Review: Angry Blackmen's The Legend of ABM is a visceral exploration of life in contemporary America. Through their gritty and unapologetic lyricism, Quentin Branch and Brian Warren confront the harsh realities of their existence with raw honesty and introspection. Produced by Derek Allen, the album's chaotic and distorted soundscapes provide a fitting backdrop for their narrative, capturing the ambient stress of navigating a society rife with systemic injustices. The album's tracks delve into themes of depression, existentialism, self-reflection and survival, offering a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by Black men in today's world. Branch and Warren's lyrical delivery is blunt and uncompromising, detailing their personal demons and experiences with searing clarity. From grappling with mental health issues to confronting generational trauma, their storytelling is both captivating and harrowing. While the production style may draw comparisons to noise rap, The Legend of ABM maintains a sense of accessibility and immediacy that sets it apart. Branch and Warren's chemistry is palpable as they effortlessly weave through intricate rhyme schemes and rapid-fire verses, infusing each track with a competitive intensity and undeniable energy.
Review: Asake's latest release showcases his signature blend of Afrobeat and contemporary global sounds, delivering a richly layered collection that reflects his artistic growth. Tracks like 'Wave (feat Central Cee)' seamlessly merge Afrobeats with trap influences, while 'Active (feat Travis Scott)' introduces amapiano textures into Asake's distinct soundscape. These collaborations amplify the album's dynamic energy, while Asake's lyrics delve into themes of resilience and ambition. It's a confident step forward, cementing his position as a global force in music.
Review: Dean Blunt is nothing short of an enigma. Whether you're reading one of his interviews of few words, listening to the records that seem to both celebrate the avant-garde and obsess over it, or watching him descend into strange, otherworldly cacophonies on stage, usually shrouded in smoke, he's never really been an easy guy to pin down. And that's exactly what he's always been going for.
It's something of a surprise, then, to learn that Black Metal 2, the long-awaited, seven years in the making sequel to his critically acclaimed Black Metal, is actually pretty straight forward. In a Dean Blunt kind of way. Opening on the compressed strings and near-spoken word of 'Vigil', the record takes us into the deep dark depths of strange, hook-fuelled guitar poetry, and we never want to find our way back.
Review: Jorun Bombay returns with another double-sided gem that again blends nostalgia with fresh 2024 vibes. On 'Our Thang,' he reinvents a classic James Brown production by adding funky guitar riffs, a trombone solo, and vibraphone touches from his band, the Espressolites. This instrumental rework breathes new life into the original and makes subtle yet impactful tweaks to a timeless track. On the flip side, 'Phungry' fuses a 90s rap classic with vocals from the reggae canon in an innovative and seamless blend. Both tracks are essential for pretty much any crate, to be honest.
Review: Jorun Bombay is back once again with more of his masterful beat mash ups and beat juggling 7"s. This is his second this week - well, it's a black wax version of the same EP where the other is bright pink, both on Soundweight. He opens up with 'The Big Bonus Beats' (A Jorun Bombay edit) which has crashing drum hits and an iconic vocal mashed together with some funky guitar riffs and plenty of big, oversized and splashing cymbals. 'Jamaican Funk (A Jorun Bombay edit)' is a super sweet jam with a plunging synth bassline and more classic vocal samples that lend it a neo-soul feel.
B-STOCK: Obi-strip missing, sleeve slightly torn but otherwise in excellent condition
Review: ***B-STOCK: Obi-strip missing, sleeve slightly torn but otherwise in excellent condition***
Boogie Down Productions' 1989 release stands as one of hip-hop's most important but often overlooked albums. While many celebrate the group's early work, this record delivers a unique blend of lyrical depth and musical innovation that makes it just as essential. KRS-One, continuing to shape the group's sound after the tragic loss of Scott LaRock, crafted a sonic landscape that's both funky and thought-provoking. The album features powerful tracks like 'You Must Learn' and 'Why Is That?'. where KRS-One tackles issues ranging from education to religion with unflinching clarity. The anti-police anthem 'Who Protects Us From You' remains painfully relevant today, highlighting the album's ability to speak truth to power. 1989 was a transformative year for hip-hop. Amidst a genre explosion, the album's lessons were a revelation, challenging listeners to think critically and embrace their own potential. The infectious beats and KRS-One's wisdom left a lasting impression, creating an album that wasn't just entertaining, but educational. For younger fans, this reissue offers a chance to discover a foundational moment in hip-hop's history, underscoring the genre's ability to both entertain and enlighten.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Green Room (3:16)
Jennifer's Body (2:37)
Fighting My Demons (1:47)
Singapore (feat Destroy Lonely) (0:52)
Lose It (4:41)
Hardcore (2:11)
Me N My Kup (3:53)
It's Over (1:34)
Succubus (2:28)
Paranoid (feat Destroy Lonely) (2:12)
Pots (1:33)
Like This (feat Lil Uzi Vert & Destroy Lonely) (0:37)
Overtime (3:11)
Vampire Hour (1:47)
Nightcore (5:37)
Nightcore 2 (3:05)
Rockstar Lifestyle (3:10)
I Need U (2:28)
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
Ken Carson's A Great Chaos marks a creative breakthrough for the Opium affiliate, showcasing a departure from his previous work and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in Atlanta rap. Collaborating with producers like Starboy, Outtatown, F1LTHY, and Lucian, Carson delivers a thrilling album filled with outrageous beats and vibrant vocal performances. The album's calculated sequencing and diverse production create a brisk and electrifying listening experience. Carson's vocals are upfront and raw, conveying a sense of urgency and vitality that permeates each track. From the icy duet with Destroy Lonely on 'Singapore' to the bludgeoning intensity of 'Hardcore,' Carson explores new sonic territory while staying true to his roots. Carson's audacious approach and undeniable charisma elevate the album to new heights.
Review: Curren$y and MonstaBeatz reunite for their second full-length collaboration here in the wake of years of joint projects. Both are New Orleans natives and the Jet Life rapper and producer duo first made waves with their 2009 debut, This Ain't No Mixtape. New record Radioactive delivers 12 fresh tracks that speak of great chemistry and subtle sonic evolution. The album features guest appearances from Jay Worthy, Fiend and DeeLow Diamond Man all of whom add their own dynamic energy. These tunes have a blend of smooth production and sharp lyricism that once again restarts the artists behind it as some of the most consistent collaborations in modern hip-hop.
Review: American neo-soul pin-up D'Angelo has released a couple of the smoothest records of the last 30 years. He even made a welcome comeback in the mid 2010s and added some more magic to his cannon. Here Kero Uno remixes a couple of his tunes and ups their funky quotient to make them more suitable to dancefloors. First, he flips 'Spanish Joint' into a key-laced and funky workout with low-slung, hip-swinging grooves sure to seduce next to the zippy synth leads. On the flip is his hot take on 'Feel Like Makin' Love', another bona-fide gem full of heart and soul.
Cool Breeze On The Rocks (The Melted version) (0:15)
Can U Keep A Secret (1:40)
Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge) (3:25)
Ghetto Thang (3:43)
Transmitting Live From Mars (1:11)
Eye Know (4:08)
Take It Off (1:54)
A Little Bit Of Soap (0:53)
Tread Water (3:50)
Potholes In My Lawn (3:52)
Say No Go (4:22)
Do As De La Does (2:06)
Plug Tunin' (Last Chance To Comprehend) (4:13)
De La Orgee (1:13)
Buddy (with Jungle Brothers & Q-Tip From A Tribe Called Quest) (5:02)
Description (1:35)
Me Myself & I (3:38)
This Is A Recording 4 Living In A Full Time Era (LIFE) (3:15)
I Can Do Anything (Delacratic) (0:45)
DAISY Age (4:42)
Review: De LA Soul's debut album gets a reissue in multiple formats this year. Among them, the most likely curiosity is this limited edition magenta LP, celebrating the trio's colourful aesthetic - a courageous move to take back in the 1990s, in a surrounding world of hip-hop darkness. Featuring such hits as 'Me, Myself and I', 'The Magic Number' and 'Eye Know', these are playful songs from hip-hop's veritable straight-and-narrow trifecta.
Review: For those in the know, this new collab between veteran Portuguese DJ and producer Dedy Dread and fast-rising Hawaiian singing star Olivia Ruff has been a long time coming. But it was worth the wait. The opener 'Cover Me' features Ruff's, well, slightly rough - or at least gravelly - vocals over a rhythm and bass instrumental. It's accented with wispy chords, neat little guitar riffs and crunchy claps. Flip it over and you'll find a remix by label founder The Rebel and Roman pianist and producer Shiny D. Their version is a modern update with brilliant reggaeton rhythms.
Review: DJ A.D.S. keeps it real with some classic hip-hop remixes that rework timeless joints which always wried back in the day, continue to work now, and are sure to never go out of favour. The first one on this new 7" is 'Get UR Freak On' which becomes a slow-motion joint with whimsical Middle Eastern melodies and a snaking baseline topped with some fine bars from Missy Elliott. On the flip is Snoop and Pharell's 'Drop It Like It's Hot' reworked into a sultry boom-bap joint. Two stone cold weapons.
Uknowhowedo (ATCQ Check The Rhyme Remake remix) (3:54)
Review: Move fast on this reissue because DJ Bacon drops sell out quicker than quick. The revered beat smith is a valuable best friend when it comes to modern breaks remixes of old skool hip-hop and funk. He's served up plenty in his time and 'Ladies Quest Vol. 1' focuses solely on revered hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest, flipping two of their most revered instrumentals, 'The Jam' and 'Check The Rhime', with vocal acapellas from legendary femme lyricists Lauryn Hill ('Lost Ones') and Bahamadia ('Uknowhowwedu'). The effect is powerful and as well as proving dancefloor heat, there is some real soul in these here beats.
Review: Krush's eighth - and last - album Jaku is up there with Endtroducing and Donuts in terms of seminal, influential and forward-thinking beat longer players. 10 years since its release and it still sounds as timeless, unique and exciting as it did in 2004. The slick licks of a young Mr Lif on "Nosferatu", the post-apocalyptic tension of "Univearth" the sludgy, swampy cosmic hip-hop of the Aesop Rock-featured "Kill Switch" and the unashamed sax sex of "Slit Of Cloud"..... Do we need to go on? Limited edition, 180g transparent vinyl; even if you already have this in your collection this is a very, very appealing investment.
Review: Double A's 'Gotta be a Sucka 4 Luv' finally hits vinyl after two years of digital anticipation. This funk and soul-infused track is an instant party starter, boasting snappy drums, a catchy bassline, and horn stabs galore. It's a dancefloor anthem with undeniable energy and groove, perfect for any occasion. On Side-2, King Most's 'Standing Out' delivers classic funk and r&b vibes with a killer male vocal and infectious beats. This fun filled vinyl pressing ensures that these digital-only gems can now spin on turntables, bringing their timeless sounds to both collectors and DJs alike. Don't miss out on these essential additions to your music collection!
Review: The Du-Rites is a superb funk combo based in New York City with Jay Mumford (no, not that Mumford) on drums, keys and bass guitar and Pablo Martin on guitar, bass guitar and keys. They have been turning out the jams now for almost a decade and 'Go Funk Me' on Od Maid is their latest. The short but sweet A-side rides on a deep cut funk rhythm that is softened by some fluttering flutes, though the baritone spoken words being a hint of menace next to the organ chords. 'Bucket' on the B-side is another percolating rhythm with cool spoken words and plenty of liveliness in the perc.
Review: Still no one makes electro quite like the OG that is The Egyptian Lover. He helped pioneer the genre back in the day and for proof look no further than 'Franky Girl' from way back in 1986. It still very much sounds future today with its ice-cold drum machine sounds, creepy, mystic bass lines and sci-fi synth leads all topped off with his own inimitable mic work. Extended and album versions are included with the flipside featuring 'We The Freaks'. It's a more crisp and raw cut but one that still makes you want to pop that body on the dance floor.
Review: Rapper Elzhi brings nostalgic vavavoom to Detroit boom bap with Elmatic, a new album drawing on the many instrumentals and themes explored in fellow crown-bearer Nas' modern hip-hop classic Illmatic. Elzhi expatriates these to the flagship Michigan city, conjuring grittily hearty visions of project blocks and childhood loves, blending recollections of ferocity and tenderness. The choice to engage in hip-hop derivation is no misfire either; classic DJ Premier instrumentals such as 'The World Is Yours' and 'NY State Of Mind', the latter transferred to 'Detroit State Of Mind' here, are entirely reconstructed from scratch, hearing the way rappers identify with one another through time. Elzhi's lyrics are incendiary, blowing us away with themes of crib loyalty and teenage amities.
Left & Right (feat Method Man & Redman - instrumental) (5:14)
Spanish Joint (instrumental) (3:35)
Sugah Momma (instrumental) (1:33)
Brown Sugar (instrumental) (3:08)
Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine (instrumental) (4:07)
Cold World (interlude instrumental) (2:27)
Be Here (feat Raphael Saadiq - instrumental) (4:03)
Review: To commemorate the 20th anniversary of D'Angelo's iconic album Voodoo, Amerigo Gazaway had crafted a masterful tribute that reinterprets several standout tracks from the original. Utilising live instruments like electric guitar, synth bass, clavinet, organ and Rhodes, Gazaway breathes fresh life into these classic cuts while maintaining the essence of their grooves. The result is a woozy, silky update that melds elements of hip-hop, gospel, neo-soul and r&b, creating a rich tapestry of sound that honors the source material. With fourteen tracks, including both vocal and instrumental versions, this project captures the spirit of Voodoo while infusing it with new energy. A highlight of this release is the bonus track featuring Raphael Saadiq alongside D'Angelo on 'Be Here', which further emphasises the collaborative spirit of the genre. Gazaway's reimagining not only celebrates the timeless quality of Voodoo but also showcases his talent for blending classic sounds with contemporary influences, making this tribute a worthy addition to any music lover's collection.
This Is For Your Blue Soul (feat Made In M) (2:32)
Espina Santa (2:09)
Review: With his new album, the lauded Bogota producer Felipe Gordon assembles a collection of tender, ponderous hip-hop instrumentals inspired by 'the melancholy of a period of his life and the emotions that come with it.' While this cryptic insight could relate to a gamut of emotions from heartache to loneliness, the album's 11 tracks, including collaborations with lo-fi beats kingpins Saib and Made In M, among others, channel a timeless nostalgia which is immediately relatable. Fusing the instantly recognisable jazz lollop of many of today's 'beats to study and chill to' school with Tame Impala-esque jangle guitars and reverb clouds, Gordon delivers an anthology which truly does what it says on the tin. Turn Off, Tune In, Drop Out!
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