US Hip Hop 269 Items

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.

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.

Jay-Z's 'Black Album' acapellas mashed up with classic Studio One riddims striaght out of 70s Kingston.

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.

Experience an experiment turned masterpiece…"York". Originally titled "NoYork" and slated to be the major label debut from acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu, this much-discussed collection was eventually renamed and (finally) released through Nature Sounds in 2013. The result was a certified classic that remains one of Blu’s most ambitious projects to date.

Infused with the electronic experimentation of the early 2000s L.A. beat scene, "York" covers a wide spectrum of sound, displaying the production of beat icons like Flying Lotus, Madlib, Exile, Dibia$e, Shafiq Husayn, Daedalus, Knxwledge, and Samiyam. Melding world-class lyricism with sonic textures encompassing psych rock, dub, broken beats, and jazz, the album strikes a unique balance between golden era hip-hop and eclectic futurism. Several guest artists helped Blu realize this vision, including U-God of Wu-Tang Clan, Edan, Sa-Ra, Pac Div, Suzi Analogue, U-n-i, J*Davey, and more.

Deltron 3030 The Instrumentals is the sibling of Deltron 3030's legendary
self-titled debut and an experience all its own. Since the record’s release
in 2000, Deltron 3030 has moved into the pantheon of greatest recordings
of all time, of any genre. Del’s Deltron Zero persona certainly has much to
do with the release’s setting in a dystopian future. But beyond that, and
beyond the great guest appearances the foundation of that setting is the
sonic landscape presented by Dan The Automator. The Instrumentals
puts the focus on the mood forged by The Automator’s soundscapes
which create a listening experience often referred to as cinematic.
Long out of print since its initial release in 2001, The Instrumentals return
housed in a unique die-cut jacket with a full color obi rounding out the
package. The result is a set that’s visual appeal compliments the rich
soundscape created by Dan The Automator.

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”!"

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..

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.

Limited edition of 330 copies only on Glow In The Dark vinyl. This is pressed with a new method so there is no sound difference between black vinyl and glow in the dark anymore.

The problem with being recognized as a creative genius is that you've got to live up to it 24/7. Kool Keith was given such a mantle upon the release of the “Dr. Octagonecologist” album, and it's not something he seems happy about: on the first track of “First Come, First Served”, he--as Dr. Dooom--kills Octagon. It's the perfect move for Keith, and it sets the tone for the album, which is a mix of humorous tracks ("Neighbors Next Door," which asks you to imagine having Keith and Jacky Jasper living in the next apartment, and "You Live at Home with Your Mom") and songs on which Keith lays down the law ("No Chorus" and "Leave Me Alone"). Few MCs could hope to match Keith, but here--rapping over knocked-off Octagon grooves (produced with Kutmaster Kurt, they're still more innovative than most) and settling lots of personal scores--he sounds like he's just trying to get a bunch of ideas out of his head as quickly as possible. Still, there's an amazing EP's worth of material here, but it's spread over a full album. Minus the filler, Dooom might just be Octagon's better. --Randy Silver

Finally available on vinyl: "Damn.", Kendrick's fourth studio album!

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

Celebrating the 5th anniversary of Conway's legendary tape with DJ Green Lantern "Reject On Steroids" with a vinyl reissue in collaboration with Drumwork Music. Tape features guest appearances by Royce Da 5'9" and Benny, and productions by DJ Green Lantern. For the occasion we have two different artworks by Shk, limited to 1500 units each.

Stix Recordings rounds up all those essential Mato 7" anthems onto this extended player, with all the cuts remastered for the occasion! Includes two unreleased hits featuring Blackstreet (No
Diggity) & Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre (The Wash). Woopiwoop, that's the sound of reggae-hip hop perfection!

Why you'll love it...
“Blu’s 'Her Favorite Colo(u)r' hits harder than it did on its initial 2009 leaked-to-streaming run or its official, somewhat-remastered first physical release two years later. We’re more used to noise in hip-hop, more accustomed to pendulum-swinging inner conflicts between invincibility and unease, even more forgiving of those times when artists put out a potentially alienating experiment or two for every crowd-pleaser. It’s an untraditional album that blurs the lines between pop culture references as familiar touchstones and the specificity of a film or a record that speaks to an artist’s own impossible-to-duplicate experience, a run-on sensory-overload experience that could feel mysteriously impressionistic and painfully specific all at once.”

Why you'll love it...
Album of the Year, Black Milk's fourth studio album, was produced almost entirely by himself with assistance from Will Sessions and originally released in 2010.

Limited to 1000 copies, the VMP exclusive version of Black Milk's Album of the Year is pressed on Gold Nugget vinyl at GZ Vinyl. The 2LPs will arrive in a widespine, direct-to-board, foil-stamped and numbered jacket.

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.

For the first time on vinyl. This compilation has been released on CD in 2011 and features tracks from Ghostface, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God and others.

Truth, elite lyricism, and production that rivals some of Hip Hop's most critically acclaimed albums are the glue to King Magnetic's sophomore album.

An intoxicating blend of smooth, yet hardcore Hip Hop, is sure to leave the most hardcore fan stunned, purists with their jaws on the floor and 'Hipsters' jealous they didn't catch on sooner. "Everything Happens 4 A Reason" is a refreshing, raw, and truthful peek into the life of an artist balancing life issues and success. There's a noticeable growth in artistry without alienating the loyal base of listeners Magnetic has accumulated over the years. When everything and everyone changes on you, it might be a blessing in disguise. “Everything Happens 4 A Reason”...

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.

Joey Badass is back as All-Amerikkkan Badass with an album that features the singles Devestated and Land Of The Free plus a bunch of more face hitting titles.

Future's sixth album with contributions by Rihanna,The Weeknd, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj.

Cunninlynguists are back with their first studio album since 2011's Oneirology and first release since 2014's Strange Journey Volume Three. Deacon The Villain, Natti & Kno are pleased to announce Rose Azura Nijano. The twelve song album is predominantly produced by Kno with all additional production by Deacon The Villain.

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.

Out-of-print and in demand since its original release in 2011, Cellar Sounds vol. 2 delves deeper into Nick Wiz's archives. Includes 41 tracks featuring Rakim, Ran Reed, Shadowz in da Dark and many more. After being requested by many fans over the years, this classic release has been reissued in a limited edition of 500 copies, don't sleep

Smoke On Records presents this limited CD edition of the album “1999” by Nine.

The CD version also contains additional bonus tracks.

Smoke On Records announces the album “Forever” by Group Home. The album features Sadat X, Ty Nitty Of Infamous Mobb, Martin A.k.a. Mo Bar's, Lavaughn Shanel Johnson and additional productions by Lewis Parker. The CD version contains the three bonus tracks “Code Of Silence”, “Self Esteem” and “Real Mc's”.

Only one copy per customer!

Smoke On Records announces the album "Unreleased Siccness" by Brain Sick Mob. The CD version contains the two bonus tracks "Here is the Proof" and "Strugglin".

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.”

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

Vendetta Vinyl presents with “Box Cutter Brothers Volume 4” the next chapter in this series by Ayatollah & Drasar Monumental.
Instead of strictly rocking instrumentals like the first three releases, they both decided to get in the booth and go for broke. Yeah, both of them rhyme, produce, and DJ! “Box Cutter Brothers Volume 4” is truly a highly explosive piece of artwork. No frills, no tinker bell beats, no copping pleas, no bozo bars – Just serious wreck by two serious brothers!!

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

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.

50 Cent is one of the most polarizing figures in hip-hop. With the aid of Eminem and Dr. Dre he became one of the world's bestselling rappers and rose to prominence. During his career 50 Cent has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won several awards, including a Grammy Award, thirteen Billboard Music Awards, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards and four BET Awards. This compilation is made up of 18 of 50's biggest songs ever.

Official Army Of The Pharaohs and Demigodz emcee Blacastan has been steadily staking his claim to the title of ‘savior of underground rap music’ since his debut mixtape Me Against The Radio and its key cut and video "Life Of A Tape" became an underground cult classic in 2007. The rapper turned his attention to the mic after the Hartford, CT street life, and his strong-arm style of handling business, left a then 16-year-old Blacastan serving a bid in the mid-'90s. He emerged from prison with a remarkable skill set, a throwback style, and an unrivaled drive.
His 2010 debut album Blac Sabbath boasted production & vocals from the likes of Statik Selektah, Blue Sky Black Death, Mr. Green, Esoteric and Celph Titled, and 2012’s The Master Builder Part II, which was mixed by legendary DJ Doo Wop, had features from Slaine and Reef the Lost Cauze, among others. He has since also racked up appearances on Jedi Mind Tricks Violence Begets Violence, the Army of The Pharaohs albums In Death Reborn and Heavy Lies The Crown, the Demigodz Killmatic album, Apathy’s Wanna Snuggle?, Mr Lif’s Don’t Look Down and Czarface’s A Fistful of Peril, plus toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia with Celph Titled and Block McCloud.
2014 saw Blac teaming up with producer and longtime AOTP and Demigodz collaborator Stu Bangas for the first installment of Watson & Holmes, which featured Esoteric, Apathy, Celph Titled and Vinnie Paz. Stu has been in the trenches since the early 2000s, producing heatrocks for Slaine, Esoteric, Tragedy Khadafi, Heltah Skeltah, Jedi Mind Tricks, Vinnie Paz, Blaq Poet, Copywrite, Chino XL, Cappadonna, AOTP and Sean Price, including the lead single “Definition of God” from Sean Price's upcoming posthumous album Imperius Rex.
The duo is back with The Uncanny Adventures of Watson & Holmes, a sophomore effort that improves on the first in every way. Stu gets completely brutal with the beats, and Blac ups the ante on the rhymes. Plus, they’ve enlisted Ill Bill (Non-Phixion, La
Coka Nostra), Nutso, Apathy (Demigodz, AOTP) 7L & Esoteric (AOTP, Czarface), and Tragedy Khadafi to lend their talents to the project.

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.

Ed O.G's new album “FreEDOm” couldn't come at a better time in history as we are in an age where it seems like our freedoms are slowly getting taken away with a corrupt dictator in office.

“FreEDOm” has a sound that is reminiscent to one of your favorite Hip-Hop albums with songs that touch every part of your life. Ed O.G's conscious lyrics over banging beats are bound to resonate and inspire. The song "Smoke" features Masta Ace, marking their first collaboration since the critically acclaimed 2009 "Arts & Entertainment" album. “Boom”, Produced by Sir Williams is the first music video from the album that sheds light on gun violence and the affect it has on victims, families and communities. “FreEDOm” is Ed O.G's 15th studio album produced by up and coming producers Torchbars, Kelz With Tha Heat, Sir Williams, Geronimo X, DJ Scienz & more.

If the album wasn't enough, the Digipak CD includes a full-length documentary based on the Ed O.G & Da Bulldogs hit song "I Got To Have it". This ground-breaking documentary is a true artistic masterpiece on how one song can change your life. This is an in-depth look into Edo.G's journey through the music industry being dropped from a major label to finding his way independently. It highlights his life and career from his early teenage years to the present day. Through touring the world and making a positive impact with his music, Ed O.G's continued relevance in Hip Hop is not to be questioned.

The limited edition CD contains the the full-length documentary DVD and the bonus track “Keeps Calling Me” featuring Al Copeland.

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'!

Beat Konducta in Africa is a 37-track instrumental hip-hop album produced & mixed with Madlib, featuring J. Rocc. This album bases itself on the obscure vinyl gems from the afro-beat, funk, psych-rock, garage-rock & soul movements of African countries as diverse as Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana and Ivory Coast

Acclaimed 2015 mixtape “Suffolk County” by Boston's Cousin Stizz, now gets an official vinyl release. Suffolk County is the Massachusetts county that houses Stizz's hometown.

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.

Ill Camille, LA hip hop's female perspective.

Ill Camille has been a vital member of the LA music scene for some years. Kendrick Lamar used her vocals prominently for the “good kid, m.A.A.d city” track “Sing about me”, she has been working with other TDE artists occasionally and spend a lot of time writing for different projects Terrance Martin was involved with.

At the same time Camille was developing her own material with her fellow peers such as MNDSGN, Iman Omari, DJ Battlecat, Like (Pac Div) Georgia Anne Muldrow & SIR who are all featured on her album “Heirloom” just like TDE co-president Punch. “Heirloom” productions range from smooth, g-funk esque west coast beats to live & organic soulful beats, working as the perfect backdrop for Camille's powerful, intelligent and thought thru lyrics

The album is deeply personal revolving around the issues that mater in her life from friends and family, her role as a woman and the heirloom of her and her surrounding: “I feel like everyone are heirlooms of our mothers and fathers. An heirloom is just something that’s passed down through a family. We get heirlooms in the form of game, encouragement or wise words. I know everyone has an aunt or uncle that’s given them some bars about life in general. I have a village around me that have given me heirlooms in the form of conversations”.