Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Superior rock steady from the vaults of Federal Records

The third edition in this universally acclaimed series including giant of the genre, Hopeton Lewis, and a scintillating selection of hit records and previously unreleased material.

Spin your ears back to 1989 and enjoy the debut album of Coldcut once again! The bouncy good-time cut-up party people got started with What's That Noise, a particularly lively swirl of breaks, acid house and hip-hop. The guest vocalists on the album includes Lisa Stansfield, Queen Latifah and Mark E. Smith. Reissued by Sony.
11 track album on standard black vinyl with download code insert

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- GATEFOLD SLEEVE
- INCLUDES INSERT
- FEATURING THE RHYTHM & BLUES
SONGS 'YES I'M READY', ' I CAN'T GET NEXT TO YOU' AND MOR

Dee Dee Bridgewater, real name Denise Eileen Garret born in Memphis, Tennessee, is an American jazz, rhythm & blues singer and has been recording more than 20 high class soul and r&b albums since 1974. She worked with many of the leading jazz musicians, like Chick Corea, Lenny White, Stanley Clarke and is a three-time Grammy Award-winning-singer-songwriter.

Memphis,...Yes I'm Ready is, in her own words, the going-home project' where she sings the classic r&b songs and honors her Memphis' born soul. The opening title-track Yes I'm Ready' was written by Barbara Mason and covered by numerous artists, Giving Up' was written by legendary soul artist Van McCoy, the hit-single I Can't Stand The Rain' was co-written by, and a smash-hit for Ann Peebles. Additionally there are more familiar songs, Don't Be Cruel' written by Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley's Hound Dog', B. B King's The Thrill Is Gone' and all of the remaining tracks are fine examples of vintage Soulsville' standards.

This brand-new album was produced at Royal Studios, the Memphis studio where producer Willie Mitchell cut a string of hits with Al Green, Rod Stewart, Keith Richards, Boz Scaggs and even Mark Ronson's (featuring Bruno Mars) Uptown Funk' was recorded at the same facility. Willie's son Lawrence co-produced the sessions along with Dee Dee and her daughter Tulani Bridgewater.

Grammy Award Winning Criti cally Acclaimed Singer & Songwriter Elijah Blake, Steel Wool & Membran Arti st is set to release his highly anticipated independent project AUDIOLOGY on October 13th, 2017, the follow up to

his 2015 album Shadows and Diamonds. AUDIOLOGY, the fourth project since 2012 and the onset of Elijah Blake's career, follows up his 2016 EP Blueberry Vapors.' With hints of influence from Sly & the family stone, to Marvin Gaye, to Michael Jackson, AUDIOLOGY is a climactic self-reflective project for Blake and a cross generational mixture of the best of funk, pop and R&B that is guaranteed to resonate with audiences everywhere. Prior to that Elijah Blake made waves in 2015 with Shadows & Diamonds, which became a hit with single I Just Wanna' reaching 50+ million streams online & Billboard Hot 100.

Compiled by Steve Barrow and originally released in 1997 on Blood & Fire, Good Vibes collects a brace of tracks from the period 1975 to 1980. All tracks are either augmented with dubs or in discomix versions and capture Andy in his hardest-edged form. Highlights include Prince Jammy's 12' mix of the Bunny Lee production Pure Ranking.

- Ten tough disco mixes - vocal and dub - with Horace at the peak of his late 70's form.
- Originally complied for Blood and Fire Good Vibes' is remastered with new artwork and updated sleeve notes from original complier Steve Barrow
- A vital purchase for any serious Andy fan' - John Masouri: Echoes Magazine

Sam Böök, better known in the world of forward-thinking sound system music as the elusive Finnish producer Mikael, has built a highly-respected catalog of tunes on Innamind Recordings. We are proud that he has chosen ZamZam for his first venture on a different label.

"Nuthin' A Come" is a massive one drop tune, built with classic dub principles in mind, and contemporary sound system dynamics fully dialed. A huge bassline both rubbery and subby anchors the track, along with sparse drums, hard skanks and relentless spring reverb slaps deployed as percussive elements. Washes of white noise and a drop into a wide open chasm calls in a double-time kick, taking the tune into steppers territory until a sublime, cinematic outro.

"Corner Dub' is a bruising yet heady vehicle built from a reggae chassis, scraped up dubstep panels, dusted Jamaican vocal samples, twisted valve work and a thick patina of delay and plaintive melodica. This one drives to destinations beyond the horizon, taking in the shimmering scenery on the way.

Both tunes are highly focused, deeply transporting on headphones, and make for carthatic movements in the dance. Enjoy.

Mastered by Sam at Precise

Another uber-rarity and another double sided funk killer

Taken from his 'You Might Be Surprised' album from 1985 and produced by James Mtume with additional help from Tawatha & Philip Fields (of Aurra & Mtume) as well as David Frank (of The System), this 12 inch has long been sought after by Roy Ayers fans with the release changing hands for over £100 regularly on Discogs.

This mid tempo joint with forward thinking lyrics, a great 808 beat and beautiful chords is sophisticated, yet hood. Reissued for the first time, don't miss this opportunity to own this slice of mid 80's Roy Ayers.

«Prelude» EP is the inceptive release of Oxmose, which marks the first entry in an ongoing catalogue, and the beginning of a journey with various artists. At its heart, the «Prelude» EP is a dialogue between two composers, a conversation that traces the line between abstract, electronic experimentalism and gliterring interpretive jazz. Parisian producer Shcaa takes control of Side A with 'Core', a near 20 minutes exploration into sound, which skirts the fringes of avant-garde minimalism and experimental rhythms. The song's acute cadence lays a dense and atmospheric foundation for the EP. - Side B sees Romanian artist Traian - Chereches offer-up an absorbing - counterpoint to Shcaa's opener on 'Cage'. The energy of Chereches' rebuttal fuses organic and interpretive sounds into a deft jazz reinterpretation, revealing a wide and surprising cinematic ambience. Mastered by Rashad Becker from Dubplates & Mastering Berlin, « Prelude » will be released on limited edition 12'', 180g heavyweight vinyl - with an outer sleeve featuring handmade artwork created by graphic designer Alice Voinea. The organic materials used in her work, emphasizing the interchange of the record, adding a further layer of continuity, one that streches between the artist, the music and the listener. - Written by Tom Fenwick

*Super limited box set version - only 150 in the UK!!! Box set include: 2LP Gatefold (purple Vinyl), CD Album, CD Album in Papersleeve (Instrumental), Wu Tang T-Shirt (black, one size),Comic-Poster, Wu Tang Rolling Paper

*After 24 years, three little words still say it all, Wu Tang Clan.' The nine-piece outfit, from Staten Island, New York,has paved a way for literally hundreds of artists and repeatedly made Hip Hop history. Originally composed of East Coast rappers RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God and Masta Killa, the Clan is now reunited to deliver their eighth studio album, The Saga Continues'. The epic album's first single, People Say' (released 25th August) featuring honorary Clan member, Redman, already has the Hip Hop community raving and waiting in anticipation for mid-October,when the album is finally released.

*Produced by Mathemathics, the album also includes features by Killah Priest, Streelife, Chris Rivers, and the late Sean Price.RZA described the production process for Rollings Stones Magazine back in August, saying - For years, Math has had the idea ofputting together a body of music using modern and legendary equipment such as ASR10 with vocal performances by Wu-TangClan members and other prominent MCs... With The Saga Continues he's created a masterpiece.

*Ranked as The #1 Hip Hop groups of all-time

*4 x Gold and Platinum albums

*Debut album Enter The Wu' considered one of the greatest albums of all time

*Descried as the most influential Hip Hop group ever

*Grammy award nominated

*2 x American Music Award nominated

*2 x Source Award winners

*Substantial social media following: Twitter 575k Follower, Facebook 5.7 Million Followers, Instagram 49k Followers

*Over 2 million streams of first single People Say'

*Possible European promo tour with Clan leader RZA

Producer Tommy Cowans cut the first version of the 'Gone to Negril' rhythm for Devon Irons to voice the song 'Jerusalem' on. He then returned to the same rhythm for the follow to the pop hit 'Up Town Top Ranking' with Althea and Donna for 'Gone to Negril'.

Somewhere along the way, prompted by Bob Marley, Cowans took the tapes up to the Black Ark. Anyone who was coming from another planet who wanted to know what Lee Perry was about would be well advised to listen to the all out audio assault of 'Crazy Negril'.

Like a careering car that Perry just about maintains control of, 'Crazy Negril' screeches whirls and zooms from one side to the other of the musical track. Possibly because it was a 'mix' that he was asked to do for someone else from the outside, Perry throws caution to the wind and adds a simple rhythm box as well as whistles and a cow bell to amazing effect. It's an inspired version, and adds to the slightly commercial song on the A side. Although 'Gone to Negril' has its lyrical moments as well. Anyone who rhymes 'Adam and Eve, without their leaves' and 'Feminine gender, ranking agenda' is alright by us.

The 10' comes in a one off recycled sleeve, made from the cover of 'Life Goes in Circles', the Tommy Cowans compilation on Pressure Sounds.

This rare 12" outing from Rocafort Records features the rapping and production talents of Andy Cooper (Ugly Duckling/The Allergies). Taken from the forthcoming album 'The Layered Effect', both tracks throw you around the hip hop boxing ring, slapping you hard with the prerequisites needed for microphone supremacy. Lyrically tough and musically nimble, Andy swings at you somewhere between the artful dodger and a heavyweight pugilist.

The irresistably bouyant 'Here Comes Another One' opens by means of an elegant old jazz trumpet whose player states "rhythm is my business". Get the picture It's a choppy, jazztastic journey. Cleverly underpinned by a gorgeous jazz piano, horns, sharp beats and aural treats, suddenly mashed up by a reggae toasting session on speed courtesy of Blabbermouf.

'The Perfect Definition' has a heavier step and a more serious punch. Fresh and funky attitude meets a deeply earnest reverence towards microphone art, a theme echoed throughout the LP and cherisheddearly by Cooper.

Two tracks that certainly roll with the punches.Out in November. A sure tonic to the winter blues.

LIMITED EDITION REPRESS

Barry Adamson was an original member of post punk legends, Magazine, and a founder member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

Love Sick Dick Remixed features brand new remixes / reworks from Manchester icons - A Certain Ratio, Jimi Tenor, Gazelle Twin and ADULT.

Fresh off the high of having worked with Faith Evans and Lil Cease on a track featuring an unreleased Biggie verse, "Composure" is the first EP produced by L.A.'s Beatnick Dee since his debut album "Creative Medicine". Written out of a spirit of restlessness and a period of personal transitions amid America's chaotic political climate, "Composure" was created during a time of major life transitions for Kentucky rapper Allen Poe. Having partnered with Netherlands based label Below Systems Records, their new EP "Composure" sits at the intersection of those two paths, bearing out the soul of a rapper over the nuanced technical and creative techniques of a producer, both looking to take the next step amid growing accomplishments. Handling consistent success and speaking on failed social realities, the abstract notion of composure while figurative as an EP concept, often stems from literal obstacles for the artists.

Separated by 1,500 miles, perhaps Allen and Nick shouldn't have meshed so well, but with Dee's experience as a crate digger and sample dealer combined with his technical precision to craft a range of sounds fitting for Poe's honest, every-man approach to songwriting, the EP carries timely messages and storytelling nuanced by America's stormy social climate that packs modern substance and behind classic styles. Features from Cashus King (FKA Co$$), Deacon The Villain of CunninLynguists, Versailles The Everything, Cashius Green and Kem Kola were thoughtfully tailored to fit outside artists to Poe's message and Dee's musical composition.

Boca 45 (Scott Hendy) immersed himself in all things Hip Hop from a young age and has been unleashing productions upon the world for the last 20 years under his various guises. Kicking things off as part of Bristol's now legendary Purple Penguin he then went on to form Dynamo Productions with Portishead's acclaimed resident Dj, Andy Smith. The duo found a new place musically, fusing the best elements of Hip Hop, Funk and Beats and it was no surprise when they picked up a residency at Fabric Live and found themselves taking their new sound across the globe. Hot on the heels of Dynamo Productions' great success, the debut Boca 45 Lp was delivered for Manchester's Grand Central Records to huge acclaim. Collaboration has always been an important part of Boca's DNA and along the way further collaborative projects continued to develop: "The BeeKeepers" (with Parker), "BocaWoody" (with 2 time world champion DJ Woody), "Malachai" (with singer Gee) on Domino Records - which was named Zane Lowes hottest record of the week! Its been quite a journey.

In support of the recently released compilation album Boca45: Bombs From The Vaults, Bombstrikes release this very limited run 7". On the A side 'Bear Pit' (named after an under pass in Scott's native Bristol where men would actually fight with Bears as a form of entertainment!) is delivered alongside the always on point Mohawkestra! Whilst the AA side sees Boca 45 join forces with The Heavy's vocalist Kelvin Swaby to great effect. An essential purchase.

Jalapeno Records are proud to declare that is Gizelle Smith is now a welcome new addition to their roster, announcing her return with this fantastic double-A side single ahead of a new album slated for release early 2018.

14 × Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Colored
Box Set, Album, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition

*Super deluxe edition of Humanz.*

Presented across 14 individual pieces of 12' coloured vinyl (each one a different colour), packaged in individually art-worked sleeves. Each piece of vinyl features an album track, backed with an exclusive 'b-side' featuring alternate versions of Humanz album tracks plus further previously unreleased material.

Includes a 54-page, cloth-bound, foil-blocked, hardback book of Gorillaz artwork by Jamie Hewlett and a download card, all housed in a bespoke 12' vinyl case.

A fierce reflection on Kingston's downtown strife from Jacob Miller. Miller was a downtown ghetto dweller who had managed to work himself into the bohemian uptown scene. Junior Delgado had apparently come to a session as Kingston's ghetto was on fire and imbued a Miller / Inner Circle recording session with a tale of apocalyptic doom from downtown. Crackling gunfire then 'Uptown downtown all around town fire fire' sings Miller as the Lewis Brothers rhythm section kicks in. Pressed by Tommy Cowans on the Arab imprint. Comes in a hand stamped bag with a sparse dub version on the flipside.

This complete collection of James Browns early King Records singles showcases the singer at the top of his electrifying form. Raw, driving, full of finger popping, soul-deep truth, these steamy, joyously funky work outs are nothing less than irresistible.

James Browns aptly named Night Train - Mighty Instrumentals is a dazzling collection of high intensity funk and slow-burning soul workouts. These vintage early 60's jams still pack a formidable wallop on this disc and its an instant dance party!

John Wesley Dickson is best known for his two contributions to the well-respected Praise Poems series. The stunning quality of "Barrows Blues" as well as "High & Dry" lead the Tramp crew to the decision to re-release his 45RPM single in a strictly limited press run of 300 copies. Those of you who have missed him so far are welcome to check out his Terry Callier style guitar work. Two sides of fantastic folky soul-jazz, certainly something which pleases the ears of any Rare Groove fan.

Ervin Rucker started out as a pianist and composer in the 1950s. After he released his sole single on Musette he changed his name to Big Daddy Rucker in the late 60s. At the same time he founded his own GME label on which he released 45s under his own name as well as this one by Little Mary Staten. "Steppin' Stone" is an excellent funky-soul track while the flip "Helpless Girl" is a sweet soul ballad. Both cuts can also be found on the Tramp Records album "The Soulful Side of GME & Musette Records", released on LP, CD and digital.

This cut of Lloyd Parks's classic 'Slaving', often referred to as the 'Steppers version', was recorded around 1980, when the song was re-recorded with added embellishment and more emphasis on the bass drum. Hard to find and a favourite with DJs and the cognoscenti. A first time reissue, it comes housed in a hand stamped bag.

Toronto-based songwriter, vocalist, producer, and multi-disciplinary artist Maylee Todd is best known for music that incorporates elements of disco, funk, soul, electronic, and experimental sounds. Her previous two albums Choose Your Own Adventure (2010) and Escapology (2013) brought her on tour across North America, Europe and Asia, charting worldwide, and establishing her as a breakout Canadian indie artist.

Her third studio album Acts of Love sees Maylee wholly embracing technology and taking on the role of producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, recording and playing the bulk of the music in her home studio. From a sonic standpoint, the new album marks a departure from the harder-edged sounds of her previous work, boasting a more stripped down, synth-based production approach, with hypnotic beats and undeniably poppy hooks. The 17 track album covers a wide range of timely, topical and universal subject matter, including gender bias ("From This Moment"), addiction ("One of These Days"), solitude ("Lonely"), forgiveness ("Eye To Eye"), polyamory ("Goat Wut U Need") and virtual reality ("Virtual Life").

"This record is a bedroom record. I spent the winter writing and learning software, so creating can be limitless," explains the self-professed augmented reality nerd. Acts Of Love is essentially a tale of Maylee's metamorphosis, of constantly mutating and evolving musically, with the ultimate goal being to enlighten listeners on the symbiotic relationship between music, technology, performance art and human nature.

First album of MODOGSTA, the alliance of three French producers, Dj Mofak, Dogg Master & Busta Brown, is finaly available as vinyl LP. instrumentals / West Coast / Funk / Talkbox / Vocoder Produced and performed by Dj Mofak, Dogg Master & Busta Brown Mixed by Dogg Master Artwork by Amadeo 85

Pittsburgh-born Phillip Ballou's earliest years were spent in the gospel field, after he moved to New York City in the '70s, he teamed up with Bennie Diggs and Arthur Freeman, founding members of The New York Community Choir and singer Arnold McCuller to form the group Revelation. The quartet recorded for RSO Records, scoring some R&B success in the US with tracks like Get Ready For This' and You To Me Are Everything,' touring the Bee Gees among others. Phillip also sang on albums by NYCC recorded for RCA Records and continued with Revelation until 1982.Frequently hired for sessions in and around New York, Phillip teamed up with UK soul music journalist David Nathan (who he'd met in 1974 during Nathan's first US visit) and John Simmons, formerly a member of The Reflections, another New York vocal group to write a series of songs for his own proposed solo record deal. Although a contract did not materialize, one of the songs - Ain't Nothing Like The Love' - got some interest from famed Philadelphia producer Thom Bell who presented it to The O'Jays. Ultimately, the tune was turned down by Kenny Gamble and John Simmons, by then musical director for Stephanie Mills, recorded his own version for a small independent label in 1981.Phillip continued his own musical journey, touring and recording with James Taylor and Todd Rundgren. In addition, Phillip's name graced recordings by George Benson, Billy Ocean, Kashif, Nona Hendryx, Jonathan Butler, Teddy Pendergrass and Melba Moore, in 1981, he began recording with Luther Vandross and became a part of Luther's touring band for many years, as well as singing on productions by Luther on Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and others, continuing his association with him until Luther's 2003 stroke. Phillip returned to his gospel roots in 2004 as Minister of Music at a Brooklyn church and passed away in March 2005, aged 55. Thanks to renewed interest in the John Simmons' 1981 recording on YouTube, David Nathan has uncovered several tracks from the 1978 and 1979 he did with Phillip and John including Phillip Ballou's original version of Ain't Nothing Like The Love,' gaining its first ever worldwide release as a 7' single on Nefer Records in association with Super Disco Edits

One of Rudy Thomas' few roots tunes. The Kingston born singer was better acquainted with softer lovers material than this lament for Paul Bogle, the Jamaican nationalist and leader of the Morant Bay rebellion. A lovely tune, with a flute nagging away, giving the song an unusual feel. Rudy Thomas worked at Joe Gibbs' studio as an engineer and percussionist, before moving on to a successful career as a lover's rock artist. Produced by Lloyd Parks and comes in a hand stamped bag.

Bang. The 45 debut of Sharon Jones' final studio sessions. Matter of Time' is an electrify- ing exhibition of the baddest band in the land at the pinnacle of their powers. Sharon, the siren riding high atop a fire-breathing dragon. The sound of soulful abandon that whipped crowds into frenzies from Paris, Texas to Paris, France is in full force here. On the flip, When I Saw Your Face' showcases the wide open dynamic range of a band that is clearly as comfortable in the disciplined craft of the studio as they are on the battlefield of the stage. Sharon catches a deep mood both sweet and vulnerable, painting a masterpiece of romance to hang in the heart of a tender lover - violins painting gold upon the frame of the precious canvas.

LP + mp3

A complation of classic tracks produced by legendary UK soundman Lloydie Coxsone. Includes the essnetial 'Prophecy' by Fabian, Ras Midas' 'Good Old Days' + Burning Spear's 'Jah No Dead' amongst others.

A rather fruity Brazilian, French spoken erotic version f Painel De Controle single we put out a couple of years ago that sits somewhere between euro disco and the original track. Always enjoyed playing this one out in the club as an answer record to the O.G so its good to have this one at 45rpm as well.

Dreadsquad, AKA Marek Bogdanski, returns to the scene with the second and third instalments of his Riddim Machine series. As part of a collaboration consisting of Dreadsquad's own Superfly Studio and the renowned Moonshine Recordings, listeners are in for a treat, courtesy of Poland's most prolific reggae dancehall producer. As ever, Dreadsquad manage to encapsulate all evolutions of reggae - from rocksteady , roots and rub-a-dub to dancehall and dub - all with a present-day twist to keep the bass bins rumbling and the people skanking. Both volumes will be available in both vinyl and digital format, so there's no excuse to miss out!

Volume 2 is laced with an amalgamation of characters from the Reggae/Hiphop/Soul scene, featuring the likes of Kojo Neatness , Gardna, El Fata, Dub Princess, Tenor Youthman, Takeyce-Ti, Monkey Jhayam, ManeceLive or Greg Blackman in his soulful roots tune Clean Up. Among a plethora of sublime productions, with throwbacks to the old sounds of early reggae, roots and rub-a-dub, there's the highly anticipated anthem Issues (previously released on Bun Dem Riddim), with none other than the mighty YT on microphone duties . Keep an ear out for the remix of Chainska Brassika's Knowledge Is King (featuring Tom Spirals), there's some serious stepping to be done to this riddim. The closing track for this volume is more than worthy of a mention, as 'Space' manages to deliver a transcendentally meditative dub vibe to bring the record to a close in a suitable fashion.

Both volume of Riddim Machine feature artwork illustrated by Kasia Wilk. The releases will be available digitally, via most online download stores (iTunes, Juno, Bandcamp, Amazon, etc.), as well as a physical vinyl release, available at most usual vendors.

Volume 3 serves to retain Dreadsquad's core values - their attitude towards mash-ups and remixes, their roots in all that is reggae - whilst also providing a sound that is refreshing, original, and showcases some of the finest up & coming talent. Whereas Volume 2 remains much more true to its roots, Volume 3 turns up the heat and brings the fire to the dance. Once again, the LP is littered with artists who are soon to be on everyone's radar. Skarra Mucci, Zico MC, Jman, Charlie P, Million Stylez, need we say more Riddim Machine Vol. 3 is chocked full of edits and remixes guaranteed to start a fire in any venue. The legendary Papa Michigan's Nice Up The Dance is flipped on its head, with just the right amount of amen breaks and Reese bass to keep any junglist's gun fingers in the air. Get Away revolves around a display of lyrical wizardry from MenaceLive, Jman and Zico MC in true cypher style. CharlieP makes a special appearance for the digi-dancehall smasher That Is Life, complete with classic 80s orchestral hits reminiscent of the foundation fashion. This one's a dubplate, you should feel blessed to hear it!