle, Milo, Ceschi, Onry Ozzborn, Myka 9, Awol One, Gregory Pepper, Grace Park, Heir Max & Josh Martinez.

Limited vinyl edition!

Shylow is a DJ, producer and MC from Durham, Canada. “Please Listen To My Demos” first released in Canada on very limited cassette only back in the year 2000.
Shylow has a reputation for putting on high energy live performances; bringing down the house countless times solo, and has shared the stage with many underground artists such as Cage, Yakballz, Ill Bill, Aceyalone, Boot Camp Click, Mr.Lif, Camu Tao, Red Clay and Jedi Mind Tricks.
Also records as half of the group First Division. along with his counterpart Expertise, and is the founding member of The Bomb Shelta Association, a crew of artists who recorded an album entitled "Rebirth" in 97/98. The album was never released commercially but garnered critical praise and gained worldwide recognition through word of mouth, hand to hand sales, and the internet.
One of the standout songs on the "Rebirth" album was Shylow's solo track "S.T.O.M.P". It caught the ear of hip-hop legend Chuck D of Public Enemy, who in an issue of Elemental magazine, as well as on his website www.rapstation.com rated the song the number one mp3 download of the year 2000.
In 2003, he became the first Canadian hip-hop artist to have a 'debut' single (Moment Of Clarity b/w The Greatest) released on a reputable American label (Fatbeats/Breakthru) featuring production by a well-known and sought after American producer (Ayatollah).
Is credited as Co-Executive Producer for Marco Polo's Soulspazm/Rawkus debut album Port Authority, which was nominated for a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) in 2008.

Shut eye horizon’s second album on highbias chrome Syahprise tape. Clear metallic
green liner & pop tab.
A must have in your collection. N and
Moodswing go hard and never went home.
Rare!

After a 3 year break Shuko & F. Of Audiotreats are finally back with a new Cookies & Cream Edition. This is the Soundtrack for your summer jams, pool sessions and late night rides. A full length Album full with good vibes by the producers behind a lot tunes from acts like Talib Kweli, Big Pooh of Little Brothers, Kev Brown, B-Real of Cypress Hill, C.L. Smooth, Evidence, Fashawn and more. Cookies & Cream 4 is the first release on Shuko´s own music label „For the love of it“ and the start for a lot upcoming jams this year.

Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines is the group’s fourth album and extra-spatial twin to Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star.
The album, featuring highlights “30 Clip Extension,” “Julian’s Dream (odeto a bad)” and “Effeminence” includes guest appearances from Fly Guy Dai of Chimurenga Renaissance, Amir Yaghamai, John Carroll Kirby, Thaddillac, Morgan Henderson, The Shogun Shot, Laz, and Purple Tape Nate.

The storied Seattle hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces returns with a new album called Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Star, their first since 2014’s excellent Lese Majesty, and their third album including the duo’s 2011 debut Black Up.

The storied Seattle hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces returns with a new album called Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Star, their first since 2014’s excellent Lese Majesty, and their third album including the duo’s 2011 debut Black Up.

Limited to 1000 copies on black / blue vinyl.

R.A.S. Posse aka "R.iddem A.nd S.oul" are the inovative collaboration of American rapper/underground producer Soul Gee (Chuck D, Das EFX etc...) and Panamanian reggae rapper Bigga Don who founded the group in Brooklyn NYC.
R.A.S. Posse had a very significant role in the movie House Party 3 and the careers of fellow LaFace Records label mates TLC, Ex Managers Steve Stoute and Kid (Kid n Play), Boyz 2 Men, Usher, OutKast, L.A. Reid etc….
This is EP Vol.1 of there previously unreleased Album on a limited green colored 12“ Vinyl.

The two Berlin-based labels combine forces to create a supreme independent Hip Hop release. A mere dozen of artists, utilizing two different languages, to simply provide you one thing: Good music. While Spoken View holds a good share of top notch German Rap artists, Project: Mooncircle delivers the wide diversity of its intercontinental network of musicians. The likes of Netherland’s newcomer Joe Kickass , British dynamic duo Obba Supa, German avant-garde lyricists Sichtbeton , UK-Rap legend Lewis Parker , rhyme-roughnecks Morlockk Dilemma and Hiob , go-to-guy Damion Davis, John Robinson from former Fondl’em fame – all unite in the strong believe in the culture of Hip Hop. Following the labels’ ideals, you’ll get a cinematic artwork on top of that, collectively composed by Gordon , V.Raeter and The Binh .

The two Berlin-based labels combine forces to create a supreme independent Hip Hop release. A mere dozen of artists, utilizing two different languages, to simply provide you one thing: Good music. While Spoken View holds a good share of top notch German Rap artists, Project: Mooncircle delivers the wide diversity of its intercontinental network of musicians. The likes of Netherland’s newcomer Joe Kickass , British dynamic duo Obba Supa, German avant-garde lyricists Sichtbeton , UK-Rap legend Lewis Parker , rhyme-roughnecks Morlockk Dilemma and Hiob , go-to-guy Damion Davis, John Robinson from former Fondl’em fame – all unite in the strong believe in the culture of Hip Hop. Following the labels’ ideals, you’ll get a cinematic artwork on top of that, collectively composed by Gordon , V.Raeter and The Binh .

Princess Nokia – aka New York rapper Destiny Frasqueri – has been releasing music via Youtube and Soundcloud since she was in High School, and slowly bubbling up on the internet, garnering a rabid fanbase. Last year, with the self-release of her 1992 mixtape, she catapulted herself to the next level, solidifying her position as one to watch. Since its release, she’s toured the world over, selling out various venues across the globe in mere days, and racked up literally millions of views/listens on her tracks. She is not only a brilliant rapper & lyricist but a feminist icon who is unapologetically herself, and aligns equally with the values of punk rock and riot grrl, ‘90s R&B, and the best of forward-thinking hip-hop. This is powerful, passionate, outspoken, vibrant modern music with deep roots in both NYC and rap history.
1992 Deluxe will be released via Rough Trade and is her first ever physical album; boasting 8 additional brand new songs - her first music since 2016. This expanded version includes the original 1992 tracks fully remastered and comes with a beautiful gatefold package.

Limited edition CD!

Featuring productions by Large Professor, Ayatollah, Lord Finesse and Psycho Les with guest appearances by Tragedy Khadafi, Sonny Banks, Thirstin Howl The 3rd and many others!

In the late 80's and early 90's Powerule stood century as the vanguard of an eventual Latin explosion in Hip Hop. Dominating mix shows and video mediums the Nuyorican experience in hip hop culture finally had their own voice. In 1991 they released their debut album “Volume 1” on Interscope Records that featured Leaders of The New School, Large Professor & Kurious Jorge. Powerule along with 2Pac were one of the first Hip Hop artists signed to Interscope Records.

Powerule went on to pave the way for artist like Fat Joe, Kurious, Big Pun, Tony Touch, The Beatnuts and others. Throughout the 1990s they released a string of classic singles such as "Dawn to Dusk”, "Bright Lights Big City", "Rock your Knot Quick", "Heatin up" & “Well Connected” produced by some of Hip Hop’s most celebrated producers: Mark Ronson, Erick Sermon & VIC from The Beatnuts.

It's been 26 years since Powerule released a physical album. This is unprecedented in the industry and happens to be their best work to date. The music and the lyricism proves that the Golden Era of Hip Hop still is relevant. A virtual who's who of producers provide the back bone for the album. Large Professor provides a hypnotic melody on “Glorify and Praise” and Prince Powerule delivers an adult contemporary message. When asked how it was working with Large Professor again after 26 years Prince said "I've never been pushed so hard in the booth. It took me a month to really get the flow and the lyrics right. It was exactly what I need to thrust myself back in the game."

Production from Psycho Les of the Beatnuts on “718” with verses by himself and Tragedy Khadafi make this Queens anthem bump!! DJ Eclipse provides a resident DJ appeal appearing on 3 songs. The album has a consistent feel capturing the essence of NY hip hop with strong story-telling and jewels of wisdom. Lord Finesse gifts Powerule with a melodic gem on “Get Right” feat Sonny Banks. Ayatollah, Self Service, VIC, Team Demo and others fill out this album but it ever loses its authentic feel..

Limited edition of 350 copies only!

Powerule is back with the infectious 7-inch vinyl single "Glorify N Praise" (Produced by Large Professor). This unreleased B side "Get Right" Features Sonny Banks and produced by none other than Lord Finesse is a textured, infectious, hypnotic composition that gives you a window into the struggle of the inner city. This 7-inch is from the upcoming full length Limited Edition Digipak CD "The Anomaly: Reloaded".

In the late 80's and early 90's Powerule stood century as the vanguard of an eventual Latin explosion in Hip Hop. Dominating mix shows and video mediums the Nuyorican experience in hip hop culture finally had their own voice. In 1991 they released their debut album Volume 1” on Interscope Records that featured Leaders of The New School, Large Professor & Kurious Jorge. Powerule and 2Pac were the first Hip Hop artists signed to Interscope.

Powerule went on to pave the way for artist like Fat Joe , Kurious , Big Pun , Tony Touch , The Beatnuts and others. Throughout the 1990s they released a string of classic singles such as "Dawn to Dusk”, "Bright Lights Big City", "Rock your Knot Quick" , "Heatin up" & “Well Connected” produced by some of Hip Hop’s most celebrated producers: Mark Ronson, Erick Sermon & VIC from The Beatnuts.

Since then Powerule moved on to other areas of interest. 20 years later these pioneers have returned with even more potent production and lyricism. Their first ever soon to be classic 7" vinyl features Hip Hop Royalties finest. Large Professor gifts Powerule with a melodic masterpiece on the track "Glorify n Praise", an adult contemporary look at life and its peaks and valleys. The B Side "Get Right" Featuring Sonny Banks and produced by none other than Lord Finesse is a textured, infectious, hypnotic composition that gives you a window into the struggle of the inner city. These 2 tracks are from their full length “Anomaly: Reloaded” album available on a limited edition eco-friendly Digipak CD. Never has a group returned with more confidence and experience that translates into Hip Hop gems. Hip Hop is alive and well and Powerule will not be denied its rightful place.

Pounds released his latest studio effort "Heavy Lies The Crown" in 2016. Anticipated by stand-out singles such as "Tributes", "Kill You" and "Coroner's Office", the Rochester, NY emcee unleashes a full-on verbal assault featuring top tier guests such as Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Chris Rivers, Clifton Haston, and productions by Fith, Spittzwell and Pounds himself.

After touring with Drizzy Wright, Jackie Chain and Chris Webby and being crowned Rochester 103.9's "Battle Rap Champion", he can be considered a young vet in the game. Tuff Kong Records couldn't let this banger go without a vinyl release, so they're proud to bring you a selection of tracks from with the "Heavy Lies The Crown" EP.
Featuring Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Chris Rivers, Clifton Haston, Jarren Benton & DJ Hoppa.

Playboi Carti's 2017 debut album Playboi Carti. It includes Carti's platinum single "Magnolia". The album peaked at #12 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Playboi Carti, is an American rapper and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. He is also a member of Atlanta art collective Awful Records.

“Live From The First”, the debut album by Pearl Gates is a sonic evolutionary process, chronicling his journey from the streets to the rap game.

The stage is set in the trenches and as it gradually shifts to a more elevated space and state of consciousness, the common thread revealing itself throughout the process is growth. The music is engaging; from gritty and ruthless sounds on “Rocks Right Now” to a virtuous and energizing vibe on “Elevate”, Gates delivers a welcoming, well balanced musical experience. “Live From The First” is brash, honest, thought provoking and highly conceptual while providing insight on everyday life in one of NYC's more bustling and enterprising communities, Washington Heights.

The first in the album title refers to the nick-name for 181st street in upper Manhattan where Pearl Gates comes from. “Most of the tracks on the album revolve around stories and experiences from the block” he reveals. That doesn’t necessarily mean all of the stories are about street life however. Gates, who is also an accomplished singer, also manages to incorporate his soulful hooks into the songs without sacrificing the Hip-Hop elements of each track. Gates says “my father was a singer and I inherited his talent of perfect pitch. I use it to flesh out my music but lately I’ve been asked to contribute hooks by Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Wordsworth and other artists, which is flattering”.

Some notable features who appear on “Live From The First” include Torae, Geechi Suede (of Camp Lo) and Cassidy. Speaking on the latter Pearl Gates revealed “I didn’t expect Cassidy to be on the album. We have a mutual friend who is a producer and one night he brought him through just to hang out. Cassidy heard the track and said, you want me to get on this? That was all love”. Other up and coming artists will appear on the album as well.

In the last few years Pearl Gates has been making notable music and appearances. His "Diamond Mind" EP (2015) was praised by media outlets including The Source, HipHopDX, 2DopeBoyz and Respect Magazine. The "Play This" EP (2016) with fellow Washington Heights rapper Syll also received likes from media and DJs/radio shows including DJ Premier and Drake’s OVO Sound Radio. Gates also completed tours of Europe and North America with eMC and PRhyme.

Here's another volume of treats from the Othorized archives. Unreleased tracks include the studio version of “Mugshots” (demo version #2), “Kwue's Body Shop”, and “Krakow”. “Bring It On” gets its first vinyl treatment after initially appearing on the group's 1st “Amendment” CDr in 2001. “Flamboyant Rap” you likely know from their 1995 12" and “Money Getters” from their 1994 debut single.
All tracks written and produced by Othorized Fam. Cover art by Spek The Architek, logo design by Othorized, labels by Debonair P.

Here's another volume of treats from the Othorized archives. Unreleased tracks include the studio version of “Mugshots” (demo version #2), “Kwue's Body Shop”, and “Krakow”. “Bring It On” gets its first vinyl treatment after initially appearing on the group's 1st “Amendment” CDr in 2001. “Flamboyant Rap” you likely know from their 1995 12" and “Money Getters” from their 1994 debut single.
All tracks written and produced by Othorized Fam. Cover art by Spek The Architek, logo design by Othorized, labels by Debonair P.

Why you'll love it...
This is Open Mike Eagle’s debut studio LP, Unapologetic Art Rap, which is being released for the first time ever on vinyl. Pressed on transparent blue vinyl, the album has a brand new cover as well.

With the first song of his 2014 masterpiece, Dark Comedy, Open Mike Eagle reintroduced himself by defining his style: “I’m bad at sarcasm so I work in absurdity.” On that album, Mike deconstructed our overstimulated and over-surveilled society with ease and caustic wit. But what do you do when the world warps and bends into a shape so absurd that it can no longer be exaggerated?

Brick Body Kids Still Daydream is a searingly political record for systolic political times. It chronicles the life cycle of the Robert Taylor Homes, a housing project on the South side of Chicago that was demolished completely ten years ago. Families that had lived under the same roof for three generations were forced to scatter, condemned by bureaucrats and faceless cranes and public indifference. Mike Eagle brings the Robert Taylor Homes back to life--literally, with arms and eyes and a head like the dome of a stadium--and fights until the last brick is made to crumble.

As always, Mike slips in and out of various grey areas; on the opener “legendary iron hood,” he raps, “you think it's all good, but it's really a gradient.” The nostalgia (“95 radios”) is a little bit painful, the triumph (“hymnal”) comes through painstaking, incremental work. Everything needs to be earned, even the radio signals that are picked up through tinfoil wrapped on children's hands.

The thesis becomes fully formed on “brick body complex,” where the hook is a towering statement of identity: “Don't call me ‘nigga,’ or ‘rapper,’ my motherfucking name is Michael Eagle.” But this is not a departure from the man-as-building conceit--the flesh and blood and brick and mortar are inextricable.

In case there was any ambiguity about the political and cultural forces that lead to the Robert Taylor Homes’ eventual destruction, Brick Body Kids Still Daydream ends with perhaps the most powerful song of Mike Eagle’s catalog to date. “my auntie’s building” is a tour de force. “They say America fights fair,” he raps. “But they won't demolish your timeshare.” This is the point: the decay and eventual destruction of public housing--and of the physical lives of Black Americans generally--has been normalized in a way that should be grotesquely absurd. “They blew up my auntie’s building / Put out her great-grandchildren / Who else in America deserves to have that feeling? / Where else in America will they blow up your village?”

Production comes courtesy of Exile, Toy Light, Andrew Broder, Illingsworth, DJ Nobody, Kenny Segal, Caleb Stone, Lo-Phi, Elos, and Has-Lo, who produces and guests on “95 radios.” “hymnal” also features a superb turn from Sammus, who maintains the same rhyme scheme throughout her defiant verse.

As grave as the album’s stakes are, it's still anchored by Mike Eagle’s irrepressible sense of humor. (His live comedy show, The New Negroes, is upcoming via Comedy Central.) “no selling” is a hilarious take on practiced indifference, and “TLDR” bridges the economic gap with withering wit: “If you was rich and ‘bout to be broke, I can coach you / ‘Cause I can show you how to kill a roach with a boat shoe.”

Eagle has earned rave reviews in Pitchfork, the LA Weekly, and wherever brilliant, avant-garde rap is appreciated. Brick Body Kids Still Daydream is his most overtly political work to date, and puts to use all the dazzling technical skills he's perfected over more than a decade at the forefront of rap’s underground. In chaotic and increasingly fractured times, it has a few crucial things to bring to your attention.

Olivier St.Louis (the artist formerly known as Olivier Daysoul) releases his 2nd EP to start 2017 with some melancholic vibes.

After releasing a collaborative EP with Warp's Bibio, who is also featured as a producer on “Ever since the fall”, this 2nd solo release by the Olivier St.Louis marks the starting point of worldwide liveshow efforts for Olivier 2017. After a successful UK Tour with Laura Mvula, Olivier is getting ready to join AnnenMayKantereit for another Tour in spring 2017 to support his upcoming release “Ever since the fall EP”, out on Jakarta Records in February 2017. Six tracks somewhere in between lo-fi soul, drum computer sounds, warm basslines and funk trenched live compositions. Olivier will also join his partner in crime Oddisee for his “The Iceberg” Wolrd Tour until summer.

Olivier St.Louis went on to receive significant international attention for his work as a featured singer/songwriter back then still under the name Olivier Daysoul. He worked and toured worldwide with various artists including Oddisee, C2C, Onra, Bibio and Hudson Mohawke as such as other producers from the Warp Records family. Despite all of this, Olivier felt something was missing...A true reflection of his own voice and sound. Less bass music, more organic soul, less producer features and more independent unique compositions all by himself.

Now-Again presents its third Oh No library
offering: heavy hip hop based on samples from
the Now-Again Catalog.
Oh No’s debut album for Now-Again was also
the first in our music library series - and was
one of our most successful exercises in
creating modern “library music” for easy
synchronization. For this, his third entry, Oh No
combs through the vast array of Now-Again’s
catalog – from American soul, funk and jazz to
Zambian hard rock to Australian prog to
Swedish psych - create a series of beats that
range in mood and style and all contain Oh
No’s trademark swagger. Fans of the variety of
projects that Oh No is a part – from his
Gangrene project with Alchemist to his
production for the likes of Jedi Mind Tricks,
Action Bronson and Talib Kweli - will
be pleased with the variety of beats
contained within.
This limited edition is CD is packaged in a
“mini-LP” gatefold and is available in limited
quantities. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.