Review: Hip-hop artist Shing02 (Shing Annen) is a longstanding fixture of chill hop, and is notable for his cross-cultural focus, having been born in Japan but growing up in Western cities. With a precise, multilingual emceeing style few of his contemporaries can match, he's also known for his involvement with Nujabes and the soundtrack for Samurai Champloo, we're happy to see he's still hard at it. 'Real With You' is a collaboration with contemporary lo-fi hip-hop/chill-hop artist 14? and is a bright and serene wonker, lyrically dealing in themes of going with the flow, revisiting memories and letting go.
Review: The 45 Kings return with Vol 12, delivering two essential cuts from Nas's legendary Illmatic album. On Side-1, 'N.Y. State of Mind' captures the raw spirit of New York with its darker, jazz-influenced beats, perfectly complementing Nas's gritty lyrical flow. Side-2 features 'Represent'. a timeless track, exuding class with its sharp production and quintessential boom-bap vibe. Both tracks showcase why Illmatic is hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time. This 45 is perfect for any vinyl collector or fan of classic hip-hop, encapsulating the golden era with two undeniable gems from Nas's breakthrough masterpiece.
Don't Fool With The Dips (feat JR Writer, Hell Rell & 40 Cal) (4:06)
Don't Fool With The Dips (Scratch-a-pella) (0:45)
Review: A-Trak! You may have been introduced to him as a World Champion turntablist, an iconic indie record label owner, half of Duck Sauce, a producer, a festival DJ, a remixer, Kanye's Tour DJ, or former Juicero advocate, but you may not know that he had a hip-hop record label in the early to mid 2000's, known as Audio Research Records. During this time, Trizzy hooked up with arguably 2 of the best hip-hop groups to come out of that era, producing records for Little Brother and the mighty Dipset. One of the very few Little Brother records that 9th Wonder didn't produce, 'Step Off' falls right in line with the LB aesthetic. A-Trak got busy with a bouncy joint that ended up on tons of mixtapes, available only on ARR 12" until now. Same story with the B-side; there, A-Trak teamed up with Dipset for 'Don't Fool With The Dips!' featuring 40 Cal, Hell Rell, J.R. Writer. Now re-released in collaboration with Fool's Gold Records on 7" vinyl alongside new, original artwork by RHEK.
Review: We're big fans of these educational 7"s that often crop up, with a legendary hip hop jam on one side and the source of some its samples appearing on the flip. This time out we get A Tribe Called Quest's deep cut 'Sucka N***a' - which is taken from their legendary Midnight Marauders album - with its buttery rhymes and funky bass buried deep within. Jack Wilkins's 'Red Clay' on the flip isn't that much of a deviation. Though it's slower and free from the rhymes, it is a brilliantly effective and emotive cut. More like this please.
Review: Milkcrate Mondays has got a red hot 7" on its hands here with DJ Abel and DJ Spinobi taking one side each. The former kicks off by, says the label, "taking an Ocean classic for a trip to Miami." His take on 'Lost' is a funk-laced jam that blends r&b vocals with bubbling beats and jazzy keys into something brilliantly seductive. On the flip side, DJ Spinobi lays down some heavyweight Afro drum patterns and raw rap bars on 'Bay Bunny' while 'PRVNZA VIP' is a more blissed-out island sound with reggaeton undertones and angelic Spanish vocals up top. A real summer weapon.
Review: Aesop Rock were a fixture of the New York underground hip-hop scene throughout the early 90s and began writing and honing his rapping delivery, culminating in his first album in 1997. Daylight came out just a few years later in 2001 to critical acclaim, including later being ranked at number 68 on Fact's "100 Best Indie Hip-Hop Records of All Time" list. The title track showcases the talents of the producer, largely recognized as one of the last links of the 90s New York style of the genre. Being respectful of his roots, Aesop Rock samples in some classic parts of other 80s tracks onto his sublime downtempo jazz foundation for a perfect example of the style known as Conscious. Not to be outdone, 'Nickel Plated Pockets' is the perfect B-side to this EP, bringing a harder sound to balance out things. Included are the instrumentals for each of the three tracks to make this DJ friendly.
Review: This release was deftly crafted by Visceral Grooves in collaboration with Dig. Find. Listen. Sample. Chop. Repeat., featuring the duo of LA artists Sankofa and J. Dankworth. Side A is a killer instrumental hip-hop cover of the Billy Brooks' classic 40 Days, while side B is a slow-burning original composition by the band Aesthetic, lifted from the forthcoming album 'Anesthetic'.
Review: Tokyo-based hip-hop producer Southpaw Chop teams up for the first time with rapper A.G. D.I.T.C. for a fatal coup de grace in the vein of chop-up-chintzy and scratch-sampling hip-hop. "The mood is definitely deadly", goes the pre-chorus of this gangsta rap heater, as D.I.T.C. both muses on an gripes after the many changes seen in his local LA ends, Laurel Canyon. Exchanging cryptic wordplays - Canon for firearm, for example - we har lyrical shots fired ("I drop the clues but it's too deep to mention" / "who put you on billboard, who made you a demon, with a career to kill for") against those contemporary rappers who'd buy careers with drug or blood money, while Chop the main man deftly juxtaposes 50s jazz with psycho strings.
Review: The legendary collaboration between Akinyele and Kool G Rap, 'Break a Bitch Neck,' is one of rap's most famous cuts and not for musical reasons. It is a track which showcases a scorching beat and the incredible synergy between these two New York lyricists but is best known for being one of the most unapologetically sexist and outrageous rap songs ever. It's a hard-hitting and deep hip-hop joint with a super cool break and naughty bars. On the flip, you will find a remix but only the brave will play this one in today's socially conscious landscape.
Review: The Allergies' latest offering is a double dose of sample-heavy goodness, a testament to their cratedigging prowess and knack for flipping vintage sounds into dancefloor gold. 'Knock Me Off My Feet' is a glorious reimagining of a late-sixties Southern soul 45. The original Motown-influenced arrangement is already a potent brew, but The Allergies inject it with a booster shot of fat drums, beefy bass, punchy percussion, and soaring horns, propelling it into another dimension entirely. It's a vibrant, energetic track that's sure to get any party started. On the flip side, 'Let Me Hear You Say' transports us back to the sweaty, pulsating energy of the early-80s New York club scene. Old-school MC chants intertwine with strutting disco loops, creating a sleek, slinky groove that's pure retro realness. The beat is infectious and relentless, a hypnotic pulse that demands movement. This 7" single is a delightful double-header of dancefloor delights, a testament to The Allergies' ability to breathe new life into vintage sounds. It's a must-have for any self-respecting vinyl enthusiast and a guaranteed mood-booster for any occasion. The Allergies have once again proven their mastery of the sample-based art form, delivering two tracks that are both respectful of their source material and utterly transformative. A joyous celebration of music's past, reimagined for the present.
Review: Times may change and life may evolve, but the Allergies will always be unashamed party-starters whose records are both pleasingly heavy and instantly accessible. By now, you shouldn't need further proof og their skills in this department, but if you do, the Bristol combo's latest "45" is a lesson is dancefloor-igniting goodness. 'Lean on You' is a live and funk-fuelled as you'd expect, with distinctive flash-fried funk-rock guitar riffs, bustling, interestingly slung breakbeats and a fine lead vocal from Dynamite MC. Over on the flip, 'Working on Me' is a more bluesy, cut-and-paste funk breaks number that's guaranteed to get feet moving out on the dancefloor.
Review: Jalapeno remains one of the hottest and most spicy labels out there for hip hop lovers, and now it is The Allergies who bring the heat on a new and limited edition 7". They kick this one off with 'Stanky Funk' which features Bootie Brown and brings some old school cool, plenty of retro organ chords and noodling basslines that will tie the dance floor in knots. 'Never Gonna Let Go' then ups the ante with even more raw and hard hitting breaks next to big vocals and driving brass.
Altered Tapes - "T Turns It Up" (Right On Brother remix) (4:11)
Platurn X Marvin - "PP Lays It Cool" (take A Rest mix) (4:03)
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: New Japanese label Grunge House Records featuring Japanese artist Altz cover of Everybody Loves the Sunshine, Peter Power (Multi Culti/ Invisible, Inc.) mysterious ambient tune, and a polyrhythmic tribal dub techno cut with a motif of Japanese mythology by Ground (ESP Institute / Chillmountain).
Review: Analog Mutants-aka MC Phill Most Chill and DJ and producer Snafu with DJ Grazzhopper-return with Tittyshaker, a fun and fantastic follow-up to last year's Confidence 45. Embracing a playful vibe as you can tell from the title, they craft a lively, 80s-inspired beat reminiscent of when hip-hop playfully sampled kids' TV tunes. The track has a Sesame Street-like charm, making Phill's cheeky call for the ladies to "shake their titties" feel more like lighthearted fun than problematic. In today's world of Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice pushing boundaries, Tittyshaker taps into that same bold energy. The release also features an alternate version on the flip side.
Review: This is a limited edition pink vinyl aversion of a new one from Analog Mutants aka MC Phill Most Chill, DJ and producer Snafu, and DJ Grazzhopper. Tittyshaker is a lively follow-up to last year's Confidence 45. True to its playful title, the track delivers an 80s-inspired beat reminiscent of hip-hop's fun side, when sampling kids' TV tunes was common. With a Sesame Street-like charm, Phill's cheeky request to "shake their titties" comes off as lighthearted rather than problematic. In a musical landscape shaped by boundary-pushing artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice, Tittyshaker channels that same bold energy.
Review: In a meeting between generations of broken beat titans, Andrew Ashong and Kaidi Thatham's Sankofa Season rightly earned classic status soon after its release in 2020, and now we're being taken back into the heart of these tracks with a heavyweight remix package from some serious talent. Mala's imperious dubstep touch brings some low-end pressure to 'Low Ceilings' or Shy One chopping up 'Learning Lessons' in her peerless deft style, there's a lot of ground covered by this considered gathering of minds. Special mention goes to Equiknoxx's Gavsborg and Shanique Marie, bringing a sweetly soulful touch to 'To Your Heart'.
Review: Atmosphere continue to plot a course through the weirder corners of indie hip-hop with their latest EP, which spins off from 2023 LP So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously. On this record Minneapolis' finest rap misfits toy with electro and boogie and give it a distorted twist, resulting in party starting anti-anthems like 'Wetter', sludgy funk workout 'Rotary Telephone' and tripped out synth-scape 'Don't Mind Me'. The sounds may be freaky, but the flows are as sharp-witted as ever as Slug and A.N.T. barrel through surrealism and observation with a flair they've made all their own since the late 90s.
Review: Manchester producer Atomphunk's collaboration with Seattle duo Mugs and Pockets, featuring DJ Deviant, is a standout summer release. 'Summer Jam' is a vibrant track with a popping funk bass line and lively rhymes that evoke the spirit of the Native Tongues, blended seamlessly with the Grand Central/Fat City groove and the West Coast bounce of Jurassic 5. This track is poised to be Regulate's biggest hit yet. On the flip side, 'Back For More' takes a more laid-back approach, with Atomphunk crafting a synth-driven groove perfect for those hot, sticky summer days. Crisp beats and Pockets' (from MAP) smooth delivery make this tracka great blend of funk, hip-hop and groove.
Review: Hip-hop diggers will happily tell you that "Top Billin" was one of the tightest, heaviest and most stripped-back rap jams to emerge from New York in the mid 1980s. Here the 1987 hip-hop club classic is given the reissue treatment by fresh label Know How, marking the cut's first appearance on "45" for 32 years. The A-side vocal version - the most famous of the two takes - is a great example of the dancefloor power of stripped-back hip-hop, with the completed cut being little more than chunky drum machine beats and on-point raps rich in call-and-response sections and crowd-pleasing slogans. The harder to find flipside instrumental lays this bare, peppering the duo's beat with select snippets of reverb-laden chants.
Review: With Slow Burn, Baby Rose showcases a remarkable evolution from her previous album, expanding her sonic palette into a raw and sprawling exploration of American music. Teaming up with BADBADNOTGOOD, Rose delves into progressive r&b, infusing elements of Muscle Shoals, psych, jazz, and Americana to create a mesmerizing collection of songs. The collaboration with BADBADNOTGOOD proved to be an instant and fruitful partnership, with lead single 'One Last Dance' capturing the essence of Rose's vision from the very first meeting. This track, disguised as a love song, is actually an ode to lost friendship, with Rose's vocals layered into a hypnotic lullaby over Chester Hansen's dreamlike bassline. Throughout Slow Burn, Rose draws inspiration from her experiences driving between the chaos of DC and the tranquility of the Carolina countryside, allowing her mind to wander and explore internal dialogues. The title track exemplifies this introspective journey, with soft, ambling drums and lyrical repetitions evoking patient desire. Overall, 'Slow Burn' exudes a sense of intimacy and mystery, with each song arriving on tiptoe, inviting listeners into Rose's world of introspection and emotion. As a vocalist and lyricist, Rose demonstrates boundless potential, supported by the synergy of her collaboration with BADBADNOTGOOD. This album marks a significant step forward for Baby Rose, hinting at even greater heights to come in her musical journey.
Review: Big Crown is one of our favourite labels here at HQ. The funk and soul they serve up is perfectly aged yet never overly nostalgic and this new one is another case it point. It's the latest from the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band and features two singles take from their latest and greatest album Expansions which landed back in June. As always they bring their own unique steel drum sounds and tropical Caribbean vibes to funk music. 'Raise It Up' is a deep cut joint with big horns and rippling steel drums puddles while 'Space' is a more lumpy groove with the drums more front and centre.
Review: Bjorn Wagner's Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band have put out several fresh albums and many great 7"s on Big Crown and 'Hotline Bling' is another one. The mysterious Hamburg outfit brings their famous steel pan sound and reaches new heights here as they again cover songs that span genres and range from mega-hits to album cuts. Their own unique approach is to mix up the traditional sounds of Trinidad and Tobago with the original source material to leave you ready to dance all night long.
Review: Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band is an enigmatic steel pan collective from Hamburg that has a hardcore fan following around the world and a new album on the way that is superb. They are loved for their covers of hip-hop classics and last year served up a version of the Stranger Things theme tune but this time out we get 'Love For The Sake Of Dub' of 45 rpm. It is another pair of funky tunes with the signature brass sounds front and centre as the fat bottom rhythms roll deep and fleshy. Another gem from this leftfield outfit.
Review: 'My House' was a parting gift from Queen Bey herself following her record-setting 'Renaissance' album cycle, the first in a trilogy she continued with 2024s 'Cowboy Carter'. Landing multiple awards and ten top spots on various 'Best of 2022' lists, the track is a big, brassy, chant-led track featuring the same hallmarks that peppered her 'Homecoming' history-making Coachella performance. Serving as promotion and as the credits sequence, for her theatrical concert film 'Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce'. The track is anthemic and uplifting, a combination of braggadocious flexing and preaching the power of love and healing - it's an infectious hit. On the B-side of this release is an extended intro edit of Beyonce's legendary chart-topping hit 'Single Ladies', celebrating its 16th birthday this year.
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