Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

In a world of constant releases & quickly forgotten pieces, preserving our creations sometimes works out for the better.

In late 2019, Brainorchestra created this rap work after his highly anticipated debut rap, EP From The 908. This follow-up project features the likes of legendary producers such as Ohbliv, Foisey, Derrick Braxton, Good Food & more---Brainorchestra conjured up a medley of styles & let it sit.

With High Water Music, Brainorchestra is releasing his third rap oeuvre, Marmalade, with hopes that this time lapse favorably aged his records for the World.

Blessed by the Californian modern funk diva Moniquea, Amadeo 85 is back with a brand new 7". Moogy basses, heavy drum machines and FX from space are the mood of this double sider.

On A side, Moniquea transcends this rough beat with her classy style, an ode to the universal party, in the deep boogie funk spirit.
On B Side, this drunk Funk Boogie is a space travel produced under the influence of liters of Vinho Tinto, with the support of Bacchus himself.

'22.02.85' is the new album from Bastien Keb. Initially conceived as a concept album about a stripper lost in the city (like a straight-to-video follow up to Showgirls), '22.02.85' has a distinctly nocturnal edge to it. The city at night, lost in a crowd, abandoned petrol stations, empty kebab shops, broken florescent lights. Like a half-forgotten dream, familiar yet unnerving. He says all the songs are all about girls apart from two about a big lug. You may catch a phrase here and there but the context is all in the feel: There's a melancholy edge, but I don't wanna depress people. Sad but hopeful If that's possible.

A guitarist first and foremost, Keb also plays trumpet, bass, drums, piano, flute and more - many borrowed donated or found instruments. Layering and pitching his voice to imaginative effect, you might feel an influence of Bon Iver or Jai Paul but in truth it's more indebted to The Impressions or The Delfonics. Keb makes a living writing music for TV and film and you'll hear hints of cinematic direction throughout. The soundtracks of Isaac Hayes taped from Madlib's second hand SP-303 for a re-scored Twin Peaks. Recorded by himself in Leamington and Hackney he discloses I don't really mic shit up proper, so I gotta go lo-fi. Warm, fuzzy, dirty and honest, an antidote to over-production and over-analysis.

Bastien Keb's debut album 'Dinking in the Shadows of Zizou' subtly nudged itself into public consciousness in 2015, drawing the attention of myriad press and radio, briskly establishing itself with an endearing mix of downbeat anti-ballads, off-centre instrumentals and warped funk. Here and now, he's progressed confidently. Relaxed, naturally soulful, exploratory, at times tender, others acerbic, '22.02.85' solidifies Bastien Keb's reputation as an individual rising talent.

The Notorious K.I.M. is the sophomore album from Lil’ Kim, following on from her historic debut album cementing her position on the rap scene. Featuring the hit “How Many Licks.”

• This is the only LP released by The Mighty Tom Cats, a house band for Paul Winley (who launched his Winley Records in 1956).
• Originally released in 1974 ‘Soul Makossa’ is rumoured to have George Benson, Willis Jackson and Buddy Lucas taking part
• Features a brilliant take on the mighty ‘Soul Makossa’ track made famous by Manu Dibango
• Reissued on 140g black vinyl with original artwork and printed inner sleeve

We're glad to be back with our latest reissue, a couple undercover soul gems from the Midwest originally self-released in 1984: LaVerne Washington's "The Promise" and "I Found What I've Been Searching For".

LaVerne has dedicated her life to the arts in every possible way. As an artist herself but also behind the scenes, helping and supporting her contemporaries fulfil their callings. Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Williams - LaVerne grew up in Kansas City listening to the all time jazz greats, and soon discovered she was blessed with a keen sense for playing music by ear, playing the piano to what she would hear on the radio. In her teens whilst the 60s transitioned to the 70s' disco and funk era, LaVerne was there to witness it all, and she would go on to study music at the Charlie Parker Academy where she was inspired to become an entertainer.

At Langston University, LaVerne kept studying music where her career blossomed, founding and touring the US with the gospel group "Emery Shaw and the Voices of Praise", singing in several college bands and with her choir "The Voices Of Bethel". LaVerne would go on to perform notably with her bands "LaVerne Washington and Rococo" and the "LaVerne Washington Quartet", and record several songs in KC including "The Promise" and "I Found What I've Been Searching For" in 1984 before moving to Washington DC.

In DC, LaVerne was offered a position as a Program specialist with the National Endowment For The Arts where she started supporting other artists through her work. Over the next couple decades, LaVerne became an associate producer for the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and the Pioneer Awards Ceremonies held in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles, which saw the likes of Prince, Aretha Franklin and Jerry Butler attending among others. She has also managed and was mentored by DeeDee Sharp and consulted with artists including Bonnie Raitt (who acted as a mentor to Laverne as well), Kim Weston, Kathy Sledge (SisterSledge), Smokey Robinson and G.C Cameron (Spinners). During that time, LaVerne has kept singing, on her own and as a backing vocalist for DeeDee Sharp and Freda Payne and has never stopped her lifelong dedication to music and the Arts.

The Promise original 7" was LaVerne's last recording in Kansas City before her move to DC and the beginning of her involvement behind the scenes. Channelling her gospel roots - with impeccable arrangement, a contagious drum machine led rhythm section, soaring vocals and relatable lyrics, "The Promise" is guaranteed to bring back smiles to dancefloors and living rooms alike! "I Found What I've Been Searching For" on the flip is a beautiful soul ballad which really showcases the strength and emotion in LaVerne's voice.

Back again in it's original 7" format, we've had the audio transferred and restored from the original 24 track tape provided by LaVerne, and got the recordings re-mixed for the best possible sound! Floating Points behind the mixing desk for this new iteration of a lost classic, comes with a 14"x14" poster of the original picture

Tape Cassette

Soundscape Versions pres. the 7th installment on its sublabel Mystic Versions produced and performed using all analogue hardware gear.
Six cuts between ambient electronica to experimental and dubbed out excursions

From Nanakuli comes a simple yet stunning ode to the islands with “Hawaii Is Beautiful”, composed and performed by Mike Kahikina. Previously unreleased, “Hawaii Is Beautiful” has been restored and remastered from original master tapes.

Kahikina played an active role in Hawaii’s music scene in the 1970s and 80s, writing and performing protest songs in support of sovereignty for the Kingdom of Hawaii and land rights for Kanaka Maoli, or native Hawaiians. Featured in the 1988 music documentary Hawaiian Rainbow is Kahikina’s song “Who Came First” which provides a clear, poignant message: “Who came first to Hawai‘i? All of us kanaka’s. And how come us kanaka’s, we no own the aina?” Kahikina later served as state representative on the Hawaiian Homes Commission from 2011-2019, championing Native Hawaiian’s rights to homestead lands and pressuring the state government to provide better access to and higher quality of housing for kanaka.

Despite the frustration and fiery feelings he expressed in his protest songs (check out his song “I Am A Native” with Nelson Waialae, written in protest of kanaka who were evicted from Waimea Valley), Kahikina still had plenty of room for songs of love and aloha for his home, including a rare 45 devoted to the art of surfing (“Ocean Rider”, recorded under the name Ka’ala). “Hawaii Is Beautiful” is a shimmering statement of Kahikina’s aloha for his home; a palm-trees-are-swaying tribute to the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands.

North Carolina's Brief Encounter band deliver again, this time with two previously unreleased tracks on 7" record. "I Just Wanna Dance" is a high energy Disco Funk jam that was recently discovered by Family Groove Records on a reel-to-reel tape. For 40 years the band assumed the tape containing this studio recording was lost. "Making Love" is another winner with a Boogie/Modern Soul sound that makes Brief Encounter the top tier when it comes to these genres.

Soul legend Jackie Wilson’s 1973 Brunswick single is a smooth, hook-laden, vibe-driven classic that goes for £80 and upwards. In typically fine voice, Jackie’s ‘Because Of You’ is an aching tale of the
power of love that’s irresistible.
Backed with Dorian Burton and Herman Kelley’s brooding ‘You Don’t Have To Worry’ from 1967; a snip at $400 these days. It was a Brunswick oneoff from the duo that plays off their falsetto and baritone vocals and his been sampled by both Common and 50 Cent among others.

Soul/Disco/Funk single here for the first time ever on vinyl!
The independent label Six Nine Records Ltd. UK, based in Newcastle upon Nekita's diverse musical journey has taken her through chorus groups, musical theater, Hartt School of Music, Gospel in church, and mentoring and performing with many independent artists.
“Won’t Stop Loving You” is a beautiful mid-tempo track and “Best Shot” a brilliant mover, both with lyrics which matter, both blessed with the divine voice of Nekita Waller and both on vinyl for the first time!
Tyne, proudly presents Nekita Waller and her first release on the label!
There was never a question that music would be a part of Nekita Waller's life. From her stage debut as a child at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, to singing the American national anthem to thousands of spectators at professional sporting events as an adult, music defines Nekita's life.
Definitely not to be missed as it is a limited UK press with small hole
and full colour printed picture cover!

Zero 7 have released Shadows EP via Make/BMG. The four-track release is the British duo’s first collection in more than half a decade and sees them team with renowned new singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Lou Stone.

From the melancholic electronica of Shadows, the ambient sheen of Outline to the lush arrangements of After The Fall & Take My Hand, Zero 7 fuse their long-standing gift for soulful songcraft and inventive production with the London-based Stone’s standout vocal delivery.

“The Shadows EP came together after a very fertile period of writing together with Lou Stone” explain Sam Hardaker & Henry Binns. “It’s the first body of work we’ve released since EP3 back in 2015 and hopefully is the start of many more creations".

Early tracks have received a groundswell of support from the likes of Lauren Laverne & Chris Hawkins at 6 Music, Robert Elms at BBC Radio London, as well as plaudits from Clash, The Independent, American Songwriter, Flood Magazine & KCRW.

The group recently shared a stunning live video for Outline which Clash described as ‘a spell-binding union of inventive production and that beatific vocal from Lou Stone’.

It’s almost twenty years since the release of the duo’s Mercury nominated debut Simple Things, which simultaneously catapulted Sia into the spotlight back in the early 00s. Shadows EP hears Zero 7 still at the very top of their game, and with an open ear for collaborating with rising talent along the way.

The 1994 compilation featuring Charles’ Atlantic era hits such as “What'd I Say, Pt. 1 & 2”, “The Right Time”, and “I've Got a Woman”.



















s D4. Tell The Truth (with introduction) Live at Alonzo Herndon Stadium, Atlanta, Ga, 5/28/1959

We stumbled onto Al Muntzie’s under the radar soul beauty ‘Die Happy’ after conducting an interview with Joe Quarterman for a feature on our website.
It got us salivating about the prospect of further productions, which Joe had recorded, but had perhaps been overlooked. ‘Die Happy’ was originally released in 1976 and was the only release on S.B. Moon Records. The record has a crossover vibe as it sits beautifully between modern soul, funk, and proto-disco.
Initial research didn’t shed much light onto the background of the song. The trail was sparse, other than the record appearing on the sales list of rare-soul collectors and record dealers. So we decided to go back to the source and find out about the record directly from Joe himself.
“I met Al Muntzie through my bass guitar player, Elliot Adams. Elliot informed me that Al was looking for a song that was funky and suitable for a group. At that time, 1976 - 79, I had written the words and melody to ‘Die Happy” and Elliot cranked out a mean bass part that gave the song life. He should be credited as co-writer for his outstanding bass part. At this time my band, FreeSoul, had dis-banded and worked as sideman musicians.
Elliot and I made a demo of the song on a cassette and we let Al Muntzie hear it: he liked it. We set a recording date at the Omega Recording Studio in northern Virginia. We used a combination of two bands; FreeSoul and Experience Unlimited (EU). Al sang lead vocal and me and the Embracebles did the background vocals. Al was very cooperative and did not say much during the session. He followed my direction and got the job done.
The session took all day into the late evening hours where we mixed and mastered the tune to perfection. We had a good time creating this work of art.” We are forever thankful to Joe for giving us the opportunity to present this fantastic production by Al, Elliot, and Joe, and to give it the new lease of life, which it rightfully deserves. Produced by the legendary Joe Quarterman

"We're older, we're wiser, we're more mature," MC Gift of Gab (nee Timothy Parker) says of Imani, Vol. 1, Blackalicious' first new album in a decade. "It's better now, because we've grown as people and artists. Each one of these records is a chapter in our lives, and we put our complete heart and soul into it," agrees Gab's longtime musical partner, CJ/producer Chief Xcel (aka Xavier Mosley). "We live these records." The pair is joined by such guest performers as Afro-pop diva Zap Mama, who's featured on the title track; Amde Hamilton of legendary '60s rap progenitors the Watts Prophets on the album-opener "Faith," eclectic singer-songwriter Imani Coppola on "The Sun," underground hip-hop duo LifeSavas on "That Night," neo-blues auteur Fantastic Negrito on "Love's Gonna Save the Day," Myron of retro-soulsters Myron & E on "On Fire Tonight," and the all-star hip-hop combo of Lateef, Lyrics Born, Monophonics and DJ D Sharp on "Alpha and Omega." Specialist press.

New Haven Connecticut’s Ceschi and Bridgeport Connecticut’s Siul Hughes are teaming up for a limited 7-inch release with two special tracks.
Produced by Void Pedal. Recorded at Moodie Black’s Moodhouse Studios in Minneapolis in 2018.

Brooklyn producer & global bass ambassador Thornato takes "Jardines" up a notch w/thumping drums, heavy synths & swirling middle Eastern guitar,, while Mexican duo Frikstailers pound "Guajaca" into deeper, hypnotic territory.

For number 83 in the Brazil 45 series we have a real treat. Di Melo's self-titled debut album has long been collectible for its irresistible Brazilian-funk sound, pleasing the Brazilian, B-Boy breaks, funk collectors, and sample hunters alike. With original copies for the album now fetching crazy sums, we felt these tracks needed another moment in the sun for all to enjoy.

For this release we have selected two of our favorite cuts from this cult album, ‘Kilariô ' & ‘Pernalonga'. Coincidentally these two gems were released on Odeon Records in 1975 as a rare promo campacto (a Brazilian 7", which plays at 33rpm). 'Kilariô' is a pure Brazilian-soul classic. All the right elements gel together, whilst Di Melo works his relaxed vocal magic over the top. ‘Pernalonga', with its catchy guitar and horns intro, loose break-beat drum, has the feel-good factor which some may recognize as one of the samples behind N.A.S.A featuring David Byrne, & Chali 2na's 'The People Tree' from 2009.

Di Melo is still recording to this day, releasing an album with Cotonete on Favorite Recordings in 2019 - a true don!!!

‘Le Jeune’ - the group’s debut release on new imprint S76 - feels at once classic and innovative." - DIY mag

Last December, French outfit QuinzeQuinze unveiled ‘Le Jeune’, their intoxicating first EP on S76. The ‘climatic’ release is a perfect testimony to the band’s musical virtuosity and owned them a spot on the Shazam Prediction 2021 playlist, gaining support from the likes of Clash Magazine and Colors Studios Berlin as “one of the most inventive and original acts around”. The extraterrestrial EP combines futuristic electronic productions with ancestral orero and traditional percussive instrument to tell epic short stories, full of strange surrealism and extravagant science fiction

Killer James Bedford/ Roy Ayers produced rare groove feel good boogie masterpiece with collectable pic sleeve and first time for the b side '' You Said'' on flipside for this great reissue from Japanese label P- Vine. It's all about the A side however for the anthemic and Bedford penned ''Give Me Your Love'' with funky Clavinet ,lashings of Synth lines ,brass stabs and main and backing vocals to die for. Essential timeless classic ? You betcha !

Classic Big Bucks Northern Soul Sides On Nice Lookalike Label Reissue 45

THE POINTER SISTERS first came to the attention of the Northern Soul scene when the shook the floor at the dawn of Wigan Casino All-Nighters with their storming 'Atlantic' 45 Send Him Back'. The group, sisters June, Ruth and Anita Pointer went on to fame and fortune with multiple Grammy's when they switched to 'Blue Thumb' Records but nothing could touch the atmospheric Send Him Back'.
THE DRIFTERS need little introduction with their string of hits on both sides of the Atlantic. They've also enjoyed consistent plays on the rare soul scene including their fifties recording Drip Drip' through to their late seventies UK rarity Pour Your Little Heart Out'. But here we feature the pinnacle of their Northern Soul output You Got To Pay Your Dues' featuring the late great Johnny Moore.

All the leaves might be brown and the sky gray, but fortunately Willie West is still a man. This relentless underdog of the New Orleans soul history known for his work with The Meters and Allen Toussaint has been laying low in the northern parts of the US for a while now. Lately he has emerged with new raw sound, which fuses very distinctly personal lyricism with heavy minor key grooves provided by the guys at Timmion Records.

While arriving to Finland for the first time in 2014 to perform on account of his latest album "Lost Soul", Willie couldn't help laying down a few lyrics at Timmion studios in Helsinki's Kaapelitehdas. The session produced a fresh new track "I'm Still A Man", which continues on the same slow, dark and melodic path, which he paved with The High Society Brothers in 2009 with "The Devil Gives Me Everything".

From the first desolate guitar licks on Willie starts to lure the listener into his damp and heavy-aired space, like only the few masters brewed in the southern climate can. There's not many of Willie's breed still around and who knows how long his dark wail will bless us with gems like this. Let this true artistry sink its nails in you.

Following on from the success of ‘Greg Belson’s Divine Disco’ series Greg Belson and Cultures of Soul team up again to explore the world of Gospel Funk. Belson, one of the world's leading collectors and DJs of gospel music, has assembled a collection of some of the rarest Gospel funk records for “Greg Belson’s Devine Funk.”

In addition to the full-length, available on CD and LP, choice selections from the compilation will be released on 7 inch singles in limited quantities. Fourth in the Devine Funk 7 inch series, includes socially-on-point take of the Gospel classic ‘This Little Light Of Mine’ by the
Gospel Ambassadors

Both sides are on the same riddim but comes with totally different moods, Clive Matthews's side in a conscious and militant vocal while Mara's side is mellow and sweet with a lover vocal. To complete the 12'' there's the magic touch by Roberto Sanchez who mixed the vocals and made the Dubwises!

The prolific German duo are back with a new 7' release, following up their last EP "Sofea", which included a remix by Dj Spinna. The A Side features the banger "You Got It Baby", a revamped & boosted interpretation of the original version, previously released only on CD in 2009, and available for the 1st time on vinyl. This song really established the "Modern Funk" sound, and solidified First Touch as pioneers of the movement. The B Side "Crampjuice" oscillates between Funk & Electro vibes, with thumping drums and the classic First Touch aesthetics; refined and sophisticated grooves. A 7" that will never leave the bag.

Following on from the success of ‘Greg Belson’s Divine Disco’ series Greg Belson and Cultures of Soul team up again to explore the world of Gospel Funk. Belson, one of the world's leading collectors and DJs of gospel music, has assembled a collection of some of the rarest Gospel funk records for “Greg Belson’s Devine Funk.”

In addition to the full-length, available on CD and LP, choice selections from the compilation will be released on 7 inch singles in limited quantities. Fifth in the Devine Funk 7 inch series, includes the sublime soulfulness of Zella Jackson’s “Days Are Just Like People"

PSK - Disco Season is one of the most in demand and surely rarer Disco-Funk/Reggae LP ever made in Nigeria. This release features the two best tracks of the LP on a phat sounding 12'' pressed at 45rpm which is housed in a full colour disco sleeve.

"Spell Bound (Beware Of Magic Charms)" is the main track on the LP, it's an explosive Disco-Funk track full of crazy hypnotizing synths, short slapback delayed funky guitar, layered over a strong bumpin' bassline by the mighty Willy Nfor. The tune keeps on going for about 7 minutes with unpredictable raw variations, keeping you truly spell bound!

On the flip you find "Revolution" which is a militant Roots Reggae Track with a strong Nigerian mood flavour into it, comes with a devastating bassline and the crazy synths that distinguish the short lived PSK Project. We consider it an evolution of "Rock On" By the Combats (Best Of Jicco Funk Vol.1)

Oonops' worldwide connection network allows us to press two of Shin-Ski's rare and secret remix works. The man from Japan had been already featured on Oonops Drops Vol. 1 with his track "You Got Soul" under his band name Shin Sight Trio.

Dynamite cuts 45s series is proud to release another timeless classic. This is a rare groove dancer floor monster. Original LP sells for big money these days, TOMMY STEWART EP, which includes the classic iconic Love heart sleeve.

ZamZam 82 marks our first collaboration with another label - the mighty Dubquake Records outta Geneva! We’ve long been fans of O.B.F. and Dubquake, so when Von D proposed the collaboration all sides were eager to make it happen.

Zenit is a jazz ensemble from Krems in Lower Austria, founded in 1976 by Hannes Treiber and Willi Langer. Their music was celebrated locally, but to reduce them to their local fame would be a shame: After all, their first two LPs, Stimmungswechsel (Change of Moods) and Früchte (Fruits), quickly gained them a much wider audience of discerning listeners. Arguably, however, Zenit’s third and final LP Straight Ahead is the most special of their records. It initially came out in 1986 on the producer’s label Spray Records, and is today one of the hardest-to-find Austrian jazz records. Its centrepiece is the infectious slow-motion disco piece “Waiting,” with vocals by American jazz singer Linda Sharrock. Effortlessly bringing together pop, soul and new age vibes, this is a record that is as unique as it is difficult to date. Does it sound like from the 80s? We’re not sure. To our minds at least, it could also be from the future.

* A limited 10” featuring the ever-reliable Alpha & Omega with a track called `Shuruaat Aur Ant’ from 1991.
* The A-side was previously an LP-only track while the B-side, a dub versiappears on vinyl for the first time.
* Features a haunting Hindi-sampled vocal.
* 300 copies only

* A limited 10” featuring the ever-reliable Alpha & Omega with a track called `Shuruaat Aur Ant’ from 1991.
* The A-side was previously an LP-only track while the B-side, a dub versiappears on vinyl for the first time.
* Features a haunting Hindi-sampled vocal.
* 300 copies only

Billboard magazine describes her as “combining earthiness with glamour and roots - deep afro-house music knowledge with pop wise diversity, Anané, Cape Verdean born dj / singer / songwriter, a blessed chameleon, has accomplished a great number of milestones, which includes singing the opening song “One Dream” at Super Bowl XLI with Louie Vega & their group Elements Of Life, special invited dj at Obama’s Ambassadors Inugaural Ball in Washington, her dj residency with her night “The Ritual” at Heart in Ibiza, her Nulu Movement residency at LeBain NYC, a full length solo album and CEO of her own imprints Nulu & Nulu Electronic which boasts nearly 100 impressive releases and signing artists from all parts of Africa, Europe, and South America. Whether djing, recording in studios, songwriting or singing live with the Elements Of Life, Anané has utilized all of these platforms to express herself freely. 2020, 17 years later since her first studio session she has a repertoire of over 50 recordings, and has toured the world many times over. Today she has come together with Vega Records (the label of her first ever release) with her new Album project, “Chapters Of Becoming...” Anané, which transcends through her evolution of the artist and woman she is today. A 21 track collection of her hottest originals, remixes and new remixes by Manoo, Mike Dunn (also a cameo vocal), David Morales (with an Unreleased Mix), and a special Detroit re-work by “Godson” AKA Rick Wilhite.