Buscar:beats

Well crafted futuristic electro and early Detroit inspired techno from Jeroen Bohm, for fans of early Anthony Rother, B12, Djax-Up-Beats, Warp, Eevolute etc..

Future Past Techno from retro scientist Tom Carruthers. 4 tracks of jacked beats, bleeps, dark bass and soaring strings to rave till dawn like it's 1989.

Black Hole Superette, the latest album from Aesop Rock, delves into the invisible forces that shape our lives and psyches. It's about the small, often overlooked moments_the everyday experiences that blur the lines between the real and the unreal, waking and sleeping. Aesop's signature gift for transforming the mundane into something dreamlike gives the album a surreal quality, leaving listeners questioning what's truly real as they navigate its vivid, half-remembered imagery. Entirely self-produced, Black Hole Superette is one of Aesop Rock's most technically accomplished works to date. The album's intricate beats and complex structures provide the perfect backdrop for his expansive lyricism, balancing cerebral exploration with emotional depth. From the reflective 'Movie Night' and the eccentric 'Send Help' to the wistful 'Black Plums,' Aesop channels the spirit of a mad scientist, experimenting with sound and concept in ways that defy the ordinary. With a stellar lineup of collaborators that includes Lupe Fiasco, Armand Hammer, Hanni El Khatib, Open Mike Eagle and Homeboy Sandman, Black Hole Superette is dense and kinetic, an album that deftly navigates between complexity and instinct. It's clear this project stands as one of Aesop Rock's most multifaceted and ambitious works yet.

Mancunian-based record shop Haunted Dancehall is happy to reveal the first addition to its new label: Would You Kindly, a four tracks EP by rising talent Jibz, crafted in his Parisian home studio and designed for (haunted) dancefloors.

Digging into techno, electro and progressive territories, Would You Kindly kicks off with Flat Pillow, a dancefloor-tailored track with evolving drum patterns, thick basslines and a definitive haunting feel. Then, Inari offers relentless rythms along with energy-loaded synths, reminding us that the whole EP was first thought as a live jam.

On the flip side, Lane Gank gifts us with broken beats rythms and spatial soundscapes to take us in a videogame-like trip. Finally, the EP closes on Anaphylaxis, blending numerous influences to wreck clubs and festivals, and acting as a keepsake of the contagious energy of the whole release.

After what seems like an aeon of anticipation, Yugen Blakrok returns bolder than ever with The Illusion of Being, a raw, fearless exploration of emotion and resilience. This album is a call to triumph. Through poetic lyricism and experimental soundscapes, this project offers the listener a journey into the heart of uncertainty and the power of perseverance. Created and recorded in a world in flux, The Illusion of Being reflects the artist's evolution as a storyteller and resonates directly with the era that shaped her. Driven by incisive lyrics andsoundscapes blending grunge, trip-hop, and 90s spirit, this project tests the boundaries of alternative hip-hop. Here, rhythm speaks louder than reason, and the acceptance of "Being" becomes the thread that ties each track together. This album captures a bold new chapter in Yugen Blakrok's discography. While rooted in the lyrical mastery and poetic precision that fans cherish, it marks a departure from the familiar, embracing a more unfiltered and experimental approach. The collaborations seem purposeful, and match this intensity: Sa-Roc delivers combative and sisterly energy,Cambatta brings his visceral urgency, while Hannah Allen offers a touch both delicate and impactful. Instrumentally, the arrangements dare to break new ground: wailing electric guitars,enchanting flutes, and hypnotic beats create a striking sonic alchemy. As described by Yugen in three words: Free. Involved. Anti.Free from convention. Involved in the fight. Anti-establishment. In many ways this album is a sonic manifesto. Each track resonates as a call to rebellion, an anthem for those who refuse to bow down. The Illusion of Being is not just a work of art; it’s a statement: for freedom, for community, against oppression. A mirror of our collectivestruggles and a light for those who keep moving forward. It promises its listeners a deeply personal connection, offering a glimmer of hope amidst despair and a soundtrack for their fight.

Originally released in 2005, Street Education is the explosive debut from Street Life - longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate and Method Man’s onstage partner-in-rhyme. Executive produced by Method Man, the album delivers raw street wisdom, classic East Coast grit and features production from Rockwilder, Allah Mathematics, Inspectah Deck and Fantom of the Beats. Tracks like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” “A Star Is Born,” and “What’s Up”
showcase Street Life’s sharp lyricism and his undeniable chemistry with Method Man.

THIS SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ARRIVES IN
TANDEM WITH THE WU-TANG CLAN’S ENTER THE FINAL CHAMBER FAREWELL TOUR, A GLOBAL EVENT
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ONE OF HIP-HOP’S GREATEST COLLECTIVES.

Originally released in 2005, Street Education is the explosive debut from Street Life - longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate and Method Man’s onstage partner-in-rhyme. Executive produced by Method Man, the album delivers raw street wisdom, classic East Coast grit and features production from Rockwilder, Allah Mathematics, Inspectah Deck and Fantom of the Beats. Tracks like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” “A Star Is Born,” and “What’s Up”
showcase Street Life’s sharp lyricism and his undeniable chemistry with Method Man.

THIS SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ARRIVES IN
TANDEM WITH THE WU-TANG CLAN’S ENTER THE FINAL CHAMBER FAREWELL TOUR, A GLOBAL EVENT
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ONE OF HIP-HOP’S GREATEST COLLECTIVES.

Originally released in 2005, Street Education is the explosive debut from Street Life - longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate and Method Man’s onstage partner-in-rhyme. Executive produced by Method Man, the album delivers raw street wisdom, classic East Coast grit and features production from Rockwilder, Allah Mathematics, Inspectah Deck and Fantom of the Beats. Tracks like “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop,” “A Star Is Born,” and “What’s Up”
showcase Street Life’s sharp lyricism and his undeniable chemistry with Method Man.

THIS SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION ARRIVES IN
TANDEM WITH THE WU-TANG CLAN’S ENTER THE FINAL CHAMBER FAREWELL TOUR, A GLOBAL EVENT
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF ONE OF HIP-HOP’S GREATEST COLLECTIVES.

Am 4. Juli 2025 erscheint das mit Spannung erwartete neue Album von VINTER, das Fans und Kritiker gleichermaßen in ihren Bann ziehen wird. Nach ihrem erfolgreichen Debütalbum "Seasons" entfaltet sich nun auf diesem Werk ein vielschichtiger, emotionaler Klangkosmos, der die faszinierende Entwicklung der Künstlerin dokumentiert. Produziert von Joshua Lange und co-produziert von VINTER selbst, verbindet das Album tiefgründige Texte mit einem abwechslungsreichen Sound, der von Alt Pop über Indie Folk bis hin zu eleganten Singer/Songwriter-Klängen reicht.

Mit ihrem markanten Signaturesound - einer Mischung aus organischen Instrumenten, modernen Beats und atmosphärischen Vintage-Vibes - gelingt es VINTER, in jeder Note Geschichten zu erzählen, die die Zuhörer:innen direkt ins Herz treffen. Ihre Texte, die mal melancholisch, mal unbeschwert leicht sind, spiegeln die Widersprüche und Kontraste wider, die VINTER so gekonnt in ihre Musik einfließen lässt. Ihre Stimme, die sowohl zart und verletzlich als auch kraftvoll sein kann, verstärkt die emotionale Tiefe ihrer Songs und macht jedes Stück zu einem einzigartigen Hörerlebnis. Jedes Lied auf diesem Album ist wie ein eigenständiges Kapitel aus einem unvollendeten Buch, das von zwischenmenschlichen Erfahrungen, introspektiven Momenten und poetischen Bildern handelt.

Zur Veröffentlichung des Albums wird VINTER mit einem exklusiven Record-Release-Konzert im Meistersaal der legendären Hansa Studios in Berlin die Bühne betreten - und das mit voller Band sowie einer beeindruckenden Streicherbegleitung. Ein unvergesslicher Abend für alle Musikfans. Tickets sind bald erhältlich.

Kota The Friend and Statik Selektah reunite for their third collaborative album, "Once In A Blue Moon", a stunning fol-low-up to their acclaimed projects "To Kill A Sunrise" and "To See A Sunset". This album sees the duo refining their sig-nature blend of introspective lyricism and golden-era-inspired production, creating a sonic landscape that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

Highlights include the electric energy of "BLAH," featuring rap superstar Logic, who delivers sharp, unforgettable vers-es alongside Kota. Violinist Phearnone adds a hauntingly beautiful touch to "What You Need," merging classical strings with Statik's soulful beats for a standout moment of artistic fusion.

"Once In A Blue Moon" is a musical reflection on the rarity and beauty of those transformative experiences that stay with you forever, a vivid journey, showing Kota The Friend and Statik Selektah at the peak of their creative synergy.

Back by demand and dirtier than ever, Apollo Brown & CRIMEAPPLE’s new underground classic This, Is Not That returns with the Dirty Money Edition — a fresh press on cream & green vinyl that bleeds grit and opulence. This updated release includes two brand new bonus tracks, adding new weight to an already no-nonsense body of work.

This, Is Not That pairs Detroit producer Apollo Brown’s signature soul-soaked boom-bap with New Jersey emcee CRIMEAPPLE’s razor-sharp wit and bilingual venom. The result is an album steeped in realness — raw, reflective, and resonant, laced with wordplay that sticks and production that slaps.

Whether you're just discovering the project or stacking your collection, this edition is a must-cop — a celebration of bars, beats, and the beautiful grit of hip-hop.

A decade has passed since Infinity Night graced Bordello A Parigi with his wonderful Winter and Summer EPs. After too long a wait, the French producer returns with the aptly titled Le Temps Qui Passe. Six slices of select synthesizer music make up the 12”, tracks lovingly crafted with Frederic Bergamaschi’s trademark analogue warmth. A melancholic melody meanders through brightness in “Tu Ne Me Réponds Pas”, dulcet words hidden under the machine gauze of a vocoder. Skittish percussion gives way to the refrain of “It’s Full of Stars”. Hazy keys appear as an arpeggiator rumbles below a shimmering sky. “Les Souvenirs De Valerie” picks up where its predecessor left off. Astral notes are beamed into the heavens, echoing into the while crisp cymbals tether the piece. Infinity Night has always sought that point of balance in his music, a bittersweetness he accentuates and explores. This is true in the darker shades of “Nymphomania”. Beats are bolstered, key stabs piercing the tenderness of analogue trills. The title track is a rich patchwork. A burbling undercurrent supports forays into diverse tangents with lyrics surfacing through key shifts and sliding scales. Marching to militaristic rhythms, “I Comme Icare” is the curtain call. The stringent drums are broken by sailing synthlines, vocals masked in a familiar mesh to close. Le Temps Qui Passe, well worth the wait.

Resilience
the elastic, technological noise crafted from the streets of Detroit
DRIVETRAIN - “Persuasion”
To be enchanted and beat down simultaneously
DJ CENT - “Send Me”
An unrelenting subsonic rhythm assault
Distant Lover - “Green Eyes”
The disco groove intent to ignite the dance floor
MARSHALL APPLEWHITE - “ “Front to Back”
Fast and furious high tech beats

After several killer EPs and tracks on labels such as Tresor, Multi Culti, Hard Fist, or Playground Records, Antonio De Oto aka A-Tweed finally delivers "Spring Music" his first solo LP via Abstrakce Records, changing perspective on his music and way of producing. A minimal approach, where echoes and reverbs become some of the main characters of the full journey, mixing up weird acid, experimental downbeat, electro, dub, and tribal vibes across a wide range of tempos.

Slow-motion beats pulse beneath swirling acid lines, while dubby echoes and reverberations sculpt a landscape that is both immersive and mysterious. A-Tweed’s meticulous production draws from the label’s tradition of organic textures and ambient vibes, yet carves a distinct path balancing deep bass, shimmering synths, and a subtle sense of psychedelia that lingers long after the needle lifts.

A cohesive journey, crafted for those who seek introspective voyages without giving up new forms of dancefloor communion. A manifesto about the power of slow rhythms, dub sensibilities, and acid-tinged experimentation, out of any hype and trend, aiming for a distinctive sound. An essential addition to the ever-evolving Abstrakce catalogue. The spring has just arrived.

German/Canadian outfit ANiML is a collection of artists with long histories in electronic music. They founded the Stratasonic label as a way of working with friends, peers and legends without any genre restrictions. Following the ‘Star Walk’ album, which was a comprehensive deep dive into their sound with improvisation and off-the-cuff collisions of a wide array of moods and grooves, it now gets remixed by three underground mainstays.

Detroit's Seth Troxler is one of the most iconic characters in the scene. His left-of-centre sets and sounds have taken him to the world's most notorious clubs, festivals and labels over the last 20 years. His take on 'Breather' is a richly layered minimal groove with suspensory pads rising up through a cosmic sky. There is a mystic quality to the pads and tripped-out atmosphere that will hypnotise dance.

Next is the legendary Mathew Jonson, a notorious synth magician and live show maestro with a jazz schooling and countless seminal tracks to his name. His understanding of dance floor dynamics and meaningful melody runs deep and shines through his remix of 'Baby D.' It's a wonky, off-balance rhythm with shimmering melodies and soulful vocal snippets. Fractured percussive sounds, muffled horns and golden keys marble the mix, which is psychedelic and wonderfully woozy.

Brooklyn-based Galcher Lustwerk has been at the forefront for more than a decade with a signature blend of experimental house and stream-of-consciousness rap informed by funk, rhythm, and blues. His compelling take on 'Bruv' is powered by a bubbly, acidic low-end with shadowy vocal whispers bleeding in and out of the raw, ice-cold beats.

"OKU" – An Introspective Journey through Sound and Playfulness
With his fourth LP, Martin Merz invites you on a journey into personal moments and memories. Through the playful and experimental lens of electronic soundscapes, OKU explores various moments of interaction, capturing the innocence, wonder, and depth of the bond shared between a father and his son. From spontaneous moments of laughter to quiet, reflective exchanges, OKU paints a sonic portrait of a pair navigating their world through sound.
The compositions are filled with vibrant textures, dynamic beats, and intricate layers, drawing the listener into a world where the boundaries between sound and emotion dissolve into a thrilling exploration. OKU is a record that reminds us of the simple yet profound beauty of our relationships and the music that exists between the spaces of our everyday lives.
Immerse yourself in the captivating soundscapes of OKU!

Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’ a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy’s rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the ‘60s to the early ‘90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand-new exclusive composition by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’ shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum.

A connection sparked from an early age; percussion has always deeply resonated with Gabriele. It led to years of studying percussion traditions across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, crafting his own songwriting skills in the process. An acclaimed producer and compiler, his releases on Yoruba Records, BBE and Soundway Records have garnered global support. Yet a growing need to rediscover the essence of his country’s cultural heritage laid the foundations for this new compilation.

In Gabriele’s own words, “Italy has always been a crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe converging over centuries. Ports like Naples, Genoa, and Venice played a crucial role as gateways for musical exchange, a melting pot of sounds and cultures brought by sailors, merchants and travellers. These influences blended with Italy’s own folk and religious traditions, creating Italy’s unique and emotionally resonant rhythms.”

Across the 12 absorbing tracks, there’s jazz influences, Italian library music aesthetics and experimental beats mixing with Afro-Cuban and Mediterranean rhythms. It’s a broad selection anchored by the drums. The synth-heavy, ‘80s jazz funk flavours of Gegè Munari's ‘Police Man’, sit side-by-side with the samba-infused ‘Napulitano D' 'O Brasil’ by Don Marino Barreto Jr. Tribal, earthly energy radiates from Naco’s ‘Volando Con Milton’, with Tullio De Piscopo serving up cosmic disco brilliance, and blistering jazz funk mastery coming courtesy of Agostino Marangolo. Taking the name of the compilation, a new original track by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’, blends traditional rhythms with contemporary energy, Afro-Latin influences with Italian jazz essence. Recorded live in one take, it captures a raw, unfiltered vibe.

“Each track tells a story, connecting the past with the present, and highlighting the deep-rooted traditions that shape Italy’s rhythms. The collection also offers a glimpse into the diversity of Italian music with a variety of styles from the organic, earthy beats to the more experimental and modern takes on traditional rhythms. It’s a reflection of how these rhythms have not only shaped Italian culture but also influenced global music.”

This 15-track project cements BigXThaPlug's status as one of hip-hop's most authentic and compelling voices. Executively produced by Bandplay—the mastermind behind "The Largest"—alongside longtime collaborators Tony Coles, Charley Cooks and others, Take Care offers a raw and unfiltered reflection of BigXThaPlug's rise to stardom. The album showcases his electrifying energy while exploring new sonic territories, all while remaining true to his signature sound.

BigXThaPlug's artistic evolution is evident in his lyricism, a masterful blend of melodic instrumentation and commanding beats. Drawing inspiration from the sounds of '70s and '80s hip hop, Take Care features a powerful tracklist that includes viral sensations "Mmhmm,” and “Change Me,” along with fresh tracks like "Lost The Love," "2AM," and "The Story of X." Throughout the project, he crafts an innermost narrative that speaks to his journey, proving that success hasn't clouded his vision or altered his core values.

The album announcement arrives with a compelling trailer and the launch of pre-orders, igniting anticipation among BigXThaPlug's devoted fanbase. Masterfully directed by creative director TreySoulss, the intimate trailer features his grandmother's voice guiding viewers through precious family footage and pivotal moments, revealing the forces that shaped his meteoric rise. This project not only promises to further establish him as a leading voice in hip-hop's new generation but serves as testament that his success is no fleeting moment—it's the foundation of an enduring legacy.

Shortly after Jay Dee’s younger brother Illa J’s solo debut was issued on Delicious Vinyl, the label and the artist knew the next step in honouring Jay Dee’s legacy was to issue the complete instrumentals from Yancey Boys as a stand-alone release. This mother lode of previously untouched (at the time) beats dates as far back as Jay Dee’s time working on the Pharcyde’s sophomore album, 1995’s Labcabincalifornia. As Delicious Vinyl owner Michael Ross explains, “From ‘95 through ’98 Jay Dee was my go-to guy for hot beats and remixes. He was always making beats, always. So there was a select amount of tracks that he composed for me during that time, tracks as good as anything he’d done, only they never got used.” Once these beats were used for Illa J’s Yancey Boys they were presented to the public on Yancey Boys Instrumentals.

Mr Bongo proudly presents Ritmo Italiano ‘Unspoken Sounds of Italian Tamburo’ a captivating compilation of percussive-driven, Italian gems curated by Sardinian multi-instrumentalist, percussionist and producer, Gabriele Poso. A journey into the heart of Italian musical history, it celebrates Italy’s rich rhythmic traditions, showcasing a selection of genre-traversing, Italian treasures from the ‘60s to the early ‘90s. Honouring the timeless rhythms of Italian percussion masters, alongside a brand-new exclusive composition by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’ shines a light on the universal, primal language of the drum.

A connection sparked from an early age; percussion has always deeply resonated with Gabriele. It led to years of studying percussion traditions across Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil, crafting his own songwriting skills in the process. An acclaimed producer and compiler, his releases on Yoruba Records, BBE and Soundway Records have garnered global support. Yet a growing need to rediscover the essence of his country’s cultural heritage laid the foundations for this new compilation.

In Gabriele’s own words, “Italy has always been a crossroads of civilizations, with influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe converging over centuries. Ports like Naples, Genoa, and Venice played a crucial role as gateways for musical exchange, a melting pot of sounds and cultures brought by sailors, merchants and travellers. These influences blended with Italy’s own folk and religious traditions, creating Italy’s unique and emotionally resonant rhythms.”

Across the 12 absorbing tracks, there’s jazz influences, Italian library music aesthetics and experimental beats mixing with Afro-Cuban and Mediterranean rhythms. It’s a broad selection anchored by the drums. The synth-heavy, ‘80s jazz funk flavours of Gegè Munari's ‘Police Man’, sit side-by-side with the samba-infused ‘Napulitano D' 'O Brasil’ by Don Marino Barreto Jr. Tribal, earthly energy radiates from Naco’s ‘Volando Con Milton’, with Tullio De Piscopo serving up cosmic disco brilliance, and blistering jazz funk mastery coming courtesy of Agostino Marangolo. Taking the name of the compilation, a new original track by Gabriele, ‘Ritmo Italiano’, blends traditional rhythms with contemporary energy, Afro-Latin influences with Italian jazz essence. Recorded live in one take, it captures a raw, unfiltered vibe.

“Each track tells a story, connecting the past with the present, and highlighting the deep-rooted traditions that shape Italy’s rhythms. The collection also offers a glimpse into the diversity of Italian music with a variety of styles from the organic, earthy beats to the more experimental and modern takes on traditional rhythms. It’s a reflection of how these rhythms have not only shaped Italian culture but also influenced global music.”

Santana Bridges the Divide Between Live and Studio Material on Moonflower: 1977 Double Album Features Extraordinary Performances, Soulful Vibes, and Dynamic Mix of Latin, Rock, Funk, and Blues
Sourced from the Original Master Tapes and Strictly Limited to 3,000 Numbered Copies: Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 33RPM 2LP Set Plays with Audiophile-Quality Detail, Balance, and Imaging
1/4” / 15 IPS original analogue non-Dolby master to DSD 256 to analogue console to lathe



Though it may seem strange now, Moonflower stood for nearly 15 years as Santana’s first and only live record released in the United States. This despite the fact that roughly half of the double album consists of new studio songs, including a zesty cover of the Zombies classic “She’s Not There” that reached the Top 30 of the singles charts.

However unconventional, the “split” strategy went over like gangbusters. Moonflower reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 and achieved double-platinum status — feats the group would not again replicate for 22 years. These, and the beautiful quality of the program itself, are among the reasons why the 1977 effort remains viewed by critics and fans alike as must-have Santana.

Sourced from the original master tapes, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing in California, housed in a Stoughton jacket, and strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies, Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 33RPM 2LP set of Moonflower presents the record in audiophile sound for the first time on a domestic reissue. Part of the MoFi’s Santana catalog restoration series, this collectible version features quiet surfaces and black backgrounds that expose the critical details, liquid tones, and dynamic interplay central to Santana’s music.

The enhanced sonics extend not only to Carlos Santana’s six-string wizardry, but to the rhythmic, melodic, and vocal elements that course throughout both the studio and live cuts on Moonflower. The grip and depth of the bass lines; the wash of the organ; the scope and carry of the vocals; the extension and weight of the low-end frequencies; the rich textures of the guitars, percussive devices, and keyboards: all appear amid wide, balanced soundstages and image with right-sized dimensionality.

Significantly rooted in the styles and approaches that inform the group’s first three records, Moonflower captures the final appearances of iconic percussionist Jose “Chepito” Areas and go-to keyboardist Tom Coster on a Santana album. As he did during the preceding five-year stretch, Coster inhabits a large role here, sharing songwriting credits on a majority of the new cuts and helping steer the arrangements toward spiritually minded albeit concise directions that encompass vibrant Latin, rock, and blues themes that began to escape the ensemble shortly after his departure.

Close your eyes and feel the warmth of the sun on the R&B-kissed “I’ll Be Waiting,” anchored by Carlos Santana’s gliding fretwork and Greg Walker’s creamy vocals. Enter the cosmic universe of “Zulu,” on which Coster’s nimble phrasing opens the gate to polyrhythmic beats, knotty grooves, and interlocking funk. Grab the album cover and drift off to paradise amid the equally evocative “Flor d’Luna (Moonflower),” a romantic slow dance that Carlos Santana ensures tiptoes en route to its blissful destination. Channeling a different spirit animal, the guitarist later lets loose on the hard-hitting “El Morocco,” on which he seemingly engages in a shootout with himself and wades into the rippling psychedelia that elevated the band’s early material.

Speaking of the past, Moonflower triumphs on that level as well. In more ways than one, the live selections — and the caliber of the performances — chosen for inclusion represent an abbreviated greatest-hits survey of the band up to that point. And, at the very least, a convincing argument about why Santana had progressed into one of the most formidable bands you could hope to see on a stage in the mid ‘70s.

Simultaneously representative and illustrative of the group’s breadth, tracks stem from the collective’s eponymous debut, Abraxas, and Santana III as well as the then-more recent Amigos and Festival. Whether you fall for the sidewinding spell of a spicy rendition of “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen,” lose your head to the positively epic momentum of “Soul Sacrifice/Head, Hands & Feet,” or keep dropping the needle on the savory grace of the brilliant reading of “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile),” this pressing of Moonflower puts you — and Santana’s first-chapter legacy — in good hands.

With a deeply introspective and poetic essence built upon Monolink's layered vocals, spirited rhythms and poignant storytelling, "Powerful Play" invites listeners to embrace the fleeting nature of existence and immerse themselves in the beauty of the moment; his distinctive blend of electronic beats and raw acoustic elements serving as a perfect backdrop to the song's profound lyrical depth.

On the B-Side andhim rework the track with their signature blend of luscious grooves, refined electronica and subtle euphoria, breathing fresh life into the original. The remix plays with dynamics and space, pulling Monolink's haunting vocal lines through intricate rhythms, warm analog textures and a hypnotic build that carries listeners through an immersive sonic narrative. The duo's groove meets Monolink's elegiac depth, resulting in a track that's both club-ready and emotionally resonant.

DESCRIPTION
The O-est of Gs, Schoolly D, originally released his second full length, Saturday Night!. The Album on his own imprint in 1986. Schoolly - and this release - are considered by many to be the genesis of gangster rap and were highly influential to all who followed. Schoolly was picked up by Jive Records in 1987, and an expanded version of Saturday Night!. The Album was released. This album contains 10 tracks of all killer no filler! All beats made by Schoolly D and his legendary TR-909 drum machine. This album is a perfect blend of raw and funky from the King of Philly.

"Chasing the funky symphonies that filled my head and my dreams..."

December 25th, 2023 - an Instagram post. Stimulator Jones shared half a dozen FIRE tracks from his beat tape archive. We were immediately drawn to the rough hewn boom bap.

"I'd release that", Rob commented.

Hours of material was shared and the result is this: Cool Green Trees (1999-2005). A collection of beats and loops Stimulator Jones created between the ages of 14-20 at home in his basement, bedroom and computer room in Roanoke, Virginia.

You will not believe the profound soulful genius contained within these naive schoolboy melodies.

December 25th, 1998 - 25 years ago to the day and his much-coveted Yamaha SU10 sampler was finally bestowed upon young Stimmy AKA Sam Lunsford: "I immediately hooked up a CD Walkman to the input jack and looped the beginning two bars of Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mercy Mercy Me". I don't know what exactly was so thrilling about hearing two measures of music repeating over and over but it was so infectious and hypnotizing and enthralling to me. I'll never forget that ecstatic rush of making my first loop - an uncontrollable, gleeful smile plastered all over my face." When you hear the pocket breakbeat symphonies featured here on Cool Green Trees, you'll feel the same sense of frisson.

In the wake of his Stones Throw breakthrough - Exotic Worlds & Master Treasures - Stimulator Jones was pegged by many as a 90s throwback artist. However, he literally IS a 90s artist. He's been recording music most of his life and he's now 40. He created the bulk of Cool Green Trees as a teenager. Everything before 2004 was recorded when Sam was still in school. He was in 8th grade when he made the 1999 tracks - he didn't even have his learner's permit. This album is a snapshot of a young man in a simpler time. Things were still mysterious back then and he was flying blind, relying on his ears and having to figure things out for himself: "I had no road map for becoming a beatmaker. I have been collecting music since I was a kid, I am a lifelong digger and seeker of cool and interesting sounds. I was there in the golden age of Hip Hop, and while I may have been a suburban white kid in Roanoke, Virginia, I was tuned in and I bought so many classic albums when they came out. I was attracted to Hip Hop because of the musical and poetic quality. I was hypnotized by the rhythms, partially because I was a drummer. I didn't brag about collecting my breakbeat records or making beats - it was something I did in isolation. It wasn't something I generally wanted to bring attention to and it didn't really score me any cool points. I certainly wasn't flexing on social media about it."

Hell, he can do that now!

Opener "Pharoah Jones" was inspired by Yesterday's New Quintet and Madlib's ability to capture that classic 70s sound whilst playing all the instruments. Sam created this one stoned afternoon by laying down a 2 bar loop and a shaker loop on his Yamaha SU700 sampler. He hung a microphone from the ceiling and played his Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit over the top before adding ender Rhodes and playing his dad's Selmer tenor sax through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man echo pedal. Yes! Up next, "Ghost Gospel" utilises a dope loop from a gospel record and adds some soul-funk drums overtop, whilst working that filter knob. Says Sam: "The loop reminded me of something Ghostface would rap over. The sample was in 3/4 waltz time but I flipped it for a 4/4 groove, a technique I picked up from RZA. "Ill Feeling" uses sped-up pieces from a dusty old funk record and putting them over a classic NOLA drum loop; gain chopping up a slow, bluesy 3/4 time signature and bending it to a 4/4 groove. Classy shit. "Capital Punishment" features drums tapped in live, inspired by MF Doom's Special Herbs series. "Do Not Adjust" consists loops found on a compilation of 70s French music at Happy's Flea Market, a classic Roanoke digging spot.

The sublime, evocative title track, "Cool Green Trees" was created when Sam was still living at home. He dumped samples off his SU10 into the family desktop and arranged them in a demo version of Pro Tools: "This track was sort of my ode to the DJ Shadow style of sample based production. Super spacey, slow, and moody. The heavily filtered drums were inspired by Alec Empire's 'Low on Ice' album. I later added some scratches and sounds from a Spider Man storybook record." "Chill Scratch" snags the final bit of a bossanova record and pairs it with a drum loop before adding experimental scratching run through an Electro Harmonix Memory Man echo pedal. "Poisonous Fumes" was made using a sampler, mixer and a turntable; a kind of mixtape beat collage with added scratches and sounds from various records. Using dialogue from superhero records was a nod to Madlib. "Welcome Aboard The Starship" is dark, downtempo trip-hop with a spooky bent. Sam paired a slow, hard drum loop with a guitar sample grabbed off a psychedelic rock record. To finish, he added various backwards sounds and weird atmospheric effects and a little scratching. Swoon.

Side B opens with "Keep On Runnin", made on a borrowed Roland SP202 sampler. Having always loved the sound of the Lo-Fi filter on those machines, reminiscent of the Emu SP1200, Sam always imagined Del or another of the Hieroglyphics crew rapping over this beat. You can certainly hear why. "Sounds Impossible" sees Sam experimenting with layering multiple kick samples at different volumes to create patterns similar to those heard by Showbiz and Lord Finesse during their God-level 1995 period. "Painted Faces" was made by chopping up a REDACTED record which he had gotten from Happy's Flea Market and paired it with a REDACTED drum loop. By the time Sam recorded "The Knew Style", he had acquired a shitty old 1960s portable turntable off eBay. It didn't function properly when he bought it but his brother opened it up, cleaned it out and got it working: "I remember he told me that there was a bunch of sand inside of it when he opened it up, as if its previous owner had taken it to the beach. I would take that turntable on my Happy's Flea Market digs so I could preview records...that's how I found this loop."

"Chicken Wing Blues Sauce" loops up a classic blues joint and pairs it with some REDACTED drums. A bit of filtering and arranging et voilà! "Kool Breeze", from 1999, is one of Sam's oldest surviving beats, as is "Sexx Bullets". The Roots sampled the same record, leaving Sam frustrated yet vindicated. "Soul Child" was an early SU10 creation, looping a dusty old Soul Children 45 and pairing it with 70s rock drum loops to great effect. "Take Off Runnin" was another loop found digging with a portable turntable. Paired with some boom bap drums it makes for a hypnotic head-nod groove. "Centurian" was intended to be a little beat interlude a la Pete Rock. The sample is from a sun-dappled soft-psych record and it's paired with a Robin Trower drum loop that just happens to fit perfectly. Sometimes you slap things together kind of haphazardly and magic happens. "Bozack" was the first beat Sam made using Pro Tools, his first foray into using chopped sounds instead of loops, an exciting new world. "Church" is beat interlude using a Phil Upchurch loop with the "Long Red" drums - a favourite break of Dilla et al. Sam was really on a tear in late 2004, probably because he was unemployed and phoneless and able to just make beats all day. He made "Splash One" on a borrowed Yamaha SU700 and again was experimenting with tapping the drums in live with his fingers, instead of using a loop or sequenced pattern. Channeling 9th Wonder, Sam used a water splash sound effect from a Batman record as a percussive element, hence the title (also a 13th Floor Elevators reference). The main loop is a backwards portion of one of his favourite Roy Ayers songs.

"Hank" is another fun little beat interlude thing, created on a borrowed Roland SP202 sampler with the fantastic Lo-Fi effect that resembled the Emu SP1200 at a fraction of the price. "73 goatee", from 99, is another of his oldest surviving beats, created in his bedroom with his Yamaha SU10 and his brother's Vestax MR-300 4-track recorder: "This one will always feel special. I can remember having a feeling all the way back then on the night that I created it that this was a solid beat with a catchy loop. There was something in the Fender Rhodes melody that resonated with me emotionally, and I had never heard a producer sample that portion before. I felt like I had found my own unique sound, my own unique loop. It came from an Ahmad Jamal '73. I actually even recorded myself rapping and scratching over this beat way back then, I still have that version in all its imperfect sloppy glory."

Sam explains just how much these tracks mean to him: "They all have immense historical and sentimental value and I'm proud of them. These beats come from an innocent, simple time when I was just figuring out how to craft these sounds. They're something very personal to me. They are the initial part of a journey that I really was taking *alone*. There was no YouTube. I couldn't Google shit. I didn't even know any other beatmakers, producers or DJs in my town that could teach me anything. It was always just me, alone, in a room with some equipment - chasing the funky symphonies that filled my head and my dreams. What I was doing wasn't cool. Most of my peers thought I was a weirdo and couldn't care less. Creating these sounds was an anti-social endeavour. In a sense, I felt like it was me against the world, and all I had to instruct and assist me were the recordings produced by my heroes - RZA, DJ Premier, Erick Sermon, Beatminerz, Showbiz, Diamond D, Beatnuts, Prince Paul, The Bomb Squad, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, E-Swift, Mista Lawnge, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, Peanut Butter Wolf, El-P and so many more...I dedicate this collection to them, and to my older brother Joe who has always been a musical and technical guiding light for me.

This was a time before every kid was a self-described producer and beatmaker, before everyone had a DAW, before Kanye and "chipmunk soul", before Red Bull beat battles, before there was any social media beyond chat rooms and AOL Instant Messenger, before Soundcloud, before SP-404 mania, before lo-fi beats to study to, before Splice, before targeted ads for MIDI chord packs, etc. In 99 when I told people that I had a sampler and made beats I was mostly met with bewildered confusion and indifference. Kids and adults alike would wonder why I got this weird machine for Christmas instead of something worthwhile like a Playstation or a mountain bike or even a guitar for that matter because at least that could be used to make "real music". Back then, sampling was still not widely respected as an art form - it was seen as lazy, talentless and unoriginal at best and outright criminal theft at worst. I had gotten respect for playing drums and guitar and things of that nature but this was a step in the wrong direction in the eyes of many."

The cover photo is a picture of Sam standing on his back porch in the latter part of 1998, just before he got his first sampler. He was 13 years old, in 8th grade. His dad took the picture with his 35mm film camera: "I actually wanted to be pointing my dad's .22 pistol at the camera lens but he wouldn't let me. He gave me an old walking cane to use instead. The Tommy Hilfiger puffer jacket came from the lost and found at William Fleming High School where my mom worked as a secretary. I was thrilled when she brought it home because we never spent money on expensive name brand clothing like that - we were for the most part strictly a sale rack, bargain bin, thrift store, yard sale, flea market kind of family when it came to clothes. My watch is some cheap off-brand fake gold department store watch." Mastering for this vinyl edition was overseen by Be With regular Simon Francis and it was cut by the esteemed Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios to be pressed in the Netherlands by Record Industry.

Let me take you back to 1992, via 2019! We are back on the Heritage Pressings again this month and this is one from way back in the day... a 2019 Kickstarter project to be precise. Who remembers the mighty Holy Quattro??? The bundle that kicked off the Quattro craze! 3rd Rail alongside KZ1 were a part of that bundle, release 008 on the label to be precise. Can't believe what started out as a bit of fun turned into Vinyl Fanatiks! None of which would of been possible without your support.

Nautilus are back again, back to the future, with their teaser for the upcoming studio album in 2026! The first single for the theme-based release deals with a true anime icon and a legendary soundtrack, which Nautilus imaginatively and skillfully reinterprets in their typical groove sound. In the feature, Japanese singer and sanshin virtuoso Anna Sato beams the song into a next dimension with her singing.

The single is rounded off by a master of club remixes, DJ and producer Delfonic from Berlin, a highly respected artist by Gilles Peterson, who gives the piece a magical touch for every deep dance floor with heavy beats.

Be quick on this unique release.

"Space is infinitely large and anything is possible in this universe."
Captain Future

“The Rough And The Smooth” was the highly anticipated 2nd album from Outside. Written, produced, mixed and engineered by a 22 year old Matt Cooper, who journeyed through dub, jungle, hip hop and latin rhythms and vibrant, modal jazz. Playing much of the instrumentation including keys and drums, Matt was joined by some of the scene’s finest players from Jhelisa, Imaani, Greg Osby, Cleveland Watkiss, Byron Wallen, Tony Remy and Gary Crosby.

Upon release, ‘The Rough And The Smooth‘ received huge acclaim and was hailed as a masterpiece by the music press from GQ, MOJO, The Face and Mixmag and fans alike, taking Outside to another level.

From the complex funk of ‘Journeyman‘ parts 1 and 2, to the Nu Yorican hit of ‘The 29/8 Steps‘, to the powerfully emotive violin led jungle of ‘To Forgive But Not Forget‘ and the epic jazz and beats fusion that is ‘Moodswing‘, the album was impossible to pigeonhole and influenced a generation of music heads and artists.

One of Norways most acknowledged and established drummers, is finally ready to unleash his debut album as an
solo artist. DUMMY THICC - who’s real name is Sigmund Vestrheim - has played for acts such as Boy Pablo,
AURORA and with his own R&B/Soul-group Giddy Gang.

This album tells the story of DUMMY THICC, with crisp
snares and drums being the focal point of the soundscape. He invites a bunch of his friends in on the
journey, members from Giddy Gang, Ivan Ave and Vuyo jumps on the mic and instruments to help DUMMY
THICC complete his awaited debut album. The album is a travel in sound, and a perfect introduction to the world
of DUMMY THICC as a producer and artist.

Sit back and enjoy 44 minutes of beautiful beats, R&B and hiphop in the spirit of DJ Harrison, Ohbliv, Madlib and other inspirational figures that have been a key source
for Sigmund.

After two decades, the indietronic veteran returns with a powerful sonic reflection on today’s sociopolitical climate and a poignant reminder of music’s enduring ability to heal, unite, and inspire. Blending experimental electronics with krautrock sensibilities, the album thrives on spontaneity, collaboration, and the beauty of ‘happy accidents’.

While many of Nitrada’s sonic trademarks remain — intricate, rickety beats; enigmatic field recordings; and gut-punching string melodies — EVERYTHING THAT IS NOT COUNTED WILL BE LOST marks a shift in approach. Experimenting with different constellations of musical machines, Christophe Stoll, the mind behind Nitrada, recorded hours of improvisations (some shared on his Instagram). These sketches became the raw material for more elaborate, carefully structured arrangements.

True to his collaborative spirit, Stoll brought in like-minded artists to shape the final album: Jan Sturm (aka STURM) lends his touch to the shimmering FRAGMENTS OF LIGHT. The euphoric dystopian WE DANCE IN THE CHAOS features Landobe (Marco Heinle) and Patrick Siegfried Zimmer on vocals. Luca di Mira (of Giardini di Mirò fame) contributes synths, cello, and delicate textures to some tracks, while Johannes Schardt’s guitar work brings a visceral, post-rock edge to NO HYMN FOR NOBODY and IL ROMANTICISMO DELL’APOCALISSE, nodding to Stoll’s roots in punk and indie.

“The goal is to take listeners on a journey through different timbres and sonic landscapes — a collage of diverse ideas and inspirations,” says Stoll about his album which effortlessly juxtaposes experimental ambient soundscapes, heavy jagged guitars, and minimal techno pulses, making them feel as though they’ve always belonged together. Because, in the end, they do – all part of the shared vocabulary of our universal language: MUSIC.

Across the Tracks is a collaborative project between underground hip-hop heavyweights Boldy James and producer Williams Conductor. Comprised of ten tracks, the album stays true to their gritty, street-centered narratives, blending slow-paced, hard-hitting bars with Conductor's eerie, sample-laden beats. Boldy's laid-back delivery pairs well with the soulful, moody instrumentals. Tracks like 'St. Juliana' and 'The Ol Switcharoo' stand out, with Boldy's sharp lyricism and Conductor's production shining brightest. The guest features from Boldy's son and sister add some texture to the project as well. The album serves as a good release for fans of Boldy James' storytelling and Williams Conductor's distinct production style. Across The Tracks in bone-colored vinyl is a well-curated offering for those that want more intellectual lyrics in their street rap.

Folamour ist zurück mit seinem neuen Album. Diese 14-Track-LP ist ein wahrer Wirbelwind der Emotionen, eine Mischung aus Euphorie und Tagträumen, getragen von House-, Disco-, Funk- und Soul-Einflüssen. Nach einem dreiteiligen Album im Jahr 2024, schuf der Sänger eine kaleidoskopische Kombination aus Delirium und Euphorie, aufgebaut auf den Grundpfeilern von House, Disco, Funk und Soul. Er plädiert für Musik als verbindende Kraft, als Ort, an dem Barrieren zerfallen und Platz machen für den gegenwärtigen Moment und für Liebe in all ihrer Vielfalt. Das Album ist auch eine Ode an die Freiheit, die Freiheit, man selbst zu sein und zu akzeptieren, wer man wirklich ist. Auf der Tracklist und den beiden Singles finden sich viele lebendige Nuancen des elektronischen Spektrums, angetrieben von erhabenen House-Beats mit Kabusa Oriental Choir, und "Ça Va Aller", einer Hymne der Hoffnung mit viel Groove, gefühlvollen House-Vibes und einem eingängigen Gesangs-Hook. Der Sommer kann kommen!

The Richard Sen remixes of John Grant were commissioned in 2016 but were never released. Since then, enquiries about release have continued to this day. Sen's remix of 'Disappointing' featured on Andrew Weatherall's Beats In Space mix in 2016 and was a staple in his DJ sets, especially at ALFOS. Charlie Bones, Ivan Smagghe and Optimo also supported it at the time. This release on Sen's DIYC label follows his much hyped album, India Man. In addition, Richard's compilation, Dream The Dream on Ransom Note (2023) was voted Best British Compilation by DJ Mag. These remixes have also been gaining much interest from the listeners of Sen's weekly show on Do!! You!!! Radio.

Following Stab Breaks and Crystal Blue Cuts, a chilling new theme emerges this time inspired by the legendary horror icon Chucky, the killer doll with razor-sharp punchlines. This record is a full on tribute to the story and voices of the film’s unforgettable characters. Side A delivers a loaded sound bank packed with eerie samples, while Side B features six skip-proof scratch tracks designed for seamless performance. Also included is a download card giving you digital access to the full record, plus four exclusive bonus beats available for free download.

DIEMAJIN is the duo of Berlin-based producer DJ DIE SOON (Daisuke Imamura) and Tokyo-based vocalist MA. Their self-titled debut is equal parts scrambled hip-hop, simmering noise and spectral Tokusatsu soundtrack. A set of cursed beats and possessed raps inspired by Japanese sci-fi and supernatural-horror films from the 1960s.
The pair, both originally from Japan, first collaborated live at an event in Berlin organised by Morphine Records in 2019. But the eleven tracks on their self-titled debut were made by swapping beats, sounds and acapellas across the internet. Editing, arranging and degrading them into the collection presented here.

With its cinematic origins The Odd Couple is the natural title for the second album by a pair who seem to spend as much time in wardrobe as the studio and whose recordings are often compared to film scores. Their greatest hit, 2006's "Crazy" was even built around a chunk of a spaghetti western soundtrack. Yet after the success of 2006's excellent St Elsewhere, the collaboration of singer Thomas "Cee-Lo Green" Callaway and producer Brian "Danger Mouse" Burton has become a permanent institution.

Two years on, The Odd Couple stands up proudly alongside its predecessor. The basic recipe hasn't been drastically altered--Danger Mouse's skittering beats and snap-crackle-pop production still provide the perfect platform for Cee-Lo's mighty, soulful wail. If anything, the pair have refined and sharpened their approach to a razor's edge. The key is the way the musical flavors intersect: the Arthur Lee-meets-N.E.R.D. stroll of "Surprise," the jubilant jumble of gospel/soul/synthpop on "Going On," the Otis Redding-shares-a-treadmill-with-Outkast feel of the single "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)." The cumulative effect is one of a group whose trick-bag has a never-ending supply of happy surprises.

Initially influenced by the skinhead scenes of France and Italy, their new LP “Renaissance” borrows from sounds outside the subculture, orchestrating harmonies to unite the punks, skins and moshers. The comparison to L’INFANTERIE SAUVAGE is undeniable with odd song structures switching from slow melodies to fast punchy pogo beats. However on this LP, there is a subtle influence of early American hardcore bands, adding more stomping rhythms and upping the pace of the songs. Renaissance is an excellent example of how a band can evolve their sound without losing the aspects that define them: razor sharps riffs, unexpected disco drum syncopations and, of course, orchestral “Ohhs”. Every song verges on an anthem that will get stuck in your head for days.

A masterful blend of neo-soul warmth & vintage JAY DEE-inspired vibes. Channeling the raw, soulful essence of SLUM VILLAGE, AKIM ONE crafts a rich tapestry of smooth rhythms and evocative melodies that resonate deep within the listener. Perfect for fans of timeless beats and modern soul.

Xzibit – Kingmaker marks the West Coast legend’s long-awaited return, his first album since 2012. Packed with heavyweight collaborations, Kingmaker features industry icons like Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Redman, Royce da 5'9", Ty Dolla $ign, and more. With hard-hitting production and Xzibit’s signature razor-sharp delivery, this album blends raw lyricism with top-tier beats, reaffirming his status as a hip-hop powerhouse. A must-have for retailers and fans alike, Kingmaker is set to make waves across the culture.