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Reggie Gibson, aka Saafir, is a producer, actor and underground Oakland California legend known for his abstract form of emceeing. Saafir made his recording debut on Digital Underground’s The Body-Hat Syndrome in 1993, followed by an appearance on Casual’s Fear Itself in 1994, which led to his solo release Boxcar Sessions. The production was handled by Jay-Z, J Groove and Big Nose, with Sleuth and Saafir serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Big Nose, King Saan, Poke Martian and Rashinel.

HHV exclusive vinyl edition on golden vinyl, limited to 100 copies.

No introduction needed here, a true classic and gem originally recorded back in 1996. About 6 years ago me and my man Bee at Back 2 da Source released the album on vinyl for the first time ever.

The project sold out in less than 2 days and I've received countless mails throughout the years from fans asking for another press. So now it's finally here with 2 extra bonus demos previously unavailable on vinyl!

Repress 2024. On “Breakin’ My Heart”, Jim Sharp finds a way to bridge the summery goodness of ATCQ with the original instrumentation sampled by Dilla. The iconic vocal lead of Bebel Gilberto floats over the boom bap drums to make it a sure shot. The flip side, “Check Minnie's Love” once again shows that Naughty NMX and Runex are on point. The product is horns, beefed up beats, fat bass and silky smooth vocals to make you think it’s ’92 again (without the Rhime). Minnie rips the lovely
vocals into a dance floor banger.

No introduction needed here, a true classic and gem originally recorded back in 1996. About 6 years ago me and my man Bee at Back 2 da Source released the album on vinyl for the first time ever.



The project sold out in less than 2 days and I've received countless mails throughout the years from fans asking for another press. So now it's finally here with 2 extra bonus demos previously unavailable on vinyl!

Last August marked the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip-Hop and we continue to honor the artists and albums that had a significant impact on the culture. In partnership with Sony's Certified, we are following up on our RSD reissue of BDP's Edutainment and KRS-One's Return of the Boom Bap with a long overdue reissue of KRS-One's 1995 self-titled album, KRS-One. Two years after the release of Return of the Boom Bap, KRS-One got back in the studio and behind the boards and enlisted for additional production DJ Premier, Showbiz, Diamond D, Norty Cotto, and Big French Production. In August of '95 KRS-One dropped the Preemo-produced lead single "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" with "Represent The Real Hip-Hop" featuring Das EFX on the B-side of the 12-inch, boasting KRS-One's lyrical skills and backing up his status as one of the best live performers in the game. KRS-One knocked it out of the park on his second solo effort with another Premier single about the current state of Hip-Hop on "Rappers R, N. Dainja" and straight-up Boom Bap rap on the Fat Joe assisted track "De Automatic." He offers political and social commentary on "R.E.A.L.I.TY.", "Hold", and "Free Mumia" with Channel Live and continues to diss sucker MCs on "Wannabemceez" with Mad Lion. Get On Down is proud to present this deluxe reissue packaged in a gatefold jacket with a new interview by Check The Technique author Brian Coleman, complete with a foldout lyrics sheet.

Holy grail hip-hop alert! Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, we present the first ever vinyl edition. A stunning record which gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Cut across double vinyl, it’s exceedingly limited, with just 500 pressed for the world.

Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. There's a strong chance this album has passed you by but we truly believe it to be a lost hip-hop masterpiece. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past. No, this ain't some facile throwback rap. It's a fresh and deeply soulful, original album shot through straight from the heart. Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. It sounds like vibing with your nearest, dearest and oldest friends on a long hot summer night as the tantalising thought that anything is possible fills the air. You know what, we can just call this "magic hour rap" and we think you'll know what we mean. It's just beautiful. Just Listen.

Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the 90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large. With close affiliations to the Hieroglyphics, Dilated Peoples and Likwit crew, his debut EP "Don't Call Me John" arrived in 1999 on ABB Records, after which he took a sabbatical from recording which included graduate school, travelling, teaching at Inglewood High and eventually a professorship of African Studies at Berkeley.

With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and Gang Starr.

Irresistibly bouncing opener "You Need Knowledge" loops sparkling pianos, horns and a nagging whistle refrain with scratched vocal refrains from Slick Rick, Mobb Deep and Guru. The super-smooth head-nod classic "88 Soul" also utilises a beautifully swelling piano line and dusty breaks whilst Quamé reminisces about his childhood in NYC. Deeply moving, the silky, sultry "Black Shakespeare" is built around an elegant piano loop and goes hard on the superman lover tip whilst "For My People...It's Spiritual" is transcendental rap in conversation with Rakim and older gods. The "Moment Of Truth"-sampling "Lonely At The Top" is striking for its undiluted boom-bap stylings and the staccato flute-hop of "Just Listen" is riddled with soulful refinement. The deeply-affecting, wistful-yet-triumphant bells and horn-drenched single "California Dreamin'" is top-tier rap of unimpeachable quality. What a flow!

Another highlight is the rich melodic piano-rap of "Purity", a beautiful ode to the foundations of rap and those keeping the culture authentically alive. Beautifully played instruments and spiritual jazz samples elevate the deep thinking present on "Kunta Kente" whilst the darker jazz-tinged battle-rap of "93 Shit" goes super hard both in a lyrical sense and with its no-holds drum punches. The breezy Rhodes and string loops that serve as the sonic backdrop to the slinky jazz rap of "We Got Plots" are just gorgeous as our hero evokes Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." with a head-spinning tale of crime, deception and double crossing. And some twist! "Do Win-Dis" has a tense crime-funk backing and rolling beats which complement Quamé's flow perfectly before the record is rounded out by the tough yet jazzy brilliance of rap confessional "Hope She Remembers Me". Just sensational.

Upon its original release, Quamallah himself declared: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on Invisible Man and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a RETRO trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a 88 soul as the song states!"

This album goes deep. It goes all in. When Invisible Man first came out it had a real hold on us here at Be With HQ. We couldn't stop listening to it. We'd venture to say it's one of the top 25 rap records of the 2000s. In the years since its release, it has remained a criminally underrated record, an increasingly hidden gem. We sincerely hope this first time double LP release will go some way to correct this. It's been mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.

On his new album, Samurai, Lupe retreats inward to give fans one of his most personal albums in his deep catalog. “I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records,” Lupe says, “but I always tell people there's me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It's not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.” The narrative follows a battle rapper through various moments in his career, starting with how they honed their battle rap skills, following their career through different moments. Musically, the new album finds Lupe delighting in the simple pleasures of assembling assonant syllables into playful and poignant narratives. The 8-track album is smooth, yet cerebral, brimming with ideas, but always radiating Lupe’s pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game. The album was produced in full by longtime collaborator and friend, Soundtrakk (“Superstar,” “Kick, Push,” “HipHop Saved My Life”), their second time linking up on a full album after 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and is also the first time Lupe, Trakk, and longtime manager Charles “Chill” Patton were in the studio together since Patton’s release from prison in 2023. “It felt great to be back in the studio again as a family,” Lupe says. It’s the first time they’d worked together in the studio since Lupe’s seminal album, The Cool in 2005. “The word ‘samurai’ means to serve,” Lupe says on the album’s title. “My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years. You have some duty, some purpose to serve. The title alone is very important to me. Before rap even, martial arts was my whole life, and it still plays a huge role in my life. The album is me, but also inspired by a quote I heard from one of my favorite artists. The overall themes of the album speak to the constant fight and the battle one goes through being in the entertainment industry. Some of the things we need to defend.”

Compiled by legendary producer Arthur Baker, "Breakers Revenge" is a near-definitive collection of original Funk, Soul, Latin, Disco and Electro classic tracks from 1970-1984.These tracks, a combination of classics and obscurities, have all since become legendary to Breakdancers everywhere. First played at South Bronx block parties, community halls and park jams in the 1970s and 80s, spun endlessly by the first three major hip-hop DJs - Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa - and found in the record crates of any DJ of note ever since.Seminal funk and soul tracks such as Dennis Coffey"s "Scorpio", The Jimmy Castor Bunch"s "It"s Just Begun", James Brown"s "Get on the Good Foot", The Mohawks" "Champ" sit side-by-side here with the ground-breaking, classic electro of Afrika Bambaataa"s "Planet Rock", and Arthur Baker"s own definitive "Breaker"s Revenge".

Free Nationals are back with “Gangsta,” their first single since 2020. The Grammy Nominated group enlists longtime collaborator Anderson .Paak and A$ap Rocky for the smooth yet ominous track, infused with the funky retro-soul sound that brought the four-piece to prominence. With an accompanying video by renowned director Francois Rousselet, who has worked with The Rolling Stones, Jack White, and Pharrell in the past, Free Nationals give fans a taste of what’s to come and reintroduce themselves as the leaders of the funk.

After The Kaze (Project Pat's first group) released Kamakazie Timez Up in 1998, the Memphis rap legend and Three 6 Mafia affiliate launched his solo career by dropping his major label debut album Ghetty Green in 1999 on Hypnotize Minds/Loud Records. Produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J, Project Pat raps in his signature triplet flow over southern 808-backed beats sprinkled with soulful samples alongside Three 6 Mafia members with appearances by Cash Money's Big Tymers and Hot Boyz, Noreaga, Krayzie Bone, and Crucial Conflict. Previously only released on CD and cassette, Get On Down in partnership with Sony Music's Certified is proud to present for the first time on vinyl a limited edition pressing of Ghetty Green. Pressed on Aqua Blue and Mint Green double-colored vinyl in a gatefold jacket and OBI.

The Album Exhales A New Take On This Generation Of Modern / Contemporary Jazz Music Contributed By The Quartet.

Starring Tracisgrey, Lil Creepshow, DJ Domsta And Mackjunt.

Limited to 3000 copies. The impact, influence, and importance of Run-D.M.C.'s self-titled debut – the album that invented hardcore hip-hop and bridged rap, rock, and funk in then-unparalleled ways – cannot be measured. The first full-length record released by Profile Records, the 1984 set permanently changed the sound of music, broadcast streetwise wisdom to every corner of the country, and made the notion of a one-man band a distinct reality. Produced by Russell Simmons and Larry Smith – and bolstered by an incendiary blend of staccato deliveries, stark beats, aggressive exchanges, evocative hooks, and socially conscious messages – Run-D.M.C. still hits listeners in the jaw with the same intensity it did nearly 40 years ago when it could be heard booming from ghetto blasters carried around city blocks nationwide.

Sourced from the original master tapes and pressed on MoFi SuperVinyl, Mobile Fidelity's numbered-edition 180g SuperVinyl 33RPM LP is the definitive-sounding version of this groundbreaking work.

Limited edition of 300 copies on colored vinyl.

Paris-based producers Alcynoos and Parental team up again for "Night Shift", another beautiful instrumental outing delivering that mellow vibes to make your head nod. 13 delights with features by Soul Intellect, Lawiss and Dan Amozig. Tip!

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax (Double LP)

The debut album from T-Max that was originally supposed to be released back in 1993. Limited edition of 250 pieces only in a beautiful gatefold edition!

We’re honored to reissue an album by a truly unique voice in hip hop and dearly missed friend, Tame One. The year is 2007, Fresh off collaborations with the likes of El-P, Cage, and The Weathermen, Tame One - one half of the Newark duo The Artifacts, was approached by a Montclair skateboard shop Division East, as he personified their East Coast new school culture of skating, graffiti, and MCing. This relationship gave way to Division East Records and their first full length release entitled "The Grudge." Despite its merits and the efforts of those involved, the album went largely unheard outside of NJ hip-hop circles. Call it a casualty of the post-CD/pre-streaming musical landscape of the early 00’s. Now, 17 years later and almost 2 years after his heartbreaking transition, issued for the time on purple vinyl, Tame One’s The Grudge.

And we're back. Sorry about Monday night - site issue - now fixed!!



It's been 7 years since the last 12" drop by Hahyeem on Herring and here we have a stunning new album produced exclusively by NYC beatmaker, and some say, protégé of Extra P, Karbine. Cats might know Karbine from his day job, working at A1 Records in NY.



This record will most definitely take heads back to Hahyeem's first release Silence. Drums are something horrible, horrible! Ooo weee. To me,it sounds a lot like Finesse's production, so what's not to like?



Hahyeem has been developing his rhyming style and overall artistry since we dropped Silence back then and this record is one of the nicest projects I've heard in a minute. Packaged in a full colour cover reminiscent of a Blue Note jacket and all on purple wax as requested by H, this one is crazy tasty. Don't sleep...you will regret it!





There are 300 copies on Purple Wax in Full Colour Jacket.

Pete Rock is the man who J Dilla told, “I wanted to be like you.” Kanye once called himself the “new Pete Rock.” But the original Pete Rock remains permanently vital. The evidence bangs in his latest opus, Petestrumentals 2, the sequel to the 2001 classic that helped define the hip-hop instrumental record. It marks the legend’s first album on Mello Music Group, a fitting union between the author of the boom-bap blueprint and the label that’s expanded upon his legacy. Petestrumentals 2 conjures memories of BBQ cookouts and 70s Blaxploitation scores, rattling summer jeep cruises and blunted Jamaican vacations. There’s a gorgeous requiem to Dilla (“Dilla Bounce (R.I.P),” where the originator pays tribute to the prodigy. You see the full range of Rock’s gifts on display: the meticulously chopped horns, unquantized drums, and air raid sirens. It contains the emotion of a thousand eulogies. An even 20 slaps and rhythmic levitations. It’s Pete Rock at his best, accelerating and kicking cosmic slop, extending wishes, hope, love, gritty drums and eternal wonder. This special 24 for '24 Artist Series Edition is a one time pressing on metallic gold vinyl w/ original KipDaFog oil painted cover art.

In a world full of cheesecake rappers, one man has assembled a phenomenal team to bring you madness. The original originator, ultramanetic, high-wire rap legend Kool Keith brings a star studded album to the fore. "Feature Magnetic" highlights MF Doom, SLug of Atmpshere, Mac Mall, Necro, Craig G, Dirt Nasty, Ras Kass and more. This special edition 24 for '24 Artist Series Vinyl also features original oil painting art by KipDaFog for this oen time pressing on tri-color canary cake vinyl.

After a brief pause in the Medicine Show series, Madlib returns with a 28-track, full-length hip-hop album of collaborations with AG, Guilty Simpson, MED, Oh No, Strong Arm Steady and others. Karriem Riggins pops in for a short Supreme Team session, Madlib & Oh No debut their group The Professionals, and we hear for the first time a Jaylib-era track from Madlib & Dilla's never-realized second album. Limited edition 3LP contains 14 additional Madlib beat instrumentals.

Reissue of the 1998 album that started it all. Features six bonus tracks and new artwork from Mikel Elam and Paul Romano. Vinyl features a 12pg booklet with liner notes by John Morrison.

PRESSED ON BLUE & WHITE SWIRL VINYL!

HOUSED IN A HIGH GLOSS JACKET WITH EACH LP TUCKED INTO A PRINTED INNER SLEEVE
Nasir "Nas" Jones' 2001 record Stillmatic was considered a major comeback for the 90s rap icon. It signaled a return to the gritty, urban chaos of his acclaimed debut album, after releasing record after record of gradually more mainstream material, and Nas' return to prominence in the highest echelons of hip-hop. In spite of this newfound critical clout, Stillmatic's release did nothing to squash his then ongoing feud with fellow New Yorker Jay-Z, who had gone so far as to challenge Nas to a pay-per-view rap battle. A challenge Nas rejected, stating "If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people decide."

Nas fans never would get the no-holds barred lyrical battle with Jay-Z many had speculated. What they got instead was one of Nas' most personal and introspective releases to date in 2002. Not long after Stillmatic's release, Nas spent much of his time away from the limelight to tend to his ill mother, who would pass on from breast cancer in 2002. His experiences with his mother's mortality as well as the fallout of his feud with Jay-Z, who continued to produce diss tracks as Nas tended to his mother, would inspire much of the lyrical material on his next record.

God's Son was released in December of 2002, and like Stillmatic before it, was subject to major critical acclaim. On God's Son, Nas effectively took the battle-hardened demeanor he had cultivated and tore it down across 14 tracks that were emotionally insular, though still dusted in urban grit, and still finding time to shoot back at Jay-Z's potshots on tracks like "Last Real Nigga Alive" and "Mastermind." Assisting Nas was a slew of top-tier producers like The Alchemist, Eminem, Ron Browz, and Salaam Remi, over samples of James Brown, the Incredible Bongo Band, Fela Kuti, and Beethoven, and guest vocals from Alicia Keys, Kelis, Claudette Ortiz of City High, and even a posthumous 2Pac.

God's Son has been out of print on vinyl since 2020. This deluxe pacakge was remastered from its original audio and pressed on colored vinyl!

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

2LP Gatefold release of the celebrated Amapiano Now compilation from NTS. Showcasing some of the most notable South African artists from the centre of the scene, from DBN Gogo to Vigro Deep, Mr JazziQ to Kamo Mphela. Whether lengthy hypnotic instrumentals with jazz indebted key solos or rugged township productions, Amapiano Now is a celebration of this essential sound and a document of the evolution of post-apartheid club sonics. Curated by Shannen SP & Joe Cotch, with NTS.

And we're back in Tacoma, WA for more unreleased and unheard 1994-1995 bangers from the Thunder Jam Alliance crew. All tracks produced by Shaggy C. Such a shame a lot of this material didnt drop at the time of recording, but Herring, like Mighty Mouse, has come to save the day!!



Make sure you peep those snippets - some killer material right here for the heads!!!







Big shout out to my man Hakan Dougpark for the original connect and Unikone for his posts on the excellent Hip Hop The Golden Era Blog - 1L

Pharoahe Monch is one of the most revered and influential emcees in the history of hip-hop, and 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of his fourth studio album "PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder".

In PTSD, Pharoahe Monch continues the story he began telling in his previous LP, "W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)" from 2011. The Queens emcee narrates, in both literal and metaphoric ways, about the trials and tribulations of an independent artist who is at war with the music industry and the struggle of the black male experience in America.

In 2012, during an interview with Shawn Setaro, host of the podcast The Cipher, the rapper explained the connections between the two projects, beyond their titles. “The W.A.R. album was like, I’m going to battle against the machine, I’m doing this independently. I’m putting some things out that I learned and I’m going to expose about the music industry. PTSD is the result of me doing that, where I am emotionally now. It’s similar to how someone comes back from war and is stricken by re-adjusting to a regular situation.”

Monch told MTV Hive that PTSD is “more mental, emotional and personal” because it came out of the depths of a period of depression. He also gave the internal and external factors that helped him create the album. “I was working on the title track, which took me to a point in between Internal Affairs and Desire, where I was heavily depressed. Through the waiting period, the industry period, and going through a lot emotionally. Then there was the physical [problem] with asthma. It was the worst. So I started off with that title track and my manager was like, ‘Yo, let’s really dive into that state and how you got to where you are now, and how this follows what people go through to get back to a so-called ‘normal’ situation’.”

The concept album follows a veteran through combat experience, his return home, relationship dissolution, drug addiction, painful depression, and, finally, a triumphant but realistically rendered decision to keep living and struggling.

We proudly present the 'Best of 2023' compilation, an extraordinary collection of 61 tracks, each meticulously selected from this year's releases, spanning a diverse range of styles. These tracks are thoughtfully distributed across 10 vinyl, with each record encapsulating the essence of a month, creating a year-long musical journey.

Happy New Year to everyone celebrating the magic of music and the beauty of new beginnings!

Smoove pays tribute to one of the greatest albums of all time ‘Bizarre Ride to The Pharcyde’

Sourcing the original samples and re-using them to create a fresh, seamless cut n paste mix, fused with Smoove’s signature production.

Flip to the B Cyde for an extended version of ‘Summer Cyde’ with the bluntest of beats!

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

Special limited edition with a vinyl postcard with an exclusive song only on this postcard (playable on a record player!) - 200 copies.

Renowned for their distinctive contributions to the global lofi beat scene, Wun Two and Made in M, two of Germany’s most delicate producers, announce their collaborative album, "Sole Spirito," set to release on June 28th, 2024.

With careers spanning over a decade, both Wun Two and Made in M have left an indelible mark on the genre, pioneering its raw yet chill aesthetic.
Wun Two, known for his signature lofi instrumental hip hop, has recently showcased his versatility through collaborations with acclaimed rappers such as Conway the Machine, Da Flyy Hooligan and Ben Beal and similarly Made in M who has garnered acclaim for his latest lofi house project, Flux LP, showcasing his prowess in creating genre crossing productions.

"Sole Spirito" marks the first full-length collaborative effort between the two producers, who have been long-time friends and mutual admirers of each other's work. The album, comprising 18 tracks, was largely conceived during a songwriting producer camp in southern France in late summer 2023. It was there that they also crossed paths with L.A.-based rapper Yungmorpheus, who features on two of the album's tracks.

With a lot of nostalgic charm of 70s Italo wave, "Sole Spirito" transports listeners to an era of Italian cinema characterized by lush lifestyles, eroticism and vintage nostalgia.

No one is raising the standard in the underground as high as Black Milk and Danny Brown. After their collaborative track "Black and Brown" from Black's LP Album of the Year became a fan favorite, the two decided to record an entire EP together, fittingly titled Black and Brown. While the aforementioned track appears on the EP, the remainder of Black And Brown sees Danny Brown exclusively handling mic duties, with Black Milk showcasing his masterful production. Black Milk’s Album of the Year dropped in September 2010 to strong reviews and an impressive showing on the Billboard charts, and his stock has continued to rise ever since. Performing with a live band for over 80 shows on a worldwide tour in support of the album, he has established himself as one of rap’s best live performers. He also became the first rap artist to record and release music with rock superstar Jack White, who co-produced and played on the much-publicized “Brain” 7-inch single on White’s label Third Man Records. Never straying from his hip hop roots, Black Milk also serves as a member of the group Random Axe (with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson), and entirely produced their successful self-titled 2011 full-length release. Danny Brown first gained wide recognition with the release of his album The Hybrid as a free download in March 2010. Since the release, he’s emerged as one of rap’s most distinct new voices. The shock value of his drug-fueled and sex-laden rhyming has been frequently compared to the early works of Eminem, and his ear for progressive beats as well as his unique fashion sense has made him a favorite with critics. His latest project XXX was released as a free download in August 2011, and was instantly hailed as one of the top rap albums of the year by artists and fans alike, while receiving heavy coverage from media outlets like Pitchfork, MTV, and The Fader.

Sick 10 track solo EP from Thunder Jam Alliance artist "Cal-S.K.I." from 1996-1998.

Killer indie flavas for the heads!!!!

‘Lightweight Heavy’, Fat Jon’s third solo offering, is a concoction of “loping beats, dub bass lines, classical piano, breathy vocals and sparkling harmonies…” (bbc). From the gentle piano-led intro of ‘Talk to Me’ and threading through the album’s 14 dazzling tracks, Fat Jon’s subtle use of vocals and his bass-heavy beats take listeners on a heartfelt journey. “I lived in Japan while I made this record and produced the whole album there. Being able to make a project like this from beginning to end the way I had envisioned it was a dream come true,” Jon reflects. “I recorded and produced the whole album in my friend Nujabes’ studio. I told him about my concept for the album, and he said I could use his studio while I was there. We had similar studio setups so it was a very easy transition and fun experience.” We are very pleased to announce that ‘Lightweight Heavy’ is getting its first vinyl reissue via YHS Records, a vinyl-focused imprint of Detroit label Young Heavy Souls.

The genesis of "Nosthaigia" is as fascinating as the music itself. Onra spent several years living in Thailand, immersing himself in the vibrant culture and scouring local record shops for rare gems. The result is a collection of Thai songs from various genres, all sourced on 7 inches. These short instrumentals serve as time capsules, transporting listeners to a bygone era filled with nostalgia and longing.

Produced entirely on the Mpc1000 in 2017 and revisited in 2020, "Nosthaigia" is a testament to the power of serendipity and artistic evolution. What began as a casual exploration of unfamiliar musical territory blossomed into a deeply personal and meaningful project for Onra. Amidst a series of unfortunate life events, he found solace and inspiration in the beats he had crafted years prior.

Each track on "Nosthaigia" is a reflection of his journey, a sonic expression of longing and introspection. Onra describes the process of creating the album as a cathartic release, a way of letting go of old memories and embracing the present.

Despite the somber undertones, there is a quiet beauty to "Nosthaigia" that is impossible to ignore. Onra's vintage production skills breathe life into each track, infusing them with warmth and depth. From the haunting melodies of "Until The End" to the hypnotic rhythms of "Close Your Eyes And Remember" every moment feels poignant.

Onra's decision to "remove all the bangers" from the album speaks volumes about his artistic integrity and dedication to authenticity. "Nosthaigia" is not about flashy beats or catchy hooks; it's about raw emotion and genuine expression. It's a reminder that music has the power to heal, to uplift, and to connect us to something greater than ourselves.

In the end, "Nosthaigia" is more than just an album; it's a testament to the human experience. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found, if only we're willing to listen.

Out-of-print and in demand since its original release in 2011, Cellar Sounds vol. 3 is one of the strongest installments in the series. Includes 43 tracks featuring Cella Dwellas, Ran Reed, Shadowz in da Dark, Pudgee and many more. After being requested by many fans over the years, this classic release has been reissued in a limited edition of 500 copies, don't sleep!

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax (Double LP)

Out-of-print and in demand since its original release in 2011, Cellar Sounds vol. 2 delves deeper into Nick Wiz's archives. Includes 41 tracks featuring Rakim, Ran Reed, Shadowz in da Dark and many more. After being requested by many fans over the years, this classic release has been reissued in a limited edition of 500 copies, don't sleep

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

Marv Won is a Detroit musical alchemist – a street poet laureate entrenched in the battle rap scene, as well as a cinematic world class producer as capable of channeling Dr. Dre as Donald Goines. Marv breaks new ground with his first Mello Music Group album “I’m Fine, Thanks For Asking” - a soul-baring endeavor, that weaves tales of struggle and triumph, drawing inspiration from his storied life in the Motor City. As one of the most esteemed battle rappers, Marv Won brings a lyrical ferocity to his unapologetically raw and heartfelt rhymes. This album collaboration with Mello Music Group marks a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing a seamless fusion of his word play and production. The album, featuring collaborations with Quelle Chris, Elzhi, Freeway, Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother and more, cements Marv Won's status in the rap game. Marv Won's storytelling transcends mere verses, painting vivid portraits of life in the D. Over ten self-produced tracks Marv showcases his ability behind the boards with tracks that blend epic orchestration and Joe Louis drums that hit like Tommy Hearns.

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax (Double LP)

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

The latest slice of tasty vinyl from RS Records, the third one to be exact, is a 45 dedicated to that hip-hop love: heads who’ve had it bad for the culture and hip-hop lovers who just happened to catch a stray from Cupid! This time around, production was handled by Slick Walk, aka SaturnVybz and DJ Robert Smith. Side A kicks off with “50 (More Hits)," a space funk-inflected mellow banger featuring NYC legends QNC (Q-Ball and Curt Cazal) professing their love for the one and only. The combo of Premo-type crisp drum programming, soft cumulus cloud-like synths, and a warm, velvety bass will make you feel like you’re flying, that is, if you’re cruising in your car. If you’re just taking a stroll down your block, the sensation is that of walking on air. Stitched from references to old school and golden era gems, where almost every bar is a hyperlink to a deep classic, the track is literally a hip-hop encyclopedia.

Side B takes a turn into another type of mellow with “No Way Out.” The drums get thicker, the programming loses the retro inflection. The high hats start skipping, stuttering, and scuttling about, while the bass drops hella low to counterbalance a snare that straight up smacks you upside the head. The track features Slimkid3 of the legendary Pharcyde crew alongside Portland native R&B singer Moonbeam Kelly, going for a classic hip-hop duet. If you’ve ever been in love — as in, the type where you can’t sleep for days and all you can think about is... That’s the vibe right here! The instrumental will rattle the trunk lovely, while this extra sticky blend of voices will hijack your ears for a minute and some.

Side A / Double A / Gotta be a Sucka 4 Luv After almost two years on digital, Double A’s “Gotta be a Sucka 4 Luv” finally gets its vinyl release. Blending elements of classic funk and soul with “that vocal!”, it’s an instant party rocker. Snappy drums, bigged up for the dance floor, an unmistakable bass line, and horn stabs for days are the icing on the cake. You know the sound! Side AA / King Most / Standing Out Another long-awaited vinyl pressing for a digital-only sure-shot! San Francisco’s King Most delivers the goods once again. Classic funk and R&B vibes with a killer male vocal and drums for the club. This one has been a staple in digital crates for a while now, and hits any time of night

Compiled by legendary producer Arthur Baker, "Breakers Revenge" is a near-definitive collection of original Funk, Soul, Latin, Disco and Electro classic tracks from 1970-1984. These tracks, a combination of classics and obscurities, have all since become legendary to Breakdancers everywhere. First played at South Bronx block parties, community halls and park jams in the 1970s and 80s, spun endlessly by the first three major hip-hop DJs - Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa - and found in the record crates of any DJ of note ever since. Seminal funk and soul tracks such as Dennis Coffey"s "Scorpio", The Jimmy Castor Bunch"s "It"s Just Begun", James Brown"s "Get on the Good Foot", The Mohawks" "Champ" sit side-by-side here with the ground-breaking, classic electro of Afrika Bambaataa"s "Planet Rock", and Arthur Baker"s own definitive "Breaker"s Revenge".

Out-of-print and in demand since its original release in 2008, Cellar Sounds vol. 1 was the first place where Nick Wiz's incredible back-catalog of productions was revealed. Includes 44 tracks featuring Rakim, DMX, Pudgee, Ran Reed, and many many more. After being requested by many fans over the years, this classic release has been reissued in a limited edition of 500 copies, don't sleep!

On his new album, Samurai, Lupe retreats inward to give fans one of his most personal albums in his deep catalog. “I sometimes get tagged by my fans as not doing personal records,” Lupe says, “but I always tell people there's me in there if you listen closely enough. This album is one of my more personal records to date. It's not a full biography, but my personal experiences are tied up in all of my music. A lot of the records are me. Some are from the POV of a character. and some are me. The album weaves things from my life as an artist, touching on things other artists go through.” The narrative follows a battle rapper through various moments in his career, starting with how they honed their battle rap skills, following their career through different moments. Musically, the new album finds Lupe delighting in the simple pleasures of assembling assonant syllables into playful and poignant narratives. The 8-track album is smooth, yet cerebral, brimming with ideas, but always radiating Lupe’s pure love for the art of emceeing and committing himself as a servant of the rap game. The album was produced in full by longtime collaborator and friend, Soundtrakk (“Superstar,” “Kick, Push,” “HipHop Saved My Life”), their second time linking up on a full album after 2022’s DRILL MUSIC IN ZION, and is also the first time Lupe, Trakk, and longtime manager Charles “Chill” Patton were in the studio together since Patton’s release from prison in 2023. “It felt great to be back in the studio again as a family,” Lupe says. It’s the first time they’d worked together in the studio since Lupe’s seminal album, The Cool in 2005. “The word ‘samurai’ means to serve,” Lupe says on the album’s title. “My relationship to that word has always meant that you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I’ve been a part of for years. You have some duty, some purpose to serve. The title alone is very important to me. Before rap even, martial arts was my whole life, and it still plays a huge role in my life. The album is me, but also inspired by a quote I heard from one of my favorite artists. The overall themes of the album speak to the constant fight and the battle one goes through being in the entertainment industry. Some of the things we need to defend.”