Hip Hop 414 Items

Leaf Dog’s classic ‘Dyslexic Disciple’, his second solo instalment on High Focus Records.

1/3rd of The Three Amigos, 1/4 of The Four Owls, 1/3 of Brothers Of The Stone and one of High Focus Records very first signings, Leaf Dog has dedicated his life to hip hop music. Many years have passed since ‘From A Scarecrow's Perspective’ revealed Leaf Dog's unmistakable voice to the rap world and he has left fans the world over pining for more ever since. ‘Dyslexic Disciple’ ended that wait and Leaf Dog returned with his best work to date!

Limited edition repress on forest green double vinyl, full colour 350gsm reverse board sleeve. 16 track LP over 2 discs. Shrink wrapped.

Run of 500 vinyl.

Degiheugi releases his 2010 album on vinyl for the first time. One time pressing, only one per customer.

Originally made in 1997 and for the first time on vinyl, Kimetic Principles is the lesser known Goodlife Cafe era's LA masterpiece album.

Although Darkleaf's roster as evolved over the years, only 3 members are featured on this project: the production duo of Jahli & Longevity (Lodge Infinite) and MC Kemit Qutob.

Darkleaf was once part of the Unity Committee supergroup with Jurassic 5 and developed a very distinctive, raw and abstract sound.

This very limited edition of 150 copies includes an insert with artwork by Cawzaone and a interview with Longevity about 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.

Princess Nokia – aka New York rapper Destiny Frasqueri – has been releasing music via Youtube and Soundcloud since she was in High School, and slowly bubbling up on the internet, garnering a rabid fanbase. Last year, with the self-release of her 1992 mixtape, she catapulted herself to the next level, solidifying her position as one to watch. Since its release, she’s toured the world over, selling out various venues across the globe in mere days, and racked up literally millions of views/listens on her tracks. She is not only a brilliant rapper & lyricist but a feminist icon who is unapologetically herself, and aligns equally with the values of punk rock and riot grrl, ‘90s R&B, and the best of forward-thinking hip-hop. This is powerful, passionate, outspoken, vibrant modern music with deep roots in both NYC and rap history.
1992 Deluxe will be released via Rough Trade and is her first ever physical album; boasting 8 additional brand new songs - her first music since 2016. This expanded version includes the original 1992 tracks fully remastered and comes with a beautiful gatefold package.

Snoop Dogg Tha Doggfather is doing now in classic childrens songs as well … Wau!

For the uninitiated, Cmpnd (pronounced compound) are a hybrid rap super group formed of producer and rapper Wundrop and MC’s Kemastry & Vitamin G. Coming off the back of their cult classic, Eagle Court (released on High Focus Records) the trio are gearing up to return with more raucous depraved antics on Eagle Court II: Long Live
The Court. Picking up right where they left off mixing insanity and debauchery, pain and pleasure, introspection and surrealism into a deludamolic delicacy for the audience to savour.

Skilfully expressing their unique personalities whilst simultaneously producing a coherent piece of art that stays true to Cmpnd’s underbelly ethos.

This densely packed 18 track album defies categorisation, as the trio bring a whole new vision and aesthetic to the forefront whether it be the mind boggling production or the ferocious pen game. Featuring Datkid, TrueMendous, Orifice Vulgatron, Bil Next & many more, this is essential listening for all..

There’s no limit to space exploration - the sea of stars is an endless adventure to be embarked on. Join Purrple Cat as she ventures further than ever into the unknown in “Distant Worlds Iii”, the triquel of the well-acclaimed series, and an album full of curiosity and dreamy landscapes. Tranquil sounds are characterised by soft guitars, mellow drums and faraway melodies that call out to you, waiting to be discovered beyond the velvety night sky - where to, next?

Your Old Droog is back with another exhilarating hip-hop opus. Fresh off a series of outstanding projects, the prolific rhyme author is now debuting the new album Yod Stewart. Featuring captivating beats by Tha God Fahim, Nicholas Craven, Conductor Williams, Lee Scott, and more, the collection illuminates YOD's world-class songwriting and highly relatable storytelling prowess. Yod Stewart is a conceptual endeavor set within an intriguing narrative context: a recording artist comes across a Rod Stewart wig, takes it home, falls asleep, and becomes the pop star of his dreams. Follow the superstar on his turbulent but ultimately rewarding journey filled with musical meditations on lucid dreaming, keys to success, lost friendships, toxic relationships, teenage heartbreaks, and more. Your Old Droog does it all, again.

Medhane, the fast rising Brooklyn emcee is pleased to release his fourth LP, Amethyst of Morning, an introspective body of work coupled with smooth beats. Part of a constantly growing grassroots movement of artists from New York and beyond, Medhane is an everyman, and his thoughts are both personal and relatable, whether he’s rapping about conversations with his mom, getting out of spiritual ruts, or the importance of his community. Known for writing and engineering his own music, Medhane turned to a slate of high-powered guest producers on AOM, including ohbliv, Nicholas Craven (Roc Marciano, Conway), Alexander Spit, Super Miles and more. From the lyrical content, production and even the album artwork—meticulously designed by up-and-coming artist Teffy—the contemplative wordsmith effectively captures the depth of emotion expressed in his music, from themes of depression, isolation, and the trials and tribulations that accompany coming of age in New York City and America. Originally released on May 28, 2021, the CD and vinyl release of Amethyst of Morning is due out June 17 through the artist’s own imprint, in partnership with Fat Beats. Sales Points: • The vinyl release is limited to 500 units worldwide and pressed in a stunning purple galaxy configuration. • “The project clocks in at just 22 minutes long, but the positive impression Medhane leaves on you with his new EP "Amethyst Of Morning" lasts way longer.” -HotNewHipHop • “Medhane raps about vulnerability and resilience in a deep, unhurried voice.” -Complex

High Focus Records is proud to unveil the artwork for the forthcoming Verb T & Illinformed collaborative album: ‘The Land Of The Foggy Skies’, designed by Siou Escalon.

As you would expect from two of the hardest working artists in the UK rap game, Verb T & Illinformed have delivered a fitting sequel to the iconic 2015 release ‘The Man With The Foggy Eyes’. The pair have both raised the bar, taking their already incredible chemistry to new levels, as demonstrated with singles ‘Rotten Luck‘ & ‘New Paths‘.

An all encompassing cinematic opus, ‘The Land Of The Foggy Skies’ once again proves why Verb T is one of the most decorated MC’s in UK Hip Hop and why Illinformed is in a class of his own when it comes to production.

We are truly living in strange times. Our reality is snowballing into a dystopian nightmare with all powerful pig headed political figures pulling the rest of the world towards oblivion. Headlines read like chapters from the darkest of Orwellian fantasies and our world is starting to resemble the bleakest of premonitions put forward by the most ‘out there’ science fiction writers. To say the least, things are going a bit strange.
Few artists have managed to capture and reflect the current sate of affairs as well as new High Focus Records signings Strange U have with their debut album ‘#LP4080’. Perhaps one the most unique acts to hit the hip hop scene; bringing a truly fresh take on a subject matter lesser rappers have toiled with for years. Rapper King Kashmere and producer Zygote (aka The Maghreban) blend a careful mixture of social commentary and experimental excellence over left of centre rhythms sent from the mother ship whilst staying 100% Hip Hop throughout as the album title would suggest - a reference to the famous Tribe Called Quest Industry Rule.
But don’t get it twisted, it isn’t all doom & gloom. The album takes the listener to many different dimensions whilst maintaining a signature cohesiveness. From politics on "Mr Kill”, a pastiche of the modern rap game on "Shots" to the other worldly Sci-Fi of "Cimmerian Shade" and the self deprecating wit of "Waste of Space".
Overall, the duo aim to make music that bangs and that takes you elsewhere. Maybe it harks back some of the references they connected over, perhaps when hip hop acts had more character. More Goofball. More Experimental. More Gonzo.

After rejoicing pet lovers around the world with his last album, Krynoze is back with the sequel called ‘Take A Paws’. From the tallest Great Danes to the smallest of pups, everyone’s invited to spend some time with their loved ones. Tender pianos, gentle guitars and mellow drums are as inviting as sitting in an empty large field with nothing but flowers, rain, stars, and a bright full moon.

The out of print vinyl debut album from Poldoore, originally released in 2015, is now getting a repress on colored vinyl. Now you don't have to pay $240.00 on Discogs to get it. Street Bangerz Volume 6: Playhouse comes from Belgium resident Poldoore, an instrumental immaculate album blending elements of Funk, Soul and Lounge. ‘Shrooms’ kicks things off with a feel good vibe and beats at about 96bpm, a smooth bumping sub bass line, funky horns, and soulful vocal samples, resonating and charming. ‘Banana Hammock’ is a unique tune with Reggae Dub influences; a crooning reggae singer sings sweetly over a velvety generous bassline and high staccato notes, and an easy going beat all bring appeal. ‘But I Do’ uses clever production, slight beat repeats with soulful organ, sincere vocals, weighty drum breaks and sweet electric guitar notes that move the listener. ‘Cali Sun’ is a song with bright tones, crescendo trumpets, steady drums, percussions and funky vocal snippets create an airy feeling of sunshine and vintage 70s influence. ‘Industry Of Love’ starts with alluring drums, a smooth snare and silky melody, an infectious rhythm with a sexy sax freely purring and adding flair. Ending the album is ‘Long Walk Home’ featuring Roselien beginning on a chill vibe with a fatty bassline and subtle percussions, the female vocalist singing earnestly, a fuzzy guitar soloing, the singer and strings seducing. Continuing the legacy of high quality street banging tunes, Poldoore creates an enticing warm atmosphere you won’t want to miss with Street Bangerz Volume 6: Playhouse.

The incredible follow-up to an magnificent predecessor. Now on vinyl. This is the regular white edition.