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The Delfonics is the quintessential sweet-soul group. Hailing from Philadelphia, the crew formed in the mid-'60s, with the definitive original lineup as lead vocalist and songwriter William Hart, his brother Wilbert Hart, and mutual high-school friend Randy Cain (later replaced by Major Harris). With the help of producer/arranger Thom Bell—and with William's signature falsetto—the Delfonics set the tone for all other sweet-soul groups that would follow. Between 1968 and 1974, the Delfonics had twenty charting singles and won a Grammy for their massive hit "Didn't I (Blow Your Mind This Time)." Out of their twenty hits, William Hart wrote or co-wrote eighteen of them, thirteen with collaborator Thom Bell, like "La-La Means I Love You," "He Don't Really Love You," and "Ready or Not Here I Come (Can't Hide From Love)."After five albums, the Delfonics would break up for good in 1975. Brothers William and Wilbert parted ways and over the years often toured separately with different forms of the group. But over forty years after writing his first hit, lead singer and songwriter William Hart has put his unmistakable falsetto back on analog tape and reinvented the Delfonics brand for a new generation. Los Angeles producer/composer Adrian Younge envisioned a modern-day Delfonics album and pitched the idea to William Hart, who hopped a plane from Philly to L.A. and began work on a new album. Younge helped to reshape the Delfonics by bringing on board two excellent young vocalists, Loren Oden and Saudia Mills—as well as Om'Mas Keith on the single "Stop and Look (And You Have Found Love)"—to work alongside William. Adrian Younge is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who traded in his MPC sampler for a carefully curated studio of authentic gear. Younge rocketed to international recognition after composing the original score for the film Black Dynamite and has since release ground-breaking projects including The Souls of Mischief's There Is Only Now' and Ghostface Killah's Twelve Reasons to Die' concept albums. Younge brings a unique perspective on modern rhythm and blues. "I was studying Delfonics stuff for years," Younge reveals. "I studied Delfonics to do the Black Dynamite stuff. I've been a fan, and I've just studied their music for so long that when I got the opportunity to do this, it just really blew my mind." From the very beginning, it was Younge's intention to create an old-school Delfonics vibe but offer a very hip-hop-informed perspective. There are distinguishing musical elements that Delfonics fans will recognize, like the electric sitar guitar, the French horn, string arrangements, and the tympani. "I want people to expect something classic but not expect to hear the same thing rehashed," Younge says. "I want to push it forward. William and I strived to push this forward. Younge now makes this breath-taking musical outing available once again on his own Linear Labs imprint.

A true rare groove classic, organist Doggett's 1969 single is always in-demand. Produced by James Brown and featuring his band. Both sides are dynamite.

Nach Kelela überrascht das Label Fade To Mind aus L.A. mit einer weiteren R&B-Queen, Dawn Richards (ex-Mitglied von P. Diddy's Girlgroup Diddy-Dirty Money). Ihre vielgelobte "Infrared EP" inklusive des Tracks "Honest" ("Best New Track" bei Pitchfork) erscheint mit 10 brandneuen Remixes erstmals auf CD und LP. Die Remixes kommen u.a. von Kingdom, Ikonika (Hyperdub), Rizzla, Helix (Night Slugs) und Divoli S'vere. CD im Digipak, LP mit Poster (12x24") und Download-Code (mit vollständigem CD-Tracklisting, 14 Tracks).

Originally scheduled to be the second Funkadelic 45, 'Can't Shake It Loose' was cancelled before release. The song had been a single (and northern soul classic) by Pat Lewis, whilst the Supremes had recorded it for Motown. It's fascinating to hear George and the boys' treatment released on 45 for the first time. It is backed by one of the great breakbeats - Funkadelic's actual second single 'I'll Bet You'. The opening break sounds amazing on this newly mastered 45.

Vocalist Joyce Wrice, featuring Kay Franklin who grew up in the Los Angeles music scene watching his grandfather John Barnes and uncle LA Jay work alongside Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and the Pharcyde. Produced and arranged by Mndsgn. The 45 is released on Akashik records, co-founded by Mndsgn and Alima Jennings, and endorsed by Stones Throw.

Jungle Fire is back with their first 45 in several years! Channeling the same heavy afro-latin vibes that made their first couple of 45s so in demand. Uptempo with super heavy drums and percussion, N.U.S.A.U.' is going to light up the dancefloors! You're gonna need doubles of this one.

Bl_ck B_st_rds was voted in Ego Trip's Book of Rap Lists as the most notable rap album of all time that was never released commercially, and with good reason. The fact that this excellent album, slated for a 1994 release, did not seen the light of day until 2001 (its first issue - now out of print) testifies to a time when shortsighted industry backlashes against records that inflamed Middle America were in vogue. Elektra Records higher-ups canned the project due to its controversial cover art, which shows a Sambo figure being lynched. This must-purchase concept album is worth the wait. From the jazzy, hypnotic samples on the title cut to Sweet Premium Wine,' a farcical ode to swigging 40-ounce bottles of brew (remember when drinking St. Ides and Old English was trendy), you know you've found rap heaven. Classic headbanger What a Nigga Know' (and the remix featuring partner-in-rhyme MF Grimm) is equally off the chain. Constipated Monkey' and weed anthem Suspended Animation' are testaments to a time in Rap music when experimental beats and obscure sampling ruled the roost. Bl_ck B_st_rds is where Brand Nubian meets De La Soul at the local bodega, heads wear Muslim kufis for kicks, and word to the mutha'' actually refers to themes of pan-Africanism, repatriation, and reparations. It's a place where Sambo-ism doesn't sell. Features artwork and track listing from the original Ready Rock issue.

The Return Of The Classic is the return of Greek beat-master Mister T. to the Cold Busted label, and he certainly explores a classic sound. Based in Athens, Mister T. has long been transmitting the jazzier side of downtempo hip hop, with top notch jams that are soulful, swinging, and undeniably funky. This album is the latest in a string of Mister T. collections on Cold Busted ... as prolific as Mister T. is, his quality never falters and the tunes don't disappoint. The Return Of The Classic contains a multitude of magical dance floor moments, including the bluesy skank of Break My Back', the breakdance funk of Put The Needle On', the high energy horn section groove of Elephant', and the title track's shuffling big beat and stew of crafty samples. The Return Of The Classic has beats and funk for days, with Mister T. delivering a beloved old school sound to today's jazzbos.

Only a few people have ever changed the way that records are made. Pete Rock is one of them,' veteran hip-hop A&R man and producer Dante Ross told Brian Coleman in the book Check the Technique Vol 1. People like Pete change the sound palette for the whole world. He had a signature sound, and that's so hard to get.' It is a tall boast, but it's backed up two different ways: by fans of the group from back in the '90s who knocked each other over in record stores to get the latest Pete Rock production, and by record buyers today, who still hear the same freshness in the group's sound that people did more than two decades ago. These two songs are taken from the group's legendary first full-length from 1992, Mecca & The Soul Brother. Originally, both were their own 12-inch singles, but for this special, first-time-ever 7-Inch release, they are paired together. They Reminisce Over You' - a tribute to their late friend Trouble T-Roy (a member of Heavy D's crew) - is one of the most beloved hip-hop tracks of the '90s, and rightfully so. Grooving very deeply over a filtered bassline and a now-ingrained Tom Scott saxophone riff ( Today'), CL Smooth lives up to his moniker, weaving various tales and lessons about family and friends. His status as a storytelling MC remains underrated, but here it remains proudly on display. Straighten It Out,' although not the runaway smash that They Reminisce' was, is equally emotional and soulful. Again over a mid-tempo groove, and again with Pete's trademark warm horn samples, CL explained in Check the Technique, On (part of) the song, I was talking about sampling, and I was basically reacting to how everything was such a procedure when you had to clear stuff. They didn't seem to care about how their music affected anyone else, they just wanted money. So it was just something that needed to be straightened out. Older artists thought that us younger cats were ripping them off, but it wasn't like that. It was a tribute.' So here's the math: one classic hip-hop group, two memorable singles, one killer 7-Inch. Case closed.

Seige Monstracity is an anomaly in the music industry. He rides the fence, providing the contemporary soundtracks for successful commercial artists such as YG, Tyrese, Keisha Cole, and Marsha Ambrosius, as well as producing grimey backdrops for underground artists like Bizarre, Bad Lucc, and Namebrand. This is a collection of the latter. Seige's debut LP contains 12 incredible doses of heavy beats, chopped up breaks, and obliterated samples. A Detroit transplant in Los Angeles, both cities are omnipresent at all times on the LP. Swahililand' is a west-coast interpretation of the classic Stakes Is High'. Careless' revives a classic David Axelrod moment. Dirt Bag' sounds like a late night liquor store robbery. Doves' takes a classic from one of our all time greats who we lost recently, and transforms it into a ride thru the hood on a beautiful day in Los Angeles. This is not to be missed. Another classic collection of beats from Street Corner Music.

From the first few notes, this record grabs you. It's raw soul and funk music crafted to perfection. Wailing vocals, soaring horns, and a super tight rhythm section. With a dirty production style, Soul Scratch serves up something that's familiar, fresh, and never more relevant.

From the first few notes, this record grabs you. It's raw soul and funk music crafted to perfection. Wailing vocals, soaring horns, and a super tight rhythm section. With a dirty production style, Soul Scratch serves up something that's familiar, fresh, and never more relevant.

Southern funk at its very best. The original A-side is a sought-after organ groove track guaranteed to fill a floor. This is the full-length version in an otherwise unheard mono mix. The flip is previously unreleased on vinyl.

Memphis girl group the Minits have had one of the most in-demand sister soul 45s of the last few years with 'Still A Part of Me' which consistently sells for high prices. This first vinyl reissue comes with a recently discovered funk side sure to fill dancefloors.

I like to tap into people's imaginations. When I spit, I try to make movies with my words...' Armed with his unique delivery, gruff voice, and sharp wit, U.G. is wellequipped to do just as he wishes when he hits the booth. Whether on his own or earning critical acclaim as one-half of the Cella Dwellas, the Brooklyn rapper has been a giant amongst the NYC rap underground since '94. And on Portals, his long anticipated solo debut, he proves exactly why so many look his way for music that's incredibly fresh, and completely his own. Portals is a 14-track journey into just what U.G. set out to accomplish—a movie-like atmosphere anchored by well complemented production (entirely from IDE) and extraordinary rapping. That much was evident on lead single, The Mystic,' which is equally eccentric in its wordplay and technical displays as U.G. flows over the creeping instrumental. Elsewhere, the BK spitter taps into his cinematic vision with joints like the harrowing Might & Magic,' and the super-grimy, Ready for War.' Interestingly enough, U.G. credits his movie-like approach with what makes his music so appealing to his fans. That inner-kid comes out of them when they hear that stuff,' he says. We (U.G. and IDE) are both visual artists as far as our approach to sound is concerned.' Beyond the concept, the rapper and producer just love Hip-Hop culture and wanted to represent it right. They may be taking a Boom bap excursion into another dimension—and likely one in a distant galaxy— on Portals, but this is pure, raw, unadulterated Hip-Hop to the bone gristle. Features include Mista Sinista, DJ White Shadow, Celph Titled, Life Long, and Necro.

The irresistible groove of Alex Puddu.

"Soul Tiger" and "The Mover" are taken from Alex's forthcoming album "Alex Puddu Soul Tiger" - featuring Joe Bataan.

For their second collaboration on Odio, Arcanoid and Diffuse Arc continue to define their dreamy Electro signature sound with five cuts oscillating between ambient and downtempo.

We are proud to present to you the legendary MC, Chali 2Na of Jurassic 5 fame who has teamed up with touring partners, The Funk Hunters, hailing from Vancover, to release a booming bass heavy EP, Illectric. Here we feature two of the more dance floor friendly tracks, Oh Shit which has got anthem written all over it and on the flip the upbeat reggae infused Right Right Up. Limited to 500 copies - don't sleep!

The funk is something you cannot learn, buy or steal from somebody else. The funk is with you, or it is not. You have to be honest and real. Enter Diazpora: They have the funk. It is with them since they started in 2002 and it did not deserted them since.

The nine-piece band from Hamburg/Germany knows that you cannot fake the funk. You need to keep the groove on the move. On their fifth album "Islands" they do this more profound than ever. As with all things funky, it is about a continuous travel on an instinctive path that never leads to the final destination. Just like in real life: You got to keep moving!

Let us have a look at the Diazpora collective. The brass section features a line-up including some of the coolest faces on the North German scene. Trumpet player Hans-Christian Stephan has been a member of the Diazpora force since day one, he already worked with Gregory Porter, Hamburg's rising young soul voice Miu and plays with hip Hamburg techno marching band Meute. Jonathan Krause (baritone saxophone, flute) plays with the wonderful PiazuTrio and is an integral part of the local orchestra world. Finally, Alexander "Kimo" Eiserbeck (alto saxophone) wraps up this unstoppable set-up with his unmatched stage presence and the experience of playing with local heroes like Smith & Johnson and Uebertribe as well as being a requested studio musician.

Now get down with Diazporas's rhythm section. Lucas Kochbeck (drums) und David Nesselhauf (bass) are a masterful team. They supply the foundation of the Diazpora operation. Fellow artists like The Kiez or Carmen Brown know what we are talking about here. Lucas Kochbeck also produced the acclaimed Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band Album "55" (Truth & Soul) and sometimes joins the Mighty Mocambos on stage. David Nesselhauf is a well-travelled bass player with a long history of solo releases and recently put out his new album "Afrokraut". Percussionist Thomas Neitzel ranks among the founder members of Diazpora and played on all releases. Guitarist Legbo's style is unmistakable, like Christoph Hinrichsen (keyboards) he is a dedicated live performer and also plays in Uebertribe. Most important, on "Islands", Diazpora introduce a new member to their team. After working with various vocalists over the years, the band found a soul mate in singer Axel Feige, guitarist and singer in his own band Absolem Max as well.

On "Islands" Diazpora decide to throw a big party. Engineer Sebastian Nagel (The Mighty Mocambos) went for a straightforward analogue and purist sound. The album kicks off with the furious "Street Market", very Blaxploitation, very Shaft, but still highly original - followed by "Beast", another unstoppable signature tune. This band is a well-trained 18 legged groove machine, and with Axel Feige adding his truly unique vocals this is a very international sound. "Islands", the title track, serves as proof and displays Diazpora's ability to deliver a haunting ballad.

"Kinshasa Strut" adds some powerful Afro funk to the whole set, while "Give A Little Prayer" explores cinematic funk territory, not far away from what The Olympians do. With "Moon" and "2 Much Effort" Diazpora continue in this vibe and get down to the nitty gritty in a deep down 70s style. "Piece By Piece" then takes no prisoners. Rock, Funk and Afro appear in a perfect balance with Axel Feige's engaging vocals. "Yaroslava" and "Me & I" are even more haunting, Diazpora deliver a stylistic scope unmatched by any other of their genre competitors "Nap Xtra Long" and "27-28-29" prove the fact. "Numbers" finishes "Islands" with a powerful brass hook full of emotion and intensity. "Our quest for the true funk is never ending. One minute we think we are nearly there, then again we notice we still have such a long way to go," Diazpora say. "But that's the fun in it. The funk does not stand still. It is on a constant journey. To keep up with the funk, you can't afford to be lazy. Otherwise you lose it."

"Islands" is released on CD, as digital download and as a limited double vinyl LP.

The funk is something you cannot learn, buy or steal from somebody else. The funk is with you, or it is not. You have to be honest and real. Enter Diazpora: They have the funk. It is with them since they started in 2002 and it did not deserted them since.

The nine-piece band from Hamburg/Germany knows that you cannot fake the funk. You need to keep the groove on the move. On their fifth album "Islands" they do this more profound than ever. As with all things funky, it is about a continuous travel on an instinctive path that never leads to the final destination. Just like in real life: You got to keep moving!

Let us have a look at the Diazpora collective. The brass section features a line-up including some of the coolest faces on the North German scene. Trumpet player Hans-Christian Stephan has been a member of the Diazpora force since day one, he already worked with Gregory Porter, Hamburg's rising young soul voice Miu and plays with hip Hamburg techno marching band Meute. Jonathan Krause (baritone saxophone, flute) plays with the wonderful PiazuTrio and is an integral part of the local orchestra world. Finally, Alexander "Kimo" Eiserbeck (alto saxophone) wraps up this unstoppable set-up with his unmatched stage presence and the experience of playing with local heroes like Smith & Johnson and Uebertribe as well as being a requested studio musician.

Now get down with Diazporas's rhythm section. Lucas Kochbeck (drums) und David Nesselhauf (bass) are a masterful team. They supply the foundation of the Diazpora operation. Fellow artists like The Kiez or Carmen Brown know what we are talking about here. Lucas Kochbeck also produced the acclaimed Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band Album "55" (Truth & Soul) and sometimes joins the Mighty Mocambos on stage. David Nesselhauf is a well-travelled bass player with a long history of solo releases and recently put out his new album "Afrokraut". Percussionist Thomas Neitzel ranks among the founder members of Diazpora and played on all releases. Guitarist Legbo's style is unmistakable, like Christoph Hinrichsen (keyboards) he is a dedicated live performer and also plays in Uebertribe. Most important, on "Islands", Diazpora introduce a new member to their team. After working with various vocalists over the years, the band found a soul mate in singer Axel Feige, guitarist and singer in his own band Absolem Max as well.

On "Islands" Diazpora decide to throw a big party. Engineer Sebastian Nagel (The Mighty Mocambos) went for a straightforward analogue and purist sound. The album kicks off with the furious "Street Market", very Blaxploitation, very Shaft, but still highly original - followed by "Beast", another unstoppable signature tune. This band is a well-trained 18 legged groove machine, and with Axel Feige adding his truly unique vocals this is a very international sound. "Islands", the title track, serves as proof and displays Diazpora's ability to deliver a haunting ballad.

"Kinshasa Strut" adds some powerful Afro funk to the whole set, while "Give A Little Prayer" explores cinematic funk territory, not far away from what The Olympians do. With "Moon" and "2 Much Effort" Diazpora continue in this vibe and get down to the nitty gritty in a deep down 70s style. "Piece By Piece" then takes no prisoners. Rock, Funk and Afro appear in a perfect balance with Axel Feige's engaging vocals. "Yaroslava" and "Me & I" are even more haunting, Diazpora deliver a stylistic scope unmatched by any other of their genre competitors "Nap Xtra Long" and "27-28-29" prove the fact. "Numbers" finishes "Islands" with a powerful brass hook full of emotion and intensity. "Our quest for the true funk is never ending. One minute we think we are nearly there, then again we notice we still have such a long way to go," Diazpora say. "But that's the fun in it. The funk does not stand still. It is on a constant journey. To keep up with the funk, you can't afford to be lazy. Otherwise you lose it."

"Islands" is released on CD, as digital download and as a limited double vinyl LP.

DJ Platurn has built a reputation as a tastemaker with vision and a sense of community and in turn preserving crucial aspects of DJ and music culture. Founder of the Oakland Faders and The 45 Sessions.

Best known as one-half of soul duo Myron & E, Newark native Eric 'E' Cooke aka E Da Boss is the definition of a multifaceted artist. It began with DJing and a love of hip-hop, which eventually turned into producing, and ultimately brought him to singing and songwriting both alongside Myron and on his own.

Since then Myron & E have toured the world and released their own music (Stones Throw) as well as collaborated with c with The Soul Investigators (Timmion Records) , The Soul Surfers (Ubiquity Records), in the meantime E has contributed vocals to a track for UK sensation The Gene Dudley Group's sophomore album on Wah Wah 45s, as well as releasing material under the moniker Lucid Paradise alongside Ishtar on The Whole Truth Records and a few 45s as part of The Pendletons on his own independent label Slept On Records. It's an exciting time for fans of E's music, as it appears new sounds are on the horizon, starting with this limited edition 45!

"This Is the Moment" was originally released as the B-side of "Lord Please Hear my Prayer", a rare 45 published by Cipiti Records, written by Tony Benn Feghaly and Sante Palumbo, it's an amazing gospel-soul song interpreted by Edith Peters. In only two minutes and a half The Sante Palumbo Orchestra accompanies Peters' entrancing voice, delivering a groovy and intense interpretation. The original 1973 version of the song is here featured as a B-side, while Gerardo Frisina signs the A-side of this reissue with a rework of the track - doubling the length and adding his signature rhythm patterns.

In a career filled with hits, legends, and countless high points, 1959's Please Please Please may very well be the highest point of all. The debut album from James Brown and his Famous Flames, Please Please Please comprised all his charting singles up to that point as well as many classic B-sides. If the legendary title track weren't enough, the album also features the #1 single "Try Me", and 14 more of Brown's early R&B classic. Absolutely essential album for anyone with a soul.

Kinsman, one of Bristol's most prolic artists brings you his next explosive oering of British Hip Hop already labelled Future OldSchool' by critics.
Kinsman... Last Of e Bristolians, invites you to feast your ears on his latest release straight out of Bristol's Alma Vale Studio titled For e Record'A 5 Track E.P where Kinsman joins forces with 3 highly accomplished producers UNO, LongLastin & Mr Fantastic who are totally committed to bring you their unique
concepts of audio visuals. As a special bonus Kinsman shares with you a rare un-released track from Bristol's own legendary Hip Hop crew 3PM as his former incarnation Krissy Kriss. 3PM rocked the mic at the Jams & on radio from the late 80's to late 90's.
e last few years have found Kinsman working on many exciting musical projects & collaborations. e most recent being "e Summer Tour 2016" across Europe with Full Cycle/Fresh 4 dj & producer SUV.
Kinsman has been involved in the world of music since 1983 where he successfully owed with several crews from e Wildbunch to Smith & Mighty to 3PM who features on the late 80's hits "Anyone" and "Walk On" rough this Kinsman intends to shine with the strength of quality rap & hard earned experience.

'Taste me' is a 1981 obscure instrumental library music album and a weird example of Italo Funk Disco played by professional musicians (most of them under pseudonym) involved also in many different musical projects (from jazz, progressive rock and disco music).
The LP includes the killer Disco Funk "Don't Stop It'.

Repressed in limited edition with original artwork for the first time since 1981.

By popular demand, we are delighted to present you a super ltd edition reissue of Marta Ren & The Groovelvets MEGA in-demand 45 "I'm Not Your Regular Woman" / "Be Ma Fela" this time on a splendid transparent 45 vinyl. Originally released in December 2015, Marta Ren & The Groovelvets "I'm Not Your Regular Woman" 45 went sold out in few weeks and became a regular spin on funk soul dancefloors. If you've missed the 45 the first around, you better get on it quickly as this it's limited to 150 copies worldwide. On the flip side there's the afro-tastic scorcher "Be Ma Fela". The 2 tracks are taken from 2016 Marta Ren & The Groovelvets' impressive debut album Stop Look Listen. Our Portughuise soul sister is currently on Tour and has just ignites stages of The Trans Musicale and Eurosonic 2017.

Killer funk from Florida circa 1975!
Co-produced by Clarence Reid & Willie Clarke, these 2 funk nuggets will set fire to any dancefloor. The flip "Chicken Yellow" was famously sampled on "Buffalo Stance" by Neneh Cherry and "Soul Clap" by Showbiz & A.G.
Official re issue released in conjunction with the Henry Stone Music Group 2015

Nathan Bartell grew up in a little town called Ashburn, Georgia but soon moved to Atlanta Georgia where he began to perform in the night clubs. In 1973 he released "Top Going Down, Bottom Going Up" on the Soul-Po-Tion label. Bartell remembers: "At the time I was having family problems. My wife didn't want me and I was deep in love. I felt at that time that I was at the bottom of the pit and I wanted to rise up out of that mess because my wife made me feel that I was a nobody. I was not good enough for her - nobody wants you when you are down and out. She felt that she were on the top and I was on the bottom. This song was a message at that time." There is nothing for us to add except that we are delighted to bring this little beauty back to new life.

Key-selling points:

- hard to find on original 45

- original label artwork

- fantastic sound quality

n5MD is proud to bring you OKADA's 5th album Floating Away From The World. ...A dream-like trip through punching beats, ethereal vocals and layers of warmth, sitting somewhere between ASC, Kiyoko and bvdub

Limited Edition Gatefold CD

This new album which is the first created after Gregory Pappas' road-trip from Mobile Alabama to his newly adopted home of Seattle, Washington. As the title might suggest this move and subsequent album both figuratively and literally involves forms of escapism.

As all previous OKADA works this album is filled with four epic length works that take their time to unfold, envelop and yes, float the listener away from the world.

Those familiar with OKADA's work will find his beat-work as an
anchor to provide a sense of tangibility to the ambience. This time out the vocal flourishes he commonly uses feel more human, less processed, and delivered more as answers than
pleas. His adept use of string work on Floating Away From The World boosts the mood and is a natural fit.

The album could be seen as sitting somewhere between the syrupy calm of Division of Self and his more recent ode to
relationships

100 copies only !!

Critics and concertgoers love his live performances and call him a living blues legend. Record collectors of soul and funk 45s consider many of his early recordings on wax as a "must have", some even as "holy grails". No matter what Roy Roberts means to you, an album which collects his sought after 45rpm single tracks was long overdue.

Roy Roberts became hooked on music while growing up in a small town in Tennessee, listening to blues and R&B on radio stations WLAC out of Nashville. When he turned 18, he moved to Greensboro, North Carolina to live with an uncle. Roy sharpened his skills while playing in makeshift bands until he landed a job with local hero Guitar Kimbers' Untouchables. Before long, Roy was backing up major artists who came through town. One of those artists, Solomon Burke, took young Roy under his wing after letting him sit in as a bass player during a local gig. He was soon handling the guitar chores behind the future soul legend on tour. Roberts subsequently picked up touring gigs with such luminaries as Eddie Floyd, "Little" Stevie Wonder, and Otis Redding, while fronting his own band, The Roy Roberts Experience, on the regional club scene and South-eastern beach town circuit.

Roy began to cut records in the mid-sixties, staying mostly behind the scenes as a session man. The tragic death of Otis Redding inspired him to step up to the microphone with a song dedicated to the late crooner. The record was released on Nina Simone's NinaAndy label and backed by an ace studio band. Roy followed this successful effort with a string of 45's that carried him well into the seventies. During the disco years, Roy turned his talents to country music. After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Roberts got the blues fever once again in the early 1990s. Besides recording his own material Roy continues to record and produce records for his label, and tours the U.S. and Europe regularly.

Lester "Groovebug" Sterling - January 2017

'Red Hot Mama' is a cracking mid-50s R&B number that will bless any DJ set or record collection. The personnel and indeed the singer - known only as 'S. Johnson' - remain something of a mystery, though it's known to have been recorded in New Orleans for the Chess label, and certainly the second line drum rolls sound highly reminiscent of NOLA session drummer Charles 'Hungry' Williams. Either way, this is yet another unissued gem making its first appearance on 45rpm vinyl on the Jukebox Jam imprint.

Hopeton Overton Brown Aka Scientist is a true legend, he took Dub Reggae to a completely different level. Trained and mentored by the late, great, lamented King Tubby, he blew the scene into smithereens with his knowledge, skill and complete understanding of the mixing desk. He introduces today his new album The Untouchable, a really great collaboration with some of the best artists of the international reggae scene such as Tippa Irie, Rod Taylor, Sabrina Pallini, Da Real Storm, Dubiterian, Ilhame Paris, Kelli Love. Scientist's The Untouchable album is a concept of reintroducing rhythms produced by Bunny Lee from the 70s and some rhythms produced by Scientist from the 80s by introducing some New School Artists alongside the Old School to preserve the Power of Dub Reggae Music. No matter where you are the music has the power to cross the borders to soothe your heart and soul and make you feel alive.

Hopeton Overton Brown Aka Scientist is a true legend, he took Dub Reggae to a completely different level. Trained and mentored by the late, great, lamented King Tubby, he blew the scene into smithereens with his knowledge, skill and complete understanding of the mixing desk. He introduces today his new album The Untouchable, a really great collaboration with some of the best artists of the international reggae scene such as Tippa Irie, Rod Taylor, Sabrina Pallini, Da Real Storm, Dubiterian, Ilhame Paris, Kelli Love. Scientist's The Untouchable album is a concept of reintroducing rhythms produced by Bunny Lee from the 70s and some rhythms produced by Scientist from the 80s by introducing some New School Artists alongside the Old School to preserve the Power of Dub Reggae Music. No matter where you are the music has the power to cross the borders to soothe your heart and soul and make you feel alive.

We are truly living in strange times. Our reality is snowballing into a dystopian nightmare with all powerful pig headed political figures pulling the rest of the world towards oblivion. Headlines read like chapters from the darkest of Orwellian fantasies and our world is starting to resemble the bleakest of premonitions put forward by the most 'out there' science fiction writers. To say the least, things are going a bit strange.
Few artists have managed to capture and reflect the current sate of affairs as well as new High Focus Records signings Strange U have with their debut album '#LP4080'. Perhaps one the most unique acts to hit the hip hop scene, bringing a truly fresh take on a subject matter lesser rappers have toiled with for years. Rapper King Kashmere and producer Zygote (aka The Maghreban) blend a careful mixture of social commentary and experimental excellence over left of centre rhythms sent from the mother ship whilst staying 100% Hip Hop throughout as the album title would suggest - a reference to the famous Tribe Called Quest Industry Rule.
But don't get it twisted, it isn't all doom & gloom. The album takes the listener to many different dimensions whilst maintaining a signature cohesiveness. From politics on "Mr Kill', a pastiche of the modern rap game on "Shots" to the other worldly Sci-Fi of "Cimmerian Shade" and the self deprecating wit of "Waste of Space".
Overall, the duo aim to make music that bangs and that takes you elsewhere. Maybe it harks back some of the references they connected over, perhaps when hip hop acts had more character. More Goofball. More Experimental. More Gonzo.

We are truly living in strange times. Our reality is snowballing into a dystopian nightmare with all powerful pig headed political figures pulling the rest of the world towards oblivion. Headlines read like chapters from the darkest of Orwellian fantasies and our world is starting to resemble the bleakest of premonitions put forward by the most 'out there' science fiction writers. To say the least, things are going a bit strange.
Few artists have managed to capture and reflect the current sate of affairs as well as new High Focus Records signings Strange U have with their debut album '#LP4080'. Perhaps one the most unique acts to hit the hip hop scene, bringing a truly fresh take on a subject matter lesser rappers have toiled with for years. Rapper King Kashmere and producer Zygote (aka The Maghreban) blend a careful mixture of social commentary and experimental excellence over left of centre rhythms sent from the mother ship whilst staying 100% Hip Hop throughout as the album title would suggest - a reference to the famous Tribe Called Quest Industry Rule.
But don't get it twisted, it isn't all doom & gloom. The album takes the listener to many different dimensions whilst maintaining a signature cohesiveness. From politics on "Mr Kill', a pastiche of the modern rap game on "Shots" to the other worldly Sci-Fi of "Cimmerian Shade" and the self deprecating wit of "Waste of Space".
Overall, the duo aim to make music that bangs and that takes you elsewhere. Maybe it harks back some of the references they connected over, perhaps when hip hop acts had more character. More Goofball. More Experimental. More Gonzo.

Comes in 3D sleeve supplied with bespoke '3D Fabreeze Vision' glasses. Pressed on crystal clear vinyl with blue & red splatters to match the lenses of the 3D glasses. Supplied in shrink wrap with '3D glasses supplied' sticker.

Following the almost forgotten 90's Hip Hop tradition of a 2nd 12' from an album with extra tracks or remixes, The Fabreeze Brothers a/k/a Paul Nice & Phill Most Chill return with a single release of one of the most popular cuts from the hugely successful Fabreeze Brothers album, Heroes of the East featuring Paten Locke. Included here are the Clean Martial World Version for the radio plus the Original Version of 'Heroes of the East' featuring some incredible guest scratches by Jorun Bombay that do not appear on the Martial World version found on the album. For extra value for money we've backed this one with the 'Blue Sheepskin Remix' of Fashion Plate which was originally only a hidden track on the CD album. Instrumentals of all 3 vocal tracks are also included to make it a bumper 12' package!

To make this one something a little special for Fabreeze Brothers fans our design wizard Mr Krum has created a 3D sleeve and conceived a crystal clear vinyl design with red and blue splatters to match the lenses of the bespoke printed '3D Fabreeze Vision' glasses. A pair comes supplied with each copy in what must be yet again another first for the Hip Hop vinyl world - again pushing the packaging boundaries following the incredible custom die cut sleeve found on the 1st edition copies of the album. The overall design aesthetic is a nod to Paul Nice's love of the Shaw Brothers martial arts films and when wearing the 3D glasses the Rez Ones photography appears to jump out of the sleeve!

Beautiful group vocal rhythm & blues from Vernon Green & The Medallions, 'A Lovers Prayer' is a smouldering gem guaranteed to get the dancefloor moving. Laid back, subtle and played in minor key, the song also epitomizes the kind of moody mid-tempo R&B tunes which caught on with the Belgian popcorn scene - records whose understated feel meant they were likely neglected on other music scenes for a good while. But not now!