US Hip Hop Tape 309 Items

Zora is a 22 year old artist, producer, singer, and rapper. She has been writing music since the age of 14, taking inspiration after Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Prince, Kendrick Lamar, Sophie, and so many others. Zora’s sound can be described as Alternative Pop. She writes, produces, and records all of her own stuff, using instruments such as the piano, the ES2 synth, and electric guitar to bring her ideas to life.

Strictly limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Next up on "90's Tapes" are the demo 4-track recordings of Yusef Afloat's "Foreign Objects" and "Hard Times".

Known as one half of legendary Westcoast group The Nonce (along with Nouka Basstype aka Sach), MC/producer/musician Yusef Afloat produced tracks for Aceyalone, Supherb, and Figures Of Speech. He also appeared on the original 1994 release of Project Blowed. On May 21, 2000, Yusef "Afloat" Muhammad was found dying on the side of Freeway 110 in Los Angeles, he was 28 years old. The cause of his death is still unknown.

"When I listen to Yusef now, I'm reminded of what I felt then and that is he knew his time on Earth was limited. The tone was new, stern authoritative on his views and expressions of Hip Hop. I knew he was talking to me and each one of our peers. The tapes have been safe for 20 years thanks to Dee Skee for maintaining archives at Weightless Audio. The implications that I knew someone who may have said things because their span was going to be cut. I'm thinking he saw clearer than we could. I felt he wanted to be a guide in the discovery of what kind of Man I would live to be and what kind of Man listening to this music would turn out to be? I don't know if I had inclinations of my time being so short what I would have been spending it doing and he spent his saying these weighted lines. I thought it abrasive at first but I understand now why he said what he said and how with style! I miss him everyday and I'm so proud that Yusef's music can finally be showcased to the world in the beautiful way it is deserving. I'm blown back looking at the pictures, so many sat on that couch Yusef sits Ganjah K, Meen Green. What great sessions… no magical sessions. Preparing to play this record we would probably roll something and get comfortable on that couch… well… drop the needle! Push play!"

Sach - January 2021

"Foreign Objects / Hard Times" is available in limited editions on 2LP, MC and CD as well as digitally.

Limited to 2000 copies. To commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Get On Down in partnership with Sony's Certified and The RZA is bringing back the debut album on cassette. Only 2000 copies are being made on a custom black ice colored shell. Protect Ya Neck and Ya Tape Deck! A shared Exclusive with Get On Down in the US. In Europe only available at HHV.

Over fi ve years after the release of "Blue Notes", V Don and Willie The Kid are back at it with the 2nd chapter! Willie The Kid keeps delivering fl awless bars over V Don's cinematic and stone cold productions to give you the chills, featuring guest appearances by Flee Lord, Ransom, Ankhle John, Babymaine, TY Da Dale, Whoisbravy and Hobx. "Blue Notes 2" is also available on black vinyl, digipack CD and cassette.

Inspiration.A collection of rather older songs community based (lofi, beat scene LA) from were revised, re-recorded, replaced with newer instrumentals, was done after the episode 090 ft. Wheards, Projetsun, & Doc Guava. Credits

In the fall of 2019, WETBACKMANNY dropped the single "Fuck Ice 2" which turned into a runaway viral hit, gathering over 2.5 million views on twitter alone. Combining charm and humor with deadlly serious pro-Latinx activism, WETBACKMANNY steals hearts with every note he raps. Rancho hip hop is here for a new decade.

Limited edition of 100 copies on double cassette incl. 11 instrumental versions.

Originally released in 1995, "Riverside Pictures" marked the debut album by Walkin' Large creating buzz far beyond Germany. O.N.O.'s lyrical talent paired with DJ Ara as well as Roe Beardie behind the boards still remains timeless, same goes for the features by Fabe and Jeru The Damaja.

Available in a limited run on 3LP, extra 7" of "Reachin' (For My People) / When I Flow Feat. Jeru The Damaja" in original artwork sleeve, 2CD in jewel case, double cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

This one has been on our want list for quite a while now and we are more than happy to finally announce the re-release of Vibetree's debut "As I Come Back". Originally released independently on Illynoise in 1995, the album is a true underground gem from front to back fully produced by Base Jase and available in more formats than CD only for the very first time.

Available in a limited run on black 2LP, CD in digipak as well as jewel case and cassette plus digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Originally released in 1997 on CD and cassette only, this marks the very first time "Livest Spot In The City" by Vaughn Smith gets the full vinyl treatment. In addition, this stone cold Philly underground classic also comes on CD in jewel case as well as cassette plus digitally on all major platforms. 10 tracks in total with tight productions from front to end by Groove Da Moast.

Valid & Stretch Money are “Bill & Isiah” the new album from the Dynamic Duo. Genuine Detroit Hip-Hop/Rap!

Sounds, pads, beats and rhymes... Peace to all MCs, DJs, producers, graffiti writers, BBoys, BGirls, beatboxers and to those who are representing Hip Hop Culture to the fullest! I want to big up everyone who has shown me support during the whole process of putting this initiative together! The Get Down Records international family got your back and this is just the beginning because we are expanding everyday!

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

"Manifest Destiny" is the first and only release of the Urban Thermo Dynamics, the group formed by Mos Def along his younger brother DCQ and high-school friend Ces. The album was slated for release in 1995, but never saw an official release until 2004 through DCQ's Illson Media Music Group. Almost 20 years later this nugget finally gets the reissue treatment available in a limited run on 2LP (750 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies), cassette (100 copies) and digitally on all major platforms.

The album contains 14 tracks in total with productions handled by the likes of Diamond D and Showbiz of D.I.T.C. fame, Salaam Remi, J Prins, The Vibe Chemist, J-Swift and YZ.

The wait is finally over, Torae & Marco Polo return with their sophomore release Midnight Run, the follow up to their classic debut album Double Barrel. Midnight Run packs 11 tracks that will instantly satisfy fans of the elite lyricism and hard hitting production the duo is known for. The intro “Reloaded” sets the tone from the very beginning and stand outs such as “The Return”, “Makin’ Up” and “Oh No” maintain the momentum throughout. With no guest verses, no bars off and no filler Midnight Run gets directly to what you’ve been waiting for from the “Gray Sheep” Torae and Marco Polo.

Over two years in the works, we're happy to release the 8th volume of Top Shelf Premium's acclaimed Off Top series! Curated by vintage garments and hip-hop enthusiast Mark Rosado, the format has been bringing some of the most interesting rappers and producers in underground hip-hop to their Hoboken, NJ store, and the result is yet another killer compilation featuring buzzing names such as Lord Sko, SonnyJim, Mooch, BoriRock, Kelly Moonstone, Grea8gawd, Smoke DZA, Fatboi Sharif, Dano and Gabe 'Nandez just to name a few. Very limited edition release of 100 cassettes, now in stock and ready to ship!

Tony D “Da Goodfella” was recorded in 1996. It features Tony’s Mafia laced braggadocio lyrics over his own self produced melodic hard edged tracks. This never heard before EP's artwork pays homage to one of Tony's favorite movies. “Da Goodfella” was part of Tony’s incomplete project list prior to his passing on April 4, 2009. It was important to Tony's daughters that their Father's project be completed and released. His extraordinary talent deserves to be heard as he has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Tony D was a legendary Italian American Hip Hop Producer & Emcee from New Jersey. He was well known for his production of the conscious groundbreaking Hip Hop group Poor Righteous Teachers along with YZ, Black Prince & Aziatic, Blvd. Mosse, Scott Lark and many others. He released his solo album: "Droppin' Funky Verses" (4th & B'Way, 1991), Crusaders for Real Hip Hop "Deja Vu - It's 82" (Profile Records, 1992), several instrumental projects on the UK based Grand Central Records and various releases on his independent Cha-Ching Records label. In addition to all of Tony's talent, he was also a dedicated husband and amazing Father to his family.

Strictly limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Next up on 90's Tapes is another underground gem from the Golden Era, this time from Grand Rapids, MI. The Realist's "Time Killaz / Gimme Love" is another true-school gem for the heads out there. Peep "420 (Keep Doin It)" and you know what to expect. Available on limited 3LP vinyl, CD and cassette as well as digitally!

Strictly limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

"I'll Meet You In Greenwich" is a true classic from the late 90's from Chicago's The Primeridian. Tight productions paired with smooth back & forth rhymes by Tree & See-Me-On make this album another unique gem in your Golden Era collection. Available on limited 2LP vinyl, CD and cassette as well as digitally!

Limited edition of 100 copies.

We couldn't resist to drop two of our favorite projects from the 90's by legendary Westcoast crew The Nonce, "World Ultimate" (1995) and "The Sight Of Things" (1998). Yusef Afloat and Nouka Basetype (later known as Sach) delivered an unique sound and released instant classics like "Mix Tapes", "Bus Stops", "The Sight Of Things" or "Who Falls Apart?". Both projects are available in limited quantities on vinyl, CD, cassette as well as digitally.

Limited edition of 100 copies.

We couldn't resist to drop two of our favorite projects from the 90's by legendary Westcoast crew The Nonce, "World Ultimate" (1995) and "The Sight Of Things" (1998). Yusef Afloat and Nouka Basetype (later known as Sach) delivered an unique sound and released instant classics like "Mix Tapes", "Bus Stops", "The Sight Of Things" or "Who Falls Apart?". Both projects are available in limited quantities on vinyl, CD, cassette as well as digitally.

Basically the idea for one remix evolved into a whole mega EP album, inspired by "Grime Status" LP, which The I.M.F. and LMT.Break created last year joining forces with other dope MCs and turntablists representing Bay Area and beyond!

LMT.Break described and explained well the whole concept/process of creating "Reign Supreme" with these few words:

"Originally the idea was to do a remix of “When Dope Was Fresh” having Roc Marciano on there was a big deal for us and I thought it would be dope to do a remix that sounded completely different. Kinda like “Jazz (We've Got) Buggin Out” remix by Atcq. Plus we had cuts by Dj Fooders and Kodac Visualz that we hadn’t used yet so it made sense to do it. Then I thought... a 7 inch with a new song on the b-side would be hella dope! So we went in and did "Reign Supreme" which we both was hyped about and kept goin' from there and I’m very happy with the results."

So we are, knowing you will dig it too! This is real Hip-Hop, soaked with that Boom Bap flava, drippin' from the speakers onto the floor where you will bust some b-boy moves after hearing these fly beats, rhymes and cuts!

Edition of 50.

The latest release from Ill Catz Records, this time around they are dropping another gem from TheHiddenCharacter who's one of the hottest up and coming artists out of MA. This one's a collabo album with Starker, a New York rapper that's been steady making a new for himself throughout the last few years. Production and features by Al.divino, Estee Nack, Themellos and Mr. Rose among others.

The latest release from Ill Catz Records, this time around they are dropping a superb album from They Hidden Character who's one of the hottest up and coming artists out of MA.



The album has 8 tracks produced by the Vinyl Villain, 1 by Mr. Rose and 1 by Al.divino! Featuring Estee Nack, Code Nine, 2 guest verses by Al.divino and more!

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

The Oakland duo The B.U.M.S. dropped their debut album "Lyfe'N'Tyme" in 1995 with the help of Bay Area legends Sway and King Tech. The production was mostly handled by Joe Quixx plus one track each produced by Fred Wreck and the Baka Boyz.

To quote Billboard magazine from early January 1995, the Brothas Unda Madness »build verbal puzzles stacked with crafty metaphors and allusions to pop culture. Over spare, jazzy grooves that swing and spring, they endeavor to expose their souls. Using plain-spoken poetics, the duo takes listeners on a ghettocentric ride from their innocence into sense.«

Available in a limited run on black vinyl 2LP+7", CD in jewel case and cassette.

Strictly limited edition of 100 copies!

Next up on "90's Tapes" is a late nineties nugget from The B.L.U.N.T.E.D. Crew called "The Triangle". Check out "Keep Your Head" and you will instantly fall in love with this gem. Available for the very first time on vinyl and cassette beside a new CD and digital version!

Since our first contact with NYC based producer Thavius Beck in 2018, he sent us over 100 unreleased tracks, or beats, as he calls them. 25 of them have been selected for releases on U-trax, good for over 2 hours of music, across this album and the Lovesick EP.
Growing up in LA, Thavius Beck entered the hip-hop scene as member of Global Phlowtations, and released several solo albums under the Adlib moniker. In later years, he released five albums under his own name on labels like Mush, Big Dada and Plug Research, and also produced albums for artists like Saul Williams and K‑the‑I???, and did some remixing for amongst others Nine Inch Nails. Nowadays he combines making music with a career as a succesful certified Ableton and Bitwig trainer and as a music teacher at Berklee NYC.
The tracks vary in style a lot, but what they have in common is that they either are moody – in U-trax lingo: deep - or they are drum heavy. The common denominator would probably be 'experimental/instrumental hip-hop', reminiscent of producers like Flying Lotus. People have tried all sorts of comparisons to pinpoint Thavius' sound, ranging from 'between DJ Shadow and Orbital' and 'a mix of Massive Attack and The Orb'. None of these are spot on, yet quite a few of these tracks feel like a happy marriage between hip-hop beats and techno sounds.
Despite the fact that some tracks are 20 years old and have been made with widely different gear (one track was even made on a PlayStation 2), this selection sounds remarkably balanced, yet diverse.
From the irresistible single 'Lovesick/Still Sick' to the dark and massive 'Birdsong' (that echoes the sound of his popular song 'Atmos'), and from the head-nodding 'Work!' to the soothing 'Reunited With The All' - if this collection showcases anything, it's Thavius' brilliant production and composing skills, as well as his wizard-level sampling techniques. The result is a luscious electronic music album with a broad appeal.
Available on double sided, 80-minute, 20-track cassette (two exclusive bonus tracks), comes in Maltese cross cardboard picture sleeve.

Rare tape version that includes 2 remixes and the instrumentals not found on the full album! Sealed copies!

Sealed OG copies!

th1rt3en is what you would get If Led Zeppelin and Kendrick Lamar had a baby and raised it in Jamaica, Queens. The gritty production coupled with live instrumentation and exquisite lyricism creates a unique yet familiar sound that has been tried before but hasn’t ever reached this level of artistry. The brainchild of legendary emcee Pharoahe Monch, who is joined by Jack White drummer Daru Jones and guitarist Marcus Machado (winner of the 2014 Rolling Stone magazine’s Next Young Gun), th1rt3en is aggressive, abrasive, often irreverent and fearless with their examination of the world today.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

Set to be released in 1995, Supernatural's debut "Natural Disasters" got shelved and never saw an official release until now. 21 tracks of pure Golden Era heat by one of the most respected freestyle MC's in Hip Hop, entirely produced by Djinji Brown.

"This album was created between January - April of 1995 in Brooklyn, NYC. It was a special moment in time captured musically by two friends who had a vision. A vision that really couldn’t be labeled, but could only be put into sounds. In my mind this album could only have been created in Brooklyn at this exact juncture in time. In general NYC was on fire artistically. There was so much creativity in the air, the ground, everywhere, the streets were talking indeed. All you had to do was listen and the message was clear “Create from Creativity”! Everyone had something to say, and Supernatural had a unique way of doing it. The forces of nature work in mysterious ways and when certain elements align the result is something very unique. We truly hope you enjoy “Natural Disasters”, which is more of a journey into the minds and imaginations of two creative spirits than it is a rap album. But in the same breath it could not have been born if not for Hip Hop." - Djinji Brown

Available in a limited run on 2LP+7", CD in jewel case, cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Stretch and Bobbito’s debut album No Requests explores the legendary club DJs’ vast musical knowledge with covers of songs directly from their record crates! Featuring the M19s Band, a live band of elite hand-picked musicians, the gatekeepers of ‘90s Hip Hop step outside their foundational genre base to produce Latin, Afro-beat, Samba, Jazz, Reggae, and Soul reinterpretations of dance floor bangers—ranging from popular to rare and obscure—which loosely depart expected structure and create new nuances to familiar tunes. The group also offers original compositions along the sonic journey. All tracks have one goal in mind: GROOVE!

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

The Street Poets project consisted of several cats from the Boston, MA, area. The production was handled by Underground Productions and DIF Productions, who also appeared on the microphone along MC's Polecat and Punch Spiked W/ Poison. The one and only album dropped on their own imprint DBK Records in 1995. Next to three accompanying 12" singles, the full album was only available on CD and cassette so far - until now!

Available in a limited run on black vinyl 2LP+7", CD in jewel case and cassette.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette of "Starving Art" by Baltimore's Starvin Art Clique.

The Starvin Art Clique consisted of Christopher "30 Fingaz" Gittens, Robert "Hawaii" Russell and DJ Joe "Guess Who?" Davidge and "Starving Art" was their only album. The full production was handled by Guess Who? and Shane "The Doctor" Faber, features included artists such as Shawn Smith, Jaie, Mekolicious and others.

Originally released on CD on Joe Davidge's Overkast Records in 1998, the release was accompanied by a then and now hard-to-find 12" EP with 5 tracks of the album plus an instrumental version.

Available in a limited run on 2LP, CD and cassette plus digitally on all major platforms.

Based in Tokyo, Southpaw Chop has been active as a producer and DJ for years, independently releasing vinyl featuring MCs from Hip Hop’s golden era, such as Tragedy Khadafi, Kool G Rap, Craig G, Diamond D, AG, and Large Professor. This EP brings together five of these releases, previously available only in limited seven inch vinyl pressings, plus a bonus remix of “Laced With Tragedy feat. Tragedy Khadafi [Funky Soul Brother Remix]" by the unit Funky Soul Brother, comprised of Southpaw Chop and DJ Koco aka Shimokita. This Special Limited Edition Vinyl is exclusively Manufactured and Distributed by Red Line Music Distribution, Inc.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

"Ya Oughta Know" should have been the title of the debut album of Sons Of Sam, the Philly-based duo comprised of The Xav and PA-Kid. Here we have a collection of 12 tracks recorded between 1993 to 1994 plus the bonus track "Glass Eyes" from 1996.

Going back in time, Xav says "The Sons Of Sam title is not what it seems. Everybody thought we were modeling ourselves after Charles Manson the mass murderer of the 70's. Actually, the truth is that we are brothers who have a father named Sam. Easy as that. But we do manage to murder the mic from time to time and an appropriate name would have been the Mic Manglers. We did our own tracks when we worked as individuals but when we were both on tracks together PA-Kid originally did the tracks. He could make any track fit both of our styles and if it didn't fit I would usually adapt to the style of the track. PA-Kid's original name was Samson and i was called Xay. That was given to my by a fellow MC named Manifest in 1986 when i was his DJ. I started writing more and began recording my own tracks."

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

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

SMK is back and he's Aint Nuttin Shakin. A packed Memphis classic with gangsta hits only. Originally released in '96 and never before pressed on wax. Better be fast on this low down g-rap monster from another planet.

SMK aka South Memphis King is one of the real godfathers of Memphis rap. He released his first album in 1991 and is still active today. This is one of his early recordings, never released on vinyl before, Straight bangin' underground shit for the streets of your city. Roll a blunt and enjoy the sick madness over here.

Backed up by the Da Beatminerz production crew, the debut album Dah Shinin’ by Brooklyn duo Smif-N-Wessun remains a cornerstone of the East Coast sound attached to classic hip-hop records of the 90s. With hints of reggae and jazz record samples in the mix, this was hardcore hip-hop slick with an underground edge as MCs Tek and Steele ripped through a charged set of sixteen tracks. Iconic tracks burnt into history like “Wrekonize” and “Bucktown” are all here, as well as guest slots from Black Moon and the birth of supergroup Boot Camp Clik. P-vine is delighted to be reissuing the record for the first time as a cassette tape, with two bonus tracks bringing the total package up to eighteen tracks.

Future Times is elated to announce our next release, the album Bop 3 from Sir E.U + Tooth Choir. Sir E.U is one of the best. He has modes aplenty, ranging from classic rap music to collaborations with DC’s dance and electronic music producers. This album finds him in duo mode, every beat by the formidable Tooth Choir, for a new classic entry. Bop 3 is a scuzzed-out rap masterpiece. Tooth Choir’s beats range from the acid house bang of “Turn It Up! (ft. Cal Rips)” to the piano dream state of the closer “Can’t Stop Thinking Bout My Baby,” in which E.U goes galactic for 20 minutes of purely-bared soul. “End Of Time” sounds like Jungle Wonz with the ions reversed, some sort of Chicago House-indebted nightmare funk. “Hey Mom” and “Untitled (2 Much)” dig into a post-punk and wave angle, evocative of everything from Robert Hood and Sleeparchive to Joy Division and other reverb scroungers. Sir E.U compliments this fully, with a surprising range of melody and bizarro hooks, as in the demented pop highlights “mua” and “How Much Longer (Until We Go Get Em).” The sheer sonics of his voice and breadth of his expression, which he is manipulating and re-inventing constantly throughout Bop 3, are wonderful on their own, but Sir E.U is also straight up one of the greatest rappers doing it today; his styles and flows are constantly stunning, and each EP or track release via his own channels becomes a fountain of inspiration for anybody rapping right now. You can hear E.U in many rappers today, well beyond his local Washington DC. Bop 3 is a full-length exploration of the potent duo of Sir E.U + Tooth Choir, in sync to a serious degree, making some of the wildest rap music imaginable.

Strictly limited edition of 100 copies on colored cassette!

Next stop Baltimore! We are super excited to present Silouette's underground classic "Chocolate Malibu" (entirely produced by DJ Concrete) on 90's Tapes in a 2LP outfit incl. download card as well as on cassette and CD. On top this gem is available on digital platforms for the very first time.

This is Annexx Clique in full effect!

Shut eye horizon’s second album on highbias chrome Syahprise tape. Clear metallic
green liner & pop tab.
A must have in your collection. N and
Moodswing go hard and never went home.
Rare!

N and Moodswing go hard and never went home.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette of "Comprehension", the sophomore album by Shadez Ov Blac from Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

The group's debut "Next School Pioneers" dropped in 1995 via Peanuts & Corn, a Canadian underground label run by mcenroe. "Comprehension" followed in 1999, originally self-released on CD only accompanied by a now hard-to-find 12" release.

The album features mic guests such as Odario, Ismaila and Fayce as well as productions by mcenroe, The Buddha and Howard Hyman.

Available in a limited run on LP, CD in digipak as well as jewel case and cassette plus digitally on all major platforms.

Shabazz Palaces' Black Up, the group's Sub Pop debut, was recently hailed as one of the best albums of the decade by outlets like Pitchfork, Gorilla Vs Bear, and Variety. Pitchfork summed it up thusly: "Black Up is drowned in murky instrumentals and bombastic, introspective rhymes. The sounds flirt with jazz but also root themselves in a firm understanding of silence, or the sparse magic of simplicity. The songs teem with unexpected climaxes...From great mystery exploded an album of impossible vision." That "impossible vision" has continued to confound and engage Shabazz Palaces fans over the course of four acclaimed albums and two EPs. Each release feels like an evolution, letting the music speak for itself, while slowly revealing more about its creator. With The Don of Diamond Dreams, the group's fifth album, that spirit remains, this time embracing modernism in hip-hop and rap. Featuring 10 tracks in 43 minutes, the album features the highlights "Fast Learner (ft. Purple Tape Nate)," "Chocolate Souffle," "Bad Bitch Walking (ft. Stas THEE Boss), and "Thanking The Girls." It also features contributions from singer/keyboardist Darrius Willrich, Seattle's OCnotes (who collaborated with Shabazz leader Ishmael Butler on the Knife Knights project), Los Angeles musician Carlos Overall, and bassist Evan Flory-Barnes. The Don of Diamond Dreams was recorded throughout 2019 and produced by Shabazz Palaces at Protect and Exalt: A Black Space in Seattle, mixed and engineered by Erik Blood at Studio 4 Labs in Venice, California, and mastered by Scott Sedillo at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Los Angeles.

The storied Seattle hip-hop group Shabazz Palaces returns with a new album called Quazarz: Born On A Gangster Star, their first since 2014’s excellent Lese Majesty, and their third album including the duo’s 2011 debut Black Up.