Get On Down-date

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

"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

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

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

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