Hip-Hop Vinyl New Releases - News

Nach dem erfolgreichen Debütalbum Cardboard Castles ist Watsky nun mit neuem Material zurück. All You Can Do ist der mit Spannung erwartete Nachfolger des Hip Hop Lyrikers Watsky, der mit eher nachdenklichen und nach innen gekehrten Texten aufwartet, dabei aber nie die typischen Watsky-Hooks vermissen lässt.

01. All You Can Do
02. Stand For Something
03. Bet Against Me
04. Whoa Whoa Whoa
05. Ink Don't Bleed
06. Right Now
07. My First Stalker
08. The One
09. Boomerang
10. Let's Get High And Watch Planet Earth
11. Hand Over Hand
12. Tears To Diamonds
13. Grass Is Greener
14. Never Let It Die
15. Sarajevo

Vinyl Re-release des Kid Koala Debütalbums auf Ninja Tune! Original wurde das Album 2000 veröffentlicht und kommt als schicke 2LP+MP3s!

The Very Polish Cut-Outs start 2014 with another batch of perfectly crafted and hugely popular tracks presented in a form of label's Sampler Volume Two.

For the spring season, they return to the 7inch format with two brand new tracks by Warsaw duo Ptaki, the same guys who did much applauded 'Krystyna' last year.

Polish duo's next offering is another splendid journey through tons of samples lifted from obscure, disregarded and forgotten records from Eastern Europe (and beyond).
On the A Side you'll find a wonderful summer jam - 'Jak Ptaki' all charming soulful vocals, heavily chopped-up Dilla style, fulfilled with a strong drum break, creating a balearic slice of East European soul.
Definitely one for the beach.

On the B side Ptaki take you on a trip through 'Ponure Miasto' It's a heavier, darker and dubbier affair, clocking in at just under 100 bpm.

Crisp, powerful drums create a pulsating backdrop for some tight bass line, spooky pads and a hypnotizing vocal loop. Dubbed horns and reggae piano increase the tension, exploding in the final part of the track.

This moody, but never sleepy trip combines Caribbean and Polish film music influences with a club-ready groove.

World famous Jazz- Hop Producer, Teacher, DJ, Emcee, and independent music Executive, J. Rawls releases his final solo album, The Legacy. The album is already creating a buzz on some of music's most well known and highly respected media forums. "The Rest of My Life" is the first single and from there the album overflows with positive energy all the way to the bonus track, a follow up to 2011's critically acclaimed "The Hip Hop Affect"
The ambitious title of the album proves legitimate as it genuinely lives up to the word's definition. With this album, J. Rawls melodically reminds us of what is essential. After all, a legacy is not only what you've earned but also what you've learned.
The Legacy is produced entirely by some of Rawls' favorite producers. This unique element affords the audience an opportunity to enjoy pieces of what Rawls has picked up along the way, during his world tours and since officially beginning his music career in 1998. This album also takes J. Rawls full circle and back to the place in time where he first fell in love with music, "I started out in Hip Hop beat boxing, moved on to rhyming, until I discovered samples and started making beats." The lens that The Legacy album provides is a view of Rawls' life up to now from a generational perspective. The album fully includes J. Rawls' diversified musical portfolio, his knowledge and love of global music and his widely assorted selection of beats, tempos, lyrics and artistic expressions.
For Rawls and his loyal following The Legacy album is the residue of a musical life well lived. And with notable works already contributed to some of Hip Hop's most influential artist including; Mos Def & Talib Kweli, The Beastie Boys, Masta Ace, and many others this album is by no means the end, but instead the beginning of the next edition in what has become the soundtrack of his life and continued legacy.
Don't expect The Legacy to leave you in a resolved place. The sounds are fresh and tracks like "Rio" leave a strong and spicy aftertaste. The album is full of flavor and will only keep J. Rawls' fans wanting more of what their ears just tasted. But, there are no more plans for any solo J. Rawls releases. Rawls will continue to produce, and focus on his label, Polar Entertainment and its burgeoning roster.
By releasing The Legacy, Polar Entertainment ensures that the musical gift J. Rawls has carried during his career is established. The Legacy album brings together and solidifies Rawls' musical contributions and provides the platform for it to have the meaningful and long lasting effect it has earned.
"There comes a time in a man's life when he begins to reflect upon the things he has accomplished and how he will be remembered. The time is yours now. I see in you all the possibilities of the future. Leave a mark on this world; define Your Legacy"

True Ingredients on a mission to irrigate fertile earholes and infuse the senses with nutritionally
balanced and socially responsible rebelliousness. Working as a counter-measure to the
pandemic infectiousness of the polluted mainstream, the new album fuses music, live shows,
technology, and sunglasses(!) in a ground breaking way...
True Ingredients is a genre busting, London based band that are ready to release their new
album Through the Lens. Living up to their tag-line, "Made with 100% Imagination", their debut
album was the world's first to be released on sunglasses.
These limited edition "Album Shades" have been worn by the likes of Sean Paul, Mischa
Barton, Coolio, Kaya Scodelario and at Lovebox Festival 2011 Snoop Dogg headlined wearing
the limited edition Mustard-Yellow TI Shades...Each pair boast a unique download code that
enables the user to download the album from www.trueingredients.com
They believe that a great album is about so much more than just a collection of songs. It could
be an evolving story, energised with creativity, inspiring artwork, captivating performances,
and a direct relationship to the artists. Through the Lens captures this imagination and ups the
standard to introduce the world's first Immersive Album. It will be presented through the use of
ground breaking technology that will allow the listener to journey into the music and themes on
the album using any digital device or platform. By interacting with 3D scenes and videos, remixing
the music, and manipulating the imagery around each track, listeners can immerse
themselves in the experience ranging from global social issues to general party mayhem.
More than anything the band loves playing live and loves getting to know a new crowd. The
live shows feature an explosion of rhymes, flows, freestyles, melodies, harmonies and the kind
of energy on stage that infects a venue resulting in a truly vibrant exchange between audience
and performers. The intensity is fuelled by a cocktail of musical styles, fusing driving basslines,
chunky beats, soulful keys and distorted guitars. The band have been touring hard since 2009
with over 300 shows. They hosted their own stage at Glastonbury with the Love Bullets
Movements, performed at London Peace Week live on Kiss FM from Trafalgar Square, live on
SRS National Swiss Radio, went crowd surfing to people losing their minds at TMBase
Festival in Romania and all across the UK and Europe.
The band members represent four continents and this makes for an interesting coming
together of creative minds. They share the notion that originality in thought, and trueness in
spirit, is an important and a powerful tool. They are advocates of mental liberation from the
capitalistic mechanisation of society. At times they are introspectively enjoying the moment,
and at others they are ranting menaces to an established world order. Through the Lens is
about various visions of life as they see it.













Roxx

Haunting & wistful Dday One instrumental created from P&S Playdate material runs the P&S dub ethos through a hip hop filter. Flip for a rework of the very 1st Playdate recording, slathered in analog delay regen. Cover photo by Dday One.

Created in an industrial workplace in Leyton, where Canary Wharf punctures the skyline, Circle Traps craft music made in the image of the modern city. The group consists of Jack Wyllie, Duncan Bellamy and Will Ward and was formed in East London in 2010 and quickly scored their first release on fellow East Londoner Subeena's Opit Records in early 2011. Their eponymous debut EP earned serious critical praise from the likes of The Wire, Quietus and Fact Magazine. Their attention to ambient textures is reminiscent of Actress and Daniel Lopatin, but their unique, multi-layered, crystalline vision is consistently offset by dance floor impulses that nod to Detroit through the likes of Model 500 and Derrick May. The Machine City EP is a lush amalgamation of textural, distorted melody and bassier dance floor leanings.

Seit 20 Jahren begeistert der Rapper und Schauspieler Common aus Chicago Kritiker und Fans. Vor allem für seine Lyrics und seine Authentizität, jenseits des Gangster Raps, bekommt er größte Anerkennung. Mit seinem Debütalbum Resurrection und der Single I Used To Love H.E.R zeigte er 1994, dass er zum Besten gehört, was der amerikanische Hip Hop zu bieten hat. Kein Wunder, dass alle anderen Stars der Szene bereits mit ihm zusammengearbeitet haben: Kanye West, The Roots, Jay Z, Mos Def, Talib Kwali, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah....Zudem setzt sich der 2-fache Grammy Gewinner mit seiner Common Ground Foundation für die HIV Prävention ein.

Jetzt präsentiert er sein 10. Studioalbums Nobody's Smiling, das gleichzeitig die kreative Wiedervereinigung Commons mit No I.D markiert. Mittleriwele Co-Head of A&R bei Def Jam Recordings, hat No I.D Commons erste drei Alben produziert und war auch dieses Mal, zum 20-jährigen Jubiläum, Executive-Producer von Nobody's Smiling.

01. The Neighborhood f. Lil Herb & Cocaine 80s
02. No Fear
03 Diamonds f. Big Sean
04. Blak Majik f. Jhené Aiko
05. Speak My Piece
06. Hustle Harder f. Snoh Aalegra & Dreezy
07. Nobody's Smiling
08. Real f. Elijah Blake
09. Kingdom f. Vince Staples
10. Rewind That
11. Out On Bond f. Vince Staples
12. 7 Deadly Sings
13. Young Hearts Run Free f. Cocaine 80s

INCLUDES REMIX FROM KILLING SOUND (YOUNG ECHO, BLACKEST EVER BLACK)

*play @33 rpm - not at 45rpm as the center label states*

The next missive from the French-Swiss collective Danse Noire run by Aisha Devi comes from the shadowy Algerian producer El Mahdy Jr. Recently talking to Wire Magazine El Mahdy Jr. says "Music ain't just music. For me the hidden story and the cultural background of a tune is always more attractive than the musical composition." Following up on his Boomarm Nation releases, El Mahdy Jr.'s forthcoming 'Gasba Grime' EP ventures towards new territory weaving haunting Arabesque samples into his skittering club constructions. The crippled tribal beats of "Zarga" and "Crack Addicted Belly Dancer" refine the ideas presented on last year's excellent 'The Spirit of Fucked Up Places', but the title track "Gasba Grime" which combines eastern sensibilities with a relentless grime swing into something more geared towards the dancefloor. The release's hypnotic centerpiece "Lost Bridge" emanates an introspective, meditative quality merging lurching rhythms with mournful strings and vocal samples. The EP is rounded out by a stellar remix of "Lost Bridge" from Blackest Ever Black's Killing Sound (Vessel, El Kid, Jabu). The third release on the rising Danse Noire label (Aisha Devi, Vaghe Stelle), El Mahdy Jr's contribution perfectly captures the label's outsider spirit, seeking higher levels of ancestral consciousness by using music as their ritual medium of communication.

Our new release on Blunt Force Trauma Records is this limited 7' single of Sage Francis track 'Viva La Vinyl', a double A side with the Epic Beard Men (Sage, B.Dolan and Buddy Peace), 'You Can't Win' A record of contrasts, you can dab a hip-hop tear at
the poignant surface noise of long-loved grooves on one side with 'Viva La Vinyl', and hurl fists skyward to the Proper Hip-Hop Banger that is 'You Can't Win'; all kick drums, brass and follicular energy. It's been tried in the club...and it works.
Limited to 225 only, supplied in a 12 sleeve with double-sided detachable print by Sage Francis cover artist and collaborator Inkymole (one half of Blunt Force Trauma), free download and a 45rpm record adapter right in the big hole in the middle
where it should be....

Das Münchner Hip Hop Label 58Beats setzt nach längerer Pause seine auf 500 Stück limitierte Vinyl Instrumentalreihe fort. "Instrumentals Vol.2" enthält einen Großteil aller Instrumentale der Compilation "Wor(l)d Connects Vol.1", die überwiegend von Main Concept Producer Glam stammen und liefert den Kickoff für kommende Instrumentalveröffentlichungen auf 58Beats. Demnächst erscheint aus der Producer Instrumental-Reihe das Album von D-Fekt (Weltuntergäng) namens "Schattenseite" sowie die Compilation "58Beats Instrumentals Vol.3" (exklusive EMU SP-1200 Edition feat. Beats von Glam, Ill Will, Mirko Machine, Stiebers, u.v.a.)

Der Berliner Produzent Figub Brazlevic veröffentlicht das Remixalbum "Ersatzverkehr" auf Showdown Records. Für dieses Mammutprojekt hat er auf 19 Songs mit 24 MCs und 8 DJs zusammengearbeitet und 31 Beats beigesteuert. "Ersatzverkehr" ist eines der wohl unkonventionellsten Alben des Jahres, auf dem der Produzent sich auf jedem Track auf eine neue Persönlichkeit einlassen musste. Dabei hat Figub Brazlevic es geschafft Genre-Grenzen verschwimmen zu lassen, viele verschiedene Stile in Einklang zu bringen und eine natürliche Harmonie zwischen den unterschiedlichen Temperamenten zu erzeugen.

Debut EP from the LUCKY ME affiliated newcomer IMAMI. "MADHOUSE" runs the gamut between soul inspired electronic music and hard hitting mutant techno tracks. Remixes from BOYZ NOIZE prodigy SNTST and the new king of grime VISIONIST. A whopping 7 tracks! White vinyl and full sleeve! Followup to the 813's ESPOIR VOYAGE's EP.

Auf seinem vielgelobten Album "A Color Map Of The Sun", das dieses Jahr für einen Grammy als bestes Dance/Electronica-Album nominiert war, zelebriert der US-Musiker Derek Vincent Smith ein Electro/HipHop-Feuerwerk aus echten, selbsterstellten Samples aus 60'er Soul, Jazz und Klassik, die er mit diversen Musikern in Studios in Brooklyn, New Orleans und Denver aufnahm. Inkl. Talib Kweli-Feature.

Ras G is one of the definitive producers of the Los Angeles beat scene, a co-founder of the Poo-Bah label, and hip-hop beat-maker who digs probably deeper than any into the worlds of free jazz, jazz fusion and afrofuturism. His profile at states, 'This is the music that people will be playing in the ghettos of Mars in the year 3014.' Raw Fruit is straight from Ras G beat tapes made on SP303/404 and MPC 2000XL. Read about it straight from the artist: 'Raw Fruit is my the name of my beat tapes, a lot of these joints never cut it 4 the ASP releases ... because they're all like freestyle beats shit i make 2 smoke weed to that i never save, i just make em, record em, and on 2 the next one ... RAW SHIT, no rules just ... all out, fuck it ... SPACEBASE IS THE PLACE ............ Shout Out 2 Everybody that appreci-loves raw shit!!! DUA! SHEM HTP

180g vinyl, special vinyl mastering by John Dent @ Loud Mastering and download card, which includes exclusive a capellas.



Six track EP from French beatmaker/producer Guts. It includes two tracks from the forthcoming LP 'Hip Hop After All'', the soulful 'Open Wide' featuring vocalist Lorine Chia and 'The Forgotten (Don't Look Away)' featuring Detroit MCs Quelle Chris and Denmark Vessey.

Also included are instrumental versions, plus two unreleased tracks.

DJ Sausage Fingaz from Kunming, China delivers 6 classic acapellas containing just the 1st verse and chorus of these Hip Hop classics : Audio 2's Top Billin'', Grandmaster Flash's The Message', Wu Tang's M.E.T.H.O.D. Man', Gang Starr's DWYCK', Ultramagnetic's Poppa Large' and Akil's Check The Technique'. Bonus Skipless Scratch loop on both sides on this limited green vinyl in deluxe PVC sleeve.

Two Pete Rock & CL Smooth classics remixed and re-imagined by Jim Sharp.

Cypress Hill’s self-titled debut album was hard as nails, with very few pop concessions. There was humor, but it was laced by cackling, homicidal sneering. Not well known outside of the hardcore hip-hop scene at first, faces of the three group members weren’t usually shown clearly in press photos; they preferred the shadows. As their first singles began hitting the airwaves and record racks, the press and music fans started to take notice.


From the opening notes of the group’s first single, “The Phuncky Feel One,” to deeper album cuts like “Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk” and “Tres Equis,” it was clear that Cypress Hill was something different. And very, very dope. The world Cypress Hill espoused was gang-ridden and far from cheery, but they managed to laugh through the pain. Lead rapper B-Real took each fuzzed-out, rock-hard DJ Muggs beat as a challenge, jumping around it like a spark off a joint as it makes its way to the concrete. MC Sen Dog always had B-Real’s back, to bring intensity and a no-bullshit gruffness that made the group both menacing and unpredictable.


When they introduced percussionist Eric Bobo to the mix in the early 90s, it brought new dimension to the band, making their live performances one of the most unique and accomplished shows in hip-hop. Journalist and author Chris Faraone highlights the group’s relationship in the reissue’s liner notes (which is included only in limited edition Skull) saying, “By the late ‘80s the undisputed Cypress unit finally formed. B and Sen realized that their diametric styles - the latter’s deep wrangle, the former’s inimitable high notes - complemented one another righteously. By then Muggs had bangers in the bag, as well as industry experience from a jaunt with the New York duo 7A3. B and Sen waited while Muggs messed with 7A3, and in that time began to build the blueprint for their raucous and weeded no-holds-barred style. Besides getting schooled on industry pitfalls, Muggs had also grown into hip-hop’s most formidable young producer, while straddling the bi-coastal gap.”

Cypress Hill’s debut went gold by the end of 1991 and has since pushed past double platinum status, making it the first album for a Latino-American hip hop group to do so. The album received raves from the likes of Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times, saw a #1 Hot Rap Single with the release of “The Phuncky One” and helped the band win Artist Of The Year at the 1992 Source Awards. After 25 years, it should come as no surprise that Cypress Hill is a cornerstone of the group’s live set to this day.

Further diggin'n tweaking of brasilian nuggets. As for the first volume: some music treasures retouched respectfully without even loosing the original spirit. Than, SIB 002 is another fresh blend of Soul, Latin Jazz, Scat, Samba and Bossanova grooves... Ready to burn some hot vinyl parties next summer 2013 and beyond

Freddie Gibbs is the product of violent, drug-laden streets. Piñata, a 17-track collaboration with producer Madlib, is the best distillation yet of his electrifying talent as a lyricist and performer.

Gibbs is joined on Piñata by Raekwon (Wu-Tang Clan), Scarface (Geto Boys), Danny Brown, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt and Domo Genesis (Odd Future), Ab-Soul (Top Dawg Entertainment) and a host of other guests who help him set his soliloquies of the streets alongside film snippets and dusted funk, soul and prog musical tapestries. While this is the latest in a series of single-artist collaborations for Madlib, after Jaylib (with J Dilla), Madvillainy (with MF Doom) and the street-centric O.J. Simpson with Detroit's Guilty Simpson, for Gibbs it is the first time working with just one producer.

Gibbs admits it was a challenge rapping over beats with chops and changes as unpredictable as the man who created them, but says with conviction, 'I did it to perfection.',,,,,,once you take a listen you really can't argue.....

- Features guest appearances from Scarface, Raekwon, Earl Sweatshirt & Domo Genesis, Mac Miller, Danny Brown, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.

- Produced by Madlib, legendary producer for Mos Def, Erykah Badu, Ghostface Killah, MF Doom and more.

18 months on from the release of their critically acclaimed 7th album, 'There Were Seven', UK Hip-Hop/Funk/Soul pioneers The Herbaliser return with 'There Were Seven - Remixes'. Released on the band's own Department H label the album features 15 newly recorded and remixed versions, plus a further 8 bonus instrumental cuts, from the likes of 2econd Class Citizen, Wah Wah 45's Colman Brothers and Drum'n'Bass/Electronica pioneer T Power.

The band's first album after a break of four years, 'There Were Seven' was hailed as 'a buoyant return' (Clash), resembling 'something Grandmaster Flash would produce for a modern day audience' (The Music Fix) where 'repeated listens of this finely realised album are therefore an enjoyable must' (BBC Music) and saw them featured everywhere from The Guardian to DJ Mag.

Having launched themselves back into the public eye, Jake and Ollie quickly discovered how social media had completely changed the way bands and fans interacted in recent years. Rather than retreating to the tour bus straight after the show to jump on the Playstation they started to take time to hang around and meet and chat with fans and other artists they'd connected with on Twitter.

From this they got to know a whole new generation of producers, and reconnect with some old friends, with the result this album, 15 new mixes from established producers to fast rising stars such as French producer Hugo Kant, Liverpool's Jenome and Paraguayan trio Lopez through to UK Hip-Hop legend No Sleep Nigel and sensational live act the Renegade Brass Band.

From dusty fingered soul to sparse electronica, bass heavy bangers to brass heavy stompers, 'There Were Seven - Remixes', takes one of the best leftfield albums of recent years and reimagines it in a myriad different ways, a testament to both the original material's strength and the skill and imagination of the remixers involved.
1 The Return of the Seven (Gigabeatz Bonson Remix)
2 The Lost Boy (Colman Brothers Remix) [feat. Hannah Clive]
3 Welcome to Extravagance (No Sleep Nigel's Dub)
4 Mother Dove (2econd Class Citizen Remix)
5 Zero Hill (Soundsci Remix) [feat. Twin Peaks]
6 Take 'em On (T Power Remix) [feat. Zoe Theodorou]
7 Crimes & Misdemeanours (Gigabeatz Bonson Remix) [feat. Twin Peaks]
8 A Sad State of Affairs (Jenome Remix) [feat. George the Poet]
9 What You Asked For (Muneshine Remix)
10 March of the Dead Things (Krilla Remix) [feat. Teenburger & Soulstice]
11 The Lost Boy (Gigabeatz Bonson Remix) [feat. Hannah Clive]
12 Crimes & Misdemeanours (Lopez Remix) [feat. Twin Peaks]
13 March of the Dead Things (Hugo Kant Remix) [feat. Teenburger]
14 The Lost Boy (The Legendary Danny K Remix) [feat. Hannah Clive]
15 March of the Dead Things (Renegade Brass Band Remix) [feat. Teenburger]

The Estate of James Yancey revived J Dilla's PayJay Productions as a functioning imprint and announced its release of Dilla's long lost vocal album, The Diary. Thus far, two limited edition EPs - "Anthem" b/w 'Trucks' and 'Diamonds' b/w 'Ice' - have seen release. 'Give Them What They Want' is the last EP that will be released before The Diary is unleashed in full. 'Give Them What They Want' is a special treat - an unheard J Dilla-produced vocal track that has never before been released. It is paired on this release with the Super Dave West version, entitled 'The Doe,' and a second West-produced track, 'No One's Home.' 'Give Them What They Want' was mixed by Dilla himself, and its component instrumental was mixed down to match Dilla's vocal version by Dave Cooley, from Dilla's original multi-track sessions. The first press of this 12' features clear vinyl atop a Jeff Jank-altered photograph by James T. & Karla L. Murray from their lauded book Store Front - The Disappearing Face of New York (Gingko Press) and an original label illustration by Denise Nestor. Subsequent runs will not have the clear vinyl or the fold-over plastic sleeve.

File under : Dub / Reggea / Electro. Chinese Man records celebrate its 10 years anniversary and release a new volume of the Groove sessions. Featuring Tumi, La Yegros, Johnny Osbourne, Lush One among others... Video 1st Single: Once Upton the Time feat Tumi:

Die erste besoffene Single der Welt.
Die Deichkind 7" ist streng limitiert auf 500 Stück und enthält neben dem Anti WM-Song eine besoffene Version des Titels als B-Seite.
Da wurde anscheinend gebechert und gekotzt statt geklotzt im Presswerk.
Musikalisch ist es ein ordentliches Elektro HipHop Brett mit viel Bass und derben Deichkindtypischen Lyrics, die an Wortwitz und Doppeldeutigkeit nicht zu überbieten sind.
Achtung, wichtig:
Dies ist der Anpfiff des DEICHKIND-eigenen Labels Sultan Günther Music auf dem in Zukunft alle neuen DEICHKIND-Produkte und die eine oder andere geheime Schweinerei von Helene Berg erscheinen werden.

"Dimensione violenza" is the album that Carter had the processing time longer than all other his CDs (solo and otherwise) and is perhaps the work of which the rapper more satisfied. Carter's style is unmistakable and his metric has evolved further. Metal Carter covers topics already touched on before, but always fresh resulting and exciting. The productions are hard but very comfortable and "Music". The whole album is considered a cinematic journey shocking and funny in the "Dimensione violenza". "It will probably be remembered as one Italian hip hop records of the more extreme than ever. the disc
has been edited and recorded by Alien Dee at 3FX study Rome and was mixed and mastered by Gabriel Cage to "the Code studio in Berlin. This album confirms Carter as a master of Death Metal-Rap pioneer and Italian absolute of this rap subgenre.

* The wait is over and we are proud to unleash what is easily one of the most highly anticipated and talked about electronic albums of the year.

* Jubei's first L.P 'To Have and Have Not' released on the seminal Metalheadz label shows exactly why Jubei is one of the most highly revered artists within the scene, and 'To Have & Have Not' delivers exactly what you would expect - the highest pinnacle of outstanding drum and bass/ dubstep within its purest and most credible form.
* There is no compromise here, only undiluted content that stays true to the real art form and true to the craft, this isn't music for faint hearted, or music aimed at infiltrating popular playlists, this is music for the those who truly appreciate the finest aspects of these incredible genres themselves and at every point ' To Have and Have Not' from start to finish keeps its roots kept firmly set in the music's underground foundation.
* The album delivers with an unfaltering intent and truly demonstrates Jubei's incredible versatility with tracks that traverse and transcend from one corner of the music to the next with an almost effortless and misleading ease.
* Each composition is within its own unique right a standout highlight and the track list includes a ridiculous amount of collaborative talent. Credits see Jubei once again call on the vocal prowess of Flowdan for the LP's massive follow up to Say Nothing, 'The Moment,' 'State of the Art ' Flips things further with SPMC and co production credits bring together the combined forces of Goldie, D-Bridge & Youngsta just to name three.
* Albums like this don't come along every day and whilst many artists now imitate with sights set firmly on commercial success only a very select few can originate and continue to cross boundaries and continuously and consistently.
* 'To Have and Have Not' sees Jubei make a clear statement and is easily a contender for the best Drum & Bass / Dubstep Album of the year.

Track used on Soccer Am Sky Sports

BBC 6 Music - Support from Tom Ravenscroft and Huey Morgan

Kiss 100 - Support on Hip Hop Show

Rinse FM - Studio appearance Alex Nut Show

Bandcamp Home Page - New and Notable Records

Live Session for The Selector/British Council

Radio interviews with Itch FM, Kane FM and Fuse FM

Reviewed by Clash Music, DJ Magazine, Bonafide Magazine

Interviews with Wordplay Magazine, Raw Roots, K Mag

Video support: SB.TV, 1 Song A Day, UKHH, Grindin'


First Word Records proudly presents 'The Misadventures Of A Middle Man', the new album from Essa. Despite being a firm fixture in UK rap for over a decade, this will be Essa's first full-length since 2006's 'Grown Man Business' with DJ Mr Thing. Early releases 'Liquid Love', 'City Breaks' and 'Dancing Shoes' (under former name Yungun) established him as one of the UK's most insightful MCs. Collabs with Guru (Gang Starr/Jazzmatazz) and praise from Nas and Mark Ronson followed. All of this whilst pursuing a parallel career as an entertainment lawyer.


The collision of these two worlds, plus his mixed race heritage, are the inspiration for the new album, as Essa explains: "I've always been a middle man - walking within widely different circles (racial, social, cultural, musical) but never quite feeling like I belong in any one of them. That's a gift and a curse - I've written about both".


Few MCs can convincingly tackle such weighty topics - 'The Middle Man' is a strikingly honest examination of mixed-race identity, 'Prayers of a Non-Believer asks what belief means to those without religion, 'Well Spoken' is a witty take on the class system - but Essa's laid-back charm and effortlessly smooth flow keep the tone light and entertaining. Not political, but personal. Not preachy, but perceptive. With an enviable roster of producers including Waajeed, Eric Lau, Tall Black Guy, Ta-Ku, Budgie and Flako, the musical backdrop reflects Essa's broad outlook, with elements of neo-soul, latin, afro-beat, electronica, spoken word and of course hip-hop. Essa sums it up neatly on key track 'The Middle Man':


"When you stand in the middle there's a hell of a view, and all I want to do is share it with you"

LIMITED TO 250 COPIES ONLY! NUMBERED! PICTURE SLEEVE!
Maybach Music Group emcee Meek Mill had a few big singles and a breakthrough Mixtape in 2011 with Dreamchasers.. but when he followed by with the highly anticipated Dreamchasers 2 in 2012 he smashed all expectations and had the most downloaded mixtape of 2012. With over 10 million downloads, its no wonder that everyone wants a copy of this special limited edition vinyl, of which only 250 copies will be available!

Featuring the likes of Rick Ross, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Fabolous, Trey Songz, Wale and more, with production from Jahlil Beats, The Beat Bully, Sap... its no wonder this mixtape is so popular. Seriously grab a copy of this vinyl before stock sells out!

- 20 TRACKS
- LIMITED TO 250 COPIES ONLY / NUMBERED
- HEAVYWEIGHT VINYL 2XLP -- FULL COLOR PICTURE SLEEVE AND LABELS

Veedel Kaztro hängt immer noch am Büdchen ab - und das ist auch gut so. Nach dem "Büdchentape" (Tape) und der "Büdchen EP" (Vinyl) im November folgen nun das "Büdchentape 2" (Tape) und die "Büdchen LP" (Vinyl). Veedel Kaztro ist immer noch der beste Rapper auf dieser Seite des Rheins und langsam weiß auch der Rest der Republik, wofür "Kölsch, Kippe, Lederjacke" steht. Veedel K ist kein kompletter MC, er ist ein lässiger MC. Er ist ironisch, persönlich, politisch und großmäulig - dabei aber immer sympathisch. Veedel K sagt "nein!" wie Konstantin Wecker und überhört konstant den Wecker. Ein Slacker mit Attitude, der zum Arbeitstier wird, wenn es um seine Musik geht. Alltagsbeobachtungen gehen ihm so leicht von der Hand wie Themensongs oder straighte Angebertracks. Seine aktuellen Akas sind Freshy Fresh, Costa Kwanta, Yung Hermann Hesse und Young Grampa. Veedel feiert Dipset, Asap Ferg, The Streets und Antilopengang. Das hält ihn allerdings nicht davon ab Tocotronic, Konstantin Wecker oder den legendären Axt-Moment des Ton Steine Scherben-Drummers Nikel Pallat zu zitieren. Warum auch Autoritäten steht er grundsätzlich kritisch gegenüber. Rapgesetzen sowieso. Veedel ist boom-bap UND thrill, weil er es kann. "Hip-Hop ist mein Opa" heißt der zweite Song auf seinem neuen Album: "... aber ich rufe ihn niemals an. Denn er meckert nur und er stinkt nach alter Mann". Trotzdem bleibt Veedel K Familienmensch: "denn Popmusik ist Bürgerkrieg für mich".

Known for his impeccable delivery, El Gant began building a name for himself in the early 2000's, where the quick witted emcee would end up becoming a four time MTV Direct Effect Freestyle Champion, which landed him a full page write-up in The Source Magazine.

After releasing several mixtapes, and full length albums, the prolific NYC based veteran gears up for his latest full length effort Beast Academy, produced entirely by JOAT (Jack Of All Trades), who to date has produced for the likes of La Coka Nostra, Ill Bill, and Vinnie Paz, among others.

Over the years, El Gant has collaborated with an array of iconic emcees and producers such as Kool Keith, Psycho Les of The Beatnuts, Smif-n-Wessun, Paul Nice, Ill Bill, El Da Sensei, Pacewon, J57 of the Brown Bag AllStars and many more.

Beast Academy is an aggressive, fast paced offering that pairs the lyrically inclined El Gant with several of the industries most revered lyricists, from seasoned vets such as El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), and Ill Bill, to today's burgeoning talents like Chris Webby and Torae. The ten track offering also includes a helping hand on "Based Loaded" from El Gant's super group Infinity Gauntlet, which consists of Shabaam Sahdeeq, F.T., Bekay and Red Eye.



1 Intro (feat. DeeJay Element) [clip]
2 Truth Hurts (feat. Torae) [clip]
3 Three Amigos (feat. Chris Webby & Ill Bill) [clip]
4 Bases Loaded (feat. Infinity Gauntlet) [clip]
5 JOAT (Interlude) [clip]
6 Energy (feat. J. Blanc) [clip]
7 Goldie Hawn (feat. El Da Sensei) [clip]
8 Five One Eight (feat. GGDT) [clip]
9 Mr. Miyagi [clip]
10 Three Amigos (Remix) [feat. Chris Webby & Ill Bill] [clip]

Brooklyn veteran spit kicker Shabaam Sahdeeq has returned with his fifth studio album, Keepers Of The Lost Art. The relentless lyricist delivers a body of work that puts his lyrical aptitude at the forefront, while placing an emphasis on top shelf production and cuts, courtesy of Ran Reed, Lewis Parker, DJ Dister, DJ Ready Cee and DJ Skizz, to name a few. What originally started as 40 tracks,

Keepers Of The Lost Art was eventually boiled down to 20, reflecting S-Dub's most comprehensive long play release to date. The LP details his motivation to stay in the game and fight for the culture with bars as tough as the mic in his hand. The production runs the gamut from laid back as exemplified by the nostalgic piano chords on the Lewis Parker produced "Walk with the Light," to electrifying, as demonstrated by the DJ Skizz produced street banger "That Dope," which boasts features from Brooklyn's premiere panderer Wais P, and the lyrically sharp Sha Stimuli. And complain no more club deejays, Shabaam has you covered for a dance friendly cut to spin late Friday nights with the DJ Wonder produced "Fall In Line." It's safe to call it a comeback as his rhymes are as polished today, as they were when he made his Rawkus debut in '97 with "Arabian Nights" B/W "Side 2 Side."

Artistically, the album cover reveals a scenario where Hip-Hop's younger generation discovers the cultural keepsakes of yesteryear. From a solid gold boombox, to jewel crusted crowns, drum machines, and outboard gear, S-Dub is here to confront the generational disconnect, as spelled out on the Eric Rico featured "Grown Man Hustle" -- "Some of these young boys consider me a throwback, I birthed your style you need to give me my flow back," spits S-Dub. When explaining the album cover, Shabaam states: "Imagine the world came to an end in an apocalypse and some kids survived in a bunker. Now when the dust settles and the smoke is gone, the kids come out the bunker and discover a treasure chest in an old music store that contains all the elements of Hip-Hop, and started having fun with it." Whether you see it as a time capsule or the last defense of Hip-Hop's watchmen, Keepers Of The Lost Art could be played ten years ago, today, and ten years from now with high praise.

Keepers of the Lost Art includes guest features from the likes of Tragedy Khadafi, REKS, El Gant, Wais P, Sha Stimuli, Skyzoo, F.T., Mic Handz, General DV (DV Alias Khrist), Spit Gemz, and Bekay among others, and becomes available April 22nd via digital download and CD, through Below System.
1 Keepers Of The Lost Art
2 Conceited Confidence
3 Playing Games
4 Speak Truth (feat. Reks & Kamala)
5 Walk With The Light
6 That Dope (feat. Wais P & Sha Stimuli)
7 Hardbody & Heavy (feat. Half A Brick & EastKoast)
8 Tranquilo
9 Grown Man Hustle (feat. Eric Rico)
10 The Come Back Kid (feat. Skyzoo & F.T.)
11 Seasons Change
12 City Of Fame (feat. Mic Handz)
13 He Who Dares (feat. Lewis Parker)
14 Fall In Line
15 O.G Certified (feat. Tragedy Khadafi)
16 Done It All (feat. Bekay)
17 Relax (Remix)
18 Energon 2 (feat. Spit Gemz)
19 Honor Me Now (Remix)
20 U Don't Want None (feat. General DV)

"Hinterhofjargon", das Debüt von Celo & Abdi, machte 2012 unmissverständlich klar: Geht es um guten deutschen Straßenrap mit viel Wortwitz und exquisiten Beats, dann gibt es kein Vorbeikommen an den beiden Frankfurtern. Mit dem im Frühjahr 2014 erscheinenden Nachfolger haben Celo & Abdi noch einen draufgesetzt. Das Album hört auf den Namen "Akupunktur" - denn jeder Track, jeder Verse, jede Line, jedes Wort, ja, jede Silbe ist wie der Stich mit einer spitzen Nadel, die eine Reaktion beim Hörer hervorruft. Celo & Abdis eigene Sprache, ihr eigener Humor und ihr Geschmack für erstklassige Beats machen "Akupunktur" zu einem mehr als würdigen Nachfolger. "Akupunktur" erzählt direkt aus dem Leben der beiden. Celo & Abdi nehmen den Hörer mit in die sozialen Brennpunkte, sie lassen einem am Nachtleben auf den Straßen Frankfurts teilhaben - dabei rappen die beiden so bildlich und präzise, dass jeder der Songs einem kleinen Film gleicht. Der Sound des Albums erinnert an das "Mietwagentape", jenem Mixtape also, mit dem Celo & Abdi Straßenrap aus FFM wieder auf die Karte zurückbrachten. Die Beats kommen von Haus- und Hofproduzent m3, der wieder einmal ganze Arbeit geleistet und sich selbst übertroffen hat. Weitere Produktionen haben die Bounce Brothas, Abaz, Bazzazian, Reaf und Farhot beigesteuert.

Roy X is the alias of Jimmy Taylor, youngest son of ghanaian Highlife/Afrobeat legend Ebo Taylor. Armed with his naturally inherited rhythm in his blood he put his teriffic rap skills on top of some cooking live played music. On "Oduyewu" he pays a lot of respect to the sound his father has created. On "Sakawa" he takes you gentle to a world of abstract dreams - it's just unique music of african origine.

Fresh off the success of his critically acclaimed book Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession, author and Drum Machine aficionado Joe Mansfield drops this amazing musical component which is a great companion piece to the book. Having already tackled the TR 909 last year with a Flexi Disc release, this time around Joe takes on The Drumulator and teams up with underground duo 7L & Esoteric for this amazing 7'. The Drumulator is full of gritty lo-fi samples of basic drum sounds...but they are some classic sounds! Some of the biggest hits from the Hip Hop and Pop world were made using this piece of machinery during it's heyday in the 80s. Fast forward 30 years later Joe breaks the machine out get MC Esoteric bragging and boasting like he does best, 7L on the scratch you have a perfect time capsule from Hip Hop's genesis. Raw drums beats, no nonsense rapping and sliced to precision cuts was all it took to make a classic record, and that still holds true today with this.

A1 That Brutha Called Loot
A2 Roll With It Vocals [Featuring] - S'oreal
A3 Hard To Get Rap [Featuring] - Dev (5)
A4 Downstroke
B1 Come On Girl
B2 If U Came 2 Party Vocals [Featuring] - Joni Mae
B3 411
B4 Holdin On
C1 Ain't Got Time
C2 Do U Like
C3 So Glad
C4 Flippin On U
D1 You Ain't Ready
D2 Open Wide
D3 HalfwayVocals [Featuring] - Chantel

Sleaford Mods started out sometime during 2006 whilst Jason Williamson was living in Nottingham. Born out of part frustration and part accident, it quickly found its feet as an aggressive verbal onslaught on all that is contrived and connected to the day-to-day hammer of low paid employment and domestic situations arising from that trap. After a year of working ideas out in both the studio and in live performance around Nottingham, Williamson  moved south and took the cause to London for a couple of years, before returning to Nottingham in 2009. Soon after that he that he met Andrew Fearn and the Sleaford Mods became a duo. Fearn's first work was on the production of 'Wank' - the Mods' fifth CDr album. Soon after he started stalking the studio and stage with Williamson. Just after the release of 'Wank' the duo were invited to play a three day festival curated by Nottingham's Rammel Club. During that weekend they were introduced to the Harbinger Sound label. A meeting which - a year later - resulted in the release of 'Austerity Dogs'. Numerous shows around the UK and Europe followed, including further festival appearances. Rave reviews of the album have appeared in magazines as diverse as The Wire and Uncut, along with interviews being published both on paper and on the internet, both here and abroad. With more international dates on the horizon including excursions to Poland and Sweden the interest in the Mods continues to spread.

"Connecting around 2009 - Anteek Recipes is a collaborative 'across the pond' concoction of 2 Jazzy Hip Hop lovers: Producer/DJ Dirty Hairy & MC/DJ Shut Eyes.
'A-side'...
This limited edition 7" consists of two killer tunes. The A-side entitled 'Hot Rhythm' delves into that early 80's funk steez with a heavy, head-nodding bass-line and 'feel-good' samples. When Dirty sent this beat to Shut, he really didn't know what to expect. A couple of weeks later, Shut hit him back with his vocals and the rest is history! Not many emcee's would even attempt to rhyme on a beat like this, let alone do it justice like Shut did. His impressive flow, clever rhymes and excellent delivery certainly takes this song to another level. Lets just say- this joint is bound to get you outta your seat and onto the dancefloor!"
'B-side'...
"The flip side 'Little Stories' is on a more laid-back, 'classic' Hip Hop vibe and features a guest appearance from an American based MC called Definition. Through-out the whole track, Shut and Definition share mic duties; laying down a number of back-to-back killer verses. According to Dirty, the 'Little Stories' beat changed about 5 times, with the original version being made in 2011. He went through a number of different loops and drums until he came up with this beauty in August 2013."