Altered Tapes - "The Break Down (Eazy Goes To Memphis)" (3:59)
DJ Platurn - "King Penguin" (Funky beats edit) (4:01)
Review: Chicago's Altered Tapes crew offer up their own unique take on a West Coast gangster rap classic with the A-side of this one on US label Heat Rock. It's the label's seventh outing and places focus on Memphis soul and funk territory. 'The Break Down' is a big, horn led jam with funk beats and crisp rhythms. Reverse this limited 7" to find Oakland's own DJ Platurn. He smashes out a drum heavy, break-heavy edit that pays homage to a cut and paste great. It's funky, filled with vocal samples and mad keys and packs real heat.
Nick Bike - "Scratch Sentence / 98 Beat / Skipless / 101 Beat" (6:19)
Review: Private Stock Records serves up a treat for DJs and turntablists with a new 12" packed with beats, scratches, and skipless tracks. Four skilled DJsiBig Once, Cutso, Double A, and Nick Bikeicontribute their skills to this collection, offering a diverse range of flavours for scratching and beat juggling. Each DJ delivers a 'Scratch Sentence' and a selection of beats at various tempos, providing a versatile toolkit for creative routines. The inclusion of skipless tracks adds another dimension, allowing for seamless blends and extended mixes. With its focus on functionality and quality, this release is a must-have for any serious turntablist or DJ looking to expand their arsenal of sounds.
Review: London trio Damos Room serve up their take on dub-inspired bass music on this new EP which emerged from a rare collaborative session in Elijah Minnelli's loft. 'Commencement' opens with a deep, droning bass groove that's topped with a stream of conscious muttering to create a moody and hypnotic sound. 'Mineral Blend' brings a laid-back dancehall vibe with dreamy echoes of past sessions and remixers Gonjasufi, Lewi Boome, Dome Zero and Polyop individually infuse the tracks with dub techno, acid and experimental twists best highlighted by Gonjasufi's haunting transformation of 'Commencement' into a misty, immersive bit of sonic menace.
Stix & Stonz (feat Grandmaster Caz, Tito Of The Fearless Four, Whipper Whip, La Sunshine & Superstar)
Review: This long-lost De La Soul gem, originally a promo-only release from 1994, finally sees the light of day. Featuring four tracks from their acclaimed Buhloone Mindstate album, this 12" also boasts two exclusive cuts showcasing De La Soul's collaborative spirit. 'sh.Fe.Mc's' sees them trading verses with fellow Native Tongues posse members A Tribe Called Quest, while 'Stix & Stonz' unites them with hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Caz, Tito of the Fearless Four and Prince Whipper Whip. The real magic of this release lies in its ability to transport listeners back to the golden age of alternative hip-hop, where Tracks like 'iN tHe WoOds' and 'i aM I bE' showcase the group's signature blend of jazz-infused beats, playful lyricism and socially conscious themes. The presence of Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis adds a layer of soulful funk, further enriching the sonic tapestry. This limited edition release offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in De La Soul's career, where their adventurous spirit and collaborative nature were in full effect.
Review: The latest release from the TakeFingz label, DJ Katch's 7" single, dives into the blaxploitation soundscape with a fresh twist on a classic 80s hip-hop track. This installment, the fourth in Katch's series, reimagines Grandmaster Flash's iconic 'The Message,' splitting the track into two sidesiScene A and Scene B. Side-1 features an extended funky loop, evoking the feel of a hero driving into the sunset during the credits, while still retaining a vibrant dance floor groove. Side-2 offers a stripped-down, choppier version, perfect for DJs to mix or scratch. Katch's rework celebrates 50 years of hip-hop with his signature style, blending streetwise funk and jazz with distinctive samples and iconic verses. Played by notable DJs like The Allergies and Craig Charles, this release showcases Katch's talent for creating a "furtive" sound, blending classic hip-hop with a touch of cinematic flair.
Review: This is an interesting 7" from Japan's Lawson Entertainment that blends vintage soulful vibes with cutting-edge beats. Grooveman Spot is behind the A-side remix and is a revered name in the Japanese underground scene who reimagines 'Mygem' with his signature touch by layering jazzy chords, funky basslines and crisp percussion for a groove-infused trip that merges classic hip-hop with contemporary techniques. On the flip is a low-slung and sun kissed sound, 'Mirror Ball (feat Chico Carlito & Kiki Vivi Lily)' with lush melodies and innocent vocal sounds.
Review: DJ Ryow aka Smooth Current is a Japanese DJ and producer known for his hip-hop and r&b remixes. 'Re:Strain Of Stairs', as the title suggests, reinterprets the song 'Strain Of Stairs' by Japanese rock band The Pillows on the A-side, bringing a loose-hipped drum workout to the ordeal. On the B, meanwhile, Ryow goes all out on a new original featuring Kim Hill, 'Ain't Even Like Me', a song which first debuted online a least four years ago - it's an impressively-made production in contemporary r&b, with exquisite harmonies from Hill.
Review: DJ Slugo is a legendary producer who very much helped to define the sound of the equally legendary Dance Mania label back in the day. Now Subterranean Playhouse has put together a collection of his most influential works across the juke and footwork spectrum on one vital 12". 'Bang Dem Walls' kicks off in signature style with hard-hitting rhythms and ghetto vocals. 'Like It Raw (feat DJ Deeon - 2002 remix)' is another hardcore dancefloor banger with jittery rhythms and turbocharged stabs and 'On The Low (feat Double AC & DJ PJ)' is exactly the sort of short but sweet and impactful jam that DJ Slufo is such a master of.
Review: Toby Gee's Lowrider 7" delivers a fresh spin on two iconic tracks, turning them into fun party-fuelling artillery. On Side-1, the Racked Mix of 'Lowrider' reimagines Cypress Hill's classic into an underground groove, infusing it with a darker, more rhythmic vibe that keeps the original's essence while bringing something entirely new to the table. On Side-2, the Cracker Mix of 'Vanilla Bop' takes Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby' and transforms it into a lively jam band groove. The crisp scratches and expertly crafted edits to the original vocals add a layer of excitement, making it a perfect floor filling track that's sure to get attention.
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.
Review: Aldebaran Records presents Murder Patternz, the brainchild of legendary DJ D-Styles, renowned for his contributions to turntablism with groups like Beat Junkies and Invizibl Skratch Pklz. This quadrilogy of battle tools kicks off with volume one, featuring skipless effects at 100bpm on the A-side and a 133 bpm rendition on the B, encouraging the exploration of ultra-pitch techniques. With only 300 copies available, this limited edition release promises to delight turntablists and scratch enthusiasts alike. D-Styles' mastery of the craft shines through in every track, showcasing his unparalleled skill and innovative approach to scratch music. Murder Patternz is not just a collection of breaks but a testament to the enduring influence of DJ D-Styles on the world of turntablism. Whether you're a seasoned scratch artist or a newcomer to the scene, this quadrilogy is a worthy addition to your collection, offering endless inspiration and creative possibilities.
Review: YES! Any self respecting music fan will no doubt already have fully acquainted themselves with Black Messiah, the long promised new album from soul artist D'Angelo and know that it already stands as one of the long players of the year if not the decade! The real fans have probably been waiting for the vinyl release and it's great to see the correct decision has been made to grant Black Messiah a double LP pressing. Everyone no doubt has their favourites on Black Messiah but it's great to have cuts like "Sugah Daddy" on wax, that one is perfect for the house party situations.
Intro-Live From Bushwick General Hospital (part 1 - feat Zoi Ellis & DJ Rell) (0:55)
Seckle (feat KRS-One) (2:30)
Product (feat Ruste Juxx) (3:07)
Back In Style (feat Ras Kass) (3:09)
Champion (feat Mickey Factz) (2:22)
Martial Law (feat Apathy) (3:15)
Fear None (feat The Villanz) (3:37)
It's All 4 U (feat Halley Hiatt & Al Skratch) (4:06)
Can't Live Without It (feat Marquee & Monifah) (3:27)
Back In Style (feat Ras Kass - remix) (3:02)
Seckle Once Again (feat KRS-One & Smif N Wessun) (4:01)
Live From Bushwick General Hospital (part 2) (0:34)
Anti (feat Black Moon) (3:46)
The Birds (feat Bishop Lamont) (2:41)
Adore (Her) (feat Keith Murray) (4:12)
Where You From (feat Loaf Muzik) (3:16)
B-Ville Pioneers (feat General Steele & Lil Fame) (3:08)
Cheeba (feat Stahhr & Camp Lo) (4:06)
It's All 4 U (reprise - feat Halley Hiatt & AZ) (2:21)
100 Proof (feat Ras Kass) (3:42)
Live From Bushwick General Hospital (part 3) (1:03)
My Year (feat De La Soul, Rasheed Chappell, Pharoahe Monch & Corey Glover) (4:57)
Review: Da Beatminerz continue to uphold the traditions of boom-bap hip-hop with a collection of tracks that balance nostalgic nods with fresh energy. Known for their work with Brooklyn's Boot Camp Clik, the production duo sticks to sample-based beats, rugged drums, and scratched vocals that embody the gritty spirit of 90s hip-hop. Collaborations with KRS-One, Buckshot, Ras Kass, and Apathy highlight the album, with 'Seckle' and 'ANTI' standing as prime examples of the duo's ability to craft timeless bangers. Though it doesn't break new ground, the project delivers a solid tribute to hip-hop's golden age, offering fans an album steeped in tradition.
Water Jet Escape Team (feat GrandScheme & HimLo) (3:31)
Wanted For Collateral Trade (Big Gamble) (2:15)
Contract Knife Killing (3:06)
Lo'cean'z 11 (feat DJ Exes) (2:51)
Side Road Homicidez (3:02)
Mallz UnderSeige (3:05)
Review: Da Buze Bruvaz are a hardcore rap duo from Philadelphia, consisting of Him-LO and Clever One. Known for their outlandish, non-politically correct, and gritty lyrics, they owe much of this influence to their former memberhip of New York posse The LoLifes, founded by Thirstin Howl III. Gunz Knivez & Nunchuckz carries out what the title implies; Clever One's lyrical skills and Giallo Point's grimy production combine to produce a cinematic, action-packed sound, be that via the sinister mover 'Vizable Ghost Gunz' or the hilarious, film-referencing 'Lo'ceanz 11'. A must-have for fans of hardcore hip hop and boom bap.
Review: Hardcore Philly rappers Da Buze Bruvaz, aka Him-LO and Clever One, have been coming up strong on their Grilchy Party label in the past couple of years. A lot of their work has been with Lord Beatjitzu, who once again mans the buttons on this vinyl pressing of the CDr release, complete with kung-fu movie iconography emblazoned on the cover and some hard as nails beats to back up the drunken, lyrical devastation from the duo on the mic. This record serves as a companion piece to the Bruce Li album the three-strong team have got coming in tandem with this joint, so cop both and get yourself up on the real deal coming straight out of Philly.
Review: Daddy Yankee's Barrio Fino, the groundbreaking album that catapulted reggaeton into the global spotlight, is a genre-defining work of art for the sound. Released in 2004, this album introduced audiences to the pulsating rhythms of reggaeton through the indelible hit 'Gasolina', a track that became an anthem of the era. With its infectious hook and driving beats, it blazed a trail for reggaeton's international success. The album shows Daddy Yankee's versatility, juxtaposing high-energy tracks with more introspective moments. 'Dale Caliente' fires with explosive reggaeton rhythms and brash confidence, while 'Corazones' delves into social commentary, addressing the violence in Puerto Rican neighborhoods and calling for unity. Tracks like 'Like You' and 'No Me Dejes Solo' reveal the genre's romantic side, blending reggaeton with r&b influences to create crossover appeal. Produced by Luny Tunes, the album fuses traditional reggaeton with elements from other Latin genres, including salsa and merengue, amplifying its broad appeal. Despite some predictable beats, the album's emotional depth and cultural commentary cement its status as a landmark in reggaeton's evolution, reflecting both its roots and its future. 20 years later, this release is celebrated by this limited gatefold white edition
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