Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The Street Knowledge "45 series" appears to have been set up to educate heads on original 1990s hip-hop jams, or at the very least deliver fresh pressings of some seriously classic cuts. This inaugural release begins with Warren G and Nate Dogg's 1994 heater "Regulate", a deep and seductive number that makes great use of samples from Michael McDonald's teary blue-eyed soul classic "I Keep Forgetting". Flip to the B-side and you'll find Luniz 1995 hit "I Got 5 On It", a cut that's been bitten, reworked and re-made umpteen times in the 24 years that have passed since it was first released. As this reissue proves, the Oakland duo's original version is still streets ahead of the rest.

Review: A sophisticated blend of electronic, funk and soul, originally released in 1991 and back here in 7" form. Side-1 features 'Try My Love,' an underground jam that highlights Washburn's ability to blend these genres into a classy, enjoyable track. Side-2 presents the 2024 Boogie Back remix of 'Try My Love,' which smoothes things out and transforms the original into a melodic disco groove. This remix adds a fresh, modern twist while retaining the soulful essence of the track.

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: Gamm has more recently become synonymous with jazz, Latin, disco and soul edits but right now is on admission to go back to its roots. And they are hip-hop from the golden era. Wipe The Needle does a superb job of harking back to that legendary time in the 90s when dusty drums and crispy claps were all we wanted to hear. First up he tackles the iconic 'Shook One's by Moby Deep and flips it into a slow motion groove that is deep as you like. On the flip, Jay-Z's 'Ignorant Shit' (Wipe The Needle remix) is more defined by the original bars, but the beats are just as sick.

Review: This split single pairs two hip-hop legends for a compelling blend of styles. On Side-1, 'What's Happening', unites Method Man and Busta Rhymes over a soulful piano-driven beat, delivering charismatic flows and undeniable energy. Their chemistry crackles as the track bridges classic Wu-Tang grit with Busta’s rapid-fire dynamism. On the Side-2, an exclusive mix of 'Back In The Game' collides with the instrumental of 'House Of Flying Daggers', creating a hypnotic reimagining. The intricate production layers cinematic depth under sharp lyricism, offering a fresh perspective on both tracks. This release shines as a celebration of lyrical mastery and innovative production, giving fans of both Wu-Tang and boundary-pushing hip-hop plenty to savor.

Review: Taken from the album Black Gold, this 7" single comes on limited edition white vinyl and offers up the superb 'What's Happenin'' featuring Method Man and Busta Rhymes on the A-side. It's a beat-driven workout with funk in the drums. The B-side offers an exclusive and rather more stripped-back mix of 'Back in the Game' with Ron Isley, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, GZA, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah all seamlessly blended with the instrumental of 'House of Flying Daggers.' It's not often you get so many iconic collaborations all on one record which is why it is such a big hitter.

Review: Scarred by a high-profile breakdown, Abel Tesfaye aka The Weekend has spent much of the last three years rebuilding his mental health - a process reflected in the introspective and surprisingly open lyrics at the heart of Hurry Up Tomorrow, his sixth studio album. Said to be the final part of a semi-autobiographical trilogy, the two-disc set is a dizzyingly varied and star-packed affair that confidently strides between squelchy synth-pop (Justice collaboration 'Wake Me Up'), thrillingly bass-heavy Baille funk (Anitta hook-up 'Sao Paolo'), attack-on-the-senses EDM-pop ('Until we're Skin & Bones'), heavily orchestrated slow jams (' Reflections Laughing' with Travis Scott and Florence and the Machine), head-nodding R&B ('Enjoy The Show' with Future), 80s pop revivalism ('Take Me Back To LA'), and shimmering analogue synthscapes (Giorgio Moroder collaboration 'Big Sleep').

Review: Vultures 1, Kanye West's collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, is a refreshingly cohesive entry in West's catalog, showcasing his attention to refined, crisp production. Unlike his recent, more experimental releases, Vultures is polished and sonically unified, with beats that highlight Kanye's inventive sound design and Ty Dolla's smooth vocals. Tracks like 'Good (Don't Die)' nod to 808s & Heartbreak, delivering a nostalgic yet modern take on Kanye's signature introspection, while 'Carnival' pulses with rich textures, blending elements of Brazilian funk and industrial beats to create a hypnotic groove. Kanye's verses are more technically precise than ever, and though his lyrics are less personal, they maintain a certain energy that keeps the momentum alive. Ty Dolla's silky, gravelly tones are the perfect counterpoint, adding warmth and balance. From the bouncy 'Stars' to the club-ready 'Burn', the album is built on rhythms that are as intricate as they are accessible. Though more restrained in theme, Vultures achieves a polished, infectious sound with irresistible beats and thoughtful production, proving Kanye can still push boundaries while embracing a more mainstream appeal.

Review: WHODINI's Open Sesame album is a perfect example of the best of 1980s hip-hop. It showcases the group's pioneering blend of catchy beats, slick rhymes, and infectious energy. Originally back released in 1987, the album features iconic tracks like 'Funky Beat' and 'Rock You Again (Again & Again).' With its innovative production and charismatic performances, 'Open Sesame' solidified WHODINI's status as one of the most influential groups in the genre. From start to finish, the album exudes a sense of excitement and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on hip-hop music which means it might sound of its time but it remains a classic and an essential listen for any fan of old-school rap.

Review: Detroit native Rick 'Geezy' Williams managed to make his beloved hip-hop art form into a form of self-care in 2020. He is a multi-hyphenate also involved in the world of fashion and other creative industries and spent 26 years tap dancing. During the pandemic, he started dancing at home each day which in turn inspired him to record this percussive opus alongside some of the Motor City's most talented rappers and musicians. With plenty of improvised elements, it was all recorded in one take and is a fine exploration of rhythm and sound.