The Main Thing Is To Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing
Yonders
Supreme Alchemy
Freequency (with Black Thought)
No Fear Of Time (with Yummy Bingham)
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.
One False Move ("Great Day" demo instrumental) (4:52)
Review: A fascinating piece of hip-hop history, offering a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the genre's most celebrated albums. These demos, originally leaked in 2002, capture the raw energy and unfiltered brilliance of Madvillain's early sessions. MF DOOM's vocals, recorded and mixed at Madlib's Bomb Shelter studio, showcase his signature wordplay and off-kilter flow, while Madlib's beats provide a captivating backdrop of dusty samples and head-nodding grooves. Tracks like 'Do Not Fire!', 'Bistro', and 'America's Most Blunted' offer a fascinating glimpse into the album's evolution, with alternate versions and early arrangements showcasing the duo's creative process. While these demos may be unfinished, they still possess an undeniable magic, capturing the raw energy and unbridled creativity that would eventually make Madvillainy a hip-hop masterpiece.
Review: Fifteen years after its original release, Guns Don't Kill People: Lazers Do by Major Lazer remains a genre-defying triumph. The duo, made up of Diplo and Switch, threw dancehall, reggae and electro-disco into a blender and created something entirely unique. Tracks like 'Hold the Line' (featuring Mr. Lexx and Santogold) and 'Cash Flow' stand out, blending Jamaican influences with forward-thinking production. Now reissued on clear vinyl with stickers, this gatefold 2xLP edition brings back the raw, energetic essence of one of the most eclectic dancehall albums ever made.
Review: The sound of Medline exploring the deeper edges of electronic music, crafting a sonic landscape that's both hypnotic and evocative. 'The Edge' is a journey through atmospheric textures, pulsating rhythms and subtle melodies, creating a mesmerising soundscape that's perfect for late-night listening or introspective moments. The production is pristine, with each sound carefully crafted to create a sense of depth and immersion.
Review: MF Doom's 2004 release marked a high point in the hip-hop don's discography, brimming with his signature blend of inventive production and intricate wordplay. Across the album, he uses food-related metaphors to delve into themes of vice, violence, and the complexities of ego. 'Beef Rapp' opens the record with a sharp critique of conflict within hip-hop, while tracks like 'Hoe Cakes' and 'One Beer' explore indulgence, escapism, and excess with Doom's trademark wit. The track 'Rapp Snitch Knishes' is a direct jab at the contradictions of self-incrimination, highlighting the absurdities of some rappers' behavior. With its blend of humour, sharp social commentary and a deft lyrical style, this album remains a standout in the genre, demonstrating Doom's ability to layer serious themes with a playful touch.
Review: First released in 2004, Mf Doom's 'Mm..Food' is a critically acclaimed hip-hop classic that stands out for its imaginative production and clever lyricism. The album weaves food-themed metaphors into sharp social commentary, creating a unique narrative full of humor and depth. Tracks like 'Beef Rapp' explore the glorification of conflict, while 'Hoe Cakes' and 'One Beer' touch on themes of indulgence and escapism. Celebrating the 20th anniversary, this reissue is available on 2xLP galaxy vinyl, with all-new artwork by Sam Rodriguez, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of Doom's singular creative vision.
Review: Michi Guerrero aka Michi sets upon unleashing her debut album Dirty Talk unto the world. The LA-based singer-songwriter begun in pop before finding her truer feet in making warm neo-soul, in which discipline she has remained. Backing up a recent throng of exquisite Knxwledge flips of her earliest singles, the new record documents productions of a near-equal calibre from Blake Rhein (Durand Jones & The Indications) and Paul Cherry. Retroistic, channelling a Motown-reminiscent sound, the lyrics deal in interpersonal dilemmas unique to the modern day; hear the a-romantic de-subjectvations of 'If You Want Me' and the existentialisms of 'There's No Heaven', the latter being a prize house music cut, not to be missed by DJs.
Review: Pianist and composer Alex Monfort debuts his new album here and delivers a beautifully contemporary array of soul-jazz songs influenced by rap, hip-hop, alt-r&b and neo-soul. The album is denied by a blend of tightly broken beats and lovely Rhodes chords, soothing harmonies but most of all the rich vocals of Franco-Cameroonian singer Nina Tonji. Fans of the likes of Moonchild, Erykah Badu, Fatima and Eglo Records are sure to soak up the soothing sounds of 'Hypnotized', the romantic feels of 'Attitude' and late-night intimacy of 'Saison' amongst much more.
Review: A track per year is said to have gone into the making of Quasimoto's 2013 hip-hop 12-tracker. The long haul is documented across a quirky, frequency-surfing selection, which at times veer from the usual wonky, tongue-in-cheek, nasally prod-rap flows and into subvertised sound collage. 'Seasons Change', for example, detours into a bolshy sample tapestry about alcoholism and the substitution of natural highs for synthetic high. Even so, it's the irreverent, conversational miasmas of 'Youngblood', 'Planned Attack' and 'LAX to JFK' that really define this mixtape slash compilation from the yellow Madlib alter-ego.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.