Hip Hop 68 Items

Originally released in 2007, None Shall Pass was the fifth studio album by Aesop Rock. It features production by Blockhead, El-P (Run The Jewels), Rob Sonic (Hail Mary Mallon), and Aesop Rock himself. Guest features include El-P (Run The Jewels), Cage, Breeze Brewin (Juggaknots), Rob Sonic (Hail Mary Mallon), and John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats). Created over a two year period following the release of his Fast Cars, Danger, Fire & Knives EP, the album would prove to be Aesop's final release on the now defunct Def Jux label. The critically acclaimed album debuted at #50 on Billboard's Top 200 chart and #35 on their Hip-Hop and R&B charts, and includes the title track "None Shall Pass" which has proven to be one of Aesop's most popular songs to date. None Shall Pass documents the vast amounts of personal change Aesop had been experiencing at this time while still deftly depicting scenes and stories relative to all ages of life.

Brand new album incl. Empire State Of Mind Part 2.

Live at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, Irvine, CA, USA on October 19, 1991 from the Bring the Noise Tour.

Tommy Boy Reissues exclusive limited edition pressing of Capone-N-Noreaga's "The War Report" on October 22, 2021 as part of Tommy Boy's 40th anniversary Hailing from Queens, New York, Capone and Noreaga first met while both serving time in prison. Upon their release, the duo hit the studio, concocting their debut album, "The War Report, " and launching Capone-N-Noreaga in 1997. The now cult-classic, featured strong underground overtones and served as a turning point in Hip Hop, bringing a more hardcore sound and is credited for reviving East Coast Hip Hop and signaling a return to realistic, gritty, street aesthetics. Despite the projects underground appeal, it also found massive commercial success. Lead by singles, "L. A. , L. A. , " "T. O. N. Y. (Top of New York), " "Closer, " and "Illegal Life, " "The War Report" has since been certified Gold by the RIAA and continues to garner spins on radio stations around the globe. Thanks to N. O. R. E. 's unorthodox lyrical delivery and Capone's streetwise slang and Five Percenter references, Capone-N-Noreaga brought new life into the Gangsta Rap subgenre, becoming an instant underground phenomenon, and making them both a household name within the hardcore Hip Hop community. Topping out at #21 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop albums chart, "The War Report, " continues to prove itself as a must have amongst record collectors. This year, as part of Tommy Boy's 40th anniversary celebration, this classic project will be reissued as a limited, colored vinyl release that will for sure be a must have for golden era Hip Hop heads.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP in gatefold sleeve plus bonus 7" ("Mad Izm Buckwild Remix" b/w "Mad Izm Buckwild '95 Remix").

"Station Identification" marked the 1995 debut album by Channel Live with productions mostly handled by KRS-One next to Salaam Remi and Rheji Burrell. The duo comprised of Hakim Green and Tuffy created a certain impact on the scene with tracks like "Mad Izm" or "Sex For The Sport", and also remixes by the likes of Buckwild and Easy Mo Bee made the release a fan favorite amongst Hip Hop heads worldwide.

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7" ("Mad Izm Buckwild Remix b/w Buckwild '95 Remix"), extra 7" of "Mad Izm b/w Reprogram (Easy Mo Bee Remix)" in original sticker sleeve, CD in jewel case and cassette.

Eight years have gone by since Crown of Grim Reaperz blessed us with a new offering.

Since "Pieces To Puzzle" dropped way back in 2014, Crown has been chipping away at an array of production credits, all whilst recruiting Bask One of Beneath The Underground to release this 17 joint mammoth LP entitled Underground Crown.

Curated and executed by Bask One over an 18 month period, both Crown and Bask bring forth a well rounded line up of old and new school boombap lyricists from the East & Westcoasts, with over 50+ emcees flexing their lyricism over Crowns heavy, yet eclectic raw boombap beats.

Underground Crown clocks over 70+ minutes, with features from heavyweights: Tragedy Khadafi, Chris Rivers, Jay Royale, Rigz, Mooch, MAV & Rob Gates of Da Cloth, iLL Conscious, Da Buze Bruvaz, Mad Squablz, Shabaam Sahdeeq, DV Alias Khryst, Born Unique, UG, Ruste Juxx to name just a few.

They also have summoned some of the illest cut masters to complete the whole picture, including Snowgoons DJ Crypt, DJ TMB, DJ Robert Smith, DJ Venum, DJ Grazzhoppa plus many more.

Dwyck (DJ A-L Remix W/ Just 2 Get A Rep (DJ A-L Remix) + Bonus Beats

Dwyck (DJ A-L Remix W/ Just 2 Get A Rep (DJ A-L Remix) + Bonus Beats

"I’m celebrating the 18th vinyl release from Retro-Respect by dropping a brand new 7” vinyl record entitled Rrr-18. The release is a mystery record that features two highly requested remixes of mine and a bonus beat."

"I’m celebrating the 18th vinyl release from Retro-Respect by dropping a brand new 7” vinyl record entitled Rrr-18. The release is a mystery record that features two highly requested remixes of mine and a bonus beat."

Unreleased 1993 demo EP on 12" vinyl. 150 copies on standard black vinyl!

Various grooves and rhythms. From chilled vibes to obscure beats with heavy drums and deep bass. Old School and New School sampling techniques combined.

Nerd Info: MPC 1000, MPC X, Akai s950, Akai s3000XL, Linnstrument 128, Mikrokorg, Fl20, Roland Integra 7, Yamaha Mv1602.

Various grooves and rhythms. From chilled vibes to obscure beats with heavy drums and deep bass. Old School and New School sampling techniques combined.

Nerd Info: MPC 1000, MPC X, Akai s950, Akai s3000XL, Linnstrument 128, Mikrokorg, Fl20, Roland Integra 7, Yamaha Mv1602.

Various instrumentals by Emapea. First time on wax, previously released in digital format. Refreshed mixes and remastered. Enjoy.

"Grey October Sound", a lo-fi hip-hop production team that gained international recognition not only in Japan but also overseas through their covers of Studio Ghibli songs titled "Lo-Fi Ghibli" and City Pop covers titled Lo-Fi City Pop. The compilation of their early works is called "timeless vol.1," which gained attention upon its digital-only release in 2020, will be re-released under the new name "Timeless Lo-Fi" as an analog record, with the addition of bonus tracks.

Produced by the late great J Dilla!

Only 1 per customer!

Following the critically acclaimed "Pillars" EP with MindsOne, Kev Brown teams up again with Ill Adrenaline Records, this time collaborating with fellow Low Budget Crew member Hassaan Mackey to bless listeners with "That Grit".
Both the Washington D.C. based producer-on-the-mic and the Rochester, NY emcee are longtime members of the prolific artist collective and have previously worked together various times, but this mini-album marks the first time the two embark on a full project. Most boom-bap enthusiasts should already be well acquainted with both Kev Brown and Hassaan Mackey: double threat Kev Brown already showcased his skills on microphones as well as production boards on countless releases and has been dubbed "king of basslines" by fans worldwide. In addition to his solo recordings Kev's credits include beats for heavyweights like Busta Rhymes, Biz Markie, De La Soul, Jazzy Jeff, and Marley Marl just to name a few, as well as handling entire album production for LMNO, Kaimbr, and Raw Poetic. Hassaan Mackey released a string of albums, including a full-length LP with Apollo Brown, and appearances on releases by Oddissee, Kaimbr, The Left and L'Orange.
Recorded during a series of impromptu bus and train trips Hassaan took from Rochester to visit Kev in Washington, "That Grit" was created with a spontaneous approach, reflecting both Mackey's freestyle background and Brown's proven "random joints" formula. Entirely produced by Kev Brown and featuring his signature bassline-driven and raw but soulful sound, "That Grit" consists of an intro, eight full-length tracks and six instrumentals. Hassaan and Kev share mic duties on most of the songs, inviting close friends/frequent collaborators Kaimbr, Toine, yU, Kenn Starr, Eye-Q, Asheru (of Unspoken Heard) as well as the Younger Soul Brother Grap Luva along as feature guests, turning the record into a true family affair.

Double A side of iconic Ice Cube anthems that top and tailed the nineties… hip hop sampling at its best! Limited to 300 copies – first come, first served.

NJ in the house once again, this time with completely unreleased production by the prolific, as of late, DJ Izniz. The group is Ill Behavior, which equals Izniz on the boards and two early Wu influenced emcees, and together they paint from a dark palette over a gritty early 90s soundscape.

"Singing was always a big passion for me..I was always fascinated at all the acrobatic vocal runs some singers do with their voice. To me it's an athletic thing and I definitely see myself as a vocal athlete..and for that deeper understanding of my voice that I now have I have to thank my vocal coach Betty Lane. She literally helped me to push out the voice that had been waiting there for years, ready to come out, like "John use me, I'm your voice" and It was always a goal of mine to make a project that showcases my singing. I see myself as a singer songwriter first, I just grew up in the generation of rap, so the 2 styles just fused together naturally. I started writing poems around 8 or 9 years old, then songs, and then raps. I eventually put it all together…22 years later...the journey to my heart , through all the ups and downs of my career trying to discover my voice, who I am, all my travels around the globe. It all leads back to Home, in the most literal sense. The house I’m sitting in front of on the video for "Home" is the house my parents brought me home to as a baby. So for me it’s like going back to the original source, the original purpose. That purpose for me is to sing. That's why this album is so special for me...and Calvin made the perfect soundtrack for me to take you on a soulful stroll through my hometown, Detroit Michigan aka Motown. Hope you enjoy! As Dank would say.."Bless up!!!!!!!!""

Illa J

Jerome Hill is back under his Itsu Uno alias for the tenth outing in Fat Hop’s 7” series. The brief as ever is ultra funky B-Boy Breaks with a Cut n Paste ethic and loads of fun samples to rock the dancefloors. This one comes on Tasteful Tangerine coloured 7” Vinyl. But can you spot the subtle Tom Jones sample?

This is the first Vinyl LP ever released featuring a woman playing the Rudra Veena. Madhuvanti Pal is from Kolkata, teaches the Rudra Veena and builds her own instruments. Dhrupad is the oldest form of North Indian classical music that is still performed today. The term is said to come from two Sanskrit roots, dhruva (‘fixed’ or ‘permanent’) and pad (‘verse’). Although the earliest source naming dhrupad specifically comes from Abdul Fazl in the 16th century, some scholars of Hindustani music suggest that dhrupad music finds its origin in the Samaveda, an ancient Sanskrit scripture dating back roughly 3000 years. The name rudra veena derives from two Sanskrit roots: Rudra, which is a name for Shiva, and veena, which means ‘instrument.’ According to Hindu mythology, the Rudra Veena has a unique origin. It is said that Shiva saw his beautiful wife Parvati sleeping, with her arm over her breasts, and decided to build an instrument in her form. It is a stick zither, with two large gourds attached to a hollowed neck. The first historical accounts of the instrument are given in the Vedas, and then the Puranas. The first courtly descriptions are from the 15th to 17th centuries. During the Mughal period, the rudra veena was a popular Dhrupad instrument, and was often played in courts throughout north India. Dhrupad musicians, including rudra veena artists, enjoyed the patronage of various Kings and Princes. In recent years the rudra veena has gained some popularity, in part thanks to interest from musicians outside of India. Madhuvanti Pal is one of the new generation of rudra veena artists who is teaching students in India and abroad. Early documentation of the rudra veena suggests that women played the instrument. This can be seen in sculptures in Hindu temples—some dating back more than 2000 years—which depict only women playing the rudra veena, and miniature paintings from the 15th - 17th centuries often depict a woman playing the rudra veena. However, in more recent times there has been significant stigma around women playing the instrument. Some earlier texts went as far as to suggest that women could not play the instrument, lest they be subject to a “curse.” Jyoti Hegde, who is perhaps the most famous female rudra veena artist, broke this barrier; her courage enabled younger musicians like Madhuvanti Pal to learn. However, while Jyoti Hegde plays the so-called traditional rudra veena, Madhuvanti plays a modified Dagar-style instrument. Very few recordings of the rudra veena have been released; most current recordings are of Ustad Asad Ali Khan, Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar and his son, Bahauddin Dagar. This is for a number of reasons, including that the rudra veena is notoriously difficult to capture in recorded form. Instead of traveling to a studio and availing technicians more accustomed to modern instrument needs, these recordings have been made in Madhuvanti’s apartment. In preparing the album, she has used her own equipment to record, mix, and master each raga. (Limited Edition Double LP spanning over 90 minutes in length, full-color Gatefold with extensive liner notes inside.)

Classic 1996 underground flavor from North Carolina. 12 classic cuts including the underground anthem 'Verbal Format' on 2 slices of wax in an oversize sticker sleeve. Limited to 200 copies on black vinyl!

“Snax” is a Hip-hop mixtape & remixes, produced by Mndsgn.

Limited to 1000 boxes for the European market, 3000 in total worldwide.
In Europe exclusively available at HHV.

HHV is thrilled to be able to offer this milestone of rap history, one of the most iconic and important albums of all time as a limited box set of 45s. We can not be happier. Illmatic 30th Anniversary Box Set Includes:

-The full album plus 2 remixes on six big-hole 7-inches pressed on black vinyl.

-The 7-inches are housed in a custom hardbound casebook that includes a 64-page book of extended liner notes by Sacha Jenkins with full lyrics, photos, and 12-inch singles discography.

-The casebook is housed in a premium outer slipcase, featuring the iconic album art printed in gold.

-Limited to 3000 copies worldwide

Thirty years ago on April 19, 1994, Nasir "Nas" Jones dropped Illmatic which is regarded by many as the greatest hip-hop album of all time. Before 1994, Nas (under the name "Nasty Nas") was rapping and making demo tapes with Large Professor, and in 1991 performed an unforgettable verse on Main Source's "Live at the Barbeque." The next year Nas released "Halftime" for the Zebrahead soundtrack, another Large Pro cut, and signed a deal to record an album for Columbia Records. Nas was being compared to one of the lyrical greats, Rakim, and the pressure was on to drop a debut album to top all rappers. A dream team of hip-hop producers including DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, and L.E.S. was assembled to work on what would become the 5 Mic classic Illmatic. Not only did it establish Nas as the Best Rapper Alive in 1994, but it also raised the stakes for hip-hop production, lyrical technique, content, and overall artistic ambition.

Illmatic is the crown jewel of the mid-90s classics that still define the genre. No filler, one intro, and 9 tracks of hip-hop perfection. Every song on this album matters. From Premier's masterful "N.Y State Of Mind" to the AZ-assisted "Life's A Bitch" and Pete Rock's piano-laced "The World Is Yours" Illmatic starts with a powerful trio of songs that easily could solidify this album as classic if it stopped right there. Other tracks such as "Memory Lane" and "One Love" show Nas focusing on his neighborhood and local legends that molded him into the person he was which made them all just as important to us. Large Professor delivers the album's first single "It Ain't Hard To Tell" while Premier delivers the album's certified street anthem "Represent". Serious to a fault, and lyrically dense to an extent that has possibly never been matched, the 20-year-old Nas stood on the shoulders of his predecessors and made them proud with this one. Thirty years later the album stands the test of time, where time is truly illmatic.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the release of Illmatic, Get On Down in partnership with Sony's Certified is proud to present the entire album on six 7-inches with 2 remixes.

CircoLoco Records is proud to announce CircoLoco Records & NEZ Present CLR 002, now on vinyl with cover art designed by Toiletpaper. The second release from the collaborative record label project between CircoLoco and Rockstar Games, CircoLoco Records & NEZ Present CLR 002 features three genre-blending tracks from the Chicago-born, LA-based artist and producer, with guests including Detroit master Moodymann, Three 6 Mafia’s Gangsta Boo, and longtime collaborator ScHoolboy Q.

This was the first release from Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge as Nxworries: "Suede" and "Link Up" were their first two tracks. "Droogs" is a Knx remake of an Anderson .Paak single. Instrumentals and bonus beats around out the EP.

2023 pressing coming soon
Knxwledge landed on Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" ("Momma") after the Aftermath MC heard one of his beats on Knx's Bandcamp-culling Anthology release. And it was NxWorries' first single, the unforgettable "Suede", that got Dr. Dre's attention, earning .Paak's no fewer than eight appearances on the "Compton" album and, ultimately, a deal with Aftermath. Now here's the Stones Throw full-length debut by one of the two most promising talents in the biz.

Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge - Yes Lawd! Remixes - 12-track album, produced by Knxwledge.

New EP from the legendary DITC lyricist OC featuring production from Debonair P. 4 new tracks + 4 remixes in a picture sleeve, limited to 250 copies on black vinyl.

Here's another volume of treats from the Othorized archives. Unreleased tracks include the studio version of “Mugshots” (demo version #2), “Kwue's Body Shop”, and “Krakow”. “Bring It On” gets its first vinyl treatment after initially appearing on the group's 1st “Amendment” CDr in 2001. “Flamboyant Rap” you likely know from their 1995 12" and “Money Getters” from their 1994 debut single.
All tracks written and produced by Othorized Fam. Cover art by Spek The Architek, logo design by Othorized, labels by Debonair P.

Here's another volume of treats from the Othorized archives. Unreleased tracks include the studio version of “Mugshots” (demo version #2), “Kwue's Body Shop”, and “Krakow”. “Bring It On” gets its first vinyl treatment after initially appearing on the group's 1st “Amendment” CDr in 2001. “Flamboyant Rap” you likely know from their 1995 12" and “Money Getters” from their 1994 debut single.
All tracks written and produced by Othorized Fam. Cover art by Spek The Architek, logo design by Othorized, labels by Debonair P.

Petestrumentals 2conjures memories of BBQ cookouts and 70s Blaxploitation scores, rattling summer jeep cruises and blunted Jamaican vacations. There’s a gorgeous requiem to Dilla (“Dilla Bounce (R.I.P),” where the originator pays tribute to the prodigy. You see the full range of Rock’s gifts on display: the meticulously chopped horns, unquantized drums, and air raid sirens. It contains the emotion of a thousand eulogies.

The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl contains six new tracks serving as a companion piece to Sa-Roc's already acclaimed Rhymesayers debut, The Sharecropper's Daughter, released in October of 2020. These new songs further showcase Sa-Roc's sharp skills as a lyricist, and her gift for captivating melodies and engaging content, featuring production from Sol Messiah and Evidence, as well as a guest verse from MF Doom. The lead single for the bonus vinyl, "Wild Seeds" is a lyrical testament to the beauty, mysticism, and wisdom of the elders and ancestors who've guided and bolstered generations of Black women through history's assault and neglect of them. With a title inspired by the sci-fi novel Wild Seed by visionary author Octavia Butler, the song serves as a celebration of women such as Queen Nanny, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth and many others, whose legacies inform future generations of their propensity to bloom under the harshest of conditions. "Just like wild seeds, we remain unfettered and unbroken, adding beauty and immeasurable value to a world that chooses not to acknowledge us," Sa-Roc states, "but our very existence is the only acknowledgement we require." Throughout the songs of The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl, Sa-Roc maintains a concise blend of thought provoking commentary and razor sharp lyricism. On the opening track, "Options", she delivers a raw and searing testimony of the dedicated yet, all too often, underappreciated artist, reminding us to give our flowers to the living while we're still able. "The Great Escape" examines humankind's tendency to try to mask the unsavory elements of our past we're either unwilling or unable to confront head on. Echoing both sentimentality and sorrow, "Reconstruction of the Heart" recalls some of Roc's childhood memories and muses on the many ways in which our earliest experiences can scar, strengthen, and shape the very core of who we'll become. The Sharecropper's Daughter Bonus Vinyl chapter fittingly comes to a close with "The Rebirth", which remarks on the plight of the vulnerable artist and the quest for balance between creative transparency and overexposure. Here, Sa-Roc labors through her discomfort and commits to being brutally honest about the experiences that have informed her expression and made her a better artist. Featured guest, the late MF Doom continues this line of thinking, offering his own unique observations, "Quick as a quitter will fold, some of what glitters is gold. Same story is old, getting left in the blistering cold. Broken souls get remold with little arbitration. Fortune favors the bold as does incarceration." This bonus vinyl pulls no punches in showcasing Sa-Roc's continual growth as an artist who, as NPR recently put it, "is a modern day griot whose aura radiates calm in a world of chaos."

Limited edition of 500 copies on 3LP in gatefold sleeve.

During the mid-to-late 90's, Scienz Of Life flourished in the underground scene with releases on Fondle 'Em and later on SubVerse Music. Over the years, the trio consisting of Lil Sci (also known as John Robinson), Inspector Willabe and ID 4 Winds built a massive reputation in conscious rap with singles like "Powers Of Nine Ether" or "Doin' Our Thing" which still remain timeless. "BX To New Jeru" is a collection of tracks from that era including 6 never before released demo tracks from the original tapes.

Available in a limited run on 3LP in gatefold sleeve, 2CD in jewel case, double cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

The long overdue 2LP vinyl version of the 1996 cult classic album by 4 man NYC/Atlanta crew Sleestack'z. Featuring all 18 tracks from the original album PLUS 3 bonus joints recorded around the same time, this is a must-have for any fans of 90s hip hop. The vinyl is limited to 300 copies and comes in a white jacket with oversize sticker, as well as printed liner notes on the history of the group and making of the album.

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.

All tracks produced, mixed, and mastered by Theravada

Xenophon the opus of the strange voice written, performed, and produced by Theravada

features production from Rob Chambers, Top$, Paul Hares, mgkrp, axpuzzles, and DMH

The End is the Three 6 Mafia album that took them to the next level and eventual Grammy and Academy Awards. Available for the first time on vinyl. This newly remastered limited edition double LP will be on translucent Orange vinyl.

We are excited to present Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes’ “What Kinda Music” – an astonishing collaboration between two artists of very different disciplines, and one of the most unique and seamlessly original projects of its ilk to date.

Moving fluidly through sleek electronica, avant-garde jazz, vintage hip hop and so much more, Misch and Dayes take you on a journey that is by turns surprising and spontaneous, heady and head spinning, and nothing less than compelling – a singular vision which fuses the DNA of both musicians with spectacular results, as can be seen in the title track, which comes backed by a gorgeously atmospheric video by XX.

Even though the fundamental bones of this project came together very quickly, its actual provenance stretches back much, much farther back, with the pair not only growing up in the same area of South East London, but Misch actually seeing Dayes play on drums in the school talent show for the first time when he was roughly 8 or 9. They both kept tabs on each other – Misch becoming a fan of Dayes’ act Yussef Kamaal, Dayes clocking his videos in 2014 – but it was only when they met at a launch party for Misch’s debut LP “Geography” in 2018 that the proverbial creative sparks began to fly. “As a musician you’re always looking for contemporaries who can push you and challenge you and make you better”, says Dayes. “I instantly felt that with Tom – he was such a gifted musician, and so prolific”. That summer they decided to go into the studio together, jam a little, and see what happens, with no other expectation placed upon it.

As it turns out, the music came fast and furiously. Two initial tracks were suddenly followed by a handful of others, and the pair found themselves contemplating what to do next. “Pretty soon, we knew that something was gelling”, Dayes says. “It didn’t feel like a one-off collaboration, it felt like a body of work”. What made the pair click, according to Misch and Dayes, were the exact same factors that meant it shouldn’t, by all rights, work. Misch says, “Yussef comes from a more experimental background, and he has a lot of loose, crazy ideas. I know how to write a catchy melody, but with interesting chords and have a good understanding of popular song forms, so I think I streamlined those ideas and made them accessible”. And certainly, in “What Kinda Music” you can sense the DNA of both musicians, but fusing so effortlessly and beautifully that it creates something else entirely, the appropriately named “Lift Off” sending goosebumps with its jazz flecked crescendo, and “Night Rider” hynotising with its deeply mesmeric grooves. “I have a love for harmony and chords”, Misch adds. “Working with someone like Yussef, who has such a gifted sense of rhythm allowed a perfect balance”.

Throughout the record, there is an utterly joyful feel of two musicians at the top of their game sparking off one another, picking up ideas and running with them – zigging where the other zags, ebbing where the other flows, with Misch producing the majority of the record and both having a hand in the overall sound and feel of the record.

“Working with Yussef has actually changed the way I work as a musician”, Misch muses. “He’s pushed me and unlocked a more experimental part of me that I hadn’t really allowed myself to explore before. I think we really did impact each other in a fundamental way”. Dayes is similarly effusive in his praise for Misch. “A musician like him, who’s at the top of his game, he doesn’t need to do this”, he raves. “He can just keep doing the same thing and why not? He’s killing it. The fact that he’s so humble, that he’s so curious about everything and open to collaboration, speaks a lot to him as an artist, because it’s not easy finding musicians who want to collaborate. Something always gets in the way, whether it’s ego or their team or whatever. But with Tom it felt like the intention was purely creative, and that’s what made it exciting”. In fact, Dayes says that the intentions of the record go even deeper than just music. “Both our parents who’d never met each other before, are now best friends as a result of this, they now see each other more than we do! I’d like to think, in some small way, that this album has a similar impact for people too – everything feels so divided these days, it would be nice for people to hear the record and hear two very different musicians coming together and realise it doesn’t have to be that way”.

Pressed on green vinyl! Originally released on July, 20th 1987 on Dangerous Music, Born To Mack is Too $hort's 4th studio album and re-released as his first major label release in 1988 on Jive Records. Long out of print on vinyl, this West Coast classic contains the 9+ minute track "Freaky Tales" which Snoop Dogg would state was highly influential, to such an extent that Snoop covered the song in ‘97 for the hip-hop covers compilation In Tha Beginning. Too $hort is one of the pioneers of West Coast Hip-Hop, commemorated with a street named in his honor - Oakland’s Too $hort Way dedicated in December of 2022. Too $hort continues to make music and plays West Coast classics and upcoming artists on his Rock The Bells radio show Don't Stop Rappin and is a member of West Coast Pioneers super group Mount Westmore.

Wolfgang or Odd Future or OFWGKTA or whateveryoumightcallem come up with their first proper release: Tyler, The Creator's Goblin on XL Recordings … includes the 4 million-youtube-surprise 'Yonkers'!

Long-time collaborators Yungmorpheus & Theravada join forces on Up Against The Wall; A Degree Of Lunacy. Hazed storytelling from Yungmorpheus, the record talks of personal endeavours, where wisdom meets braggadocious and irreverent lyricism. The album was produced entirely by Theravada and has guest features from Awhlee and Starker. Yungmorpheus is an American rapper and record producer that has released music with Lex Records and collaborated with Pink Siifu, Fly Anakin, Koncept Jack$on and Ohbliv. Theravada is a rapper and producer hailing from Queens, New York that has worked with Earl Sweatshirt, Navy Blue, Ahwlee, YL & Lord Jah-monte Ogbon