US Hip Hop 227 Items

Purple wax!

Compilation featuring Agallah, Jukstapose, Jojo Pellegrino, Chaundon, Sadat X, Craig G, Sean Price, Realio Sparkzwell, Baby Blak, Fresh Daily, Phil Da Agony, Torae, Eternia, Reks, Murdoc, Emilio Lopez, Mac Lethal, Esoteric, Termanology, Punchline, King DOM, David Corey, Blacastan, C Rayz Walz, AG, Big Noyd, El Da Sensei, Emilio Rojas

BigM Productions is back full force!

Only 500 of these collector’s items will be made (each pressed on colored wax & housed in a one-of-a-kind silkscreened sleeve). #6 features exclusive & unreleased tracks by J.Rocc and Kutmah and is pressed on opaque gray vinyl.

You gotta love it. Smoked out Detroit local with his vinyl debut!

2013 is officially under way, and we're celebrating with this limited-edition 7" featuring three artists who'll be releasing some of the most highly anticipated Nature Soundsprojects this year.

Limited edition for Record Store Day 2013

Only 1 per cutomer!

Limited edition 7" release of the dream collab between Bus x Rock!

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.

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.

5 Elementz was a Detroit group formed by Proof (of D12), J Dilla (aka Jay Dee), DJ Sicari, Thyme & Mudd.

Everyone's favorite Punani connaisseurs are back with yet another deeply emotive and well-produced album. Tip!

New material from Detroit's Guilty Simpson on production from Russia's Musca!

Ill Adrenaline Records and Soul Tools Entertainment proudly present a new collaborative project by top-notch producer Confidence (of Rashad/Purpose & Confidence fame) and Detroit hip-hop duo The Regiment!

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.

From a laments perspective you can call this Jahcoozi’s Robot Koch meets Scienz of Life’s John Robinson. However we here at Project: Mooncircle like to see this as two dynamic forces of nature coming together in parallel universes, delivering cosmic opted sonics with science-fiction narrative conventions in a metaphysical tone. Robot Robinson is the FUTURE from Earth to Mars to Venus to Jupiter and Beyond, this project spells out the attempts to bring a different pitch of vocals to the world of Electronic Music. Robinson being no stranger to the scientifical lyrical approach along with Robot’s evolutionary voyage prone soundscapes this one is a sure shot! The Future of Music is in Good Hands.
All tracks produced by Robot Koch. All lyrics by John Robinson.
Artwork and original paintings by Ima One (Japan). Design by Gordon Gieseking.

From a laments perspective you can call this Jahcoozi’s Robot Koch meets Scienz of Life’s John Robinson. However we here at Project: Mooncircle like to see this as two dynamic forces of nature coming together in parallel universes, delivering cosmic opted sonics with science-fiction narrative conventions in a metaphysical tone. Robot Robinson is the FUTURE from Earth to Mars to Venus to Jupiter and Beyond, this project spells out the attempts to bring a different pitch of vocals to the world of Electronic Music. Robinson being no stranger to the scientifical lyrical approach along with Robot’s evolutionary voyage prone soundscapes this one is a sure shot! The Future of Music is in Good Hands.
All tracks produced by Robot Koch. All lyrics by John Robinson.
Artwork and original paintings by Ima One (Japan). Design by Gordon Gieseking.

OFWGKTA's own Frank Ocean releases his 1st album on Def Jam. Looks like Andre 3000, John Mayer and Earl Sweatshirt are with him!

Stix Records rounds up all recent Mato’s 7inches anthems into this extended player, with all the cuts remastered for the occasion ... this collection
also includes four unreleased hits: “Gangsta Lovin’” by Eve, “La Saga”
by IAM, “Whateva Man” by Redman and “Off The Books” by The Beatnuts.

El-P and Killer Mike are Run The Jewels. The duo’s self- titled, collaborative record – a contender for hip-hop album of the year – will be released throughout Europe in December via Big Dada.

Woof, woof, the original OFWGKTA Wolf is back!

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!

Masta Killa may not be the most high-profile member of the Wu-Tang Clan, but he's undoubtedly among the most consistent. The last original member to go solo, Killa has released two critically acclaimed albums in No Said Date and Made In Brooklyn, and has repeatedly stolen the show on recent Wu classics like Ghostface's Fishscale, Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2 and RZA's Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack. Now, more than six years after the release of his last studio album, Masta Killa is back with Selling My Soul!

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.

While the buzz around Blu has continued to grow, one aspect of the L.A. rapper’s artistry has been overlooked: he’s becoming one of hip-hop’s best new producers. Since early work with producers Exile, Ta’Raach, and Mainframe, Blu has begun creating his own soundscapes for recent projects Her Favorite Colo(u)r and Jesus. Now, he’s putting his beats on full display, with the producer album Open. Featuring a slew of promising up-and-comers on the mic, Open is a perfect showcase for Blu’s hazy, lo-fi production. The album also showcases Blu’s ear for talent, turning fans on to the next generation of rhyme-spitters.

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'!

All tracks produced and arranged by Apollo Brown!

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.”

Includes download card with bonus content!

15 bangin' beats!

Canadian super-producer, Factor under the new moniker Factor & the Chandeliers, creates his first sample-free fully instrumental album which Factor's signature dusty breaks experiment with a variety of genres from Hip Hop, 80s era R&B and Shoegaze.

Recently, a mysterious album titled Jesus turned up on the popular music site Bandcamp, uploaded by an artist calling himself “b”. Soon, the LP was discovered to be the latest work from enigmatic L.A. rapper Blu, and within hours, it was the talk of the blogosphere. The album was soon removed, but now it’s back, this time in physical form. New World Color is proud to present the latest lo-fi masterpiece from one of hip-hop’s most intriguing figures. Officially the debut for alter-ego “b”, Jesus is sure to satisfy the cult-like fanbase that’s been steadily growing around the artist most famously known as Blu ... feat. Madlib, Planet Asia, Alchemist, Hezekiah!

Samples Nu Shooz … whoop!

Everybody's darling Blu finally drops the long awaited full length album. Dooooooooope!

Despite being of hip-hop’s most in-demand producers, !llmind has never released an official album of his own until the instrumental Behind The Curtain, which isavailable from Nature Sounds on now. Having spent so much time working with vocalists, !llmind assures listeners that this is no ordinary beat tape. “ I make music based on emotion, that feeling you get when you are drawn to a piece of music.” To give fans a true look “behind the curtain,” !llmind will also be offering the album’s audio stems (drums parts, bass parts, horns parts, etc) through a download code on each CD. While hip-hop producers are known to operate in secrecy, !llmind hopes to inspire the next generation of track masters. “I’ve found that so many of my fans are producers,” he explains. “I know they’ll be excited for this.”

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

Pay Jay Productions, Inc. was the company James Dewitt “J Dilla” Yancey founded in 2001 to house his production company and his publishing company. The Estate of James Yancey has revived Pay Jay as a functioning imprint, and is announcing its release of J Dilla's long lost vocal album, The Diary. The first single features "Anthem" b/w “Trucks” - two of the songs J Dilla recorded in late 2001 and early 2002 as he put the finishing touches on what was supposed to be an album featuring his raps over production by the likes of Madlib, Pete Rock, Nottz, House Shoes, Karriem Riggins and others.
These two tracks, however, were produced by Dilla himself and come straight from multi-track masters found on 2” tape shortly after Dilla’s passing in 2006. These songs have been mixed by engineer Dave Cooley, who worked extensively with Dilla during his years in Los Angeles. Using Dilla’s original demo mixes as his guide, Cooley attempted to finalize Dilla’s vision for these tracks, while keeping all of the elements that Dilla had in place in his original demos present. Rounding out this 12” is Dilla’s original mix of “Trucks,” discovered as a two-track demo mix. We’ve included this mix as it features an alternate version of Dilla’s vocals and a third verse not found on Dilla’s final sessions for this song.

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

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

Masta Ace, Nature, Malik B, Rah Digga, Lil Fame, Ill Bill, Big Noyd, Roc Marciano, AG, Torae & lots of others are featured, whoa!

These records come with an oversized poster — half of the records with Fyah Flames, half with I Jahbar.

Entire album produced By Scram Jones! Feat. Jadakiss, N.O.R.E., Raekwon & Sheek Louch!

Produced by Duppy Founders in Los Angeles and Jamaica, limited to 500 copies incl. Giant poster!

A critic and cult favorite in Hip Hop circles, Reks is back with an instant classic!

Produced entirely by Harry Fraud (who produced French Montana's "Shot Caller"), Smoke DZA's upcoming LP will feature appearances from the likes of Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, and his Jet Life labelmate Curren$y, among others. Harlem's own Smoke DZA has seen his career skyrocket lately, as acclaimed projects like George Kush Da Button and Rolling Stoned have introduced the public to Smoke's irresitible laid-back flow. DZA has also been collaborating with a who's who of young hip-hop stars (Asher Roth, A$AP Rocky, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar, Cory Gunz, Mickey Factz, Dom Kennedy, and more), firmly establishing himself as a leader of the next generation of rhyme spitters. The proud stoner is now joining forces with High Times for Rugby Thompson, a brand new album produced entirely by Harry Fraud. With Fraud's pounding drums providing the backdrop and appearances from Action Bronson, Curren$y, Sean Price, Schoolboy Q, and Domo Genesis of Odd Future, Rugby Thompson is among DZA's most impressive work to date. Also available: Substance Abuse, the hit mixatpe now re-mastered for retail with six bonus tracks (features Devin The Dude, Nipsey Hussle, Curren$y, Cory Gunz, Curtains, and more).

An unexpected but surprisingly effective combination straight out of hip-hop fans' fantasies.

From the beginning to now, before and after, Mac Dre passed away Thizz is still going strong. This soundtrack for the Thizz nation, from Da Ground Up, is going to be a fan favorite with all new tracks from all your favorite artists. Featuring Dubee, Mistah Fab, J. Stalin, Jacka, J-Diggs, Philthy Rich, Rydah J. Klyde, Crest Creepaz, Zoe Da Roaster, D-Lo, Sleepy D, Gold Toes, Little Bruce, Lil Italy, the Mob Figaz and more.