US Hip Hop 342 Items

Limited edition of 330 copies only on Glow In The Dark vinyl.

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

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...
The Diary, the legendary lost album and instrumentals from J Dilla, released posthumously in 2016, is the VMP Hip-Hop Record of the Month for November 2022. It's here on exclusive 2LP Purple & Orange Marble vinyl, with lacquers cut by...

Repress 2024. On “Breakin’ My Heart”, Jim Sharp finds a way to bridge the summery goodness of ATCQ with the original instrumentation sampled by Dilla. The iconic vocal lead of Bebel Gilberto floats over the boom bap drums to make it a sure shot. The flip side, “Check Minnie's Love” once again shows that Naughty NMX and Runex are on point. The product is horns, beefed up beats, fat bass and silky smooth vocals to make you think it’s ’92 again (without the Rhime). Minnie rips the lovely
vocals into a dance floor banger.

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.

As hip-hop's online footprint began rapidly expanding in the early 2010s, acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu was a rising star who commanded attention. Just a few years removed from the breakthrough success of Below The Heavens and an appearance on the XXL Freshmen list, the talented wordsmith was navigating the major label system, dropping self-produced mixtapes, and working with artists like The Roots, Miguel, Flying Lotus, 9th Wonder, and more. In 2011, the mysterious album Jesus turned up on Bandcamp, uploaded by an artist calling himself "b". Soon discovered to be the latest project from Blu, the unpolished but deeply soulful collection quickly made waves on blogs and social media. Just weeks later, Jesus improbably became one of Blu's first official solo releases, and it remains a lo-fi masterpiece, with mesmerizing production by Alchemist, Madlib, Knxwledge, Hezekiah, and Blu himself. Now, this classic is receiving a long-overdue vinyl reissue, complete with the Jesus-era bonus track "Arrow & The Sparrow" featuring Jimetta Rose.

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.

Finally back on vinyl, this 2011 release was the first proper full-length showcase for the Grammy Award-winning superproducer. The signature soulful style of 9th’s beats was a sensation in hip hop and R&B--for underground fans and in the mainstream--and he played a leading role in bringing North Carolina to the forefront of American music culture in the 21st century. Featuring guest appearances by Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Raekwon, Masta Killa, Warren G, Marsha Ambrosius, Terrace Martin, Talib Kweli, Blu, Raekwon, Murs, Skyzoo, and more.

Indie Exclusive - Coalmine Records digs into their storied discography to unveil their ten-year anniversary reissue of Highway Robbery, the collaborative concept album from Detroit’s heavyweight emcee Guilty Simpson and Philly beat smith Small Professor. Weighing in at 11 tracks, the project places the listener in a seemingly post-apocalyptic Detroit where the mentality is feast or famine. Highway Robbery plays as one long narrative of Guilty’s day-to-day survival in Detroit’s concrete jungle, all set to the tone of Small Professor’s foreboding, percussion heavy production. Featuring guest appearances from Detroit’s Boldy James, A.G. (of D.I.T.C.), Elucid and Castle, the album is further highlighted with the meticulous turntablism of both Statik Selektah and DJ Revolution. This reissue also boasts the Zilla Rocca remix of “Go” which features Audible Doctor on the cuts. A decade removed from its original release, Highway Robbery remains a gratifying listen and strong addition to anyone’s hiphop record collection with its high-level lyricism, avant-garde production value and overall creativity.

Out-of-print and in demand since its original release in 2011, Cellar Sounds vol. 3 is one of the strongest installments in the series. Includes 43 tracks featuring Cella Dwellas, Ran Reed, Shadowz in da Dark, Pudgee 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!

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

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.

Historically Casablanca has been known as a global melting pot; a place where cultures mingle and fuse. This quality is evident in the dazzling music of Casablanca-based beat-maker and guitarist saib., who has revealed his debut long-player, the appropriately titled Around The World album for Cold Busted. These tunes showcase saib.’s worldly vibe, tied together with his intricate guitar playing which deftly keeps up with all the styles represented on the album. Hip hop beats form the backbone as saib.’s musical palette skips from jazz flavors to lounge experiments to Asian textures … and sometimes within a single track. Around The World is indeed a non-stop flight, touching down on all of saib.’s influences and predilections, creating a memorable album along the way.

Historically Casablanca has been known as a global melting pot; a place where cultures mingle and fuse. This quality is evident in the dazzling music of Casablanca-based beat-maker and guitarist saib., who has revealed his debut long-player, the appropriately titled Around The World album for Cold Busted. These tunes showcase saib.’s worldly vibe, tied together with his intricate guitar playing which deftly keeps up with all the styles represented on the album. Hip hop beats form the backbone as saib.’s musical palette skips from jazz flavors to lounge experiments to Asian textures … and sometimes within a single track. Around The World is indeed a non-stop flight, touching down on all of saib.’s influences and predilections, creating a memorable album along the way.

Long sought-after Benny the Butcher album nally available in a wide-release Black vinyl pressing! The underground hip-hop collective Griselda has long established itself as a go-to source for the classic hardcore sound of 90s hip-hop artists like Mobb Deep and Raekwon, and unrelentingly gritty boom-bap production, and Benny The Butcher is one of the group's most proficient contributors. Now signed to Def Jam, Benny began leaving his mark on the underground as far back as 2004 and has made his incomparable, street-savvy presence known on tracks by the likes of Ghostface Killah, Paul Wall, Jim Jones, and a slew of other top-tier rappers. His 2017 mixtape Butcher On Steroids is just one example of Benny's raw power and lyrical deftness. Across 12 tracks, the Butcher delivers the kind of authentic street flow that has come to define the Buffalo, NY rap scene, backed up by guest appearances from his Griselda brethren ElCamino and Conway, atop a bed of stark and intense beats courtesy of guest producers DJ Green Lantern, Daringer, IceRocks, and more.

Damaged cover!

In a world full of cheesecake rappers, one man has assembled a phenomenal team to bring you madness. The original originator, ultramanetic, high-wire rap legend Kool Keith brings a star studded album to the fore. "Feature Magnetic" highlights MF Doom, SLug of Atmpshere, Mac Mall, Necro, Craig G, Dirt Nasty, Ras Kass and more. This special edition 24 for '24 Artist Series Vinyl also features original oil painting art by KipDaFog for this oen time pressing on tri-color canary cake vinyl.

No one is raising the standard in the underground as high as Black Milk and Danny Brown. After their collaborative track "Black and Brown" from Black's LP Album of the Year became a fan favorite, the two decided to record an entire EP together, fittingly titled Black and Brown. While the aforementioned track appears on the EP, the remainder of Black And Brown sees Danny Brown exclusively handling mic duties, with Black Milk showcasing his masterful production. Black Milk’s Album of the Year dropped in September 2010 to strong reviews and an impressive showing on the Billboard charts, and his stock has continued to rise ever since. Performing with a live band for over 80 shows on a worldwide tour in support of the album, he has established himself as one of rap’s best live performers. He also became the first rap artist to record and release music with rock superstar Jack White, who co-produced and played on the much-publicized “Brain” 7-inch single on White’s label Third Man Records. Never straying from his hip hop roots, Black Milk also serves as a member of the group Random Axe (with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson), and entirely produced their successful self-titled 2011 full-length release. Danny Brown first gained wide recognition with the release of his album The Hybrid as a free download in March 2010. Since the release, he’s emerged as one of rap’s most distinct new voices. The shock value of his drug-fueled and sex-laden rhyming has been frequently compared to the early works of Eminem, and his ear for progressive beats as well as his unique fashion sense has made him a favorite with critics. His latest project XXX was released as a free download in August 2011, and was instantly hailed as one of the top rap albums of the year by artists and fans alike, while receiving heavy coverage from media outlets like Pitchfork, MTV, and The Fader.

Inhale deeply, and let the soul-soothing sounds of Devin The Dude take you on an unforgettable journey through the clouds.

Devin The Dude's iconic album "Acoustic Levitation" is making its debut on vinyl, and it's coming at you in style on April 20th, 2024.

This timeless classic, celebrated for its hazy, laid-back vibes and undeniable authenticity is the perfect companion

for your next session. As if the occasion weren't special enough, the album is pressed on a limited edition translucent Smokey Green Galaxy vinyl, paying homage to its weed-related inspiration and the album's unique cosmic vibes.

Devin's signature blend of humour, introspection, and a profound love for life is evident in each track.

"Acoustic Levitation" is a carefully woven tapestry of experiences, infused with the spirit of camaraderie and the pure

enjoyment of life's simple pleasures. Sitback, light up, and enjoy.

You Only Live 2wice is the third studio album from Freddie Gibbs. Following a tumultuous time in Gibbs’ personal life, the album focuses on Freddie overcoming his obstacles and rising from the ashes anew, as reflected in the album art depicting the resurrection of Jesus. At 8 tracks, the album has no features, instead using the space to let Gibbs bear his soul. The album includes the chilling violin-laced single, “Crushed Glass,” as well as standout hits, “20 Karat Jesus,” &”Amnesia.” Executive produced by Ben “Lambo” Lambert & Gibbs himself, the album sees production from BADBADNOTGOOD, Kaytranada, Speakerbomb, Dupri, Jay Nari, Teddy Walton, Blair Norf & more. Back in print for the first time since its initial release and pressed on Opaque Red vinyl.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on red in clear vinyl, limited to 500 copies

You Only Live 2wice is the third studio album from Freddie Gibbs. Following a tumultuous time in Gibbs’ personal life, the album focuses on Freddie overcoming his obstacles and rising from the ashes anew, as reflected in the album art depicting the resurrection of Jesus. At 8 tracks, the album has no features, instead using the space to let Gibbs bear his soul. The album includes the chilling violin-laced single, “Crushed Glass,” as well as standout hits, “20 Karat Jesus,” &”Amnesia.” Executive produced by Ben “Lambo” Lambert & Gibbs himself, the album sees production from BADBADNOTGOOD, Kaytranada, Speakerbomb, Dupri, Jay Nari, Teddy Walton, Blair Norf & more. Back in print for the first time since its initial release.

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

Compilation featuring Emilio Rojas, Tragedy, Jukstapose, Blaq Poet, Percee P, King Magnetic, Edo G, Fatlip, Saigon, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, Baby Blak, Celph Titled, Copywrite, Vast Aire, Realio Sparkzwell & Born Talent.

This is a very limited edition of only a few test pressings made to Kool Keith’s aka. Dr. Dooom’s “First Come, First Served”.

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

2023 pressing coming soon
Knxwledge landed on Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" ("Momma") after the Aftermath MC heard one of his beats on Knx's Bandcamp-culling Anthology release. And it was NxWorries' first single, the unforgettable "Suede", that got Dr. Dre's attention, earning .Paak's no fewer than eight appearances on the "Compton" album and, ultimately, a deal with Aftermath. Now here's the Stones Throw full-length debut by one of the two most promising talents in the biz.