Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Hans Solo, Frontmann der legendären Hip Hop Formation Äi-Tiem legt bei seinem Debut als Solokünstler gleich eine Dissertation' ab. Dissertation' ist ein Konzeptalbum und wird seinem Namen gerecht, was die Auseinandersetzung in vielerlei Hinsicht angeht.
Bekannt für seine politschen Texte blickt Hans Solo hierbei tief in die Abgründe des menschlichen Daseins. Mal zynisch und boshaft, aber auch oft ironisch mit einem Augenzwinkern. Musikalisch schlägt er eine weite Brücke zwischen Oldschoolbeats und elektrolastigen fast schon psychodelischen Klanglandschaften. Auch das Artwork des Covers unterstützt das Gesamtbild durch seine Bildsprache und macht dieses Doppelalbum zu einem zeitlosen Gesamtkunstwerk.
Mit der Unterstützung von nur wenigen anderen Künstlern (Lustikus, David Dollar, Sicktunes, the Staticfield, Adelsmann, Chaid, Ponchmann, Peztboy) schafft Hans Solo hier seinen ganz speziellen Mikrokosmos. Auf einer fast 80 minutigen Zeitreise in wahrsten Sinne des Wortes geht Hans Solo textlich wie auch musikalisch durch alle Höhen und Tiefen des gesellschaftlichen Miteinanders.

The Mighty Zaf & Phil Asher present '80s, their new edit label specialising in disco & boogie, and strictly vinyl only.

Their debut 3 track 12" brings a mixture of boogie, disco & disco funk, something for everyone.

These unique new edits are already being championed by MCDE, Red Greg, Geology, Jeremy Underground, Sadar, Darryn Jones & Mark Grusane.

Originally released through the Beastie Boys' French fan club, The In Sound From Way Out! is a collection of the group's funky instrumentals from Check Your Head and Ill Communication, with a couple of new tracks thrown in. The Beasties have a flair for loose, gritty funk and soul-jazz, and the stuttering, greasy keyboards of Money Mark give the music an extra edge -- he helps make the music sound as authentic as anything from the early '70s. Pressed on 180G vinyl.

In 2015 internationally touring Reggae artist Cian Finn released one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year to critical acclaim. Blending the vintage with the contemporary, 'This Applies' is one of the most exciting and unique Reggae albums of its time. Recorded and produced live in studio by renowned Reggae producer Prince Fatty, and featuring some of the worlds finest Reggae musicians and guest singers, such as Horseman, Black Steel, Digistep, Hollie Cook, Dub Judah and Max Romeo. After heavy demand Emerald Isle Records has teamed up with Steppas Records to bring you the full and complete dub album, mixed in a traditional dub style through the finest vintage equipment onto analogue tape. With dub mixes from two of the most innovative and exciting producers around, both Prince Fatty and gold disc / multi award winning producer, Gaudi help to create a truly unique dub album sure to stand the test of time. As played by the legendary Jah Shaka Soundsystem.

What we have here is one of Cornell Campbell's great Dancehall early 80's set of song.
Dancehall was when the beat slowed down to that classic one drop style that suited his voice so well.
The album includes the title track 'Boxing' which was a massive hit for Cornell on its initial release in 1982.
It also includes a Dancehall reworking of 'Queen of the Minstrel' and a fantastic dancehall cut to Bob Marley's 'Natty Dread'.
This was a new chapter in Reggae's sound that saw the rhythm slowed down and seemed to add even more emphasis to the songs meanings.
A reissue of Cornell's early 80's 'Boxing' set is complete here. We have also added some other Cornell period classics to the CD version of this release.
Be sure to play it in full...Cornell Campbell at his finest

2 track Single from Cultural Roots / King Tubbys released by King Tubby's Dub Plate/Dub Store Records

New 7" from the mysterious Gitkin, who crisscrossed the US in the late 70s selling knockoff Gibson guitars to the diverse & disparate groups of immigrants from all four corners of the globe who were coming to the US during the 2nd great migration. Recycling and filtering the sounds he encountered through his own psychdelic lens, he created a sound rooted in other, but deeply his own. This single is taken from his forthcoming album, "5 Star Motel" and features two tracks from the album 'Grand Street Feast' which charts a sand-dusted, melodic funk misadventure, while "Cancion Del Rey' has the sound of the Peruvian chicha - steady-moving, alluring, and lyrical - winding its way through Gitkin's fuzz-filtered licks, and the rhythm underpinning.

Letherette start the year off continuing their Brown Lounge series with Brown Lounge vol.4. A collection of new beats from the letherette bunker.

2 track Single from Lilly Melody / King Tubbys released by King Tubby's Dub Plate/Dub Store Records

20 year old Jean Ondeno from Gabon is one of many African singers who found joy in the Parisian Afro-disco scene of the late 70s. Blessed with the voice of Africa's sweetest angel, Ondeno caught the ear of the French radio presenter Alphonse Marie Toukas who in turn introduced him to producer Philippe Brejean. Together they released 4 tracks, of which 'Mayolye' has become a sought-after dance floor rarity over the decades.

Containing all the essential ingredients of any afro-disco floorfiller, 'Mayolye' seduces sweetly, rhythmically and fast, with the percussion and wah-wah guitar on full throttle, and vocals insistently hypnotic from start to finish. The sax is possibly the only languid element on the record until the break comes along for you to catch your breath.

For this special 12 inch release, Rocafort Records have grouped the original version alongside a Nik Weston Official Mukatsuku edit.

Kindly issued from the vast afrobeat collection of Soul Koffi.

Greenock's Polonis makes his debut on Astral Black under his Rebore Kid alias. The 'Rebore Kid' EP follows up the release of 'Campaign' on Boxed004 with 4 DJ friendly club-tools made entirely of gun shots, proxy mines and homing missile sound effects - with the odd kick to remind you what traditional club trax should sound like - early support comes from the likes of Grandmixxer, Logos, Spooky & Oil Gang.

Across the 4-tracks Rebore Kid reimagines grime classics 'Straight', 'Lucky 7' as well as liberating the legendary OG 'Rebore Riddim'. The EP is available on 200 x hand-stamped white labels, each individually numbered by the man himself (so it's a bit like an autograph).

Momentous album from 1982 building a bridge between roots reggae and dancehall.

A conscious compilation with a variety of youth deejays, including Lee Van Cleef, Prince Hammer & Trinity chanting down Babylon over a selection of the very best Roots Radics rhythms.

'SPECIAL LATIN SOUL BOOGALOO & MORE' - Another great volume in one of the best compilation series ever! Again, this is an amazing selection of very rare and groovy cuts, this time focused on Latin soul, boogaloo and beyond!

'100% DOLCE VITA: SPACE AGE * COCKTAIL * MOD JAZZ * POP CORN * TIKI' - First volume in this cool lounge/exotica series. All tracks transferred from the original vinyl.

Licensed from French label, Stereophonk, these 2 bangers first appeared on The Soundtrack LP from 2015, but deservedly get their first appearance on our favourite format. Funky Bijou consists of 2 DJ/producers, Marrrtin & Deheb, and they have been banging out B-Boy anthems for fun over these last few years - this 45 will not disappoiont! Limited to 500 copies - don't sleep!

When Imarhan released their self-titled debut album in 2016, they stepped into a genre already flooded with talent and exposure, but still managed to rise to the top and be heralded as the new wave Of Tuareg music . It is with much anticipation that the band from Tamanrasset, Algeria have announced the details of their second album Temet, due out February 26 on City Slang.

Temet is a huge leap forward in production, as well as creatively for Imarhan. Whereas their debut was anchored in the meditative Desert Blues tradition, Temet eclipses such notions, finding bounce and drive by stirring their sound with funk, fuzz, disco and rock. This is not a novel concept to the band, as anyone who has seen them play will attest. Imarhan's experience as a touring band has reinforced the focus and meaning behind their music.

With Temet, Imarhan have firmly established themselves as a band to reckon with. Rather than being distracted by meddling around with big producers or famous guests, they've focused this release on their inherent strength of songwriting, using the eternal bonds in their community, families and friendships as a blueprint not only for an amazing standalone album, but as a reference for generations to come. We hope that Imarhan will allow the younger generation to become aware of the fundamental importance of friendship. As long as someone is by your side supporting you, asking for your friendship, what more could you want out of life You will want for nothing.'

5 Borough Breaks coming through with another classic 90s hip hop banger that should need no introduction! Instantly recognisable from the get-go, KRS One's "Sound Of Da Police" is the true epitome of a hip hop anthem, available here on 7" for the first time. Over on the flip we find the sample source for those neck snapping drums - none other than the legendary Sly and The Family Stone. Limited 500 copies exclusive

Our sixth release is two previously unreleased versions of 'Signs Of A Dying Love' with the A side being much slower in tempo than the vinyl release on OTB Records. Whilst on the flip the song appears to be the same as the OTB records version, but without the spoke rap at the beginning. This is a timeless piece of soul music that deserves a wider audience.

This is available for pre-order and is a Love Vinyl DRS Ltd distribution title.

Heavy, Raw and Deep that's how The King Rooster brought their Hammond led funk throughout 2017 with a string of releases starting with a cassette EP , quickly followed by a 45 on Germany's Ourlabel records and then two more 45's on Detroits Funknight label. Put together by Ian Stevens & Mark Claydon (The Bass and Drums from London funksters, The Getup) and joined by Sam Montero and James Forster on guitar the band have played, recorded and shared stages with artists such as Sir Joe Quarterman, Alexia Coley, JTQ, Gizelle Smith, Reuben Wilson, Pee Wee Ellis, The Getup, Speedometer and Rhoda Dakar to name a few.

Droppin' hard hitting instrumental workouts along with some heavy vocal bangers , real funk is the order of the day. 2018 starts with another heavy 45 release, this time on Dinked Records, featuring two brand new tracks Back Chattin' & Fat Chance both sure to get you up on the dancefloor and shaking that ass! Limited to 500 copies - don't sleep!f

Philadelphian Jazz legend Benny Golson has had a long and storied career, he's played with luminaries such as John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey just to mention a small handful. Obviously his credentials are rock solid and his skills as a tenor sax legend are undisputed.
'I'm always dancin' to the music' from 1978 is taken from Benny's LP of the same name. Released on the mighty Columbia imprint as a mono & stereo promo-only white label it's status among underground soul, funk & jazz aficionados is heavyweight, a true 'rare groove' indeed. Produced by George Butler (whose credentials are no less than impressive!) this one has been a hugely popular dance record that has never been easy to track down in 12" form, often topping 'most expensive' record lists it's a record that certainly won't appear in your local second hand spot anytime soon.
Due to it's scarcity and the fact that 'I'm always dancin' to the music' is such a stellar, uplifting piece of jazz-funk-disco goodness it's no surprise that the bootleggers have tried their hand at replicating this masterful release, often resulting in some fairly shoddy facsimiles. Fear not, this beautiful, legit repress comes to you via the combined forces of Above Board distribution and Sony Music, utilising their superior and original master sources and lovingly remastered and repressed just as the 1978 promo 12" was released. No messing around here.
Essential, rare and beautiful - Another amazing nugget from the vaults!

Unavailable since 2018, now being repressed. Due the beginning of Feb. A stone cold classic on STAR CREATURE that helped wake everybody up to the talent of SAUCY LADY. The A-side features a remix by YUKI MONOLOG KANESAKA

1972's "Life, Love and Faith" was Toussaint's first album for Warner Reprise. While a soul record through and through, this effort from the multi-talented New Orleans native shares some of the singer/songwriter vibe of his contemporary labelmates, such as Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, Lowell George and Little Feat. Stand out tracks include "Soul Sister," "Victims Of The Darkness" and "On Your Way Down." A limited edition of 500 copies on blue vinyl.

A tasty 7" coming from two talents from up North, Toronto's freewheeling producer/DJ Birthday Boy and Canadian songstress Trish (plus songwriter and backup vocalist Joe Law) who link up for a lesson in positive vibrations and soulful, R&B-infused future grooves. "Magic" toys with a mellow bassline and warm guitar loop from Tom Misch while "Chance To Go Far" is a Kaytra-esque hip-hop number with big drums and hook that will stay with you all day.

CD INCLUDES 5 BONUS TRACKS

From doo-wop to disco, from Chess Records to Tamla Motown, Harvey Fuqua left his indelible mark on North American music. Yet his name remains largely unknown to the general public, excepting those few who obsessively scrutinize album backs. It must also be said that this native of Louisville, Kentucky pursued several concurrent careers, thereby covering his tracks a bit further...

Upon consideration, one could say his destiny was predetermined, for his uncle was none other than Charlie Fuqua, member of the Ink Spots, the group that during the 1930s and '40s had laid the foundations for the doo-wop of the '50s.

Continuing the family tradition, young Harvey, a trained pianist, saw his fate definitively sealed in 1951 when the early Moonglows (at that time Crazy Sound') first formed and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. The following year, the group caught the attention of the very influential DJ Alan Freed, a leading promoter of R&B, who would sign them under his own label, Champagne Records, in the process renaming them The Moonglows. There then began an intense decade of incessantly changing labels and going on tour, while enjoying both local popularity and recording genuine hits, such as Sincerely in 1954. Finally, covers of their repertoire by others firmly established their reputation. Most importantly, Harvey Fuqua learned the ins and outs of the trade, as a singer, composer, arranger and producer.

With his strong character giving rise to numerous disagreements regarding the particular path to follow (notably whether or not to emulate the Platters), the ensemble was permanently evolving, incorporating a certain Marvin Gaye along the way. In 1958, Fuqua set off on his own with Don't Be Afraid of Love, co-written with Berry Gordy Jr. and Billy Davis. His meeting with the former proved capital beyond the merely professional, for Fuqua ended up marrying Gordy's sister, Gwen, in 1961 (they would later divorce in 1967).

From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, Fuqua stepped behind the console, notably for the label Anna Records. With Anna Gordy (another Gordy sister) and Billy Davis, he recorded Lamont Dozier (future hit-maker for Tamla Motown) and Johnny Bristol. At the same time and still for Chess Records, he pursued his collaboration with the very popular Etta James.

Ever more interested in the creative side of things to the detriment of the stage, Fuqua decided to launch his own labels in 1961 - Tri-Phi (24 singles) and Harvey Records (12 singles) - signing The Spinners, Junior Walker & The All-Stars and Shorty Long. With his entrepreneurial skills seducing Berry Gordy Jr., he was named head of the Artist & Repertoire department at Tamla Motown, with his own labels being absorbed by Gordy's company in 1963. There, surrounded by his family' Gwen and Anna Gordy, Maxine Powell and Cholly Atkins, he managed to bring along The Spinners and Johnny Bristol and, above all, confirmed his own status as the artisan behind the success of the irresistible couple Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, with such splendors as Ain't No Mountain High Enough.

Leaving Tamla Motown in 1971, Fuqua became an independent producer for RCA. Despite a brief return of The Moonglows in 1973, he preferred expressing himself as a talent scout, bringing to light New Birth and most notably the disco diva Sylvester in 1977, for whom he became the executive producer at Fantasy Records.

Five years later, his genius struck gold yet again when he produced Midnight Love - including the hit single Sexual Healing - by his old buddy Marvin Gaye. A faithful friend, he remained close to Smokey Robinson during the 1990s, prior to his founding a new label, Resurging Artist Records, in 2000. That same year, The Moonglows were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. According to an anecdote, a VH1 press attaché, verifying accreditations, asked the reporter Bob Davis who Fuqua' was, thinking it must be a concierge! Cruel, but perhaps also revealing for this bigger-than-life yet nevertheless anonymous figure of the music industry.

Police & Thieves is a Roots Reggae classic by Junior Murvin originally released in 1977 which was produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry (who also wrote or co-wrote many of the songs) at his legendary Black Ark Studios with The Upsetters. The title song was memorably covered by The Clash in a very different arrangement than Murvin's. Perry's imaginative and groundbreaking production surrounded Junior's falsetto vocals and the musicians in a dense, echo heavy, spaced out sound to create one of the great songs, and albums, of the roots era. Now available on opaque blue vinyl! Record stampers produced by Record Technology, Inc. Camarillo California, USA.

Long out of print compilation from the late 80s featuring various rare roots tracks recorded at Lee Perry's studio The Black Ark between 1973-1978, featuring rare dubs to "Curly Locks" plus vocals by Jackie Bernard, Jack Lord, Debra Keese, Jah T and others.