Hip Hop Tape 538 Items

Prepare to embark on a sonic odyssey as Crimeapple and Preservation unveil the inaugural chapter of their groundbreaking trilogy with "EL León”. The album's title, a nod to the undisputed king of the jungle, serves as a metaphorical beacon for the unyielding hunger that the lyrical predator has always shown. On this audio hunting expedition, Crimeapple, the lyrical monarch, roars with an intensity that mirrors the lion's ferocity over a wild musical tapestry provided by Preservation, with each track being a testament to the insatiable appetite and predatory instincts needed to navigate the wilderness of today’s music industry, a game that both artists have never bowed down to but always dominated from the outside in. Crimeapple has always proven to be a leader of the pride, with the non-stop grind he’s been putting into his Manteca imprint and with legendary collaborations with producers such as DJ Muggs and DJ Skizz carving his name as one of the prominent stars in the game today. On the production side, Preservation’s musical journey, whether with long-time collaborator Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def), or as one half of Dr. Yen Lo with Brooklyn emcee Ka, or through legendary collaborations with the likes of billy woods, MF Doom, Roc Marci, RZA, Sean Price, Raekwon and countless others, have made him an iconic name in musical alchemy. As the trilogy begins, "EL León" stands as the beginning of a new hunting season for the two, where Crimeapple and Preservation are sure to transcend boundaries and reign supreme.

Over two years in the works, we're happy to release the 8th volume of Top Shelf Premium's acclaimed Off Top series! Curated by vintage garments and hip-hop enthusiast Mark Rosado, the format has been bringing some of the most interesting rappers and producers in underground hip-hop to their Hoboken, NJ store, and the result is yet another killer compilation featuring buzzing names such as Lord Sko, SonnyJim, Mooch, BoriRock, Kelly Moonstone, Grea8gawd, Smoke DZA, Fatboi Sharif, Dano and Gabe 'Nandez just to name a few. Very limited edition release of 100 cassettes, now in stock and ready to ship!

KidCutUp from L.A., Trackstar the Dj from St. Louis and Grzly Adams from Berlin connected through the mutual love for Hip Hop. 3 different Timezones and one goal - Make timeless shit!!!

After sending mixes back and fourth for quite a while here is the final Mixtape.

Yes you heard it right, we decided to make an actual Tape.

Artwork & Design by Skor82

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.

Doctor Zygote is an alter ego I use for hip hop tempos alongside The Maghreban for the dancier stuff. I have a lot of beats lying around that I keep meaning to use for something. File under "Beats to Use". I thought I'd put them together on a little beat tape.
In my folders, my beats have random names like "beats 114 S_Z - 82" so in needing to give these ones names and in homage to "Special Herbs" I have named them all after drugs. Broadly these beats are pretty menacing, and have a big electronic influence. I use all the same sounds for this slower stuff and The Maghreban material.
I thought they sat well together and alongside the vocal feature from Jam Baxter. Some beat tapes are full of vocal samples or play continuously. I wanted this one to hark back to some of the beat albums of the late 90s that were meant for beat juggling with, cutting or rapping over. So here we are.

New York Queens based turntablist Mista Sinista was introduced to DJing by his father, who would spin breaks in the family's basement while Sinista was still a little boy. He started spinning on his father's turntables at age 6, and by 14 earned his own pair, with which he began spinning at parties. He honed his craft throughout the '90s with the help of friends and fellow DJs Dr. Butcher and Rob Swift. In 1997, he joined the acclaimed DJ crew the X-Men, soon rechristened the X-Ecutioners. Along with appearing on the group's singles and their full-length album, X-Pressions, Sinista also collaborated with Common, the Beatnuts, Al Tariq and Princess Superstar among others. 2000 was a busy year for Sinista, with both a solo single and the X-ecutioners' major-label debut arriving, as well as new collaborations with Cella Dwellas, Dead Prez and Common. He left the X-Ecutioners by 2002, just before the release of the LP Built From Scratch, to pursue other projects.



Limited edition cassette with direct one-ink screen printing on the tape, foldout of five sheets on each side with complete artwork, sealed.



There is no digital version, only physical format. (60 min)

On 'Vintage Colours' Boston MC Pastense links up with Irish producer DJ M-1. The beats on this album are M-1's trademark solid, analog and textured backdrops, an ideal canvas for Pastense to paint pictures with wordplay both abstract and literal; ruminations on day-to-day life and thought. The album is the first in a series of collaborations in 2024 the producer has planned with various vocalists and this is the perfect starting point. Features come in the form of Uncommon Nasa on the track 'Gene Wilder Words' and Zesto Q on 'Hollow Man'.



The artwork is a hand drawn piece by frequent DJ M-1 collaborator, Azhqone and pressed on limited edition pro dubbed cassettes. The release will be limited to 50 tapes only and shipping now!

Legs Akimbo, the latest offering from the eclectic producer and DJ, Skwirl, released by Cold Busted, is a vibrant tapestry of sound that dances boldly across genres, much like its title suggests a stance of uninhibited exuberance. The album is a playground of audacious sounds and rhythms, each track splayed out with a creative audacity that's both refreshing and exhilarating. From the space-age funk of "Ur M8's Jetta," with its electrified beats and wisps of harp, to the orchestral cut-ups and synthetic soul of "Inside," Skwirl crafts a soundscape that is as diverse as it is cohesive. The album is an open invitation to experience the world through Skwirl's genre-agnostic squiggles, blips, and booms, where musical conventions are playfully disregarded. "We'll Be Here" encapsulates this ethos perfectly, blending a snazzy rhythm with snatches of jazz-infused flute, creating an ambiance akin to a midnight fog enveloping city streets. The music, much like the artist himself, is an amalgamation of varied influences and experiences, from teenage roots in the Atlanta suburbs to transformative encounters in Berlin's vibrant music scene. Each track on Legs Akimbo is a testament to Skwirl's unique approach to music-making, where disparate musical universes don't just meet; they dance together in perfect harmony.

"Audio EDibles" by Edo.G and Tone Spliff is a flavorful boom bap hip-hop collaboration that serves up a delectable mix of insightful lyrics and head nodding beats. Edo.G's seasoned rhymes effortlessly blend with Tone Spliff's production, creating an album that's both lyrically rich and sonically satisfying.

The tracks are a feast for the ears, offering a diverse menu of thought-provoking themes and head-nodding rhythms, making "Audio EDibles" a must-listen for hip-hop enthusiasts.

Jenova 7 emerges once again as a beacon of auditory innovation with his latest opus, Lost Sci-Fi Movie Themes. Released under the banner of Cold Busted, this collection of 16 tracks serves as a time machine, whisking listeners away on a journey through dimensions both familiar and uncharted since his last foray with 2019's Dusted Jazz Vol. 3. Jenova 7 has meticulously crafted an album that resonates with the essence of ‘90s trip hop nostalgia while propelling us into the cosmos of futuristic soundscapes. The album's standout tracks—“The Future 1995,” “My Zero G Love,” and “Downtown Lost In The City Of Lizards”—are masterclasses in genre-blending and atmospheric storytelling. "The Future 1995" envelops one in a nebula of boom-bap beats, cosmic sound effects, and b-movie vibes, creating a sonic experience that feels like intercepting radio signals from a distant, funk-infused galaxy. Meanwhile, “My Zero G Love” floats the listener through the velvety darkness of space with its sexy lounge feel, portamento synth lines, and the undeniable funk that glimmers under starlight—evoking the sensation of grooving in weightlessness. Then, there's “Downtown Lost In The City Of Lizards,” a track that saunters through the urban jungle with sparkling keys, evocative guitar spurts, and strutting jazz bass, painting a picture as vivid and surreal as its title suggests. Jenova 7's skill lies in his ability to fuse moody, jazz-inflected samples with grooves that draw one into a distinctly atmospheric sound—a cinematic journey through time, space, and emotion. His tracks are experiences, wrapping the listener in a cocoon of vibrant soundscapes that are both introspective and expansive. Lost Sci-Fi Movie Themes is an invitation to explore the unknown, to lose oneself in the depths of imagination and emerge on the other side transformed. For DJs looking to transport their audience to another dimension and for music fans yearning for a taste of nostalgia wrapped in the allure of the future, Jenova 7's latest release is a must-discover treasure. Dive in and let the odyssey begin

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Originally released in 1993 via Rowdy Records, Illegal's debut release "The Untold Truth" finally gets the reissue treament. Productions and features include artists such as Diamond D., Erick Sermon, A.G. & Lord Finesse, Biz Markie, Spearhead X and many more.

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Originally released in 1995 via Rowdy Records, Jamal's solo debut "Last Chance, No Breaks" finally gets the reissue treatment sporting three unreleased tracks from the demo version. Productions and features include artists such as Redman, Erick Sermon, Pete Rock, Keith Murray, George Clinton and many more.

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", extra 7" of "Fades Em All (Pete Rock Remix)", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

We are very pleased to present Adagio!'s "Str8 Off The DAT", the third release of the duo comprised of Obvious Wonder (also known as Carta' P.) and Ray Foges (also known as Ray Supreme) on 90's Tapes. The group dug deep in their crates to come up with 7 unreleased tracks recorded between 1992 and 1997, bringing you that special Adagio! vibe once again.

Available in a limited run on LP, CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.