Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.

Review: YASMIN's much loved A Scent Of Flowers album has more than stood the test of time which is why it is now being reissued for the first time. It features the 90s r&b classic 'Wanna Dance' which has long been a staple in many mixtapes and dance compilations. This edition also includes a cover of Roy Ayers' ubiquitous 'Everybody Loves The Sunshine' which was the second successful single on the album which was first released in 1993. It's back by Soulshock who is known for his work with 2Pac and Monica, and Cutfather, famous for remixing Mark Morrison's 'Return Of The Mack.' Elsewhere on the record are many more killers including covers of 'Best Of My Love' and Ray Charles' 'Let Me Take Over.'

Review: The original entry in the Slime Season series from Yung Thug is a mixtape filled with highs and lows. While the rapper showcases his eccentric style and talent, the compilation feels like a patchwork of unfinished ideas. Some tracks are fast-paced while others, like 'Hey I' and 'Best Friend' shine as highlights. Thug's strongest songs display subtle, carefully structured melodies, and many have high replay value, especially the opening tracks. Despite this, the mixtape features standout moments, such as 'Draw Down' and 'Wood Would' which demonstrate his lyrical unpredictability and emotional depth and remind why Thug is so revered in trap.

Review: Slime Season 3 is the third mixtape by American rapper Young Thug and it was initially released on March 25 back in 2016. Continuing the Slime Season series, the mixtape features Thug's signature blend of eccentric delivery and melodic flows which now stand alone within the trap genre. Highlights include standout tracks like 'With That' and 'For Ya'll' where Thug combines inventive wordplay with hard-hitting beats. While it wasn't initially available in the UK on vinyl, Slime Season 3 solidified Thug's influence in the hip-hop world and got praise for its and boundary-pushing approach to trap.

Review: When Your Old Droog first emerged in the hip-hop scene, he was shrouded in mystery. Born in Ukraine and raised in Brooklyn, he became known for his sharp lyrics and distinct, gritty delivery. His self-titled debut marked the beginning of a prolific career and quickly established him as an underground force with mainstream appeal. Over the years, Droog has gained widespread recognition and earned co-signs from hip-hop legends. With his latest project Movie, he embraces a new chapter by collaborating with Method Man, Denzel Curry, and producers like Just Blaze and Madlib to showcase the full range of his artistry and personal journey.

Review: Your Old Droog emerges with Movie, an introspective exploration that marks a significant evolution in his career. Cloaked in anonymity a decade ago, the Ukraine-born rapper has since carved a niche for himself in hip-hop, showcasing his sharp lyricism and distinctive style. The album's title derives from a nostalgic phrase from his childhood, symbolising moments of unexpected joy. With features from Method Man and Denzel Curry, alongside production from industry heavyweights like Madlib and Just Blaze, Movie is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Tracks like 'A Damn Shame' highlight his vulnerability, while 'Mantra' delves into his immigrant experience. Droog balances introspection with a playful edge, as seen in the catchy 'Yodi Dodi'. His storytelling shines on 'The Sandbox', addressing poignant themes of struggle. Ultimately, Movie stands as a layered masterpiece, affirming Droog's status as a thoughtful artist ready to embrace the spotlight.

Review: Swedish-Japanese vocalist Yukimi Nagano (best known as the lead singer of the post-punk and electronica group Little Dragon) shares her debut album on Ninja Tune, embodying the best of her charms as a solo artist whose space away from the band allows her ample time to reflect on her own emotions. Born of the first production 'Sad Makeup' - a song about the inevitably, always-botched attempt to suppress and sweep sad feelings under the rug, and the ways this backfires when around close friends - the entire album in fact threads a narrative yarn centring on the overcoming of "darkest nights", externalised in the repeated mention in the lyrics of Sweden's long, dark and shivery winters. Taking cues from everyone to filmmaker Ingmar Bergman to collaborator Lianne La Havas, Nagano wears her vulnerability on her sleeve.

Review: Featuring a stellar lineup of guest artists including Boldy James, Kool Keith, Grip, Blu, Fatboi Sharif and more, here's an album that truly showcases a seamless synergy between Real Bad Man's atmospheric production and YUNGMORPHEUS's captivating lyricism. From the stony and atmospheric ambiance to the funky undertones, each track on the album offers a unique sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional hip-hop. Real Bad Man's meticulous attention to detail in tailoring the beats to complement YUNGMORPHEUS' flow is evident throughout the project, resulting in a cohesive and engaging product. YUNGMORPHEUS's introspective lyrics delve into themes of dichotomies and self-reflection, adding depth and substance to the album's narrative. Tracks like 'Tripleback Tuck,' 'Just The Three of Us,' and 'Flick of The Wrist' showcase his lyrical prowess and ability to effortlessly navigate complex subject matter. With The Chalice & The Blade, Real Bad Man and YUNGMORPHEUS have crafted an album that transcends genre conventions, delivering a thought-provoking and sonically rich experience that is sure to resonate with fans of innovative hip-hop.