UK Hip Hop 370 Items

High Focus Records are excited to present 'Ever Since', the brand new album from prolific Brighton-based producer Mr Slipz and the newest member of the HF family, Australian rapper Nelson Dialect - A landmark release and signing for High Focus with Nelson being the first international signing on the label.

UK listeners might have first heard Nelson collaborating with Verbz & Mr Slipz on the song ‘Hope’ from their acclaimed LP ‘Radio Waves’ released on High Focus in 2020. Nelson has a cult following in his own right in Australia, and previously released music on the legendary U.S label Fat Beats to great acclaim.

Now teaming up with one of the most exciting and respected UK producers, Nelson & Mr Slipz deliver ‘Ever Since’. A statement piece by two artists with well over a decade spent on their craft which sounds as urgent and refreshing as if it were their first time releasing music. The album’s title is a reference to the endless quest for a timeless sound, reflecting the creative partnerships which spark from a seemingly forever existing thread of music.

The album features a slew of impressive guest verses including label mates Vitamin G & Verbz on the emphatic ‘Oxford Scholars’. Two legends Jehst & Confucius MC combine on ‘Smooth Ride’. Bronx pioneer & D.I.T.C legend A.G delivers a show stopping verse on ‘Trembling the Marrow’. There are hypnotic singing performances by Indira May on ‘First Date’ & ‘Open Book’ as well as Hiatus Kaiyote back up vocalist Jace XL on the soul stirring anthem “Figure Out What’s Right”. U.S rappers SickInTheHead & Cazeaux O.S.L.O round out the impressive guest list on the album with their inspired verses.

the latest album feat. Timbaland, African Boy and Willcannia Mob ... fight on!

London producer SusTrapperazzi has been busy making a name for himself with productions for the likes of frequent-collaborator Novelist (inclding the pairs latest track 'Mercy'), K-Trap, Bxks & Tiny Boost, viral production videos, live sets alongside D Double E, not to mention his EP for German label Illan Tape. Here, SusTrapperazzi lands on London label Astral Black with 6-essential instrumentals in the form of his 'Rationale' EP. The sample at the top of EP opener 'Gospel Trappin' asserts the listener to "Listen to this!" before the prolific producer flips an anthemic gospel sample into a mesmorising trap instrumental. Elsehwhere on 'What's Wrong' - the producer stitches a a triumphant new jack swing sample together into a Houston-inspired pop ballad. Meanwhile on tracks like 'Through To You' & 'Gold Rain' Sus sits well and truly in his bag, fusing together all the elements of his sound into expertly crafter 808 laced trap instrumentals. SusTrapperazzi's 'Rationale' EP kicks off the labels 10 year anniversary which is set to see a string of releases ncluding a EP's from Jossy Mitsu (Rinse FM), Bruised Skies (Hoover Sounds) & NigelThreeTimes (Fractal Fantasy) as well as sample warper Eahwee's follow up to his 'Solitude' LP & a collaborative LP from prolific producer Samuel Organ & folk crooner Laucan.

Connecting Swindle’s grime and dubstep roots with UK jazz, funk and soul, No More Normal was created over a three year period, and spans “strings-laden soul to voicebox-heavy p-funk – often in the course of one song.”

The 11-track album features MCs Kojey Radical, Ghetts, D Double E and P Money, instrumentalists Yussef Dayes, Nubya Garcia, Riot Jazz, and singers Etta Bond, Eva Lazarus and Kiko Bun.

The mighty Oxygen returns to AE Productions with a highly anticipated full-length album produced entirely by the multi-talented Tea Sea Records owner and producer/MC Tom Caruana.
Anyone familiar with AE Productions releases will know that Oxygen has been rolling with us for many years so we’re hyped to be able to release his debut solo long player. His first AE appearance was on the now classic Phill Most Chill & Paul Nice Fabreeze Brothers album on the track Golden Crown back in 2015, then in 2017 alongside his Soundsci cohorts Audessey (Jack Jones) and U-George featuring on the debut Cut Beetlez 12” single Droppin’ Needles and most recently in 2018 AE dropped his Body Language 7” produced by Paul Nice, which does not appear on the LP.
The aptly titled Age Appropriate was released on download and on physical pre-order on Oxygen’s 50th birthday and the long wait was worth it! This is Hip Hop through the lens of an MC that has a vast experience in the world of Hip Hop and life in general and covers an array of topics, some personal and some of the verbal word play dexterity that we have come to expect from one of the finest and underrated MC’s around today.
Some track titles may be familiar such as ‘Guillotine 16’s’, ‘The Process’ and ‘33.3’ that have previously appeared as single releases but presented here are all brand new versions that had a better fit with the overall soundscape co-ordinated by Tom Caruana so every track on the album is new material.
We’re also treated to some help from Emskee, Dr Becket, Jesus Mason, BusCrates, Apani B, Jack Jones and U-George plus some turntable duties covered by DJ Presyce and Jazz Spastiks. The timeless design by artwork supremo Mr Krum perfectly encapsulates the contents of the album.

Limited to 500 copies.

Young Fathers - Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole and G. Hastings - announce details of their brand new album Heavy Heavy. Set for release on February 3rd 2023 via Ninja Tune, it’s the group’s fourth album and their first since 2018’s album Cocoa Sugar. The 10-track project signals a renewed back-to-basics approach, just the three of them in their basement studio, some equipment and microphones: everything always plugged in, everything always in reach.

Alongside the announcement ‘Heavy Heavy’, Young Fathers will make their much anticipated return to stages across the UK and Europe beginning February 2023 - known for their electrifying performances, their shows are a blur of ritualistic frenzy, marking them as one of the most must-see acts operating today. The tour will include shows at the Roundhouse in London, Elysee Montmartre in Paris, Paradiso in Amsterdam, O2 Academy in Leeds and Glasgow, Olympia in Dublin, Astra in Berlin, Albert Hall in Manchester, Trix in Antwerp, Mojo Club in Hamburg and more (full dates below)

To mark news of the album and the tour, Young Fathers today release a brand new single, “I Saw”. It’s the second track to be released from the album (following standalone single “Geronimo” in July) and brims with everything fans have come to love from a group known for their multi-genre versatility - kinetic rhythms, controlled chaos and unbridled soul. Accompanied by a video created by 23 year old Austrian-Nigerian artist and filmmaker David Uzochukwu, the track demonstrates the ambitious ideas that lay at the heart of this highly-anticipated record.

Speaking about the title, the band write that Heavy Heavy could be a mood, or it could describe the smoothed granite of bass that supports the sound… or it could be a nod to the natural progression of boys to grown men and the inevitable toll of living, a joyous burden, relationships, family, the natural momentum of a group that has been around long enough to witness massive changes. “You let the demons out and deal with it,” reckons Kayus of the album. “Make sense of it after.”

For Young Fathers, there’s no dress code required. Dancing, not moshing. Hips jerking, feet slipping, brain firing in Catherine Wheel sparks of joy and empathy. Underground but never dark. Still young, after some years, even as the heavy, heavy weight of the world seems to grow day by day.

Experimental producer Parallel Action - aka Jude Greenaway - continues to cement himself as a key player in the trip-hop resurgence with his cinematic, self-titled album. Released via his own label C7nema100, Parallel Action is a space for Jude to combine his passion for Trip Hop, Contemporary Classical and Future Jazz, with sonic storytelling. His unique style is married with collaborations ranging from soulful singers and spoken word artists to scratch DJs, taking the listener on a journey that speaks to the uncertainty of a society on edge. It’s a fascinating and cutting-edge body of work that seamlessly blends experimental Jazz drums with heavy Hip-Hop elements, allowing Jude the freedom to tell stories in his own beguiling way.

Rising star Kilder releases his 10-track debut EP ‘Don’t Hide’, taking listeners on a whirlwind ride through club music as heard through Kilder’s ears: emotive house, hard-edged bass and divine indie-disco bring the energy, while more cerebral ambient tracks wind things down. Although it’s largely club music, there’s a pop sensibility at play throughout, with punchy song structures and a keen ear for melody that poke at the pop zeitgeist. Guests on the EP range from established names like underground legend Trim and Japanese soulstress Friday Night Plans to art-school-upcomers Jasper Lotti, Lyzza, k_anti and Lyam. As a debut body of work, it’s a product of self-discovery and a bold first statement that speaks of big things to come. Kilder has released half the record as warmup singles, starting with the title track ‘Don’t Hide’ back in July which reverberated in underground circles and saw him featured by Dazed, Dummy, The Line Of Best Fit and The Independent in addition to heavy tastemaker playlist support across all DSPs. Since then, the producer has racked up over 2 million streams, received plaudits from Jack Saunders’ Future Artists show on BBC Radio 1 and was dubbed “one to watch” by Notion magazine. At just 20 years old, the Amsterdam based producer is an essential new addition to your record box and a thrilling new talent for 2021.

Ramson Badbonez returns with his brand new album ‘fusion’.

Embedded in the streets and lanes of Dalston, Hackney and Islington, where Badbonez made his way up, no stone is left unturned as Badbonez dissects the many highs and lows that took him from a life running the roads, to documenting his experiences across thirteen brand new tracks.

The most impressive thing about ‘fusion’ is the dexterity Badbonez showcases across the release, expertly traversing a catalogue of rhythms and tempos with his now signature delivery; crystal clear, unapologetic, razor sharp, yet intricate and highly complex multi-syllables.

This genre blurring offering is, in part, down to the curated production talent joining forces to ensure a formidable spectrum of neck-snapping sonics are offered up to both Badbonez and the listener. From album opener ‘Alpha’ produced by the one-and-only High Plains Drifter Jehst, to offerings from Dead Players’ very own GhostTown, long-time collaborator Mark Fear and heavy-hitter Forest DLG, and with a features list that includes TrueMendous, Datkid and Confucius MC, ‘fusion’ marks a significant moment in Ramson Badbonez career; elevating his position as one of the great commentators on life in London town, but further, as one of the rap games most innovative outliers.

The ‘fusion’ Neon Green limited edition 2 x 12" vinyl comes with a digital download on release day & is limited to only 300 copies!

From Munchen 2 Croydon ... Producer Bobby Slice (Germany), LeoLex (Germany) & The Strange Neighbour (uk) link up to create this international connection ... featuring artists from all over the globe!

Vanguard captures the iconic Bristol Sound. The early days of the iconic Bristol Sound are captured in a new album including an exclusive re-release of the very first track from Massive Attack and tracks from Smith & Mighty, Purple Penguin and more. The curated tracks are also linked in that all were originally released with bespoke original covers from legendary Bristol street artists, including Banksy and Will Barras, tying its release toVanguard’s current exhibition Bristol Street Art: The Evolution of a Global Movement at M Shed, Bristol, running until October. Compiled by DJ Boca 45 (Scott Hendy), Vanguard brings together the seminal tracks that defined the rebellious era which saw the birth of the Bristol Sound for the first time. Featured tracks include an exclusive re-release of Any Love - the first ever track by Massive Attack released on Massive Attack Records in 1988, Smith & Mighty’s breakout hit Walk On, Purple Penguin’s downtempo classic Memphis and other trip hop classics. The LP celebrates the globally recognised Bristol Sound whose experimental breakbeat rhythms and influence still dominate the scene today. Along with classic tracks from the ‘90’s into the ‘00’s and beyond, the album uncovers lesser known cuts by some of Bristol’s pioneering musicians such as One Cut and West Country hip hop’s finest Aspects. The explosion of the Bristol Sound coincided with the boom in UK street art which led to fruitful collaborations between artists and musicians. Finding inspiration in each other’s work, street artists frequently designed rave posters, logos and cover art while DJs provided the beats to accompany street artists’ clandestine painting. Vanguard The Album pays homage to these relationships with a beautifully put together gatefold LP featuring iconic cover art designed by some of the biggest names in street art such as Inkie, Dicy, Will Barras and Nick Walker. These early works capture the boisterous energy of the era and confirm Bristol’s status as an extraordinary cultural melting pot. The double vinyl record also features extensive sleeve notes written by Bristolian writer and curator Jamie Hombre as he reflects on these ground breaking cover art collaborations.

Limited to 200 copies.

Team Dreebs Vol.1 - Cloud 9, Concept of Thought, Benaddict, M. Kozi, Mr Slipz, Tonks and more…

This set features the original album plus Demos and Remixes, incl. Massive Attacks Remix of "Manchild". Three discs in single LP sleeves, housed in a rigid slip-case, includes original album remastered and two bonus discs of b-sides, remixes & extras
Also features the 48-page book

Remastered at Abbey Road, pressed on heavyweight vinyl, with download card included.

30th anniversary of Neneh Cherry’s classic hit album Raw Like Sushi (1989),“an unorthodox and brilliantly daring blend of R&B, rap, pop, and dance music”, sees the original album remastered and given the super deluxe treatment as a 3LP box set.

This box sets feature a 48-page 12x12 book packed full of iconic photos, new interviews, liner notes and memorabilia. The album features 5 singles - includes the worldwide smash hit single ‘Buffalo Stance’ (number 1 US Dance Chart) as well as hit singles – ‘Manchild’ produced by Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja, ‘Kisses On The Wind’, ‘Heart’ & ‘Inna City Mamma’. Also features rare mixes of key tracks by Massive Attack, Arthur Baker, Smith N Mighty, and more.One of the most important records of all-time. Listed as one of the "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".

DARYL HELMS AKA SPACE & HOWARD STEVENS OFFER THEIR NEW GROUP EFFORT.
DNH A HYDRA WORLD.
THE LP SEES THE NATURE SOUNDS RECORDING ARTIST DROPPING HIS ABSTRACT
NEW YORK LYRICISM OVER HYPNOTIC PRODUCTIONS BY THE LONDON BASED PRODUCER.
THE LP SHOWCASES DNH’S FUNK PUNK REGGAE & SOUL INFLUENCES & STANDS PROUD IN THEIR
REVOLUTIONARY THOUGHT & MULTICULTURALISM.
DNH FIRST RECORDED TOGETHER ON THE FIRST WEATHERMEN PROJECT “PARANOID ANDROID”
WITH CAGE & MASAI BEY.
SPACE WOULD GO ON TO FEATURE ON LP’S WITH CAGE, VAST AIRE, CAMUTAO,
CANNIBAL OX….
HOWARD STEVENS WOULD PRODUCE FOR THE LIKES OF MF DOOM, MF GRIMM,
LEWIS PARKER ETC….
THE LP WAS MIXED & MASTERED BY JUICE, ALSO PRODUCING “HYDRA WORLD TRANSMISSION”.
IT ALSO FEATURES A CO-PRODUCTION WITH HIS GREEDY FINGERS BRETHREN SMIMOOZ ON
“MADE IN AMERICA”
THE ALBUM IS AVAILABLE AS SHRINK WRAPPED LP VINYL & DIGITALLY.
THE SINGLE “ANGELS OF GOD” IS AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD & THE VIDEO BY TRYPTA MEDIA
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SUPPORTING VIDEO AFTER RELEASE FOR “ROUND THE WORLD”

Ed Scissor + Lamplighter return with Joysville.

Written in the witching hour of lockdown one, Joysville represents a distinct shift in process from the duo. Ungoverned by the more meticulous considerations of the past, Joysville evolved freely from a small zip of instrumental sketches, before taking shape as a fully realised concept in the space of a short few weeks.

Ed Scissor’s signature storytelling, accompanied by Lamplighter’s sparse and spacious instrumentals, make Joysville their most personal and accomplished work to date.

Counting Trip-Hop, Ambient, West African High Life, Dancehall, Jungle, Folk and Film Soundtracks as his influences, there is something for everyone on this creative masterpiece.Predominantly instrumental but does have a handful of collaborations with vocalists Killa P, Jerome Thomas, RHI, Penelope Oddity and Chris Belson. ‘I Am Delicious And Cute. So I Will Go Buy Again’ is a meditative journey upriver, whilst ‘Wickedest Ting’ completely flips the switch with a dancehall barrage from Killa P. Another highlight is the apocalyptic jazz of ‘Greed’ which features the remarkable neo-soul vocals of Jerome Thomas.

During times of such uncertainty, music and its healing properties have become even more vital. ‘Boring & Weird Historical Music’ is a calming, curative and monumental 15 track journey through the mind of the enigma that is Telemachus. As he himself puts it: ‘the album certainly rewards a thorough and engrossed listen, but equally the general atmosphere is pleasant enough to play for your auntie when she comes for tea.’

This limited edition double LP comes in a premium gatefold sleeve, with exclusive artwork as well as the the story of 'Uncle Som', a peculiar parable, upon which the album is based around

Limited to 300 copies.

12” yellow vinyl with blue and aqua splatter. Polylined inner sleeve, hand numbered outer sleeve and overbag packaging. Limited run of 100.

Experimental producer Parallel Action - aka Jude Greenaway - continues to cement himself as a key player in the trip-hop resurgence with his cinematic, self-titled album. Released via his own label C7nema100, Parallel Action is a space for Jude to combine his passion for Trip Hop, Contemporary Classical and Future Jazz, with sonic storytelling. His unique style is married with collaborations ranging from soulful singers and spoken word artists to scratch DJs, taking the listener on a journey that speaks to the uncertainty of a society on edge. It’s a fascinating and cutting-edge body of work that seamlessly blends experimental Jazz drums with heavy Hip-Hop elements, allowing Jude the freedom to tell stories in his own beguiling way.

Very Limited (120 copies through Srd) RED Vinyl 7” with Shepard Fairey artwork. Ree-vo Announce THE Release OF Their ‘spacebox’ Single ON 7” With Remixes BY Nøise AND Batbirds AND Stunning Original Artwork BY Shepard Fairey.

Original AE co-founder Truck is back with a new album coming soon and delivers a taster with this lead off 7” single featuring fellow AE Productions recording artist and Hip Hop legend Phill Most Chill. 3,665 refers to the distance between Truck and Phill Most Chill’s home cities and the pair duel brilliantly over a heavy beat by Sir Beans OBE (The Aroma/Parlour Talk/Ruztik Records). No chorus hook nonsense here but Mr Fantastic supplies some sharp cuts to complement the MC’s.
The B-side is the ‘Raw Skeleton Version’ of Right or Wrong – a special stripped back version of a track from the forthcoming album produced by Mr Fantastic which will not to be released elsewhere. Truck flows effortlessly over the DJ friendly obscure Funk groove.
Available on black vinyl 7” in a run of 350 retail copies in full colour sleeve designed by Mr Krum.

Paul White, South London purveyor of crumpled psych-hop beats and Danny Brown’s go-to UK producer, has unveiled an album-length collaboration with Florida rapper-singer Eric Biddines.

New Gen' brings on 17 fresh faces from the UK wave for the LP, curated to expose and represent the rising voices of the genres. Among the talent featured are AJ Tracey, Avelino and 67.

Village Live Records are proud to present ‘The Cruel Tutelage of Pique Roscoe’ (tvi039), by Manchester-based rapper, Pique Roscoe

17 tracks of intricate rap by Pique, with production coming entirely by our favourite beatsmith & finger drummer Kuartz!

Includes two previously unreleased instrumentals by The Summit from 2013 Amulets demo sessions, available only on cassette.

Jester Jacobs on the mic Formz on the beats

Jester Jacobs on the mic Formz on the beats

Jester Jacobs on the mic Formz on the beats

Where the previous 184 & Big Toast album was a bluntly worded denunciation of the zeitgeist over a classic Hip Hop soundtrack, Who Shit in The Sandpit takes a sonic direction more akin to 184’s Trip-Hoppy electronic-folk collective, Button Eyes. With more

melodious production and a greater range in the vocal tones and styles of delivery, it sees the duo step outside of their comfort zones and attempt something less restricted by the confines of their genre. The title is an abstract and Toast-esque expression referring to how the world the next generation stand to inherit (the Sandpit) is being destroyed by the greed and stupidity of older generations (the shit). It is at least a partial departure from the nihilistic and misanthropic themes on previous projects, perhaps a consequence of Toast’s desire to leave a better world for his firstborn, who arrived during the making of the project. While no album which closes on a track about a nuclear holocaust can be described as light, Who Shit in the Sandpit? has moments of real humour, providing comic relief from the more pointed social and political statements elsewhere. Fellow Tuff Boy, The Strange Neighbour, joins Toast on “Anyone Order a Tough Guy?”, a verbal skewering of wannabe hardmen, and the offensively absurd “F.W.L.”. Sometime Sleaford Mods vocalist John Paul contributes his own unique brand of observational poetry to “Backpack” and Croydon’s Breezy Lee elevates every track she features on with her sumptuously soulful vocals. Halo Jones adds the finishing touches with his distorted guitar riffs,

providing further musicality to an already boundary- pushing Hip Hop album.

North London lyricist Defreitas has been working on his craft ever since hearing Kool G Rap and DJ Polo’s Ill Street Blues. Learning flow and prose from the greats, he’d wear out mix tapes in his Sony walkman having dubbed them from the plethora of pirate radio stations of the 90s. Not content on getting into the studio before his time. Defreitas continued to work on his penmanship, slowly building a vast reel of work to source from. His talents were soon discovered by Melanin 9 who saw the potential in the lyrics and flow and more importantly, the very deep social commentary Defreitas tries to share in his stories. M9 put him in touch with North London producer DJ Drinks and the two began working on his debut, Obsidian Jewels, in 2019.

Obsidian Jewels is Defreitas’ debut LP. Produced entirely by DJ Drinks and recorded at Camden Studios in the summer of 2020, this collection of tracks delves into both the internal and environmental experiences that shape a man. With the usual fire laced beats provided by Drinks who has stated that this might be the only full length LP he’ll work on, we're sure this album will become an instant classic in your collection.

Producer, beatmaker and inter dimensional boombap specialist Percy Filth returns with a brand-new project VIBRANIUM DELUXE. Utilizing unique ultra-swung out glitchy drums and his trademark outer space sonics Percy occupies a custom built lane that services traditional rap purists ,die hard boombap fans and everything in and around the spectrum of instrumental hiphop.

The title track is an all out wonky sci-fi adventure and features probably the most fitting figure King Kashmere to get busy over the intergalactic funk, the project also features Detroit heavy hitter Guilty Simpson and one half of Camp-Lo the unmistakable Geechi Sueude (a personal bucket list feature for Percy).

Closer to home Wundrop & Kemastry (of the High Focus CMPD) are featured on the disturbing the peace anti-establishment "Open Up" and Bristol natives, Bill Next of Split Prophets and DJ Rogue on Rogue Troopers and Finally to bring things home theres long time collabrators Kosyne, Redbeard, Booda French & Gen Uchiha on the chapter closing "Bon Appetit". Redbeard, Kosyne, Booda French and Gen Uchiha on the chapter closing "Bon Apetit"

Vibranium Deluxe is an all out boombap glitch assault of bangers on the ears and not one to miss.

We are very very pleased to come up with the exclusive vinyl pressing of "Escape Music", a heavy 19 track album from Manchester's The Mouse Outfit with such vocal guests like Dr. Syntax, Sparkz, Dubbul O, Fox and Black Josh.

Take your time and check out the official videos to a few certified bangers off the album and you'll know why we are so damn enthusiastic about this release.

Label co-founders Joey Deez & Doug (Remulak) had long discussed the concept of creating a compilation album in order to showcase the wide rage of styles that comprise the imprint's eclectic output.

In May of this year, the pair decided that the time had come to put their vision into action and began planning the compilation to be ready to celebrate the label's fifth anniversary in December 2020. Sadly, just weeks after the decision had been made, Joey Deez unexpectedly passed away. This compilation represents the last of the project that Joey had planned, and was curated and executed with his tastes firmly in mind.

The 21-tracks of the double vinyl release feature label favourites such as Funkonami, Aver & Move 78, Robohands, and Mr. Thing & Micall Parknsun, as well as label affiliates Evil Ed, Omas, and Fthmlss, plus a fitting debut release from one of Joey's best friends: Meridian Fold.

Here's the all new The Mouse Outfit album with guest appearances by IAMDDB, Black Josh, Dubbul O, Sparkz, Dr. Syntax and many more. Another quality release by one of our favorite UK crews. Tip!