US Hip Hop 335 Items

Seafood Sam is a futuristic artifact. If that description might sound confusing at first, it matches the eclectic dualities found in true originals. With his effortless cool and timeless style, the North Long Beach native defies convention and exact comparison. He’s a virtuosic rapper, a stop-you-in-your tracks singer, and a symphonic producer. Welcome to the lavish life of a laid-back transcontinental man of mystery, rolling in old school Cadillacs, eating caviar with a blade in his pocket, and making plays in vintage Pelle Pelle gear. A blaxploitation icon for the Instagram age, blessed with the bars of a ‘90s legend and 23rd century swagger. Seafood Sam is a true hero of modernity. On his full-length album debut for up-and-coming label drink sum wtr (Kari Faux,Deem Spencer, Aja Monet) debut, Standing on Giant Shoulders, Sam splits the difference between Snoop Dogg and D’ Angelo, Curren$y and David Ruffin. The songs reveal a forward-thinking sensibility rooted in ancestral soul. He creates spiritual hymns for the streets that tap into universal ideals and irrepresible groove. In an era plagued by short-term thinking, his ambitions reveal a crate-digging depth of music history and a meticulous ear for detail. The giant shoulders in the album’s title refer to James Brown, Bobby Brown, and Miles Davis – the holy trinity who inspired Sam’s process. From the Godfather of Soul, Sam took a perfectionist’s rigor and focus. The example of Bobby Brown lent an unshakeable confidence and self-belief. While the constant artistic left turns of the trumpeter that birthed Cool offered an aspirational archetype. Standing on Giant Shoulders is the evidence of a master, a young sensei in the model of Quincy Jones. All rhymes, singing, production, and arrangements were handled by Sam – with an assist from his close Long Beach kinsman Tom Kendall from the group Soular System. It’s hard-edged and lyrical enough for disciples of Larry June and Roc Marciano, but orchestral and melodic enough for fans of Anderson .Paak and H.E.R.

Limited TO 150 Units

From weaving thought-provoking poetics to channeling the spirit of vintage West Coast gangsta rap, acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu is a dynamic musical presence, forever evolving and defying expectations. Supremely talented producer and musician Shafiq Husayn has a similarly diverse skill set, with a storied history as a member of Sa-Ra Creative Partners and solo production credits for top artists across the musical spectrum, from Erykah Badu to Ice-T to Anderson .Paak to Jurassic 5 and more. After linking up for the mixtape The Blueprint back in 2018, Blu and Shafiq Husayn are reuniting for the new album Out Of The Blue, elevating their collaboration to a new level. "The Blueprint was just me rhyming over some of Shafiq's beats that I found online," Blu explains. "This time we were actually in the studio together. We've been working together since 2008, but this is our first official album." Awash in Shafiq's dense sonic architecture, Out Of The Blue showcases the intricacy of Blu's spiritual street talk while simultaneously delivering a series of bass-heavy L.A. anthems. Entirely produced by Shafiq Husayn (with assistance from Dibia$e on "I'm G (omg)"), the collection features guests MED, Exile, Chuuwee, Thurz, Speed Walton, Jimetta Rose, and Freestyle Fellowship members Myka 9 and Self Jupiter.

N.A.I.F. (No Atheists In Foxholes) is the new album from Richmond, CA indie heavyweight Locksmith. The album features Slaine, Ransom, P-Lo, DaBoii, Sa-Roc, Chris Webby, Jon Connor, Iamsu!, Ekoh, Snak The Ripper, and more. Locksmith is a West Coast artist/producer who first gained notoriety in the underground hip hop scene through MTV's MC Freestyle Championship. Lock, along with his group The Frontline, received commercial radio play and began building a regional buzz. But it wasn't until he began his solo career in 2011, that he started to cultivate a loyal fan base. Locksmith has toured with Joe Budden, Murs, & R.A. The Rugged Man, and collaborated with legendary producers 9th Wonder (Stand It) and Ski Beatz (Lock). Lock has been featured on MTV, BET, Sirius XM's Shade 45, Hot 97's "Who's Next?" concert series and all major hip hop blogs, and has dropped dope project after dope project for years.

DJ/Producer and musical storyteller J.PERIOD (The Hamilton Mixtape, Black Thought, The Live Mixtape) is back with his highly-anticipated Story To Tell (Chapter Two), a sonic adventure through Hip Hop, Soul, R&B and Reggae featuring performances from Andra Day, Aloe Blacc, Joss Stone, Kardinal Offishall, Estelle, Mumu Fresh, Camp and Mayda Del Valle; narration from Dave Chappelle; co-production from Rance Dopson (1500 or Nothin), J.Mo, DJ Khalil, Tall Black Guy and Stro Elliot; and original illustrations from acclaimed artist, Dan Lish.

If it sounds unconventional, that’s because it is. For his debut album, producer/DJ/music supervisor J.PERIOD has created a musical storybook. Set to be released in chapters, each entry stands as its own musical event while fitting together as part of a larger story. The first, Story To Tell (Chapter One), with cover art by Dan Lish includes the lead single “All In Your Head” featuring Dave Chappelle, Black Thought, and Tiffany Gouche. The three are part of an all-star cast that also includes such disparate artists as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Joell Ortiz. Renowned for his mixtape work with Nas, Lauryn Hill, C.L. Smooth, and others, J.PERIOD produced Story To Tell (Chapter One) while juggling his work as Music Supervisor for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, holding a founding seat on The Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council, and working on other musical projects, of course. - Flood Magazine

London-based label, Def Presse are very pleased to announce their partnership with legendary Library Music label KPM. Def Presse Editions/KPM Crate Diggers are works built around samples from KPM releases. As part of the series - Blockhead presents his new album, Luminous Rubble, where the artist dives deep into KPM’s iconic music and sound design library. Blockhead has released 15 albums over the past 15 years and is regarded as one of the modern masters of instrumental hip-hop. It’s a producer’s dream: Being given access to a vast library of material to construct something completely new and exciting out of all of it and when Blockhead’s at the controls, the results are a listener’s paradise, too. The New York City-based hip-hop production legend’s Luminous Rubble is the latest missive in a particularly busy period for the underground hip-hop veteran, who’s spent the last decades lending his considerable talents to work from artists like Armand Hammer, billy woods, Murs, and Open Mike Eagle; in 2021, he released the critically acclaimed collab LP Garbology with rap legend and longtime collaborator Aesop Rock, just last year he unleashed his twelfth solo album, The Aux. “For me, as a producer who uses samples, there’s nothing better than free rein. That was so exciting for me. Their vault is the one I’m most familiar with,” he says with a laugh. “Back when I used to go record shopping a lot, I would pretty much buy any KPM record on sight. They were always a huge find at record stores. So to be able to tap into these records with no limitations was really nice. Having no boundaries can be overwhelming when it comes to the creative process. Working with these samples forced me to find middle ground in cases where I’d typically just walk away and look elsewhere.” After hearing Luminous Rubble, you’ll be happy he stuck around.

From weaving thought-provoking poetics to channeling the spirit of vintage West Coast gangsta rap, acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu is a dynamic musical presence, forever evolving and defying expectations. Supremely talented producer and musician Shafiq Husayn has a similarly diverse skill set, with a storied history as a member of Sa-Ra Creative Partners and solo production credits for top artists across the musical spectrum, from Erykah Badu to Ice-T to Anderson .Paak to Jurassic 5 and many more. After linking up for the mixtape The Blueprint back in 2018, Blu and Shafiq Husayn are reuniting for the new album Out Of The Blue, elevating their collaboration to a new level. “The Blueprint was just me rhyming over some of Shafiq's beats that I found online,” Blu explains. “This time we were actually in the studio together. We’ve been working together since 2008, but this is our first official album.” Awash in Shafiq’s dense sonic architecture, Out Of The Blue showcases the intricacy of Blu’s spiritual street talk while simultaneously delivering a series of bass-heavy L.A. anthems. Entirely produced by Shafiq Husayn, the collection features guest appearances by MED, Exile, Chuuwee, Thurz, Speed Walton, Jimetta Rose, and Freestyle Fellowship members Myka 9 and Self Jupiter. “Out Of The Blue is my G-Funk album,” Blu explains. “Big brother Shafiq gave us a master class in production. We just in here being funky and having fun.”

Deluxe CD edition of "The Toronto Tape" by Bozack Morris housed in jewel cases with Japanese spine wrap obi strips. Featuring the illest emcees from Toronto. Includes 3 bonus tracks not included in the standard edition CD.

Deluxe double vinyl edition of "The Toronto Tape" by Bozack Morris on Iceberg vinyl. Includes second black vinyl disc with bonus tracks.

Deluxe double vinyl edition of "The Toronto Tape" by Bozack Morris on Iceberg vinyl. Includes second black vinyl disc with bonus tracks.

Standard black vinyl edition of "The Toronto Tape" by Bozack Morris, featuring the illest emcees from Toronto.

Guttr is not only a collective of respected legendary Hip Hop emcees and up and coming artists, but also a mindset. Guttr is a collective, and in a sense, Rap’s first unionization. The entire project was produced by Havoc from Mobb Deep and spearheaded by Executive Producer, Storm. This debut project is front-manned by West Coast renowned lyricist Ras Kass and Philly's newest buzz, R.J. Payne. The two share sharp bars along with a star studded list of stellar guest features. With Havoc supplying the entire album's soundscape, the music is respectfully reminiscent of the classic Mobb Deep albums we all know and love. Having a West Coast lyrical perspective by Ras Kass on this production is like having Kendrick Lamar on a QTip track. This combination creates a sound that is different, unique, and magical. To quote Ras Kass, "We all miss P(rodigy) and that classic Mobb Deep Energy, there is no replacing that or him, period! I did want to pay homage to them and channel that vibe. Havoc being on board to set the musical canvas on an entire album for brothers to paint these bars has been the opportunity of a lifetime." Coming in hot with 11 tracks of straight up Bars, this album marks a once-in-a-lifetime collab that has been years in the works.

Limited edition of 300 copies on 4LP in gatefold sleeve. Only 2 per customer!

Berlin, Germany, sometime early, early nineties. 3 MCs share a dream, a dream of taking this rap thing to the max. It wasn't long before Doubleface, Boogieman and Big Sal started making noise in the streets of the capitol and by the mid-nineties the band Harleckinz was a household name in Germany's rap music scene. It is these demos here which would eventually break the band and secure various major deals. The rest is history - yet another beautiful rap story originated in Hip Hop's golden era.

"90two90six" contains 25 never before released demo tracks and instrumentals recorded between 1992 and 1996 next to 5 tracks which have been originally released on "From The Levels Below".

Available in a limited run on 4LP, 2CD in jewel case, double cassette and digitally on all major platforms.

Limited edition of 100 copies on cassette.

In 1994, the Boogiemonsters stepped on the scene with their debut "Riders Of The Storm: The Underwater Album". The quartet consisting of Vex, Mondo, Myntric and Yodared, scored with a bright atmosphere throughout the entire album, pairing food for thought with laid-back productions.

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

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP plus bonus 7" ("Honeydips In Gotham (Monster Remix)" b/w "Strange (Divine Mariner Remix)").

In 1994, the Boogiemonsters stepped on the scene with their debut "Riders Of The Storm: The Underwater Album". The quartet consisting of Vex, Mondo, Myntric and Yodared, scored with a bright atmosphere throughout the entire album, pairing food for thought with laid-back productions.

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

Limited TO 150 Units

From weaving thought-provoking poetics to channeling the spirit of vintage West Coast gangsta rap, acclaimed Los Angeles emcee Blu is a dynamic musical presence, forever evolving and defying expectations. Supremely talented producer and musician Shafiq Husayn has a similarly diverse skill set, with a storied history as a member of Sa-Ra Creative Partners and solo production credits for top artists across the musical spectrum, from Erykah Badu to Ice-T to Anderson .Paak to Jurassic 5 and more. After linking up for the mixtape The Blueprint back in 2018, Blu and Shafiq Husayn are reuniting for the new album Out Of The Blue, elevating their collaboration to a new level. "The Blueprint was just me rhyming over some of Shafiq's beats that I found online," Blu explains. "This time we were actually in the studio together. We've been working together since 2008, but this is our first official album." Awash in Shafiq's dense sonic architecture, Out Of The Blue showcases the intricacy of Blu's spiritual street talk while simultaneously delivering a series of bass-heavy L.A. anthems. Entirely produced by Shafiq Husayn (with assistance from Dibia$e on "I'm G (omg)"), the collection features guests MED, Exile, Chuuwee, Thurz, Speed Walton, Jimetta Rose, and Freestyle Fellowship members Myka 9 and Self Jupiter.

Here's the good word from the fellas:



"Stereotype came together as a group in 2008. Made up of Producer/Emcee Frank John James, Mas1 and Braiiinstorm. Sophomore project, "Through the Speaker", is being presented over a decade later from their initial group LP "Instincts of Organisms" released on Echoes Of Oratory in 2013. After many solo and side projects amongst the 3 of them, they've come together with the help of co-producer Stranger Danger and completed another boom bap classic for the heads to bump. Woven together with samples and cuts from Roach the DJ, each member delivers original lyrics and critical views. Enjoy."



And here's the good word from Herring:



"Stunning album with breaks and drums for miles. Real bboy flava on the production, reminiscent of Strng3r Dang3r's earlier materual on the Herring-released "Tha Roach Killaz" record, but with an extra scoop of the jazz. All round a killer record and perfect for a drop on Herring. Had this on constant rotation in the Herring-mobile., now pleased I can share with the fisherfolk."

Wow - here we have a Stunning 10 tracker from Tacoma-based producer DJ Shaggy C & his extended crew of different acts collectively known as Thunder Jam Alliance. There is loads of info in the biography/interview Here but what you really need to hear are the snippets.



A small number of the TJA demos are floating around on the net courtesy of a variety of demo tape collectors but nothing has been formally released, so here is an introduction to this mid-90s Tacoma crew's output. And hot damn, is this stuff special...



Big shout out to my man Hakan Dougpark for the connect and Unikone for his posts on the excellent Hip Hop The Golden Era Blog - 1L

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.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP in gatefold sleeve.

Originally set to be released in 1996, the self-titled debut "The Black Spooks" finally gets the official release treatment. The trio consisting of Dirty Birdy, Sly Boogy and DJ KMP represented the Inland Empire region of California, sporting a more progressive Westcoast sound but still keeping it street. The album was planned to be released on Perspective Records, but it never saw the light of day until now. 18 tracks in total straight from DJ KMP's original DAT's.

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

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

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.

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.

Limited edition of 500 copies on 2LP incl. bonus 7" ("Buddah Blessed It" b/w "Instrumental").

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.

Larry June & prolific producer Cardo have joined forces once again to bring you their latest masterpiece: "The Night Shift," a nocturnal adventure that takes you on a ride through the vivid and pulsating streets of Larry's life, as brought to life by Cardo's distinctive production. Larry June, the San Francisco native known for his smooth, laid-back flow and his unwavering commitment to living a healthy and prosperous lifestyle, seamlessly blends his distinctive style with Cardo's signature production, creating a sound that's as crisp and refreshing as a glass of cold-pressed orange juice. "The Night Shift" is the soundtrack to those late-night drives, providing the perfect backdrop for contemplation and cruising. "The Night Shift" is more than just an album; it's a testament to the chemistry between Larry June and Cardo, two artists at the top of their game. This project is a reminder that, in the still of the night, when the city's lights are aglow, and the world is asleep, Larry June and Cardo are hard at work, crafting music that transcends time and place.

Limited to 500 copies for Germany, Austria and Switzerland territory. Exclusively available at HHV.

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