Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

IZIPHO SOUL is thrilled to be commissioned by LEEE JOHN, on a special limited edition 7” single, in conjunction with his multi date THE ART OF LOVE 2020 tour. Before proceedings commence, here is your chance to own a copy! THE ART OF LOVE is a previously unreleased masterpiece (recorded in the mid-nineties) with two very distinct Parts: One, a melodic romantic builder with that unmistakable LEEE JOHN vocal; Part Two, a unique Disco infused workout, where horns and strings abound, and multi percussionist / master conguero SNOWBOY delivers his best shots!
Beautifully packaged in a picture sleeve with the label revealed by a circular cut-out, housed in a resealable bag.

IZIPHO SOUL is extremely proud to present super smooth soul singer MARC STAGGERS. KEY TO MY HEART is one of his best loved songs, now receiving the Tom Moulton mix treatment which elevates it to new heights and is rounded off beautifully with a Kirk Whalum sax solo! For the B Side the Staggers brothers Marc & Reginald delved deep into their musical archive and pulled out the never heard before jazzy soul winner SOFT WORDS.

Roachford, whose most famous song Cuddly Toy has been a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades now, is back and about to release what is assuredly the best album of his career in Twice in a Lifetime.

Twice in a Lifetime is the album he’s been gearing up to make for decades. It’s the sound of someone at the top of their game, of one who knows his craft inside out. Produced by Grammy award winning Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, and featuring several members of Winehouse’s band, it’s full of grit and the most
Overview:

Roachford, whose most famous song Cuddly Toy has been a mainstay of radio airplay for over three decades now, is back and about to release what is assuredly the best album of his career in Twice in a Lifetime.

Twice in a Lifetime is the album he’s been gearing up to make for decades. It’s the sound of someone at the top of their game, of one who knows his craft inside out. Produced by Grammy award winning Jimmy Hogarth, who has previously worked with Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse, and featuring several members of Winehouse’s band, it’s full of grit and the most tremendous sonic energy, tracks like Are You Satisfied? throbbing with Stax-era musicality and soul. Lyrically, meanwhile, the album reveals an artist who has unambiguously Lived A Life.


Since Cuddly Toy reached number four in the charts back in 1988 - when, at it's peak, it was selling 33,000 copies a day - Andrew Roachford has carved out a career for himself as one of the most compelling, and consistent, rock and soul artists the UK has produced. He has released 10 studio albums, several greatest hits collections, has been approached to write for various other artists including Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and Joss Stone, and toured with contemporaries including Terence Trent D’Arby and The Christians. For the past nine years, he has been part of Mike + the Mechanics, recording with Mike Rutherford’s post-Genesis band, playing live with them across the world.

He is someone who channels the energy of James Brown before going on stage each night, and who, on record, summons up the spirit of everyone from Al Green to Joe Cocker. When he sings, you listen.

Repress!

Inspired by Ultraman and Norwegian nature, Torb the Roach and Floppy McSpace joined forces and cooked up their instrumental debut. The result, Tape Echo Gold Floppies. It tick-les your senses with low fidelity rhythms, time warping space echo, rare world spices and psychedelic field recordings.

Along with the project they've also released a 15- minute motion picture revealing the ex-traordinary story of how the record came to be, a dramatic piece involving ski accidents, black coffee magic and brutal fight scenes.

The album is a combination of beats from the SP1200/S950 combo as well as dubs & ef-fects from the Roland 201 Space Echo. Torb collects rare, obscure, world funk and rare groove records from India, Thailand, China & Japan. There are a bunch of dusty loops on the record made from his digs.


The cover design is a mix of hand drawn illustrations, pictures of equipment and a picture of Floppy McSpace by Ocht & Torb.

Killer trip into unknown South-East Asian Melayu & Pinoy Funk -
Rare Groove - Deep Soul - Disco & AOR!

Killer trip into unknown South-East Asian Melayu & Pinoy Funk -
Rare Groove - Deep Soul - Disco & AOR!

The big new project for 2020 is the long awaited collaboration Vibronics meets Weeding Dub called "Note fi Note / Dub fi Dub". Two of Europe’s highest regarded and most active dub producers joined forces for this unique project and throughout 2020 there will be a series of 12” vinyl releases, each featuring different vocalists. First up is the opening release featuring Nia Songbird & Madu Messenger we will be touring together mixing dubs live on stage as well as releasing releasing more tracks with some amazing vocalists. This 12” record comes in a beautifully designed & printed full colour sleeve.

Bullion returns with a brand new release for 2020. Black vinyl housed in reverse board single sleeve and black poly-lined inner sleeve. Includes the singles ‘Hula’ and ‘We Had A Good Time’.Follows October’s release of Bullion’s ‘4 Down’ compilation, which featured covers from the likes of Westerman, Joviale, M. T. Hadley and Bullion himself. Nathan Jenkins is a songwriter and producer from West London, currently based in Lisbon. Under his pseudonym Bullion he’s released records on Young Turks, R&S, The Trilogy Tapes and Whities. As a producer and mixer, Nathan’s worked with Sampha, David Byrne, Paul Epworth and Westerman. Remix credits include Todd Terje, Metronomy, Model 500 and Dita Von Teese.

Following the success of their last collaboration with Isaac Chambers and Dub Princess, their multi-million streaming remix of ‘Kryptology’, they’ve returned the favour and refried their 'Back to my Roots' track, adding their own special dubwise flavours to the easy skanking original.

This Record Store Day Dubmission Records are releasing a limited run 7” vinyl featuring both vocal and dub cuts.

More Trouble is a collection of bonus tracks and alternate takes from Marvin Gaye’s Trouble Man sessions taken from the Trouble Man: 40th Anniversary Expanded Edition. These track will be on vinyl for the first time.

Melvo Baptiste steps up to mix his second Glitterbox compilation, 'Pump The Boogie!', featuring the upfront disco heat that has been setting off the dancefloor all summer at Glitterbox parties in New York, Amsterdam, London and Ibiza. A contender for the hottest party on earth, this Glitterbox season saw record numbers through the doors at Hï Ibiza, with Melvo himself playing his first headline sets in the club's main room, the Theatre. 'Pump The Boogie!' reflects the sounds of the Theatre, moving from the joyful 80s and 90s sounds of The Emotions 'Turn It Out' and Kathy Brown 'I Appreciate' through modernised classics like Sister Sledge 'Got To Love Somebody' remixed for 2018 by disco maestro Dimitri From Paris. More so than ever this edition has a heavy focus on the latest upbeat dancefloor killers from the last 12 months, like Selace 'So Hooked On Your Lovin'' (Mousse T.'s Extended Disco Shizzle) and Gershon Jackson presents Reset Preset 'Hands Together' (House of Omni Hands Together Extended Club Mix), the exceptional new release from the Glitterbox imprint.

Demonstrating what Glitterbox does best, 'Pump The Boogie!' explores authentic dance music enhanced by live instrumentation. Mighty Mouse 'The Spirit', another Glitterbox release, uses percussion and brass blasts to build energy, DJ Mes 'Da Change' (Miguel Migs Salty Rub) carries a captivating guitar hook and Paradise Express 'Dance' (Special 12' Disco Mix) features the unmistakeable backing of a full disco band. The album's namesake 'Pump The Boogie' (Basstoy Boogie Mix) by Mark Picchiotti goes full throttle with chest-pounding groove, strings and earworm vocal. Melvo's 'Pump The Boogie!' beckons you to the dancefloor once again with a truly stomping, timeless compilation.

“Live In Europe Vol.1” is the second Altsax production. These live recordings capture a series of the artist and his quartet’s performances throughout Europe in 1975. These gigs reflect Howard’s peculiar musical identity on the Free Jazz scene of that era. An uncanny and heavy atmosphere unifies the different compositions which are constructed with improvisations on disturbing repetitions.

Noah Howard(as),Takashi Kako (p), Kent Carter (b), Muhammad Ali (dr), Oliver Johnson (dr)

45 years after its original release, Sconsolato is proud to annonce an official reissue of “Live In Europe Vol.1” limited to 300 remastered vinyl copies.

For First Time On Vinyl: Ltd. Ultra Clear Vinyl Edition! Only 10 Tapes were available...

2x12″ in Printed 5mm Spined Sleeve. Features unreleased tracks/remixes from Louie Vega, Jovonn, Sean McCabe, 95 North & Black Sonics

‘Repetitive Scratch Injury’ is the perfect go-to record for any portablist jam or 7” DJ set and contains original yet highly addictive scratch sounds. Side A is arranged at 83.3 bpm and concentrates more on vocal phrasing whilst Side B, at 100 bpm offers 5 great new ‘aah’ and ‘fresh’ alternatives as well as the originals. The record also includes ‘sneaky secret scratches’ by including an alternate sample on just 1 rotation of each scratch loop, giving scratch fiends an element of ‘russian roulette’ to keep things interesting. Pressed on bright pink vinyl with full colour picture sleeve illustrated by renowned skateboard artist Mark ‘Fos’ Foster (Heroin, Altamont, Baker, Toy Machine, Santa Cruz, Element and more)

Produced by World Champion turntablist DJ Woody

12 unique skip-proof scratch phrases plus 2 longer sentences and features ‘secret’ scratch sounds

Perfect go-to record for any portablist jam or 7” DJ set.

Pink vinyl

Sleeve artwork by Mark ‘Fos’ Foster (Heroin Skateboards, Altamont, Baker, Toy Machine, Santa Cruz, Element)

Side A programmed at 83.3bpm, side B programmed at 100bpm

Blaq Numbers welcomes back DJ Psychiatre for the 8th
instalment in its Blaq Tapes series. The French producer’s
Introspection EP boasts 5 cuts of modern and melodic Detroitleaning House with flashes of early Trance, talkbox Acid and
other psychedelia. Big hitters Goddard and Pedr (aka Pierre
Moritz) contribute two remixes to the release; the former
jumping on the ghostly, soulful breaks of “Sumthin About Luv”
while the latter reworks “Falling Endlessly” into a grooving
110bpm roller.

Two super cool 7-inches of Ivan Ave's new RNB singles, featuring artists like Byron The Aquarius & Mndsgn. Both seven inches comes with a nice booklet with photo album, lyrics, inner sleeve, PVC outer sleeve and a hype sticker! Illustrations by the grand imperial Nick Dahlen.
Mutual Intentions is proud to announce the long awaited comeback from one of Norway's biggest exports of urban music - Ivan Ave - rapper turned singer. It's two songs on each 7-inch which makes it four new singles in total, all released with instrumentals on their flipsides. The 45's feature production and vocals from artists such as Byron The Aquarius, Mndsgn, Joyce Wrice, Devin Morrison, Sasac & Clever Austin of Hiatus Kaiyote.

The second single from the forthcoming album "Break Free" finally sees the light of the day on Tesla Groove International Recordings through a beautiful video by Max Cavalli Cocchi who has put on images the real meaning of the song. As Jason says: "In our society addiction is something most of us, if not all of us, have to deal with. Directly or indirectly. Some times this addiction is to the detriment of ourselves, at times others, and at times both. Amongst the many addiction there's the worst of them all: MONEY! How much is enough? When is it too much? No one person should be expected to save the world but, If you have more money than a man could ever spend in a lifetime, then the people on your team should not struggle to afford the necessities of life while working full time". Of course we all know that this is called "system" but many of you will agree with me we could add the word "failing" to it. With this song we celebrate Davide Salzano entering the team with his Fender Precision Bass and VideoMax at the graphic controls. Huge thanks to anyone contributing to the making of this release, let's celebrate the failure of the system all together "SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD"! 300 copies pressed on a beautiful AQUA CRYSTAL VINYL

The Blue Beat Label celebrates 60 years during 2020. A very special release on 7" Vinyl for Record Store Day 2020, featuring a double A side with an exclusive Record Store Day 2020 track "Blue Beat Is Back in Town" by Marcus .,Upbeat/.and the very first A side ever released on the Blue Beat Label "Boogie Rock" by Laurel Aitken.

This is an exclusive release for Record Store Day 2020 on a very special anniversary year for The Blue Beat Label. Marcus Upbeat said "I really look forward to The Blue Beat Label releasing this exclusive celebration track for Record Store Day this year alongside the first ever single released on The Blue Beat Label Boogie Rock by Laurel Aitken. A very unique and special double A side 7" vinyl release for Record Store Day 2020."

A national radio, national press and TV PR campaign with an extensive online promotional campaign will be implemented alongside Record Store Day 2020 promotion.

Instore promotional materials and activities can also be made available.

Killer trip into unknown South-East Asian Melayu & Pinoy Funk -
Rare Groove - Deep Soul - Disco & AOR!

Hitting hard like a hammer we have unearthed the fist pumping fight for you rights power SWAM 45 like no other. Sung and performed by legendary soul and blues artist Arthur Adams. The session was recorded sometime between 1969 & 1971 and fuelled by discontent amongst young and old black Americans for a consistent lack of equal rights and suppression across the U.S.A. Backing Arthur Adams on the track were none other than some of The Crusaders. Joe Sample (Keyboards) Stix Hooper (Drums) Wilton Felder (Bass) and Al Versova (Guitar). Somehow this studio reel was sent to a West Coast a&r person for a view to public release. We are unsure why the tracks got over looked, but we are happy to have them for our 50th release.
A-"Fight for you rights" could stand toe to toe with Bobby Bland,Joe Tex and Sebastian Williams and many other hard hitting artists who have been revered on the soul scene for the past 50 years. Its hits hard with its message but musically punches you across the dance floor with its driving drums and guitar licks. Mastered from the original reels we made sure each element was on point for that 45 vinyl release. B-Sure is funky down here" is exactly what it says on the tin! A fast paced down home style funk instrumental, but what we love is it lets rip half way through with a ferocious drum break and bass line breakdown. So in keeping with its 1971 production.

Stop everything you're about to do and take a hit of Diazpora's new Album "Ping Pong Powerplay" now. Vast amounts of dopamine will be released as the needle hits the groove. Problems will disappear, heartache will crumble and legs going to move.

With its ten modern songs built upon solid funk tradition, this album helps you get on the good foot! All songs were recorded in Diazpora's "Monopalast" rehearsal studio in Hamburg, straight after the writing process, keeping it fresh, edgy and simple. The songs range from dancefloor tracks Diazpora is so known for, to heartfelt ballads, using Ping Pong as an olympic metaphor for life. Still in the game after countless years, Diazpora once more show nothing but love to their audience and THE FUNK with this latest release.Ping Pong Powerplay!

‘Friday Forever’ is the second album from multi-artist project
Everything Is Recorded, helmed by producer artist Richard Russell.
This follows the critically acclaimed and Mercury Music Prize
nominated debut of 2018, ‘Everything Is Recorded’ by Richard
Russell.
 ‘Friday Forever’ takes on a multi-lensed perspective of a classic night
out, followed closely by the sobering reflections of the next morning.
 The album features an array of new collaborators - in British rappers
Aitch, FLOHIO and Berwyn, Irish singer songwriters Maria Somerville
and Kean Kavanagh, the inimitable voices of A.K. Paul, James
Massiah and returning vocalist Infinite Coles - as well as established
names like Ghostface Killah and Penny Rimbaud.
 Also released in April 2020, via White Rabbit, Richard Russell’s
‘Liberation Through Hearing’ - available in hardback, ebook, audio - is
a spiritual journey through music by the Mercury Prize nominated
musician and the man behind some of the world’s biggest recording
artists including Adele, Dizzee Rascal and The Prodigy. ‘Liberation
Through Hearing’ sees Richard Russell telling the remarkable story of
XL Recordings and their three decades on the frontline of innovation
in music; the eclectic chorus of artists who came to define the label’s
unique aesthetic and Russell’s own story; his highs and lows steering
the fortunes of an independent label in a rapidly changing industry,
his celebrated production work with Bobby Womack and Gil ScottHeron on their late-career masterpieces and his own development as
an artist as Everything Is Recorded.
 Always searching for news sounds and new truths, ‘Liberation
Through Hearing’ is a portrait of a man who believes in the spiritual
power of music to change reality. It is also the story of a record label
that refused to be categorised by genre and in the process cut an
idiosyncratic groove which was often underground in feel but
mainstream in impact.
 “Writing this book was an opportunity for me to reflect on the last
few decades. I hope people will get something from it. I’ve tried not
to compromise in anything I’ve done, and that includes writing
‘Liberation Through Hearing’” - Richard Russell

This is a serious collaboration, two internationally acclaimed artists joining forces on a series of new recordings and live shows showcasing the unending diversity & innovation present in UK Reggae & Dub.

First up is “Sound System Girl” - digging deep into Sandra’s Sound System History on a future sounding re-cut of the Cuss Cuss Riddim , on the flip side ‘Fyah Bun’ is stepping spiritual dub music at it’s best.

Sandra Cross needs no introduction, she is a true legend whose career begun at the age of 14 with a no.1 hit in the UK Reggae charts. Since then she has gone on to be one of THE defining female voices of British Reggae. Sandra’s award winning career has seen her hook up with the likes of Mad Professor and Sly & Robbie for a near endless round of hit singles & albums.
Vibronics, the future sound of dub, have been vibrating the world with bass since 1996. Their music is at the forefront of the UK Dub scene, proven by over 60 releases on their own legendary SCOOPS label as well as a host of albums, singles and remixes for a myriad of other labels such as Jarring Effects, Dubhead and Jah Tubbys. In the studio they have worked with Michael Prophet, Iration Steppas, Macka B, Aba Shanti, Brain Damage, High Tone, Big Youth, Gaudi and an almost endless list of dub & reggae luminaries.

The Suedehead Sound Of The Early 70's Followed The Skinhead Style Of The 1968-70 Period.
The Notable Difference Could Be Seen And Heard, The Sharp Jerky Upbeat Rhythms Were Slowing Down A Notch To What We Soon Be Calling That Early Reggae Sound.
The Tougher Harder Look Of The Rude Boy/skinhead Style Was Relaxing A Little To Almost Meet With The Less Frantic Rhythms To A More Slowed Down Groove Like Sound. The Hair Got A Little Longer, Going From A Mark 1 To A Feather Cut Style..
The 'rude Boy Out Of Jail' Type Lyrics Were Becoming More Conscientious, This Was Another Twist And Turn In The Ever Evolving Sound Of Jamaican Music,
But What Is Sure The Artists And Producers Never Disappointed Us In This Period , So Here Is A Compilation Of Some Tunes That The Suedehead Crowd Were Grooving To....
Hope You Enjoy The Set....

Part six of Hivern Discs' Fragments compilation. While compilations tend to look backwards, 'Fragments' is far from being a retrospective. Since its launch in 2008, Hivern Discs has favoured a documentary approach, capturing the most vital and exciting sounds within its orbit at each particular moment. In keeping with the ethos of the label, this extensive compilation, comprising 29 new tracks across six 12?s, offers a panoramic glimpse of Hivern's present and gives indications as to its near future. The artists featured comprise both fresh and familiar faces; some of them have been a foundational presence since the beginning (John Talabot, Pional, Marc Pinol), others are recent acquaintances (Epsilove, Fantastic Man, Inga Mauer, Samo DJ). Together the compilation makes for a snapshot of Hivern's current identity, with a wide array of names and projects connecting the dots between the sounds, moods and ideas that continue to inspire and move the label today. Hivern was born a decade ago as a platform to celebrate a shared sensibility beyond any semblance of categorization. And that's what this collection of music is all about.

"A Western Circular" is Will Archer’s debut under his new nom-de-plume, following early EP's- and an Album under the now-retired Slime moniker. Within ‘A Western Circular’ lies an exciting- and varied crew of guest artists including MF DOOM,Samuel T. Herring (Future Islands), Sudan Archives & Laura Groves, all contributing vocals to his rich, dexterous compositions!

An Album that’s been in the works for the past half-decade, ‘A Western Circular’ is a bold, reflective piece that directly relates to Archer’s personal experiences of life and death, centred on one particular week where they breathed with equal intensity. Ostensibly, it’s a poignant reflection on the duality of the human condition.

Debut full length from skinhead soul/reggae/boogaloo/acid jazz/mod combo from Buenos Aires, who have also released two 7" on RECORD KICKS. Features ANDY KEYS CLARK and JENNIE MATTHIAS (BELLE STARS), these 6 cuts are dance floor groovers, be it Hammond soul or early reggae.

'Smoke City' was an English band that blended acid jazz and trip-hop, best known for their single "Underwater Love", which was a major hit in 1997. It is featured on their successful debut album 'Flying Away'.
Other tracks as "Numbers" and "Dark Walk" are just as strong and they're covering almost every style of music on the record.

If you ever run across "Underwater Love" and you've been wondering if these guys are any good, take this album out for a spin.
You'll find out that they have a lot more to offer.

'Flying Away' is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on green, white and black marbled vinyl.

'Smoke City' was an English band that blended acid jazz and trip-hop, best known for their single "Underwater Love", which was a major hit in 1997. It is featured on their successful debut album 'Flying Away'.
Other tracks as "Numbers" and "Dark Walk" are just as strong and they're covering almost every style of music on the record.

If you ever run across "Underwater Love" and you've been wondering if these guys are any good, take this album out for a spin.
You'll find out that they have a lot more to offer.

'Flying Away' is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on green, white and black marbled vinyl.

2 track Single from Alton Ellis released by Techniques/Dub Store Records

As a little treat for Valentines Day, a double AA-side single from Manchester hip hop soul heavyweights, Children of Zeus. Two non-album loosies get an official release on First Word on this, their 5th
7" vinyl single release.

First up, there's some classic vintage soul vibes on the slinkily smooth sounds of 'Royal', which first appeared as a free download on Valentines Day last year. The inimitable vocals of Tyler Daley saunter atop a truly regal break on this essential slow jam - perfect quiet storm business.

On the flip, a more contemporary jam sitting somewhere in the cracks between neo-soul, new jack swing and hip hop, as CoZ do so well, on the uplifting new year, new mantra of 'Get What's Yours', which previously appeared on First Word Records' free annual compilation 'Two Syllables'. A future anthem, for sure.

2020 is set to be another busy year for Konny Kon & Tyler Daley. As they continue to rock shows across the globe, they are busily working on their second official album, set to land before the year is out.

Please note, neither of these tracks will appear on any album in the future, and will ONLY be available on this very limited edition dinked 7" single.

Both joints are already being bumped far & wide by the usual selectors.

Don't get royally left behind, make sure you get what's yours…

The longtime portuguese dj-producer Dedy Dread lands on DJ's CHOICE label for his first full-on original production. "Don't Wanna Wake Up" kicks off the collaboration with the soulful Hawaiian-born singer Olivia Ruff, a velvety warm r'n'b banger which will certainly tear through the airwaves. On the flip side, a "bikini-dub" version by The Rebel – helped by the sax of Danilo Desideri (Funkallisto) – which will make you wish summer comes sooner rather than later.

'The Loser' is gloriously considered as one of the most significant songs and rhythm tracks in the history of Reggae music. Also entitled as 'The Winner', the song is perfectly adapted to the sound system dubplate culture. Talking about the Rocksteady genre, this song cannot be ignored. 'Now We Know' on the flip side is released as a 7" inch single for the first time ever.

Derrick Harriott versions the Motown hit 'Reach Out I Will Be There'. His killer version is a dancehall shaker and many have been searching for this rare piece of vinyl as an essential record for any DJ selection. The Four Tops originally released the song in the mid 60's. The mid-tempo organ instrumental 'Illya Kuryakin' features Ike Bennet's powerful organ solo on the filpside.