Skinshape - Umoja (Lewis Recordings)

(Pre-Order) LP Black Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket
(Pre-Order) SIGNED LP Black Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

(Pre-Order) LP Green Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket
(Pre-Order) SIGNED LP Green Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

(Pre-Order) CD 9.99 Add to basket
(Pre-Order) SIGNED CD 11.99 Add to basket

RELEASED JUNE 19TH

Fifth studio album featuring Malcolm Catto, D'Alma, Idd Aziz and Modou Touré.

Includes the singles Sua Alma, In The End and Afande.

Artwork by Japanese artist Ken-ichi Omura.

El Michels Affair - Adult Themes (Big Crown Records)

LP Opaque White Vinyl (BCR090LPC2) 19.99 Add to basket
LP Black Vinyl 17.99 Add to basket
CD 10.99 Add to basket

FORTHCOMING

Big Crown Records is proud to present Adult Themes, the latest full length offering from El Michels Affair. This album takes the band’s “Cinematic Soul” aesthetic literally and sends the listener on a journey through a whirlwind of moods and energies. With their 2005 debut album Sounding Out The City, EMA spearheaded an instrumental funk / soul movement that inspired a slew of bands and even lead to the creation of a few independent record labels. El Michels has since lent his signature sound to artists from Adele to Dr John, Lana Del Rey to Aloe Blacc, and a who’s who list of others. In 2016 he co-founded Big Crown Records and has since produced the lion’s share of its output. A short stint as the touring band for Wu Tang Clan in 2007 led to the cult classics Enter The 37th Chamber (2009) and Return To The 37th Chamber (2017).

Adult Themes marks the long awaited, highly anticipated return to an album of original compositions from El Michels Affair.

The The Shacks / Brainstory - Smile Now, Cry later b/w Runaway (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

A. The Shacks - Smile Now, Cry later / B. Brainstory - Runaway

A 7” single taken from the forthcoming Big Crown compilation album Dear Sunny…, consisting of covers of Sunny & The Sunliners classics executed by artists on their roster. Here, The Shacks energetically tackle ‘Smile Now, Cry Later’, while Brainstory dramatically reinterpret ‘Runaway’ on the reverse.

The Heliocentrics - Infinity of Now (Madlib Invazion)

LP Black Vinyl 20.99 Add to basket
CD 10.99 Add to basket

The UK’s cosmic, psychedelic-funk ensemble issue their first album on maverick producer Madlib’s label, Madlib Invazion.

The Heliocentrics’ albums are all confounding pieces of work. Drawing equally from the funk universe of James Brown, the disorienting asymmetry of Sun Ra, the cinematic scope of Ennio Morricone, the sublime fusion of David Axelrod, Pierre Henry’s turned-on musique concrète, and Can’s beat-heavy Krautrock, they have – regardless of the label on which they’ve released their music – pointed the way towards a brand new kind of psychedelia, one that could only come from a band of accomplished musicians who were also obsessive music fans. Drummer Malcolm Catto and bassist Jake Ferguson are the Heliocentrics’ masterminds and producers, and they are obsessive weirdos in today’s musical climate, searching, progressive humans who are often out-of-time with current trends.

They have been playing together for nearly two decades and their collective drive is to find an individual voice. The Heliocentrics search for it in an alternate galaxy where the orbits of funk, jazz, psychedelic, electronic, avant-garde and “ethnic” music all revolve around “The One.” With Madilb’s label Madlib Invazion for Infinity of Now, the Heliocentrics have returned to develop their epic vision of psychedelic funk, while exploring the possibilities created by their myriad influences – Latin, African, and more.

Gang Starr - Jazz Thing (Mr Bongo)

7" Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

A. Jazz Thing (Video Mix) / B. Jazz Thing (Movie Mix)

Given that Gang Starr recently reformed and jazz is now all the rage, it seems fitting that Mr Bongo has decided to reissue the rare 7" version of the group's 1990 masterpiece "Jazz Thing". It's a wholehearted tribute to the greats of jazz - and the role jazz records have in hip-hop's sample culture - that comes in two distinctively different mixes. On the A-side you'll find the "Video Mix", a bouncy and suitably jazzy DJ Premier production that layers Guru's fine rap flows above loose-limbed drums, smoky horn samples and his own super-tight scratches. Turn to side B for the "Movie Mix" - so-called because it was created for a Spike Lee flick - where Guru's vocal rides improvised horns and an entirely different beat crafted from Kool & The Gang samples.

Eric B & Rakim - I Know You Got Soul (Mr Bongo)

7" Black Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

A: I Know You Got Soul / B. I Know You Got Soul (Dub Version)

There can be few hip-hop heads who don't know Eric B & Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul", a Bobby Byrd and Funkadelic-sampling beast from 1987 that remains one of rap's most recognizable moments. The rap from Rakim is iconic, but it's the Eric B beat behind - all loose-but-heavy, snare-heavy beats, recognizable guitar licks and chorus-style blasts of Bobby Byrd vocals- that makes the track such a club-ready hip-hop classic. Here it gets the reissue treatment on "45" courtesy of Mr Bongo, with the duo's brilliant vocal version being joined on the flip by the overlooked, delay-laden "Dub Mix". For those who covet alternate versions of classic cuts, this instrumental revision is a must.

Eric B & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke (Mr Bongo)

7" Black Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

A: I Ain’t No Joke / B: Eric B. Is On The Cut

Mr Bongo's Eric B & Rakim reissue series continues via a fresh pressing of the hard-to-find U.S seven-inch single release of the NYC duo's second single, 1987 gem "I Ain't No Joke". Rakim's distinctive vocals naturally take centre stage on side A, albeit over a sparse-but-strong Eric B beat high on the kind of crunchy drums, headline-grabbing scratches and sampled horn motifs that marked out the duo's best collaborative work. As with the original American single, the B-side boasts "Eric B On The Cut", a quality cut-and-paste affair in the style of Grandmaster Flash's "On The Wheels Of Steel" that's little more than a highly impressive DJ routine.

Kanye West - Jesus Is King (Def Jam)

LP Transparent Blue Vinyl 17.99 Add to basket

A long-awaited release on transparent blue vinyl for Jesus Is King, the ninth studio album from Kanye West which was released digitally back in October 2019 and which coincided with IMAX film of the same name. With a prominent Christian theme, Jesus Is King is certainly the most divisive ye album - and that’s saying something!

Duke Ellington - Money Jungle LP (Blue Note)

LP 180g Vinyl Reissue 30.99 Add to basket

Part of the Tone Poet Audiophile Reissue Series

On September 17, 1962, Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Max Roach gathered at Sound Makers studio in NYC and recorded Money Jungle, one of the most celebrated jazz trio albums of all time. Generational and stylistic differences between the three masters led to fearless music-making of the highest order. The album was originally released on United Artists and featured 7 of Ellington’s indelible compositions including “Caravan,” “Solitude,” and a stunning version of “Le Fleurs Africaines (African Flower).” By going back to the original analog stereo master the Tone Poet Edition presents this classic album with superior sound quality.

Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner (Blue Note)

LP 180g Vinyl Reissue 30.99 Add to basket

Part of the Tone Poet Audiophile Reissue Series

Recorded and released in 1969, Herbie Hancock’s last Blue Note album The Prisoner is a powerful but overlooked masterpiece. A moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, this nonet session features some of the most exceptional instrumentalists in jazz including Joe Henderson, Johnny Coles, Hubert Laws, Garnett Brown, Buster Williams, and Albert “Tootie” Heath. Hancock said of The Prisoner: “I've been able to get closer to the real me with this album than on any other previous one.”

Mndsgn - Bed (Fatbeats)

LP Black Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

Mndsgn as you may or may not guess is pronounced Mind Design and is the alter ego of producer Ringgo Ancheta. He's already released several lovely records for Stones Throw but Bed is something different entirely. Originally issued on limited cassette it explores sleep and the places it takes us and also features a heartfelt tribute to Acheta's deceased cat.

Ted Poor - You Already Know (A New Deal / Impulse! Records)

LP Vinyl 17.99 Add to basket

Ted Poor is a Seattle-based drummer whose adventurous, soulful playing has vaulted him to the stages of some of today's most important musicians and placed him amongst those drummers most in demand. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 2003, Ted moved from his hometown of Rochester, NY to New York City where he quickly made a deep impression on its jazz and indie-rock music communities. In his ten years in NYC Ted appeared on dozens of recordings with world-renowned artists.

Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreak (Roc-A-Fella Records)

Deluxe Collector's Set 2LP Vinyl 26.99 Add to basket

Includes CD, Poster & Lyric Sheet

808s & Heartbreak is the fourth studio album by Kanye West. It was released on 24th November, 2008, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Conceived in the wake of several distressing personal events, 808s & Heartbreak marked a major musical departure from West’s previous rap records, instead featuring a sparse, electronic sound and West singing through an Auto-Tune vocal processor. His lyrics explore themes of loss, alienated fame, and heartache, while the album’s production abandons conventional hip hop sounds in favor of a minimalist sonic palette, which includes prominent use of the titular Roland TR-808 drum machine.

Despite varying responses from listeners, the album received positive reviews from most music critics, who generally commented on West’s experimentation, and was named one of 2008’s best records in several year-end lists. Four singles were released in promotion, including the hit singles “Love Lockdown” and “Heartless”. 808s & Heartbreak has since been cited as a prominent influence on subsequent hip hop, pop, and R&B music. This was due to a new wave of rappers, singers, and producers coming to adopt aspects of its style and thematic content.

Vinnie Paz - As Above So Below (Enemy Soil)

LP Vinyl 29.99 Add to basket

Vinnie Paz (Jedi Mind Tricks, Army of the Pharaohs, Heavy Metal Kings) returns with his fifth solo album.

Anna Wise - As If It Were Forever (Alpha Pup Records)

LP Vinyl (+ MP3) 22.99 Add to basket

GRAMMY award-winning musician and producer Anna Wise has announced her forthcoming debut album, As If It Were Forever, out via Alpha Pup Records, along with a new alt-R&B single "Nerve," which was written in a single evening.

Anna Wise shares, "I created 'Nerve' with Jon Bap and Nick Hakim in a single evening in Brooklyn, NY. Sometimes words and melodies flow out so fast, it's best to have all your tools ready to catch the ideas before they leave you and tap on the next person's shoulder. I had all my tools ready that night, and I'm grateful. Lyrically, it's about spring cleaning your relationships and not being afraid of letting go. Typical, I know, but it's a lesson I am still learning."

Lizette & Quevin - Grow Forever / Now It's Your Turn To Sing (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 7.99 SOLD OUT

Produced by Leon Michels. Features vocal and guitar by Kevin Martin of Brainstory.

When Lizette and Quevin visited Leon Michels at his home in upstate New York an impromptu recording session gave birth to 'Grow Forever', the first ever song from this top-notch duo. Quevin (aka Kevin Martin) is one third of Brainstory and the man behind the honeyed voice that blessed their hit singles Dead End and Mnemophobia. Lizette is a talented ceramics artist whose voice has a certain 'je ne sais quoi' that is reminiscent of records by Little Ann and Rosie and The Originals.

'Grow Forever' is a mid tempo ballad that will have most collectors buying doubles. Lizette & Quevin trade lines over beautiful chords, fluttering guitar, and crushing drums. The B Side is an instrumental of the track entitled 'Now It's Your Turn To Sing' that we will be using for a talent contest of sorts. We will be inviting people to write and sing their own songs over the track and sent them into us via Youtube, the three best versions will win Big Crown prizes.

Chinese Man - The Groove Session Vol. 5 (Chinese Man Records)

2xLP Coloured Vinyl (+ MP3) 22.99 Add to basket
CD 11.99 Add to basket

15 exclusive tracks from Chinese Man on translucent orange & black splattered double vinyl - download code included.

An exclusive album to mark the 15th anniversary of the CMR label co-composed by Chinese Man, Baja Frequencia and Scratch Bandits Crew! Combining scratch music, trip-Hop, dub and tropical rhythms, The Groove Sessions Vol.5 highlights the artistic spontaneity and creativity in constant boiling of Label artists.

D.I.T.C - Studios Vol.2 (DITC Studios)

LP Red Vinyl 25.99 SOLD OUT
CD 14.99 SOLD OUT



The Diggin In The Crates collective has dropped a new album titled D.I.T.C. Studios Volume 2. The project is produced entirely by longtime member Showbiz.

D.I.T.C.’s latest compilation features 10 tracks. A.G., O.C., Lil Fame of M.O.P., Papoose, Milano Constantine, Cory Gunz and David Bars contribute vocals to the LP.

Jehst - Dragon of an Ordinary Family (YNR)

2xLP Coloured Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

Reissue of Jehst's 2011, 4th studio album, 'Dragon of an Ordinary Family.'

Limited edition repress on Orange and Purple vinyl!

Roc Marciano - Marcielago (Fat Beats)

2xLP Vinyl 27.99 SOLD OUT

Seventh full length studio album from legendary emcee/producer Roc Marciano featuring Westside Gunn, Ka, Willie The Kid, Knowledge The Pirate, Cook$ with beats by The Alchemist, ANIMOSS and Roc Marci.

Ikebe Shakedown - Stone By Stone (Ubiquity)

LP Vinyl 19.99 SOLD OUT

Ikebe Shakedown’s powerful instrumental soul takes “big unison horns, slinky bass lines, tight little guitar licks—and blends them with tasty grooves culled from '70s-style horn-driven funk (WNYC Soundcheck).” The Brooklyn-based collective is set to follow up their well-received self-titled debut album with the heavier, more mature sound of their second full-length 'Stone By Stone.'

Black Market Brass - Undying Thirst (Colemine Records)

Coloured Numbered Gatefold LP Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket
Black Gatefold LP Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

Black Market Brass’ sophomore record, Undying Thirst, is a noxious brew of diesel and bleach; a special long-player full of wasteoid rippers for skullduggerous hover-bike gangs peddling fugazi relics and snake oil tinctures. Hellacious guitars, nitrous-charged percussion, a brass section harsher than paint-thinner, and a special batch of short-circuited electronics and synthesizers will leave your head buzzing into the 31st century. Blasting Undying Thirst from your home speaker system is like going over a waterfall in a rusted out oil barrel, long after the sun has boiled the falls dry.

LP is packaged in high quality Stoughton Tip-On gatefold jacket, LP stored in an anti-static innsersleeve, and includes a download card. Pressed at Gotta Groove Records in Cleveland, OH.

Pressing Information: Gold vinyl limited to 1500 copies worldwide and will be gold-foil numbered.

Monophonics - It's Only Us (Colemine Records)

CD 10.99 Add to basket

With a timeless sound that blends heavy soul and psych-rock, Monophonics have built a reputation over the past decade as one of the best live bands in the country. Led by singer Kelly Finnigan, the band of has drawn on their colorful history — both their experiences as veteran touring performers and as individuals growing up in the Bay Area — to create “It’s Only Us,” their fourth release since 2012.

Pressing Information: The first pressing of this album (6000 copies) features a die-cut cover with four different images showing through the front cover. These images will be randomly assigned to each order.

Your Old Droog - Jewelry (Mongoloid Banks)

CD 14.99 Add to basket

Jewelry is the fifth studio album by American rapper Your Old Droog. It was released on December 23, 2019, making it the rapper's third release of the year, following April's It Wasn't Even Close and June's Transportation. The twelve-track project features collaborations with the album's executive producer, Mach-Hommy as well as MF DOOM, Tha God Fahim and Matisyahu. Featuring production by Fahim, Quelle Chris, Edan, Preservation and Cohen Beats. The album is a celebration of his Jewish heritage, labeled a "A Chanukah Celebration" with Your Old Droog stating "I'm no longer going to diminish my heritage for your comfort, some people hate simply for the sake of hating, let them crumble under the weight of that burden...we will celebrate light and life...I'm a Jew in America. This is my story. Shalom"

Afu-Ra - Urban Chemistry (X-Ray Production)

2xLP Gatefold Vinyl 15.99 Add to basket
CD 8.99 Add to basket

AFU-RA comes back with the project "Urban Chemistry" mixing Hip-Hop, Reggae and Soul, produced by Digital Cut, to be released in February 2020 on french X-Ray Production. On this new album, AFU-RA has invited one or more guests on each of the 18 tracks such as Sizzla, Jah Mason, Keny Arkana, Lord Kossity, Big Shug or Mann... Thanks to an exclusive collaboration with the brand Canna, all songs have been filmed in 15 cities in 8 different countries.

Magic In Threes - 3 [Remastered] (KingUnderground Records)

LP Black Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

The album was previously released digitally in 2016 by the band’s own imprint, G.E.D. Soul Records. Now newly remastered with lacquers cut by the legendary Pete Norman (Led Zeppelin, David Bowie) and released on KingUnderground.

The music would make the perfect fit in movies like the recently released Dolomite revamp, and the now cult classic Black Dynamite. But it doesn’t fit into a blaxploitation soundtrack style box alone. You could imagine iconic rappers like Ghostface or Black Thought using these soundscapes. ‘3’ would even fit comfortably next to classic KPM or De Wolfe library releases from the mid 70’s, just as well as current indie trio, Khruangbin.

mndsgn - Oblique Kitchn [Reissue] (Fatbeats)

LP Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

Released in 2012 on 30 hand dubbed cassette tapes, "Oblique Kitchen" sautees a medley of mid-tempo rhythms in a frying pan of aromatic loops and stewed softsynths. the cover collage depicts immenent transcedance amidst the faces of absurdity.

Ikebe Shakedown - Asa-Sa / Pepper (Ubiquity)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

Originally released in 2011 as CD and digital exclusives on Ikebe Shakedown's debut self-titled album, "Asa-Sa" and the B-side "Pepper" are both horn-driven, heavy, Afro-influenced slices of funk best-served on the 7in format. Ikebe Shakedown has kept their signature funk, tight horns and impeccable rhythm through several releases including their most recent album "Kings Left Behind" on Colemine Records which made it to #2 on Billboards Jazz chart.

Sean Price & Lil' Fame - Price Of Fame (Ruck Down Records)

CD 10.99 Add to basket

Sean Price & Lil Fame join forces for 'The Price of Fame' album. The 11-track project features M.O.P., Smif N Wessun, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Conway The Machine & Guilty Simpson. The album is entirely produced by Lil Fame and contains all unreleased Sean Price verses.

The Professionals - The Professionals (Madlib Invazion)

CD 11.99 Add to basket
LP Vinyl 25.99 Add to basket

The Professionals – Beats by Madlib. Raps by Oh No. Real. Rap. Shit. Featuring Adub, Elzhi, Chino XL.

Madlib is a highly regarded and influential hip-hop producer and occasional rapper, who has left his distinct and stylized sound on classic tracks and critically beloved albums by the likes of MF DOOM (Madvillain), J Dilla (JayLib), Talib Kweli (Liberation), Georgia Anne Muldrow (Seeds), and more. Madlib’s collaborations with rapper Freddie Gibbs (Piñata & this year’s Bandana) are some of the most acclaimed hip-hop records of the past decade, and his various DJ mix compilations (Madlib Medicine Show, Beat Konducta) have earned high praise from a vareity of journalistic sources.

Oh No is a rapper and producer who has left his mark across a wide swath of releases. His 2006 concept album Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms (Which exclusively sampled the works of musical theatre composer Galt MacDermot) was highly acclaimed upon its release, as well as his various crate-digging DJ mix projects (Dr. No’s Oxperiment, Dr. No’s Ethiopium).

He has produced tracks for the likes of Danny Brown, Action Bronson, Aloe Blacc, Talib Kweli, and Prodigy, while contributing guest verses to tracks by Czarface, Apathy, Murs, Little Brother, and more.

Slum Village x Abstract Orchestra - Fantastic 2020 (Ne'Astra)

CD 13.99 Add to basket

"Live jazzy orchestral interpretations of the Jay Dee aka J Dilla produced Slum Village classic Fantastic Vol 2!

On this, the 20th anniversary of Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2's release, the Abstract Orchestra are proud to pay tribute to this highly innovative hip-hop classic. Across a 2-CD set of studio recordings, the big band applies their own jazzy spin to Dilla's classic productions, with occasional assistance from the surviving members of Slum Village themselves. The end result is Fantastic 2020, a hybrid blend of smooth, funky brass rhythms with boom-bap sensibilities that is just the kind of tribute that an often unsung, but highly influential group like Slum Village deserves, and is a more than welcome addition to any Dilla completist's library.

EAMON - Captive Thoughts (Now-Again Records)

CD 10.99 Add to basket

Platinum recording artist and unapologetic soul singer Eamon is set to release his new album Captive Thoughts on Now-Again Records. After his ambitious and critically acclaimed 2017 album Golden Rail Motel, Eamon's new record feels like an even deeper expression of the lost art of the singer's ability to make the listener feel every single lyric. 'Simply put, I'm singing every note as if my life depends on it' says Eamon through a thick Staten Island accent that hasn't faded since relocating to Los Angeles.

Now-Again Records was so impressed with Eamon's Golden Rail Motel that they approached the singer and offered him a unique deal: he could comb through their vast catalog of songs from the 60's and 70's in order to sample music to create an album of his own. At first working with Stoupe, the producer from legendary hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks, Eamon would stay up late into the night sifting through sample upon sample in search of the perfect fit for the album. Eamon then approached his steadfast producers Benj Heard and Snipe Young with seven songs to tackle together. The end result was something fresh and forward looking but also a throwback to the golden era of soul music. While many will remember Eamon for his groundbreaking song 'Fuck It (I Don't Want You Back)', the music he has recorded since his comeback from his decade-long hiatus represent the evolution from a controversial kid to a dynamic and respected artist. Captive Thoughts channels Eamon's childhood performing in his father's doo wop group, his immersion in 1990's New York hip hop, his obsession of classic soul music, and the intense lyricism and performances of Golden Rail Motel into one, cohesive album that is capable of moving the listener in unexpected ways. Eamon's voice communicates the highs and lows of being human with his unforgettable style. This record, like the songs it samples, is here to stay.

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Half Manne Half Cocaine(Madlib Invazion)

12" Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

This exclusive 12 inch release features “Half Manne Half Cocaine” and “Palmolive” from Bandana, the critically acclaimed best-seller from Freddie Gibbs and Madlib.

In addition to full instrumentals for both selections the set includes the Madlib bonus beats “Zebras In The Myst” and “Night Vision” not found anywhere else.

TRACKLIST:

A1. Half Manne Half Cocaine (Vocal Version)
A2. Half Manne Half Cocaine (Instrumental)
A3. Zebras In The Mist (Bonus Beat)


B1. Palmolive (feat. Pusha T & Killer Mike)
B2. Palmolive (Instrumental)
B3. Night Vision (Bonus Beat)

Czarface - The Odd Czar Against Us (Silver Age)

CD 13.99 Add to basket
Green LP Vinyl 25.99 Add to basket

Czarface's Release Debuts On RSD Black Friday In A Never To Be Repeated GREEN VINYL Pressing.

The Variant Cover Is Exclusive For Black Friday And Will Not Be Used On Any Other Issue Of The Release.

CZARFACE, iron clad crime fighter, heroically returns to his lair after two spine-chilling adventures with MF DOOM and GHOSTFACE KILLAH. In his secret hideout, he has whipped up a few uncanny surprises for longtime Czar fans...expect curveball concepts, solo exploits, and noggin nodding neck-snappers alike. 'The Odd Czar Against Us' launches this November for RSD Black Friday on green vinyl, and CZARFACE goes full Voltron, employing every asset in his arsenal, maximizing lyrical efforts from Inspectah Deck & Esoteric and pulsepounding production from in house beatsmith 7L & Jeremy Page. This album stands to be the group's most ambitious and challenging effort to date. Are the odds against him this time, or are they against the underworld? Tune in to find out!.

Elcamino - Elcamino 2 (Air Vinyl)

CD 17.99 Add to basket

Ft. Benny Butcher, 38 Spesh & Rick Hyde

Griselda Records affiliate ElCamino has released his new album ElCamino 2, continuing a busy year that’s seen him drop multiple projects. The seven-track set arrives just a few weeks after 2e teamed up with producer Bozack Morris for the Saint Muerte LP. ElCamino’s latest effort features Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh and Rick Hyde. Production is handled by DJ Green Lantern, Camoflauge Monk, DirtyDiggs, JR Swiftz, Chris Ruben and Boodeini.

Elcamino - Elcamino Reissue (Anti Gun Violence Co.)

CD 15.99 Add to basket

Since he first appeared on the scene, ElCamino has been steadily building his resume and reputation within hip-hop. Now, there is no debate, he is here to stay. Although the youngest member of the acclaimed Griselda group, ElCamino has no problem holding his own alongside Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine and Benny the Butcher. Hailing from Buffalo, New York, ElCamino is no stranger to the struggle. His music pays homage to his upbringing and brings an element of realism that has been noticeably absent from rap and hip-hop music in recent years. In fact, his first four projects were rorded while ElCamino was on house arrest for a prior run in with the law. ElCamino’s eight track, self-titled debut album ElCamino dropped in late 2017, but it still represents some of his best work to date, receiving praise and acclaim from hip-hop critics. A fan-favorite, ElCamino includes features from the legendary Prodigy and Griselda bosses Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine. With Boodeini, Rowland and Lucky Seven each bringing their signature production, ElCamino’s dark and gritty lyrics jump off the track to paint a vivid picture of his struggle on his road to success.

Herbie Hancock - Directstep (Get On Down)

Limited Edition Gatefold LP Vinyl 28.99 Add to basket

This is a Black Friday 2019 item. Previously Issued On LP In Japan Only. Out Of Print Since The 1980s. Housed In A Deluxe Gatefold Jacket and Exclusive Japanese- Style OBI-Card and Includes A Full-Colour Insert. Throughout the 1970s, legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock engaged in a prolonged period of experimentation across sounds and recording formats, releasing several albums for Columbia that were only issued in Japan. 1979's Directstep was one such album, one that made use of a new form of recording technology called Direct-To-Disc. This method recorded masters in real time to acetate discs, rendering incredibly high fidelity LP pressings, but sacrificing the ability to edit or overdub. A challenge Hancock and his group were more than up to. Directstep utilized other technological advancements as well, incorporating brand new electronic instrument technology such as the electronic wind instrument the Lyricon, the freshly released Propet-5 synthesizer, and of course the Sennheiser Vocoder which would become a key part of the artist’s arsenal during his electro-funk period in the 1980s. Beyond all that, Directstep is an incredibly solid collection of Herbie Hancock material, featuring stirring remakes of Hancock staples Butterfly and I Thought It Was You as well as brand new track Shiftless Shuffle.

Get On Down is proud to present this reissue of Directstep, a gem of jazz-fusion, available on vinyl for the first time in 30 years for RSD Black Friday.

Miles Davis - Miles In Tokyo: Miles Davis Live In Concert (Get On Down)

Limited Edition Gatefold LP Vinyl 28.99 Add to basket

This is a Black Friday 2019 item.

Miles Davis was on the verge of forming one of his most acclaimed ensembles in 1964. It was this year that he travelled to perform in Japan for the first time, bringing with him 3/4ths of the musicians that would form his famed "second great quartet"; Herbie Hancock on piano, Ron Carter on double bass, and Tony Williams on drums. In addition the jazz legend brought along saxophonist Sam Rivers to replace the recently exited George Coleman. Davis and Rivers never developed any major chemistry and frequently found their distinct styles frequently clashing (or perhaps dueling) in their performances. Rivers would ultimately be dismissed from the group at the end of their trip, leading to the arrival of Wayne Shorter, and the inception of the second great quintet. The partnership of Miles Davis and Sam Rivers may have been short-lived, but it did produce the live album Miles In Tokyo. The record is a rare jewel in Miles Davis' discography, featuring high-energy live versions of songs by Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, and Richard Carpenter, as well as a restlessly fast-paced take on the Davis staple So What.

This collection has previously only been available in Japan, but is now presented on vinyl for the first time in America by Get On Down, just in time for RSD Black Friday.

Monophonics - Chances (Colemine Records)

Limited Edition 7" Green Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

First single from Monophonics new album, It's Only Us, on Colemine Records. Chances is an uptempo track that glowingly walks the line between deep, northern and sweet soul. The groups formula that fans have fallen in love with time and time again, is there once again knocking on your cerebral. Sitting atop drums that would make Pete Rock turn his head, the rhythm section is anchored deep in the pocket with a bubbling bass line, quivering vibraphone, shimmery guitar and honey thick horns. It’s all the support that background singers the ‘soul mates’ and lead singer Kelly Finnigan need to exhibit why empathetic lovers should think twice about giving “so many chances.”

Sparkle - Sparkle(Cultures Of Soul) Remastered

Gatefold LP Vinyl 20.99 Add to basket

In a genre that has classically been driven primarily by hot twelve-inches, it can sometimes be hard to find a disco album that delivers the goods from end to end—let alone a disco LP that could be described as “perfect.” Does such an animal even exist? We’re pretty sure it has to, and we can probably think of a few candidates ourselves. Cultures of Soul Records presents Sparkle’s self-titled album which many disco aficionados would put into this category. Sparkle was a female vocal trio from Connecticut, assembled by the producer Harold Sargent, erstwhile drummer of the sterling funk band Wood, Brass & Steel, and creator of manifold drum breaks that would go on to be sampled for decades. Originally released in 1979, the album and the group are fittingly titled as the music is a scintillating, radiant collection of shimmering disco and dazzling funk, performed by Too Much Too Soon—the multiracial R&B band that featured Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, the writing/production team that would discover Rihanna and power her career to global dominance fifteen years later. Also on hand is musical prodigy Rahni Harris, whose Sargent-assisted club classic “Six Million Steps” is also included on the album. The result is an album that by far exceeds the sum of its parts, delivering a truly transcendent disco experience.

The J.B's - More Mess On My Thing Reissue (Now-Again)

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LP Vinyl + Booklet 26.99 Add to basket

The companion to These Are The JB’s - the long lost, unreleased album by James Brown’s first backing band: the Bootsy Collins led JB’s, that Now-Again issued in 2014. Never-before-heard originals including the band’s mythical demo recording for James Brown, which only made it to a one-off test press on King Records. The full version of the song was recently discovered in Universal’s vault by James Brown detective Harry Weinger and is presented here for the first time ever. Also included is the JB’s powerful medley not presented on Now–Again’s issue of the lost These Are The JB’s. Covers by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles. Contains extensive booklet with full annotation, liner notes by Brown historian Alan Leeds and never-before-published photos.

James Reese And The Progressions - Wait For Me: The Complete Works 1967- 1972 (Now-Again)

2CD 12.99 Add to basket
LP Vinyl + Booklet 45.99 Add to basket

Trombonist, bandleader, songwriter, arranger and producer James Reese never issued an album with his Progressions band, only a series of 45s – some under his own name, some under that of his collaboraors – out of Spartanburg, South Carolina on his Najma label, from the late 1960s until the mid 1970s. He was as ambitious as he was talented, and his ouevre ranges from brutal, deep soul to sophisticated instrumental ballads to jazz-inflected funk. Now-Again’s Egon first discovered Reese’s music on a 24 lock-in in Concord, North Carolina’s legendary record and antique clock repository, Ye Olde Clock Shoppe, in 1999. After he tracked down Reese, he officially reissued two of Reese’s songs on his seminal Stones Throw anthology The Funky 16 Corners. He later issued more of Reese’s music on the Now-Again anthology Loving On The Flipside.

Sourced from rare 45s and multi-track master tapes, Wait For Me: The Complete Works 1967-1972 presents both issued and recently-rediscovered songs in the full-length format, in a cohesive set that shows the brilliance still arising from the American soul and funk sub-strata. Long time Now-Again associate Kenny Dope presents a remix of the song “Throwing Stones,” and Now-Again mastering engineer Jason Bitner presents alternate mixes of various cuts on a bonus second LP, available only to subscribers. Those mixes are also included as part of the 2 CD set that accompanies the vinyl album. Both LP and CD version contain an extensive booklet detailing the trajectory of Reese and his band. Download card for WAV files included with the LP.

Juju - Live At The East 1973 (Now-Again)

LP + Booklet LP 26.99 Add to basket

Now-Again Records Presents Limited Edition Deluxe Reissues Of The Lauded Black Fire Catalog In 2020.

First up in the series, this previously unreleased live session recorded at the legendary Brooklyn venue The East in 1973. Magical, mystical, Afrocentric, progressive, words that could be used to describe any number of musical compositions by Sun Ra or his cosmic brothers and sisters, from John to Alice Coltrane, early ‘70s projects on record labels like Detroit’s Tribe or Houston’s Lightin’ or the interests of one Washington, DC native named Jimmy Gray that centered under one, perfect moniker: Black Fire. Gray spent nearly three decades pushing boundaries as a Black American promoter, distributor and, finally, record label owner. Together with Juju’s leader James “Plunky Nkabinde “ Branch, Gray oversaw sixteen releases on Black Fire Records between 1975 and 1996. These are the definitive reissues of five of the label’s key titles; all were lacquered, most directly from master tape by legendary Los Angeles mastering engineer Bernie Grundman, With this set, Juju and Black Fire’s story burns forth into its fifth decade, its message not tempered, its sound pure. It’s cycle, once again, complete. Each release is packaged in a thick, tip-on sleeve and includes a deluxe booklet with extensive notes on the album, the Black Fire collective, and the musical and cultural revolution they created.

Limited edition, one time pressing

Raphael Saadiq - Instant Vintage (Get On Down)

Remastered Gatefold 2LP Vinyl 30.99 Add to basket

Raphael Saadiq did not rest on his laurels after bringing his famed R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! to a close in 1997. In the coming years he was a highly sought after producer and session musician, leaving his mark on tracks by D'Angelo, The Roots, and Erykah Badu, and briefly formed the supergroup Lucy Pearl with Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, and Dawn Robinson of En Vogue. After nearly a decade of working in the realm of New Jack Swing, Saadiq's interests gradually gravitated towards the burgeoning musical subgenre of neo-soul.



In the nearly two decades since the album's release in 2002, Instant Vintage has never been reissued on vinyl. Get On Down aims to change all that in 2020 with this sterling LP reissue, featuring remastered audio and an intricately re-created Gatefold sleeve of the original, enigmatic cover art.

Ben Pirani and The Means of Production - That’s The Way It Goes / Dreamin’s For Free (Colemine Records)

Limited Edition Hand Written 7" Black Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

Beautiful stripped-down lowrider-soul from Ben Pirani and The Means of Production on Colemine Records, released for Valentine's day.

A. That’s The Way It Goes
B. Dreamin’s For Free

Kelly Finnigan - Since I Don't Have You Anymore (Colemine Records)

7" Clear Vinyl 7.99 Add to basket
7" Black Vinyl 6.99 Add to basket

The incredible uptempo track from Kelly's debut album that feels like its was pulled straight off of some deep and rare Numero compilation, we are proud to present the stand alone 45 of "Since I Don't Have You Anymore" with the instrumental on the flip.

Clear vinyl limited to 1000 copies.

1. Since I Don't Have You Anymore
2. Since I Don't Have You Anymore (instrumental)

Planet Asia - A.G.E (All Gold Everything) [Air Vinyl Records]

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Planet Asia is in his King Medallions bag this year. After dropping the criminally slept-on Initials On My Jewelry last Spring, the Fresno beast is back with the drip-heavy A.G.E. (All Gold Everything). The album features production from DJ Skizz, DirtyDiggs, Nicholas Craven, and more. Guests include Defari, TriState, Montage One, Stylistik Jones, and more!

KXNG Crooked & Bronze Nazareth - Gravitas (Air Vinyl Records)

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Featuring Snoop Dogg, Ghostface Killah, Planet Asia And Else.

Long Beach legend Kxng Crooked takes a break from his consistently dope Weeklys series to serve up listeners a slab of hardcore Hip-Hop fashioned with lauded Wu affiliate Bronze Nazareth. It's East meets West in a collision of sound. And plenty of Crooked and Bronze's homies come along for the ride, including Snoop Dogg, RZA, Ghostface Killah, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, and many more.

Fred The Godson - God Level (Air Vinyl Records)

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Featuring Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, Jim Jones & more.

Fred The Godson gave listeners a couple drums earlier this year on his collab album with Joell Ortiz, "Gorilla Glue." The effort was well-received by fans and critics alike. Be that as it may, Gordo plan's to close out 2019 with more fire. He's linked up with 38 Spesh and his TCF Music Group to release a surprise drop on November 15th titled "God Level." The album includes features from 38 Spesh, Benny The Butcher, Jim Jones, Axel Leon, and more. However, the lead single is a solo aural assault dedicated to getback titled "Retaliation." This litany of intricate punchlines over a hard Hesami beat is the perfect intro to "God Level."

38 Spech x Benny The Butcher - Stabbed & Shot (Air Vinyl Records)

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INCLUDES PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED INSTRUMENTALS!

Air Vinyl is proud to be reissuing Benny The Butcher and 38 Spesh's seminal joint album, Stabbed & Shot. These underground kingpins were both at their hungriest at the top of 2018 and this LP is the proof. Air Vinyl will also be releasing Stabbed & Shot II later in 2020, so this re-release should get fans ready.

Benny the Butcher is as hot as any artist on the planet right now, fresh off of an incredible 2019 with his The Plugs I Met project, the collaborative effort Statue of Limitations (with Smoke DZA), and his Shady Records debut alongside his Griselda brethren Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, entitled WWCD.

38 Spesh is heading up the Trust movement, and also had a stellar few years, including his Son of G Rap album (alongside Kool G Rap) and songs with Styles P, Jadakiss, Uncle Murda, AZ, N.O.R.E., Kool G Rap, and French Montana. He has worked with several high-profile producers as well, including the likes of DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Alchemist.

Album art by Manuel "Cep" Concepcion

Da Lench Mob - Guerillas In Tha Mist (Get On Down)

LP Coloured Vinyl 24.99 Add to basket

First ever vinyl reissue of this classic, West Coast hip hop LP from the once Ice Cube fronted crew, Da Lench Mob. Originally released in 1992.

The LP is pressed on a deluxe Green and Orange Splatter-coloured vinyl, and features remastered audio and a painstakingly recreated full colour jacket.

Nas - Stillmatic RSD Black Friday Limited Edition Reissue (Get On Down)

2LP Silver Vinyl 27.99 Add to basket

2001 marked the release of Nas' fifth studio full-length, on which made the effort to re-establish himself in the underground style which first brought him to prominence. The title is even a nod to his own roots: Stillmatic, a clear and present reference and sequel of sorts to Illmatic. The move worked perfectly; Stillmatic was hailed by critics as a brilliant return to form, earning rave reviews from rap outlets such as The Source and HipHopDX as well as from more mainstream publications like The Rolling Stone and The Village Voice.

Now approaching two decades after the record's release, Get On Down proudly brings you this deluxe double LP reissue. Stillmatic, unavailable on vinyl since its original 2001 release, is now presented with remastered audio in a silver vinyl pressing exclusively for RSD Black Friday!

Statik Selektah & Paul Wall - Give Thanks (Tuff Kong Records)

LP Vinyl 27.99 Add to basket

During the course of 2019 boom-bap ambassador Statik Selektah has provided the masses with several collaborations with southern legends such as Bun B and Curren$y and now ends the year with a collaboration with the People’s Champ and H-Town O.G. Paul Wall. The extraordinaire producer provides a brand new soundscape for Paul Wall to spit to, his classic boom-bap trademark and soulful vibes characterise these seven songs which also see guest appearances by B-Real, CJ Fly, Benny The Butcher, Nems, Haile Supreme, Termanology and Mia Jae. Delivering this collaboration on thanksgiving the two have given life to an unlikely but incredible collaboration.

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib - Bandana Beats, Instrumentals LP (Madlib Invazion, ESGN, Keep Cool, RCA)

LP Vinyl 25.99 Add to basket

The instrumentals to the acclaimed 2019 collaborative album from Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, now available on vinyl.

Madlib, the prolific producer and adept sampler with a record collection spanning all genres and eras and Freddie Gibbs, the gravel-voiced braggadocios rapper, a vocal athlete. As a pair, they exude a natural chemistry and craft an alchemical music. Reunited after their widely celebrated 2014 album Piñata, Gibbs and Madlib are back with Bandana, a brand new collaboration for 2019. Bandana includes first single, “Flat Tummy Tea,” which received critical praise upon release from the likes of Rolling Stone, Billboard, Vulture, Pitchfork, FADER, GQ, and more. The album will also include features from Pusha T, Killer Mike, Yasiin Bey, and Black Thought and more.

Masta Ace & Marco Polo – A Breukelen Story DELUXE EDITION (Fat Beats)

3LP Vinyl 36.99 Add to basket

In celebration of the one-year anniversary of their 2018 collaborative effort, Masta Ace and Marco Polo present this limited edition deluxe version of A Breukelen Story featuring 4 non album cuts and instrumentals, 2 of which are unreleased in any form.

Packaged as a 3XLP set on gold vinyl w/ black splatter, A Breukelen Story: Deluxe Edition expands upon the celebrated album of their ever growing catalogs.

The Du-Rites – Mad Dog b/w Cheap Cologne (Ilegalia Records)

7" Vinyl 11.99 Add to basket

Fresh off the release of their first live album (and fourth overall), Soundcheck at 6, The Du-Rites waste no time getting back in the fold with two nasty sides of all new material. The latest 7” is a slight departure from the previous 7” (“Zodiac” b/w “Monster”). Where the personality of incidental vocals dominated that release, J-Zone & Pablo Martin split the difference this time and give us one half that and one half pure dynamite instrumental.

The dynamite instrumental would be the A-Side, “Mad Dog”. It starts with an off-the-wall, polyrhythmic drum solo, before gradually easing into an uptempo and somewhat unorthodox (yet still dance floor friendly) groove from J-Zone. The pocket goes deeper once the bass joins in, and the four car collision of distorted combo organs, analog synths, rolling tambourines and Pablo’s turkey grease Blaxploitation guitars put a spooky Psychedelic spin on The Du-Rites’ trademark brand of funk.

Candid vocals and humor are also a part of The Du-Rites approach, and though the A-Side is strictly for the groovers and shakers, the flip has a little for everyone. Pablo’s rolling funk bassline and honorary band member Bruce Martin’s (no relation) congas anchor a mean and nasty mid-tempo cooker that’s much heavier in feel than the A-Side. J-Zone’s open hi-hat barks throughout play off the rest of the rhythm section for a lock so serious that the guitar and keys only need to leave a tip and the silly banter - a nod to both cheap fragrance and Kool & The Gang’s 1970 classic, “Funky Man” - doesn’t get in the way.

The Du-Rites’ goal is always to expand the boundaries of modern funk without losing the essence of what funk is about. This release stays true to mantra.

Phill Most Chill - The Remix EP, 12" Black Vinyl (Nobody-Buys-Records)

12" Vinyl 14.99 Add to basket

4 fast, funky and exclusive Bankrupt Europeans remixes of the classic, classic, classic Phill Most Chill tracks On Tempo Jack, Release Yourself, Be Intelligent, and Phill Most Chill on the Hype Tip. The accapellas of these tracks do not exist, so these are the only remixes in existence. Cuts throughout are by the incredible DJ Grazzhoppa, so you know this is a must-have piece of wax.

Bankrupt Europeans Ft Phill Most Chill And DJ Muzzell - Class Dismissed, Numbered 7" Black Vinyl (Nobody-Buys-Records)

7" Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

There are hip-hop scratch tracks and then there’s the blistering Class Dismissed by Bankrupt Europeans on Nobody Buys Records.

DJ Muzzell provides the sensational cuts on "Class Dismissed", a scratch track to the fullest. Being a digger’s dream, with samples and breaks galore, this follows in the footsteps of the classic cut-n-paste Lessons tracks, and after Phill Most Chill heard it after we thought it was finished couldn’t help but make a guest appearance on it
Side Two has New Jersey’s Twizz and his rhyming partner Mr Rich over a classic Bankrupt Europeans grimy beat. DJ Grazzhoppa takes care of the cuts.

The 7" is a limited edition of 149 copies on orange colored vinyl. It is their first 45 and comes with a hype sticker on company sleeve.

A: Class Dismissed ft. Phill Most Chill, DJ Muzzell B: Plan For The Day ft. Mr. Rich, Twizz

Gang Starr - One of the Best Yet (Gang Starr Ent.)

2LP Vinyl 22.99 Add to basket

Gang Starr is undoubtedly one of the most revered, beloved and influential groups in Hip Hop. Over the course of their distinguished career, they became a cultural institution and a brand you could ultimately trust. With a handful of indelible classic albums on their resume, DJ Premier and Guru’s catalogue has not only persevered but mastered the test of time. Simply, Gang Starr did not follow trends, they created them.

Album includes guest spots from: M.O.P / Q-Tip / Royce da 5’9” / Jeru The Damaja / J. Cole Ne-Yo / Nitty Scott / Talib Kweli / Big Shug / Freddie Foxxx

Blu/DAMU - Ground & Water (Redefinition Records)

Blue LP Vinyl 26.99 Add to basket

Damu The Fudgemunk has enlisted the help of vocalist Blu to bring "Ground & Water" to life. Like all his albums, it is story telling based with superbly crisp production from the Washington DC man, backed with sweet flowing, tight rhymes from the Los Angeles rapper. The mood is often introspective and personal, with plenty of lyrical depth throughout. Faith, guilt, spirituality, humility and plenty more all come up on these thoughtful raps. Musically there is vital variation with some harder hitting jams next to the more blissed out and deep cut grooves.

Various - Crown Jewel Vol 1 (Big Crown Records Compilation)

Coloured LP Vinyl 20.99 Add to basket

Big Crown is proud to present their first compilation on the label, Crown Jewels Vol. 1. This is something of a highlight reel for what they have released in the three years that they've been around. It features Lee Fields and The Expressions, Bacao Rhythm and Steel Band, Lady Wray, The Shacks, El Michels Affair and more.

Booker T. & The M.G's - Melting Pot (Stax Records)

LP Vinyl 22.99 Add to basket

Melting Pot from Booker T. & The M.G.’s marked a turning point for the influential instrumental group. Released in 1971, it was the final studio album to include the original lineup of the longtime Stax house band (Booker T. Jones on keyboards, Steve Cropper on guitar, Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass guitar, and Al Jackson Jr. on drums). Comprised entirely of original material, Melting Pot finds the four-piece digging deep into some expansive Memphis soul jams.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Meet You At The Jazz Corner Of The World: Vol. 2 (Blue Note)

LP Vinyl 17.99 Add to basket

The legendary NYC jazz club Birdland was sacred ground for drummer Art Blakey who recorded 3 live albums for Blue Note at the venue between 1954-1960: A Night at Birdland, At the Jazz Corner of the World, and Meet You at the Jazz Corner of the World. This last date featured one of the greatest lineups of Blakey’s powerhouse outfit The Jazz Messengers with Lee Morgan on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Bobby Timmons on piano, and Jymie Merritt on bass.

Brainstory - Buck (Big Crown Records)

LP Coloured Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

LP Vinyl 17.99 Add to basket

CD 9.99 Add to basket

What is Buck?

Buck is a state of mind, a way of life, a demeanour that gets you through the good times and the bad. If you ask Brainstory, it is also the energy that permeates their debut album.

Kevin, Tony, and Eric are a trio of brothers bounded by blood, fate, and a small town with nothing to do. Their story begins in the long lost lands of the San Bernardino Valley, in the twilight zone known as Rialto, California: an arid wasteland of boredom and empty lots. Through punk rock and skateboarding they found temporary liberation from the local monotony. However, it wouldn’t be long before a hunger for more led them to explore musical realms beyond that of the hardcore punk they admired. After stints at music school and steady disappointment trying to navigate their local jazz scene they moved to Los Angeles and Brainstory was born.

Through a introduction from Chicano Batman’s bassist, Brainstory caught the ears of Big Crown head honchos Danny Akalepse and Leon Michels. Shortly thereafter they were on their way to Queens, to record at The Legendary Diamond Mine with Michels at the helm. An instant chemistry yielded 10 songs in 10 days and now Brainstory has gifted the world with one hell of an introduction to all things Buck.

Mndsgn - No Maps (Mndsgn Limited)

LP Vinyl 20.99 Add to basket

2011's No Maps traces a transitional period between two coasts, soundtracking Mndsgn’s transplant from New Jersey to Los Angeles. The 15 tracks take their own detours, in and out of soft synth compositions, textured loops and hard bops to illustrate relocation and it’s reflective nature. Collage by Yuk.

Cloud One - Spaced Out: The Very Best of Cloud One (P&P Records)

2xCD 9.99 Add to basket

Produced by the legendary Patrick Adams, the studio-bound disco unit Cloud One made its debut in 1975 with the spectacular Atmosphere Strut and throughout the seventies, became the centrepiece for P&P, Queen Constance, Golden Flamingo, Heavenly Star, and Sound of New York, all labels ran by Peter Brown & Patricia Gilyard. At a time when most music was recorded with a full army of studio musicians, Cloud One records were mostly played, arranged and mixed in their entirety by Patrick Adams himself!!!

The ability to "work on his own" allowed the music to feel more experimental than the work he did on major labels at the time. While there' s been other compilations, this is the first official P&P collection dedicated to the work of Patrick Adams as Cloud One. Spaced Out compiles the best of Cloud One' s output with songs from their Atmosphere Strut LP, their Funky Disco Tracks EP and a number of known 12" singles as well as some hard-to-find titles like "Patti Duke", "Don' t Let My Rainbow Pass Me By", and "Flying High".

"Spaced Out" is not only a good addition to fans of the P&P Catalog, but also the perfect introduction to the work of Legendary Disco Producer Patrick Adams.

James Brown - Sho Is Funky Down Here (Now-Again)

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Sho is Funky Down Here and The Grodeck Whipperjenny are a pair of albums that are the result of an unlikely but highly productive musical relationship between James Brown, a superstar at the creative and commercial peaks of his long career, and David Matthews, a then young arranger-musician whose limited professional experience had little or nothing to do with the funk and soul of his collaborator.

Sho is Funky Down Here is James Brown’s psychedelic album, created by his then-bandleader David Matthews, and issued at the same time as Matthews’ classic The Grodeck Whipperjenny. Underground, fuzzy, rambling psych-funk. The genesis of Brown’s “Talking Loud And Saying Nothing,” a 1990s hip hop sample staple, informing A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Brand Nubian and others.

The Grodeck Whipperjenny – The Grodeck Whipperjenny (Now-Again)

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Contains an extensive booklet with full annotation, liner notes by Brown historian Alan Leeds and never-before-published photos.

First issued in 1970. Sho is Funky Down Here and The Grodeck Whipperjenny are a pair of albums that are the result of an unlikely but highly productive musical relationship between James Brown, a superstar at the creative and commercial peaks of his long career, and David Matthews, a then young arranger-musician whose limited professional experience had little or nothing to do with the funk and soul of his collaborator.

A psychedelic classic, created by his James Brown' s bandleader David Matthews, the first album issued on Brown' s famed People imprint. As progressive as it is funky, this album was issued in tandem with another Matthews project issued under Brown' s name - Sho Is Funky Down Here.

One of the deepest albums in the Brown catalog, its story is finally told. Lacquered directly from the original master tapes at Capitol Studios. This is the first official reissue of both of this rare titles.

Benny The Butcher – The Plugs I Met (Griselda Records)

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Griselda Records' own Benny The Butcher released his Tana Talk 3 project in the winter of 2018, the album was produced entirely by Griselda mainstay Daringer and Alchemist and included appearances from his Griselda/Shady Records label-mates Westside Gunn and Conway and Royce 5’9” and Meyhem Lauren.

The Plugs I Met, which was released on compact disc in late July, features collaborations with Pusha T, Jadakiss, Conway, RJ Payne, Alchemist and Daringer. Benny also released the projects first single, “18 Wheeler,” which features Pusha T. Now under the management of Roc Nation, The Plugs I Met is further proof that the future is now for Benny The Butcher.

Elcamino & Oh Jay - Where's My Pyrex? (Air Vinyl Records)

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2019 has been a banner year for Griselda Records. From recording their highly anticipated record for Eminem’s Shady Records to Benny The Butcher signing a management deal with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, they have made some major moves. However, the young shooter of the crew, Elcamino, has been largely ignored by the press and masses alike.

While the name may not be instantly recognizable to North American fans, Oh Jay is well known in The Netherlands and throughout Europe. The veteran DJ and producer has been a part of a number of Hip-Hop acts since as early as 1990. In fact, he received a Gold record for his contributions to the Brainpower album "Verschil Moet Er Zijn." Much more recently he handled production duties on Milano Constantine’s criminally slept-on Attache Case full-length.

Let’s just say that what Elcamino and Oh Jay put together for "Where’s My Pyrex?" is about to have Griselda fiends falling out worldwide.

Flee Lord & 38 Spesh - Loyalty & Trust (Air Vinyl Records)

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38 Spesh and Flee Lord both have deafening buzz right now, so what better way to satisfy their hungry fans than to do a joint album? The two have put together their brands, Trust Comes First and Loyalty Or Death, to create the must-have project of the Summer, Loyalty + Trust. It’s Rochester meets Far Rockaway and the game will never be the same again. The lead single, “Perfect Plate,” exemplifies the duo’s synergy as Flee speaks his mind over Spesh’s Golden Era sound.

Flee Lord & eto - RocAmerikkka (Air Vinyl Records)

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Flee Lord and Eto both have the streets on fire right now. So, the announcement they were working on a joint album dubbed “RocAmeriKKKa” sent fans into a frenzy. The title alludes to the duo’s hometowns of Rochester and Far Rockaway, as well as Ice Cube’s classic “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted.”

These two venom spitters recruited many of their regular collaborators to provide the soundscapes on this offering, including V Don, godBLESSbeatz, Tricky Trippz, Fith, and Big French. However, to spark off the LP they got a beat from the god Green Lantern! Further, they kept the guests to a minimum, choosing to only invite 38 Spesh and singer Imanii Skyy to get down.

When New Crack Era and Loyalty Or Death connect, you know it’s gonna be trouble!

Various - 38 Spesh Presents: 1994 (Air Vinyl Records)

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Featuring Benny The Butcher, Conway, Elcamino, RJ Payne, Che Noir, Eto, Flee Lord, Fred The Godson, Rome Streetz, Planet Asia, Hus Kingpin, and many more!

To celebrate the 25th year anniversary of one of the best years in Hip-Hop, 38 Spesh has put together a special compilation titled “1994.” This album features literally every important name in underground Hip-Hop right now and they are all rhyming over classic beats from 1994. However, this isn’t a mixtape, Spesh actually went a remade each beat and added his own flavor.

For the first single Spesh enlisted the Griselda gods Conway and Benny The Butcher to scorch his take on Scarface’s hit “Never Seen A Man Cry.” 38 throws down his own verse down as well to cement the win.

Termanology & Dame Grease - Set In Stone (Brick Records)

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Termanology has been creating classic streetwise boom-bap hip-hop since the late 90s. One of the most prevalent figures of the worldwide underground rap scene, Termanology has earned widespread critical praise and garnered a cult-like following through his music, and has performed with acclaimed legends such as Kool G. Rap, Inspectah Deck, Ghostface Killah, and DJ Premier, and is a frequent collaborator with his ‘Showoff Radio’ (on Sirius XM Radio’s Shade 45) co-host DJ Statik Selektah. He has released over 30 highly-regarded albums across various formats, while his own imprint ST Records has produced records for fellow underground-denizens like Shortfyuz, Ea$y Money, and Superstah Snuk.

Dame Grease, an NYC native, first made waves when he produced several songs on The Lox's Bad Boy Records debut album, Money, Power & Respect, including the hit “We'll Always Love Big Poppa” featuring Puff Daddy and Faith Evans. He followed that with work on Mase's quadruple platinum album Harlem World and on DMX's debut It's Dark and Hell Is Hot, on which he produced thirteen of its nineteen tracks. The 2000s saw Dame establishing his own label, Vacant Lot, and making hits for the likes of LL Cool J, Slick Rick, Ol' Dirty Bastard, T.I., Cam’Ron, Juelz Santana, Curren$y, French Montana, Riff Raff and many more.

The two legends have collaborated on a full length album, Set in Stone.

David Axelrod - Seriously Deep (Get On Down Reissue)

LP Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

The rediscovery of the music of David Axelrod in the 1990s was a revelation to the scores of hip-hop and breakbeat DJs that sampled him, but his composition genius was on display as early as the 1960s. After producing and arranging major critical and commercial hits for Lou Rawls, The Electric Prunes, David McCallum, and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, he was encouraged by Capitol Records to record and produce solo material. Coming right on the heels of The Beatles' revolutionary 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band, Axelrod would produce a slew of instrumental baroque pop records, which were intricately orchestrated, fused elements of jazz, psychedelic rock, chamber music, and neo-classical, and tackled issues of mental enlightenment, environmental impact, and would be hailed by critics as highly ambitious pieces of conceptual art.

The albums Song Of Innocence (1968), Songs Of Experience (1969), and Earth Rot (1970) are most often hailed as David Axelrod's finest moments, but little is mentioned of the producer's 1970s material. Among these records is Seriously Deep, his lone album recorded for Polydor, and an unheralded gem of jazz-rock fusion. On Seriously Deep, Axelrod dispenses with the heavily orchestrated measures of previous works to conduct a powerhouse crew of session musicians, including Leon Ndugu Chancler of Santana on drums, Mailto Correa on percussion, Jim Hughart on bass, Joe Sample on electric keys, and many others, with production from frequent Axelrod collaborators Cannonball Adderley and Jimmy Bowen.

Seriously Deep is an obscure release, but also one of David Axlerod's tightest, and most exploratory ones. Across six tracks, Axelrod and his collective of players dip in and out of bounding jazz-funk, Afro-Latin grooves, cinematic flourishes, psychedelic synth washes, and blaring big band horns. It's a singularly insular curiosity of musical impressionism that's equal parts brooding and joyous, a definitive part of Axelrod's discography, and a well of sample material for tracks by Mobb Deep, Large Professor, The Black Eyed Peas, and Beanie Siegel, among others.

David Axelrod - Earth Rot (Now-Again Reissue)

LP Vinyl 18.99 Add to basket

The last in his capitol trilogy, Earth Rot is visionary composer / arranger / producer David Axelrod’s third album. Recorded as a concept album about the decrepit state of the environment in 1970 Los Angeles, and scheduled for release on the first Earth Day, it features choral vocals and marks a departure for Axelrod’s signature sound, which would take on a jazzier feel in the 1970s. This definitive version of Earth Rot, overseen by Now-Again’s Eothen Alapatt in conjunction with Axelrod’s Estate, fulfills a request Axelrod made while alive –to see the instrumentals of this album, never before released, issued.

This is an audiophile reissue, with the vocal version lacquered directly from Axelrod’s original master tapes at Capitol Records by Ron McMaster. The master was approved by Axelrod’s son Michael,who adapted ancient lyrics for the album in one of three collaborative projects he did with his father.

Contains a 28 page booklet that delves into Axelrod’s incredible life and music, replete with never before published photos and an interview.

David Axelrod - Earth Rot Instrumentals (Now-Again Reissue)

Instrumental LP Vinyl 18.99 Add to basket

Earth Rot is visionary composer / arranger / producer David Axelrod’s third album and the last of his Capitol trilogy. Recorded as a concept album about the decrepit state of the environment in 1970 Los Angeles, and scheduled for release on the first Earth Day, it marks a departure for Axelrod’s signature sound, which would take on a jazzier feel in the 1970s. The instrumental version of Earth Rot was first issued by Now-Again , overseen by the label’s Eothen Alapatt in conjunction with Axelrod’s estate as a limited double LP offering.

The instrumentals are now available for the first time ever as a stand-alone LP. The master was approved by Axelrod’s son Michael, who adapted ancient lyrics for the album in one of three collaborative projects he did with his father.

Contains a 28 page booklet that delves into Axelrod’s incredible life and music, replete with never before published photos and an interview.

Atomic Forest - Disco Roar (Now-Again Reissue)

LP Vinyl 22.99 Add to basket

The re-discovered third album by India’s best known psychedelic-rock ensemble, presented in its entirety. The companion piece to Atomic Forest anthology "Obsession". Covers of Deodato, Stevie Wonder and “Spectrum,” the heaviest Indian psych-funk jam unearthed to date. Over the course of four years, culminating in 2011, Now-Again Records assembled the Atomic Forest anthology "Obsession", which delved into and told the story of India’s 70s rock underground and this psychedelic ensemble’s story. At the time they issued "Obsession", they were not aware of the third album that the Atomic Forest had recorded, issued under Kanga’s name as "Disco Roar".

'That Disco Roar album was the first time we were doing anything like that. It was the first thing we did. It progressed into the "Hit Film Themes" album. Then these guys came with more commercial potential songs (which became "Obsession ’77"). But originally it was just a band, the live performances that we did, that made us very popular, these simple songs,' guitarist Abraham Mammen recalls. Atomic Forest’s story stands in for the untold stories of many of India’s underground bands, bands remembered vividly by those who witnessed their performances, bands that often homemade, cassette recordings – that have been lost to time. Mammen, now a traveling preacher splitting his time between India and the United States, reflects on the unlikely reissue of the Atomic Forest’s recordings: 'What’s left of the Atomic Forest? It’s just like smoke: smoke on the water.’ With the release of Disco Roar, that smoke keeps rising.

Bro David - Bro David Remixes (Cultures Of Soul Records)

12" Vinyl 12.49 Add to basket

Belizean artist Bredda David Obi set out to put Belizean music on the map in 1984 with the release of his debut LP No Fear. With this album he introduced the world to a new Belizean groove he called kungo (or cungo). A mélange of traditional Belizean brukdown music and sprinklings of the rock, funk, calypso and reggae. He would further develop this modern tropical sound on subsequent albums, integrating more and more elements from Belizean niche genres like sambai and paranda.

Years later DJs and record collectors found his records in basements of record stores in Los Angeles and Brooklyn. These DJs incorporated his music into their DJ sets to the excitement of dance floors all over the world.

The DJs and remixers on this 12" took it a step further and edited and remixed David's music. DC based DJs - Sol Power All-Stars morph "Dancin'" from an electro brukdown breakbeat into a four on the floor acid house track with an afro-caribbean feel. Los Angeles based DJ and record collector DJ Duckcomb tastefully melds both the dub and original versions of "Experience" into one epic reggae discomix. My Rules Records owner and DJ/producer Justin Van Der Volgen uses his heighten production skills to turn Bro David's "Sunshine" into a heady trippy cosmic version of the track. Last but not least LA-based Heatwave DJs turn "Cungo Music" into a dancefloor tested and approved extended anthem.

Bro David - Modern Music From Belize (Cultures Of Soul Records Compilation)

LP Gatefold Vinyl 19.49 Add to basket

The Caribbean has long been an incubator for the sounds that will animate and shape the culture of the rest of the world for decades to come: From the rhythms of Cuba helping to shape American jazz, blues and rock n’ roll, to Trinidadian calypso introducing a bouncy lightness and gaiety to American party music, to Jamaica’s reggae showing a new way to rebel against convention. But what about the music of Belize, the Caribbean nation that holds the odd position of being a former British colony on the coat of Spanish-speaking Central America? Most people don’t know about the country at all, let alone about the rich sounds it has to offer.

Bredda David Obi set out to change that in 1984 with the release of his debut LP No Fear, and the introduction of a new Belizean groove he called kungo (or cungo). A mélange of traditional Belizean brukdown music and sprinklings of the rock, funk, calypso and reggae he had played in various bands during his years as a journeyman musician in the United States. He would further develop this modern tropical sound on subsequent albums, integrating more and more elements from Belizean niche genres like sambai and paranda.

Cultures of Soul is proud to take part in documenting Bredda David’s journey into the soul of Belize with an anthology of his early recordings including tracks from No Fear, Cungo Musik (1987) and We No Wa No Kimba Ya (1990) albums.

Space Cats - Something New (Cultures Of Soul Records Reissue)

LP Vinyl 18.99 Add to basket

After the phenomenal response to their previous survey of disco and boogie sounds from early eighties South Africa, Cultures of Soul decided to wade a bit deeper into the pool to focus on one of the most compelling acts to emerge from that theater, the Space Cats.

Hailing from the small, insular music scene in the coal-mining city of Witbank, the Space Cats were a five-man band fronted by singer/bassist Themba “T’Rex” Mzwakali and singer/guitarist Santy Dladala. Operating as a semi-professional live combo rather than a studio-driven aggregation, they stood out from the slick, highly polished conventions of the day. And when they took the stage they offered a take on disco that was stripped-down, raw, rugged and inspired by afro-rock groups like Harari and Hedzoleh Soundz. While the Space Cats’ moment in the spotlight was short-lived—the band played together for barely a year before management issues necessitated a breakup—they managed to produce one endearing document of their brief career. Something New, their first and only album, released in 1981, features ten tracks of jittery, hard-edged disco-boogie-funk that capture the flavor of their performances in the rollicking dancehalls of Witbank.

Issued on the tiny Rejoice imprint, Something New had a very limited distribution reach even within South Africa and has remained heard by very few people over the last thirty-eight years. So we’re proud to make it available for the first time to the wide audience it surely deserved upon its initial release.

Anything Box - Peace (Get On Down Reissue)

LP Vinyl 24.99 Add to basket

12 Track Reissue Of 1990 Album With Insert.

Previously only available on vinyl in Brazil and Mexico (1990), this is the first US vinyl pressing of Peace ever. Yeah, this was more a personal project for some of us, hopefully it will connect with some. For fans of Book Of Love, OMD, Human League and Duckie.

Herbie Hancock - Dedication (Get On Down)

LP Vinyl (with RSD Issue With Obi-Stripe) 29.99 Add to basket

Record Store Day 2019 release.

Vinyl has never been officially issued outside of Japan. 3000 made worldwide. "Dedication" is a unique Herbie Hancock outing in more ways than one. This is a solo Hancock release, all sounds heard on this recording are Hancock at the keyboards, be it an acoustic piano, a Fender Rhodes or a synth. The result being a recording that' s full of air and space, yet thoroughly funky. The project was recorded live in Tokyo in July of 1974 and never saw release outside of Japan until well into the 21st century. No official vinyl issue has ever happened outside of Japan where the LP has been out of print for decades. For Record Store Day 2019 Get On Down presents the first ever US vinyl release of this important piece of Hancock' s artistic legacy. Tracks : A Side: 1. Maiden Voyage 2. Dolphin Dance B Side: 1. Nobu 2. Cantaloupe Island

Groove Theory - Groove Theory (Get On Down Reissue)

2LP Vinyl 28.99 Add to basket

The neo-soul movement of the late 1990s, which fused classic soul sounds with contemporary elements, heralded the arrival of some of the greatest R&B recordings of the decade. Albums like Lauryn Hill's The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo's Brown Sugar, and Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite were all born of this trend, while artists such as Mos Def, The Roots, and Common whole-heartedly embraced the sound, creating some of their most timeless material in the process. These are some of neo-soul's great successes, but a slew of underground acts were what set the initial blueprint for their more pop-friendly acquaintances to follow. Acts such as R&B duo Groove Theory.

The New York pair, consisting of singer/songwriter Amel Larrieux, and producer Bryce Wilson, (A veteran of the legendary 80s electronic group Mantronix) helped set the tone for neo-soul via their lone studio release, the self-titled Groove Theory. The nearly hour-long record features 14 tracks of Wilson's smooth soul arrangements and atmospherics merged with golden era boom-bap beats, and Larrieux's siren-quality vocals, inspired equally by a combination of Native Tongues, peak Marvin Gaye, Joan Armatrading, Soul II Soul, as well as elements of breakbeat, jazz fusion, and even trip hop. It's a definitive, but often overlooked classic of the 1990s, which helped expand contemporary R&B's sound, render Billboard hits out the tracks "Tell Me" (Which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100), "Keep Tryin'", and "Baby Luv", and even found the time for a Todd Rundgren cover.

On the cusp of Groove Theory's 25th anniversary, Get On Down is proud to bring you this vinyl reissue of an underrated 90s gem. The original record has never been re-released on wax since its 1995 debut, but is now presented here with fully remastered audio, and bundled in a full-color insert sleeve with complete lyrics and liner notes.

Gary Davis - A Taste Of Chocolate: The Very Best Of Gary Davis Compilation (Traffic)

2LP Vinyl 20.99 Add to basket

"Straight outta Camden, NJ it's Chocolate Star. Starting in 1980, Chocolate Star served as the outlet for the music of Gary Davis. Gary started Chocolate Star with his long time Camden compatriot Dennis 'DJ' Jones after a few years spent under the wing of Peter Brown at P&P Records. But Gary's storied involvement in music goes back further than that, having studied composition and arrangement with the late jazz great Manny Albam. Gary's musical education actually started earlier than that as one of the people he learned the most from was his uncle, famed jazz organist Richard 'Groove' Holmes. When you combined the funk Mr. Davis inherited from 'Groove', with the street-sense of Peter Brown with the skillful composition and arrangements learned from Manny Albam, you've got Chocolate Star. Playing with a band composed of (very talented) people from his Camden neighborhood Davis released cut after cut of solid funk filled dance music. They're all compiled here, from the Joe Sample-inspired 'Gee Dee', to one of first commercial releases to lay the beat down with a drum machine in "The Pop". Of course prominently featured is the legendary mover 'Gotta Get Your Love.' A Taste Of Chocolate: The Very Best of Gary Davis has been assembled with Mr. Davis and whenever possible using Gary's original masters. These cuts bridge the disco era, into hip hop and the earliest forms of house. Talented, versatile, and still able to get you out of your chair and shaking your behind...this is Chocolate Star. This is the very best of Gary Davis."

Various - Greg Belson's Divine Disco Volume Two: Obscure Gospel Disco 1979-1987 (Cultures Of Soul Records 2019)

Gatefolded 2LP Vinyl 28.99 Add to basket

Although gospel and disco music seem like polar opposites—one is secular while the other has embraced a hedonistic culture—the marriage of the two genres has birthed the uplifting spirituality and dance floor thump found in gospel disco. By the mid-'70s many established and independent gospel artists started creating records with a tight four-on-the-floor beat that touched both churchgoers as well as patrons of the drug-fueled establishments of the '70s.

Cultures of Soul Records is proud to present the second installment of Greg Belson's Divine Disco. Belson is one of the world's leading authorities on the funky gospel sound; for this collection he dug deep into his crates to undercover the rarest independent and private press gospel disco records ever recorded. Greg Belson's Divine Disco sound is one that's been heard around the world from his DJ appearances at Glastonbury's NYC Downlow stage to LA's Funky Sole to soul nights across Europe.

Many tracks are under the radar or recently discovered such as Harrison Jones - On that Other Shore, Converters, I've Been Converted and the super limited self-released 45 by Mr Jesse R. McGuire – Jesus Is On the Mainline. Only 50 copies were ever pressed. This volume even includes gospel disco from the UK with Paradise's brilliant "Keep the Fire." This compilation also includes remixes and edits by Steve Cobby (who was a member of Fila Brazillia) and the Divine Situation production duo of Greg Belson and Paulo Fulci.

Sabrina Rich - Smooth Operator (Cultures Of Soul Records Reissue)

12" Vinyl 12.99 Add to basket

Reissue of this killer tropical reggae cover of Sade's 'Smooth Operator'. Recorded at Circle Sound Studios, Miami, the backing track was recorded by members of the famous reggae outfit Inner Circle with vocals by local area rising star at the time, Sabrina Rich. Killer reissue via Cultures Of Soul!

Ghostface Killah - Ghostface Killahs (Music Generation Corporation)

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LP Vinyl 23.99 Add to basket

Ghostface Killahs marks the return of Ghostface. After several side projects, GFK returns with his first true solo album in years. He is joined by fellow Wu-Tang members Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, and Masta Killa. Other guests include Harley, Sun God (Ghosts first born son), Solomon Childs, Shawn Wigs, and Eamon. Production is handled primarily by Danny Caiazzo. Iron Man Tone continues his onslaught of colourful wordplay, and harsh street realities, as the laser beam vocalist tells it. This album sounds like vintage Ghostface and will prove worthy amongst any true Hip Hoppers. Proving the Wu Tang is truly forever, this is a must for any Wu fan as well as every Ghostface Killah fan. The veteran wordsmith, known for his prolific and versatile catalogue, delivers another classic album to the Ghostface and WuTang legacy.

Nas - It Was Written (Get On Down Reissue)

2LP Vinyl 30.99 Add to basket

Illmatic, the 1994 studio debut of Nasir "Nas" Jones, was more than just a critical success for the Queensbridge-based rapper. At a time when East Coast hip-hop was increasingly being taken less seriously than their West Coast counterparts, Illmatic's raw jazz and soul-based production, dire atmosphere and lyrics, coupled with Nas' uncompromising flow was integral in restoring interest in the East Coast as a hotbed of hip-hop artistry. Along with key releases from Wu-Tang Clan and Notorious B.I.G.,it shifted attention away from the funky, dayglo synth-based G-funk coming out of California and back to the grimy streets of New York. After such an unprecedented debut record, expectations were understandably high for Nas' follow-up.

It Was Written was not hard up for top-tier guests either, featuring major guest turns from Lauryn Hill and Joel "JoJo" Hailey of K-Ci & JoJo. It also introduced the world to The Firm, the brief Nas-led supergroup featuring rappers AZ, Foxy Brown, and Cormega. It even managed to cause some minor controversy in the hip-hop community for its collaboration with West Coast producer Dr. Dre, at a time when the East Coast/West Coast rap feud was reaching a fever pitch, briefly attracting the ire of one Tupac Shakur.

Not only was It Was Written received warmly by critics, but became a major commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard 200 charts, reaching platinum sales status four times, and alongside albums like Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, helped usher in the era of mafioso rap in the mainstream. It rendered chart hits out of singles like the Eurhythmics-mimicking "Street Dreams", and the Grammy-nominated "If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)", and proved to be a major influence on artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lupe Fiasco, and many more.

Liam Bailey - Champion / Please Love Me (Acoustic) (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

Big Crown records is proud to present the first 45 from the label's newest signing, Liam Bailey. Liam is an English singer and songwriter from Nottingham with Jamaican roots but a style and sound completely his own. The first 7" is taken from his upcoming album and was produced by long time collabo- rator, Leon Michels. The pair fist worked together 10 years ago on the song, "When Will They Learn" which has since become a club favorite at reggae nights around the globe.

Side A, Champion, is a song that is in a class all by itself and certainly a slight departure for Liam and Leon. Thumping Juno bass and drums fortified with an 808, this reggae tinged banger is designed to bust up woofers and blow out dance floors. While Liam waxes poetic about a type of girl that is as prodigious as she is pulchritudinous, the rhythm is a hypnotic groove that begs to be played over and over again.

Side B, Please Love Me Again, finds Liam in a place that most people might know him for. A beautiful written song with nothing more than stunning vocals and acoustic guitar. Liam's performance on this one that will move anybody with a pulse.

Bobby Oroza - Down On My Knees b/w Strange Girl (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

In the wake of his instant classic album This Love, Bobby Oroza drops a new tune they cut during some downtime between tours. This is something of a Big Crown family affair as they cover The Shacks tune “Strange Boy” giving it that signature Bobby sound and flipping the title to “Strange Girl”. Once again the winning combo of Bobby and Cold Diamond & Mink come out swinging, and to add to the family affair we enlisted our very own Leon Michels to do horns on the track.

Side B is one of the killer ballads pulled from the album, “Down On My Knees” is already a hit with the slowie crowd and pressing it to this 7 is sure to make a bunch of the sweet soul collectors happy.

Holy Hive - Hypnosis / Broom (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

The lead single from Float Back To You, the upcoming debut album from folk newcomers Holy Hive, presented by Big Crown Records. On the A-side, ‘Hypnosis’ is a paean to hedonism and balancing responsibility with leisure, while on the B-side, ‘Broom’ is powered by a rare ‘zim-gar’ drum machine and speaks of finding true love.

MF Doom - Special Herbs Vol.5 & 6 (Nature Sounds)

CD 14.99 Add to basket

2019 Reissue with New Cover Artwork!

MF DOOM is the man in the iron mask. The most mysterious figure in hip-hop has also become one of the most popular, supplying beats and rhymes for Gorillaz, De La Soul, Madlib, Danger Mouse, and Wu-Tang Clan, and drawing praise from heavyweights like Just Blaze, Nas, and Mos Def. Since 2002, DOOM has released numerous volumes of Special Herbs, one of the longest-running instrumental series in hip-hop history. With obscure loops and dusty samples galore, Special Herbs Vol. 5 & 6 is a must-have for any DOOM fan or hip-hop head.

MF Doom - Special Herbs Vol. 3 & 4 (Nature Sounds)

CD 14.99 Add to basket

2019 Reissue with New Cover Artwork!

MF DOOM is the man in the iron mask. The most mysterious figure in hip-hop has also become one of the most popular, supplying beats and rhymes for Gorillaz, De La Soul, Madlib, Danger Mouse, and Wu-Tang Clan, and drawing praise from heavyweights like Just Blaze, Nas, and Mos Def. Since 2002, DOOM has released numerous volumes of Special Herbs, one of the longest-running instrumental series in hip-hop history. Now, volumes three and four of the acclaimed series are available on vinyl for the first time in years. With obscure loops and dusty samples galore, Special Herbs Vol. 3 & 4 is a must-have for any DOOM fan or hip-hop head. Also includes a limited-edition bonus 7 , featuring two beats from DOOM's days as a member of 90s hip-hop trio

NF - The Search (Capitol)

2LP Vinyl 31.99 Add to basket

The Search is NF’s fourth full-length album. It follows the independently released Perception (NF Real Music / Caroline), which took the music industry by surprise when fans propelled it to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 upon its release. Clocking in at four minutes, 11 seconds and 777 words, lead single / title track The Search gives fans plenty to unpack, as NF lays bare his psyche, revealing some of the darker corners he’s found himself in and mapping out the ambitious quest that lies ahead.

Mr Muthafuckin' Exquire - Mr Muthafuckin' Exquire (Chocolate Rabbit)

LP Vinyl 18.99 Add to basket

Brooklyn-based rapper Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire has returned with a new self-titled LP released under his Chocolate Rabbit label. The 12-track project features the likes of Kiwi, KAST, and Iceberg Black.

The album is a return to form for the artist, not only harkening back to his independent roots, but it also marks a turn in eXquire‘s life after a career filled with drugs and debauchery. “My new record is just me sober, healthy, happy and free,” he wrote on Twitter. “Chocolate Rabbit is my moms nickname. A rabbit is the symbol of longevity, enduring & abundance. The 19’s were ahead of their time in their design & underrated, just like me.” He even notes that after the release of Kismet, he can’t remember the other projects he released for a while.

GA-20 - Lonely Soul (Karma Chief & Colemine Records)

LP Red Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

For Fans of JD McPherson and The Black Keys. GA-20 was formed by friends Pat Faherty and Matthew Stubbs in Boston, MA in 2018. The project was born out of their mutual love of heavy traditional Blues, R&B, and Rock and Roll of the late 50s and early 60s. Faherty and Stubbs bonded over legendary artists like Lazy Lester, J.B. Lenoir, Earl Hooker, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and Junior Wells. Feeling a void in current music, the duo have set out to write, record and perform a modern version of this beloved art form. Live, GA-20 is a trio of 2 guitars, vocals and drums. Raw, passionate and honest performance, both on stage and in the studio, is the only goal. Lonely Soul, the title track to their debut album embodies their sound: raw, cutting, and authentic.

Blue Sky Black Death & Jean Grae - The Evil Jeanius (Babygrande)

LP Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

Tsidi Ibrahim, better known by her stage name Jean Grae, is one of the most respected female rappers around, her career stretching back to the mid-Nineties. Her 2008 album The Evil Jeanius, produced in tandem with Blue Sky Black Death and considered one of her finest records, now gets a release on wax for the first time. It was controversial upon release, though, as her label Babygrande (also responsible for this vinyl re-issue) used Grae’s vocals without her permission.

A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders, Reissue (Jive, We Are Vinyl)

LP Vinyl 19.99 Add to basket

Third and last of the "classic" Tribe records it is arguably the group's most musically sophisticated album. The tracks balance jazz, soul, and even reggae influences with pure hip-hop to arrive at a completely distinctive Tribe sound, the logical evolution of the bop-inflected hooks which characterised Low End Theory. Production-wise, Tribe graduates from a cool school aesthetic to an electric jazz sound (reminiscent of fusion-era Miles Davis). Lyrically Midnight Marauders finds the group's abstract poetics in excellent form as usual, and Phife is miles ahead of the Mayor-Flavour rhymes of Can I Kick It.

Kool Keith - Computer Technology, Orange Translucent LP Vinyl (Junkadelic Music, Fatbeats)

LP Orange Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

Kool Keith is an educated man, boasting a pair of doctorates -- one in dooomology and another in octagon mathematics. With this immense medical and scientific background at his disposal, Keith has come to operate. Production on Keith's albums is eerily evil; his music is an LSD experience gone horribly wrong. Bizarre, ethereal sound effects and tight, piercing drum loops prepare the listener for a down and dirty lyrical delivery that's been cultivated since Keith first arrived on the rap scene with the Ultramagnetic MCs. Verses contain unique rhyme structures and original metaphors, and range from classic emcee braggadocio to tales of robbery and street sex. Keith's latest LP "Computer Technology" entirely produced by Junkaz Lou is yet another work of art. No MC on the planet is so grimy and yet so polished -- after years in the rap game, Kool Keith's as unique as ever.

Now On Stock! Beastie Boys - Root Down EP (Virgin)

EP Vinyl Reissue 22.99 Add to basket

Root Down is an EP by legendary hip hop group Beastie Boys, released in 1995. The first three tracks are variations of the track “Root Down,” from the Beastie Boys’ 1994 album Ill Communication. The remaining seven tracks were recorded “live in Europe, winter 1995.”

Tracklists

SIDE A

Root Down (Free Zone Mix)
Time To Get Ill
Heart Attack Man
The Maestro
Sabrosa
Root Down (PP Balloon Mix)

SIDE B

Root Down (LP Version)
Flute Loop
Time For Livin'
Something's Got To Give

Black Milk - Dive EP (Mass Appeal)

CD 11.99 Add to basket

LP Vinyl 21.99 Add to basket

Ft. BJ The Chigaco Kid, Sam Austins And Else.

DiVE serves as proof that Black Milk remains one of hip-hop’s most consistent artists. This 11-track EP follows the rappers journey of betrayal, self-forgiveness and maneuvering through life’s toughest lessons.

Dave - Psychodrama (Neighbourhood)

2 X Blue LP Vinyl 28.99 Add to basket

Dave drops his debut album Psychodrama. The rapper has taken his time over the release, building a vivid, unique voice across a flurry of releases that have gained more than 600 million streams. Hitting number one on the charts with Funky Friday, the rapper's debut album is one of the most anticipated British albums in 2019.

Tyler, The Creator - IGOR, LP Vinyl (Columbia) Gatefolded

Vinyl LP 22.99 Add to basket

Tyler the Creator's unleashes his fifth album. It’s a record about love and love lost, but Tyler conveys it as much through the warm synths and ‘70s soul drums as he does words. It's a highly textural album that never gets obsessed with its own feel. Tyler imbues the work with just enough of an edge to let the rhythms and progressions work on their own, using these various voices as extra tools, garnishment upon the broken beats and melodies searching for a bit of sunlight on a cloudy day.

The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble - Build Bridges (Colemine Records)

Clear Vinyl LP 23.99 Add to basket

Build Bridges combines stellar musicianship with unlimited drive and lag proof swing-ability. You can hear the maturity of their sound, which inadvertently allows you to appreciate their previous recordings even more. They're all in the same ballpark yet seem to be on a completely different playing field. Tim Felten's lineup not only shows his keen ability to pick top choice artists, but also shows his sense of direction and investment to high quality musicians. The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble is a staple of the west cost soul / jazz / funk scene and with their third LP, they solidify their position. Heavy grooves and drums, with top tier musicianship and writing. Build Bridges is just as sophisticated as it is soulful and funky!

Peter Rock & CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (Altered Tapes Remix) [Heat Rock Records]

7" Vinyl 11.99 Add to basket

The 2nd release from Heat Rock focuses on the golden era Hip-Hop track They Reminisce Over You by Pete Rock and CL Smooth. Taking care with a revered classic, Altered Tapes' remix ups the ante with B-boy drums, fleshed out with additional elements from various original sample sources. Includes an instrumental B-side for your juggling pleasure!

Neal Francis - Changes (Karma Chief & Colemine Records)

Gold LP 19.99 Add to basket

"I just wanted to be honest about everything, from my musical influences to my story," muses Neal Francis. After years of dishonest living - consumed by drugs, alcohol, and addiction - such sincerity is jarring from the 30-year-old Chicago-based musician. Liberated from a self-destructive past and born anew in sobriety, Francis has captured an inspired collection of songs steeped in New Orleans rhythms, Chicago blues, and early 70s rock n' roll. There is a deep connection between Francis's childhood - his obsession with boogie woogie piano, his father's gift of a dusty Dr. John LP - and the songs he's created. The result is an astonishing collection of material without parallel in the contemporary funk and soul scene.

BJ The Chicago Kid - 1123 (Mo Town Records)

LP Vinyl 16.99 Add to basket

The wait is over for R&B fans all across the globe as BJ The Chicago Kid releases his highly anticipated sophomore album. The album is a star-studded affair and features from Anderson .Paak, J.I.D, Rick Ross, Afrojack and more! It also features production from Cool and Dre, Danja, Dre Harris and longtime collaborator, Jarris “J.Mo” Mozee. The soul music legend-in-the-making has made quite the name for himself already, averaging over 100 million streams this year, in addition to collaborating with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Solange, Travis Scott, Common, Kehlani, ScHoolboy Q and Chance The Rapper among countless others.

Brainstory Dead End / Mnemophobia (Big Crown Records)

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Brainstory is a tale of brothers bounded by blood, by fate, and a small town with nothing to do. Born and bred in Rialto, CA, the trio is made up of two brothers, Kevin & Tony Martin, and drummer Eric Hagstrom. Their music is a mix of jazz, funk, and psyche- delia shrouded in a cloud of weed smoke and California soul. Their entire debut album is produced by Leon Michels, so you take the Cali sunshine and mix it with Michels NYC aesthetic and you get a killer record. Here’s the first two songs.

The A side 'Dead End' is a sublime slow burner about trying to let go of a person and trying to let go of parts of yourself that are dying with that relationship. In the words of Kevin, “It’s kind of like confronting death, but through relationships and coming to terms with who you are in the mirror of another person.” With Kevin’s sublime falsetto floating atop Tony and Eric’s unflappable and unmistakable backbeat, this tune is sure to become a favorite with the ballad heads, the low-riders, the slowie collectors, and anyone who’s cord is not unplugged.

The B side Mnemophobia is a fateful pairing with the plug- side, as if written later on when the heart heals and you start to get out there again. Mnemophobia is the fear of memories. Brainstory weaves up a tale of hesitation, limbo, then bravery where the choice of love is made in the face of fear.

Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers - Indestructible (Blue Note)

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The word "Indestructible" perfectly fits the legacy of the Jazz Messengers, the power of Art Blakey, and the music on this thrilling Blue Note album. Lee Morgan (who had recently succeeded Freddie Hubbard), Wayne Shorter and Curtis Fuller made an unbeatable frontline while Cedar Walton and Reggie Workman join Blakey in the rhythm section; talk about an all-star group!

Performing their own originals, the band mixes together hard bop, soul jazz, modal music and funk to create a style that could really only be played on this level by the Jazz Messengers. The solos are exciting, the ensembles are powerful, and the passion of Blakey's drums pushes each of the young musicians to play at their most creative. This album is full of musical magic, more of which is revealed in each listen.

Freddie Hubbard - Hub-Tones (Blue Note)

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One of the greatest trumpeters of all time, Freddie Hubbard emerged on Blue Note in the early 1960s. Originally inspired by Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown and Miles Davis, Hubbard soon had his own sound, a virtuosic style, and an exuberant solo approach that always found him taking wild chances and creating thrilling music.At the time that Hubbard recorded Hub-Tones in 1962, he had recently become a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers.

He teams up with altoist-flutist James Spaulding for the first time on this album (they would have a group together a few years later) in a quintet also featuring Herbie Hancock. In addition to reinventing 'You're My Everything,' they perform four of the trumpeter's originals. The music looks ahead to the future while always swinging hard.

Whether caressing the melody of his heart-felt tribute to the recently deceased Booker Little 'Lament For Booker' or sounding explosive on 'Hub-Tones,' Freddie Hubbard is dazzling throughout, causing many sparks to fly and creating superb music. This is one of his early classics and the sound quality of Hub-Tones has never been better than on this essential reissue.

Sounds of Liberation - Unreleased [Columbia University 1973] (Dogtown Records)

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CD 14.99 Add to basket

Sounds of Liberation was a band – and a social movement – formed in 1970 out of the Germantown and Mt Airy neighborhoods of Philadelphia. The band consisted of seven members: Khan Jamal (vibraphone), Byard Lancaster (alto saxophone), Billy Mills (bass), Dwight James (drums), Monnette Sudler (guitar), Omar Hill (percussion), William Brister (percussionist, aka Rashid Salim).

Originally conceived and formed by Khan Jamal, the arrival of Byard Lancaster in 1971 helped shift their focus and efforts into a higher gear. Jamal and Lancaster would work together in different configurations throughout the decade.

This five-song session of original music (with compositions penned by Jamal, Lancaster and Sudler) has never been released and has been prepared for this important and long-overdue LP package by group members, in collaboration with Brewerytown Beats Records in Philadelphia. This is stunning, deeply emotional free jazz – termed black liberation music by band members – created with passion and purpose by masters of the art form, and it sounds as powerful today as it did back upon its original commitment to tape.

The Alchemist and Oh No - Welcome to Los Santos (Mass Appeal)

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'Welcome to Los Santos' was the soundtrack to Grand Theft Auto V, which was released on 14 April 2015. The album was put onto a fictional in-game radio station called 'The Lab' to fit with the rest of the in-game music.

Paul & The Tall Trees - So Long (Big Crown Records)

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CD 9.99 Add to basket

Paul Schalda is a poet, perhaps a bit of a tortured soul, a hopeless romantic, and a guy from Staten Island. That last bit might not make sense to people who aren't from New York. Let's say that it puts the blue in his collar and sticks his feet to the ground. Paul's music seems to embody the unexpected overlap of The Band's Americana, Ian MacKaye's unhinged emotion, Otis Redding's raw soul, and the doo-wop melodies his father, Bill Schalda Sr. (a member of Brooklyn vocal group, The Montereys) raised him on. His sophomore album is produced by long time collaborator and old friend Tommy Brenneck and Big Crown's own Leon Michels. For the people who are already fans of Paul's debut Our Love In Light, the growth and maturity will be impossible to miss.

Masta Ace & Marco Polo - E.A.T. b/w Masta Polo (Fat Beats Recordings)

7" Vinyl 11.99 Add to basket

Second pressing, now with a green jacket.

Following their critically acclaimed album A Breukelen Story, Masta Ace and Marco Polo rekindle their chemistry for an exclusive 45 for Record Store Day 2019. Side A, E.A.T. (Evolve and Transcend) features the incomparable DJ Premier on the beat and a guest verse from Evidence.

“I been hearing for YEARS, “When are you and DJ Premier gonna do a song?” It’s finally happening.” Ace said about the collaboration that has been a decade in the making. Side B, “Masta Polo” satiates the appetites of fans that have been hungry for more Ace/Marco magic since Breukelen.

Common - Let Love (Loma Vista)

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About the album, Common shared, “This album is inspired by the book, Let Love Have The Last Word which gave me a path to write about things I had never written about before. It forced me to go deeper and because I opened up about so many things in the book, I was charged to go to raw, personal and spiritual places in the music. Production-wise, I knew that the music had to have depth, soul and dimension to it. I wanted the musicianship and the spirit of what live music brings but it also had to have something raw and basement about it. When my team said, "You should do some music revolving around the book.", I just took that energy and went running into my artistry without focusing on anything else. No movies, no commercials, no parties (well, I don’t do that too much anyway) and I just worked on music. So this album is the culmination of this journey, this passion and this Divine Love that I have for one of God's greatest gifts - Music.” Standouts include Hercules and Her Love featuring Daniel Caesar, special guest Dwele, and an unreleased beat from J Dilla.

Rodriguez -Coming From Reality, 180g LP Vinyl Reissue (UMG Recordings)

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Recorded in 1970 with legendary producer Steve Rowland (Pretty Things, the Cure). Back in 1971, 'Coming from Reality' was Rodriguez's last gasp, the follow-up to Cold Fact and the final album he was allowed to record for the Sussex label. 'Coming from Reality' found Rodriguez decamping from Detroit to London's Lansdowne Studios, where the album was recorded with some of the UK's top talent including Chris Spedding (Sex Pistols, Dusty Springfield, Harry Nilsson) and producer Steve Rowland, who recalls 'Coming from Reality' as his favourite ever recording project. Highlights include the super-poppy 'To Whom it May Concern,' the Rocky Raccoon inspired 'A Most Disgusting Song' and period piece 'Heikki's Suburbia Bus Tour.'

Gregory Isaacs - Night Nurse (Island Records / UMC)

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Reissued as part of Island’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Gregory Isaac’s ‘Night Nurse’ is a definitive reggae album. Title track ‘Night Nurse’ was a global success on release in 1982 – yet the album is consistently strong throughout and features other Isaacs’ classics such as ‘Objection Overruled’ and ‘Hot Stepper’. On the album Isaacs is backed by the Roots Radics – the allstar rhythm section who defined the sound of reggae in the 80s, featuring album producer Errol ‘Flabba’ Holt. Isaacs doesn’t put a foot wrong on this album of loverman tunes – but what else would you expect from the man tagged The Cool Ruler. Pressed on 180gm vinyl with DL card included.

Brownout - Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath II (Ubiquity Recordings)

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Austin, Texas-based, nine-piece Latin funk and breakbeat purveyors Brownout have announced the release of Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath, Vol. II on October 28 via Ubiquity Records. The recording—the band’s second collection of material by godfathers of metal Black Sabbath—includes reimagined versions of “Fairies Wear Boots,” “Snowblind” and “Supernaught.” The tracks “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” and “Symptom of the Universe” features vocals by Ghostland Observatory’s Aaron Behrens.

Track Listing: Supernaut; Snowblind; Symptom Of The Universe featuring Aaron Behrens; Fairies Wear Boots; Children Of The Grave; Electric Funeral; Sweet Leaf; Sabbath Bloody Sabbath featuring Aaron Behrens.

Michael Nau - No Quit (Karma Chief)

Gold 7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Michael Nau crafts reflective indie rock tinged with folk and psychedelic influences. He was known for leading the like-minded projects Page France and Cotton Jones in the mid-2000s to early 2010s before beginning to record under his own name in 2016. Nau's newest single on Colemine Records' Karma Chief imprint finds him not only playing the lion's share of the music, but also pushing the psych-folk vibes more in a soul leaning direction. Just as catchy, slightly more upbeat, and timeless as ever. Nau crafts songs that transcend time, but always have a space.

El-Jay Burner - My Thing / Dub Thing (Fabyl)

7" Vinyl 6.99 Add to basket

What a superb choice for the London based Fabyl record label to choose 'My Thing' for their first foray into releasing music on seven inch wax on this their thirteenth release. It's a decision we co-sign with a colossal thumbs up here at 45 Live. Now let's get back to the music. El-Jay Burner drops a drum heavy reggae-tinged soul face melter that will appeal to the soul heads new and old aswell as the reggae and hip hop heads because it's a bubbling melting pot of styles that works so well. The track is produced and arranged by the super nice producer Jimmy Plates who uncorks his creative bubbly like never before on this joint. Flip the record over for the dub cut with some creative vocal drops from El-Jay.

Brainstory - Breathe / Sorry (Big Crown Records)

7" Vinyl 8.99 Add to basket

Big Crown is proud to present the second 45 from the darling dears of Rialto, CA, Brainstory. We dropped their debut single on the label back in March and it instantly caught on with all the sweet soul fans. This new 7” showcases the funkier, jazzier but equally soulful side of Brainstory. Their debut album “Buck”, produced entirely by Leon Michels is due out in October of 2019.

The A side, “Breathe”, takes a page out of the Shuggie Otis playbook and then flips the script with some stoned out, west coast swag. In the words of Kevin, Brainstory’s lead chanteur, “Breathe is a song about letting go of the emotional baggage of our lives in order to become who we truly are. Before this new journey can happen we got to stop back and take a breath. Relax. Use the power of this simple act to become your higher self.”

Side B, “Sorry” keeps on with the same swagger as Breathe but finds brother and bass player extraordinaire, Tony, taking over the vocal duties. In his words, “Sorry is an expression of the truth in a relationship that has ran its course. Nobody wants to say it but eventually this truth prevails and becomes undeniable”.

Your Old Droog - It Wasn't Even Close (Green Streets Entertainment)

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LP £29.99 Add to basket

With no advance warning, acclaimed Brooklyn rapper Your Old Droog recently released the surprise album "It Wasn’t Even Close". Executive produced by Mach-Hommy, the album features appearances from the likes of DOOM, Roc Marciano, Wiki, and Mach-Hommy himself, plus beats by Sadhu Gold, Evidence, Daringer, V Don, Tha God Fahim, Mono En Stereo, and more. Named after a line from a classic Geto Boys song, the project was sparked by a pivotal conversation between Droog and hip-hop icon Scarface, who told the young artist he would single handedly bring New York back.

Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts – Adventures Of A Reluctant Superhero (Manphibian Music)

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The time has come for hip-hop’s favourite superheroes to unleash their highly anticipated album. The industry’s most recognisable voice, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, and turntable wizard Krafty Kuts have been not-so-secretly preparing this project since 2017 through over 150 live shows and countless studio sessions. The time has finally come to grab your capes, don a pair of tights and load up the turntable ready for the show to begin. This is Adventures Of A Reluctant Super Hero – prepare for the Purple Assassin and the Scratchman as they come and save your city, the scene and hip-hop as we know it.

Featuring a who’s-who of collabs and guest appearances from hip-hop royalty, this 14-track record takes you to just about every corner of the genre, leaving no stone unturned. With Lyrics Born and Gift Of Gab joining on Guard The Fort to deliver a serious statement of intent to open the LP, the rest of the record is an adventure through funk, breaks, rolling basslines, buckets of groove and everything in-between. Throw in a generous portion of expertly delivered bars and vocals from genre sidekicks like Harry Shotta, Skye (Morcheeba), Omar, Dynamite MC and more, and you’re left with a hip-hop record that not even the comic books could have conceived.

DANGERDOOM – The Mouse And The Mask, Deluxe Edition LP Vinyl (Lex Records)

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Originally only available in Europe in limited quantities, Lex have repressed the Deluxe double vinyl LP edition of ‘The Mouse & The Mask’ for 2019.

Lex has a history of lavish packaging but this remains one of the lushest sleeves in the catalogue. Design by EHQuestionmark, the outer sleeve is made from thick translucent textured plastic with DOOM's mask printed on the cover, and mouse ears on each side of the mask forming a pattern that looks like a Rorschach test (a technique reused in another Danger Mouse project six months later). The inner sleeves, visible through the outer at first glance pattern based on an Ishihara test, but inside the circles in the pattern are tiny icons depicting different disasters - climate change, acid rain, holy war, nuclear leaks.

"The Mouse and the Mask" was produced by Lex super-producer Danger Mouse and masked supervillain MF DOOM. The album features Cee-Lo Green (also of Gnarls Barkley), Talib Kweli, Ghostface Killah, Money Mark and the cast of cult cartoon show Aqua Teen Hunger Force and ten years on remains DOOM's best selling album to date.

NEHRUVIANDOOM – NehruvianDOOM (Sound Of The Son) LP Vinyl (Lex Records) MF DOOM & Bishop Nehru

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"The future is looking increasingly bright for New York lyricist, Bishop Nehru’s. His reign of success continues on NehruvianDOOM, a collaborative effort between Bishop and famed masked producer/rapper, MF DOOM. one can’t help but tip their snapback to an MC that is demonstrating vast potential." XXL

"Nehru is unashamedly precocious - with a sharp flow that blends Rakim's focus Mos Def's lightness of touch... with hooks that lodge deep in your skull." Mojo

"A super dope album bursting at the seams with ill rhymes from DOOM and his young disciple over classic out-there production from Metal Face himself." Exclaim

Doom - Born Like This, CD And 2LP (Lex Records) Reissue, Limited!

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The limited edition vinyl repress is a deluxe double LP with embossed / debossed, spot-glossed, foil-blocked sleeve.

DOOM's most recent solo album, featuring guests including Ghostface, Raekwon, Bumpy Knuckles and Charles Bukowski with beats from J Dilla, Jake One, Madlib and the supervillain himself.

The Channels 4 / Carla & The Carlettes - Cross My Heart / Groovin, 7 Inch Vinyl (Big Crown Recordings)

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Big Crown Records is proud to present for the first time ever on a 45 two tunes pulled from one of Brooklyn's most sought after Holy Grail soul records, YIA Talent Hunt Winners. Youth in Action, Inc. (YIA) was formed in 1963 when the Central Brooklyn Coordinating Council received a grant to develop a youth services program in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community. At one point they threw a local talent show and the winners of the talent show were invited into the studio to record some of their tunes. The Talent Show Winners album is the top five amateur vocal groups backed by a local band known as The Thrillers Band, recorded sometime around 1968. The full length reissue is scheduled for an August 2019 release on Big Crown, this 45 will quick become a favourite amongst soul collectors, this is a truly rare record, and a awesome piece of New York History. The A Side is The Channels 4 cover of the Billy Stewart classic Cross My Heart. There's an unduplicatable charm on these recordings coming from the lo fi studio set up of the time, the fervour that the youths on these records are performing, and the pumped in audience applause they went with to make it see like the recordings were from the actual talent show. This is lo-fi gold. The B Side is Carla and The Carlettes killer cover of The Rascals Groovin. The take the popular tune of the time which came out of the borough of Queens and give it a proper Kings county soul treatment. Again, this is lo-fi gold.