Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Available for the first time on vinyl

Remastered

Library style funk LP

500 copies

For fans of funk, soul, library records & old film soundtracks

Originally released in 2015 on cassette by G.E.D. Soul Records. Now for the first time on 1LP vinyl on KingUnderground.

The album is a collection of delightfully smoked out, Library inspired instrumentals. Following in the footsteps of their highly enjoyable 2011 debut. "Return Of" combines many shades of many moods into a tight record that finds a nice balance between strange hype arrangements and super chill "couch-lock" inducing slow jams. It embarks on a cinematic soul journey from the opening note, through the interlude, straight to the closing credits.

Robert Montgomery is a Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Producer, Keyboard and Organ Instrumentalist, who began his music career in his early teens jamming with local bands in his small hometown of Rome, Georgia. The most notable being 'The Sons of Aries'. Performing their own blend of rock, soul, and jazz, kept them very busy throughout the southeastern states. However, they never gravitated to recording any original material, and eventually disbanding.
It was then that Robert began to write his own songs. One such tune was the soulful 'I Need You Girl,' a song based on personal experience with his future wife, Emma. By now in his early 20's Robert was an aspiring solo artist. Hooking up with a crafty local businessman named Jeffrey Jackson Jr, He entered the studio and recorded 'I Need You Girl,' using guys from his former group who were by then called 'Chain Reaction'. So the song was released on Jackson's label, Crescent Records, but due to a shoestring budget the 1000 copies pressed were poorly distributed and the song never really achieved any great level of success.
Following 12 months on the road with a group called Villaruz, in 1978 Robert moved to Atlanta. Following an invitation to join a band he'd heard rehearsing as their keyboard and organ player, Robert began a short tenure with the Michigan funk group 'Ripple' who themselves had moved to Atlanta upon signing with GRC Records. Ripple recorded several hit singles for GRC including 'I Don't Know What It Is, But It Sure Is Funky'. Followed by the seminal album 'Sons Of The Gods' for Salsoul Records in 1977, which featured their perennial disco/hustle classic 'The Beat Goes On And On'. During a later period of reconstruction by Ripple's band leader percussionist Brian Sherrer. Robert used musicians from Ripple to record four self penned songs as a vanity project which remained unissued, two of which have since been released as a Soul Junction 45 the modern soul dancers 'Time Of The Day/Take Me High' (SJ537). While a third track, the excellent ballad 'Love Song About You' made it's initial debut as part of the popular 'We Got A Sweet Thing Going On ' (Volume 3) cd compilation series to great acclaim, following requests for it to put on a 45 we have duly obliged placing it back to back with Robert's remaining previously unissued track the more dance orientated 'I Love You So' complete with girl backing singers. Thus in doing so, we have now completed the trilogy of Robert Montgomery's recording output.

rown out of their small-town suburban roots to speak to the trudging nation, The Drop have established themselves touring the UK festival circuit and self releasing a string of singles and EPs, gaining a loyal grassroots following along the way. Marrying jump-up grooves, down & dirty bass, epic walls of sound and clever lyricism they create a mesmeric stage show, captivating the audience from the first track to the reluctant last.
Taking some time out after a frantic first few years of gigging to perfect their long awaited debut album, 'Last Stand', they are primed for a return to the stage. The album, recorded at the prestigious KONK Studios, remains true to the live experience they've developed and features dub pioneer Lee "Scratch" Perry on lead single Dunna Runna.
They have had national radio plays from David Rodigan (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music), Gilles Peterson (World Wide FM), and online support from Bandcamp, Nice Up! podcast, Clash, Irie Mag, Reggaeville, United Reggae UK Bass Music etc.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- INSERT WITH EXCLUSIVE LINER NOTES BY ANDY CATO
- CONTAINING THE HIT SINGLES EASY', PURPLE HAZE' & BUT I FEEL GOOD'
- FEAT. GUEST APPEARANCES BY NENEH CHERRY, SUNSHINE ANDERSON, RICHIE HAVENS A.O.
- SPECIAL GROOVE ARMADA 21 EDITION - 2.000 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON TRANSPARENT BLUE VINYL

The electronic music duo Groove Armada released their fourth album Lovebox in 2002. The album includes some of their best tracks, ramping through genres from rock 'n' roll to the psychedelica and ska. It also features collaborations with artists like Neneh Cherry and Richie Havens, who ads some soulful voices to the whole. Opener Purple Haze' introduces us to a giant guitar riff and highlight Madder' takes the groove out of The Clash's Magnificent Seven', before moving on to the raps by M.A.D. They're incorporating a lot of samples in the fine structured melodies of soul/funk/rock and hip-hop.

After playing at club nights for years Andy Cato and Tom Findlay joined forces and created their debut album 'Northern Star' and breakthrough hit 'At The River'. It was the start of a collaboration that brought them hits like My Friend' and Superstylin''.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- INSERT WITH EXCLUSIVE LINER NOTES BY ANDY CATO
- CONTAINS EXCLUSIVE POSTER
- AVAILABLE ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME
- CONTAINING THE HIT SINGLES GET DOWN', SONG 4
MUTYA' & LOVE SWEET SOUND'
- FEAT. GUEST APPEARANCES BY ANGIE STONE, CANDI
STATON, MUTYA BUENA, ALAN DONOHOE A.O.
- SPECIAL GROOVE ARMADA 21 EDITION - 2.000 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON PINK (LP1) & YELLOW (LP2) VINYL

Groove Armada's fifth studio album Soundboy Rock is and unpredictable mix of breakbeats, trip hop and electro-driven songs. The diversity and continuity of their previous work Lovebox is combined with some exciting heaviness. They offer so much diversity that every musical fan will get it's taste of their great production skills. MC Stush shares her vocals on the hooked single Get Down'. The eighties pop and new wave comes together on the glorious Song 4 Mutya (Out Of Control)'. The productions sounds perfect and the vocals turn out well.

The electronic music duo Andy Cato and Tom Findlay took their first step in the music scene when they were working together in the music club Groove Armada. Later on they released a couple of big hits, including My Friend' and Superstylin''.

Neon Finger starts a brand new vinyl line (NFE). Javi Frias (Night Shift Records owner also in charge of Discotizer at Marula Café Madrid) takes care of the first 7 reference, entitled 'Feel Your Soul', featuring 2 tracks filled with armloads of groove.

Its Rap and Roll, 2nd Generation.(1st generation was Run DMC, Beastie Boys,LL Cool J).A mash up of styles all under one album.. 

Trying to explain the immoral wrongs of the world within the world we come from... Re educating our selfs and saying what we believe in our songs.. Hence 'Teach Peace'. Education, housing, healthcare, food banks, racism, corporate greed, tax evasion, climate change, child abuse and religion all need to be addressed properly.

Not swept under the carpet to be covered up by the next scandal.. We need moral leaders who are strong and willing to die for they're beliefs.. Not selling their people down the river to the highest bidder!!... We all need to be speaking our minds about whats going on... Peace is the only way for everyone... Peace can be just as prosperous as war.. Even for the corporations..there's nothing wrong with making money. It's what you do with it that counts..

It just takes a little bit of time and thought. But greed leads to the inequality of more than 80% of our world.. We need to help people become aware of this.. It's not where we're from, it's where we're at!

A fresh iteration of the mid-eighties LP (itself a compilation of recordings from the previous five years or so), replacing two tracks — Dancing In The Rain and All Things — with their full 12' versions.This is a deeply personable, expert, limber blend of roots and lovers, kicking off with an exclusive mix of the deadly Mash Down Babylon; dropping classic, lush, spaced-out Wackies dub science to close; and taking in reworkings of Lickshot, Billie Jean and The Righteous Flames' I Was Born To Be Loved, along the route.The moniker 'Chosen Brothers' is Lloyd Barnes' spiritual way of sharing the credit for his solo projects. "Anyone in the studio at the time could be a Chosen Brother,' he says. In this case a full crew includes Sugar Minott and Prince Douglas at the desk; Jah Batta, Milton Henry, Wayne Jarrett and Junior Delahaye all on backing vocals; and such dream-team Bullwackies instrumentalists as Clive Hunt, Jerry Johnson, Fabian Cooke and Ras Menelik.

The London-based record label releases the third compilation of
tracks from their limited edition 7' and 10' singles on LP and digital
download formats. Among those artists / tracks involved in this collection are the skittering Arthur Russell-indebted jam of 'Running Out' by Boxed In & Formation, the DNA-rearranging genre-shifting post punk of Melt Yourself Down, the glacial synth-pop of JW Ridley and the Sademeets-PJ Harvey power pop of newcomer DEWEY.
In the strong tradition of breaking their own rules the compilation
also includes the two tracks from Speedy's very first double A-Side - MEATDUSCHER aka Meatraffle's 'The Bird Song' (one of Marc Riley's Tracks Of The Year) and the dirty riffage of Warmduscher's 'The Sweet Smell Of Florida' which also appears on their recent Careyproduced album 'Whale City'.
For the first time ever the label also deviated from their strict 7'
policy with the epic sprawling 13-minute epic 'Hyperborea' from
Kraut-psychedelia darlings Flamingods, the results of which could
only be contained on 10' wax. Also included is the summery G-funk groove of 'I'm Gone' from legendary Detroit Stones Throw rapper Guilty Simpson, laying down his vocals over a beat provided by label head-honcho himself Mr. Dan
AKA Dan Carey. Speedy Wunderground, the label run by Dan Carey alongside Alexis Smith and Pierre Hall, is changing. As always this evolvement is a natural thing, driven by the artists and, more importantly, the music itself. Whilst the focus is still on the idea of spontaneity examples like the above are a perfect example of how the imprint is developing.
The whole idea of Speedy is to be unrestricted,' says Hall, 'so
although the 'rules' themselves have always been slightly tongue-incheek there would be a subtle sense of irony in the idea that we were restricted by our own restrictions! So we're kinda open to anything. That's the point. As always, the music takes first priority.'
LP format includes digital download code.
Tourdates - July 27 The Heavenly Social London (album launch party).

Gloria Taylor was from Ohio and was discovered by a promoter and production manager for James Brown. They later married. Gloria recorded for King Soul from the late 60s. Her biggest chart record was the Grammy nominated 'You Got To Pay The Price' (1969) before a move to California and collaborations with Selector Sound/Columbia Records in the 70s. From these, the two songs presented here have become her most enduring and sought after. They are the most atmospheric and slow burning deep soul cuts and only two on a full Columbia label release. Originals are extremely expensive.

Rance Allen, from Monroe Michigan, with older brother Tom on drums and younger brother Steve on bass recorded their first record and won a talent contest in Detroit and were subsequently signed to Stax's Gospel Truth label in 1971. After four albums Rance signed to Capitol and made his most highly acclaimed album 'Say My Friend'. It was produced by the Mizell Brothers (responsible for iconic albums on Donald Byrd, Bobbi Humphrey, Gary Bartz and Johnny Hammond). 'Reason To Survive' and 'Peace Of Mind' were the two singles, and both these 7' versions have been impossible to find. Original copies are expensive and extremely sought after. Expansion can now deliver both A sides back to back remastered from the original tapes in all their glory. The full album is available on CD from Soul Brother Records.

Sandra Wright was an incredibly powerful Soul singer from Memphis (later Nashville). 'Wounded Woman' is one of the greatest Deep Southern Soul albums of all time and defined by it's title track  re-issued on 7' here for the first time. The flip side 'Midnight Affair' has been an in demand modern soul dancer for many years and it receives it's first UK release here. Both songs were recorded at Broadway Studios Muscle Shoals in 1974 produced by David Johnson, in the same studio that Swamp Dogg used for his seminal albums by Doris Duke and Sandra Phillips. Timing for the release coincided with the demise of it's label Truth/Stax Records and so missed its opportunity for the commercial greatness it deserved. Original copies of 'Wounded Woman', the 7' on Truth Records have sold for over £300. Soul Brother also have the full album available on LP and CD.

Bristol's finest DJ team - The Allergies are back at it again with the a new single taken from their album 'Steal The Show'... And they've refined their sound even further on the record with more live instrumentation than ever before as they evolve their funky orchestrations to exciting new territories.

Their M.O hasn't changed as they continue to ply their signature playful style that reshapes vintage sounds for the modern dancefloor, with two more red hot tracks guaranteed to get the party started.

14 track Album from Various Artists released by Dub Store Records

Chicago wordsmith Verbal Kent (Ugly Heroes) and Spanish-German beat maker Superior have joined forces. The resulting full-length album "Half My Life" is set for release via Below System Records. Known for his mixture of verbal gymnastics with humor and everyday pathos, Verbal Kent delivers what might be among his most personal rhymes.

Speaking on the significance of the album title Kent said "Half My Life signifies the amount of time I've been at this. I started rhyme writing seriously at 18/19 years old and never looked back. I've always felt grounded in my expectations, fame and fortune was never a factor for me. I love making music enough to do it seriously for 20 years now, and I doubt I'll ever be able to stop."

Superior's creative use of psychedelic, rock, soul and funk samples create an eclectic yet cohesive musical backdrop. Some examples of the chemistry include the first single "The Little Things" which is Kent's version of the love joint (see Common's "The Light") but more in Seinfeld territory. Sample lyric "Dr. Kirschenbaum's my dentist and now he's your dentist and that goes for any practitioner of medicines."

Tracks like "Classic Shit" and "For The Love" are deeply biographical tracks while there is also straight quality emceeing tracks including "Go Get The Dank" and "Steven Hawking Walking". Guests that get it in on the album include Vic Spencer, Sonnyjim, Recognize Ali and Lance Ambu.
Initially linking up on a track on Superior's album "The Journey" (released early 2017) the duo realized that they were a good combination. Speaking on the album process Kent said "when Superior started sending me beats I started realizing his beats are emotional, so I let them lead the way as a result a lot of the content is reflective."

The budding of a serious team for boom bap lovers, Superior and Verbal Kent were able to link up in person this summer and perform at Hip Hop Kemp, one of Europe's biggest festivals. "More on the way" Verbal Kent adds.

"k.o." Ist Die Blaupause Für Einen Futuristischen Neuen Dancehall-style, Der Miss Red In Ein Gemeinsames Outernationales Beat-continuum Mit Seelenverwandten Acts Wie Equiknoxx (jamaika) Und Seekersinternational (kanada) Setzt. Ihr Debütalbum Erscheint Auf Dem Neuen Label Pressure Ihres Produzenten Kevin Martin Aka The Bug, Der Schon Auf Ihrem Ersten Mixtape "murder" (2015) Neben Mark Pritchard, Mumdance Und Andy Stott Zugegen War. Die Zwischen London Und Berlin Pendelnde Mc Aus Israel Tourte Als Teil Von The Bugs Line-up Mit Mc-kollegen Wie Flowdan, Daddy Freddy, Warrior Queen Und Riko Dan Und Arbeitete Erfolgreich Mit Dem Warp-künstler Gaika Zusammen.

Estonian archival label Frotee's 6th release 'Suvi ei jää' by Heidy Tamme is available again as 7' single with new B-side for the Balearic heads.
.
While 'Suvi ei jää' is a cover version of Roberta Flack's song 'What a Woman Really Means', it was given new Estonian lyrics which eloquently describe the summer season and its brevity (title translates as 'Summer Doesn't Stay'). It's sung by popular Estonian singer Heidy Tamme, recorded in 1982, and arranged by Tiit Paulus, one of the best Estonian jazz guitarists. After original release of 7' in 2015, Frotee has discovered another version of the title track. Tiit Paulus had played guitar over instrumental version of 'Suvi ei jää' and this version is now essential for our balearic summers.

The Vinyl Edition Is Limited To 500 Copies And Comes In A Sealed Heavy Old-fashioned Cardboard Sleeve, The Record Itself Is Packed In A Protective Poly-innersleeve. A Free Download Code Plus A Bjint Logo Sticker Round Up The Packaging. Philanthrope's Longplayer »waking Dreams« Marks The Very First Release On Our Newly Founded Beat Jazz International Label, Born Out Of Our Love And Passion For Beats, Jazz And Vinyl. After Well-received Output On Respected Labels Like Radio Juicy, Chillhop Or Dezi Belle, We Are Stunned To Present Philanthrope's All New Full-length With Illustrous Guests Like Mono:massive, Sugi.wa, Kupla And Tusken.

Gaika, Inspiriert Von Hochschule, Britischen Reggae-soundsystems, Philosophie, Politischer Theorie Und Vielen Künstlerkollegen, Liefert Seine Bislang Ausgereifteste Arbeit Ab: Eine Düstere, Süchtig Machende Mixtur Aus Gothic-dancehall Und Industrial-electronics, Das Von Persönlichen Geschichten Von Liebe, Verlust Und Rebellion Handelt. "basic Volume" Erweitert Die Horizonte Elektronischer Musik Als Auch Das Erbe Britischer Soundsystem-kultur Und Lädt Den Hörer In Eine Einzigartige Klangwelt Ein. Produziert Wurde Das 15-track-werk Von Gaika Und Weiteren, Ähnlich Progressiv Denkenden Zeitgenossen Wie Sophie, Dutch E Germ, Dre Skull, Dadras, Aart, Jam City Und Nick Leon. Es Erscheint Physisch Als 6-seitiges Cd-digipak Und Doppelvinyl In Bedruckten Innentaschen Im Vinylschuber Mit Download-code Und Obi-strip.

"a New British Icon." - Guardian

For its tenth year as a label, 4Weed Records proudly presents Zion Kingdom, a special EP we've been working on since long time. A feature between historical sound system Dread Lion Hi Fi, also active as producer and promoter, and Mr Biska, this release is enhanced by legendary Henry Tenyue's trombone melody, aka Matic Horns, and it is mixed, dubbed and mastered by Steve Vibronics.
Over the years Matic Horns has been collaborating in studios and live performances with the best Jamaican and English talents such as Gregory Isaacs, Freddie McGregor, John Holt, Luciano, Aswad, UB40, Horace Andy, just to name a few. Dread Lion Hi Fi crew is a historical Italian sound system, that has been a reference point for the reggae vibez in Italy, promoter of historical events such as the Milano Dub Club and the Dubwise Festival, where the best producers, singers and selectas of the international scene have been hosted. The combination with master Steve Vibronics was born far away in time, from a consolidated relationship over the years that brought about this collaboration.
The track opens with a magical trombone melody by Matic Horns that perforates the pad carpet laying down the whole tune while indicating the path, a victorious march to Zion. The guitar riff, which perfectly fits to the trombone melody, introduces the drop of a deep overwhelming rhythm that transmits the desire of moving and dancing, and at the same time a spiritual mantra for high meditation. The production is enriched by three different dubs, mixed and made unique by Steve Vibronics' technique, reverbs, filters and delay, a very guaranty for the lovers of Uk Dub in roots and culture style.

Pure rhythm & groove adventure reflecting on UK Bass related beat science & Dub Reggae roots.

When Aretha Franklin joined Atlantic Records in 1967, it was the beginning of an unprecedented run that would ultimately cement her place as a music legend, a global household name, and one of the most influential singers of all time.

The Atlantic Singles Collection 1967-1970 features 34 singles which Franklin released during her first three years with Atlantic Records. Arranged chronologically, the songs on the new collection originally appeared on six studio albums: I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You (1967), Aretha Arrives (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Aretha Now (1968), Soul '69 (1969), This Girl's In Love With You (1970), and Spirits In The Dark (1970). The only exception is Franklin's cover of Elton John's 'Border Song', which was released as a single in 1970 and later appeared on her 1972 album Young, Gifted and Black. The vinyl version is a double LP with 25 tracks.

The album is stacked with many of Franklin's best-known songs, including 'I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)', 'Respect', 'Baby I Love You', 'Chain Of Fools' and '(Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been Gone.' Several of the songs on this collection are cover versions that underscore Franklin's exceptional skill at reinterpreting music and making songs her own. Among the highlights are her versions of Sam Cooke's 'You Send Me', The Band's 'The Weight', The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby', and Dionne Warwick's 'I Say A Little Prayer', which became a Billboard Top 10 hit for Franklin in 1968.

2018 marks the 40th Anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers' KAYA. Recorded in part during Marley's and the band's 1977 exile in London, KAYA is very much the sibling record to EXODUS. Fittingly, as Ziggy Marley revisited the original session recordings for last year's EXODUS 40 celebration, this year sibling Stephen Marley revisits the original session recordings to commemorate KAYA, bringing a fresh perspective to this suite that's quietly referred to as the 'Peace Treaty' album.

Classic funk-soul material of the highest order from the brilliant, Cymande.

'Fug' and 'Brothers On The Slide' are two classic, essential Cymande tracks.

Taken from their 'Second Time Round' and 'Promised Heights' LP's, respectively.

Mastered from original tapes to create the best possible reproduction, cut loud
on 7" vinyl.

Classic funk-soul material of the highest order from the brilliant, Cymande.

'Bra' and 'The Message' are two classic, essential Cymande tracks. Taken from
their awesome self-titled LP, respectively.

Mastered from original tapes to create the best possible reproduction, cut loud
on 7" vinyl.

2 track Single from Hux Brown / Tinga Stewart released by Power Pack/Dub Store Records

You can't understand Kendrick Lamar's career unless you understand "Overly Dedicated."

Friday Night Lights was the soundtrack that blew from the speakers a chill that mirrored the icy wind of my Atlanta winter—the weather matched the subdued yet sanguine mood that the music teetered on. J. Cole picked the perfect time to emerge from the sidelines when he decided that November would be the month of his release.

He was still considered a new artist, one that beamed with potential, Friday Night Lights solidified why he was given Jay Z's co-sign. To my surprise, he didn't wait to reach the position of a mogul before giving out his own co-sign. In an interview that took place near the end of 2010, when asked about his favorite album of the year, I was ready for him to crown Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, maybe Eminem's Recovery, or even Drake's Thank Me Later. He didn't name any of them. The person he named wasn't on the radio, wasn't big on blogs, I don't think he had a major record deal. It was the first time that I heard of Kendrick Lamar and his album Overly Dedicated.

When the album was finally in my eager possession, play was pressed with excitement, I wanted to hear the rapper that even J. Cole publicly adored. The first thing I realized was how much his voice was affecting the experience, youthful and scratchy with a touch of rasp, puberty never arrived to gift him a more mature tone. Imagine my disappointment, after a few songs I was back to playing Friday Night Lights trying to forget what I just heard. It wasn't the most pleasant first impression but before being fed to my recycle bin I wanted to give him a second listen. I can't explain what was different, but this time around the music hit me like an audio punch to the eardrums. 'The Heart PT 2,' the album's introduction, knocked me off my feet; the way his calm slowly became a calamity, the buildup of emotions was like a volcano going from dormant to eruption. The same scratchy, raspy voice was cloaked in relentless passion. The intense breathless flow that brings the song to a close left me wondering if he was human, questioning how I overlooked such obvious talent, my ears were opened, I was finally hearing what impressed J. Cole and what would eventually impress the world.

It's been five years since the release of Overly Dedicated, looking back, this album foreshadowed the artist he would grow to be. Look at it as the demo tape that's necessary to secure the label deal except it was released on iTunes and not passed around by A&Rs. While the Kendrick Lamar EP introduced the good kid, it was OD that displayed the more refined, polished rapper. He was far from the days of sounding like an off brand Lil Wayne, Kendrick found his voice and the confidence that it takes to make others believe in your vision.

Vision is one thing that Kendrick has, there are a lot of themes that appear on this album that became recurring throughout his career. One is alcohol, the song 'P&P 1.5' is an early version of 'Swimming Pools,' one that highlights two vices that he dives into. It's guaranteed to resonate with those who are going through something in life and are leaning on vices to be the umbrella in the storm; escapism at its finest. I also love that the song starts with a Martin skit before it was common knowledge that the '90s sitcom is his favorite series. The song "H.O.C" establish that Kendrick doesn't smoke despite always being around it, it's not until GKMC that we understand why. The album is full of glimpses into the Kendrick that we would later get to know in depth.

Another huge perspective is how he frames the city of Compton. We really get a partial view of a city where uncles are jailed, boys are fatherless, jobs aren't kept, the innocent aren't safe, relationships are turbulent, and money is the motivation that can drive the most upstanding citizen to the edge of despair. Even Kendrick, our protagonist, isn't above being tainted by d'evils, if his right on time conscience was a second late, he would be behind bars instead of rapping them. A lot of these nameless characters that inhabit his city who are trapped behind the barbed wire return as homies, enemies, lovers, and lessons that haunt and help him.

Kendrick makes being an average Joe relatable on all fronts, even if you never stepped foot into his hood, it's easy to imagine yourself in his shoes. OD captures all the angst and frustrations of the growing pains that come with chasing a dream in a tunnel with little light. Religion is another heavy topic he continues to explore. Before speaking with Jesus and Lucifer on TPAB, we see how Kendrick imagined 'Heaven & Hell' on the finale track. Sadly his voice fades out before he completes his view of Heaven. Notice that in the background of the cover are the faces of incredible artists who were immensely dedicated to their craft but died tragic deaths. It's also worth noting that the Dash Snow snippet that plays at the beginning of 'The Heart Pt 2' is extremely eerie when you realize that he died of a drug overdose. When you think about songs like 'Sing About Me' and 'U,' mortality and legacy are thoughts that he's constantly exploring in his music.

Overly Dedicated broke the barrier that separated Kendrick from the people and also his peers. J. Cole becoming a fan is what lead the two to become collaborators, and eventually brought us 'HiiPower.' More important than his relationship with Cole, without Overly Dedicated, Dr. Dre doesn't discover 'Ignorance Is Bliss' on YouTube. That's probably one of the most pivotal moments in Kendrick's career. Not only did Overly Dedicated establish who Kendrick Lamar is, it also allowed the world to see the other artists, producers, and affiliates that were building the foundation for TDE's dynasty.

This is back in 2010, ScHoolboy Q was just transitioning from hype man to rap artist. His verse on 'Michael Jordan' did wonders in helping him break out as his own star. Ab-Soul was already becoming a name in the underground, his strong closing verse on "P&P 1.5" likely sent people searching for more. Those that did were treated with the mixtape Longterm 2: Lifestyles Of The Broke & Almost Famousthat came out early that same year, one of his best bodies of work I must say.

Jhené Aiko and BJ The Chicago Kid were practically unknown at the time, two songbirds that were trying to build a nest in the music industry, their stellar features were huge looks for both artists. While Ash Riser isn't the most known artist, he is someone whose voice can be heard on every Kendrick album except GKMC. That's a level of loyalty you don't see every day in this industry. R.I.P to Alori Joh, another member of TDE that appears on the album who passed away in 2011. Tae Beast, Soundwave, and Willie B, before becoming the acclaimed TDE producers, were delivering quality production when the label was still on its ground floor. Without them, there is no TDE sound, there is no Kendrick Lamar. Even though Jay Rock is missing from this album, it's been well documented that his presence has been critical for the growth of Kendrick and TDE.

The Kendrick Lamar that we see today is much different than the man who rapped on this album. His album to album evolution is nothing short of astounding, somehow he continues to grow far beyond our imaginations. Even with all the changes, looking back, there's still so much he carries from the past into his present. From the styles to the concepts, you can trace almost everything back to his earlier work, the first real album of his career. Overly Dedicated is essential in understanding where Kendrick was before adopting the alien voices or embracing a more experimental sound. This one is completely hip-hop, for those seeking a lyricist with ideas and substance.

This is where it all begins—the arrival of Kendrick Lamar.

The unseen forces emitting out around ever being natures forces of destiny. Belief itself is God.

AURA's journey could be best described as a spiritual call to connect man and music.

Each new day brought in new and more difficult problems. In the hardest of times Aura lost their original lead guitarist. Green-Bird real name Dannie Stewart - a Jamaican, humble, handsome, and talented to the bones. He was too nice to die. He was drowned in a river within the historical city of Benin. All friendly hearts cried and cried, a memory too sad to recollect. Aura's journey sorrowly went along. Full of accedents, and frustration. We nearly crash-landed.

Thanks to Sheila, for her love and courage. Uzo, a true frendship that inspired every-body in Aura. He solved so many problems. Gratitude is the only word of our choice. The Lawsons and the Shotade family also have their very noble thanks; they were nice and helpful. Many more thanks to the numerous friends and heart-felt appriciations to Mr. J. H. Booth - Decca's new Director for his kindness and the entire staff that made this great 8 track maiden stereo album possible.

A solid belief in ourselves has pushed this group to this point; Aura making an "Astral Trip". This is an album which is a sincere sweet fruit of determination, soulful enough to turn you loose into true life experiences of good music.

All I owe you is love and appriciation.

2 track Single from U Roy / John Holt released by Inbidimts/Dub Store Records

Stockholm's Linn & Freddie debut excursion with Dinked Records sees two wonderful summery tunes, taken from their their long-awaited second album Right Here in the Middle, pressed up on 7 vinyl for the first time. The aptly named Sunshine is the perfect head nodder for those summer BBQs and Festivals. Flipped with a reggae/ska-fused version of the William DeVaughn classic, Be Thankful For What You Got this essential for your crates. Limited pressing of 500 copies don't sleep!!

The Radical Mixtape is unique within the Odd Future catalogue especially because it doesn't feature any production from mavericks Tyler, the Creator and Left Brain, the main producers of Odd Future material. Rather, they use the production of artists they listen to, such as Rich Boy's "Drop" and Gucci Mane "Lemonade." Since they usually keep the production in-house, it presents a departure from typical Odd Future music.

Highlights of the album for me are mostly Tyler and Earl Sweatshirt's contributions. "Splatter" was the first Tyler, the Creator song I heard, and quite frankly, it was one of the most evil things I've ever heard (I've since become quite desensitized to Tyler's shocking lyrics). The Fam-Lay beat ("Skrung Owt") sounds incredibly evil, and Tyler's asthmatic rasp is chilling. His voice has a complicated character to it that certainly puts him in the ranks of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

Earl's major solo piece on the mixtape, "Drop" (his other solo appearance being "Blade," which was meant to be a song with Domo, but was unavailable to record his part), is him at his prime. He had just recorded and dropped Earl, so this was just before February 2010, when he was sent to the Coral Reef Academy reformatory school in Samoa. He starts the song in his usual dark, morbid way: "tell your bitch to stop complain' bout her achy tits/her body is a temple, I don't give a fuck, I'm atheist." Overall, "Drop" ranks as one of my perennial favourite Earl songs.

Of course, a Tyler-Earl collaboration is always welcome (AssMilk always a favourite song in the OF discography), so "Orange Juice" is a highlight of the album. Tyler and Earl both give solid verses, although it might fall short of Gucci Mane's original (Earl definitely robbed Rich Boy of his beat though).

I found I also greatly enjoyed Mike G's role in this album. I initially ignored him, like many OF fans, but I've come to find renewed appreciation for his calm, slow flow. Mike G has a rather lovely performance in "Everything that's Yours," and his collab with Earl, "Cool," rivals the other major Earl-Mike G collaboration, "Stick Up."

I'm not a big Hodgy Beats fan, but "Alright" was...alright. Him and Domo Genesis maintain a more supplementary role on the album, but they perform well to this capacity.

A delightful treat at the end of the album is "Swag Me Out" a rare glimpse of all the rappers and producers (and then some) of Odd Future performing on one song. Everyone from Left Brain to Taco (and even Syd for a line) takes a crack at it, and since Earl was still with the gang, it gives a pleasant, complete vibe. Apparently Jasper Dolphin was given leave to make the final song of the album, and he decided he'd rather have all his friends join in. Odd Future fans certainly owe Jasper a debt to that regard.

This is one of the most wholesome Odd Future releases, featuring a sampling of most Odd Future members, and since it isn't submerged in the murky, chopped and screwed beats of Tyler, Left Brain, and Syd, it is very accessible. I would recommend this as the first album to provide to friends who want to hear more Odd Future (after perhaps seeing the Yonkers video, seeing Tyler's VMA win, hearing Frank Ocean's nostalgia, ULTRA, or perhaps hearing his parts on Watch the Throne).

Phil Gerus is a natural musical talent who oozes sound from every pore. Fusing together cassette pop, disco, soul, r&b and funk, his sounds are effortless but hugely emotive and have come out on labels like Sonar Kolkektiv, ManMakeMusic (George Fitzgerald's label), Futureboogie and True Romance. Growing up in Moscow, Phil studied classical piano and was heavily influenced by his parents' music tastes, including jazz records of Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett, it is these classy vibes that permeate his own creations. Phil has played around the world at leading clubs like Japan's Dommune, Studio 80 (Amsterdam), Mojo Club (Hamburg) and various hotspots in Europe and Russia. Phil is also a regular guest on radio shows around the planet and is considered as an artist on the rise.

The electrifying eight piece wonder-band The Suffers bring gulf coast soul to the world with 'Everything Here'. The Suffers have got everything you need and there's no need to look further

- a heaping dose of soul, a dash of reggae, a splash of jazz, a pinch of salsa, a hint of rock 'n' roll and a dollop of hip hop and funk - and that is just a few ingredients simmering inside their magical Gulf Coast soul.

'Everything Here', a riveting collection of fifteen originals that gives props to Houston (there are even cameos from Houston rappers Paul Wall and Bun B), explores the many sides of love, celebrates the virtues of individuality, reminds

us of the destruction of Harvey and resilience of the human spirit and declares love for their mothers. All of these themes coalesce into one soulful soundtrack. The band co-produced the album with John Allen Stephens and Zeke Listenbee

co-produced on several tracks. Trombonist Michael Razo explains, 'One of our goals was to have the songs on the album flow or tie into each other. Like creating an album where you just press play and let it go without having to skip

to the next song.'

'Soul, straight from the heart...the band is on fire.' - Bob Boilen, NPR

Hailing from Houston, Texas and fronted by the amazingly gifted Ms. Kam Franklin, the eight-piece, early seventies-style retro-soul has vibes and talent to burn.' - Echoes

305 is the first solo album of DJ Moya, a Turntablist and Beatmaker from Greece. The production of 305 is based on sampling and on turntablism. It's inspired by the Hip-Hop philosophy with characteristic heavy beats, dark melodies and chopped samples. At the same time, it introduces to the audience Moya's Funk and Trip-Hop influences.His track "Who's to blame" with the participation of Martzi, it will be released also in a video clip from his YouTube channel.The album was initially released as a Beat Tape on Internet and as of September 2018 it's available on a special edition vinyl with 2 additional tracks. The 12 track LP is released by the collaboration of the labels Mind The Wax and Imantas.By this time, DJ Moya has released a lot of Hip-Hop, Trip-Hop and Funky mixtapes and he has contributed in many music productions. He has participated in plenty releases as a Scratch DJ fo6r Hip-Hop bands as The Crows, Xnaria, Lyrical Punishment, Active Member and many others. Furthermore he has performed live and shared the stage with worldwide famous artists as Public Enemy, Dead Prez, Rodney P, DJ Skitz and others. DJ Moya is active in the discography since 2007 with the release of a vinyl record tool for DJs, called "Favlos Kyklos (Vicious Cycle) Vol. ||" as his own independent production.