Review: Released 35 years ago, The Cactus Album marked a significant moment in hip-hop, presenting a unique blend of styles from its members, Pete Nice and MC Serch. Unlike their contemporaries, the duo expressed their identity authentically, sidestepping exaggerated stereotypes often associated with white rappers. Their chemistry is palpable in tracks like 'Steppin' To The A.M' and 'Words Of Wisdom', where intricate samples and sharp lyricism shine through. The album's standout, 'The Gas Face', shows their ability to tackle complex social issues, addressing racism in a way rarely seen among white emcees at the time. Tracks such as 'Brooklyn Queens' and 'Monte Hall' illustrate their knack for catchy yet thoughtful content, while DJ Richie Rich's contributions on the turntables enhance the album's overall sound. Despite the group's eventual split due to personal differences, their influence remains significant. The lasting legacy of The Cactus Album lies in its authentic representation of hip-hop culture, paving the way for future artists like Eminem. Even amid interpersonal strife, the duo's collaboration produced a timeless work that resonates even today.
Review: With Slow Burn, Baby Rose showcases a remarkable evolution from her previous album, expanding her sonic palette into a raw and sprawling exploration of American music. Teaming up with BADBADNOTGOOD, Rose delves into progressive r&b, infusing elements of Muscle Shoals, psych, jazz, and Americana to create a mesmerizing collection of songs. The collaboration with BADBADNOTGOOD proved to be an instant and fruitful partnership, with lead single 'One Last Dance' capturing the essence of Rose's vision from the very first meeting. This track, disguised as a love song, is actually an ode to lost friendship, with Rose's vocals layered into a hypnotic lullaby over Chester Hansen's dreamlike bassline. Throughout Slow Burn, Rose draws inspiration from her experiences driving between the chaos of DC and the tranquility of the Carolina countryside, allowing her mind to wander and explore internal dialogues. The title track exemplifies this introspective journey, with soft, ambling drums and lyrical repetitions evoking patient desire. Overall, 'Slow Burn' exudes a sense of intimacy and mystery, with each song arriving on tiptoe, inviting listeners into Rose's world of introspection and emotion. As a vocalist and lyricist, Rose demonstrates boundless potential, supported by the synergy of her collaboration with BADBADNOTGOOD. This album marks a significant step forward for Baby Rose, hinting at even greater heights to come in her musical journey.
Dirty Harry (feat RJ Payne & Conway The Machine) (3:44)
Took The Money To The Plug's House (3:21)
18 Wheeler (feat Pusha T) (2:42)
5 To 50 (feat India) (3:50)
Crowns For Kings (instrumental) (2:18)
Sunday School (instrumental) (5:54)
Dirty Harry (instrumental) (3:43)
18 Wheeler (instrumental) (2:39)
5 To 50 (instrumental) (3:05)
Review: Griselda Records' own Benny The Butcher is a contemporary hip hop mainstay who has seen plenty of commercial success and critical acclaim. His The Plugs I Met features collaborations with Pusha T, Jadakiss, Conway, RJ Payne, Alchemist and Daringer and built on early success with a sounds that shows he is the embodiment of now. This specially extended version features some previously unreleased instrumentals, while the originals are beautiful soul drenched affairs with a subtle gospel feel and deep cut production. The guests all come through but don't detract from Benny The Butcher's singular sound.
Review: Polish experimentalists Bloto consider themselves indebted to the hip-hop and trip hop of the 90s, particularly the atmospheric cuts that stuck out of the ends of otherwise harder-hitting records. Staying true to the work ethic of the titans that preceded them, the band laid down three full-length records in 2020 before then jetting off on tour; only now in 2024 does Grzybnia follow as its the fourth prong on what was originally thought to be a trident. 'Grzybnia' is the Polish word for mycelium; this record is just as decidedly decompository in sound, its ad-hoc use of electronic and live drumming - wherever each might be needed best - sounding like the sinewy, by-any-means-necessary action of a fungal hypha, rootling deep into soils to unearth what might still lie dormant there. The live jazz, trip-hop and hip-hop admixture here is a real Frankenstein, 'Shiitake' standing out amongst the chitinous caps; Bloto consider it a response to an "unstable modern world that is breaking apart into pieces", and in which mycelium offers a powerful model of the potential resilience of life despite it.
Garden Waltz (feat Carinne & Francesco Como) (4:09)
Oui Got Now (feat Liquid & Stephane Moraille) (3:01)
Drop Off (feat Coco Thompson) (3:32)
You (feat Francesca Como & Malicious) (2:30)
You Too (feat Jahsepta) (3:32)
Grace (Love On The Block) (3:00)
Cowboy Hoot (feat Liquid) (1:51)
Jahrusalem (feat EP Bergen, Dorian & Sidaffa Bakel) (3:26)
World Party (feat Steeve Khe, Liquid & Jahsepta) (5:06)
This Day (feat Ben Wilkins) (3:17)
La Dolce Vita (feat Freddie James) (5:37)
Journey (feat Helena Nash, Jahsepta & Kim Bignham) (5:56)
Stillness (feat Rafaelle MacKay Smith & Alexandre Desilets) (4:23)
Saltwater Cats (feat Kim Neundorf & Malicious) (6:43)
Review: Bran Van 3000's The Garden is their fourth studio album and another subtle evolution of their signature genre-blending sound. Rooted in prog-rock grooves and boogie flair, the album explores romantic and reflective territory without losing the collective's playful spirit. On the album, which arrives as a special for this year's Record Store Day, James Di Salvio is joined by longtime collaborators and fresh talent alike to create a lush collaborative soundscape that's rich in emotion and rhythm. The tracks all exude soulful vocals, brass-laced arrangements and global sonic textures, which help to make The Garden is a mature yet adventurous chapter in BV3's musical journey.
Review: The legendary UK acid-jazz innovators Brand New Heavies dropped many a classic sounds and none more so than their iconic album 'Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol. 1. More than three decades after first release it remains an influential work that blends UK club jazz with US hip-hop. Featuring collaborations with artists like Main Source, The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, and Black Sheep, the album marked a groundbreaking fusion of genres back in its heyday and now two standout tracks from the album, 'Soul Flower' featuring The Pharcyde and 'It's Gettin' Hectic' featuring Gang Starr make their way to 7" for the first time and sounds as good as ever.
Review: New York emcee Hassaan Mackey (Rawkus 50) delivers sharp, unfiltered lyricism, packing rhymes with onomatopoeia and raw street wisdom. Set to blackout beats by Detroit producer Apollo Brown (The Reset, Brown Study, Gas Mask, Clouds), we've the ideal backdrop here: deep bass set to the the crackle of well-worn vinyl. The result is a record on which we're given much more than our Daily Bread. Lyrical picturebooks of faded spirit photographs return like plasmic ghosts, each booing line steeped in a mood of eerie reckoning. Atonement lingers in every note, experience weighs heavy, yet a fierce hope burns through.
Review: Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Contour brings a fresh flow to black soul music which finds a natural home on leading London label Touching Bass. Khari Lucas, to use his given name, uses the 12 tracks on Onwards! To reflect on the nature of black art past, present and future. His tools of expression are a mesmerising voice, smoky beat production and compelling lyricism, folded up into an album which ranks alongside some of the best of recent times. We're in a prime era for progressive soul, whether it's Liv.e or Sudan Archives we're tuning into and Contour is helping push things forwards in his own deeply felt way.
Review: Cruising the slipstream of Black Messiah, D'Angelo's debut album gets a timely reissue 20 years after its release. The neo-soul foundations dig deep with every nuance and subtlety D'Angelo has become known for; the Gaye-level harmonies of "Crusin'", the jazz meanders of "Sh*t Damn Motherf*ker" and the unstoppably sexual drive of "Lady"... If this isn't in your collection already, now is most definitely the time.
Review: Released in 1994, Deee-Lite's follow-up to their colossal hit 'Groove Is In The Heart' and the World Clique album that contained it finds the trio taking a more adventurous route of funky rhythms, electronic experimentation and blissful psychedelic vibes. Tracks like 'River of Freedom' tap into a carefree dancefloor energy, while 'Picnic In The Summertime' evokes sun-soaked nostalgia, its bouncy beat an effortless backdrop to the dreamy, carefree lyrics. Deee-Lite's willingness to explore genres and sounds is evident throughout, with samples from The Orb and Carl Craig, among others, meshing seamlessly with live instrumentation and infectious grooves. One of the album's defining features is its ability to balance quirk with cool. The smooth transition in 'Somebody,' where the track slows down into a human beatbox rhythm, exemplifies the experimental nature of the band. And then there's the entrancing 'Party Happening People,' a track full of playful vibes, layered synths, and an unmistakable 90s energy. This isn't just for fans of the groupiit's a record that captures the essence of the 90s club scene. A perfect soundtrack to the era's fashion and carefree spirit, its sounds still hit fresh today, reminding us of the euphoric, experimental days of early electronic music. For anyone who has ever found themselves lost in the vibe of house, techno, or the club, this collection is essential listening.
Review: 'Debes Llorar' is the second of two super limited 7"s being dropped by Dez Andres on the fledgling Future Rootz label this month. Like the other one, this 45 pulls out plenty of the Cuban influences Dez is known for. A-side 'Debes Llorar' is all life-affirming chords that fans of his classic 'New 4 U' will recognise, but stitched over ticking and raw drum beats with a Latin shuffle and Spanish vocals. 'Aqui Estamos' takes things down a notch with a more sunset sound, hip-hop flecked deep house beats and seductive vocal sounds next to gorgeous little acoustic guitar riffs.
Review: The Loneliest Punk was Fatlip's debut solo album and was originally released in 2005. It now returns on vinyl as it has remained a cult classic that captures the Pharcyde MC at his most raw and introspective. Produced by J-Swift of Bizarre Ride II and Squeak E. Clean, the album fuses quirky hip-hop drum patterns with sharp lyricism and features standout collaborations with Chali 2na from Jurassic 5 and the late Shock G aka Humpty Hump. Long out of print, this latest reissue revives a hidden gem of underground hip-hop that deserves as much spotlight as it gets.
Review: Free Nationals released their debut album back in 2018. The LA-formed R&B collective comprised of Jose Rios, Ron "T.Nava" Avant, Kelsey Gonzales and Callum Connor are best known as being the backing band for Anderson .Paak but also make grooves just as tight on their own. This debut was packed with top guests such as .Paak himself as well as Mac Miller and Kali Uchis and it was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. It mixes up classic R&B with twists of funk and soul greats like Stevie Wonder.
Review: Galcher Lustwerk is one of those artists who has a completely diehard fan base. And for good reason, he is an idiosyncratic producer who collides myriad different sounds. Rap, funk, blues, beatboxing, techno, electro and bass are all fair game to him. His fist ever mixtape was a stream of sonic consciousness that has never before been released on vinyl. But now Ghostly International step up and press it to two 12"s, with both black and coloured green versions as well as a CD version available. It was a fine announcement of his arrival back then and still stands apart today.
Review: Goyard Ibn Said marks Ghais' debut album arrived following two self-released mixtapes. Released under Fat Possum, this concept album introduces Goyard as a fictional anti-hero, guiding listeners through a narrative split into two acts. Act 1 celebrates the glamour and wealth of mainstream hip-hop stardom so is filled with ambition and triumph. However, Act 2 takes a somber turn as it delves into the personal struggles and tragedies faced in the pursuit of success. The album's compelling storytelling is heightened by Ghais' intricate production so offers a rich and evocative exploration of fame's darker side and marks a strong debut in the hip-hop scene.
Review: Jai Alai is only a relatively young label but its first 11 releases have all been of great quality. This new one features a pair of pearlers from Jaheim Hoagland, a US r&b singer with some 480 odd credits to his name dating from the year 2000 onwards and including several solid albums. 'Just In Case' has a classic soul sound with buttery smooth vocals and plenty of male yearning over sophisticated production. On the flipside is 'Diamond In Da Ruff' which rides a nice deep hip hop beat and has great interplay between vocalists as a tender flute adds further depth to a real smoocher of a song.
Review: Alex "Landy" Hill was the producer for and founding member of the 80s r&b and disco group Timex Social Club. This gem is the result of a deep dive into his archives and is an unreleased 1990s Bay Area demo project. The collection features nine original tracks created in collaboration with vocalist Jordana and songwriter John Pruitt all written and recorded in Hill's modest apartment studio. As you would expect of him, the tunes capture the raw, soulful energy of the era's underground r&b and funk scene with a nice lo-fi edge and plenty of analogue sounds from the time. Long tucked away on ageing cassette tapes, the recordings have now been carefully restored by PPU to offer a great look at Hill's post-Timex era.
Review: Secretly Canadian comes through agin with a superb new album of emotive hip-hop from Wesley Joseph. This is a record of love, loss, joy, anxiety and coming-of-age struggles that arrive on lovely and lively translucent green vinyl. Joseph shows off his wordplay, lyrical intricacy and songwriting skills as he sings in his unique falsetto about a time of change. It follows his well-recorded latest single 'Sugar Dive' and is paired with plenty of low-slung bass, snappy rhythms and percussive drums. As he moves from rapping to singing with real raw honesty and some fine character studies along the way, Joseph really announces himself here.
Review: The Alchemist and Larry June say they 'followed what felt natural' when writing this one and the results are organic and absorbing. This is the CD version of the pair's new album which finds them combine forces for this smoother than silk outing on Empire that brings the best out of both. The Alchemist is a veteran producer who has worked with a who's who of hip-hop over the years, and June is a Bay Area rapper with a real touch of class to his work. He can rap about anything from gourmet food to art, teaching people how to hustle, or whatever else.
Review: This six-track EP, crated between the late 'Cloud rap' icon and producer Nedarb Nagrom, is a miraculous refind and repress. The EP originally dropped in 2016 during the early wave of Peep's rise to the broth cream of the etherground emo rap and SoundCloud scene. Peep was still in the thick of lo-fi, punk and emo experimentations, and fellow traveller Nedarb had already been a frequent collaborator. The Katy Perry song referenced in the title is a red herring, as these tracks are original internet artefacts through and through, bearing none of the same pop sensibilities; they're loose and aerated, packing slipshod 808s and drawly hooks from the pink-haired icon.
B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition
The Illest Villains (2:02)
Accordion (1:56)
Meat Grinder (0:32)
Bistro (2:48)
Raid (2:30)
America's Most Blunted (3:54)
Sickfit (1:21)
RainBows (2:51)
Curls (1:39)
Do Not Fire (0:53)
Money Folder (3:07)
Scene Two (Vouce Skit) (0:02)
Shadows Of Tomorrow (featuring Quasimoto) (2:34)
Operation Lifesaver aka Mint Test (1:31)
Figaro (2:24)
Hardcore Hustle (featuring Wildchild) (1:22)
Strange Ways (1:24)
Intro (0:29)
Fancy Clown (featuring Viktor Vaugh) (1:55)
Eye (featuring Stacy Epps) (1:57)
Supervillain Theme (0:53)
All Caps (2:10)
Great Day (2:17)
Rhinestone Cowboy (3:56)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***
Madvillain is the collaboration of the most dynamic duo from today's hip-hop underground, MF Doom and Madlib. "Madvillainy" has witty, mental lyrics combined with rugged beats fashioned from every possible source material, resulting in a truly unique album pointing the way to hip-hop's future.
Review: The late great MF Doom is still sorely missed a few years on from his passing. Fortunately, there is a wealth of musical legacy to enjoy and continue exploring whether for the first time or as a reminder of his mad skills. To that end, this is a reissue of his NAStradoomus Vol 1 album. It comes as part of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop celebrations on special gold vinyl and includes the evergreen MF Doom remix of 'If I Ruled The World'. This special edition comes with a stickered sleeve.
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