Hip Hop 259 Items

Your Old Droog season is upon us. The prolific Brooklyn artist has cemented his place as one of the most important figures in the modern hip-hop landscape, delivering a steady stream of acclaimed projects. Now, YOD is at it again, unveiling a physical release of his recent collection Yodney Dangerfield. With beats by Nicholas Craven, SadhuGold, Lee Scott, and Jonwayne, the album is another extraordinary body of work from the talented Ukrainian wordsmith. And yet, the music industry still gives him no respect. This edition includes the physical-only bonus track “Metal Face Medley”, a Your Old Droog live performance montage honoring dearly departed rap god MF Doom.

High Focus Records are proud to present the latest collaboration from Verb T and Illinformed.

Stranded in Foggy Times both continues and completes the trilogy that began back in 2015, with The Man with the Foggy Eyes, before broadening the horizons with last year’s release of The Land of the Foggy Skies. This final chapter returns to the same conceptual landscape as its predecessors, but also sees Verb T and Illinformed returning to a more classic approach to album making.

In spite of its concept, the Foggy Trilogy is something of a personal outpouring for Verb T, with the original aim being to vicariously discuss the trials and tribulations that play a part in his life, including his struggles with chronic illness and the feeling of alienation from leaving his hometown, while also reflecting on the state of the world as a whole.

As with the previous albums, Stranded in Foggy Times finds Illinformed moving away from the more rugged sound that has shrouded the British scene over the last few months, thanks to his collaborations with the likes of Datkid and Wish Master, instead providing Verb T with an arguably more mellow backdrop. From the string and piano driven introduction on Legacy, to the blissful head-nod vibes of the closing track, Blind Faith, the union between beats and rhymes sits at the perfect level.

The album also boasts one of the most impressive guestlists of the year, one that is very much a product of both players’ worlds. Thanks to Illinformed’s Bristol connection, there are features from the likes of Res One, Datkid, Leaf Dog, Smellington Piff and Chillman, as well as some locally sourced cuts from DJ Rogue. While on Verb T’s side of the fence, we have features from Rye Shabby and Moreone, along with a collaboration that reignites the same creative spark he found in his early days, as King Kashmere steps into the booth on Feeling Strange.

All in all, Stranded in Foggy Times does exactly what it sets out to do, by drawing the trilogy to a close while also providing insights into Verb T’s personal world and the world at large. The fact that it also happens to be one of the strongest rap albums of the year is the icing on the cake.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 1LP with printed innersleeve.

Originally released in 1997 on CD and cassette only, this marks the very first time "Livest Spot In The City" by Vaughn Smith gets the full vinyl treatment. In addition, this stone cold Philly underground classic also comes on CD in jewel case as well as cassette plus digitally on all major platforms. 10 tracks in total with tight productions from front to end by Groove Da Moast.

New instrumental release on Farhot’s Kabul Fire label with contributions from a who’s who of the German producer scene including internationally known names such as DJ Desue, Suff Daddy, Brenk Sinatra, Dexter (Betty Ford Boys), Bluestaeb and others! Make beats not borders! Germany’s producer elite comes correct on this new instrumentals-only release from Kabul Fire Records.

Label honcho Farhot has assembled an all-star cast of heat providers to not only celebrate beat culture but also take a powerful stand against global exploitation and national isolationism. Expect exclusive contributions from literally everybody who’s somebody on the German hip-hop circuit, many of them proudly repping their migrant backgrounds – Bazzazian, The Krauts, Dexter, KitschKrieg, Brenk Sinatra, Ghanaian Stallion, Suff Daddy, Samy Deluxe, DJ Desue, and many more. All proceeds go to Visions for Children’s current school project in Afghanistan.

Price tag.

This "blood splatter" vinyl record is primarily a tool for turntablists and beatmakers who love horror movies. It clearly refers to the Scream saga of the 90s. Side A (aka the blood side) is composed of 12 skipless loops at 133 bpm. You will find screams of terror, sound effects and other voices from the film. The B side (called the ghost side) is a sound bank (also at 133 bpm) with orchestral music, brass, distressing violin, dark piano, choirs, voices, sounds & effects. As a bonus: a download card with the contents of the disc but also 10 instrumentals composed by Kooltrasher, Mister Modo, Ugly Mac Beer, Dj Troubl' and A_n_d_b_n_d. a 60x30 poster 2 x Stickers Limited to 500 hand numbered copies.

The wait is finally over, Torae & Marco Polo return with their sophomore release Midnight Run, the follow up to their classic debut album Double Barrel. Midnight Run packs 11 tracks that will instantly satisfy fans of the elite lyricism and hard hitting production the duo is known for. The intro “Reloaded” sets the tone from the very beginning and stand outs such as “The Return”, “Makin’ Up” and “Oh No” maintain the momentum throughout. With no guest verses, no bars off and no filler Midnight Run gets directly to what you’ve been waiting for from the “Gray Sheep” Torae and Marco Polo.

feat. 2Pac, Mc Breed, Illegal, ...

2005 repress

close to NM

US pressing is close to NM. Price tag.

close to NM

Representing Bed Stuy Brooklyn, Tekomin "tek" Williams burst onto the hip-hop scene in 1993 on Blackmoon's Enta Da Stage album. He has been a hip hop mainstay ever since. For nearly 30 years, TEK has delivered iconic albums and rocked crowds worldwide as one-half of the groundbreaking duo, Smif-N-Wessun. TEK continues to cement his star status in hip hop with his latest solo album, Pricele$$. The album’s first single, The Illest, features TEK rocking a GQ Beats production and paying homage to the classic Notorious B.I.G. record, Unbelievable. Fresh off the success of his own album, Statik Selektah, delivers masterful scratches on the song’s hook. Conway the Machine joins forces with TEK on the album’s follow-up single, The Machine and TEK. The two trade gritty verses over a signature Daringer beat. Boot Camp Clik loyalists can look forward to Boot Camp 4 Life. The Don Notz produced song features a never before heard verse from Sean P, alongside TEK, General Steele, and Buckshot. From start to finish, Pricele$$ is a gem for hip hop listeners from Bucktown and the world over. The album features production from the likes of GQ Beats, Joe Milly, Drawzilla, Daringer, Don Notz, Music Mystro, and Wavy Da Ghawd. Guest appearances on the album include Sheek Louch, Statik Selektah, Conway the Machine, AZ, Roc Marciano, Sean P, General Steele, Buckshot, Lil Fame, Rome Streetz, Dark Lo, Drawzilla, Mitchellel, and Trife Diesel.

Teflon’s much-anticipated new album, 2 Sides to Every Story, is a celebratory moment for the Brooklyn native, who burst onto the scene as part of M.O.P.’s First Family during the late ‘90s New York rap scene. Following contractual headaches and some time away from the game, the acclaimed emcee is back like he never left. And he’s not doing it alone, either. Telfon is joined on this project by two of hip-hop’s finest producers and his closest collaborators, DJ Premier and Jazimoto, who split production duties down the middle. Together, they’ve crafted a raw, mature album that showcases Teflon at the top of his lyrical game. Teflon still has that distinctive, instantly gripping voice that pulls you in, just so he can hit you over the head with dope wordplay and straight bars. While Teflon goes solo for a number of cuts on the album, he also calls on his M.O.P. brethren to provide their signature energy. It’s a true full circle moment for Teflon, whose name is heavily linked to M.O.P.’s discography since their ‘96 album, Firing Squad. And for hip-hop heads who have been bumping his music since then, this album couldn’t have arrived any sooner.

On 11 October 2010, Brainfeeder released the debut album by a 23 year old ex-skater, painter and music producer from Chino Hills called Teebs (real name Mtendere Mandowa). The title 'Ardour' means great enthusiasm, love or passion and was a fitting descriptor for his inherently warm, lushly textured beats. It’s an undisputed classic in the Brainfeeder canon and more widely considered an essential chapter in the ever-evolving puzzle of the global “beat scene”.

Brainfeeder and Teebs are celebrating the 10th anniversary with a limited special edition reissue of this landmark record. Pressed on deep pink 2LP and housed in a beautiful gatefold sleeve with artwork by Teebs himself, the new edition features six previously unreleased bonus tracks.

With roots at the ‘My Hollow Drum’ collective, Dublab and Low End Theory, Teebs has been a staple in Los Angeles music. “My creative family in LA is so important,” he explains. “It’s a part of who I am when I step outside and how others in LA view me. I love the feeling of community and trying to understand how I can be useful in it.”

Following 'Ardour' (2010), Teebs released 'Collections' (2011), 'Estara' (2014) and, after a 5 year hiatus, his most recent album 'Anicca' in 2019, with the help of a host of musical friends including Panda Bear (Animal Collective), Sudan Archives, Ringgo Ancheta aka MNDSGN, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Anna Wise. Universally acclaimed, Pitchfork gave 'Anicca' a glowing 7.8 review hailing Mandowa’s “effortless, shape-shifting tracks that make time stand still.” Meanwhile, FADER described the record as “deeply atmospheric... cool-headed and uncanny.”

promo copy

Ill Bill, Slaine, Vinnie Paz, Esoteric, Celph Titled, Apathy and Snak the Ripper on the guest list this time!

16 rare & out of print tracks

KutMasta Kurt and Substance Abuse pay tribute to MF Doom with this special 7” release. The A-side contains a dope 2023 remix with that KMK signature sound guaranteed to keep heads noddin’, while the B-side brings the original (2005 released) version that was actually recorded in the beginning of the 2000’s - before Doom’s rise to prominence; thanks to releases like Mad-Villain and Danger Doom. R.I.P. Doom Supreme! Limited to 200 copies.

Strictlybutters is a music lover, DJ, skateboarder, cyclist, and sneakerhead. He is also a dad with a full-time career, who somehow still manages to go cratedigging on his lunchbreaks. Strictlybutters fully embraces that Danny Tanner "Full House" lifestyle and comes from the same small town that gave us Lyman Woodard. When he is not doing yardwork, making dinner for his daughter, or detailing his Jeep, he is upstairs in his lab making beats, cutting up the 1200's, or listening to music. Strictlybutters is meticulous in everything he does. Although he has been buying records since the early '80s and beat digging since '91, every record that he owns is a gem. His choice of weapon is the Mpc3000, Mpc2000xl, and Sp-303, and he only uses original pressings when making beats. He has also been skating and landing tricks consistently for nearly 30 years, has a half dozen rare '80s BMX cruisers that he rides no matter the weather, as well as a massive collection of kicks. Strictlybutters' love for hip hop began like most people his age who grew up outside of the vicinity of NYC... after seeing "Beat Street" and "Breakin'", he was hooked. He was heavy into breakdancing in '83-'84 and began listening to The Boogie's "Saturday Night Fresh" hip hop/electro show on 107.1FM-Saginaw. In '89, he started listening to the "Cultural Vibe" hip hop show on 88.9FM-Lansing, and it cannot be understated just how important this show was to him throughout the '90s. Also, throughout the '90s and even to this day, Strictlybutters would drive all over Michigan to hit up numerous record spots. If the record excursion took place on a Friday, it was a guarantee that he would end up in Detroit. Every Friday night between '95-'00, you could always find Strictlybutters somewhere in the crowd at St. Andrew's Hall while House Shoes and others would DJ. In the late '90s, Strictlybutters began to hang out with the Starving Artists Crew and would eventually become one of their DJ's. He provided scratches on their first 12" single in ’01 (“Four Square”), and on their "Up Pops The Sac" album in ’03 (“Intro”, “The Kick Clap”, “Up Pops The Sac”, and “96 West Ferry”). It was the time that he spent with the Starving Artists Crew that got him interested in making beats. Ever since '03, Strictlybutters has been making classic '90s hip hop beats for the fun of it, with no intention of ever doing anything with them… until now. In ‘20, he worked with Shepard Fairey (obey) and contributed a couple of Strictlybutters beats that were used in multiple promo spots for the New Deal x Shepard Fairey skateboard collection. And in ’21, Strictlybutters will be releasing his first 7” single on the Galaxy Sound Co. label, with more to come in the future!

close to NM. Price tag.

Released in 1992 on CD, MC and Promo LP only, Spice 1's debut gets a proper vinyl treatment.

Spice 1 is an undisputed West Coast legend, who first hit the scene after the N.W.A. and – closer to home – Too $hort explosion of the late ‘80s. As history showed, he continued that bloodline with finesse and authority. His nasal flow is menacing and strong, and fans have been consistently captivated by his ‘hood tales since his self-titled debut in 1992. If you want thematic range with your MCs, Spice isn’t that dude – he is all about crime tales and the perils of ghetto life. And he attacks that storytelling sweet spot with each new cut. Spice 1 boasted four singles by the time it was all said and done, and breezed to Gold status on the strength of cuts like the catchy “East Bay Gangster”, the heartfelt tales and truths of “Welcome To The Ghetto”, and the thick, grooving “In My Neighborhood.” He even produced the alcohol-themed “187 Proof,” another of the album’s singles, and the hands-down cleverest vocal outing on the LP. Sonically, the backdrops on Spice 1 range from plunky, keyboard-bassline funk to deeper, fuzzy ‘70s samples – and he sounds strong on top of both. “Break Yourself” is fueled with an electro-funk drive, “1-800 Spice” brings reggae flavor, and “Peace To My Nine” gets chunkier, with a well-placed P-Funk “One Nation Under A Groove” sample. Presented here on official retail vinyl for the first time since its initial release 26 years ago, Spice 1’s debut holds the test of time and carries the California gangsta flag with pride. Some colors just don’t fade.

Based in Tokyo, Southpaw Chop has been active as a producer and DJ for years, independently releasing vinyl featuring MCs from Hip Hop’s golden era, such as Tragedy Khadafi, Kool G Rap, Craig G, Diamond D, AG, and Large Professor. This EP brings together five of these releases, previously available only in limited seven inch vinyl pressings, plus a bonus remix of “Laced With Tragedy feat. Tragedy Khadafi [Funky Soul Brother Remix]" by the unit Funky Soul Brother, comprised of Southpaw Chop and DJ Koco aka Shimokita. This Special Limited Edition Vinyl is exclusively Manufactured and Distributed by Red Line Music Distribution, Inc.

Limited double vinyl LP pressing. Tha Last Meal is the fifth studio album by rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on December 19, 2000. It was his third and final studio album released on No Limit Records and his first album on his newly founded label Doggystyle Records in the United States. The album was produced mostly by Master P and Dr. Dre along with Timbaland and Soopafly. The album included the singles "Snoop Dogg (What's My Name Pt. 2)","Hennesey n Buddah" featuring Kokane,"Lay Low" featuring Nate Dogg,"Loosen' Control" and "Wrong Idea" featuring Bad Azz. Tha Last Meal debuted at #9 on the US Billboard 200. The album topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums for four consecutive weeks.

US original.

Shabazz The Disciple, hailing from the Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn, NY dominated the Golden Era of Hip Hop alongside his Wu-Tang family. Exploding on the scene in 1994 with the Gravediggaz on their debut single "Diary Of A Madman". He also Co-founded the group Sunz Of Man and coined the group name and concept T.H.U.G. ANGELZ, as well as solo with his groundbreaking "Death Be The Penalty" single in 1995 (Penalty Records) and several of other singles, guest appearances and releases throughout the late 1990s into the 2000s.

Now in 2019 he re-enters the combination to his 1994 vault of GOLD BARZ, opening the safe to offer you 2 unreleased gemstonez: "Hip Hop Casino" and "Solemn Oath". Shabazz states: "I'm putting my blue chips on the table and controlling the bank on this bet, Hip Hop is a gamble like being in the casino! We bet big to win big!! It was a Solemn Oath I made to myself to never gamble on the streets again, like in the 80's!! Wingz Up!!"

close to NM

Close to VG+

First establishing himself as an influential poet, then an award-winning screenwriter/actor, Saul Williams then went on to become an MC. His approach to MCing, though, wasn’t exactly in line with the traditional school of hip hop. His rhymes weren’t really rhymes, but rather his poetry delivered in a frenzied, spoken word manner that was more rhythmic than alliterate. Released in 2004, this self-titled album features guests like Zach de la Roca and members from Mars Volta.

Saukrates - Hate Runs Deep / Hate Runs Deep (The Circle 2020 Remix) feat Kardinal Offishal, Choclair and Marvel



Features the first true Circle posse cut. Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, Marvel and Saukrates all appear on the same song for the first time ever.

One of the most prolific, talented and revered Hip-Hop artists in Canada, Saukrates started his incredible career in the mid 90s with a couple of instant underground classics, one of them being “Father Time.” Originally released in 1995 and produced by Day for his imprint Knee Deep Records, Saukrates sounded years beyond his age at the time flowing with incredible confidence over Day’s tick-tock ominous head nodder. It was a real moment for Canadian Hip-Hop.

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of “Father Time” and in celebration, and in concurrence with Record Store DAY, FlipNJay Records are extremely proud and honoured to present the first ever pressing of this classic on 45.

Working with Saukrates on the roll out, the 25 year commemorative release has brand new full cover artwork designed by FNJ chief of graphic design Rhek and the never before available on vinyl “Father Time (2018 Remix)” featuring Canadian rap monster Shad and one of the best rappers of all time, Pharaohe Monch!