vinylcd -hip-hop / indy hip-hop-date

So cool that this is still around on vinyl. In early 2000, Blue Note invited Madlib to re-imagine its catalog. He put out both a compilation ("Untinted") and this album of reworks and sample-based productions. The result is a perfect blend of Madlib's hip-hop chops and YNQ's jazz thing, definitely one of Madlib's best albums from any alias. Madlib's left-heavy brain is in full effect as the pieces he chooses to sample or re-create are not the ordinary Blue Note bacon and eggs (even the "Song For My Father" is counter-intuitive in its non-hip-hop-ness). I love how he flips "Andrew Hill Break" and tackles something so epic as re-creating "Stepping Into Tomorrow." So many great moments here. Recommended.

• music label: Blue Note 2003

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2013

Third studio full length from Mr. Rager himself, Kid Cudi! After killing it with two installments of Man On The Moon and then venturing into rock zones on 2012's WZRD project with Dot Da Genius, Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) returns with dark, tripped out raps on Indicud. You already know Kid Cudi flips it on the weird and moody side of things, and here he definitely lives up to his rep with raps AND production (Kid Cudi's on beats!) that only "lonely stoner" could deliver. Kudi impressively handles the production here (with a little help from Hit-Boy and Dot Da Genius on a few tracks), while the list of guest spots range from hyped contemporaries like Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, and King Chip, to rap legends like RZA and Too $hort, and even Michael Bolton(!) on a hook. Highlights include "Just What I Am," "Young Lady," "Solo Dolo Pt. II," "NYC Rage Fest," "Brothers," and "Afterwards." Triple vinyl version housed in gatefold sleeve designed by Kid Kudi himself.

• music label: Republic 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Talib Kweli is back! Prisoner Of Conscious is the Brooklyn rapper's 5th solo effort, and is a slight departure from his previous works in terms of style. Taking the title as a hint, it seems Kweli is breaking out of the "conscious rap" umbrella he's been under since the days of working with Mos Def, Hi-Tek, and even Madlib. Not to say his impeccable flow isn't intact (in fact, it sounds better than ever), but here he's branching out and collaborating with a broader ranger of artists, and even including some radio-friendly joints in the mix! Check some of the more surprising collabs like "Push Thru" with Kendrick Lamar & Curren$y, "Come Here" with Miguel, and "Before He Walked" with Nelly, while tracks like "High Life" with Rubix & Bajah and "Favela Love" with Seu Jorge incorporate eclectic world influence via Nigerian and Brazilian vibes. The rest of the tracks stay solid with production from hip-hop heavyweights like Oh No, RZA, Sean C & LV, and more. 15 tracks over 2 LPs housed in gatefold sleeve with artwork from Staple and Haze.

• music label: Javotti Media 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

The fourth Tribe album from 1996 in its original double vinyl, pic sleeve format. These days this album is most noted for the rise of Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) & The Ummah on production plus the presence of Consequence (aka Q-Tip's cousin) guesting on several tracks. Like anything Tribe post-Marauders, this album sounds a bit removed from the pressure of the nineties, but still bumps from beginning to end. Check out: "Get A Hold," "Jam," "1nce Again" with Tammy Lucas, "The Hop," "Phony Rappers" and "Stressed Out" with Faith Evans. 15 tracks total.

• music label: Jive 1996

reviewed by the mgmnt

Angles Without Edges was one of the albums that cemented Madlib's creative genius and depth of skill. His ease of working in the studio is fully on display. Here's what the mgmnt had to say when it first came out: After releasing what seems like an endless stream of eps, singles and 7"s in the last year or so, we finally get a full length of the Yesterdays New Quintet Madlib. This is like if the rhythm section and the laidback key man just went on a trip and told the band leaders and to fuck off. The sound is led by Rhodes, Arps, and synths, drenching it in a pool of warmth and vibes over lazy day drums. The standout for most will be the cover of "Daylight." Fuzzy, bass heavy and without the vocals of the RAMP version, just as you want it. Madlib shows quite a bit of range in style, moving through tunes as slow and sweet as "Broken" straight into Organic Grooves-ready material like the cover of "Sun Goddess," all of which is kept level with short Pete Rock style interludes. The general feel of the album is so well meshed that it gets hard to find where you left off and which song is the one you like. But that's easy- you like all of them. Or you don't like it at all. 16 tracks total, plus interludes.

• music label: Stones Throw Records ‎2001

reviewed by the mgmnt 2001

Turn it up! Another incredible collection of Dilla beats released by Mahogani Music (aka Moodymann's label). Lost Tapes, Reels, and More picks up right where 2012's Dillatroit left off and compiles 20(!) Jay Dee beats, many taken from later in Mr. Yancey's career (complete with the signature siren and everything). Not going to highlight any specific tracks this time as pretty much every beat on here is a banger from the get go! Go 'head and click some samples and let the head nodding begin. Definitely a must cop for Dilla fans and beat heads alike. Limited edition pressing, recommended.

• music label: Mahogani Music 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Rebirth Instrumentals! Double vinyl beats version of Rebirth Of Detroit, a compilation put together by the late great producer's mother, Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancey, that paired unheard Jay Dee beats with some of Detroit's finest emcees and musicians. For the most part, these instrumental versions are far superior than the previously released rap versions as they just let the Dilla beats vibe. A great artifact by one of the best that ever did it from the "D". 12 tracks over 2 LPs, housed in gatefold sleeve.

• music label: Ruff Draft Records 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 05/2013

Official double vinyl repress for Brand Nubian's first LP, another very tough one to find from the Elektra catalogue. One For All is an amazing record from start to finish, sporting top notch production from the crew mixed with their party slash 5 Percenter lyrics. The big cuts remain "All For One," and "Slow Down," but seriously my brethren and cave dwelling devils, this is worth all investigation. More importantly than their positive (if sometimes contradictory) morals, Brand Nubian had beats for days and led by the fearlessly melodic Grand Puba, the emcees eat em up with punch-clock clarity. Excessive amounts of style. They sound so supremely cool on the cut, that you absolutely have to find out what the hell they are saying. I wore the shit out of my walkman doing the no-stop-button rewind on this tape, spending a whole summer getting these lyrics down just so I could have a shell of an idea what it's like to let such a finely tuned flow fall from my lips. 15 year old bliss I tell you! Deserving of mention: both versions of "Wake Up," Sadat X's solo "Concerto In X Minor," the pre-Jade pots and pans beat on "Drop The Bomb," the self-titled "Brand Nubian," the JB sampling/ Major Worries interpreting "Who Can Get Busy Like This Man" and damn near every other track on here. An essential piece in the golden years album puzzle. Recommended.

• music label: Elektra / Traffic Entertainment Group 2004

reviewed by the mgmnt 05/2005

Classico. I knew I had to review this, so I went back home and gave it a full listen with headphone level at damaging levels. I forgot how generally awesome this whole album was. They invented and perfected the mix of stoner anthems and jump-up gangsta tracks. I love how Muggs takes classic drum loops and squeezes the most out of them… a master of drum enhancement. If this was a part of your life in the distant past, you'll be instantly warped back in time with the opening quartet of "I Wanna Get High, I Ain't Goin Out Like That, Insane In The Brain," and "When The Ish Goes Down." High quality double 180 vinyl NUMBERED gatefold edition for Record Store Day 2013.

• music label: Legacy 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Unadulterated. First release from the official imprint of the Dilla estate. This single announces the release of an upcoming lost vocal full-length. These two tracks, recorded in early 2000, were produced by Dilla himself and found on 2" tape shortly after his passing in 2006. This first pressing features clear vinyl and the a Jeff Jank / Mason London sleeve with fold-over plastic sleeve (subsequent pressings will be standard). Recommended.

• music label: Pay Jay 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Instrumental Version! Producer of the moment, Adrian Younge, gives Ghostface Killah a much needed sound re-design on this official studio album (if you count those half-official albums, GK is already over 10 albums!). For this backdrop Younge follows the RZA-soundtracky-soul blueprint, enhanced with his own live studio repertoire. Has Ghost had a better intro than "Beware Of The Stare" (sorry RZA)? Drums and spooky keys set the stage on nearly every track, and Younge's expertise in throwback soul vocals adds another rich layer of invention. 12 tracks in all.

• music label: Soul Temple 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Producer of the moment, Adrian Younge, gives Ghostface Killah a much needed sound re-design on this official studio album (if you count those half-official albums, GK is already over 10 albums!). Unlike most everything in life these days, hip-hop isn't always about progression: best sometimes to stick with what works best. Younge follows the RZA-soundtracky-soul blueprint, enhanced with his own live studio repertoire. Has Ghost had a better intro than "Beware Of The Stare" (sorry RZA)? Drums and spooky keys set the stage on nearly every track, and Younge's expertise in throwback soul vocals adds another rich layer of invention. 12 tracks in all.

• music label: Soul Temple 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

Dutch DJ, Legendary 1979 Orchestra, digs into his archives for some choice downtempo and hip-hop circa 2003-08. A superb remix of MF Doom's "My Favorite Ladies" leads off the four tracker, followed by two quality dowtempo-funk instrumentals that just might inspire you to revisit your early 2000 beats crate. The Dutchman ends in a very European manner, remixing Charlotte emcee Supastition's 2004 indy sleeper "Step It Up."

• music label: Glenview 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2013

The complete collection of Nas/Doom blends packed on two discs (both volumes 1 and 2). You know the deal here - razor sharp instrumentals from Metal Fingers Doom (mostly from his Special Herbs series) and acapellas from Olu Dara's son, blent to perfection by the villain himself. If you missed the vinyl bootlegs when they were around, this is probably you best bet to score. Features "If I Ruled The World," "Nastradoomus," "Last Words," "Project Windows," "One Love," "The Flyest Angels," "It Ain't Hard To Tell," "Hate Me Now" and "I Can," and plenty more. 24 tracks total.

Everyone's been waiting for the Man With The Iron Fists soundtrack to drop with foaming mouths. You may have even picked up the movie's score in heated anticipation. Here we have the lead off 7" of the soundtrack featuring The Black Keys and the RZA's "Baddest Man Alive." If you remember Jim Jaramusch's Ghostdog soundtrack, RZA's Man With The Iron Fists OST goes a similar route. Tracks not featured in the movie get some shine on wax. Now this rock-star mixed with rap-star production just has me fiending for the Judgment Night soundtrack. You can watch The Black Keys and the RZA fight for a fortune cookie in the below video.

• music label: Soul Temple 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 04/2013

K-Def might be one of the most underrated producers out there. The New Jersey based beatsmith came up under the wing of Marley Marl in the 90s, but went on to become one of hip hop's unsung heroes. One Man Band, his latest effort for Redefinition Records, finds the weathered producer remaking a smorgasbord of golden-era beats and sample sources into his own dope instrumentals. Everything from Milkbone to Crooklyn Dodgers to A Tribe Called Quest and much more gets covered. K-Def doesn't use samples though, it's all played by him. It's a testament to the producer's skill that these tributes come off as smoothly as they do. He could have easily rehashed the originals but instead he takes already great material and makes it uniquely his own. Recommended.

• music label: Redefinition Records 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 04/2013

Limited edition release for Record Store Day 2013! The Roots seminal Things Fall Apart sees it's first proper vinyl release with full cover art. The previous vinyl version came in a plain black sleeve. Here's what O-Dub had to say when we first picked up the album: Hands down, Things Fall Apart is the finest album The Roots have put together. It's not nearly as ambitious as Phrenology, or as electric as the first time you heard Doyouwantmore?, but cut for cut Things Fall Apart comes closest to realizing their vision as a group. It doesn't hurt that it boasts the Erykah Badu collabo, "You Got Me," which did for The Roots what "Killing Me Softly" did for The Fugees. However, we get far more than just one solid crossover hit here. For one, Things Fall Apart is a marvel of sequencing, a skill that not enough rappers learn to master. The record jumps straight out the box by beginning with the old school, jazzy breakbeat science of "Table of Contents, Parts 1 & 2," "The Next Movement" continues the slightly organic feel, mid-tempo flows of Illadelph Halflife, and that vibe continues onto "The Spark," where Dice Raw gets his. Then once you touch "Dynamite," a slinky jazz guitar beauty, the album starts to build its momentum. They hit s*%t off lovely on the very next song, "Without a Doubt," nodding to Schooly D's Philly classic "Saturday Night" long before the Young Gunnaz did. "Ain't Sayin' Nothin' New" throws down more sultry soulfulness only to be followed by the Mos Def/Black Thought pairing of "Double Trouble," rocking the kalimbas for real. This run hits its apogee with "Act Too (Love of My Life)," arguably one of the most beautifullest odes to hip-hop ever. Super-duper mellow, especially compared to the 300 watt heat that preceded it, but "Act Too" offers the perfect cool-down hiatus that you need to refresh. There's still another half dozen or so songs that follow, including "You Got Me," "Adrenaline," and "Don't See Us," but that middle run is the heart of the album and what makes Things Fall Apart such a masterful example of music-making. If you only ever buy one Roots album what you waiting for?

• 2LP on 180 gram vinyl
• First ever LP pressing with album art
• 4000 copies only
• music label: MCA Records 2013

reviewed by O-Dub 01/2006

First time ever on 7" for Record Store Day 2013! This limited edition pressing features Non-Phixon's "I Shot Reagan" along with "Refuse To Lose." This is one for the heads! Cop it before they're all gone.

• First time ever on a 7" record
• Contains the eponymous single as well as the b-side "Refuse To Lose"
• Pressed in a meticulous re-creation of the original jacket, on deluxe large-hole vinyl
• music label: Uncle Howie Records 2013

reviewed by Kool Moby 04/2103

"The game of chess is like a sword fight..." Get On Down comes correct with another incredible reissue job exclusive for Record Store Day 2013. This time it's GZA's "Liquid Swords" that gets the deluxe 4 LP package, complete with an actual chess set! The box converts into a full size chess board and a 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 version of Liquid Swords is included as well as an instrumental versions luxuriously pressed over 4 LPs, plus a booklet with extended liner notes chronicling the story of the GZA and the creation, inspiration, and legacy of the album, and more. A must-cop for the Wu enthusiast! Recommended.

• Housed in a sturdy wrapped hard board box with a deluxe magnetic clasp
• Contains the entire Liquid Swords album and complete instrumentals on 4LP
• Full color liner notes with contributions from GZA himself
• Inner jackets and dust sleeves with memorable vintage artwork from the original release
• complete full-sized wooden chess set, which can be played on the chess board contained on the inner lining of the box
• music label: Get On Down 2013

reviewed by Von Bee 04/2013

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

Night Slugs sister imprint Fade To Mind drops its second release from Brooklyn-based Kingdom (who has also appeared on Fool's Gold). On the VIP Edition, Kingdom drops some of his most potent hip-hop club tools. It leads with "Fukin Jaker" a wicked stomper that samples vintage Three Six Mafia. Usher's 2008 "Appetite" gets edited into a cerebral hip-hop track that easily trumps the og. Lastly, Night Slugs' favorite Ciara gets a proper bass-ed treatment of "Goodies." Also includes the instrumental version of the Ciara track.

• music label: Fade To Mind 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

When those first Wu-Tang covers 7"s dropped, it was definitely a lightbulb moment for the El Michels Affair. The response was rabid (we moved hundreds of those records) while the diehard fans demanded more. Nearly three years later, the Shaolin project is complete in form of this full length. In addition to the versions from Enter The Wu-Tang (CREAM, Da Mystery Of Chessboxin (so wicked), Can It Be All So Simple, Bring Da Ruckus," and "Protect Ya Neck"), the crew has picked some of their favorite solo Wu moments including "Cherchez, Incarcerated Scarfaces, Shimmy Shimmy," and others. Also look out for the hidden 37th chamber. Meticulous execution as usual, highly recommended.

• special, one-time pic-disc pressing for Record Store Day
• instrumental interpretations of Wu-Tang Clan
• 1000 copies only
• music label: Fat Beats 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 04/2009

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

The landmark first LP from Black Moon. In conjunction with their string of successful remix singles, this album ground out a pocket in hip hop belonging strictly to Black Moon and affiliates. Weed talk and gunclap lyrics paired with the smoothest of rough styles and king pin jazz beats. The combination made my eyes bleed... No question they stepped it up on the remixes that came out on single, but I'm still feeling the OG versions on the album. Forgot how good the original of "I Got Cha Opin" was. Damn near the remix with that addictive bassline. The horn treatment is what locks me down for most of the album, my favorite the intro to "Shit Iz Real" (#3 on my all time "Shit Iz Real" list). I wish I could go back to 93 and trap the Beatminerz in a box with instructions to make an instrumental hip hop album. At this point they had the shit perfected. Also includes the classics "Buck Em Down (LP Version)," "Who Got the Props," "How Many Mcs," "Niguz Talk Shit," "Powaful Impak," and more.

• music label: Nervous Records 1999

reviewed by the mgmnt 08/2005

Before dropping the Grey Album and making every critic's year-end list, DJ Danger Mouse released three remix EPs that we carried for a little while. I say "little while" because whenever they were restocked, they immediately sold out like Pure Hot Fire. Much like that damn Amerie single (PHF of right now), people would constantly call or come in the store, pestering us for more Danger Mouse, and someone finally saw fit to respond to the overwhelming demand by releasing a kind of "Best Of" from those three EPs. While I'm currently of the "Mash Up Needs To Get Shot Out of a Canon" mentality, I must admit that the Nas/Portishead and the Audio Two/Air remixes are two of the finer moments the genre has offered so far, and still sound remarkably well put together four years after the fact. Pick it up now, late-comers. Other mashes include "Tom's Diner" over "In Da Club," Outkast's "Whole World" over Funkadelic, and Xzibit over Radiohead's "Karma Police."

reviewed by the Woodman 05/2005

Such an undeniable single, listening to "Swimming Pools" for the first time gave me flashbacks to my first encounter with Aquemini. Kendrick Lamar's voice sits back behind the music bubbling its way up the cracks. This unofficial remix single features the original version plus reinterpretations by Bird Peterson (bassy club), Tony Tone & Truthlive (808 club), DJ Jam & Dave Moss (hip-hop), and Davey B (dj edit). Trap definitely heads need to check out the Mighty Mi & Slugworth version.

• music label: white label 2013

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2013

These instrumentals were floating around a couple years back, one of those shoulda woulda I neva bought it titles. I don't think that pressing was a double vinyl like this one, and this seems more polished with a notch better mastering. As for the instrumentals themselves, No ID's production is an understated revelation as easy as transforming an Ahmad Jamal piano lick into a hip hop landmark. Bring it back with the "Resurrection." Following this path, this instrumental album serves an easy Saturday afternoon. Do the couch melt to tracks like the Monk's Edit precursor "In My Own World," the feel good positives of "Thisisme," or the sharp bounce of "Watermelon." 11 tracks in all, same as the album. Plays at 45.

reviewed by the mgmnt 01/2007

After years on the shelf and suspect bootlegs Frank-N-Dank's 48 Hours finally sees its first official release! It's one of those records that's been steeped in mythology for years. A Dilla production with hardly any samples? According to Frank Nitt, "contrary to popular belief there was never an 'original version' of 48 Hours. We started recording songs to sample driven beats of Dilla's and we got 80% of the album done and Dilla decided to change the beats to all the songs." The beats are definitely a departure for Dilla, with keyboard beats and live instrumentation (including a contribution by ?uestlove) predominating over samples. However, the production is steeped in Dilla from beginning to end. Delicious Vinyl, in collaboration with Yancey Media Group, has released 48 Hours in its original state. As Frank says, "This is the exact version of 48 Hours that we (Frank N Dank & Dilla) turned in to MCA and the way Dilla intended it to be!"

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2013

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 02/2013

Classic IDM / Dream Pop sophomore album gets proper 2 x LP reissue. Though not as much a household name as Boards Of Canada, Casino Versus Japan sat amongst his peers with an equal amount of talent and creativity to gain a cult following. Go Hawaii was originally released in 2000 at a time when electronic music was really carving a niche for itself in the listeners world with artists like Freescha, Aphex Twin, and Isan creating a new level of depth to the genre. Taking direct influence from BOC using washy, dreamlike synth melodies over crunchy Hip Hop beats the mood is set immediately from the first chord. If you own anything from Warp Records around this time period, then this is meant for you. The reissue comes in a vibrant gatefold with 2xLP. Recommended.

• music label: Wobblyhead 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 2/2013

Limited edition 12" from Stones Throw containing previously unreleased tracks from Jay Dee's Ruff Draft sessions! While that "vintage material" tag would spell "pass" for other artists, Dilla turns this ish into a double A-side (would you expect anything less?). "Wild" is exactly that - Jay flows over a stuttering, off-kilter beat while a little British kid butchers Quiet Riot's "Cum On Feel The Noize" (correction: Slade wrote it) on the hook (but in a cute way). "Make 'Em NV" appears in a re-mixed and remastered version here, different from how it sounded back in 2003, but it still hits hard. Includes dirty, clean and instrumental versions for both track. Now housed in proper 12" sleeve with screened graphics designed by Jeff Jank.

• music label: Stones Throw 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 02/2007

Beat Konducta #6 = the second half of Lib and J.Rocc's heartfelt tribute to their man J.Dilla, and as you might've guessed, uhhh, sh*t is ridiculous. I think on this volume, the genius kicks in around track three - "Lifetime" - and it's a wrap from there. As usual there are 20-something tracks - you could click on pretty much any of them and find something to like, but try these. Check: "Another Bag of Bomb," "Detroit Playaz," "Dillalade Ride," "The Sky," "Another Batch." Then get the whole album, 'cause... damn. Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2008

reviewed by Van Hammersly 12/2008

Official Capitol 12" for the Beastie Boys' lead single off Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2. A sharp Nas adds some steel to the Beasties midfield. Features instrumental and acapella.

• music label: Capitol 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 07/2009

Unreleased Dilla! What more can I say? Not only is Dilla behind the boards on this 10" he takes up mic duties as well. The production is of course on point, but he handles the verbals with equal aplomb. It's vintage material that stands up to the test of time and makes me wonder what else is out there that we have yet to hear. The project is being assembled by long time friend and confident Frank Nitt from Frank N Dank, who has put painstaking attention into maintaining Dilla's vision and energy throughout. This vinyl offering features "DeWitt To Do It" (DeWitt being Dilla's middle name), as well as the return of the Yancey Boys on "The Throwaway" where Dilla's brother Illa J trades verses with Nitt over a vintage Dilla beat.

• music label: Delicious Vinyl 2013

reviewed by Joey Coco 02/2013

Judging this album by it's title is just what you should do, this indeed is Supa Soul Sh*t! Miles Bonny the Kansas City crooner joins beatsmith Brenk Sinatra for a collaborative effort of banging modern soul. The head nod factor is way beyond a lethal level hear with broken, bubbly Hip Hop beats and live instrumentation from Miles + others. Brenk, hailing from Vienna, is a hardcore West Coast Hip Hop fan and just came off from producing MC Eiht's new EP. His production combines from both new and mid school with boom bap flavors, washy synths, and ridiculous basslines. Fans of Platinum Pied Pipers, Sa-Ra, Raphael Saadiq this has your name all over it. Housed in a matte sleeve with gold foil embossing and full picture inner sleeves nicely round out the 2LP pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Melting Pot Music 2012

reviewed by boohoo banton 2/2013

2011 full length from producer/rapper Oddisee on Mello Music. Rock Creek Park takes its title from the actual Rock Creek park of in Washington DC, as well as the classic track from the Blackbyrds. The Blackbyrds joint (produced by the legendary Donald Byrd) is what inspired Oddisee to create an entire album around the park, and the result is an incredibly well-produced set of funky, soulful beats deserving of mucho props. From Oddisee - "What does walking along the trails of the park sound like? What does driving on the narrow tree lined roads sound like? This album is my interpretation of Rock Creek Park through break beats, samples & live instrumentation." 9 instrumentals in all, plus one rap cut featuring yU of Diamond District. Recommended.

• music label: Mello Music Group 2011

reviewed by Von Bee 02/2013

Deadstock find! 18 brand new India-influenced beats make up Volume 4 in Madlib's epic saga. The latest installment in the ongoing Beat Konducta series is exactly what we've come to expect: blunted, half-finished beats and sketches, ranging from :20 to almost 3 minutes(!) in length, all imbued with that unf$%kwithable signature Madlib style. Tracks to check this time around: "Raw Ground Wire," "Club Scene," "Variations," "Smoke Circle," "Another Gateway," "Shah Sound." Recommended.

• music label: Stones Throw 2007

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red 08/2007

Absolutely no Harlem Shaking was done while recording this record. A$AP Rocky caused waves of commotion via the interwebz in 2011/12 with the release of his mixtape 'Live.Love.ASAP.'producing one of the best Southern Rap records in the last 5 years. The only odd thing about that is he is from New York. This being his major label debut and him moving to LA doesn't change the dark, brooding sound that producer Clams Casino helped him champion just a year ago. Carrying most of the album on his shoulders, you can't have a rap album without guests. Santigold, A$AP Ferg, Kendrick Lamar, 2Chainz, Drake, even Skrillex dropped in. Stand out tracks include the Hit Boy produced 'Goldie', title track 'Long.Live.A$AP' is ridiculously banging, posse rap cut 'F*cking Problems', + the Skrillex co-produced 'Wild For The Night' is dubsteppy... but we can easily overlook that for Rocky. The album comes packaged in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with insert 2x12 translucent orange vinyl pressing. Recommended.

• music label: Polo Grounds Music / RCA 2013

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

Flying high in the world of cloud raps. The North Oakland rap duo gained attention on the internet with their 808s & Dark Grapes mixtape quickly catapulting them into the Tumblrsphere. Their style stays leaning towards their Nor Cal roots with hazy raps and even hazier beats. Sitting somewhere between the streetcentric A$AP Rocky and internet ramblings of Lil B. With Bossalinis & Fooliyones their approach stays in the clouds, but keeps grounded with their most accessible album than previous efforts. The bay area is definitely in their own world and these dudes clearly from there.

• music label: Young One Records 2012

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

HUGE single from Solange Knowles written by Dev Hynes of Blood Orange. Our introduction to the tune was from a beautiful video shot in Cape Town and directed by Melina Matsoukas that has shot numerous videos from the likes of Lady Gaga to Pharrell. The bittersweet tune is a party jam with a grooving bass line and a sing along hook with Solange cutting to the chase asking her dude if this is it. Reminiscent of mid 90's Janet with a modern indie pop twist, this is a BANGER. Comes house in a sleek matte yellow sleeve with spot varnishing and free MP3 download. Recommended.

• music label: Terrible Records 2012

reviewed by boohoo banton 1/2013

Fool's Gold Records keeps their ears to the streets (err internet) and release an epic rap compilation highlighting every up and comer you will be hearing about very soon. Label head, Nick Catchdubs, is no slacker when it comes to the rap world and he steadily knows how to pick em. Loosies celebrates Fool's Gold's 5 year anniversary with collaborations featuring Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Casey Veggies, BK newcomers Flatbush Zombies, Cool Kids Chuck Inglish + so much more. A-Trak's "Piss Test" remix gets murked by El-P. The Araabmuzik produced 'Molly Ringwald' features Danny Brown saying wild ish over a SCARY beat. Young Veggies brings the Cali breeze in 'Sauna'. Throughout Loosies the theme sticks to smoothed out Cali vibes and trippy Trap slappers. The compilation comes housed in a limited edition cigarette shaped USB drive with exclusive DJ mix from A-Trak + Catchdubs. Recommended.

• music label: Fool's Gold Records 2012

reviewed by rinse lombardi 1/2013

Paris new school beat representative Onra (of Asian descent too) drops an album of 19 beat sketches. Averaging around 2 minutes each, the tracks burst with beat flavor, whether it's a new school beat or a traditional psyche loop. There's isn't a weak moment. You can hear why this dude has been tapped as one of the next new school beat producers. Recommended.

• music label: Favorite 2009

reviewed by the mgmnt 03/2010

Long awaited instrumental album from the Soul Brother. This is the second in a series of releases on the import BBE label, that showcase big name producers in an independent frame. The idea is that given the freedom of doing whatever they want without any outside influence, the end result will be different from a major label release. One word to describe this album is refined. Gone are the early heavy horn hooks and the flashy production of his remixer-for-hire days. Check-out "The Boss," quite possibly the most impressive track on this album, with its delicate harp/guitar rhythm, muted horn hook, and analog distortion. Same goes for equally strong "Get Involved." Whereas, Pete Rock was previously known for his big "sound," this establishes his contained sound in the style of early Premier and DJ Krush. Even on the harder-edged "Hip-Hoprisy" the sound lays back in room. But at a drop of a switch, Pete can transform the sound like on the badass "Pete's Jazz." But what remains throughout the album is a meticulous production technique. You can hear Pete experimenting with different tones, harmonies, and instruments blending shit together like it was sauce. Some may find the sound to be too muted, but I think it's not to be approached that way. Sit back, relax, and just think about it. For me, this record brings back the days of the super-producer, when it was alright to over-examine beats and elevate the creator to super-hero status. Nice heavy 2 LP pressing.

• music label: BBE 2001

reviewed by the mgmnt 06/2011

D'ANGELO'S LAST ALBUM GETS A LONG OVERDUE REPRESS. Voodoo originally came out back at the turn of the century, following his critically acclaimed debut Brown Sugar, and hasn't seen a proper vinyl reissue since. The music here speaks for itself. For the uninitiated, check out "Devil's Pie," "Spanish Joint," "Untitled (How Does It Feel?)," "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "The Root." From the label - ".. this was Real Music, serious as a heart attack, deeply reverent and worshipful of the past. D’Angelo once said about the content of Voodoo: “This album is a personal testimony about my life and my emotions. My life kinda changed overnight when Brown Sugar came out. It took me a while just to get used to that – the attention, the money, and everything that comes along with that… At times I felt like I wanted to run away from it. I still reject a lot of shit. A lot of people say, “Well you’re a superstar now.” If I start to look at it like that, then something’s wrong. I have to continue to remind myself why I’m doing this and the things that inspired or motivated me way back before Brown Sugar ever happened and before I ever got into this business – just my love for the music and wanting to reach the people.” A modern classic by every means. Recommended.

• music label: Modern Classics Recordings 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 1/2013

The latest release from the Modern Love camp comes from Type Records chief John Twells and Walker Chambliss. Chambliss manages and DJs for internet cloud rap sensations Main Attrakionz. Their production as Jack Dice straddles the weird and the wild out. Opening track 'Mister Frosty' brings out the elbows for throwing and 'Sangre Grande' makes you want to send the beat to Keak Da Sneak on some Bay Area slap ish. Think of the new style Trap beats oozing into the ether of 2 Dope Boyz. Clams Casino meets Lex Luger. Type Records meets Swisha House. 1st pressing limited to 700 copies. Another rad addition to the Modern Love roster.

• music label: Modern Love 2012

reviewed by jonathan breakfast 1/2013

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

So nice they had to do it twice. Serato teams up with Stones Throw once again to bring you a special set of control discs with exclusive ST cuts you can't find anywhere else! This limited edition set includes a pair of clear Serato control vinyls with the Serato NoiseMap Control Tone version 2.5 on one side and original Stones Throw tracks on the flip (8 total) from the likes of The Stepkids, Peanut Butter Wolf, MED, Jonti, Vex Ruffin, Homeboy Sandman, Steve Arrington, and more. In addition, you also get a pair of Stones Throw logo slipmats. Only 1000 sets pressed so act fast! Recommended.

• 2x Clear Serato Vinyl
• 2x Slipmats w/ Stones Throw logo in Black
• Side 1 & 3 features Serato NoiseMap Control Tone version 2.5
• Side 2 & 4 features exclusive Serato tracks from The Stepkids, Peanut Butter Wolf, MED, Jonti, Vex Ruffin and more (8 total)

A full album of Tribe x Pharcyde mash-ups from Amerigo Gazaway! Ya'll should remember Amerigo from his last mash-up effort Fela Soul, and here on Bizarre Tribe he puts those blending skills to work on classics from two legendary rap groups. The combination of Tribe and Pharcyde works perfectly like peanut butter & jelly as heard on "Runnin," (now with the beat of "Electric Relaxation") "Bonita Keeps Passin' Me By" ("Bonita Applebum" raps over "Passin Me By"), "Ya Mama And Stuff," and "Otha Otha Fish." The flawless mixing and matching of raps and beats makes every track on here a win-win situation. Think of these as classics that never were, from a parallel universe. Recommended for hip-hop heads and mashup fans alike.

• music label: Gummy Soul 2012

reviewed by Von Bee 12/2012

Mellowhype, the duo of Odd Future's Hodgy Beats and Left Brain deliver their second full length of stoner rap tunes. The boys have relaxed a bit from their previous effort and Numbers delivers in the production department above all else. Left Brain makes things work when they shouldn't, providing ample room for Hodgy Beats to spit. Mellowhype shines on tracks like the Neptunes-esque lead off single "La Bonita" and "Snare," which features an implied children's chorus to great effect. Turn your ears towards two other standouts, the Earl Sweatshirt featuring "P2" and "Astro", which features Frank Ocean for more aural treats. With Numbers Mellowhype proves that they have what matters and give us another side of the multifaceted Odd Future.

• music label: Odd Future Records 2012

reviewed by Dead Mike 12/2012