Hip Hop 259 Items

Few paper scuffs. Label cover.

With the original UK 7” of this release now as rare as hen’s teeth, and with the group having recently ‘reformed’ for one last album together, the Mr Bongo replica re-release of this 1990 masterpiece by Gang Starr couldn’t be more timely.
The now-legendary duo of DJ Premier and Guru dropped this at the height of hip-hop’s sampling of jazz, which had led to a creative leap forward for the genre. Yet while others plundered in the dark, this instant classic wore its influences on its sleeve and paid verbal homage to the musicians they were sampling. The “melodious funk” of “Thelonious Monk” gets namechecked, while the track samples two of his records, including 1958’s Bop gem ‘Light Blue’.
While both versions presented here have common elements, the ‘Movie Mix’ – so-named for the song’s appearance on the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s mythic jazz biopic ‘Mo’ Better Blues’ – goes in a few different directions to the ‘Video Mix’. Rather than just drop in an instrumental for the B-side, DJ Premier instead shows his versatility by switching up the base track (Kool & The Gang’s 1971 ‘Dujii’) and layering in other samples. In more ways than one, his virtuosity here echoes the improvisation of a jazz musician, akin to Denzel Washington’s Bleak in the movie.
Of course, he’s not the only show in town. The late Guru’s voice is as mellifluous as an instrument itself here, his potted history of the genre and the artists of jazz delivered with his own unmistakable cadence. Without this record, would he have gone on to make his ‘Jazzmatazz’ projects.

Official rerelease on double vinyl - that's a hip hop classic ... first group of MF Doom!

If you collect vintage 70's soul-jazz vinyl, there is a good chance that you already own a record that features the amazing vocal talents of Dee Dee Bridgewater. Whether it be Roy Ayers, Norman Connors, Billy Parker or Carlos Garnett - Dee Dee is the glue that fuses these artists together. Although best known for her jazz work, Dee Dee has had a wonderfully rich and varied career encompassing soul, musicals, gospel, and underground disco from the 70's to the present day. She is still active as a vocalist, composer, and producer and remains one of our favourite vocalists at Mr Bongo HQ. We take things back to the early years of Dee Dee's career with her debut album 'Afro Blue'. Recorded in Tokyo in 1974, the album was released exclusively in Japan via two different Japanese labels (Trio Records in 1974 and All Art in 1985 respectively). Each release had unique cover art and we have opted to present the album in its original 1974 form. 'Afro Blue' features an exquisite collaboration of American and Japanese musicians, such as Cecil & Ron Bridgewater, Motohiko Hino and producer Takao Ishizuka. The result is a sublime deep soul-jazz masterpiece with timeless versions of 'People Make The World Go Round', 'Love From The Sun', and 'Afro Blue'. It is arguably one of the finest albums in its genre. This record has long been a sought-after item for DJs and collectors alike, so we are delighted to finally make this wonderful music from an understated great available to all.

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.

Vinyl is close to NM.

Back in print for the 20th anniversary!

FlipNJay have teamed up with Relly Rels Records to bring you a double sided slapper by Bay Area legend Dru Down!

The Oakland rapper’s 1994 hits “Pimp Of The Year” and “Ice Cream Man” (featuring Luniz) made Dru Down a household name of Westcoast Rap. For the first time ever, both songs are available on 45 in standard black vinyl and limited edition “Red” vinyl!

FlipNJay have teamed up with Relly Rels Records to bring you a double sided slapper by Bay Area legend Dru Down!

The Oakland rapper’s 1994 hits “Pimp Of The Year” and “Ice Cream Man” (featuring Luniz) made Dru Down a household name of Westcoast Rap. For the first time ever, both songs are available on 45 in standard black vinyl and limited edition “Red” vinyl!

Label cover. Vinyl has some paper scuffs. 2004 reissue.

classic ... incl. cell therapy, dirty south ...

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

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!

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.

2005 repress

Slightly damaged corner.

feat. Kool Keith, Ras Kass, ...

classic lp on cd ... feat. Method Man, Raekwon, Nas

Frankenstein, aka Frankie Ano, put out an incredible body of self contained work in the mid-late 90s. Fully self produced and performed on his own label, Knowledge of Self garnered this one man gang a Juno nomination for the single we are presenting today, available for the first time ever on 7 inch! “The Rain Is Gone.” b/w “All Hands”

1996, The Esplanade. Right in the heart of downtown Toronto is where Concrete Mob was formed. MCs Deuce Deuce, Blackjack (Static) and DJ/producer Scam lived literal steps from each other. The two MCs would frequent Scam’s apartment daily to check what he was cooking up on the SP.

Scam started with the bassline and drums and then found the last part of the “Boiling Point” beat a couple weeks later: the piano. He usually kept his front door open so Deuce & Blackjack walked in and heard the beat playing and all three knew right away that it was something special.

They laid their 2 verses back to back, no chorus. The opening horn sample was the perfect prelude into the stab, into the piano drop, and then Deuce’s iconic opening line:

“Incarceration, illegit occupation, police station is what a n—a facin’”



And the rest is history! A landmark track in Canadian underground rap music, FlipNJay Records are very proud to present this classic on 7” vinyl, in collaboration with Groove-A-Lot Records

Almost NM! Promo

sticker on front

Perhaps the most important collaborative Hip-Hop song in Canadian history, “Northern Touch” was introduced to the world in 1997 by a posse cut from the Vancouver group The Rascalz featuring guest appearances from Toronto giants Kardinal Offishall, Choclair, and Thrust. This song also introduced a Vancouver up and coming star, Checkmate.

Rascalz “Dreaded Fist” with “Soul Obligation” is the first song released in the Elements Magazine Book series which will be a total of eight releases in 2021.

Cover artwork drawn by the master Dedos, available on 7” vinyl for the first time ever!

Originally released in 1997 as an EP, "Brick House" is a certified underground classic and really solidified Soxx as one of the Best in the world as he collaborated with some of the top MCs of all time, on one record! "Play Dis" features Common and the B-Side is "Rollin'" featuring two of the nicest ever: Masta Ace and O.C. Both so by Saukrates. New art by Rhek too!

Originally released in 1997 as an EP, "Brick House" is a certified underground classic and really solidified Soxx as one of the Best in the world as he collaborated with some of the top MCs of all time, on one record! "Play Dis" features Common and the B-Side is "Rollin'" featuring two of the nicest ever: Masta Ace and O.C. Both so by Saukrates. New art by Rhek too!

Vinyl is very close to NM. Tiny drill hole and price tag.

Lauryn's multi platinum debut album is back as a US pressing.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of La the Darkman’s Heist of the Century LP, Coalmine Records has partnered up with the Brooklyn native for a special edition vinyl reissue, marking the first time that the record’s been repressed since its original release. This album is widely regarded as one of the strongest and most underrated releases from a Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, and it’s easy to understand why once you hear its dynamic 18 tracks. The Killer Bee embodies the raw spirit of the Wu while adding his own signature gritty flavor throughout Heist of the Century. He shines whether he’s spitting solo on standouts like “Shine,” “Street Life,” and the title track, and when he’s joined by rap heavyweights like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, U-God, Havoc, and Masta Killah and more. Rae actually delivers two show-stopping guest performances on ”Az the World Turns” and “Spring Water.”

The production lineup is just as serious, which boasts credits from the likes of RZA, DJ Muggs, Havoc, 4th Disciple, as well as Carlos “Six July” Broady—who produced 10 tracks—among others. Whether you were there day one, only started diving into the Wu’s vast discography recently, or somewhere in between, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better representation of their sound than Heist of the Century.

“Heist of the Century undeniably continues in the vein of the surrealistic, orchestral sound that branded the Wu-Tang Clan as one of the most revolutionary hip-hop groups of the decade.”-MTV

close to NM. Original inner sleeves. Price tag tear on cover.

tear on front cover

Sticker on label and on cover. Tape on label sticker.