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Dope collabo between Texan MC $os' [pronounced Sos] and Long Island beatmaker Lars Viola. These 2 cats met online and have been working on joints together for a couple of years. Lars played me the demos and I was instantly on board, like the true

fisherman that I am.



$os', like many great artists before him, growing up as the son of a Preacher[man], learned to play [drums] as a kid at church. He only listened to gospel and Christian music as a kid, but once he was exposed to the realness, he definitely changed his tune! He had always written poetry, even as a young'un, so the transition to rhyming was fairly natural. Hope you cats enjoy this 7" 4 track EP entitled "Food For Yo' Soul". Check the snippets - Lars' beats are crrrrrazy nice on this one...

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.

Originally scheduled for release way back in March 1996, "The Raw Factor" by North Carolina native Omniscence is one of the last of the unreleased mid-90's albums to see the light of day. Despite being awarded The Source's coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" and dropping two well-received singles ("Amazin" and "Touch Y'all"), record label politics meant the full-length "The Raw Factor" album was never released and fans were left wondering what might have been.

28 years later, "The Raw Factor" is finally being released on vinyl, CD and digital stores. Featuring punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic, the album is a must-own for fans of 90's Hip Hop.

Omniscence haunted the same early 90's cyphers and stages that many lyrical greats from the era had to cross. With a gruff delivery and equal adeptness with punchlines and metaphors, his high finish at the 1994 edition Battle For World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar assured heads across the culture were watching. After this, Omniscence locked in with producer Fanatic (who also laced tracks for Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Michael Jackson). The result was "The Raw Factor" album, fifteen plus tracks of jazzed out boom-bap, replete with crackin' drums.

Now Below System Records has not only given the album its first deluxe physical release (including 2xLP, CD and digital) as well as a slew of bonus/unreleased tracks.

Originally scheduled for release way back in March 1996, "The Raw Factor" by North Carolina native Omniscence is one of the last of the unreleased mid-90's albums to see the light of day. Despite being awarded The Source's coveted "Hip Hop Quotable" and dropping two well-received singles ("Amazin" and "Touch Y'all"), record label politics meant the full-length "The Raw Factor" album was never released and fans were left wondering what might have been.

28 years later, "The Raw Factor" is finally being released on vinyl, CD and digital stores. Featuring punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic, the album is a must-own for fans of 90's Hip Hop.

Omniscence haunted the same early 90's cyphers and stages that many lyrical greats from the era had to cross. With a gruff delivery and equal adeptness with punchlines and metaphors, his high finish at the 1994 edition Battle For World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar assured heads across the culture were watching. After this, Omniscence locked in with producer Fanatic (who also laced tracks for Notorious B.I.G., Ma$e and Michael Jackson). The result was "The Raw Factor" album, fifteen plus tracks of jazzed out boom-bap, replete with crackin' drums.

Now Below System Records has not only given the album its first deluxe physical release (including 2xLP, CD and digital) as well as a slew of bonus/unreleased tracks.

This album is about influence, inspiration, perception & reality. Every song was written in an outside environment, so that I could observe the subjects that would become my subject matter. All too often in Hip Hop, reality is limited to that of the artists own, actual experiences. People Hear What They See is my attempt to liberate the MC from those constraints & allow reality to be penned other than my own. Listening to congressmen & lawyers converse on the steps of the supreme court inspired 'American Greed', Watching a couple argue over the phone in a bar inspired 'Maybes'. By having a visual representation of my subject matter, my hopes are that the listener will see them through the worlds & melodies of my songs.

Samurai Champloo Music Record: Departure is a soundtrack album, originally released on June 23, 2004. It is the second of four soundtrack albums released for the show. The album was produced by Japanese DJ / producer Nujabes, and American MC/producer Fat Jon, and featured Japanese rapper Shing02 and Japanese singer-songwriter MINMI on the album’s first and last tracks, respectively. Departure was critically lauded and is the best known album from the series, with especially high praise being reserved for “Battlecry”.

The music of the Samurai Champloo anime series was created by a group of producers: Japanese hip-hop producer Tsutchie of the rap group Shakkazombie, American hip-hop producer & emcee Fat Jon of the rap group Five Deez, Japanese hip-hop producer Nujabes, and Japanese DJ & production duo Force Of Nature. The music genre is primarily instrumental hip-hop.

I feel it will be a real head- turner for anyone who knows my music. I'm really
proud of that. It's exactly what I wanted to do... Make music that I'd listen to and
I'd put on my playlist."
Destined for a playlist, speakers and stage near you imminently: 'Dog Eat Dog
Food World' simultaneously takes things back to Niko's roots but also zooms out
to reveal a much wider picture of who he is and what makes him tick. He
describes his new creations as happy music and that he feels it's a refection of
what it's like to be a British teenager but each cut comes with a barbed tale of
high, lows, lols and woes.
Featuring singles such as 'trespass coat', 'ur bundle of joy!', '14 days', 'miniclip'
and 'it's not litter if you bin it', Niko's nak of sharing relatable smalltown stories,
deconstructing the concept of trying to adult in the 21st century and the
challenges of living, laughing and loving under the late stage capitalist kosh
secure his role as a Gen-Z Mike Skinner.
We're going to really hone in on Niko's engaged and strong online presence with
an abundance of fun, unique content. There will be 3 skits released in between
each of the singles to tease elements of the album and showcase the narrative of
the lyrics and themes. We will be collaborating with the likes of Buzzfeed/Evening
Standard/The Metro/Dazed/The Face and connect with fans via live streams

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!

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

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!

This year Natty Wylah has been cementing himself in London’s rich contemporary music scene with festival performances at Glastonbury, We Out Here with Silhouettes Project and a headline Southbank show as part of Nabihah Iqbal’s ‘Glory To Sound’ series. As well as contributions to Rhythm Sections, compilation ‘Shouts’ all in the run up to his next EP, Willowisp. Moth Wings / FB Trap is the perfect introduction to Natty’s world where magic, slime and reality all mix together. With his cinematic lyrics on MothWings, Natty conjures up the imagery of celestial moths, who when seeking the moonlight end up stuck chasing flickering artificial light bulbs. The track features the unmistakable characteristics of Natty’s sound: traipsing across hip-hop, the psychedelic and punk, all adorned with ethereal vocals and woozy synths from Poppy and Finn Billingham. Moth Wings/FB Trap are the first tracks available to listen to from his debut EP, Willowisp. Taking its name from a painting by Jamaican artist John Dunkley based on the myth of Will-’o-the-wisp, a ghost light seen by travelers over bogs and swamps at night that often led them to their demise. This world of light and dark is expressed by Natty throughout the EP, questing through the unknown forest in the dark, wet air and moss, in order to move past constraints and to find freedom.

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

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

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

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

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!

Minneapolis' own Muja (formerly known as Muja Messiah) teams up with producer Dub Sonata for a collaborative album titled Break The Stereo. Spanning 11 tracks, the rapper-producer duo takes you on a journey from the Twin Cities to the Five Boroughs, calling on frequent collaborators Slug, Nejma Nefertiti, Nazeem (of Blood $moke Body), Bobby J From Rockaway, Tone Spliff, and Queensbridge legend Tragedy Khadafi to appear on the project. Muja’s discography includes releases with Atmosphere, Black Thought, Raekwon, and Brother Ali, while Dub has produced songs for Sage Francis, Rhymefest and Sadat X. The two first connected when Muja released his 2017 EP Saran Rap, produced by and featuring Roc Marciano, on Man Bites Dog Records. After gracing a song on Dub's Tranquilizer Dart album, Muja locked in on Dub's production, resulting in their joint offering Break The Stereo.

MR. HYDE is undoubtedly one of the best representatives of the American underground hip-hop scene, close friend with La Coka Nostra, Necro and many more. "Bonnie & Hyde" Is a Collaborative Project from MR. HYDE and his Wife and fellow Indie Artist/Musician CHERIE RAIN. The Couple/Duo have been making songs together dating back to Hyde's 3rd album If It Bleeds We Can Kill It back in 2012. Almost a decade later, they came together for this full-length debut. Mr. Hyde delivers his vintage cinematic, attacking lyrics and energetic flow over completely sample free Piano/Keyboard hiphop style beats and self-preformed choruses & harmonies composed by Cherie Rain. The album is extremely creative and original and plays out as a sort of "Ride Or Die" type themed audio movie. It comes out in two strictly limited editions: a Deluxe CD edition (TripleGatefold 7" format 1. 000 copies) and on Picture-Disc LP (Gatefold 500 copies), Both editions are numbered with sticker.

It got away! The hounds are back on the leash for another session, as Montel makes a bid for better days with this all-out charm offensive of serenades, blissed up patter and emotional blackmail, Palmer-style.

The result is 12 tracks steeped in mind games, romance power plays and neurotoxin rollercoasters, with additional bonus strategies to dissociate with minimum dignity. Big up Kiwi’s Kiosk..

Legend is the second posthumous album from revered Dallas rapper, singer & songwriter, MO3, and follow up to the 2021 posthumous release, Shottaz 4Eva, which peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200. Dropping on what would have been his 32nd birthday, Legend features previously unheard music from MO3 himself, and sees appearances by Tye Harris, BigXthaPlug, That Mexican OT, Money Man, Fredo Bang, Ralo, NoCap & Tory Lanez. The 14 track album includes the previously released singles “AR (Feat. BigXthaPlug & That Mexican OT),” “Blood Money (Feat. Finesse2Tymes),” “Tidal Wave,” & “They Don't Know (Feat. Tory Lanez).” While the loss of MO3 is still being felt, fans continue to celebrate his life and honor his legacy by keeping his music alive. MO3 will forever be a Legend.

The Midst of Things is a multi-layered expression of my views on the state of the culture in America today. The album explores ways our humanity is being impacted by rapid globalization and technological shifts. The paradox of social media's ability to both connect us and cause us to be more disconnected than ever.

This album questions what our priorities are. What are “American values” in 2023? “Who can I trust in a world of deep fakes?” I ask in the song Bliss. Is there any objective truth in a world with “alternative facts”? Is there one true reality or is it all subjective?

This album is also the culmination of my processing of the trauma and hardship I experienced over the pandemic and civil unrest in Minneapolis over the last few years. The deep levels of depression that come with living in a black body in this country. The rejection, the anger and frustration, and the fear of having my body destroyed simply for expressing that anger in the presence of the wrong white body.

My goal with this album is to provoke conversations and create engagement around these questions and themes. but also to give you something new and inspiring while opening you up to the full spectrum of my sound and voice.

I decided to release this album independently. Mainly because I wanted to get it to you all sooner and not have to fit it into a label calendar. However, because I’m releasing independently I couldn’t afford to pay upfront to produce vinyl with all of the other expenses surrounding the album’s production and release. Because many of you have been asking if vinyl will be available for this project and I really want to make it happen, I’m humbly asking for your support in funding the production of The Midst of Things vinyl. This album represents a very important milestone for me. I haven’t released a full album since ‘Trouvaille’ in 2018 and I have yet to release a full album on vinyl.

With your help and contributions, I know we can make it happen!

I am forever grateful for your love and support!

Mickey O'Brien is excited to share his most musically ambitious, vivid, and honest record yet. For his second solo album, Shift Change (Hand'Solo Records), he evolves his sound and brings his most evocative and diverse pen game yet. To accomplish the former, O'Brien continues his symbiotic, creative relationship with Juno-nominated producer and live beat champion Fresh Kils and enlists live musicians to add exciting combinations, texture and their own unique imprint to the songs. To accomplish the latter, O'Brien takes us on a journey of self-transformation that goes from night to day and dark to light, enlisting the assistance of Premrock, Ultra Magnus, Juno-nominee D-Sisive, and BET Freestyle Champion Young Stitch. A strong female presence was equally important to O'Brien, with Eyeda Sophia providing powerful rhymes for the title track while Ice tha One, Annie Q, and Sarah Craig all bring their own distinct singing styles.

Always Give Everything 111% . . . MF Khaos releases his 11 track playa soundtrack, including production from Professor Creepshow, Funk Finger, Tracisgrey

Now available on 12" Vinyl Records, Cassette Tape, Compact Disc

vinyl record includes exclusive instrumental version on side B, instrumentals will not be seen in any daylight of digital streaming media

Always Give Everything 111% . . . MF Khaos releases his 11 track playa soundtrack, including production from Professor Creepshow, Funk Finger, Tracisgrey

Now available on 12" Vinyl Records, Cassette Tape, Compact Disc

vinyl record includes exclusive instrumental version on side B, instrumentals will not be seen in any daylight of digital streaming media

2024 Repress!

Schäffer the Darklord and my new album presents a collection of tracks inspired by beloved Disney narratives, albeit with a darker interpretation. Among the featured songs are "No Windows, No Doors," drawing inspiration from the eerie Haunted Mansion ride; "Rated G for Trauma," which revisits the most unsettling scenes across Disney films; "Rivers of Avren," based on "The Black Cauldron"; and "The Wizard's Assistant," reflecting on "Fantasia's" Sorcerer's Apprentice. The album also explores "The Mayor's Head" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Finding Dreamfinder" from EPCOT's imaginative journey with Figment, and "Boogedy," inspired by the ghostly tale of Mr. Boogedy. Further tracks include "Tink of the Fae," offering a twist on "Peter Pan"; "Five Ways to Kill a Toon," hinting at the mixed universe of "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"; "Pleasure Island," channeling the cautionary tale from "Pinocchio"; and "Mr. Ravenswood," which pays homage to the lore of Phantom Manor and Big Thunder Mountain in Disneyland Paris.

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.

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.

Mahbie, a DJ/beatmaker with solid credibility, drops a NEW 7inch record! The A-side features "the Light" featuring Shizuoka MC TAMAAN.jp of Kotobukicrew, and the B-Side features a lo-fi beat version of the well-known closing BGM "Hotaru no Hikari", which has become a smash hit on digital streaming.

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.

The original Jazz Playa from New Mexico, Mackjunt. returns with Sonic Motions

Let’s say after a long day at work, a strenuous workout, a half marathon, or maybe three months into a CrossFit membership, after ending a bad tinder date, you look at yourself in the bathroom sweating , frustrated, exhilarated, or something else to say mean things in a pensive pace. Mav flows over Damien’s slow grimy drums with melancholy loops on some colorfully designed vinyl. He’s either reflecting on some $hit or threatening the man in the mirror like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver after losing his $hit.

Let’s say after a long day at work, a strenuous workout, a half marathon, or maybe three months into a CrossFit membership, after ending a bad tinder date, you look at yourself in the bathroom sweating , frustrated, exhilarated, or something else to say mean things in a pensive pace. Mav flows over Damien’s slow grimy drums with melancholy loops on some colorfully designed vinyl. He’s either reflecting on some $hit or threatening the man in the mirror like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver after losing his $hit.

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.”

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.”