Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: Scaring The Hoes was the 2023 collaborative record by unequivocal avant-hip-hop crown bearers Danny Brown and JPEGMAFIA. The album was almost instantly met with widespread critical acclaim, most notably for its weird use of contemporary political imagery in music videos (frequently Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un, for some reason) and its staunch defiance of the misogynistic injunction to "stop scaring the hoes" with weird, left-of-centre music. Now comes the 'DLC' and/or 'expansion pack' version of the album, which includes four exclusive new mixes from the album sessions; Brown shines on an ultra-kooky, SFX-laden intro, 'Guess What Bitch, We Back Hoe!', followed by the crackly soul-bap of 'Hermanos' and the crossticking lo-fi of 'Tell Me Where To Go'. Closer 'No! No! No!' presents an incredible gospel timestretch-spaghettification, over which a medley shared between both MCs makes their enduring talents ever more apparent.

Review: Junior Mafia consisted of Lil' Cease, Chico, Nino Brown, Larceny, Trife, MC Klepto, and Lil' Kim and hailed from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. Kickin records collects their two biggest hits and includes them on one 7". These two classics of New York hip-hop are guideposts for the history of the genre. Both of them feature the legend Notorious BIG himself. On side one you have the worldwide hit 'Players Anthem' then on side two there is the equally as large 'Get Money'. You could not escape these tracks in 1995. Hip-hop royalty!

Review: Say She She is the psychedelic soul group from Brooklyn that's exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and the pleasure of touring Europe and North America, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Authentic and organic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 attempt at foraying into disco 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' wasn't received amazingly at the time, but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is zany and expressive against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This 7" contains both Spencer's original track and the interpretation by the trio, pressed on white vinyl.

Review: Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul group Say She She have exploded onto the scene since their debut in 2019. Receiving critical acclaim for their two albums to date, and multiple TV performances, the Nile Rodgers-inspired female trio even got a video message of approval from the legend himself. Organic and authentic are two words that fit the classically trained troupe to a tea and, in the great soul tradition, covers are a necessity. Jim Spencer's 1979 track 'Wrap Myself Up in Your Love' didn't get much attention at the time - his attempt at doing disco wasn't well received - but thanks to the adoration of archive label The Numero Group, the song has seen a resurgence in covers and fans. The original vocal is expressive and powerful against some jangly funk guitars, whilst Say She She's rendition hones in on the sultry aspect of the track. Guitars are muted down to transform the song into a lovemaking slow jam, wind passages are introduced and the vocal is subtly powerful and sexy. This single has both Say She She's cover - as well as the original - on a 7" disc.

Review: On his new album 1LB (One Lucky B**tard) Boldy James collaborates with Belgian producer Your Boy Posca to carve a newly distinctive sonic niche within his already prolific discography. Embracing a refined, relaxed vibe with gritty soul samples and eerie 1980s aesthetics, the project seamlessly unfolds to tell a vivid portrayal of a Midwest drug dealer. Limited to vinyl and cassette formats, this exclusive, limited, numbered, clear orange galaxy vinyl version cannot fail to immerse you in a world of atmospheric storytelling. This is one of those evocative albums that stays with you long after it has finished playing.

Review: Jay Z's cult fav At Studio One is now available for the first time as a very limited vinyl pressing following its huge success as a download since first release more than a decade ago. This unique album combines Jay Z's famous Black Album acapellas with classic Studio One reggae riddims from the very heart of 1970s Kingston. The result is a seamless fusion where killer backing tracks complement Jay Z's vocals perfectly and create an all new and superb listening experience. If you're a fan of reggae-hip hop blends, this LP is a must-have addition to your collection.

Review: While rooted in the quintessential sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s, UK jazz ensemble The Jazz Defenders explore fresh territory while honouring their jazz heritage on their third album, Memory In Motion. Tracks like 'Chasing Fantasies' and 'Fuffle Kerfuffle' showcase their swing jazz finesse, while 'Meanderthal' and 'Snakebite Playfight' infuse soulful grooves akin to 1960s jazz legends. Collaborations with UK rapper Doc Brown on 'Rolling On A High' and the uptempo funk of 'Net Zero' add modern flair, while introspective moments like 'Take A Minute' and the closing 'Enigma' offer a serene balance. Memory In Motion celebrates jazz's legacy and innovation, blending tradition with contemporary influences for an immersive listening experience.

Review: Alternative hip-hop wunderkind JPEGMAFIA unveiled Ghost Pop Tape in 2023 under his current moniker, and made it widely available to streaming platforms, yet the 23-track mixtape was originally released a full decade prior in 2013 under the prolific MC/producer's birth name of Devon Hendryx. Featuring a less focused, lo-fi, alt-r&b vibe compared to the more animated, frenetic and dynamic modern persona of Peggy, the tape finally comes home to wax for all of those uber-fan completionists utterly bothered by the project's absence from their shelves...until now!

Review: Jurassic 5's Quality Control album from all the way back in 2000 is a sonic manifesto that embodies their signature blend of old-school hip-hop vibes with a fresh twist. The album showcases the group's tight-knit chemistry and impeccable flow, delivering razor-sharp rhymes over hypnotic beats that are now well-known as their signature. With its infectious groove and insightful lyrics, Quality Control is a testament to the group's mastery of the genre and their commitment to delivering high-calibre music that is also full of timeless tunes that not only celebrate the art of hip-hop but also serve as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's craft.

Review: Dan The Automator and Nathaniel Merriweather came together to magic and epic effect back in 2001 on this superbly named album, Music To Make Love To Your Old Lady By. It is a cult classic and much sought-after record that gets reissued here on turquoise vinyl and still sounds as fiercely original now as it did back then. The Lovage supergroup also features Mike Patton, Jennifer Charles and Kid Koala while guest contributors include an equally hefty mix of names such as Damon Albarn, Africa Bambaata and Maseo. Musically this is a seductive mix of hip hop and soul from across the ages, all with a seductive overtone.