Products

The 'Nuts eponymous debut album, now on gatefold double vinyl! Psycho Les and JuJu killed it with the jazzy, funky loop-based production on their self-titled full length (often referred to as "Street Level") back in '94. The creation of these beats is what really hits me most when I listen to the album now. Thick man... these guys have got some of the best loops around right here. Production values stay high throughout, while the lyrics stay gutter - strictly on some drinkin, smokin blunts, shootin people and f-in bitches type stuff. The difference between them and most though is that they actually make you laugh at the same time! Not only that, this is perfect layin' in the cut music - beats so smooth it doesn't even matter what they say. This thing got heavy, heavy rotation from me in the summer of '94, and there's lots of favorites on here. Props Over Here, Hit Me With That, Lick The Pussy, Let Off a Couple, Superbad, Get Funky, Ya Don't Stop, Are You Ready, etc. 17 tracks spread over two LPs.

• music label: Relativity 1994 / 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

Originally released in March of 1995,Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous placed Big L on the list of New York elite. Armed with sharp, witty lyrics and a cocky attitude, the Harlem MC's heavyweight presence is littered all over tracks like "MVP," "Put It On," "8 Iz Enuff," "Danger Zone," "Street Struck," and "Da Graveyard" featuring the then-unknown Jay-Z. Production wise, Buckwild, Craig Boogie, Kid Capri, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz contribute. For the first time ever, the classic release is reissued as a remastered double LP pressing, and it is accompanied by a 18" x 24" fold-out poster featuring the original artwork. Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2010

reviewed by nakinboots

The Biz Never Sleeps on pic disc for the first time, just in time for Record Store Day! Originally released back in the golden era of hip-hop (1989 to be exact) this one found Biz really living up to his reputation as the "Clown Prince Of Hip Hop." No one is having fun with hip-hop these days like Biz was back then! His style was not only charismatic and playful, but equally skillful and creative as well. Just check the style on hits like "Just A Friend," "Spring Again," and "Me Versus Me" or album cuts "I Hear Music," "Mudd Foot," and "A Thing Named Kim." Funky-ass production duties are handled by his cousin Cool V, Paul C, and Biz Markie himself! This 2012 deluxe reissue also includes a bonus musical post card that plays Biz's classic hit "Just a Friend" that actually plays on a turntable. How cool is that?! Recommended.

• music label: Traffic 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 03/2012

Big Fun In The Big Town offers a rare glimpse into the beginnings of hip-hop and NY culture circa the mid-80's. The film, made back in '86, is a documentary piece on the then-emerging cultural movement by Dutch film maker Bram Van Splunteren. Since then, it has seldom been screened, despite capturing the budding New York rap scene during its vital stages. Witness a hungry LL Cool J bust freestyle raps acapella, Doug E Fresh blowin' minds with insane beat box techniques, Roxanne Shante and Biz Markie freak a live show, Grandmaster Flash gettin' busy on the decks, a young Russell Simmons and Run DMC, and much more. Looking back now, the film is truly a treasure trove of rare footage from hip-hop's golden age. From the label: "This essential, fast-paced documentary shows hip-hop from just about every angle, and approaches its subjects with a journalistic sobriety and respect rarely given to this oft-misunderstood artform and culture, even to this day. It presents worldwide superstars and aspiring rappers, dancers and beatboxers on an even playing field, reminding us that rap was once a wide-open game for anyone with talent to grab at the brass ring of fame." Recommended.

Can't believe we've never had this one up in the Lab before. K Lim said it best on his review of the Black Nostaljack 12" - "If any of you think that Camp Lo was a one hit wonder with "Luchini," well you may be right. However, that doesn't dismiss the fact they put out one of the strongest (my personal favorite) albums in mid 90s hip-hop." While it is true that everyone knows and loves Sonny Cheeba & Gicci Suede for "Luchini" (which is still bumped on original 12" to this day in the office), the full length is pretty much slept-on or forgotten. It's a shame really since that same blaxploitation influenced vibe that made "Luchini" so great is found all over Uptown Saturday Night. The whole album is super bumpable, despite the fact you can't really understand what the hell they are rapping about (but it doesn't really matter 'cause their rap delivery is just so charismatic). If you slept back in the day, here's your chance to get right on double vinyl. 14 tracks in all.

• music label: Profile 1997

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

With Deltron 3030, Del tha Funkee Homosapien landed where he was always meant to be - outer space. Paired with Dan The Automator the Oakland based MC took on the persona of Deltron Zero in the year 3030. Rounding out the trio of space exploring hip hop heads was Kid Koala on the cuts. When this first came out in 2000 a lot of the backpack toting underground was hoping for the second coming of Dr. Octagon, the Automator helmed Kool Keith vehicle. However, the concept and the MC delivered a completely different beast. Del has always been one of the more out there lyricists to grab the mic, but he has a penchant for elaborate puns and encyclopedic vocabulary in place of Keith's X rated imagination. The basic premise of Deltron 3030 is the MC traveling the galaxy, participating in rap battles where his rhymes summon psychic powers and destroy his opponents. The trio is joined by a myriad of guests as they travel the stars, many of whom made appearances on Handsome Boy Modeling School around the same time. Deltron 3030 seems to be where the seeds for Damon Albarn's Gorillaz project were sewn as well. The Blur front man makes an appearance on the intro and the standout "Time Keeps On Slipping." It's in this unique setting, just to the left of hip hop, that Del shines. He is able to imagine his own world and create a stark vision of the future. One where he lives rent free while the world falls apart around him. And Del's expert wordplay serves him well in this dystopian future. Backed up by The Automator's deftly crafted beats and Koala's precise cuts Deltron 3030 is one of Del's greatest efforts since I Wish My Brother George Was Here.

• Music Label: Deltron Partners 2000/2011

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

In the world of disco, it's seldom that you'll find an artist like Arthur Russell.  Here's a little background on this leftfield disco master: He studied cello, then Indian Music at the Ali Akbar Khan School in SF, accompanied legendary beat poets like Allen Ginsberg, worked with large bands with musicians like David Byrne, and went to produce some of disco's finest works. In 1979, he produced one of Sire Records' first hits, Dinosaur's "Kiss Me Again," along with Loose Joint's "Is It All Over My Face?" before starting his own label, Sleeping Bag Records. Twenty years after its initial vinyl release, Dinosaur L's avant-disco album 24 --> 24 Music gets the deluxe reissue treatment as a deluxe four-LP box set. It's a pristine repress of their first album, as well as a collection of Russell's other works for Sleeping Bag and captures all the creativity and energy of Russell's earliest works with dance music. Listen to "Clean On Your Bean #1" and hear how modern the production is. The reverbed slap bass intro, the new wave horns, the eerie chords, and the addictively strange hook is the envy of many producers today. The line in his hit "Go Bang! (Thank You Arthur Edit)" summarizes the energy of the early 80's disco/new wave scene, "I wanna see all my friends at once, I'll do anything to get a chance to Go Bang! I wanna Go Bang!" Pure genius. Also check his more experimental jams "#7," "#3 (in The Corn Belt)," for a taste of his wilder side. Also includes the "#5 Go Bang! (Francois K Mix) and "In The Corn Belt (Larry Levan Mix)" where you have two key NY DJ's giving their unique versions. There's more to be had once you've worked your way through the Dinosaur L material. Russell recorded and produced under a plethora of aliases for Sleeping Bag. One of his projects with the legendary Nicky Siano, Felix, gets represented with two versions of their killer "You Can't Hold Me Down," as well as "Tiger Stripes." And Russell's own Indian Ocean sees a proper vinyl pressing of "School Bell / Treehous," the first time since its original release in 1986. Each of the four 12"s is housed in its own LP sleeve, within a hand pulled, screen printed outer box. Liner notes come courtesy of Tim Lawrence (Russell biographer and author of the acclaimed disco history Love Saves The Day) and there are previously unpublished photographs by Janette Beckman. Pretty much a must have for any fan. Highly recommended. 

• music label: Sleeping Bag

reviewed by The Voice 10/2011

It's a match made in disco heaven. P&P Records is synonymous with the original disco sound (of Harlem to be exact), and who better to dig through the archives and compile and mix the best jams from their massive catalog? The one and only DJ Spinna! Ya'll should be familiar with Spinna's undeniable talent as a selector behind the decks, and this release is even more proof of the skills. For the mix version, Spinna runs through 21 P&P joints - from soulful groovers, uptempo movers, to disco breaks galore - all mixed and cut up to perfection. Seriously, this is how you do a disco mix people! Contains tracks from Cloud One, Ahzz, Karisma, Little Scotty, Queen Yahna, Louise Murray, Mary Clark, Marta Acuna, Golden Flamingo Orchestra, and many more. The double LP version contains 8 unmixed, full length versions of tracks from the mix that also happen to be some of the rarest P&P cuts from the catalog (check the insane unheard funk of the Michael Campbell and High Voltage joints, or the smooth chillout grooves of Cloud One). And if that wasn't enough, it's pressed up on bright pink vinyl! Disco heads will not want to miss this, recommended.

• music label: Five Day Weekend 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2012

The first and only single from Dominatrix, now on hot pink 7" vinyl. "The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight" was an experiment in synth-pop from Stuart Argabright (of Ike Yard / Black Rain fame) along producer Ken Lockie, vocalist Claudia Summers and keyboardist Peter Baumann (of Tangerine Dream!) released on Arthur Baker's Streetwise imprint back in 1984. Aside from being considered one of the first "Freestyle" records to achieve mainstream success, the track also crossed over to many underground NYC scenes - from B-boy circles to bondage circles - no easy feat by any means! Today the track still gets love on the dancefloor in almost any kind of set with its catchy hooks, bullet proof drum programming, and freaky, poppy synths. Features the uber-rare "Beat Me Sratch Me Scratch Me Beat Me" Mix by Kool DJ Red Alert on the flip (previously only available on hard-to-find UK and German 7" pressings). Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by TKB 05/2012

Pizza! The Fat Boys self titled 1984 debut gets the deluxe reissue treatment! Once a sensation of 1980s culture The Fat Boys were early ambassadors of rap music. Buff Love's beatbox set the tone for their hard beats and hilarious lyrics. Their subject matter ran that gamut from over-eating to comic book characters and girls. With their innate sense of humor they rightfully earned the title The Clown Princes of Rap. It's awesome to see The Fat Boys career given its proper due with this more than appropriate pizza box reissue. Includes Pizza Picture disc vinyl housed in it's very own Pizza Box, 8-1/2" x 11" 20 page booklet and a download card for bonus material and interviews. Recommended for hip hop heads and avid vinyl collectors.

• music label: Tin Pan Apple 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 11/2012

Debut release from Madlib & Freddie Gibbs' new collab project. The Thuggin' EP marks the latest entry in Madlib's great rap collab projects (see: Madvillainy with Doom, Jaylib with J Dilla, and In Search Of Stoney Jackson with Strong Arm Steady) and finds the Beat Konducta once again providing the hot beats for an exceptional lyricist - in this case, LA's Freddie Gibbs. Check the raw ghetto reports on "Thuggin" and "Deep," easily some of the realest raps we've heard 'round these parts in a minute! These tracks were created especially for the Medicine Show Tour in late 2011 and find there way onto wax complete with instrumentals and bonus beats. Comes in a shiny gold, double A-side sleeve with "Madlib" embossed on one side and "Freddie Gibbs" on the other. Recommended.

• music label: Madlib Invazion 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2012

Cone-shaped 45 adapters from Get On Down with a fun twist - they glow in the dark! The design allows for easy placement of 7 inches on turntables, and the phosphorescent properties of the adapters provide a nice visual in club settings.

Another fresh label tee from the good folks at Get On Down. Diggers should recognize this logo from the crates, but for those that don't know, Partytime was a sub-label of Arthur Baker's Streetwise imprint that focused on early 80's NY rap from the likes of T La Rock, Jazzy Jay, Dimples D., Ultimate Three MC's and more. Printed on standard fit, 100% cotton shirts.

• 100% cotton
• standard fit

Get On Down hooks it up with an official logo tee from legendary NYC label - Sleeping Bag Records! The label was formed by Arthur Russell and Will Socolov and brought the diverse sound of NYC in the 80's to wax. From Mantronix, Just-Ice, and Stezo to Arthur Russell, Dinosaur L, Konk - they were all on Sleeping Bag! Printed on 100% cotton, standard fit shirts.

• 100% cotton
• standard fit

Another limited edition logo tee from Get On Down. This one features the Sound Of Brooklyn logo screened on the front of bright, red shirts. TSOB was an early 80's disco and rap label from Brooklyn (duh) that brought us joints from Master Jay and Michael Dee, Wild Sugar (the Brass Monkey sample source), and rare boogie groups Zalmac and Sabata. Printed on 100% cotton, standard fit tees.

• 100% cotton
• standard fit

It's IRONMAN! Debut album from Ghostface Killah released in 1996 re-pressed in all it's original glory, with picture / gatefold sleeve. If you don't know this one, here's a little Wu lesson for ya. First came the 36 Chambers, which then brought forth Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx, which featured Ghostface, then came his solo album, Ironman. The whole album is produced by RZA and carries that uncut raw, infectious energy that made Ghost and Wu the Icons they are today. Standout cuts include "Winter Warz" ft. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa, "Fish" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, the title track "Iron Maiden" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, "All That I Got Is You" ft. Mary J Blige. Funk it man, can't really pick out the best here, the whole damn thing is great. Super sought after, Recommended. 

• music label: Epic / 2010

reviewed by Cmish 09/2010

Now this is how you properly celebrate a hip hop classic! When you first get your hands on this boxset you'll be more than impressed with the packaging. From the "Cherrywood Trophy Box" to the 24k Audiophile Gold Disc CD, Get On Down has gone the extra mile to pay homage to Ghostface Killah's startling debut. Plus the hardcover book, loaded with rare pics and informative liner notes from Chris Faraone is the icing on the cake. Here's what Cmish had to say when we first started carrying Ironman: It's Ironman! The debut album from Ghostface Killah released in 1996. If you don't know this one, here's a little Wu lesson for ya. First came the 36 Chambers, which then brought forth Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx, which featured Ghostface, then came his solo album, Ironman. The whole album is produced by RZA and carries that uncut raw, infectious energy that made Ghost and Wu the Icons they are today. Standout cuts include "Winter Warz" ft. Cappadonna, U-God & Masta Killa, "Fish" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, the title track "Iron Maiden" ft. Raekwon & Cappadonna, "All That I Got Is You" ft. Mary J Blige. Funk it man, can't really pick out the best here, the whole damn thing is great. Super sought after, Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 03/2013

Loving how these remastered classic hip-hop albums keep trickling in - and this time around, it's Ghostface Killah's critically-acclaimed Supreme Clientele that gets the double LP, gatefold sleeve, and full size double-sided poster treatment. This release needs no introduction. Not only is it one of the strongest solo Wu albums, it's filled with tracks like "Nutmeg," "Ghost Deini," "Apollo Kids," "Mighty Healthy," "We Made It," "Cherchez LaGhost," and "Wu Banga 101." Plus the skits - how dope is Raekwon going at 50 on "Clyde Smith"? As far as the lyrical content is concerned, Ghost rocks with his signature uptempo, stream-of-consciousness style, and with RZA handling production on 6 of the tracks and executive producing alongside Ironman himself, this one is a no-brainer for Wu-Tang and hip-hop fans. Recommended.

• music label: Sony / 2010

reviewed by nakinboots 11/2010

"The game of chess is like a sword fight..." Get On Down comes correct with another incredible reissue job, this time taking GZA's "Liquid Swords" and packaging it with an actual chess set! The box converts into the chess board and a full set of wooden chess pieces are included for you to match wits with a friend while listening to one of the finest solo Wu efforts ever recorded. The original full CD version of Liquid Swords is included as well as an instrumental version, plus a booklet with extended liner notes chronicling the story of the GZA and the creation, inspiration, and legacy of the album. A must-cop for the Wu enthusiast! Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2012

Although Harry Nilsson might be most famously remembered as John Lennon's drinking partner during his separation from Yoko Ono, he has a back catalog that most musicians would be envious of. The reclusive singer-songwriter released more than an album a year during the period between 1966 and 1977. Falling somewhere in the middle of his career, The Point was essentially a fable, extolling the trials and tribulations of a round-headed person named Oblio growing up in a "Pointed Village" where by rule of order everyone and everything in the land was to have "a point." Following the success of the album it was adapted into an animated short film for ABC by Fred Wolf (who would later go on to produce Puff The Magic Dragon). The Point contained the hit single, "Me And My Arrow" which was sampled for Blackalicious' "Blazing Arrow." How did Nilsson get to the idea of The Point in the first place? "I was on acid," he says, "and I looked at the trees and I realized that they all came to points, and the little branches came to points, and the houses came to point. I thought, 'Oh! Everything has a point, and if it doesn't, then there's a point to it.'" Fully remastered from the original recordings. Includes fully restored comic storyboard, the same that was included with the original vinyl release.

• Music Label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by The Voice 07/2012

Top quality reissue of Howlin' Wolf's 1969 full length. The Howlin' Wolf album is widely considered a modern classic, even though Howlin' Wolf himself really didn't like it (he even went so far to call it "dog shit"). It was a bold experiment back in the time of its original release by Cadet Records (a subsidiary of Chess Records) - to take a legendary blues artist like Wolf and try to modernize his sound by integrating electric instruments and pyschedelic arrangements (a la Hendrix). Even the album art was a radical experiment stating the artist disapproved of it right on the cover! Not surprisingly it didn't sell very well back then, but over time the album won a special place amongst music aficionados thanks to its unique mix of traditional blues and electric rock elements. Diggers will note the heavy breaks littered all over this piece and might even catch a known sample or two.. or three. Highest quality vinyl pressing with audio remastered from the original analog tapes for optimum sound quality and comes packaged in a paste-on style jacket featuring the album's famous original artwork. Comes in black or red printed cover (randomly shipped).

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Extravagant Traveler 05/2012

Now on colored vinyl! If you're not completely up to date on your Dilla crate, here's the perfect chance to fill in the gaps. The Jay Deelicious album compiles the harder to find Dilla productions, remixes and rarities made for esteemed hip-hop label Delicious Vinyl circa '95-'98. Of course you get classic Dilla produced originals for the Pharcyde ("Drop," "Runnin'," "Somethin' That Means Somethin'," etc.), but also a gang of less heard remixes for groups like The Brand New Heavies and N'Dea Davenport (with raps from Q-Tip and Mos Def to boot). Would be worth it just for these sleeper Dilla cuts, but you also get the instrumentals too! All this, AND it's on cherry red, clear, and white vinyl. Must have for the Jay Dee crate! Recommended.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2007/2012

reviewed by Cmish

Special excerpt from Joe Mansfield's upcoming drum machine tome for Record Store Day 2013! This TR-909 book and companion flexi-discs celebrate the storied drum machine and its role in hip hop. Along with the 20 page booklet that goes deep into the drum machine's history, the flexi-discs pay homage to one of its first appearances on wax. The TR-909 provided the crushing, bare-bones backing for Scholly D's genre defining and oft-sampled hip hop classics, "P.S.K." and "Gucci Time." The legendary Philly rapper got to work and recreated these hits for this special release from Get On Down.

• special 20 page book filled with original advertising, technical specs and tons of photos
• Included are two flexi-discs, one clear and one orange, featuring the sounds of the TR-909, narrated by the great Schoolly D, with cuts by DJ 7L
• instrumental remakes of Schoolly D's hits "P.S.K." and "Gucci Time"
• music label: Get On Down 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 04/2013

The J the I the M the M the Y y'all. The debut of the Jungle Brothers and the introduction to the Natives Tongues crew with their new type of speak. By all means a classic with dancefloor favorites "Jimbrowski, Straight Out the Jungle and Because I Got it Like That." The production is really varied, experimental shit going on here back in 1988 with the emergence of afro-centric rhyming and the playful sex style of the Native Tongues crew. This album also features the first appearances of Q-Tip on "Black is Black" and super classic "The Promo." Sounds young as hell but he rips it anyway in an unpolished Tip style. "Sounds of the Safari," "Braggin + Boastin" and "On the Run" hold up the album. Heavyweight double LP pressing with foldout poster included.

• music label: Warlock 1988 / Traffic Entertainment 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt

Recorded in 1973, Blackboard Jungle Dub is considered the first full-length dub album. Produced by Lee Perry, the godfather of reggae music as we know it, with the legendary King Tubby reportedly at the controls. If you listen closely, this would appear to be a stereo mix, but its not. Its two different mono channels. Each channel is mixed down in mono and then married to the other. Blackboard Jungle Dub prefaces future Upsetters' masterpieces like Super Ape and Return Of The Super Ape, and highlights the power of the mythical producer and his musicians. Includes large fold out poster of album artwork.

• Music Label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 05/2012

Gibbs and Lib doin' the damn thang. After the Thuggin EP dropped, I was wondering how long we would have to wait for another dose of realness, but thankfully they cooked up some new material quick! The Shame EP is the second collaborative EP from the Beat Konducta and LA-by-way-of-Indiana rapper Freddie Gibbs and once again they're bringing it on the beats AND the lyrics. The title cut "Shame" finds Madlib flipping a heavy soul groove, while Gibbs rips the mic a new one from a ghetto perspective. "Terrorist" ups the tempo with another killer production from Madlib while Gibbs handles lyrics properly. Also includes the bonus beats "Later That Night" and "The Morning After" plus instrumentals and acapellas for "Shame" and "Terrorist." Housed in slick red cover with spot gloss print, designed by Jeff Jank.

• music label: Madlib Invazion 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

No act was more synonymous with the burgeoning downtown NY music scene of the early 80s than Mantronix. The duo of DJ/producer Kurtis Mantronik and rapper MC Tee won club kids over with their 808 beats, esoteric scratching and synthetic sound. With "Fresh Is The Word" they distilled the electro of "Planet Rock" and lyrical agility of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five. Their independently released Mantronix: The Album came out in 1985 on Arthur Russell and William Socolov's Sleeping Bag Records. At the same time Mantronik was performing A&R duties for the label and producing artists like T La Rock, Just-Ice and Tricky Tee. With King Of The Beats: Anthology 1985 - 1988 Traffic has done the hard work of compiling some of the best material that Kurtis Mantronik produced before moving away from hip hop. The Mantronik sound of this period was heavy on the drum machine with samples used more as accents than anything else. The drum programming behind T La Rock's "Bass Machine" sounds like the blue print for southern hip hop. Mantronix's music has been sampled by artists as diverse as the Beastie Boys, De La Soul, The Prodigy, and Beck. And you know that all that they were after were the drums. Limited pressing on red and white vinyl.

• Music Label: Traffic Entertainment Group 2012

reviewed by The Voice 08/2012

After his Juice Crew days, Ace re-emerged in 93 as Masta Ace Incorporated. The Inc. featured crew members Paula Perry, Lord Digga, Leschea, and a new west coast jeep beat sound. When Inc. first came out, heads were baffled as Ace was one of the first east coast heads to take on the west coast gangsta sound. Slaughtahouse, the first Inc. record, was sort of an underground success, as heads got accustomed to hearing the NY delivery over bass heavy beats. Sittin on Chrome, released 2 years later wasn't taken as well, but was saved by 3 standout singles. "Sittin On Chrome," "Born To Roll" and the Louie Vega produced "INC Ride" are some of the best this genre has to offer. "Sittin" and "Born" are straight up, bass in the fi-dace bass tracks, while "INC Ride" sounds a lot like an east coast g-thang. If you are into discovering albums as a whole, you might find more here, but for us short attention span people, these three are the budonkadonk. Deluxe reissue on limited edition chrome vinyl.

• Music Label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

It's been more than a decade since Operation: Doomsday dropped, and the album - with its abstract, stream-of-consciousness lyrics and quirky-sample-based, MPC 2000 and Roland VS 1680-produced beats - continues to stimulate the minds of music aficionados. It has seen at least two different versions on different labels, bootlegs, etc., but now it finally gets an official deluxe reissue, and this time Metalface Records does it up proper! This 4LP box set contains remastered versions of the original album, alternate tracks, b-sides, and instrumentals - all housed in a sick tin case with paper dividers and a cushioned inner box to protect each record. That's a whopping 42 tracks total of classic Doom goodness, but they hook you up with even more extras - a large 7x7 inch, 32 page lyric book AND a 10 card set of Doomsday MCs with artwork by Jason Jagel. With the way the CD lunchbox soldout with the quickness, I wouldn't hesitate to add this beast of a release to the cart immediately. A no brainer for fans of the metal faced villain. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

• music label: Metal Face

reviewed by Snackmaster 05/2011

Now this is how you properly celebrate a hip hop classic! When you first get your hands on this boxset you'll be more than impressed with the packaging. From the "Cherrywood Trophy Box" to the 24k Audiophile Gold Disc CD, Get On Down has gone the extra mile to pay homage to Nas' startling debut. Plus the hardcover book, loaded with rare pics and informative liner notes from Nas himself, Jon Shecter of the Source, DJ Premier, MC Serch, Large Pro, Q-Tip, etc. is the icing on the cake. Here's what the mgmnt had to say when we first started carrying Illmatic: What can I say about this album? Easily in the top 10 of all time, there is no way to pick favorites on this album. Not even one okay track on here. Everything is amazing. When this came out in 94, it was one of the most anticipated albums of all time, taking about two years to finally release. And it dropped with ten songs, no filler, blowing the lid off everybody. Nas wrote the deepest street poetry, touched inner thoughts and demons and still shot his way out his momma's stomach, went to hell for snuffin Jesus. Got the best producers in New York (Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Trackmasters, Premier) to turn in some of their best work ever for one of the best albums ever. One of the few albums I can just keep flipping over and over and over to this day. Little known fact: the trumpet solo on the end of "Life's a Bitch" is performed by Nas' father, the accomplished jazz man Olu Dara. Recommended.

• 24k Audiophile Gold Disc CD with re-mastered audio
• housed in a "Cherrywood Trophy Box" with gold plaque
• 48 page full-color, hard cover book including extended artwork, full album lyrics and liner notes from The Source founder Jon Shecter
• limited to 2000 copies
• vinyl version also available

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

Deluxe vinyl repress of Nas' classic debut album! Get On Down does Illmatic up properly with all the extras including an original reproduction of the original 1994 Illmatic press release, two 8" x 10" promo photos, and a rare '94 promo poster with full album lyrics printed on the back! Here's what the mgmnt had to say when we first started carrying Illmatic: What can I say about this album? Easily in the top 10 of all time, there is no way to pick favorites on this album. Not even one okay track on here. Everything is amazing. When this came out in 94, it was one of the most anticipated albums of all time, taking about two years to finally release. And it dropped with ten songs, no filler, blowing the lid off everybody. Nas wrote the deepest street poetry, touched inner thoughts and demons and still shot his way out his momma's stomach, went to hell for snuffin Jesus. Got the best producers in New York (Pete Rock, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Trackmasters, Premier) to turn in some of their best work ever for one of the best albums ever. One of the few albums I can just keep flipping over and over and over to this day. Little known fact: the trumpet solo on the end of "Life's a Bitch" is performed by Nas' father, the accomplished jazz man Olu Dara. Recommended.

• Vinyl LP packaged with full lyric insert
• reproduction of the original 1994 Illmatic press release
• two 8” x10” glossy promo photos used in the Illmatic campaign
• rare 1994 promotional poster with full album lyrics printed on the back
• CD Version also available

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

5" vinyl? We've seen 8" records before, but this is defintitely a Lab first! Now for the music on this unique piece of wax... you already know Doom brings it on the mic, and on "3 Dollars" he delivers and then some over a smoldering beat courtesy of Oh No (who also flexes his lyrical prowess). They ain't playin' on this one! Comes in a double sided pic sleeve with Doom and Oh No illustrated by Charles Munka. Recommended.

• music label: Five Day Weekend 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 06/2012

Can you dig it? Apparently Oh No was recently let loose on the entire Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite catalog for the OhNoMite project. With so many juicy funk bits to choose from, it was inevitable that Oh No would create too much material to fit on one release (especially since his releases are already chock full of tracks). What did he do with the extra tracks? Oh No let his alter ego Dr. No step in to finish up the extras and thus Kali Tornado Funk was born. From the label - "Coming at you with fists flying this full length features instrumentals and alternate mixes from the OhNoMite record, thoroughly funk filled blasts that didn’t find their way into the final OhNoMite project and much more. Kali Tornado Funk is the total experience; the Doctor’s prescription for those whose asses just don’t move enough, a recommended treatment for those whose ailment is a lack of soul. Side effects include having a thoroughly good time and in rare instances a desire to perform karate moves." 36 tracks in all.

• music label: Five Day Weekend 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 08/2012

This is how you do a re-issue. Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return To The 36 Chambers gets the double-vinyl-deluxe reissue, which means a lot of extras in addition to the classic album. First of all, here is the original review of Return To: "The One Man Army Ason has become one of the most misunderstood and maligned artists of our time. All you got to do is give the man a chance cuz he's one of the most human mcs out there. Some people just don't understand the beauty of two straight minutes of making that croaking noise with your throat. Live and uncut when you feel the earth tremble beneath your balls. For real though, this album is a slept on classic like a second round draft pick steal. RZA's production is untouchable on here matching the Dirty style perfectly with the two singles "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy," plus "Hippa to the Hoppa(," "Baby C'mon," "The Stomp" and of course everybody's favorite: "Rawhide" with Meth and Raekwon. ODB is for the Children." Now to the extras, the release, which comes in premium plastic housing, is accompanied by an oversized, laminated food stamp card (!!!!!) as a proper tribute to the "Return to..."'s iconic artwork, and there is an insert featuring extended artwork, liner notes, milestones and accolades. Highly recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2011

reviewed by nakinboots

This is how you do a re-issue. Ol' Dirty Bastard's Return To The 36 Cahmbers receives the "Dirty Version" treatment, which means a lot of extras in addition to the classic album. First of all, here is the original review of Return To: "The One Man Army Ason has become one of the most misunderstood and maligned artists of our time. All you got to do is give the man a chance cuz he's one of the most human mcs out there. Some people just don't understand the beauty of two straight minutes of making that croaking noise with your throat. Live and uncut when you feel the earth tremble beneath your balls. For real though, this album is a slept on classic like a second round draft pick steal. RZA's production is untouchable on here matching the Dirty style perfectly with the two singles "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy," plus "Hippa to the Hoppa," "Baby C'mon," "The Stomp" and of course everybody's favorite: "Rawhide" with Meth and Raekwon. ODB is for the Children." Now to the other content, the pack includes disc two, which includes various remixes as well as instrumental versions of the tracks on the full-length. The two cds come housed in a custom deluded bill fold wallet, which includes a promotional sticker and a LAMINATED FOOD STAMP CARD! You'll also find a vintage "On Tour" poster and a booklet featuring extended artwork, liner notes, milestones and accolades. Highly recommended.

• music label: Get On Down

reviewed by nakinboots 11/2011

The funky sound of Harlem is coming at you in a major way with this absolutely massive collection from P&P Records and Serato Pressings! Peter Brown and Patrick Adam's legendary label has brought the world countless disco classics and this super deluxe boxset is a testament to the P&P legacy with 197 remastered songs from 88 groups in both high quality wav and 320 mp3 over three loaded data DVDs. That's over 19 1/2 hours (or 15GB) of pure funky disco music! And if that wasn't enough, you also get 2x exclusive Serato 12"s - one with Mistafide's "Equidity Funk" and the other with Cloud One's "Don't Let This Rainbow Pass Me By", both backed with official Serato Control Tones on swirly psychedelic green vinyl. The records are housed in custom disco sleeves and are packaged in a matching box with 32-page hardcover book and a sexy 18"x24" poster of Queen Constance Records. You can't go wrong with this one, highly recommended!

• music label: P&P Records / Serato Pressings / 2012

reviewed by snackmaster 01/2012

• housed in a "music box" case, that plays a snippet of "Oh Sh*t" when lid is opened
• includes (7) 7" records pressed on different colored vinyl + replica mini-jackets
• includes 5 previously unreleased tracks
• double CD with 24 rarities: 7 instrumentals, 5 acapellas, 6 remixes, and a bonus promo-only track
• 21" x 28" poster + 120 piece puzzle featuring iconic cover art
• detailed linear notes by J-Swift + never-before-seen vintage photos

Pharcyde fans remain divided over whether or not Labcabincalifornia is an underappreciated album or the reason why the group fell off. Either way, both sides can agree that it was no Bizarre Ryde II the Pharcyde, lacking their debut's creative brilliance. Many years later though, don't you think it's time to be more generous to Labcabin? It wasn't perfection, but it did boast consistent, mellow sound (no doubt assisted by Jay-Dee, who handled several of the tracks here) that seems ahead of its time, what with J-Dilla's popularity today. The biggest hit off here, "Runnin" still sounds great with its soft guitar melody and dulcet hooks. Same can be said of "She Says" kind of a "Passin Me By" sequel (though nowhere near as catchy). Other songs in the same vibe include"Y?" and "Groupie Therapy." Slightly more uptempo are "Somethin That Means Somethin," "Drop," and one of the best songs they ever released: "Devil Music." Again, this isn't as classic as Bizarre Ride by any means, but it's better than many of us treated it when it first came out and fans of the genre just dust off the hate. This official reissue comes complete with colored vinyl and a gatefold cover, just like the OG.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 1995 / 2012

reviewed by O-Dub

Damn that's a sick lookin' record! Easily one of the coolest colored vinyls to come around these parts, plus with a pair of Dilla-produced classics in the grooves. Pharcyde's "Runnin'" is not only one of their finest party records, but also one of Jay Dee's best productions for the group. In our our original review we said: "Runnin' has that warm jazz/samba beat and their trademark sung chorus, keeping it fun and playful on an otherwise lackluster sophomore album. In years after its release, this became one of the key songs to ignite the Jay Dee hype machine, and rightfully so. Who says you can't play Jay Dee in the club?" True! B-side features the Dilla-produced, Beastie-sampling jam "Drop" with instrumentals for both + acapella for Runnin'. Recommended.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 07/2012

At this point in his career Prince Paul has cemented his reputation as one of hip hop's most creative and innovative producers. His work with Stetsasonic, De La Soul, the Gravediggaz, and 3rd Bass has stood the test of time and generated more than a few classics. Given all that success, it was still surprising to see a label like Tommy Boy give free reign - an albums worth of it - to a producer back in 1996. And the result was some of the most interesting and introspective material to ever come out of hip hop. Starting with the album's title Psychoanalysis you kind of get the idea of what you're getting into. Here's a dude who has worked somewhat behind the scenes in the music business, practically invented the hip hop skit (see Three Feet High And Rising), and has a pretty twisted sense of humor. He takes the opportunity to explore the outer reaches of the genre hitting dancehall, Schooly D and Miami booty bass along the way. There's even some uncomfortable stand-up comedy for good measure. Overall, the beats provide a soothing backdrop for the vocal samples and lyrical content. There are plenty of dark moments on the record along with many funny ones. Look out for the underground rap skewering "Psycho Linguistics". Hooo boy! Psychoanalysis captures the spirit of a producer that is more than comfortable with taking the piss out of the state of hip hop at that time.

• Music Label: Tommy Boy 1996/2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 10/2012

The legacy of the purple tape lives on in this special deluxe purple vinyl version of Rae's infamous debut album! This is the crown jewel of the Clans solo efforts. All the early Wu-solo joints were strong, but what separates Linx is the finesse. The record has the mandatory hype Wu-singles (Glacier of Ice, Ice Cream, Incarcerated Scarfaces), but its the moody non-single joints that really feel. The centerpiece is the lyrically delicate, but rugged "Verbal Intercourse." "Live on the Run, Police paying me to give in my gun, trick my wisdom with the system that imprisoned my son, smoke a gold leaf I hold heat nonchalantly Im raunchy, but everything I do is real, It never haunts me" Nas delivers with the verse of that year (95) and elevates Raes and Ghosts at the same time. "Knuckleheadz, Rainy Dayz, Guillotine, Can It Be All So Simple (remix), Ice Water, Heaven or Hell" it doesnt stop. This deluxe reissue comes in plastic sleeve sealed with a sticker of the purple tape and includes the previously CD-only track "North Star (Jewels)." Recommended.

• music label: Loud 1995 / Get On Down 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt

The Scientist got his start working as an engineer for King Tubby. From there he went on to become one of the pioneers of dub reggae along with Tubby. He quickly developed his own style, settling for tracks with an inherent groove while applying the drops and reverb tweaks in all the right places. Scientific Dub is like a journeyman's guide to dub. There's a heavy dose of soulful moments as the roots tracks are fed through the Scientist's mixer. The addition of reggae heavyweights like Sly & Robbie, and Agustus Pablo doesn't hurt either. One of the particular standouts is Scientist's dub of The Tamlins' "Baltimore." All of the tracks are worth turning your attention to, though. A must have release for any reggae fan. Includes the full length album plus two bonus tracks spread across three 10" pieces of vinyl in red, green and gold; housed in full color hinged box secured with a magnetic clasp. Limited to 2,000 copies.

• music label: Clocktower Records 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 05/2013

Back on double vinyl! A daunting task reviewing this record, but here's a try. Not to get all textbook, but 93 Til Infinity is one of finest embodiments of youthful expression. This is the Lebron of hip hop records, a young prize pit bull on a chain link leash. Somehow on this album the producers were able to harness the complete wildness of Souls into 14 coherent hip-hop classics. It's what separates NBA from And 1. Ever hear an early Hiero freestyle? It's one of the baddest things on earth, but freestyles don't make a classic record (just axe Supernat). There was magic in the studio, and it's fitting that the Souls give it up to this magic in the albums title track. "Anything Can Happen" rivals a young Nas in vivid storytelling, but Nas didn't have to coordinate 4 separate voices. That's finesse, and "That's When Ya Lost" is straight fire. Combine "Lost" with "Let Em Know" and "Live and Let Live" and you have one of the most dynamic openings since, hmm... Midnight Marauders? For kicks, throw in equinox apocalypse Del on a track like "Limitations" and see how wild it can get. This review is starting to get sporadically hectic, precisely the opposite of what the Souls did on this one. Excellent quality reissue spread over 2 LPs with pic sleeve.

• music label: Jive 1993 / 2012

reviewed by the mgmnt

Here you have one of the rarest pieces to come out of 1970s Africa. The Semi-Colon existed as an experimental response to Fela Kuti's heavy afro-beat sound. They traded in Fela's horns and jazz stylings for electric guitars and vintage rock n roll. It's a unique sound that retains much of the syncopated poly-rhythms coming out of Nigeria at the time. Check out how tight the band was on "Ebenebe." They slow down and speed up their intertwining rhythms every time they switch between the verse and chorus! Long out of print, Ndia Egbuo Ndia (Afro Jigida) has gained near mythical status. Includes limited edition 7" single featuring the never before released demo recording "Our Fada."

• Music Label: Comb & Razor Sound 2012

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 09/2012

All of Weldon Irvine's output on RCA in one super affordable box set. The RCA era (from 1974 to 1976) is arguably Irvine's best and here you get all three albums - Cosmic Vortex from '74, Spirit Man from '75, and Sinbad from '76. These albums are essential listening for anyone even remotely interested in the realms of spiritual jazz, and diggers might also recognize a sample source or two in there (i.e. "Award Tour" by ATCQ) in the process. Keep an open mind and let the music take you off into space. 24 tracks in all spread over 3 discs, each in their own digipak, all housed in a deluxe box. Recommended.

• music label: Get On Down 2012

reviewed by TKB 10/2012