Review: Manchester producer Atomphunk's collaboration with Seattle duo Mugs and Pockets, featuring DJ Deviant, is a standout summer release. 'Summer Jam' is a vibrant track with a popping funk bass line and lively rhymes that evoke the spirit of the Native Tongues, blended seamlessly with the Grand Central/Fat City groove and the West Coast bounce of Jurassic 5. This track is poised to be Regulate's biggest hit yet. On the flip side, 'Back For More' takes a more laid-back approach, with Atomphunk crafting a synth-driven groove perfect for those hot, sticky summer days. Crisp beats and Pockets' (from MAP) smooth delivery make this tracka great blend of funk, hip-hop and groove.
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.
Review: 'My House' was a parting gift from Queen Bey herself following her record-setting 'Renaissance' album cycle, the first in a trilogy she continued with 2024s 'Cowboy Carter'. Landing multiple awards and ten top spots on various 'Best of 2022' lists, the track is a big, brassy, chant-led track featuring the same hallmarks that peppered her 'Homecoming' history-making Coachella performance. Serving as promotion and as the credits sequence, for her theatrical concert film 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce'. The track is anthemic and uplifting, a combination of braggadocious flexing and preaching the power of love and healing - it's an infectious hit. On the B-side of this release is an extended intro edit of Beyonce's legendary chart-topping hit 'Single Ladies', celebrating its 16th birthday this year.
Biggie Smalls - "Sunshine Biggie" (A Don Mash Up) (4:15)
2 Pac - "Thug Stylin" (A Don Mash Up) (4:27)
Review: With the likelihood that these two legendary MCs would have ever shared credits on a release while alive being zero, this 7" A Don mash up is the closest we'll ever get to seeing these East and West coast feuds quelled musically. Featuring a smooth disco-funk reimagining of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Juicy' on the A-side, with a jazzy old school boom-bap rendition of Tupac's 'Thug Style' on the flip, this pair of edits traverse decades of musical history, progression, fusion and controversy in under ten minutes, while effortlessly bridging sonic gaps. Limited to just 200 copies, these will fly, so don't sleep.
Review: The Bloto quartet recently marked their return with 'Szlam' and 'Scieki,' their first singles in over two years, released on a limited 7" vinyl via Astigmatic Records. These tracks sold out instantly, leaving fans eager for more. The band now continues their musical assault with another 7" release, featuring a remix by modern funk maestro DaM-FunK from Pasadena, California. This release serves as a prelude to their upcoming LP Grzybnia, set for an autumn 2024 release. Bloto's latest single, 'Bakteria,' draws heavily from classic acid house, offering a sinister and primitive sound that's reminiscent of the harsh resilience of bacteria. Recorded during an improvisation session at Studio Pasterka, the band has abandoned acoustic instruments in favour of synthesisers and drums, creating a raw, infectious track. DaM-FunK's remix, 'Bakteria Re-Freak,' transforms the original's dark atmosphere into a vibrant G-Funk track, filled with sunny synths and a drum machine beat. It evokes a biopharmaceutical bacterium leisurely moving through the streets of Los Angeles, blending warmth with a hint of danger. This release not only boasts Bloto's innovative spirit but also highlights DaM-FunK's ability to reimagine and elevate the original material.
Review: Busta Rhymes' 7" release on Kickin Kutz features two dynamic tracks from his fifth studio album, Genesis. Side-1 boasts 'Break Ya Neck,' a high-energy hip-hop track produced by Dr Dre, with additional vocals by Truth Hurts, originally released as the album's second single in 2001 and incorporating an interpolation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Give It Away.' The official remix, featuring Twista and Do or Die, further elevates its appeal. Side-2 presents 'As I Come Back,' featuring Kelis, which showcases Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire delivery and innovative style. Two classics of Busta Rhymes' early 2000s sound.
Review: The miraculous collaboration single "I Don't Know" by Chara and IN-SIST is finally re-released after 10 years! This iconic 7-inch features Chara, a standout in the J-Pop scene, known for her deep roots in black soul music. The A-side, "I Don't Know," is a timeless soul classic that showcases Chara's influence and artistry, solidifying her status as a Japanese pop icon. On the B-side, you'll find IN-SIST's superb hip tune "On & On," adding an extra layer of groove to this must-have release. This reissue brings back the soulful energy and enduring appeal of a legendary collaboration.
Review: Coolio's 'Fantastic Voyage,' now released on 7", is the song that put him on the map before his breakout hit 'Gangsta's Paradise' a year later. Coolio brilliantly used Lakeside's original disco and early electro cut, essentially lifting the entire music. The adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" holds true here. The song became massive on MTV, with its video everywhere. It fit perfectly with the West Coast lowrider scene, and Coolio elevated the track further with his fun and unique personality and wild charisma. Beloved even by non-traditional hip-hop fans, 'Fantastic Voyage' stands as a classic today. The reissue on 7" is a nostalgic nod to a track that marked the rise of a hip-hop legend.
Review: Aussie mash-up maestro and re-editor DJ Agent '86 first made his mark two decades ago and has periodically delivered killer cuts ever since. Of those, the most celebrated is undoubtedly 'All About The Money' - a cannily constructed party jam that first dropped digitally at the tail end of the noughties. Here it finally makes it to wax. It's a simple idea, expertly executed, with the Australian producer peppering a jaunty reggae-disco groove (built mostly from a late 70s disco cover of Pink Floyd's 'Money') with a variety of cash-money related rap samples. Over on the B-side he works his magic on Blondie classic 'Rapture', adding in subtle elements from other cuts early on before building energy via the familiar groove and well-used effects.
Public Enemy - "Give It Up" (DJ Bacon remix) (4:42)
Geto Boys - "Life In The Fast Lane" (DJ Bacon B Boy Remake) (4:41)
Review: DJ Bacon's latest white label release celebrates classic hip-hop with a fresh twist. On Side-1, the remix of Public Enemy's 'Give It Up' cleverly blends the group's vocals with Soopastole's edit of Kool and The Gang's track of the same name. The result is a dynamic, high-energy remix that pays homage to both classic hip-hop and funk. Side-2 features DJ Bacon's 'B Boy Remake' of Geto Boys' 'Life In The Fast Lane,' a remix that infuses the original with an infectious funk groove and breaks. This release is praised by Chuck D and backed by strong support from the hip-hop community, including Flatline and Hip Hop Gods Radio. The limited-edition vinyl comes with a Mark563-designed sticker, adding a collectible touch.
Review: As the man behind so many of the beats for Jurassic 5, not to mention an in-demand producer in many other places, Nu Mark has got chops for days. Roaming free on his own Hot Plate label, last year's Run For Cover was loaded with crisp, seriously funkified gems, and now two of the best have been pressed up as a tidy 7" for all those who love their platters compact. On the A side, 'Everybody Everybody' throws some tropical tones and exuberant organs into the blender with tough boom bap and plenty more besides, making for one sunny blast of a tune. On the flip Danny Drive Thru pops by to add some irreverent vocal madness into the mix on 'Break Ya Neck'.
Review: An eagerly awaited repress of DJ Shepdog's 2006 mashup of Damian Marley's 'Welcome To Jamrock' with Dead Prez's 'It's Bigger Than Hip Hop', effortlessly juxtaposing one of contemporary dancehall's most iconic vocals with undeniably one of the fattest basslines ever laid. This iconic pairing is flanked by ultra fun cut 'Sleng Hop' uniting the original Dead Prez acapella with another of the world's most famous basslines- Prince Jammy's Casiotone MT-40 'rock & roll' rhythm... You do the math!
Review: DJ Shepdog gets busy on the buttons for the next Musclecuts drop with a pair of precision tooled cuts on this tasty new 45rpm. It's the body-popping 'Party Breaks & Bullshit' that kicks off with iconic melodic refrains next to bouncy beats, ass-wiggling bass samples and hard bars all taken from a wide array of hip hop classics. It's a real party pumper. On the flip the mash up vibes continue with another busy amalgamation of classic hip hop sounds are all chucked into a vibey melting pot of beats.
Review: DJ Tron's Jamaican Champ is a vibrant 7" release on Switzerland's Burning Sole Records, featuring two standout ska tracks that are sure to light up any dancefloor. On Side-1, 'Jamaican Champ' delivers a creative, dancefloor-ready burner with expertly crafted sampling that keeps the energy high from start to finish. Flip to Side-2, and 'Spice Girl' takes over with a fantastic horn section and a groove that's impossible to resist. The saxophone work shines, making this a strong party anthem that captures the essence of classic ska while adding a fresh twist. This 7" is a must for fans of reggae classics and ska, offering a perfect blend of nostalgic vibes and contemporary flair. Whether you're spinning it at a party or enjoying it at home, DJ Tron’s Jamaican Champ is a winner.
Review: For those in the know, this is a highly anticipated 7" release of the iconic Japanese lo-fi and jazzy hip-hop gem 'Your Wo Matte' by Dweet x Kenichiro Nishihara. Originally crafted by the hit producer Nishihara and acclaimed rapper Dweet, this lush jam draws inspiration from Ahmad Jamal's 'Dolphin Dance' and features a beautiful piano melody and a refined beat which has helped it to earn its place as one of Japan's finest in the hip-hop genre. The B-side delight 'RE: Vibe' offers a soothing blend of Dweet's uplifting lyrics and after so many years with this one being hard to find, this reissue makes it widely availed for all, which is just how it should be with good music.
Review: Fresh, hot-off-the-plate yet classic-sounding gangsta rap from the collaboration of Free Nationals, Anderson .Paak and A$AP Rocky. 'Gangsta' flips the script of the genre, lyrically examining the hip-hop genre's historical obsession with gangsters, while more avowedly narrating the story of a 'wangsta' whose wannabe proclamations of realness have no match for Rocky and .Paak's authentic intuitions, owing to their true-blood, inherited street knowledge. It's a fresh, empowering new move from the LA-based hip-hop group, whose sound evinces a well-produced, jazz-flavoured and Dilla-eqsue wonk come clarity of sound, as ever.
Review: Gaika is the experimental rapper, producer, and visual and performance artist you need in your life, and what better way to get acquainted if you aren't already than with this new 12" for Theme LTD. 'S Composites' opens up and features Liu adding some angelic vocal sounds to the crunchy broken beast, glassy synths and generally frosty, lo-fi production aesthetic. It's a tune that will lodge deep in your brain then on the flipside is 'Racing Gloves' (feat The Narrator). It's a spacious, eerie, rather haunting number with woozy pads and some nice conscious bars over the dubby low ends.
Review: This limited edition double 7" vinyl offers up Rob Hardt's hit track 'Weekend,' which you might consider to be the ultimate family barbecue anthem, as well as being the title song of the inaugural 45 Weekender Hamburg festival. The single comes with some on-point remixes by renowned DJs and producers like Rob Hardt, DJ Friction, and EFBNMXMIX who work it into different realms but all of them are still suited to summer gatherings, block parties, and smooth DJ sets. It comes pressed on coloured vinyl after originally being released for the festival's opening party on July 12th 2024 when it was handed out to 30 international 45Soulciety DJs who helped quickly make it a classic.
Chill (Inkswel & Leonard Charles Space Funk rework) (3:50)
Hanna-ma-dia (Inkswel Jazz Cigarette Mash Up) (4:32)
Review: Prolific producer Inkswel becomes Inxxxwel for this new outing on 7" via the always excellent GAMM label. It's a two-tracker that is packed with hip hop, funk, soul and opens with 'Chill' - a Space Funk rework alongside Leonard Charles - which echoes the work of the great J Dilla as well as having some lush 90s r&b overtones. On the B-side, things get pitched down into New Jersey house territory with more sultry r&b tones on the excellent 'Hanna-Mi-Dia' (Inkswel Jazz Cigarette Mash Up) which features vocals from Blu & Ta'Raach. Two red hot jams, for sure.
Review: Chad Jackson and Hallmighty deliver a fresh take on classic sounds with Jazz Be Good To Me on Battle Weapons France. This hip hop/R&B release features two creative tracks. Side-1 showcases Chad Jackson's 'Jazz Be Good To Me,' a lively hip hop groove that echoes the late 80s and 90s, when dance music was a key component of the genre. Jackson updates the early 80s classic by the S O S Band with a vibrant, contemporary twist, making it a perfect fusion of old and new. On Side-2, Hallmighty presents 'What Is Stormy Love,' a masterful mash-up of Haddaway and Diana Ross & The Supremes. This track is produced so seamlessly that it feels like an original song from the late 60s, blending vintage soul with modern production techniques.
Review: Coming in heavy with well-known US producer King Most on the A-side, whilst J. Diggins amps up the party on the flip. 'The Panties' is, as you could expect, a 7"-ed ode to pantyhose. King Most steps in for Diggers Delights' series here, bringing a heavy house and bass punch to imbue the imminent dancefloor with love and romance, hashing out a phat contrast between pop-out soul vocals and Most's own, which are relatively carefree and evince a real sense of hustle. On the B, Diggins reinforces the obverse with a boiling of the disco stew, this time unctuously peppered with autotune and hip-soul ad-libs for good measure.
Review: Kool Keith, Jazz T and Doctor Zygote deliver a lyrical gem with 'Heavyweights.' This track isn't a diss, but a declaration of superior MC skills, featuring a heavy bassline and a jazz-infused, ominous mood reminiscent of a detective movie soundtrack. Kool Keith's standout chops make this a classic. Side-2 offers the instrumental version, showing the intricate production and allowing the dark, jazzy atmosphere to shine on its own sounding like an eerie detective show. 'Heavyweights' is a great addition to any hip-hop/r&b collection, highlighting the artistry of these heavy-hitting collaborators.
Review: Communique Records has been digging deep into the annals of house history and secured the right to reissue this little gem from Ralph Laurenn. His Proper Etuquette EP landed first back in 1997 on the sub-label Party Rock and sits right on the verge of deep house and tech house. 'Right Direction' has fizzing, pixelated and sugary chords over snappy drums. 'Clover' is more loose and fast then 'Hear Me Out' offers a beautiful downtempo excursion into noodling jazz melodies. 'The Touch Of Skin' carries on the old school hip-hop vibes with a dusty broken beat viber for late-night get-togethers.
Review: Of all the titles to choose from, 'Every Line On Point' is a smashing title. Rapper-veteran and producer extraordinaire MC Juice spells out his ultimate lyrical goal in titular form and subsequently delivers on it with a super nine-track album here. After nine long years comes the bombastic 'All Day' and the strutting 'Where You Go', establishing Juice's sophisticated crunk-influenced sound, which at once combines a sense of hip-ennui verbal finesse with still insatiable and easily apprehended lyrics: a hard balance to strike to say the least. 'All Day' marks the album's experimental turn, echoing Danny Brown or Vince Staples, albeit with a much archer, more knowing approach-to-the-game.
Review: This superb remix of Yuji Ohno's soulful gem 'Fairy Night' feat. Sonia Rosa, which is the ending theme for the anime Lupin the Third Part III from 1984, is now released as a 7" single to mark the 40th anniversary of its original release. The 45 rpm features two tracks: Side A showcases DJ Taro's fresh city funk remix, while Side B presents the classic 1984 version by Yuji Ohno. This limited release offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Sonia Rosa's sweet, evocative vocals through both the original and contemporary renditions which are subtly different but both equally excellent.
Review: World-renowned dub artist Hummingbird and reggae and hip-hop crossover rapper Pazoodog team up for a new 7" record here that goes above and beyond! Hummingbird is known for global collaborations and being active in Japan and beyond, while Pazoodog is celebrated for his unique blend of reggae and hip-hop, along with his distinctive lyricism and smooth flow. Their collaboration explores the universal theme of time's passage and blends a mature, melancholic sound based on Hummingbird's sophisticated beats and Pazoodog's exceptional lyrical style. As well as being musically rich, this 7" is a reflective experience for fans of both artists and their respective background genres.
Lust For Life (Paul Sitter DJ Friendly edit) (4:21)
Just Like You (Paul Sitter DJ Friendly edit) (4:22)
Review: After the enormously positive response to the first edition of the Prodigy edits, Dope Edits is back with a follow up 7". The Russian turntablist and DJ Paul Sitter is also a deft and experienced editor. A lover of all things hip-hop, it is natural for him to create urban renditions of rock and popular songs. These two tracks presented here originally remixed by the 90s techno act Prodigy's leader Liam Howlett. For the first side, Paul remixes Iggy Pop's 'Lust For Life' into a bombastic alternate version that is sure to raise the roof and turn the heads of who hears it. For the second side, 'Just Like You' by Ian Brown is turned into a frenzied and futuristic version that is unique. Whether you know the original songs, you got to check these out.
Review: Shat is a place in Yorkshire (well, the nickname a village called Skelmanthorpe). Shat is something you hope to never do. Shat is also the alias of an artist who makes progressive house with a 90s twist. This outing is a third on the Party Tricks label and it opens with some swirling celestial pads, dream-scape beats and dusty hits that get your head amongst the clouds. 'Dwingeloo' is a faster slice of progressive techno with freewheeling pads and raspy basslines. Two remixes on the flip that things into very different territory but both of them are going to prove effective in the right setting.
Review: This is a brilliant and rare funk treasure from ReGrooved Company. The limited 7" release of Snapdragon's 1975 single features El Carey, a key member of the Crowd Pleasers, and was a local underground sensation back in the day. Both tracks, recorded, produced, and performed by El Carey, are remastered in analogue for this special edition and the A-side, 'Hardluck,' delivers classic '70s psychedelic funk with a captivating groove and soulful flair, while the B-side, 'My Heart Concedes,' complements it perfectly to make for a very tidy and effective 45 that sounds as good now as it ever did.
Review: Suckaside, a creative artist with a deft touch in beat composition, sampling, and mashups, delivers a dynamic offering with Toxic Funk Vol 15. 'Sometimes Bootyful' is a piano-laden funk jam driven by a tight breakbeat that's both hip and infectious. The track seamlessly blends elements of house into its groove, making it accessible to pop fans while staying true to its funky roots. The addition of rap verses adds an extra layer of appeal, making this track a standout. Bringing in 90s funky rhythm vibes, 'Sugar Face' on the B-side cleverly incorporates hooks from D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar.' This track is a 7" gem for funk and R&B lovers, combining nostalgic grooves with a modern twist.
Review: TNT Vol 8 brings two powerhouse tracks from Nelly's debut album in 1999 to a 7" format on TNT Rap Classics. This hip-hop gem features 'Ride Wit Me' on Side-1, a collaboration with City Spud that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in the top 10 internationally. The track, written by Nelly and Jason "Jay E" Epperson, creatively interpolates DeBarge's 'I Like It.' Side-2 features 'Country Grammar,' Nelly's debut single that introduced his signature style to the world. Written by Nelly and Epperson, this track reached number seven in both the U.S. and U.K. and made a significant impact globally. 'Country Grammar' incorporates a melody from the children's clapping game 'Down Down Baby,' and the clean version replaces explicit lyrics with radio-friendly alternatives. Hip-Hop enthusiasts, collectors and DJs should be excited about this wicked 45,
Review: The Ultramagnetic MCs, a pioneering hip-hop group from the Bronx, NYC, are celebrated for their innovative sampling, complex rhymes, and surreal lyrical style. Founded by Kool Keith, the group also includes Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love, with Tim Dog joining unofficially in 1989. Their track 'A Chorus Line,' initially the B-side of a single, quickly became one of their standout hits, introducing Tim Dog to the scene, while the instrumental from 'A Chorus Line' was later reworked for Tim Dog's controversial debut single, 'F--- Compton,' produced by Ced Gee, which played a significant role in igniting the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s. This 7" release features both parts 1 and 2 of 'A Chorus Line,' offering a glimpse into the early days of Ultramagnetic MCs and their influential role in hip-hop history, capturing the raw energy and groundbreaking creativity that defined their legacy.
Review: Westside Gunn's latest project, Hitler Wears Hermes 8, shows his adeptness as a curator rather than a central figure. The confrontationally prolific Buffalo rapper strategically incorporates dynamic guest appearances throughout both halves of the album, allowing them to shine while he takes a more subdued role. Gunn's writing exhibits moments of brilliance throughout. The album's smart sequencing and near-uniform excellence of guest verses highlight Gunn's skill as an A&R, with interludes further enhancing the album's atmosphere. While each half of the project leans heavily on collaborators and mise-en-scene, the overall result is a supremely competent yet somewhat forgettable addition to Gunn's discography. Notable moments include standout tracks like 'TV Boy,' where Gunn's delivery shines amidst grimey production, and collaborations with Mach-Hommy, showing their chemistry.
Review: Winfree's 'Friday Night,' a catchy 7" on Six Nine, delivers a fresh take on soul with a modern twist. Side-1 features the T-groove remix of 'Friday Night,' blending a slamming slow groove with funk and electro complete with vocoder work that nods to Zapp. Side-2's 'The Way She Makes It Bounce' dives into early electro sounds, perfect for low-rider music enthusiasts, channeling the spirit of Roger Troutman. This release captures the classic vibes while infusing it with contemporary elements, making it a track to check out for fans of both old-school and modern funk. Both sides, needless to say, are proper party starters.
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