US Hip Hop 193 Items

It seemed that if I didn’t somehow repeat the process of greatness, and do so immediately, multiple times away to satisfy playlist and binge watch culture, then I “wasn’t shit”. After a while I was like “nah this doesn’t feel good,… I don’t know if I am finding joy in this”. I would record songs and not release them, obsess over sessions recorded in my home with 30 takes of vocals and wake up only to delete them. When it began to feel right I found solace in an epiphany that I was not obligated to operate at any other wavelength. I am moving on a different type of time, and that doesn’t expire. -Cavalier For heads of a certain time period of NYC hip-hop, Brooklyn born, New Orleans-based rapper and songwriter, Cavalier was the one that got away. The outrageously talented artist whose name and reputation preceded him everywhere you went in the scene. The rapper who everyone knew was so dope that he had to blow, but who never seemed concerned with any of that. The pretty boy draped in Polo who stole every live show with a feather in his hair and a mouth full of gold fronts. The cat so dedicated to his own independence that even indie labels stopped trying to sign him and projects came when they came, but when they came they were undeniable. Cavalier was That guy for a lot of us; a silver-tongued philosopher with an eye for the poignant details of black life and a delivery as effortless as a young Ken Griffey’s swing. All that said, it never really felt like Cav had that moment in the spotlight that we always assumed was coming. After chiseling away through headier cult corners of the NYC hip-hop scene Cavalier was recognized for his memorable co-pilot to Quelle Chris’ 2013 Mello Music debut, Niggas Is Men. The critically acclaimed LP helped propel Quelle Chris into the forefront of indie hip-hop (and also happened to be the first production credits for Messiah Muzik). Cav followed up with his first full length, Chief, which sports a notable Raekwon feature but also early work from producers like Ohbliv and Tall Black Guy. A relocation to New Orleans and partnership with producer/vocalist Iman Omari yielded two more projects: 2015’s Lemonade EP and Private Stock in 2018. Great records all; eagerly sought by collectors and signal boosted by influential media like OkayPlayer, Solange’s Saint Heron, and Pitchfork. Cavalier’s bonafides have never been in question, but his new album Different Type Time feels like a revelation—a sonic suspension bridge between his rich history and the artform’s future. Different Type Time doesn’t sound like the future though, its vibrations are somewhere all their own. It sounds like jazz, like a conversation overheard in roti shop, or a pool hall, or the foyer of your old building on a fall day, front door propped open with a brick. The blues is in there too, and the south—the American South, and the Global South, and South Brooklyn. It’s not that it sounds like the past, but you can hear everything that came before in the thick of the basslines and the yearning of the keys. Different Type Time also doesn’t sound like now, it sounds like Right NOW; the bounce of the lyrics like the staccato of basketball in the park, carried on a spring breeze. Although he doesn’t rap on DTT, Quelle Chris plays a pivotal role; producing eight songs and serving as associate producer/consigliere to Cav throughout the creative process. “There is no time wasted in explaining things when I collaborate with Quelle. He understands the universe I am in and the realities I want to create. He’s in them. And I don’t think I can envision one without him,” Cavalier explains. Messiah Muzik, Wino Willy, Ohbliv, Ahwlee, Child Actor, Fushou and several other producers round out the credits, all lending their talents to the album’s spaciously soulful sound. At the center of all these alchemies is Cavalier, nimbly dancing in and out of pockets like a sidewalk game of jumprope. Different Type Time is a masterclass in this thing we call hip-hop; daring and original, yet always standing deeply rooted in the culture

1. Different Type Time prod. Quelle Chris & Cavalier
2. Custard Spoon prod. Quelle Chris
3. Can’t Leave It Alone feat. Eric Jaye prod. GLassC!ty
4. Come Proper prod. Jacob Rochester
5. Touchtones prod. Aummaah
6. Déjà vu / Tydro ‘97 prod. Messiah Muzik / Quelle Chris
7. Doodoo Damien prod. Quelle Chris
8. Baby I’m Home prod. Wino Willy
9. Yeah Boiii prod. Quelle Chris
10. All Things Considered (prod. Wino Willy
11. Pears (prod. Malik Abdul-Rahmaan
12. Told You (prod. Fushou
13.Badvice (prod. Low Key
14. Think About It feat. Billzegypt prod. Obliv
15. Up From Here / 7th Ward Spyboy prod. Ahwlee / Quelle Chris
16. Manigaults / I Miss Them prod. ruffiankick
17. Lazaroos prod. Vinny Cuzns
18.Bespoke feat. Dominic Minix prod. Hann_11
19. 50 Bags feat. Lord Chilla prod. Child Actor
20. Axiom / My Gawd prod. GLassC!ty / Quelle Chris
21. Flourish prod. Quelle Chris

Beautiful Raw is the 4th release from Chicago duo Qwel & Maker, whose releases and worldwide touring raised them as the bar against which all raw complex underground hip hop is to be measured.

This album is a testimony to the hard work and thoughtful care that the two put into all of their music. Each carefully crafted track could stand alone as a highlight, claiming rightful shine as the lead single, yet the album as a whole complete work is a single seamless journey. The tale of the humble plant, once sewn deep beneath the concrete of the inner city slums, that against all odds has grown up through the concrete toward the light. Proof of hope is the recurrent theme and grimy raw is the soundscape.

“They said it couldn't be done, this one’s for provin’ ’em wrong, seems only suitable it’s beautiful raw. Planted the seed beneath the street but it was rooted too strong, grew to the sun and called it beautiful raw.”

In an unexpected and rare turn for the team, Qwel and Maker commissioned a little help on this album, pulling collaborative magic from fellow veterans such as The Grouch (Living Legends), Qwel’s fellow Typical Cat Qwazaar, Swamburger (Soliloquists Of Sound), Wes Restless, Scud One, D-Styles & more. The guest lyricists all help air out the record from Qwel’s dense spitfire lyrics.

Love, life, regret, money, drugs, joy, sorrow, lies, truth… but most of all hope, is what this album is about.

Beats, rhymes and cuts by Buck 65.

Limited to 500 copies.

The debut album from T-Max that was originally supposed to be released back in 1993. Limited edition of 250 pieces only in a beautiful gatefold edition!

100% produced by Swab feat. Josiah The Gift, General Backpain, Maze Overlay, Mickey Diamond, Ty Farris, Dango Forlaine, Ronnie Alpha, Che Uno & 9th Uno, Nowaah The Flood, ethemadassassin, Guy Grams, Mental Da God, Empuls, John Jigg$, Copywrite, Substance810, Supreme Cerebral, Rim, M.A.V.

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.

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)

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)

"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.

With words as weapons and public infrastructure as his blank slate, John Fekner’s City Squad are always questing for the ineffable, even as they yearn for concrete change. Make no mistake, Idioblast is a serious party where everyone is welcome.

Released in 1984, Idioblast is a lost classic, a future shock narrative ahead of its time, and yet completely of its era, like few artifacts before or since. The cover tips you off from the jump—a crude but effective collage featuring classic Fekner slogans like Toxic Junkie, Growth Decay and Soft Brains Watch The Screen And Buy The Jeans. In an uncanny and tragic coincidence, the very first lyric on the album—“The place to be is on the space shuttle/if you’re brave enough to get on it”—seems to anticipate the Challenger disaster just two years later. But for the most part, the tracks on Idioblast directly reference the concepts that inspired Fekner’s visual art.

Musically, “Rapicasso” utilizes pneumatic pounding with an industrial edge as Fekner equates the great and controversial painter with risk-taking graffiti kids bombing trains and billboards across the city. Art is in a constant state of exploding—forms, paradigms, outdated ideas. Splitting the difference between hip-hop and new wave, the Santaniello-sung “The Beat” is like Thomas Dolby meets Run-DMC and should’ve been a radio staple for at least one sticky summer. It could soundtrack either a couples roller skate or a drug-fueled evening out.

Channeling Fekner’s slogan-stencil aesthetic, “Travelogue The 80’s” is a tour de force reminiscent of Negativland’s experiments in audio culture jamming. As Fekner details, “I grabbed all of the sounds via a shortwave radio picking up transmissions from LaGuardia airport and the TV. I recorded and edited on a Sony Pro Walkman and an Aiwa dual cassette deck.”

Boldy James "Penalty Of Leadership" is the follow up to Nicholas Craven produced "Fair Exchange No Robbery". Released digitally January 2024, this time around they've both sharpened their unique approach to Detroit-meets-Montreal soul sample inspired drug raps and further solidify their lightning in a bottle chemistry. "Penatly of Leadership" received a 7.9/10 review from Pitchfork, "The pair's chemistry is still potent enough to chill the blood running through your veins, and Boldy's brush with death [2023 car accident] makes Penalty of Leadership a heavier and more reflective listen than their previous joint album".

"ME Stations That Swing With Soulful Things" Introducing "W.EN.D Radio," the latest musical masterpiece from the dynamic duo Frank N Dank.Drawing inspiration from their earlier collaboration with the legendary I Dilla on the fictional radio show of the same name, this album is a nostalgic journey for longtime FND enthusiasts.Crafted entirely by the skillful Japanese beatsmith, Mitsu The Beats, the album boasts a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Dj Rhettmatic of the renowned Beatjunkies, soulful British vocalist Harleigh Blu, versatile MC/Singer illa J (J Dilla's brother), and Gram-my-nominated producer/musician King Michael Coy (known for his work with Anderson Paak, H.E.R), among others."W.EN.D Radio" stands as a contemporary homage to the infectious boom bap sound of hip-hop's golden era. Each track is a fusion of rhythmic beats and meaningful narratives, delivering a sonic experience that traverses the spectrum of emotions within a captivating and head-nodding package. This album is poised to captivate J dilla fans with its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and the undeniable skill of its collaborators.

Vince Staples’ Dark Times serves as the Long Beach rapper’s sixth studio album and is a snapshot of Staples presently: on top of the world on the surface, but reality might be trickier. Throughout the album’s thirteen tracks, he grapples with life’s heaviness, all while understanding what the gravity of his work means in the grand scheme of things.

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

Most Wanted Records presents for the first time on wax

No introduction needed here, a true classic and gem originally recorded back in 1996. About 6 years ago me and my man Bee at Back 2 da Source released the album on vinyl for the first time ever.



The project sold out in less than 2 days and I've received countless mails throughout the years from fans asking for another press. So now it's finally here with 2 extra bonus demos previously unavailable on vinyl!

Last August marked the 50th anniversary of the birth of Hip-Hop and we continue to honor the artists and albums that had a significant impact on the culture. In partnership with Sony's Certified, we are following up on our RSD reissue of BDP's Edutainment and KRS-One's Return of the Boom Bap with a long overdue reissue of KRS-One's 1995 self-titled album, KRS-One. Two years after the release of Return of the Boom Bap, KRS-One got back in the studio and behind the boards and enlisted for additional production DJ Premier, Showbiz, Diamond D, Norty Cotto, and Big French Production. In August of '95 KRS-One dropped the Preemo-produced lead single "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" with "Represent The Real Hip-Hop" featuring Das EFX on the B-side of the 12-inch, boasting KRS-One's lyrical skills and backing up his status as one of the best live performers in the game. KRS-One knocked it out of the park on his second solo effort with another Premier single about the current state of Hip-Hop on "Rappers R, N. Dainja" and straight-up Boom Bap rap on the Fat Joe assisted track "De Automatic." He offers political and social commentary on "R.E.A.L.I.TY.", "Hold", and "Free Mumia" with Channel Live and continues to diss sucker MCs on "Wannabemceez" with Mad Lion. Get On Down is proud to present this deluxe reissue packaged in a gatefold jacket with a new interview by Check The Technique author Brian Coleman, complete with a foldout lyrics sheet.

After The Kaze (Project Pat's first group) released Kamakazie Timez Up in 1998, the Memphis rap legend and Three 6 Mafia affiliate launched his solo career by dropping his major label debut album Ghetty Green in 1999 on Hypnotize Minds/Loud Records. Produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J, Project Pat raps in his signature triplet flow over southern 808-backed beats sprinkled with soulful samples alongside Three 6 Mafia members with appearances by Cash Money's Big Tymers and Hot Boyz, Noreaga, Krayzie Bone, and Crucial Conflict. Previously only released on CD and cassette, Get On Down in partnership with Sony Music's Certified is proud to present for the first time on vinyl a limited edition pressing of Ghetty Green. Pressed on Aqua Blue and Mint Green double-colored vinyl in a gatefold jacket and OBI.

Quelle Chris' album "Guns" uniquely blends diverse sounds and themes, focusing on the concept of weaponization in various forms, from literal to metaphorical. The album's production features a mix of traditional hip-hop and experimental elements, creating a distinct auditory experience that complements its thematic depth. This work marks Quelle Chris's evolution as an artist, offering a fresh, engaging listening journey. This one time pressing of Quelle Chris "Guns" for the Mello Music Group Artist Series "24 for '24" features limited edition oil painting cover art by KipDaFog Featuring Mach Hommy, James Acaster, Eldar Djangirov, Jean Grae and more

Limited edition of 300 copies on 2LP incl. bonus 7" ("We Getz Buzy (Rowdy Main Mix Remix)" b/w "On Da M.I.C. Feat. A.G. & Lord Finesse").

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 500 copies on 2LP in gatefold sleeve incl. fold-out poster and bonus 7" ("Fades Em All" b/w "Instrumental").

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.

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

Legendary Boston MC/Producer M-Dot, returns yet again with another monumental ALBUM…. “Daze Of Greed.” In the current microwave times, with weekly project drops and 3 song EP releases, the Boston stalwart maintains a classic blueprint of delivering a genuine tour de force ALBUM! ‘Daze Of Greed’ (14 tracks), the 4th official solo album from M-Dot (3rd in as many years) enters a morbid world consumed by monetary gain.

The project has an undertone of affliction but what emboldens the content though is the MC’s vulnerability layered throughout the work. Along for the ride is a murderer's row of company with production by M-Phazes (Eminem, Demi Lovato), Vinny Idol (D-BLOCK), 88 Keys (Kanye West), Apollo Brown, MIGHTY V.I.C. (Big Pun, Mobb Deep) etc. and also features appearances by friends Big Shug (Gang Starr Foundation), Estee Nack (Griselda), Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Ty Farris & M-Dot’s EMS crew. Buckle up…and enjoy the ride!

Legendary Boston MC/Producer M-Dot, returns yet again with another monumental ALBUM…. “Daze Of Greed.” In the current microwave times, with weekly project drops and 3 song EP releases, the Boston stalwart maintains a classic blueprint of delivering a genuine tour de force ALBUM! ‘Daze Of Greed’ (14 tracks), the 4th official solo album from M-Dot (3rd in as many years) enters a morbid world consumed by monetary gain.

The project has an undertone of affliction but what emboldens the content though is the MC’s vulnerability layered throughout the work. Along for the ride is a murderer's row of company with production by M-Phazes (Eminem, Demi Lovato), Vinny Idol (D-BLOCK), 88 Keys (Kanye West), Apollo Brown, MIGHTY V.I.C. (Big Pun, Mobb Deep) etc. and also features appearances by friends Big Shug (Gang Starr Foundation), Estee Nack (Griselda), Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Ty Farris & M-Dot’s EMS crew. Buckle up…and enjoy the ride!

This is a Near Mint exclusive variant of Elcamino's BSF debut "They Spit On Jesus" in collaboration with Get On Down. Features by Benny The Butcher, Havoc, Armani Caesar and more.

Giants Of The Fall is the highly anticipated debut collaboration between Guilty Simpson and Kong The Artisan. Detroit legend Guilty Simpson needs no introduction - he has already cemented his legacy with his collaborations with J Dilla. "Giants Of The Fall" finds Guilty Simpson at his lyrical peak and at his most introspective version. Kong The Artisan is a former UK DMC DJ Champion and rising underground hip hop producer, whose credits include Cappo, Sonnyjim, Da Flyy Hooligan and others.

100% produced by Swab feat. Josiah The Gift, General Backpain, Maze Overlay, Mickey Diamond, Ty Farris, Dango Forlaine, Ronnie Alpha, Che Uno & 9th Uno, Nowaah The Flood, ethemadassassin, Guy Grams, Mental Da God, Empuls, John Jigg$, Copywrite, Substance810, Supreme Cerebral, Rim, M.A.V.

Featuring lullaby renditions of: "In My Feelings", "Hotline Bling", "God's Plan" ... and more!

Enoch, long-time member of Cyne, is proud to release his solo LP, Waiting For Something To Happen. This long-gestating project was borne out of equal parts grief, confidence, fear, pride, anxiety, ambition, impatience, and the existential dread that comes with living in the modern age. Along for the ride are a veritable who’s who of underground hip-hop, including bonafide rap legends, underground icons, and future hall of famers.

But don’t mistake this for a hastily thrown together compilation. This is first and foremost a cohesive album, designed from the start to be listened to from beginning to end.

Enoch, long-time member of Cyne, is proud to release his solo LP, Waiting For Something To Happen. This long-gestating project was borne out of equal parts grief, confidence, fear, pride, anxiety, ambition, impatience, and the existential dread that comes with living in the modern age. Along for the ride are a veritable who’s who of underground hip-hop, including bonafide rap legends, underground icons, and future hall of famers.

But don’t mistake this for a hastily thrown together compilation. This is first and foremost a cohesive album, designed from the start to be listened to from beginning to end.

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.

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.

Transmitting live from the Cosmic Shores...



'Phantom X', the collaborative album by Philadelphia-born Iamisee and Belgium's DJ Iron, was initially started back in the summer of 2013 and was finally completed shortly after the pandemic hit the world back in 2020.



Sonically DJ Iron fuses classic hip hop with elements of 60's psychedelica and bits of acid rock, while also further experimenting with vintage organs, phasers, analog filters and tape echoes, resulting in a truly unique, tripped-out sound that provides the perfect backdrop for Iamisee's gritty voice and dense lyricism, bound to take the listeners to an other-worldly realm…