Heat Rock US Schallplatten & CDs

Review: It's almost 30 years since Queen Latifah's 'U.N.I.T.Y.' as part of her Grammy Award-winning album Black Reign but it still gets the plaudits it always has. Heat Rock Records now revisits it for a sixth entry into their catalogue. Chicago's Altered Tapes is the man stepping up to remix and he serves up a big, hard hitting breakbeat version laden with sax lines and crisp drumming. An instrumental version on the reverse is more designed for the dance floor and is perfect for all the scratching and juggling needs of any hard working turntablist.

Review: Altered Tapes and DJ Platurn have teamed up for the next instalment in the Heat Rock series, taking on one of Marvin Gaye's most iconic soundtracks. It's already staple, but Side A sees Altered Tapes flipping the original into an even more break-heavy version, turning up the intensity with relentless drums and a sharp, percussive edge. The result is something that'll keep people on their toes, bringing an unmistakable punch to Marvin's already rhythm-driven classic. Meanwhile, Platurn's Side B remix stays a bit closer to the original, offering an extended version that's stemmed out for maximum DJ control. It's a more faithful reworking but still comes with extra flavourimore bounce, more groove, and more of the kind of energy you'd wish the original had packed. Perfect for DJs looking to keep the crowd moving, it's the sort of version you can build a set around, each element carefully considered to bring out the best in Marvin's timeless sound. Whether you're after a break-heavy flip or a DJ-friendly rework, this release has you covered.

Review: Chicago's Altered Tapes alter two brand new ones for their latest 7", making up for a short AWOL period with two mashups of the utmost rawness and class. First, on the A-side, comes a slick homage to ATCQ's brightest star Q-Tip, who nonetheless, shockingly, only ever scored one hit single in his lifetime, 'Vivrant Thing'. We are reminded of this once again, if only for the fact that it shouldn't have been the case, through Altered Tapes and King Most's raw but relaxed new version. The B-side marks an unusually roomy and reverberative rework of the Tribe's 'Scenario' by their fellow editor Boombaptist, bringing dub effects-laden heat to an already wild tune.

Review: Heat Rock Records's 124th outing is also the final 45rpm in their 7" series. It packs a real punch with its bad boy sounds from Cutso (from the Bay Area) and Boombaptist (who hails from Texas). Cutso goes first with the filthy dirty and low slung bass bumps of 'LKMBMT' (Yagoditgowinon) and its Afro vocals and jerking rhythms. On the flip things go slow with BoomBaptist's 'Krush' (Queen B remix) layering up heat-damaged chords and warm boogie bass under some smart bars.

Review: After the first pressing of Double A's latest project flew off the shelves, it now arrives again on limited white vinyl and delivers raw intensity with striking clarity. Balancing gritty street energy and introspective moments, it's a lo-fi triumph powered by deep basslines while unpredictable rhythms maintain a minimalist yet dynamic edge. What truly resonates is the tone: bold and brash yet underpinned by vulnerability, the music has real emotional depth and Double A's unflinching delivery showcases an artist fully at ease with his craft as he blends brash confidence with introspection.

Review: Double A's latest project strikes with a directness that leaves little room for misinterpretation. The project teeters between raw street energy and moments of introspection, captured in lo-fi glory. Tracks pulse with deep bass, while the rhythms roll in a way that feels just right, balancing minimalism with unpredictability. What stands out most is the tone: it's brash, but there's a certain vulnerability that underpins every bar. The rapping is unflinching, revealing an artist completely comfortable in his own skin.

Review: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a big part of the history in hip-hop during the early 90s. Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York they released two classic albums and a handful of singles to great success. A regular selection on the very influential MTV Yo-Raps show they quickly gained notoriety for Pete Rock's use of obscure soul and jazz records. Here we have the reissue of the 2017 release that brings their most popular track to the masses once again. 'They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)' blew them up big and was their highest charting record. This 7" features the Altered Tapes remix along with the instrumental on the second side. You would be hard pressed to find another track that is the epitome of the New York hip-hop sound in 1992 then this mega-hit.