Review: Bristol beatmsiths and remixing duo The Allergies have been hot since '16, quietly pushing the buttons, twisting the dials and raising the throw levers on their resident soul console, Jalapeno Records. This time, though they've not revealed their sources, the boys have once again delivered on their promise to scour the waxen depths of Philly filler-upper funk, with 'Bye Bye Baby' panning a mammoth breaksoul gold rush, and 'Heartbreaker' offering a counterpoint in longing body percussions and "please don't leave me"s.
Review: Remastered from a lost cassette in composer David Toop's archive, Unsettled Scores Records has secured the rights to a first-ever release of the legendary title track from Dick Fontaine's iconic 1988 graffiti documentary. Originally airing on Channel 4, the film followed Brim's 1985 journey from the Bronx to the UK, where he linked up with future icons like Goldie and 3D of Massive Attack. A formative piece for graffiti writers and hip-hop heads alike, Brim's 'Bombin'' became a cult classic and remained so. This long-awaited 7" includes the full version and unreleased mixes.
Review: TakeFingz returns with its seventh release and offers up a double A-side 7" tailored for dancefloor devastation. On Side A, DJ Katch reworks classic funk breaks into a groove-heavy party igniter that betrays some seriously sharp turntable skills and crowd-moving instincts. It's a surefire weapon for any set in high-energy settings. On the flip, DJ Toby Gee drops a bass-driven boogie funk jam packed with vintage chants and break-heavy grooves. Both tracks are precision-crafted with nods to B-Boy culture among them perfect for bodypoppers and lockers alike.
Review: Following his standout 'Just A Flute Thing' single last time out, DJ Scientist returns with 'The Baku Files', a limited release that's an immediate crate-digger's dream. Side-A delivers a hypnotic, jazzy boom-bap instrumental built from rare Soviet-era Azeri jazz samples layered with gritty vocal chops from vintage rap records. It's a brilliant cross-cultural collage that feels at once nostalgic and fresh. Flip to side-B for 'To See You,' a slick, DJ-friendly rework of a Murat Kashlaev composition originally reissued on Spasibo Records and packed with head-nodding grooves, old-school flavour and new-school execution.
Review: Detroit native Ideeyah is a singer, songwriter and performer whose soulful vocals and lyrical storytelling touch the heart. Born LaKeisha Johnson, who you may remember from featuring on Theo Parrish's superb DJ-kicks mix. Here she steps up to his Sound Signature label with a new solo EP produced by Meftah. It begins with praise-giving spoken words and cosmic synths on 'Invocation (feat Maimunah Baqui)' then takes in deep and jazzy broken beats on 'Align', heavenly keys and vocal coos on 'Light' and slow motion grooves on '2020' where Ideeyah's effortless smooth and seductive tones melt the heart. 'Eat The Plants' and 'Sweet Chariot' are two more magnificent vocal pieces with gentle live drums and meaningful pads.
House Brigade - "A Madd Cry" (Dungeon edit mix) (4:12)
Review: Yet another early Masters At Work proto-jungle cut gets released on the inimitable Kay Dee recs. 'Blood Vibes' (Demo Version) is a desirous gemstone whose best facets reflect reggae, hip-hop and party breaks, though each side can only partially bend the unmissable light that is Kenny Dope" Gonzalez's production touch. Built around elements of Junior Reid's reggae classic 'One Blood', 'Blood Vibes' came about amid the pose-striking ballroom craze in New York in 1991, and even now we can hardly prepare ourselves for the riot that ensues on the following B-side, 'The Madd Cry'.
Review: This isn't an EP of house tracks crafted in the mid 1990s by the late member of the royal family, but rather a dive into the back catalogue of New Jersey producer Heeley Calator of SMACK Productions fame. In keeping with much of Heeley's work, the four tracks on show (all originally released in 1994) are undeniably X-rated and full of sexually-charged vocals. Check first the 'Instru-Beat' mix of 'Whose Dick Is This', a rolling, low-slung and lightly soulful garage-house workout, before admiring the warmer, dreamier and jazzier 'What's My Name (The Tribe & Friends Mix)'. Over on the flip, WOLF has served up two takes on 'Big Dick - Mutha F*cka': the percussively dense, organ-rich New Jersey garage heaviness of the 'Sample Mix' and the stripped-back tribal house headiness of the 'Drum Mix'.
Review: Longtime disco editor Smoove played his first cards right with Wack Records in 2007, and now he returns to the imprint after decades with another raw-cut, redone diamond; a synth-driven slab of filth-funk reflecting the talents of 80s soul mogul Bobby on vocals. On the flip, things speed up as Smoove flips Mrs Jackson's vocals into a razor-sharp electro funk rework, loaded with punchy edits, Mantronix-inspired stutters, and warped stabs that twist the track into club-ready territory.
Review: Telefax Productions - mysterious musical masterminds formed by veteran producers with roots in the late 80s - finally drop a vinyl release of their 2024 breakout club anthem, 'Break This House Down'. It is an unashamedly revivalist hip-house banger backed by proper DJs like Honey Dijon and Luke Solomon and features fiery verses from rising Buffalo MC DeeVoeNay. Alongside the flame-hot original is a live band version with HR Nightmare, plus a rough and ready bruk remix from London's EVM128 and last but not least, a visceral acid house rework. This is a perfect example of how you balance nostalgia and freshness and do it right. The package is finished in style with fine artwork by KLF legend Jimmy Cauty.
Review: Mid-90s East Coast hip-hop classic 'CREAM' is one of the best Wu-Tang Clan tunes if you ask us, but we never thought it might get mashed up with a Beatles tune. That's what we have here on the Tea Breaks label, which flips it into a lush, soul-drenched hip-hop sound with low-slung drums and Raekwon & Inspector Deck delivering the bars. On the flipside is an instrumental that strips them away and allows the introspective melodies and laid-back, golden-era beats to shine. Two heady tunes for sure.
Review: Dr. Dre's The Chronic gave rise to such heavy-hitters as 'Nuthin' But A 'G' Thang' and 'Let Me Ride', but what about its many "reimaginings" over the years? With The Ghronic, released in 2023, West Coast rappers 38 Spesh and Conway The Machine can't be said to have laid down their own version more so than they did treat the Dre touchstone as a starting point, dropping a nine-track array of similar G-funk whistling lowrider bumps, readapted for the contemporary New Yorker, and yet with fresh lyrical themes and subject matters. Reissued two years later on green vinyl, after an initially white-sleeved run, the productions are ever clean and the flows lackadaisical. Features from Lloyd Banks, Che Noir, Benny The Butcher and Elcamino cement the bluffing rep of a brag-heavy machine duopoly.
Review: More Chaos marks American rapper and record producer Ken's fourth studio album and shows a bold evolution of the distinct style he introduced on A Great Chaos. A pure solo effort with no guest features, the record sharpens his voice both lyrically and sonically and the production is handled exclusively by a close-knit circle of trusted collaborators, all of whom he's cultivated and refined across previous projects, and who give the album a cohesive, focused energy. With More Chaos, Ken expands the emotional and sonic range of what he's done before while staying true to the intensity that first defined his work. It's a sharpened vision well worth tuning into.
Review: Chilean-born, Bristol-based Shanti Celeste has always brought a unique colour and emotion to her often bass-heavy sounds. She's a party-starting DJ, too, but delves into whole new realms with her wonderful sophomore full-length. Romance sees her exploring themes of love and friendship through shimmering pop textures and emotionally resonant songwriting. Her vocals take centre stage for the first time and lead single 'Thinking About You' is a heartfelt tribute to a late friend with a glowing groove and airy falsetto. Crafted between Bristol and London, the album features collaborations with Batu and harpist Miriam Adefris, whose delicate touch enhances its celestial tone and following last summer's acclaimed 'Ice Cream Dream Boy,' Romance is a luminous return and smart evolution.
Facelift (feat Estee Nack, Raz Fresco & Daniel Son) (3:19)
Overkill (feat Hus Kingpin) (1:38)
You're Dead (feat Al.Divino & Crimeapple) (3:12)
83 Canadian Hollow Tips (feat P-Dirt, Raz Fresco & Daniel Son) (3:35)
Head Hunters (feat Izrell) (3:41)
Welcome To Hell (feat P-Dirt, DJ Eclipse & ILL BILL) (2:54)
Maximum Overdrive (feat Raz Fresco, Goretex & J-Spliff) (3:42)
White Crown (feat Casual, DJ Eclipse & Planet Asia - part 2) (3:31)
Call Me Snake (feat P-Dirt & J-Spliff) (3:34)
Wild Style Warz (feat Raz Fresco & Da Flyy Hooligan) (3:52)
Writing On The Wall (feat Izrell & J-Spliff) (3:20)
Review: Bay Area producer Dead Perry follows up on the success of The Art of Re-Animation with his dark, gritty solo LP Acoustic Shadows. After impressing with his reimagining of Hieroglyphics' Casual's work, Perry now leans fully into his signature shadowy style and has said he was inspired by a Civil War phenomenon where sound vanishes due to geography for this work. The album's title reflects Perry's low-profile, graffiti-rooted ethos and the tunes feature a stacked lineup with Casual, Planet Asia, Ill Bill, Estee Nack and more all involved on a project that dives into murky sonic terrain. Standout track 'Call Me Snake' evokes John Carpenter and inspired P-Dirt's concept lyrics. A brilliant return.
B-STOCK: Sleeve split on the bottom but otherwise in excellent condition
Stanka Pooh (1:26)
Bullfrog (2:11)
Boiled Peanuts (1:53)
Denial Is A River (2:35)
Catfish (2:09)
Skipp (1:46)
Hide N Seek (2:18)
Bloom (2:11)
Wait (2:53)
Death Roll (2:24)
Profit (1:30)
Boom Bap (4:10)
Nissan Altima (2:32)
Doechii & Kuntfetish - "GFTO" (2:04)
Huh! (3:04)
Slide (2:46)
Fireflies (1:32)
Beverly Hills (3:39)
Alligator Bites Never Heal (2:40)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve split on the bottom but otherwise in excellent condition***
Alligator Bites Never Heal sees Doechii at her most introspective and ambitious, a 19-track mixtape (and now LP) where vulnerability takes centre stage. Departing from her club-ready bangers she explores raw themes of loss, pressure and self-worth. Opener 'Stanka Pooh' dives deep into spiralling anxieties but Doechii's wit keeps things balanced as she snaps back with her signature humour. Tracks like 'Bullfrog' and 'Nissan Altima' are drenched in Tampa's humid, swampy vibes while moments like 'Bloom' and 'Beverly Hills' highlight her melodic strengths. Navigating between raunchy bravado and emotional honesty, Doechii proves she's an artist defying any box.
My Nigga (feat $ilkmoney, Quelle Chris & Big Kahuna OG) (4:58)
Lil One (intro) (1:26)
Lil One (4:39)
CheckOnMe (feat Lojii) (3:51)
Nottooshabby (feat Quelle Chris, Nickelus F & $ilkmoney) (4:51)
Lord Forgives, I Hold Grudges (feat Denmark Vessey & Pink Siifu) (3:58)
The Times (4:02)
Forever Dream (interlude) (0:31)
Forever Dream (3:17)
Corner Pocket (feat Quelle Chris & BbyMutha) (3:05)
Dr Phil (feat Sycho Sid - skit) (1:23)
YOUGOTME!! (3:09)
Foreverever Dream (interlude) (0:56)
Say Thank You (feat Pink Siifu & Turich Benjy) (5:21)
Review: Fly Anakin's latest fun length marks a new chapter in his career, but it still brings forth the sharp lyricism and soulful, experimental production he is known for. This one was executive produced by Quelle Chris, whom he has worked with since 2019, and finds Fly serving up his ambitious work to date and collaborations with Denmark Vessey, BbyMutha, Pink Siifu, and The Alchemist. After years of honing their chemistry, Anakin and Quelle Chris deliver their most bold, unorthodox sounds yet and push new boundaries for hip-hop while exploring freedom and artistic evolution. It all reflects Anakin's mastery of both lyricism and production with plenty of intimate, emotive moments.
My Nigga (feat $ilkmoney, Quelle Chris & Big Kahuna OG) (4:58)
Lil One (intro) (1:26)
Lil One (4:39)
CheckOnMe (feat Lojii) (3:51)
Nottooshabby (feat Quelle Chris, Nickelus F & $ilkmoney) (4:51)
Lord Forgives, I Hold Grudges (feat Denmark Vessey & Pink Siifu) (3:58)
The Times (4:02)
Forever Dream (interlude) (0:31)
Forever Dream (3:17)
Corner Pocket (feat Quelle Chris & BbyMutha) (3:05)
Dr Phil (feat Sycho Sid - skit) (1:23)
YOUGOTME!! (3:09)
Foreverever Dream (interlude) (0:56)
Say Thank You (feat Pink Siifu & Turich Benjy) (5:21)
Review: Fly Anakin is a multi-talented rapper and producer from Richmond, Virginia, with more than a decade of experience in the hip-hop game that has established him as a sharp lyricist and soulful producer. Anakin's collaborations with artists like Freddie Gibbs and Pink Siifu have shown his mastery of both classic and pioneering sounds, and this new album, The Forever Dream, is a marked shift that explores unorthodox and experimental approaches with executive producer Quelle Chris. The project is built on unconventional beats and represents a new phase of freedom for Anakin. After years of refining his craft, Anakin remain one of the purest and most direct rappers in the scene.
Grey October Sound & Monbee - "Fly-Day China Tow" (2:27)
Grey October Sound & Achamico - "Plastic Love" (4:57)
Grey October Sound & Monbee - "Mayonaka No Door - Stay With Me" (3:17)
Grey October Sound & Judo125 - "Tokai" (2:54)
Grey October Sound & Esu - "Anohi Ni Kaeritai" (2:19)
Grey October Sound & Lo Film Creation - "Kanashimi-Ga-Tomaranai" (4:15)
Grey October Sound & Esu - "Kimi Wa 1000%" (4:56)
Grey October Sound & Judo125 - "Amaku Kiken Na Kaori" (3:05)
Grey October Sound & The Sidewinder - "Mr Summertime" (2:28)
Grey October Sound & Kimono Boyz - "Down Town" (4:05)
Grey October Sound & Judo125 - "Mayonaka No Door - Stay With Me" (version) (4:07)
Review: Following the success of Lo-Fi Ghibli in 2022, underground hip-hop head Grey October Sound is back with a new cover album that finds him reimagining iconic Japanese city-pop tracks through lo-fi hip-hop. It is another gem from P-VINE that features laid-back reinterpretations of classics such as Miki Matsubara's 'Mayonaka no Door,' Yasuha's 'Fly-Day Chinatown,' and Taeko Onuki's 'Tokai' alongside songs by Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi and Yumi Arai. It's. Lush world of carefully hinted at nostalgic melodies with relaxed beats soothing mind, body and soul, all with a lo-fi and retro city-pop charm.
Grey October Sound, Transparent - "Track 5" (5:39)
Grey October Sound, Judo125 - "Track 6" (3:18)
Grey October Sound, Crystique - "Track 7" (5:23)
Grey October Sound, 57th - "Track 8" (2:52)
Grey October Sound, COCO - "Track 9" (2:24)
Grey October Sound, MONBEE - "Track 10" (3:31)
Review: Go-to lo-fi from Grey October Sound, P-Vine's resident hip-hop group and collective vibe queller. Having built a steady beatmaking operation initially from Studio Ghibli thematics and other anime associations, the group now continue to turn their hand to originals, furthering your capacity to wind down after many a long, protracted cramming sesh. Whether flashcards, cats on laps and hot steaming cocoa are or aren't your thing, that's OK, because we can bet the dragging rhythms of 'Tokai', the desultory pocket piano missive '1000%', and/or the closing crepuscule 'DOWN TOWN' will be.
Review: Boy Better Know founder, vegan grime MC and one third of the Adenuga family legacy alongside Skepta and radio presenter Julie, JME has always floated above grime and bass music airspaces as an incontestable voice. Integrity first arrived through BBK as a fully self-produced banger set in 2015, corralling heavyweight collaborators Wiley, Giggs, Skepta, and D Double E to hammer home a certain message: simply put: don't mess. Wavering between dreamy and tearout instrumentals almost always orbiting 140bpm, and circulated between then "in" producers Joker, Deeco, and of course the inimitable Swifta, JME's subject matter always matches the vibe, be that as it may, boxing the opposition with car key fobs, or treating producers like prostitutes, giving them P for a beat. A certain nostalgia will wash over 10s grime listeners, as this limited edition clear vinyl reissue reinvokes the mouthy verbiage of one of grime's toppest guns.
Review: Let The Light will be KAMM's final album - and its most poignant - as it is a tribute to late member Alland Byallo, a beloved name in the underground who suddenly passed in 2023. Surviving members Marc Barrite aka Dave Aju, Kenneth Scott and Marc Smith dip into new sounds here, including jazz, psych funk, soul, golden-era hip-hop and textured electronics, and work them all into a heartfelt final statement that does a fine job of honouring Byallo's creative spirit with real emotional depth and warmth. From the serpentine tones of opener through the bossa-infused boom-bap of 'No Deal', the politically charged jazz burner 'Your Honour' and the sleek electro rhythms of 'How Long?', the album traverses plenty of ground. It also features Byallo's artwork and closes with a chorus of loved ones that makes it all the more poignant.
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