Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: The Juggaknots' seminal debut gets a lavish reissue, expanding their original nine-track opus into a sprawling 20-track testament to 90s indie hip-hop. Re:Release: Clear Blue Skies presents the Bronx trio's groundbreaking LP in a whole new light, adding 11 bonus cuts that showcase their deft blend of braggadocio, humour and social commentary. Siblings Breeze Brewin, Queen Herawin and Buddy Slim were ahead of their time, laying the bedrock for what would become alternative hip-hop. Their thick, low-end heavy beats provide the perfect backdrop for lyrical acrobatics that veer from playful to poignant. 'Clear Blue Skies' remains a standout, its nuanced take on racism as relevant now as it was in 1996. This reissue doesn't just rehash old glories. Three bonus mixes breathe new life into classic cuts, while the remastered audio brings out previously hidden layers in the production. The alternate cover, culled from the same Steve Brock photo shoot as the 2002 release, offers a fresh visual take on a familiar favourite. Diehards will appreciate the six-page insert, complete with lyrics and a foreword by Bobbito Garcia (aka Kool Bob Love). The photo collage of vintage family snaps and show flyers provides a vivid snapshot of the era that birthed this underground classic. While some tracks have been polished to a radio-friendly sheen, there's nothing cynical about the Juggaknots' approach. Their shift towards accessibility feels organic, the product of artists honing their craft rather than chasing trends. Even with the expanded tracklist, the album's core remains uncompromisingly true to the group's roots in New York's fertile 90s hip-hop scene. Re:Release: Clear Blue Skies stands as both a celebration of a milestone and a testament to the Juggaknots' lasting impact. It's a vital document of hip-hop history, as fresh and vital now as it was when it first dropped on Fondle 'Em Records over 25 years ago.