Review: The pinnacle of original-visional femme rap, Bahamadia quickly dominated the Philly hip-hop scene at the age of 30 with the release of her independently-made LP Kollage in 1996. But she'd been active on the scene at least two years prior; 'Total Wreck' was her first ever single, and preempted the record alongside 'Uknowhowwedu', 'I Confess' and 'Biggest Part Of Me' in a two-year drumroll that would eventually set the Penn state capital slowly afire. Now fab flippers 45 Kings provide a furtherance of Bahamadia's original offering, with 'Total Wreck' and 'Uknowhowwedu' appearing in calmly reedited form here, making no bones of sampli-fying the complementary 'Street Version' of the A-side, which preposed the original record on 12".
Review: The mighty Dez Andres has hooked up with Parisian digger Victor Kiswell for a sublime new double album on Spot Lite that finds a perfect sweet spot between both men's sound. It stems from a party that explores Arabic grooves from Northern Africa and the Middle East and pairs that with low slung deep house beats and hip-hop inspired joints. It's woozy and warm, packed with killer melodies and hooky riffs and is right up there with some of Dez's best work. Highlights include the likes of 'Grand Meze In Gemmayze' with its dusty beats and 'Bounce The Casbah' with Middle Eastern guitars that ring out with great soul.
Review: Legendary producer Ant, who you will most likely know for his work with Atmosphere, showcases his talent once more here with Collection of Sounds: Vol. 4. This release highlights his years of dedication to his craft and is a great mix of fresh ideas with his signature style. While previous volumes explored hip-hop, funk and reggae, Vol. 4 introduces rock-inspired elements such as wailing guitars, though it still maintains a firm foundation in hip-hop. Tracks like 'Hearing In Dark Colors' and 'Created With a Heavy Brush' display his mastery of diverse styles while 'Day After 2010' offers an unexpected vibe that helps confirm Ant's status in the scene.
Review: Freestyle Records reissues The Apples Kings a full decade and a half after its first release. This version has been fully remastered and re-cut for an even more dynamic sound to remind why the landmark album was so special. It was a first for the band who crafted it with specific collaborators in mind and worked with funk legend Fred Wesley and Israeli world music icon Shlomo Bar In fusing elements of The JB's funky foundations, soul, dub, and Middle Eastern influences, they cooked up a genre-defying mix filtered through The Apples' unique decks-horns-bass-drums lineup. These unmistakable, floor-shaking grooves are just as potent today as they were in 2010.
Review: After receiving a Swedish GRAMMY nomination for her 2023 album Be Free and maintaining a busy tour schedule, trombonist, songwriter and producer Ebba decided to try and challenge jazz's rigid boundaries for her next project. The result is When You Know, a smoky, melancholic brew that swirls jazz, alternative r&b, indie, hip-hop and ambient sounds into something pleasingly fresh. Co-produced with Berlin-based producer Lucy Liebe, the album was recorded in a cabin outside her hometown during the harsh winter and reflects Ebba's direct, driven nature. It often moves into avant-garde territory but the vocal work on cuts like 'Did I Go?' mean it always makes and emotional impact, while lush beats on 'Open Your Eyes ' are perfect for summer and 'What I Want' is devastatingly intimate and honest.
Review: Blk Odyssy's third studio album 1-800 Fantasy, as any artist long player really should, marks a sonic shift. It takes him away from his dark r&b and G-funk blend to a brighter, more upbeat alternative sound. This concept album tells the coming-of-age story of a teenage boy in the 90s exploring love and lust. The 13 tracks include singles like 'Want You,' 'XXX' (feat. Wiz Khalifa), 'Stank Rose' (feat. Joey Bada$$) and 'Changes' along with the new track 'Phase.' With this album, Blk Odyssy embraces a new era in his career, blending fresh storytelling with innovative production. It proves again he is a boundary-pushing artist.
Review: Mongolian hip-hop producer Bodikhuu has never been to Rio but this is his lovely letter to the city he has often dreamt of. He has a love of the great Joao Gilberto and armed with that and a worm out MPC he set to work, laying down tropical beats and sunny melodies. The result became an instant classic and spawned a number of tunes that went on to pick up more than a million streams. It's a record that excites the imagination as well as warming the soul and this version comes with superb original artwork designed by illustrator David Burnett on a lovely splatter-coloured vinyl inspired by its own cover.
Something New About You (feat Neal Francis) (3:35)
Infant Eyes (3:28)
Review: Virginia collective Butcher Brown flaunt their lapidary, multifaceted flair for transversal jazz on their new album for Concord Jazz, via a seamless blend of funk, r&b, soul, bossa nova and much, much else. Through the collective persona of Butcher Brown - an imagined philosopher jazzmaster king, whose grasp of music is said to owe much to legacies of garage punk and jazz funk - the smooth quintet say this "joint" was recorded with the intention of recreating the kind of music one might find oneself dancing to in a club in New York and the UK, attesting all of the band members' compounded skills as music producers. Chopping up samples whilst performing on the fly, the record takes its name from the fact that all members were "pulling samples from across the Atlantic", building their grooves around them.
Review: Chase Atlantic's fourth album offers a more mature sound than previous LPs while exploring themes of loneliness, depression and fear. The title reflects the paradox of being in an ideal place yet feeling miserable and the music showcases the band's evolution into a fusion of pop, rock and r&b in their signature genre-defying style. The lead single quickly gained popularity by amassing millions of streams and views and follow-up 'Doubt It' continues the trend with addictive melodies and fresh sounds. Although Chase Atlantic pushes boundaries here, their original fans will still remain happy with the signature energy of this album.
Review: Imagine a world where the pioneers of hip-hop and electro reign supreme, their sounds echoing through the neon-lit streets of a futuristic metropolis. This is the world that Clipping creates, their music a heady blend of gritty beats, razor-sharp rhymes and dystopian soundscapes. 'Dominator' and 'Change the Channel' set the tone with their raw energy and infectious hooks, while 'Run It' and 'Go' showcase the group's lyrical dexterity and knack for crafting intricate rhymes that weave tales of technology, alienation and social unrest. Collaborations with Aesop Rock, Nels Cline and Cartel Madras add further depth and dimension to the album's sonic tapestry, each artist bringing their unique flavour to the mix. Tracks like 'Simple Degradation' and 'Mood Organ' delve into the darker corners of this dystopian world, exploring the anxieties and uncertainties of a future dominated by technology. It's not for the faint of heart, but it is a thrilling ride through a world of futuristic sounds and thought-provoking lyrics.
Review: Fresh from releasing a swathe of conceptual full-lengths, Los Angeles threesome Clipping have returned to their hip-hop roots via a mixtape style album reflective of their hip-hop roots. Of course, this is not hip-hop in the classical sense. According to the accompany sleeve notes, Dead Channel Sky is a collection of cuts focused on the present, dually inspired by the histories of cyberpunk and hip-hop. In practice, that means fast-flowing and lyrically dextrous rhymes, of course, but also beats that variously sample, chop up or reference everything from 90s rave classics, the rock-rave big beat antics of the Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails stail industrial grit, to TB-303-laden acid house, the dark and doomy trip-hop of Mezzanine-era Massive Attack, drum and bass and experimental electronica.
Conjunto Media Luna/Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos - "Bogotokio" (feat Hydro As BNJ) (3:20)
Mumbia Y Sus Candelosos/Conjunto Media Luna - "Cumbia Teriyaki" (3:30)
Review: Conjunto Medialuna's latest album on Little Beat More is a direct trip to the heart of Bogota's rich cumbia scene. The record blends traditional rhythms with psychedelic influences driven by the Colombian accordion and ecstatic percussion that is so strongly associated with this style. These are two of the jams from it, but frankly you should also check out the full LP. It's a tribute to the guacharaca and the lively street parrandas where each song explores new interpretations of classic sounds. Featuring collaborations with N. Hardem, Mismo Perro, Son Rompe Pera, MC Hydro and Japanese-Latin percussionist Muupy, Noches de Medialuna, it transcends cultural boundaries and joins the dots between traditional and modern urban Latin music which is now so hugely popular around the world.
Review: Queens, NY rapper Craig G offers us a new and harsh stovetop burn of an album, themed around the fossil-fuelled burning of the Earth. "The whole GAME is cooked... cooked... cooked..." echoes G's voice in the opening skit, before launching into a boom-tastic creed against the prodigal ills of today's rap game. With the rap game serving as a microcosm for the world, G's conceit is a compelling one - folding in diatribes against social media and precarious world affairs - and it comes wrapped in block-rocking, nightcrawling beats, shrink-wrapped in loudness boosting effects and rattling hums. Clock 'America's Dumbest Criminals', a rebuking detour of two acquaintances and ultimately enemies of G who were arrested on the same night as their crime.
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.
Stix & Stonz (feat Grandmaster Caz, Tito Of The Fearless Four, Whipper Whip, La Sunshine & Superstar)
Review: This De La Soul's classic is a coveted release among hardcore hip-hop fans. Originally issued in 1994 as a promotional item to top DJs, it's considered the holy grail of their catalogue. The album includes four tracks from Buhloone Mindstate and two exclusive tracks: 'sh.Fe.Mc's' featuring A Tribe Called Quest and 'Stix & Stonz' featuring The Fearless Four, Grandmaster Caz and Prince Whipper Whip. With only 500 copies pressed at the time, this legendary gem is now being reissued in a limited edition that is sure to fly off the shelves.
Review: The Grind Date is now two years strong so gets a customary Anniversary Edition that invites us to revel in the album's enduring impact on hip-hop. It features the iconic American trio's signature eclectic style which is of course to blend thought-provoking lyrics with laid-back beats. With standout tracks like 'Shopping Bags (She Got from You)' and the title cut, De La Soul's ability to remain relevant while experimenting with fresh sounds is very much laid bare. This edition includes remastered audio but with a sympathetic edge that retains the nicely undercooked sound of the oringal.
Review: Here's a timely re-issue that reminds us all just how quickly time flies. Already alternative rap OGs by the time this first saw the light of day back in 2004, De La Soul brought together the hip-hop elite to collaborate on their seventh studio album. Featuring cameos and production from the likes of J Dilla, Madlib, 9th Wonder, Supa Dave West, and MF Doom, the LP was met with critical acclaim when released and continues to stand up nearly 20 years later. Nostalgic yet forward-thinking, the well-formed album includes plenty of high points. 'Shopping Bags' offers a cautionary tale flow over dusty beats with a mightily hooky chorus, 'Rock Co.Kane Flow' demonstrates the group's ability to evolve with the changing times, while the feel-good flex of the title track is a standout, hands-in-the-air classic.
Police State (feat Chairman Omali Yeshitela) (3:40)
Behind Enemy Lines (3:24)
Assassination (1:40)
Mind Sex (4:51)
We Want Freedom (4:29)
Be Healthy (2:34)
Discipline (1:58)
Psychology (5:15)
Happiness (3:48)
Animal In Man (4:27)
You'll Find A Way (3:11)
It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop (feat Tahir & Peoples Army) (3:47)
Propaganda (5:11)
The Pistol (4:14)
Review: The debut album by hip-hop duo Dead Prez was released in 2000 and quickly earned critical acclaim. Praised as a "return to politically conscious rap," it drew comparisons to acts like Public Enemy, Brand Nubian and The Coup. Let's Get Free features stark, direct lyrics delivered over sparse beats with M-1 and stic.man addressing issues like media manipulation, the music industry, poverty and systemic oppression - all of which remain relevant battlegrounds to this day. They advocate for socialism and black power while condemning societal inequalities and for that, Rolling Stone awarded the album four stars, highlighting its powerful commentary on the connections between classrooms, prisons and systemic control
Review: Released in 1994, Deee-Lite's follow-up to their colossal hit 'Groove Is In The Heart' and the World Clique album that contained it finds the trio taking a more adventurous route of funky rhythms, electronic experimentation and blissful psychedelic vibes. Tracks like 'River of Freedom' tap into a carefree dancefloor energy, while 'Picnic In The Summertime' evokes sun-soaked nostalgia, its bouncy beat an effortless backdrop to the dreamy, carefree lyrics. Deee-Lite's willingness to explore genres and sounds is evident throughout, with samples from The Orb and Carl Craig, among others, meshing seamlessly with live instrumentation and infectious grooves. One of the album's defining features is its ability to balance quirk with cool. The smooth transition in 'Somebody,' where the track slows down into a human beatbox rhythm, exemplifies the experimental nature of the band. And then there's the entrancing 'Party Happening People,' a track full of playful vibes, layered synths, and an unmistakable 90s energy. This isn't just for fans of the groupiit's a record that captures the essence of the 90s club scene. A perfect soundtrack to the era's fashion and carefree spirit, its sounds still hit fresh today, reminding us of the euphoric, experimental days of early electronic music. For anyone who has ever found themselves lost in the vibe of house, techno, or the club, this collection is essential listening.
Review: DJ Motive hails from he charming city of Gifu, Japan, and has spent 20 years crafting a signature blend of Latin, jazz and hip-hop both solo and with DeadBundy. His latest release draws on all that experience to cook up a tasteful soundtrack that will transport you from dawn to dusk. Tracks like 'Sunrise' offer dreamy broken beats and nostalgic samples, while 'Chill On A Lotus' melts vocals and chords into an ambient haze. Jazz drums meet Balearic vibes in 'Howling 2 You' while 'Walker grooves with squelchy synths. This reflective, escapist trip rewards deep listening and is another high class album from sophisticated Italian label Hell Yeah.
Review: This debut album is sure to prove a solo breakthrough for DJ Narciso. It taps into Lisbon's rich reserves of kuduro and puts a devastatingly fresh new spin on the sound in the wake of pioneers like Nidia, N Fox and P. Adrix. Narciso pushes drill-adjacent rhythms and tresillo syncopations here and creates a unique European counterpart to Havana's wild sense of rhythm that is, at its core, deeply rooted in West African traditions. Tracks like 'Ziu Ziu (Reprise)' and 'Cabelinho' explore quirky textures and unpredictable grooves while 'Vai Estragar a Camera' echoes early Nazar's cantankerous vibe and '5 Do Jo' and 'Jogo' deliver heavy basslines and experimental sounds that cement Narciso's distinctive style in Lisbon's unique landscape.
Review: An eagerly awaited repress of DJ Shepdog's 2006 mashup of Damian Marley's 'Welcome To Jamrock' with Dead Prez's 'It's Bigger Than Hip Hop', effortlessly juxtaposing one of contemporary dancehall's most iconic vocals with undeniably one of the fattest basslines ever laid. This iconic pairing is flanked by ultra fun cut 'Sleng Hop' uniting the original Dead Prez acapella with another of the world's most famous basslines- Prince Jammy's Casiotone MT-40 'rock & roll' rhythm... You do the math!
For My Dogs (feat Big Stan, Loose, Kasino & Drag-On) (4:02)
I Can Feel It (4:08)
Prayer (skit) (2:30)
The Convo (3:35)
Niggaz Done Started Something (feat The LOX & Murda Mase) (4:57)
Review: DMX was a mould-breaking force. Twisting a savage gangstra rap energy around a barking flow, he imparted street knowledge in a soul-rattling voice that, to this day, still leaves us feeling thoroughly sergeant-drilled. Some deemed him a snarling negative of 2pac, though deeper heads knew him better for his unexpected vulnerabilities, on full display as early on as his studio debut, It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot. Earl Simmons had endured an abusive upbringing and struggled with crack addiction from a young age; his later life would be marked by prison stints and rehab, but his music was a way to "create concerts that felt more like a church service”. These pious emphatics - the moment, the church, duty - certainly contrasted his manifest badboy, raw-dog persona. From ‘Let Me Fly’ to ‘Stop Being Greedy’ through to the skit ‘Prayer’, DMX presented a downcast debut with enduring, parabolic lessons, going beyond the morose veils of moral dubiety and antiheroism.
Lost Girl (Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night rework) (3:24)
Special Technique Of Love (Jim Dunloop Shaolin Soul edit) (3:08)
Review: The mighty Dusty Donuts return to Queensbridge where they encounter a 'Lost Girl' featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. This bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is sure to ignite any gathering. On the flipside, the vibes shift from Queensbridge to Staten Island and bring a special sound to work the crowd - this heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with choppy, dark soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. It's a track that commands attention with the drums but also locks in head and heart.
Review: El Michels Affair returns with a new two-track release that showcases his continued excellence as both a producer and musician. The A-side, 'Mr Brew,' opens with a menacing intro before evolving into a spacious tune masterfully balancing tension and release. Gentle guitars, strings, flutes and brass weave over a heavy drum track to make for a bright and immersive landscape. On the B-side, 'Kodak' is a lesson in space and arrangement with mellow drums and beautiful instrumentation setting the perfect mood. EMA's trademark restraint ensures the vibe remains the focal point while delivering a perfectly crafted sound that never overwhelms.
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