Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the first release from Afro-dub stalwarts and brand new signings, Soothsayers. Having been fans of this influential South London based outfit for the best part of two decades now, it's come as a great thrill to finally, officially welcome them to the fold.

These four brand new recordings, issued rather beautifully on ten-inches of wax with bespoke sleeve artwork and featuring the imagery of Polish photographer Kazimierz Zagórski, draw from the kaleidoscope of influences that have forged the Soothsayers sound. For the new listener they provide a window into the world of a band that have explored myriad forms, developing the groove and philosophy that originally shepherded these musicians onto a common path. For the seasoned fan, these tracks provide a fresh take on some live favourites, including re-workings of Afro-jazz favourites, and expansive vocal versions of classic Soothsayer dubs.

Blinded Souls is a fresh recording of a bubbling Afrobeat tune, first released on Soothsayers sophomore album, Tangled Roots. Simple, direct, chanted harmonies deliver a lyrical message lamenting the "long works hours culture" and modern materialistic priorities. Gritty rhythmic horns, jazzy Rhodes and analogue synths combine perfectly with an Afro break-beat for the three part vocal blend to ride on - this version was mixed by legendary dub wizard Nick Manasseh.

Eagle Song provides some soaring spiritual jazz and is a new version of a piece that was recorded for Soothsayers' debut LP, Lost City. It's a deeply grooving instrumental that has been an energetic high point of the band's live shows. Sax and trumpet improvisation and interplay, tight ensemble playing and a gritty mix by Rhys Adams at Yesking Studios make this a highlight.

Roll River Roll is a tough yet soulful dub cut that lays the perfect sonic bed for Soothsayers' three part harmonies, paying respect to the great Jamaican vocals groups like Culture, The Gladiators and The Mighty Diamonds. The rhythm is a reworking of a version from an earlier recording, Red Earth Dub, with a vocal written in the midst of a chaotic world with a calling to get back to our roots and learn from the natural world.

Finally, Refugee, written in tribute to all resilient humans uprooted from their homeland and coping with the struggles of relocation, is a new version of the instrumental Salaam Shalom that featured Soothsayers horns, and was produced by Nick Manasseh for the Roots Garden label.

There but for the grace of God go we!

Previous radio support comes from Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, David Rodigan, Don Letts, Robert Elms and many more worldwide.

Soothsayers will be celebrating this release with a full live show at The Battersea Arts Centre on May 17thwith special guests Dele Sosimi, Hector Plimmer, Wu-Lu and Wah Wah 45s DJs.

Effyzzie Music star Geniuzz releases his anticipated extended play titled "A Slice of Geniuzz".
The 10 tracker set features his label mates Yemi Alade and Soti, with production credits from Dr Sett, Drey Beatz, Emzo and Jay.
The E.P can be described as a unique and masterful blend of sounds that takes you on an adventure of smooth rhythm and melody rooted in living life to the fullest and loving life.

Following on from the Pasteur Lappe compilation "African Funk Experimentals" LP, we are really pleased to be re-visiting Pasteur with a repress of his second album from 1979, "Na Man Pass Man". The story begins in the 60s with a charming 19 year old Nicolas "Pasteur" Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala, Cameroun. He goes on to become the editor of the Douala Gazette newspaper and become friends with other African music stars such as Tala AM, J Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works tirelessly promoting new and upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After moving to Paris, a stint in journalism school and publishing a book of poems "Chansons Negres" he finally settles into a new life of music in Paris. His second album "Na Man Pass Man" is made in 1979 with the backing band and production collective called the Zulu Gang, which include Douglas Mbida (who went on to release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The album is full of diverse sounds, from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul. At its core though is the custom "Sekele" groove... a movement to encompass the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala. The album opens with Africa Seven favourite "Na Real Sekele Fo' Ya" which takes stabby moog bass synth to a whole new level of grooviness. "Follow Me To My Dreams" takes proceedings on a reggae tip as the Zulu Gang show us just how Reggae they can go. Its sleezy Rhodes and sax led jazz funk of "Mbale". Followed by "Missosi" a cautionary tale from our hero. Side B opens with another slice of slick African Reggae with "Babette D'O (Rastawoman)" - the Caribbean chops of Jacob Desvariaux getting a full exercise here. Its then "Back To Funky" with some dance funk. It features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals too. The "Lead" track from the album "ABC" is next with its stomping afro, pop funk delightfulness. A 12" version was actually released in 1979 with a fine painting of our hero on the front cover. We close off the LP with the title track "Na Man Pass Man (Na Iron De Cut)". This features Pasteur singing and professing his tale of the trials of Africans and African Music over a rolling bass guitar groove. The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe, we salute you.

Next up on Craig Richard's Tuppence imprint following Convextion's superb 'New Road' 7', comes the two slices of heavy dub pressure: 'Babylon Correction Dub' from esteemed Canadian producer Deadbeat.Please note these are limited 7' only releases. Watch out for other forthcoming releases on Tuppence from Howie B and Shaun Ryder.

Producers such as Akcept, Alphadub, Deadroom, Baodub, DTR, Blind Prophet and Bukkha have joined their talents, skills and energy on this special venture. In addition the whole release was fabulously illustrated by the inimitable FromTheTrunk crew. Those 3 covers have been hand painted for the past few months and turned out to be an outstanding piece of art when joined together. Limited to 500 pcs, no reprint.

Producers such as Akcept, Alphadub, Deadroom, Baodub, DTR, Blind Prophet and Bukkha have joined their talents, skills and energy on this special venture. In addition the whole release was fabulously illustrated by the inimitable FromTheTrunk crew. Those 3 covers have been hand painted for the past few months and turned out to be an outstanding piece of art when joined together. Limited to 500 pcs, no reprint.

Producers such as Akcept, Alphadub, Deadroom, Baodub, DTR, Blind Prophet and Bukkha have joined their talents, skills and energy on this special venture. In addition the whole release was fabulously illustrated by the inimitable FromTheTrunk crew. Those 3 covers have been hand painted for the past few months and turned out to be an outstanding piece of art when joined together. Limited to 500 pcs, no reprint.

Globe-trotting beatmaker returns to soundsystems worldwide bridging continents through rhythm. Blending a styles from NY hip-hop, UK bass & Turkish psychedelic, to Afrobeat & Amazonian funk into a mellifluous sonic thesaurus.

* Speaker distressing early 1990s UK dub from the Disciples.
* `Sunrise' and `Downbeat Rock' plus dubplate cuts only ever heard before in sound system dances.
* The original versions of these tracks appeared on 12'on the Boomshackalacka label 1994 and 1993 respectively.
* Disciples, along with the likes of Sound Iration, Manasseh, Alpha and Omega and Conscious Sounds are the forerunners of what became known as the UK roots/dub scene.
* Highly regarded for their custom built dubplate cuts for Jah Shaka. Disciples have a sizable following worldwide, particularly in the UK, France, Germany and Japan.

A Side 'Bubble'
A sweet and experimental journey into some deep and soft electronic dub. expect sub basses and smokey atmosphere, bouncing chords and yes, nodding your head is allowed!

B Side 'Reciprocity'
Every Ying deserves a Yang. Let's plunge yourself on the dancefloor and get the vibes through a huge live congas and percussions rhythm. Beware of the sub frequencies, the bassline won't let you sleep!

Driven by a love of polyrhythms, producer/designer Paul Chin has fine-tuned his approach through beats. Frenzied "War Drums' sit alongside chilled tracks "Home" & "Deep Jupiter", a penetrating remix by Shigeto & hymnic vocals of Johanna Wienholts on "Sha

7"

A side is an obscure version of "Murder She Wrote," recorded by Pliers 5 years before he teamed up w/Chakademus for the Sly & Robbie production. Flip for "Tracks Of Love." a languid downtempo instro head nodder

5 x 7" BOX
Unique Soul Jazz Records' Record Store Day seven-inch box
set comprising five separate singles featuring ten killer rare
collectors tracks from Studio One Records, featuring Ska, Roots,
Rocksteady, Dub & more from the greatest reggae label of all time.

Seminal, rare and classic tunes collected together here for the first time ever.

The second 7' vinyl release from top contemporary Jamaican vocal artist Anthony Que, features a heavyweight Roots track, recently recorded and produced by Niney (Winston Holness) at Observer Soundbox Studio, Kingston JA. Rhythm is by Sly & Robbie.

*The vocal track and Dub Version are special mixes exclusively for Gadd 59 Music. An alternate version of the vocal track features on the forthcoming album: 'We Are Living in the Same World'.



*7' is on the Observer label (Original 70's design) and in Observer 7' Generic Picture sleeve.
*Tracks recorded at Observer Soundbox Studio (JA).
*Track Re-mixes for G59 by: Bertie.
*Rhythm By; Sly & Robbie.
*Produced By: Winston 'Niney' Holness.
*Limited press, on Clear vinyl.

Top Drawer 90's selection from the Boombastic Crew aka Nick Raphael (Manasseh. Riz Records, Roots Garden) and Gil Gang (Tuff Scout, Riz Records) with a tune that does what it says in the tin. Sound murderation!
A hardcore instrumental sound system bullet which has hints of King Jammy, Jah Tubbys and Unity Sounds.
This originally came on the back of a Riz 12' back in the early 1990's which is now a costly record to secure.

The first of two 45s out of Chinna Smith's Inna De Yard Studio,
St. Andrew Park, Kingston Jamaica. Nadia McAnuff, daughter of long time 70s legend Winston McAnuff, backed with Brian Anu Gold.

[A] A1 | NADIA MC ANUFF - MARCUS GARVEY

Die Essenz des Dennis Brown auf einer Vinyl-LP ist in limitierter Auflage für kurze Zeit wieder erhältlich. Mit zwölf ausgesuchten Hits auf einem Longplayer, ist die Zusammenstellung von "Love & Hate" ausnahmslos gelungen. Hier finden sich die besten Stücke des Sängers, die mit den Produzenten Sly & Robbie (Taxi Productions), Joe Gibbs, Niney The Observer, Derrick Harriott (Chariot Productions), Tad A. Dawkins (Tad Records) oder in Eigenregie für das eigene Label Yvonne's Special entstanden sind - auf der Rückseite der LP-Hülle sind die wichtigsten Textzeilen abgedruckt! Dennis Emmanuel Brown (geb. 01.02.1957 / gest. 01.07.1999) war Bob Marleys Lieblingssänger und wurde von ihm zum "Crown Prince of Reggae" ernannt.

Bold, exuberant, expansive re-charting of the same neck of the sleng-teng invasion as vintage Jahtari and Tapes.
The Upsetter meets Raymond Scott meets Horsepower Productions... on a writhing, pinging bed of Spaghetti Western... at the synthy grassroots of Library.
Tremendously enjoyable, next-level stuff from Seekers.
Blood-red vinyl.

Das 3LP-Package im Klappcover, mit großartigen Fotos und ausführlichen Liner Notes von Dave Hendley, ist in limitierter Auflage für kurze Zeit wieder erhältlich! Mit dieser Veröffentlichung von 36 essentiellen Aufnahmen hatte VP Records bereits im Jahr 2004 der jamaikanischen Institution ein würdiges Denkmal gesetzt, war doch Channel One für fast 10 Jahre (1974 - 1984) die absolute Nr.1 unter den Studios der Insel und hatte mit seinen Produktionen Einfluss auf die Musikhistorie, die der von Studio One und Treasure Isle der '60er Jahre in nichts nachstehen. Hier finden sich Originale von den großen Künstlern wie Barrington Levy, Delroy Wilson, Dillinger, Clint Eastwood, The Mighty Diamonds, John Holt, Yellowman und vielen mehr, sowie die Aufnahmen der allerersten 12-Inch Maxi-Single, die in Jamaika erschien, die Extended Versions von The Jays & Ranking Trevor - "Truly Deejay Mix" (Coverversion des Marcia Griffiths Klassiker) und "Queen Majesty", die Reggae-Version des Curtis Mayfield Songs.

Inspired by the music of Fela Kuti and his Africa 70 project feat. drummer Tony Allenl, "The Devil Made Me Do It" is pure downtempo afro beat in its original version, the first remix here included, the "Invisible Cosmic Echoes", has a slower pace and is characterized - as the title suggests - by reverberations and space sound, while the "Invisible Astral Wave" is perfect for a DJ remix and has got a slightly accelerated pace, with an emphasis on the percussive / tribal element.

2 track Single from Stephen Cheng released by Sunshine/Dub Store Records

During the mid-1970s, the Aggrovators could do no wrong. This ace team of session musicians that was forged as an off-shoot of the Soul Syndicate were responsible for some of the biggest hits of the decade, recorded with Bunny Lee's rising stars, such as Johnnie Clarke and his rival, Cornell Campbell. Following on from the great Shalom Dub set of 1975, Rasta Dub '76 is another truly magnificent dub set culled from Aggrovators hits (by Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell and others), this time, the entire album was given a scintillating mix-down at King Tubby's studio by the great Prince Jammy, and the sonic excellence has stood the test of time. Another must-have for all connoisseurs of dub.

During the mid-1970s, the Aggrovators could do no wrong. This ace team of session musicians that was forged as an off-shoot of the Soul Syndicate were responsible for some of the biggest hits of the decade, recorded with Bunny Lee's rising stars, such as Johnnie Clarke and his rival, Cornell Campbell. Following on from the great Shalom Dub set of 1975, Rasta Dub '76 is another truly magnificent dub set culled from Aggrovators hits (by Johnny Clarke, Cornell Campbell and others), this time, the entire album was given a scintillating mix-down at King Tubby's studio by the great Prince Jammy, and the sonic excellence has stood the test of time. Another must-have for all connoisseurs of dub.

Cementing his reputation as the star toaster with the small but popular El Paso sound system, based in the Waltham Park area, Dennis Alcapone was one of the first deejays to rise to prominence following U Roy's breakthrough in the late 1960s. Born Dennis Smith in the rural district of Culloden, he became immersed in sound system culture after settling in western Kingston. Once El Paso became big on the sound system circuit, dental technician-turned-producer Keith Hudson brought him into the studio for his debut recordings, which led to a debut album for Studio One and hit material for Duke Reid, some cut in concert with his deejay sparring partner, Lizzy. Alcapone's longstanding links with Bunny Lee yielded the excellent Guns Don't Argue album, first issued in 1972, on which the toaster raps with style over some of Lee's all-time greatest rhythms, including Delroy Wilson's 'Better Must Come,' John Holt's 'Left With A Broken Heart' and Slim Smith's rendition of the Temptations' soul classic 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg.'

Cementing his reputation as the star toaster with the small but popular El Paso sound system, based in the Waltham Park area, Dennis Alcapone was one of the first deejays to rise to prominence following U Roy’s breakthrough in the late 1960s. Born Dennis Smith in the rural district of Culloden, he became immersed in sound system culture after settling in western Kingston. Once El Paso became big on the sound system circuit, dental technician- turned-producer Keith Hudson brought him into the studio for his debut recordings, which led to a debut album for Studio One and hit material for Duke Reid, some cut in concert with his deejay sparring partner, Lizzy. Alcapone’s longstanding links with Bunny Lee yielded the excellent Guns Don’t Argue album, first issued in 1972, on which the toaster raps with style over some of Lee’s all-time greatest rhythms, including Delroy Wilson’s Better Must Come, John Holt’s Left With A Broken Heart and Slim Smith’s rendition of the Temptations’ soul classic Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.

Born Roy Samuel Reid in Saint Thomas in 1944, I Roy was one of Jamaica's all-time greatest deejays. A natural-born toaster, his rhyming raps always sounded effortless, whether describing the harsh realities of the inner city, or making light of nonsense nursery rhymes. A former employee at Customs and Excise, he was first active on a sound system called Soul Bunnies in the rock steady era, moving to Son's Junior in 1968, and later, to the legendary Supreme Ruler of Sound, defecting to the rival Stereo sound system after that. Hits for Harry Mudie and other producers soon followed, and after the killer debut album Presenting I Roy impacted overseas, the toaster began spending frequent periods in London. His longstanding working relationship with hit-making producer Bunny Lee led to some of his most noteworthy albums during the mid-1970s, the 1977 set Can't Conquer Rasta is a superb 'showcase'-style album, on which the toaster blows hard lyrics over five of Lee's killer 'rockers' rhythms (recorded with the likes of Johnny Clarke), each complete with a corresponding Aggrovators dub on the flip, all mixed by Prince Jammy at King Tubby's studio.

Born Roy Samuel Reid in Saint Thomas in 1944, I Roy was one of Jamaica's all-time greatest deejays. A natural-born toaster, his rhyming raps always sounded effortless, whether describing the harsh realities of the inner city, or making light of nonsense nursery rhymes. A former employee at Customs and Excise, he was first active on a sound system called Soul Bunnies in the rock steady era, moving to Son's Junior in 1968, and later, to the legendary Supreme Ruler of Sound, defecting to the rival Stereo sound system after that. Hits for Harry Mudie and other producers soon followed, and after the killer debut album Presenting I Roy impacted overseas, the toaster began spending frequent periods in London. His longstanding working relationship with hit-making producer Bunny Lee led to some of his most noteworthy albums during the mid-1970s, the 1977 set Can't Conquer Rasta is a superb 'showcase'-style album, on which the toaster blows hard lyrics over five of Lee's killer 'rockers' rhythms (recorded with the likes of Johnny Clarke), each complete with a corresponding Aggrovators dub on the flip, all mixed by Prince Jammy at King Tubby's studio.

The house band of Bunny 'Striker' Lee was formed in the mid-1970s by some of Jamaica's most prominent and musically expressive session players. The shifting core line-up spun off from the Soul Syndicate and thus typically featured Earl 'Chinna' Smith and Tony Chin on guitar and Bernard 'Touter' Harvey on organ. Carlton 'Santa' was the main drummer, but Carlton Barrett of the Wailers band and 'Benbow' Creary were sometimes featured. Most crucially, on bass, Aston 'Family Man' Barrett shifted to Fully Fullwood (and occasionally, Earl 'Bagga' Walker), until Robbie Shakespeare took over, becoming the bandleader. The band was responsible for the popular 'flying cymbal' style that took Jamaica by storm, and you can hear it in abundance on this killer dub set from 1975, its excellent cuts of Cornell Campbell and Johnnie Clarke material mixed at King Tubby's studio—a must for all serious fans of dub.

King Tubby and Producer Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee are intertwined in the birth of Dub Music. After discovering a mistake that made a ‘serious joke’ they went on to release the first pressings of this new musical genre namely ‘Dub Music’. Tubby’s vast knowledge of electronics and Bunny’s vast catalogue of rhythms would lay the foundations of what today is taken as a standard...the Remix / Version cuts to an existing vocal tune. Sit back and enjoy this historic set of sounds. These releases were the first to carry the name of King Tubby and the first to credit the great musicians that contributed so much to the rhythms that made these albums possible.

One of Jamaica's most highly-rated vocalists, Alton Ellis made an incredible contribution to the island's popular music. Blessed with a particularly emotive voice that brings shivers to the spine whether singing original material or cover tunes, Ellis was born and raised in Trench Town, the west Kingston ghetto area that gave rise to Bob Marley and the Wailers and countless other singers. Ellis and singing partner Eddie Parkins hit big in 1961 with the ballad 'Muriel' for Coxsone Dodd, and after Parkins moved to the USA, Ellis teamed briefly with John Holt, and then began fronting the Flames harmony group. He excelled in the rock steady style, christening the genre with 'Rock Steady' and 'I Have Got A Date,' bouncing between Studio One and Treasure Isle for a number of years. From 1971, he spent increasing period in London, but continued to record hits in Jamaica for various producers. The 1979 release Love To Share was arranged by the great Studio One keyboardist, Jackie Mittoo, who co-produced the album with Junior Lincoln, founder of the London-based Bamboo label, the disc straddles the line between lover's rock and roots reggae, remaining a lesser-known classic.

Brand New 2017 Edition - finally available again on this CD and alternatively on 2LP Vinyl for the First time (moll16lp). The legendary movie soundstrack based out of Kingston, Jamaica in April 2008, telling the story of the original vocalists and musicians involved. The sixteenth release on the Moll-Selekta label shares its title with a wonderful film, a heartwarming homage to the golden age of rocksteady. It documents the recordings being made for this very album at the Tuff Gong studios, Kingston, Jamaica in April 2008, telling the story of the original vocalists and musicians involved. Excerpts from an all star reunion concert staged in Kingston and older archive material complete the picture. Never before in the history of Jamaica, which already occupies a unique place on the world map of song, its sound embraced by western popular music, has such an illustrious collection of singers and players been assembled. The album showcases 15 rocksteady classics in sparkling, deeply inspired new versions, recorded in the studio which also played host to album sessions of a certain Bob Marley. Under the musical direction of Ernest Ranglin, a guitarist of considerable renown not only on the reggae circuit, but also on the jazz scene, mixed by legendary engineer Errol Brown - in Duke Reid's employ at the Treasure Isle studio in the sixties - and freshly arranged by Lynn Taitt.