Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

45 years after its original release, The Employees return with a special reissue of their debut single 'Pick It Up': a Belpop Bonanza extended edit on a limited-edition transparent green 12".

Released in 1980, 'Pick It Up' has long been regarded as a Belpop icon. The single sold thousands of copies at the time and earned wide appreciation for its infectious rhythm and playful energy.

The Ganjas Meets Nairobi. The Space Rock of the Chileans together with the Dub of the Argentines. First time on vinyl celebrating 10th anniversary. Sounding laid-back and incisive at once, crisp production and rock sensibilities. The Ganjas are one of the best exponents of Chilean Space Rock and a fundamental-must-listen to understand the new Chilean psychedelic scene of the last decade. They began 25 years ago with long jam -kind -of-playing, with steady drum beats and simple basslines, but adding innovative and colorful lyrics and synths, without never losing the song structure. On the other side of the Andes, the eclectic by nature Nairobi laid the groundwork for a new style in Dub. Since 2009 they had released 3 studio albums and worked with the best legendary Dub producers: Mad Professor, Lee “Scratch” Perry and Sly & Robbie. Touring the same year 2014 in Chile they coincided with The Ganjas at BYM Studios for an unforgettable session that brought this recording, that boasts an intricate rhythm, sumptuous keyboards, and soaring guitars offering elastic grooves, disembodied vocals, and deep bass lines. The album itself revisits the past while also looking to the future. The songs are particularly creative, with the Bob Marley & The Wailers cover ‘The Heathen’ totally revitalized and other passages like ‘Pastor’ and ‘Eagle & Snake’ that travel through an incredible mix of styles, brilliantly blending Trip-Hop, Dub FXs from soundboard, a Brian Jones-esque style slide guitar, and songs like ‘Soul Salvation’ that brings an steady reggae beat with genius saxophones lines from Ignacio Czornogas (King Krule). Mastered by Cem Oral at Jamming Masters (Berlin). AVAILABLE 300 BLACK VINYLS. For fans of: Primal Scream (Echo Dek), Sumo, Dub Syndicate-Murder Tone, Upsetters, Peaking Lights, Peter Tosh-Mama Africa.

Another sweet rock steady tune, sung by B.B Seaton and The Gaylads. Ken Boothe’s “Can’t You See” was not as popular at the time of release however it became admired by collectors and selectors from all over the world.

A true melodic sensitivity inspires these gladiators. Moreover, the emotional voice of Albert Griffiths singing the faith in Jah brings an irresistible strength ("Wicked Man"). There is also a natural cheerfulness, almost like a vital breath, which inspires hope and joy of living. "Good Good Loving", with its happy choruses, its frivolous guitar, makes you instantly smile.

This album fits very naturally in a roots genre because the authors are among those who created the genre, and when they sing "Unite", we are craving to join them.

From dancehall (“Decisions”) to lovers rock (“She Was The Best”) to classic roots (“Keep On”) to unclassifiable genre-busting styles (“Good Vibration”), this album covers a lot of musical ground. Vinyl is Green and has ten tracks but all 14 tracks are available on the download card. Green vinyl features ten tracks and includes download card with all fourteen tracks.

So begins the legendary Don Letts' liner notes for this young band's new album,
'Ladders', their first on Easy Star Records. The band hails from Washington, DC,
and features lead singer Kelly Di Filippo, who has been heard on tracks by Jon
Quan and others. Letts continues: "I don't know how this Washington, DC-based
dub reggae outfit was brought up, but for the most part, like me, they seem to
have been raised with sixties pop hitting them in one ear and seventies reggae
hitting them in the other." That just about nails it for this unique act that sounds
pretty unlike any of their contemporaries in the US and world reggae scene.

Sweet rock steady vocal with the late Tony Brevette on lead vocal with The Melodians, backed with Prince Glen aka Trinity, riding the “Sweet Rose” rhythm to nice effect, dig the bassline!

This killer double sider is the first release of the stunning “Bookie Man - What’s Wrong With You”.
It was previously released as a blank label only in 1968 and was wrongly credited to The Bleechers.
On the B side, “Bookie Man” is a completely different track and it is a rare and brilliant song in its own right. It is also the first time the two “Bookie Man” songs are featured together on a 7inch.

‘Swimming Lessons’ is the full-length follow-up to The Skints critically acclaimed and fan-adored last release, ‘FM’ (2015). It features a thrilling mix of styles, as well as guest appearances by Grammy-nominated artist Protoje, Jesse Royal, and Runkus. 

The Skints, have clawed their way up from the depths of the underground punk/ska scene to become a unique fixture on the global reggae stage.

Drawing influences as wide as soul, pop, grime, and hardcore, their original brand of “tropical punk” has seen them evolve in to one of the hardest working and most respected bands in UK music.

Produced by The Skints in collaboration with Mike "Prince Fatty” Pelanconi, Ben Lamdin, Jack Longman and Pete Miles.

This is the very first reissue of the much in demand double sided killer single released in 1970 on the Upsetter label. Both tracks were produced by Lee Perry.

The A side is a beautiful yet wicked cover of LET IT BE by the Beatles, produced by Lee Perry and performed by the Soulettes.
The B side is BIG DOG BLOXIE, an even whackier version of the A side by Lee Perry.

ABOUT THE SOULETTES:
The Soulettes initially comprised Alpharita Anderson, born in Cuba, her male cousin Constantine Walker and her school friend Marlene Gifford and started recording as backing vocalists at Studio One from 1964 including the first Wailing Wailers’ hit “Simmer Down”. They also backed Lee Perry on a series of dirty songs such as ‘Rub & Squeeze’ and ‘Doctor Dick’. Under their own name The Soulettes were moderately successful have a string of minor hits such as ‘Opportunity Knocks’ and the lovely ‘Friends And Lovers’. Alpharita married Marley in in 1966 and the Soulettes disbanded. In 1969, Rita Marley re-formed the Soulettes with Nora Dean (later replaced by Hortense Lewis) and Cecile Campbell, Cornel’s sister.
The new line-up with Nora Dean and Cecile Cornell started working Lee Scratch Perry for a couple of songs including the outstanding cover of the Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’ which became their main hit in 1970. Following the group’s demise around 1973, Rita joined Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt to form the I-Threes whom became the de facto female backing trio for Bob Marley…

A reggae cover of Marvin Gaye's '60s soul classic and The Police's '80s hit!

Australia's reggae dub unit, Springtones, has reimagined two massive hits from Marvin Gaye and The Police through the lens of reggae fusion and dubwise, now released on a 7-inch vinyl!

Side A features a dubby and masterful cover of Marvin Gaye's 1967 soul classic, "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," with vocals by Gayl, brought to life by the Springtones. Side B showcases "Walking On The Moon," The Police's 1979 smash hit, covered by drummer Dubbin' Darryl?renowned for his unique reggae sound infused with funky soul?alongside the Springtones and Jamaican vocalist Noya. This track blends dubbed-out horns, deep electro basslines, and Noya's ethereal vocals in perfect harmony. The artwork, which pays homage to the Japanese edition of Marvin Gaye's singles, is also a must-see!

1988 debut from these US ska legends, finally reissued.

Reissue of their 1989 album. The Toasters was one of the first American bands in the third wave of ska, and is one of the longest active third wave ska bands. They have released nine studio albums most of them on Moon Ska Records. The Toasters experienced a small degree of commercial success in the late 1990s due to the popularity of third wave ska in North America. Their song "Two-Tone Army" is also the theme song for the Nickelodeon show KaBlam! (credited as the Moon Ska Stompers) and they recorded background music in many TV commercials, including for America Online and Coca-Cola. Their song "Don't Let The Bastards Grind You Down" appeared in the pilot episode of the animated series Mission Hill.

Reissue of their 1990 live album, recorded in London in 1989. Features all their early era classic hits. Ska! Ska! Ska!

Canadian rarity available again on 7". The Uplifter were a duo that consist of vocalists Egbert Dennis and Marcel Williams. Heavy bass on this one & wicked dub. "I beg you don't stop!"

Reissued as part of Island’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Third World’s 96º In The Shade is one of the seminal reggae albums.

An enormous critical success in the U.K. and Europe on it’s release in 1977, 96º In The Shade spawned an all-time classic single in the title track and iconic album artwork from Tony Wright

The album cemented the band as one of the most vital in 1970s reggae alongside fellow Island signing Bob Marley and Black Uhuru

'First pair of tunes kicking off a barrage of previously unreleased tunes from Jah Life, many coming thru 2022. Michael Prophet and Tony Tuff both voiced this killer late 80s digital rhythm, hitting firmly in the style we love the most.'

The Jamaican musical group Toots & the Maytals can be considered as one of the best known and most important ska and rocksteady groups of all time. The last album from their successful series of ‘70s records was Pass the Pipe. The groove is deep and it includes standout tracks like “Feel Free”, “No Difference Here”, “Rhythm Down Low”, and “Get Up, Stand Up”. Soulful melodies and fine rhythms are all over the record. It needs close attention, but then the beauty of it will open up to you.

• 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
• REGGAE SERIES WITH SELECTED REGGAE CLASSICS STICKER ON SEAL
• FEATURING THE HIT SINGLE “FAMINE”, “GET UP, STAND UP” AND MORE SONGS

Toots and the Maytals’ Funky Kingston is a brilliant reggae album and suitable for both beginners as experienced listeners. The albums was released twice and with so much success that it charted in the Billboard 200 and eventually made it to the Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album consist of both original songs written by Frederick “Toots” Hibbert as covers of songs by Ike Turner, Shep and the Limelites, and Richard Berry. It’s an uplifting album with some sparkling reggae, soulful moments and rhythm and blues.

With a career spanning over 50 years, U Brown is one of the last legends of Jamaican reggae. Singer, toaster and producer on the famous Hits Sound label, he has spanned the decades, leaving an indelible mark on roots reggae with hits like “Weather baloon”, “Superstar” and “Tu Shung Peng”.

His discretion and humility, despite being one of the world's greatest toasters like U Roy or Big Youth, make him a cornerstone of this music.

After many years of collaboration on stage and in the studio, U Brown and French label Irie Ites Records have teamed up to produce this new album entitled 'Still Chanting Rub A Dub'.
Comprising 12 tracks, this opus showcases U Brown's inimitable voice.

U Brown's inimitable voice and flow, recognizable from the very first notes. The themes addressed revolve around current social issues, in which the artist encourages us to surpass ourselves on a daily basis and to fight against the corruption of the most powerful. Lyrics that will speak to a wide audience!

Musicians on the album include the cream of reggae songwriters such as Roots Radics, Naram & Art, Med Tone, The Ligerians, Irie Ites All Stars, Nambo Robinson and Dean Fraser. Mixed by Roberto Sanchez and Irie Ites for a rootsy result in the image of 70s albums. A host of roots reggae greats feature on various tracks, including Eek A Mouse, Cornell Campbell, Frankie Paul, Sugar Minott, Linval Thompson, Glen Washington, Al Campbell, Naggo Morris and Trinity.

Still Chanting Rub A Dub is an album that will undoubtedly mark U Brown's long career as one of his landmark albums. A must-have for all fans of Reggae Roots and Rub-A-Dub!”

Rebel in Styylle is one of the last four U-Roy albums and on this one, The Originator, like people call him, has decided to share each song with one artist, just to name a few: George Nooks, Anthony B, Bushman and Tony Curtis. He used some of the top musicians in Jamaica to record, such as China Smith, Obeah, Axeman and Dean Fraser.

So of course, the result sounds like of the best U-Roy album and everyone who loves the king of toasters should have it!

The pioneer of toasting Ewart Beckford, better known by his stage name U-Roy, is a Jamaican vocalist. He was bursting onto the Jamaican scene in the early 1970s with his typical rapping style of singing (toasting) over the rhythms and beats he created. All of a sudden, Jamaica awoke one morning and U-Roy was everywhere. He released his debut album Version Galore in 1970, it consists of his earliest songs, all recorded for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label. Most listeners will especially recognize “Tide Is High,” originally by the Paragons and recorded later as a 1980 hit by Blondie. Enjoy listening to the way he’s bringing his lyrics all over the record. It’s toasting at best.

Version Galore is available as limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

The Uniques possessed the qualities of excellent stage appearance and the ability to make hit records in rapid succession. Their dormant qualities have come alive and have brought out the true feelings in their songs and this can be verified by listening to such songs as “Watch This Sound”, “Out of Love”, “Gypsy Woman”, “You Will Lose A Precious Love”, “Just A Mirage” and many more heard on Absolutely The… Uniques. Whenever they deliver a song, whether a bright or a sad one, the Uniques lift your soul and bring joy to your heart with their tremendous projection of soul, sung in Rock Steady and Reggae style. As you listen to these unique renditions of the Uniques you’ll realize that this album is a must for your record collection.

Absolutely The… Uniques is available as a limited edition of 1000 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry & The Upsetters’ classic Return of Django. Lee Perry had already been making name in the Jamaican music scene for about a decade before Return of Django hit the UK charts in 1969. Soon after, Trojan released a hugely popular collection of Perry’s biggest instrumentals. This album is a must for everyone that enjoys that good old vintage reggae sounds.

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was a pioneer of dub music and worked together with artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Clash and The Beastie Boys. This legend turned 84! this year and he’s still performing and recording music.

What is the connection between the queen of Soul (Aretha Franklin) and the queens of Lovers Rock?

There are several as many consider that Rocksteady music from Jamaica in the 1960’s heavily inspired Aretha Franklin and her track ‘’Rocksteady’’. Also,

it would seem the singing style adopted by Phyllis Dillon, Marcia Griffiths and Dawn Penn who took the Soulful approach to singing went onto inspire singers

like Carroll Thompson, Sandra Cross and Deborahe Glasgow. Here on this wonderful new release from the Mad Professors ARIWA Record label we see a meeting of styles and Rovers Rock artists by way of a tribute

album to the first lady od Soul Music Aretha. It’s all here from Sandra Cross version of ‘One Step Ahead’ also covered by the Heptones through to the amazing Susan Gadogan version of ‘Say A Little Prayer’.

A wonderful tribute to one of history’s Soulful legends.

When, a few years ago, we started planning on compiling 60's and 70's songs influenced by Jamaican rhythms by different artists from the Latin/american continent, and published the first two volumes of "Latinameriska", we didn't think we would be able to continue with the series. However, this period of time has allowed us to continue with the "archaeologic work" of search and capture that every collector has in its blood. There's no bigger pleasure for any of us than being on a trip and going through a flea market, shop or just exploring the web and coming across a gem to thicken your record collection. Likewise, it's also a big satisfaction showing those discoveries and making them available to other collectors (so they can start their own hunt) or to the general public which would simply dance and enjoy them.which is enough. Thus this record is the fruit of that passion and has no different goal to the previous volumes> that you listen, dance and enjoy this "piece" of Jamaica born in latin american territory. You'll find artists you'll already know from previous volumes and such as "Las Cuatro Monedas" or "Conjunto Habana", together with real rarities such as "Aristides Paz" or "The King's Trials"... with covers of Jamaican classics ("Ritmo del Alma") and original tracks ("Cuando tú me quieras), from vintage Ska ("Lucky Lucky") to Reggae with skinhead roots ("Doble Barril"),... but always with the same essence. And not to loose a good habit we close with a new ghost track, from Colombia in this case and merging a Jamaican music classic with other classic rhythms. Enjoy it one more time!!!

The journey of latin american artists from the 60-s and 70-s with a Jamaican style has a new stop> "Latinameriska"'s fourth volume. And even though it may sound like a cliché we have to say this is the best installment of the series without a doubt. Here's why? Because you'll get to learn about unknown bands (from out of the Jamaican scene like "Los Creyentes de BC" or studio ones like "The Stars"), get almost impossible to find tunes ("Rosario" or "Los Costeños") or listen to covers as good as the original (hurray for "Los Robbin's"!!!).or with sounds that enrich the cover (those amazing Calypso touches of René Santos or the cumbia flavour of Carmen Rivero). We have realized the richness of "Latin Jamaica" has no limits, and from north to south and east to west our treasure chest keeps growing with gems of all kind. This precious stones are all different and all highly valuable> from Jamaican Beat to Early Reggae or Calypso< with covers that range not only from Jamaican scene classics to Jazz and Soul. With such good raw materials and our culinary expertise it was impossible not to cook a delicatessen to be consumed with the ears. And once again we have a ghost track at the end< from Panamá this time and giving an Antillean flavor to another Jamaican classic. Enjoy this new installment.and be calm, it won't be the last one!!!

You must have wondered how it all began with the Jamaican beat music called Ska. Let’s set the records straight, it was “Duke” Reid from Western Kingston who developed this beat based on the indigenous music of Jamaica. It was way back in 1952 and then “Duke” called it ‘Rhythm ’n Blues’. Exciting, hypnotic, a mixture of Jamaican folk music and rock ’n roll. Duke Reid, lover of music and the deep rolling rhythms of his Jamaican people heard the beat develop from watching his people dance. He got himself an amplified “Sound system” and while hiring it out for dances, he listened and he watched, on so many Saturday nights when the back streets and dance halls of Kingston come alive - and his dream was born - music sprung from the basic beat of Jamaica with all the U.S.A. influences and the power and beauty and joy of the earth. This respective ska album focuses on much of the work from The Skatalites and Babba Brooks.

The Birth of Ska is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.