US Hip Hop 252 Items

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.

A limited stock of OG copies of this sought after 1992 Bay Area release out of Palo-Alto, CA.

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!

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.

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

The Remix feat. Puff Daddy

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!

The Last Dimension chronicles Mad Pack’s progression from a conglomerate of raw hip-hop talent into polished rap trailblazers here in the Salt City. The Syracuse collective included three acts: Channel 3, the Sub-basements and solo artist R-Reality For fans who enjoy rap laced with lyrical mind bombs and humorous rhymes, Last Dimension hits its mark in a hurry. Aesthetically, however, it’s infused with a back-to-basics style that emphasizes double entendre and palpitating rhythms, yet refuses to rely on hyper-materialism and gimmicks. Newcomers beware, however: Last Dimension remains close to the street. Hip-hop heads who have caught Mad Pack’s high-energy performances at local venues or heard them flex their freestyle rhyme skills over the airwaves of the old Wolf-am 1490 will certainly remember the rambunctious “Kill a Copy Kat” and more mellow offerings such as “Continuous Vibe” and “Six Souls Singin.'” New Edition fans will recognize Mad Pack’s hypnotic “Red Lights and Incense,” which features the beat from NE’s single “Hit Me Off.”



Limited to only 250 copies and remastered by Jee Van Cleef!

Back in 1998 this rare and dope comp was released on tape only by this dope crew from Virginia named the Fat Nogin Civilianz. The collective was formed by different groups or artists like Vertical Status (Dalu, Soul Sun & Malik Starr), Exstra Black Adishon (N-Tel & Natural), Verbale Unknown (Majestic & Rapster Funk), Vinyl Scavengaz (N-Tel, Majestic & Ant Live), Bless, M Squared, Shabazz and Philosophy.



The project was released on Most Entertainement Music Group which originally started as a management company in 1995 and became a record company in 1997. It was managed by two childhood friends named Dante R. Parham and D. Carlos Johnson from Petersburg, VA. Carlos Johnson was also known by the rap name KAY ILL who also features on the comp.



Now in 2023, HHE is proud to present you the 25th Anniversay Edition on CD and soon also on vinyl! Shoutout to Dante R. Parham for making this happen!



Both the CD and vinyl edition will be limited to strictly 250 copies! The CD will come with an 8 page booklet and the music has been remastered by Jee Van Cleef!

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

feat. Busta Rhymes, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, ...

Finally this epic masterpiece gets the reissue treatment!

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.

Disposable Arts is a concept album by Masta Ace, originally released in 2001. It follows the Brooklyn MC as he is being released from prison and returns home, joining 'The Institute of Disposable Arts', a school in which Ace enrolls after realizing how bad the situation in Brooklyn has become. The songs and skits combine to complete one full story, and they feature guest coantributions from Strick, Punchline & Wordsworth, Apocalypse, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, J-Ro, King Tee, Jean Grae and more, plus production by Ayatollah, Paul Nice, Domingo, and more, including tracks from Ace himself.

2023 silver vinyl pressing.

Few hip-hop artists have achieved the same level of critical acclaim and praise that 90s veteran and Queens native Nasir "Nas" Jones has. Across his over 25-year career he has been ranked as one of the greatest rap performers and lyricists by MTV, The Source, and Complex, among other publications, all while selling over 30 million records worldwide, and releasing eight consecutive platinum albums. In particular, his 1994 debut Illmatic is hailed as a paragon of underground hip-hop, a turning point in East Coast rap's development, and one of the all-time greatest debut albums in general.
Though Nas' artistic legacy is without question, it was not always the case; if Nas had flourished during the mid-90s, he had stumbled clumsily while transitioning into the 00's. After achieving universal praise via Illmatic and commercial success with its' follow-up It Was Written, Nas' next few releases were considered inconsistent and lackluster compared to the critical one-two punch they followed. During this time period he had abandoned the socially-conscious and philosophical topics that made him a critical darling in favor of more commercially viable gangsta rap. Though he maintained a chart presence for much of the late-90s, review scores began to dwindle, and his status among the hip-hop community was thrown into question.
This would change in 2001 with the release of Nas' fifth studio full-length, which made the effort to re-establish him as a legitimate artist. Eschewing the pop-friendliness he'd found success with, Nas instead opted to return to the underground style he came up in, with tracks about American politics, ghetto life, and social upheaval. Perhaps sensing this need to return to his roots, he titled the album Stillmatic, a clear and present reference (and sequel of sorts) to Illmatic.
The ploy worked perfectly; Stillmatic was hailed by critics as a stunning comeback, and a brilliant return to form, earning rave reviews from rap outlets such as The Source and HipHopDX as well as from more mainstream publications as The Rolling Stone and The Village Voice. Praise was heaped upon the complexity and introspective nature of Nas' lyrical content, the top-tier production from veterans like Large Professor, DJ Premier, L.E.S., and Trackmasters, and hard-hitting guest appearances from AZ, Mary J. Blige, and Amerie.
Stillmatic would see release on December 18th of 2001, right as Nas was caught in the middle of a highly publicized feud with fellow New York rapper Jay-Z. As such, the record features one of the feud's most intense apexes in the form of its second track "Ether", a ruthless Ron Browz-produced diss track. A response to Jay-Z's own diss "Takeover", "Ether" savaged the Brooklyn-native, accusing him of brown-nosing to get ahead, of plagiarizing earlier rappers such as Notorious B.I.G. and KRS-One, and dismissing his street cred. To this day "Ether" is considered one of the best and most potent diss tracks ever recorded, a major turning point in the Nas/Jay-Z feud, a standout among the already critically acclaimed Stillmatic, and is even credited with boosting Jay-Z's career by proxy.

Features guest vocals from: Celph Titled, Vinnie Paz, C-Rayz Walz, Louis Logic, Esoteric, Lexicon, Rise, Open Mic, Alius, Punchline, Wordsworth and many many many more...A founding member and unofficial leader of the Demigodz crew, one part of the super-group Army of the Pharaohs and down with the Connecticut crew Doe$Rakers, Apathy is a highly skilled and versatile lyricist able to spit verses on nearly any topic from girls, to battling, to chess. He is also known for his freestyle ability which is often the highlight of his live performances. This double CD collection of Apathy tracks has 45 tracks and is a full 160 minutes long. That’s just under 3 hours! All the songs are from the original masters and everything has been digitally remastered to professional standards, including the old classics like “Compatible”, “Smackdown”, “Ain’t Nuthin’ Nice”, and “Just Begun”. You’ll never find a collection of all these songs in perfect quality anywhere else. A lot of tracks have never before been released on CD, and many are super rare. Every track is the full length version, nothing has been cut or faded out early. There’s even three new, previously unreleased heaters: “Y’All Ain’t Good Enough”, “Public Execution (Demigodz Mix)” and “Don’t Talk To Me”. A must for any Apathy, Demigodz, Army of the Pharaohs or Doe$rakers fan!

feat. Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Common, Twista, Mos Def, ...

A Long Hot Summer is the fifth studio album of Masta Ace, and follow up album to Disposable Arts. The album is about Masta Ace's journey as an underground rapper through his "Long Hot Summer" in Brooklyn, together with his unofficial manager and pal Fats Belvedere. This album includes fan favorites such as "Good Ol Love", "Da Grind", "Beautiful", "Bklyn Masala" and guest appearances like Jean Grae, Big Noyd, Wordsworth, Edo G, The Beatnuts, Rahzel and more, along with production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, DJ Spinna, Dug Infinite, Marco Polo and others. A Long Hot Summer is a classic Ace album through and through.

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.

feat. Mellow Man Ace!, Son Doobie, Eminem, Bizarre and more!

Detroit, MI---“I feel like Nas before he dropped “Ether.” After shattering expectations for his
massively bootlegged 2002 debut, Rock City (which was refurbished, re-titled and officially
released Stateside as Rock City V.2.0) and on the heels of two buzz-setting mix tapes, Build
& Destroy and M.I.C. Mixtape Vol.1, Royce Da 5’9” released his highly-anticipated “true”
sophomore LP, Death Is Certain on February 24, 2004.
Cat. No.: 783141
Price code: 023
UPC: 634164605414
Config: 2LP
Genre Rap / Hip Hop
Label No: EOM-LP-46054
In the ever-changing landscape of Hiphop, only a few things remain a constant with one of
them being our unwavering love for the underdog. And through a turbulent roller-coaster ride
of personal trials and label changes Royce has proven that he is a true survivor. Fueled by
his passion for Hiphop and a yearning to once and for all shed light on the events and
circumstances that have caused so much turmoil (including a well-publicized beef with pop
music’s biggest “Shady” sensation), With Death Is Certain, Royce drew back the curtain and
let down his guard for one of the most revealing and honest LP’s bound to resonate from
your speakers. Where else are you going to hear an emcee apologize to fans for his
attempts to gain commercial acceptance? Or as Royce offers on “Regardless,” “I played
myself for radio play/I never dance/but the skill itself is a second chance.”