Review: For those in the know, this new collab between veteran Portuguese DJ and producer Dedy Dread and fast-rising Hawaiian singing star Olivia Ruff has been a long time coming. But it was worth the wait. The opener 'Cover Me' features Ruff's, well, slightly rough - or at least gravelly - vocals over a rhythm and bass instrumental. It's accented with wispy chords, neat little guitar riffs and crunchy claps. Flip it over and you'll find a remix by label founder The Rebel and Roman pianist and producer Shiny D. Their version is a modern update with brilliant reggaeton rhythms.
Jerome Oscar & Oscar Worldpeace - "(Why You So) Green With Envy" (4:49)
Franc Moody - "Cristo Redentor" (5:20)
Review: Oscar Jerome, Oscar Worldpeace and Franc Moody have got new music coming on the latest Blue Note Re:imagined compilation this year which is already getting us hella excited. Before we hear what is sure to be a contemporary great, we get treated to a couple of singles from it on this tidy 45 rpm. Jerome Oscar & Oscar Worldpeace go first with '(Why You So) Green With Envy' which fuses jazz styles for across the age with Worldpeace's tight and thoughtful bars. On the flip side is Franc Moody with 'Cristo Redentor' which balances jazz's traditional past with its freshest future.
Didjelirium Vs DJ DSK - "Tonight" (DNA edit) (4:08)
Review: DNA Records presents two fresh cuts from the minds of O.Love and Didjelirium, both produced by the UK's very own DJ DSK, now based in China. 'Refuse' is an original cut made with O.Love, a renowned turntablist and vocalist and notable subject of DJ City's popular 'Turntablism Meets Soul Music' documentary. 'Refuse' is lent a well-rounded and nigh perfected, yet lax sheen, with DSK's unagitated add-prod lending a laboured swing to O.Love's brilliant beltings. On the flip comes a curveball dub reggae collab, of utmost quality, with Didjelirium, an early pusher of the style in China and a founding member of the incipient Chinese reggae collective Uprooted Sunshine.
Review: Obongjayar is back with a striking double-single release that mixes up contrasting styles into a cohesive artistic statement. The dreamlike, danceable pop of 'Just My Luck' captures themes of loneliness with an infectious rhythm and shimmering melodies. On the flip side, 'Tomorrow Man' is all about a raw, percussive energy that confronts the theme of laziness with unflinching honesty. Together, these two tracks showcase Obongjayar's ability to explore emotional depth and sonic diversity and offer a tantalising glimpse into the creative direction of his next chapter. Whatever that may bring, he remains a boundary-pushing voice.
Review: This superb remix of Yuji Ohno's soulful gem 'Fairy Night' feat. Sonia Rosa, which is the ending theme for the anime Lupin the Third Part III from 1984, is now released as a 7" single to mark the 40th anniversary of its original release. The 45 rpm features two tracks: Side A showcases DJ Taro's fresh city funk remix, while Side B presents the classic 1984 version by Yuji Ohno. This limited release offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Sonia Rosa's sweet, evocative vocals through both the original and contemporary renditions which are subtly different but both equally excellent.
Review: Omar is a real British musical institution and as such it's surprising but also not so shocking, he has recently completed a stint on BBC soap Eastenders. This cheeky 7" is a reissue of the title track from his album The Man and a fine example of his perfectly soulful vocals and mellifluous melodies over nice broken beat and nu jazz sounds. It represents some of his best work and this contemporary take uses the final few bars of the original track as its starting point in a "part 2" style.
Review: Omar S adopts a new style for his new Side Trakx project. Detroit house meets sample based hip hop... and it really works. Possibly inspired by the passing of the late Jay Dilla, this music is perfect for relaxing and kicking back, or even warming up the early hours of the club. While Detroit hip-hop producers already proved that there's a mutual creative interaction between the cities house, techno and hip-hop scenes, it's now one of the cities hottest house producers laying down some smoked out, next level instrumentals in the vein of the late genius Jay Dilla, Madlib or Underground Resistance's Hipnotech sublabel.
Review: Omar S sets his considerable dancefloor skills to something a little different on a new 7" featuring the vocal talents of TroiAlexis. A young talented Detroit female songwriter who was discovered by Omar S at the Conant Gardens Party Store when she sung acapella to him at a Hi Tech party, TroiAlexis lends an air of soulful class to Omar's trademark electro-slanted electronics on both sides of this single. There's a stripped down - and we mean stripped right down - bass heavy R&B mix on the A-side, while the flip has a sturdier house mix that still gives her voice room to soar.
Review: A masterful ode to 70s soul, created in collaboration with Ray Hayden's Opaz, reviving the timeless spirit of rare groove, bringing forth deep rhythms, lush arrangements and vocals that feel like they're lifted straight from an era of analogue richness. Flip to the other side, 'Holding You Tight' drifts into a slower, entrancing space that closes with an instrumental coda; a feast for the senses. Mixed and mastered by Ray Hayden on vintage gear, this record's journey to vinyl delivers a truly transportive experience that's all warmth, soul and authenticity.
Review: Open Mike Eagle's 'A Special Episode Of' dropped back in February of 2015 and now almost a decade on it gets a vinyl pressing on maroon and bone butterfly-splattered 12". The California talent is known for bringing a sense of humour to his work without ever compromising its musical integrity. The six tracks here find him linking with the likes of MC Paul Barman and Milo and tapping up Gold Panda and Exile for production duties. It's a storytelling out with crisp drums and stripped-back beats that are run through with soulful synths and string samples.
Do It All (feat Diamond District, Uptown XO & yU) (3:33)
That Real (3:34)
Let It Go (4:08)
American Greed (3:21)
The Need Superficial (3:01)
Way In Way Out (2:47)
Maybes (3:44)
Another's Grind (feat Tranquill) (4:13)
Set You Free (3:37)
You Know Who You Are (feat Olivier St Soul) (3:48)
Think Of Things (2:44)
You Know Who You Are (feat Olivier St Soul - acoustic - bonus track) (3:57)
Review: This new album from cultured hip-hop mainstay Oddisee explores influence, inspiration, perception and reality. Each song was crafted outdoors, "where I could observe real-life interactions as the basis for my lyrics," he says. In hip-hop, reality often reflects the artist's personal experience, but People Hear What They See aims to expand that lens by portraying realities beyond Oddisee's own. For example, overhearing congressmen and lawyers on the Supreme Court steps inspired 'American Greed,' while watching a couple argue over the phone sparked "Maybes." By grounding each track in observed moments, "I hope listeners can visualise these worlds through the melodies and stories within each song."
Review: This French artist, who has captivated audiences with her collaborations alongside Mura Masa, Pomme and Flavien Berger, returns with a deeply personal album that explores the complexities of self-discovery and the search for meaning in a world obsessed with self-improvement. The album's title track, 'choke enough', is a poignant reflection on the need for connection and the pursuit of intense emotions. Oklou's warm, beautiful productions, a signature of her sound, conjure a liminal space where the boundaries between introspection and euphoria blur with delicate synthesiser arpeggios and found sound samples. 'family and friends', the album's first single, delves into the search for answers and the desire to escape from intangible memories. Oklou's lyrics, delivered with a vulnerable yet defiant honesty, capture the anxieties and uncertainties of a generation navigating a world where virtual and physical identities are inextricably intertwined. After gaining international acclaim with her collaborations and her critically acclaimed mixtape 'galore', Oklou's debut album marks a turning point in her artistic evolution, a bold yet introspective work that challenges listeners to confront their own anxieties and desires.
Review: Oklou is a French musician and is known to her parents as Marylou Mayniel. She dropped her debut album back in February and on it collaborates with artists such as Bladee and underscores, while some expert studio contributions from producers like the revered A.G. Cook, plus Danny L Harle and Casey MQ. Choke Enough blends Y2K influences with medieval melodies to reflect Oklou's evolution from her 2020 mixtape, Galore. This new long player offers up a deep dive into her meticulous approach to electronic, modern, 'hyper' pop while incorporating classical rigour. Standout tracks like the title track and 'Endless' are great reflections of her unique artistic vision while balancing formal complexity with subdued emotional impact.
Review: The second instalment of the Revenge trilogy is another doozy that once again reaffirms the indomitable spirit of the vengeful Gorilla at the same time as showcasing a relentless pursuit of violent justice. Against the brilliantly evocative backdrop of cinematic beats crafted by expert producer The Dirty Sample, Ol' Gorilla Bones is in top form as he spins vivid yarns of gruesome retribution against inept rappers. While revenge remains the central motif across this 16-track album, the duo's horrorcore narrative delves into unexpected realms that range from hockey references on 'Gerry Cheevers' to literary allusions on 'Honest Proposal'. It's a fine sequel full of macabre beat magic.
Black Sabbath (feat Billy Woods & Tha God Fahim) (3:13)
Change The World (feat MoRuf) (3:11)
Peace (feat Yungmorpheus) (3:09)
For You (feat MoRuf) (1:47)
The Last Of Us (feat Quelle Chris) (3:26)
Count Your Blessings (feat Lojii) (1:32)
PGO (feat Oliver The 2nd) (3:02)
Stories (feat J'von & Vuyo) (3:20)
Recuperating (feat Gabe 'Nandez & Fly Anakin) (3:16)
Discipline 74 (interlude) (0:54)
Holler Back (feat Kooley High) (3:16)
Review: A highly detailed, point-by-point album by Coalmine Records' new production favourite Ol' Burger Beats, 74: Out Of Time is a long and winding excursion through exquisite lo-fi hip-hop, where all of its current favourite faces feature, from Lil B, YUNGMORPHEUS, Oliver The 2nd, Billy Woods, Pink Siifu and more, all aiding and abetting this upstart young beatmaker's geyser-jet into the spotlight. The thematic basis of this album is the number 74, drawing on not just the year 1974 (the politics, the zeitgeist, the aesthetics, the activism) but the seemingly inexhaustible creative wellspring that is the tempo, 74 BPM. Unwavering in this commitment, this is both a formal and contented album, adept at its evocation of unique haze-moods ('Peace') and blazing, soporific wonks ('Running').
Gettin' High (feat 12 O'Clock, La The Darkman & shorty Shit Stain)
You Don't Want F**k With Me
N***a Please
Dirt Dog
I Want P***y
Good Morning Heartache (feat Lil' Mo)
All In Together Now
Review: Happy 25th Anniversary to the late great Ol' Dirty Bastard's second studio album, a chaotic masterpiece that captured the unrestrained genius of Russell Jones during a turbulent phase in his life. Amid arrests, personal struggles and Wu-Tang Clan's shifting dominance, ODB (so named because there is no mother to his style) delivered an album steeped in unfiltered emotion and unpredictability. The recording sessions have since become infamous for their bacchanalian energy and they truly birthed a wildly unique record. Tracks like 'Rollin' With You' and 'You Don't Want To F* With Me' showcase his raw, unbridled id. Though messy and polarising, this one remains a daring and unforgettable work.
Gave My Heart/Its So (Interlood) (feat Leon Ware/Grant Windsor Big Beat Band) (5:02)
Feeds My Mind (Feal Floacist) (3:56)
De Ja Vu (feat Mayra Andrade) (3:25)
This Way That Way (3:44)
Hold Me Closer (feat Stuart Zender) (3:48)
I Want It To Be (3:47)
Doobie Doobie Doo (4:08)
Grey Clouds (5:01)
Review: One of the UK's most distinctive, consistent and authentic male soul voices returns with his eighth album in 27 years... And it's a serious piece of work. Rich in range, warmth, creativity and a keen eye on the dancefloor, everything about him feels refreshed and energised. Highlights include the Dilla-meets-Iz & Diz style "This Way That Way", the glistening Balearic charm of "Feeds My Mind", the syrupy organs and harmonies on "Insatiable". Winding down with the almost filmic narrative "Grey Clouds", it's one of those records that will have you leaping up, flipping to side A and starting all over again. Feel the love.
B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition
Amazin (Kakalak remix)
Nuff Love
Raw Factor
This Year (feat Big Kap)
If You Got Beef
My Main Man
Represent (feat Lil Kalef)
When I Make Parole (feat Rock Of Brick Flava)
I'm On Mine
Was It Just You
We Lust For The Papes
I Gotta Maintain
Touch Y'all
Wrecognize
Freestyle After A Philly
Touch Y'all (feat Sadat X - remix)
Stage Presence (feat Toz Torcha)
Rap vs Crack
Turn The Party Out
We Live That Shit
Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***
The Raw Factor by Omniscence is a long-awaited gem from the mid-90s era of hip-hop, finally seeing the light of day after 28 years. Originally scheduled for release in 1996 but delayed due to record label politics, this album is a testament to Omniscence's skill as an MC and Fanatic's prowess as a producer. The album features punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence, delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic. Tracks like 'Amazin' and 'Touch Y'all' showcase Omniscence's lyrical strength, while Fanatic's beats provide the perfect backdrop, blending jazz elements with boom-bap drums. The Raw Factor is an album to check out for fans of 90s hip-hop, giving off a glimpse into a time when lyricism and production were at their peak.
Review: The Raw Factor by Omniscence is a long-awaited gem from the mid-90s era of hip-hop, finally seeing the light of day after 28 years. Originally scheduled for release in 1996 but delayed due to record label politics, this album is a testament to Omniscence's skill as an MC and Fanatic's prowess as a producer. The album features punchline-driven lyrics from Omniscence, delivered in his unmistakable cadence, and backed by head-nodding production from Fanatic. Tracks like 'Amazin' and 'Touch Y'all' showcase Omniscence's lyrical strength, while Fanatic's beats provide the perfect backdrop, blending jazz elements with boom-bap drums. The Raw Factor is an album to check out for fans of 90s hip-hop, giving off a glimpse into a time when lyricism and production were at their peak.
Review: Originally slated for release in March 1996, Omniscence's The Raw Factor finally sees the light of day, a mere 28 years later, thanks to Below System Records. Despite earning The Source's "Hip Hop Quotable" and releasing standout singles like 'Amazin' and 'Touch Y'all,' label politics shelved the album leaving fans in suspense for decades. Known for his gruff cadence, punchlines and metaphors, Omniscence made waves in the 90s hip-hop scene, even placing high in the 1994 Battle For World Supremacy. Featuring jazzed-out boom-bap beats from Fanatic this deluxe release includes 15+ tracks and bonus cuts so was worth the wait.
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