US Hip Hop 348 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.

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

Cream coloured vinyl has a few paper scuffs. Lenticular cover is close to NM. With insert

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.

As wikipedia says: The album features uncredited guest appearances from Schoolboy Q, Charlie Wilson, Kali Uchis, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Pharrell Williams ... so check it out!

“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.

Only 115 hand numbered copies pressed on Clear Gold Vinyl.

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!

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.

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

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

Includes download code! Janelle Monae, Vic Mensa, James Fauntleroy, Kaytranada and Tyler, the Creator are aboard!

Reissue without hype sticker! Janelle Monae, Vic Mensa, James Fauntleroy, Kaytranada and Tyler, the Creator are aboard!

From the makers of Wu Tang vs The Beatles, 'An Adventure To Pepperland Through Rhyme & Space' continues the obsessive use of Beatles samples (and cover versions) but this time laced with all the classic MCs of the 90s such as Biggie, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Busta Rhymes, Large Pro, Lord Finesse and The Wu-Tang Clan. This record is as if the Beatles themselves were transported to 1990s New York (as implied by the intro) and set up a studio to make tracks with the legendary MCs. Nowhere else will you find the attention to detail in pairing up raw raps with Beatle based sample madness. The album was painstakingly made over a 4 year period and uses rare recordings and cover versions that were meticulously researched and filtered through to find loops that complimented each MC.

From the makers of Wu Tang vs The Beatles, 'An Adventure To Pepperland Through Rhyme & Space' continues the obsessive use of Beatles samples (and cover versions) but this time laced with all the classic MCs of the 90s such as Biggie, Nas, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Kool G Rap, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Busta Rhymes, Large Pro, Lord Finesse and The Wu-Tang Clan. This record is as if the Beatles themselves were transported to 1990s New York (as implied by the intro) and set up a studio to make tracks with the legendary MCs. Nowhere else will you find the attention to detail in pairing up raw raps with Beatle based sample madness. The album was painstakingly made over a 4 year period and uses rare recordings and cover versions that were meticulously researched and filtered through to find loops that complimented each MC.

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

Back in 2001 producer Keith Science and rapper Swift Wizdom recorded a dope project that they ended up pressing on Cd-r for their immediate friends and family.



In 2015 Keith decided to press this baby up on vinyl through his own label Central Wax and in 2016 some Cd-r copies were sold on CDBaby but those dried up quickly and have been impossible to find ever since.



HHE has now worked with Keith to drop a very limited run of only 150 copies on CD. Don't sleep!