US Hip Hop 427 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.

Finally, this Sean Price classic gets a reissue treatment!

Still shrink wrapped but opened.
Record is close to VG+.

“clipping. makes party music for the club you wish you hadn’t gone to, the car you don’t remember getting in, and the streets you don’t feel safe on; are phantom broadcasts bleeding into Power 106 as you drive out of range; are twenty different rappers looking into one broken mirror, talking to themselves all at once; are classic west coast rap music out of the tradition where sounding different wasn’t cause for fear” (Press release for the album Midcity)

Clppng features guest verses from some of the band's strongest influences, including Gangsta Boo (formerly of Three 6 Mafia, and currently of Da Mafia 6ix), Guce (longtime Bay Area mainstay, member of Bullys Wit Fullys), King T (all-around West Coast gangster rap legend, founder of the Likwit Crew, and mentor to Xzibit and Tha Alkaholiks).

One side is composed of 100 locked grooves.

Another great Late Night Tales compilation ... Includes tracks by Outkast, Chick Corea, Autechre, Pete Drake, Cat Power & others!

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.

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.

Limited to 1000 copies worldwide. 2013 album never released on vinyl feat Jakadiss, NORE, Raekwon, Sheek Louch and produced by Scram Jones on cloud color vinyl. Styles and Scram join forces for the full-length album "Float". It’s an unapologetically East Coast affair. As Scram puts it: “The whole project is some classic New York hip hop.”

The ultimate nice price ATCQ bundle, consisting of the band's first 4 albums: 1990's "People's Instinctive Travels And The Paths Of Rhythm", 1991's "The Low End Theory", 1993's "Midnight Marauders" and 1996's "Beats, Rhymes And Life".

"PRESSED ON LIMITED EDITION RED & WHITE VINYL! How do you define the music of Mantronix? Is it Hip Hop? Electro? Funk? House? Maybe the answer is all of the above (or is it none of the above?). It is true that Mantronix will be remembered for their multi-faceted sound as well as their ability to bend and blend genres flawlessly into a cohesive musical tapestry, but they will also most importantly they will be remembered as musical innovators and sub- genre pioneers. Kurtis Mantronik and MC Tee formed the group Mantronix In the early 80s. Their Sleeping Bag Records debut: Mantronix: The Album shot to commercial success on the strength of their debut single, ""Fresh Is The Word"". The influence of this groundbreaking debut is still felt in popular music today, having been sampled by the likes of Beastie Boys, Beck, The Prodigy and more. Kurtis Mantronik was also as dangerous behind the desk as he was behind the boards. Working as A&R for Sleeping Bag while signed to the label, Mantronik also helped recruit, sign, and produce for artists such as T La Rock and Just-Ice. Notable records from this era include, Just Ice's ""Cold Gettin' Dumb"" and ""Back to the Old School"" as well as T La Rock's ""Breaking Bells (12"" Version)"". Traffic Entertainment Group in conjunction with Sleeping Bag Records and Warlock Entertainment now presents; Mantronix: King of the Beats, The Anthology 1985-1988. This carefully curated double LP compilation combines the best of Mantronix's work from the early, and arguably, best era of their career into one amazing listening experience. Whether you are an avid Mantronix fan or are looking for a place to start - this is the collection to wrap your ears around."

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.

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.

Guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Krizz Kaliko, Masta Ace, Brother Ali, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Vinnie Paz, Eamon, Sadat X and others … whoo!

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..

Cormega teams up with Raekwon on a Large Professor beat, the instrumental is on the B as well. Limited edition of 500 copies on red transparent vinyl!

Delicious Vinyl will soon release "Sunset Blvd.", the all new album from Yancey Boys, the group piloted by John “Illa J” Yancey and Frank Nitt. The dynamic new collection is built around previously unheard tracks created by Illa J’s brother: the late, great J Dilla (James Yancey). With Frank Nitt’s standing as J Dilla Music Catalog Curator and the official approval of Yancey Media Group, all productions on "Sunset Blvd." originate from The Lost Scrolls — the stunning cache of beats Dilla left behind.
The first official single from "Sunset Blvd." is "Quicksand" which features Common & Dezi Paige. And the B-Side is no sleeper; “The Fisherman” is a full-court press featuring a chorus from Vice and blistering rhymes from Detroit Serious and cuts by J.Rocc of Beat Junkies. The track is, as Frank Nitt promises, “guaranteed to make you bang your head!” Nitt also reminds us that “this isn’t a nostalgia trip: Dilla’s beats were so future-forward that they’re right on time in 2013.”

The largely self-produced effort finds Havoc rhyming alongside Royce Da 5'9", Lloyd Banks, Raekwon, Styles P, Twista, and more. Yes!

In music, timing is everything. When soon-to-be-renowned Boston hip-hop duo 7L & Esoteric collaborated with the Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck on the title track to 7L&E’s debut EP "Speaking Real Words" in 1999, the timing was perfect. The upstart duo was building a serious buzz on the East Coast and beyond, while Deck was still winning praise for his gold-selling solo disc "Uncontrolled Substance". As flashy pop-oriented rap was pumped on commercial radio stations, their natural chemistry and simpatico skills shone as a beacon to real hip-hop fans, a base of listeners who were soon asking about their next musical summit.
14 years later, the hunger for sharp lyrics and head-snapping beats hasn't dissipated. In the face of the ever-worsening status quo of watered-down and vapid radio rap songs, the call for something real has only gotten stronger, and once again the time is right for a call to action – for someone or something to come in and send wack rappers running for the hills in fear. Enter "Czarface", the upcoming, uncompromising full-length album from Inspectah Deck and 7L & Esoteric.
Not surprising, respect for real hip-hop runs deep, and "Czarface" brings an army with it — consider the star-studded guest list which includes Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks,) Oh No (Gangrene,) Mr. MFN eXquire and Deck's fellow Wu-Tang Clansmen Ghostface Killah and Cappadonna.
Aside from one track blessed by the almighty DJ Premier, production on "Czarface" belongs exclusively to DJ 7L, who provides the musical backbone which holds the album together. His ability to craft a hip-hop sound that's current and exciting with a classic feel left Deck impressed: “This is one of the first albums I've heard in a while that gives you so many different feels. You hear the ‘80s hip-hop style, ‘80s R&B and rock combined with what's going on now. That’s creating something new, in my opinion.”

Aloe Blacc & Charles Bradley are joining the Nu on this one!