The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing
Yonders
Supreme Alchemy
Freequency (with Black Thought)
No Fear Of Time (with Yummy Bingham)
Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.
Review: This release sees acclaimed producer Apollo Brown team up with Journalist 103 and DJ Soko to form The Left, a project that paints a vivid sonic portrait of Detroit, highlighting a journey through the city's soul and rust-riddled soundscapes that evokes a sense of urban grit and resilience. Brown's production is masterful, layering lush piano melodies over haunting samples and dusty drums. Journalist 103's narrative wordplay adds another dimension, his insightful lyrics weaving tales of struggle and triumph against the backdrop of Detroit's urban landscape. DJ Soko's cuts provide the finishing touch, adding a dynamic energy that keeps the momentum flowing. With guest appearances from Detroit heavyweights like Guilty Simpson, Finale, and MarvWon, the reissue is a powerful and evocative tribute to the Motor City, a must-listen for fans of hip-hop and anyone who appreciates soulful, cinematic soundscapes.
Review: British singer Hope Tala makes about as impressive a debut as you could possibly hope for here. Hope Handwritten is full of indelible love letters and brims with the confidence of an artist who has finely honed her craft. The West London singer leans on neo-soul and classic r&b for inspiration while weaving personal narratives with meticulous care. The standout track 'Breaking Isn't What A Heart Is For' exemplifies the album's essence with velvet vocals over beautifully arranged instrumentals that deepen the emotion of her storytelling. Tala's literary background shines through in her direct yet poetic lyrics, which make this one even more of a fine debut.
Review: If Detroit as a collective mind knows what's good for it, it'll note 8 Miles To Moenart as one of its most prized dance albums. Tall Black Guy's debut LP hears a tenth anniversary reissue edition via First Word; the artist known personally as Terrel Wallace recalls his humble Detroit beginnings; he was raised on an early staple diet of Motown, and the phono-dubbed source material of which is here heard breezily funnelled and assembled into ten gaunt, sample-flipping house numbers. But this new edition doesn't fail to switch things up either, in fact presenting it almost as a different record; two new tracks feature, 'From Home To Work, And Back' and 'Running The Motor', on top of an alt-mix of the single 'Mon Amie De'troit', previously only available on 7" vinyl. "While it's nice to reminisce,", says Wallace, "it's important to look forwards, so I wanted to include something new here to represent my progression as an artist, so there's some new versions included, that I created with the help of some jazz musician friends of mine."
Tall Black Guy - "Solar Coaster For The People" (4:11)
Tall Black Guy - "Constantly Moving" (4:24)
Tall Black Guy - "Super Heights" (3:25)
Eric Lau - "Chop For Mr Thing" (2:46)
Eric Lau - "Dedication A, B & C" (3:02)
Eric Lau - "YNWAJP" (2:35)
Eric Lau - "Lau Left The House" (2:10)
Kidkanevil - "Loopin'" (III) (1:51)
Kidkanevil - "Explorer Flip" (2:11)
Kidkanevil - "A Love That's Worth Sampling" (2:02)
Kidkanevil - "Sun Gonna Shine" (1:56)
Mr Thing - "Changes" (2:54)
Mr Thing - "Carnival" (3:12)
Mr Thing - "Higher" (3:01)
Mr Thing - "Funky Coffee Thing" (3:06)
Review: Nothing Leaves The House: The Anthology brings together four talented producers who each bring their own flavour to instrumental hip-hop. Tall Black Guy kicks things off with 'One to One,' a jazzy, laid-back track with a smooth groove, followed by 'Solar Coaster For The People,' which ups the energy with its infectious rhythm. Eric Lau's 'Chop For Mr Thing' is a standout, with intricate beats and soulful layers, while Kidkanevil's 'Loopin' Ill' brings playful, quirky melodies. Mr Thing closes the collection with 'Changes,' a funky, groove-driven track that wraps things up on a high note. An essential compilation for fans of soulful hip-hop and jazzy beats.
They Don't See/Whole Foods (feat Aja Monet) (4:52)
Starting Over (3:33)
Enjoy The Ride (3:27)
Open To Thyself (4:40)
Am I Still New Orleans (feat Robert Glasper) (2:45)
Ghetto Earth (3:32)
Remember (feat Samara Joy & Robert Glasper) (3:58)
Little Things (feat Yaya Bey) (3:47)
You're In Way Over Your Head (feat Robert Glasper) (3:01)
Is It Me You're Calling (5:02)
Who Ha (feat J Ivy) (3:31)
Review: This exclusive double vinyl collection from Wagram brings together the greatest international hits of the naughties. It is a great four-sided collection that covers all of the most famous sounds and artists from the first decade of the 2000s and so is a great cop for anyone who likes to throw a good old nostalgic house party. Along the way are artists like O-Zone, Benny Benassi, Cascada, Vampire Weekend, Madcon, Las Ketchup, Bob Sinclar and more. There is no better way to relive the era's defining sounds than with this curated selection of memorable hits that shaped decades music culture.
Review: After their well-received debut, Theodor returns with a new LP that elevates their signature psychedelic soul sound. Drawing inspiration from 60s jazz and 70s soul, the band crafts a contemporary sound infused with dreamy synthesisers, mellow acoustic drums and infectious bass lines. The unique combination of falsetto and soulful timbre from the two vocalists weaves together themes of self-reflection, cosmic contemplation and poignant memories of lost friends. This release shows the band's evolution, with tracks that feel cinematic and emotive, leaving you in a tranquil, sun-drenched atmosphere. Static drum machines and elastic instrumental layers give the music a hypnotic quality, while classic pop song structures provide a familiar yet fresh appeal. The LP's wide sonic range and mellow grooves evoke a lazy summer afternoon, perfect for a relaxed tea break. Fans of AIR's silky synthesisers, early Mac DeMarco's mellow vibes, or the rhythmic soul and funk of the 70s will find much to enjoy. Theodor's refined approach to their distinctive style marks a significant step forward, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a soundtrack that stirs both the soul and imagination.
Review: Tinashe's Quantum Baby, her seventh full-length album, arrives at a pivotal moment in her career following her departure from RCA Records. This project continues the narrative arc started with Baby Angel, an independently released mini-album that marked a significant creative leap for her. Quantum Baby opens with 'No Simulation,' a contemplative track that sets a low-key tone, aiming to introduce a deeper narrative. 'When I Get You Alone' offers a sultry groove, while 'No Broke Boys' stands out as a memorable anthem with a catchy beat. The album closes with 'Nasty,' a tracK that is sure to be a hit with all who play it. Overall, Quantum Baby has lots great moments.
Review: More of a refinement than a total reinvention TOKiMONSTA's latest sees her subtly shifting her sound while retaining its essential character. While collaborations are present, they serve to highlight rather overshadow, her distinctive production style. This is a curated journey, moving fluidly between moments of quiet introspection and bursts of dancefloor energy. 'On Sum', the much-anticipated link-up with Anderson.Paak and Rae Khalil, is a clear standout. The established chemistry between TOKiMONSTA and.Paak is undeniable, their styles meshing seamlessly. Khalil's smooth vocals provide a captivating entry point, giving way to.Paak's effortless flow. It's a lesson in modern r&b, where soulful vocals meet TOKiMONSTA's signature rhythms and shimmering synths. This double LP isn't confined to 'On Sum', however. It explores a wider landscape. 'Corazon / Death By Disco Pt. 2' is pure kinetic energy, a samba-infused track built for sweaty dancefloors. But the album also makes space for quieter moments, with tracks like 'Eternal' and 'Reverie' offering a chance to breathe. It's here, in these more contemplative moments, that the intricacies of TOKiMONSTA's production truly come to the fore. This release is a statement, showcasingTOKiMONSTA's continued artistic growth, her ability to weave diverse influences into a cohesive and compelling whole. From the high-octane energy of 'Corazon/Death By Disco Pt. 2' to the understated beauty of 'On Sum', this is a journey worth taking.
Keep Bouncin' (Street) (feat Snoop Dogg, Will I Am, & Fergie) (2:15)
Pimpin' Forever (4:41)
Money Maker (feat Pimp C & Rick Ross) (4:04)
Strip Down (3:44)
Nothing Feels Better (4:17)
Sophisticated (3:57)
Playa (4:05)
16 Hoes (feat Jazze Pha & Bun B) (3:51)
Baller (feat David Banner) (3:35)
Sadity (feat Kurupt & Daz) (3:34)
I Want Your Girl (feat E-40, Dolla Will & Mr Fab) (3:24)
It's Time To Go (3:32)
Shake It Baby (3:27)
Review: The brilliant Blow the Whistle album by hip-hop legend Too Short returns as a special reissue here and is pressed up to striking gold double vinyl. Originally released in 2006, this album features classic tracks like the title anthem 'Blow the Whistle' which is a great showcase of Too Short's unmistakable flow and raw lyricism. Elsewhere the record fuses classic West Coast hip-hop vibes and more club-ready beats with some big-name guest spots such as 'Keep Bouncin' (Street) (feat Snoop Dogg, Will I Am, & Fergie)' and 'Money Maker (feat Pimp C & Rick Ross').
Better That Way (feat Le Syndicat Du Chrome - Jazz reworked) (2:55)
Ronin (feat Hugo Kant - dub) (3:31)
Pills For Your Ills (Afghan Beat) (3:29)
Past Your Time (Trap Reboot) (3:19)
The Journey (Lost mix) (3:17)
Review: South African rapper TUMI teams up with French trio Chinese Man for a genre-defying collaboration here that reimagines hip-hop through a global lens. Drawing from dusty crates and forgotten corners of music history, such as banjo riffs, 1930s swing and Andean flutes, the production is a crate-digger's dream that boldly ventures far beyond traditional hip-hop terrain. The result is a rich, textured sound that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new as TUMI's lyrics weave between irony and poignancy and are grounded in sonic experimentation with sharp social commentary. This is a bold, borderless journey and proof that when cultures and styles collide, magic happens.
Shake Ah (feat Tony Duardo, Optimist music & Ez Maestro) (5:44)
Push 2 Start (2:37)
Back To You (2:34)
Review: Tyla every much burst onto the global r&b scene with her breakout single 'Water.' Se quickly capitalised on summer ubiquity with a self-titled album which showcases her distinct blend of Afrobeat, pop and r&b. It's a mix of the usual tropes - sultry, steamy vocals, lovely smooth bass, rich melodic hooks and polished production that doesnt lose an intimate edge. Tyla brings an energy that's both vibrant and emotional with her vocals and while her most famous single remains her best work, her ability to weave personal experiences into her lyrics adds depth on this record which does a god job of showing her impressive vocal range.
Review: Tyson's debut album is a captivating exploration of deep, soulful r&b infused with diverse sonic influences. Produced and co-written with Oscar Scheller, the album spans ten tracks that delve into homegrown bass cultureibreakbeats, street soul and trip-hopiwhile incorporating icy 80s synthpop and expansive 00s r&b. The result is a unique, boundary-pushing sound. Highlights include 'Jumpstart', a smooth, atmospheric piece that blends dub, drum & bass and trap into a mesmerising groove. 'Alien Romance' introduces futuristic elements with inventive soundscapes that merge r&b and hip-hop, creating an otherworldly yet accessible vibe. Meanwhile, 'Angel Dust' wraps listeners in a magical, ambient euphoria, showcasing Tyson's ability to craft deeply immersive tracks. Tyson's raw, emotive vocals and innovative production make this a seamless fusion of nostalgia and modernity that redefines contemporary urban music. Fans of experimental yet deeply soulful music will find plenty to love in this remarkable debut.
Kanye West's new collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, VULTURES 1, feels unexpectedly cohesive and fully realizedia surprising change of pace for West's recent output. Known for raw and often incomplete releases, this time he brings clear production and a crisp, polished mix. Ty's smooth delivery contrasts with Kanye's own verses, blending effortlessly on tracks like the Donna Summer-sampling 'Good (Don't Die)'. Rhythmic, industrial beats provide a dynamic backdrop, especially on tracks like 'Paid' and 'Carnival,' giving this album a depth that stands out in West's complex, ever-evolving catalogue.
Review: Kanye West's new collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, VULTURES 1, feels unexpectedly cohesive and fully realizedia surprising change of pace for West's recent output. Known for raw and often incomplete releases, this time he brings clear production and a crisp, polished mix. Ty's smooth delivery contrasts with Kanye's own verses, blending effortlessly on tracks like the Donna Summer-sampling 'Good (Don't Die)'. Rhythmic, industrial beats provide a dynamic backdrop, especially on tracks like 'Paid' and 'Carnival,' giving this album a depth that stands out in West's complex, ever-evolving catalogue.
Review: Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign's collaboration offers a compelling blend of hip-hop and r&b, showcasing their distinctive styles. Tracks like 'Burn' and 'Talking' highlight their seamless integration of vocals and production. The splattered vinyl 2xLP edition enhances the auditory experience, complementing the album's rich soundscapes. This release underscores both artists' enduring influence in contemporary music.
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