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: 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.
Review: London-based New Zealander Arjuna Oakes impresses hugely with this debut album, a contemporary soul and jazz fusion, global folk, electronica and post-rock motifs all woven in. Like any good LP, While I'm Distracted is a deeply personal journey exploring common themes of vulnerability, identity and hope in a world shaped by ever-more existential angst and social media stress. We're told that Arjuna approached this full-length album like a filmmaker crafting a feature and aiming to evoke emotion over concept. Performing vocals, piano, synths and arranging strings himself, he also leads a talented ensemble of collaborators who help him on this emotional odyssey.
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.
Review: Back in 1996, on the back of years spent showcasing skills on NYC's hip-hop underground, mic man Omniscence completed his debut album, The Raw Factor, with producers Fanatic and (more surprisingly) deep house great Rheji Burrell. Sadly, it was never issued, and it would be nearly a decade before he put out a full-length excursion, The God Hour. Described as "one of the great lost rap albums of the 90s", The Raw Factor is now finally out on CD - almost three decades after Omniscence started work on it. For those who love "golden era hip-hop", with its killer grooves and choice use of killer samples, it's a must-check set, with Omniscence's on-point raps - delivered smoothly, with a distinctively gruff flow - keeping you captivated throughout.
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.
Review: Cult psychedelic rap don Onoe Caponoe's fifth studio album, Concrete Fantasia on High Focus Records, is another vivid and vital work that weaves a dark fantasy that blurs genre boundaries and combines great references to fantastical realms with gritty inner-city realities. It takes listeners on a surreal journey that draws on movie samples to make intricate vignettes and adds mind-bending lyricism into the unique soundscapes. As Onoe Caponoe masterfully navigates between whimsical escapism and raw urban life, featuring characters like Pinocchio in the hood and an Ice King in a frostbitten kingdom, you cannot help but be charmed.
Circuit City (feat video Dave & Still Rift) (3:03)
I Retired Then I Changed My Mind (2:27)
Burner Account (feat Armand Hammer) (3:27)
For Doom (2:06)
Crenshaw & Homeland (3:54)
Multi-game Arcade Cabinet (feat Rap Ferreira, Still Rift & video Dave) (1:19)
Credits Interlude (feat Serengeti) (2:09)
Peak Lockdown Raps (3:35)
Kites (feat video Dave & Still Rift) (2:17)
Track 214 (feat Aesop Rock & Diamond D) (3:34)
Review: For his eighth studio album, rapper Open Mike Eagle rather heads down memory lane, after discovering some old mixtapes that ultimately inspired him to take that path. He calls upon the classic boom-bap sounds of the 90s that he grew up with and next to that nostalgia he brings his own witty and introspective lyrical charm. There is a bittersweet sense of humour to some of the tunes and some more smooth and sensitive 90s R&B style jams with plenty of very tight and solid raps along the way.
The Cursse Of Hypervigilance (In Politics, Romance & Cohabitation)
Insecurity
Smiling (Quirky Race Doc)
Leave People Alone
A Short About A Guy That Dies Every Night
Protectors Of The Heat (feat Hemlock Ernst)
Insecurity: The Moor The Marry Her (part 2)
Dive Bar Support Group
Drunk Dreaming
Reprieve
Review: Open Mike Eagle may not have all the answers, but he asks some of the smartest questions in hip-hop. On Hella Personal Film Festival, he teams up with British producer Paul White for a psychedelic blend of soul-funk, booming drums and introspective storytelling. Recorded in London, the album continues where Dark Comedy left off-witty, anxious and deeply reflective. Eagle dissects modern life's absurdities, from social media addiction to racial microaggressions and uses that to craft surreal yet painfully real vignettes. With guest features from Aesop Rock and Hemlock Ernst, these tense anthems explore vulnerability with a cutting sense of humour.
Review: On Signature, Joell Ortiz's raw lyrical prowess converges with L’Orange's time-honed production chops, resulting in a pure collaborative bombshell. L'Orange crafts beats exuding an undeniable vintage charm, which mesh delectably with Ortiz’s frank flows and delivery; most notable among these fusions is ‘In My Feelings’, detailing Ortiz’s upbringing as a young Brooklynite in search of purpose, then reflecting on his self-actualisation since those day ones. Not all is peachy, though: ‘Masked Up’ draws compelling metaphorical parallels between music industry rejection and harder street hustling, and L’Orange’s hazed-out stomper of a beat wickedly complements these harder-than-nails travails.
Review: Brooklyn don Joell Ortiz is back with one of his most potent partnerships to date. L'Orange is the kind of hip-hop producer who knows how to bridge the gap between sample-rooted nostalgia and head-twisting innovation, and so we're gifted with a full suite of beats that shock on first listen before burrowing their way into your subconscious before the second bar is finished. It's the perfect backdrop for Ortiz to lay down his crystal clear street tales, delivered with the perfect blend of venom, humour, sensitivity and stubbornness - gifts hard won on his rise to the top of the rap pile and deployed to devastating effect on this album.
The Crown (feat Benny The Butcher & Elcamino) (2:40)
Strong Survive (3:22)
Just Different (feat Conway) (2:54)
Certain Things (feat 38 Spesh) (2:59)
Ice Baby (2:52)
Blood Stains (feat Rome Streets) (2:57)
Whole Shabangs (feat Amir Ali) (2:19)
Anemic (feat Lihtz) (2:51)
JJ Redick (2:07)
Fade Away (2:52)
Review: OT The Real and AraabMuzik team to great effect here on Zombie, a gripping listen and fresh take on hip hop that is also a great indicator of their collaborative prowess. The album pulsates with raw energy, blending OT The Real's lyrical finesse with AraabMuzik's signature production mastery, from start to finish. There are all sorts of haunting melodies and hard-hitting beats that captivate with dark and hypnotic atmospheres always luring you in further. As two prominent figures in the hip-hop scene, OT The Real and AraabMuzik deliver a relentless sonic assault that leaves a lasting impression here and shows they likely have plenty more to come.
Gangsta Sh*t (feat Slimm Calhoun, C Bone & T Mo Goodie)
Toilet Tisha
Slum Beautiful (feat Cee Lo Goodie)
Pre-Nump (interlude)
Stankonia (Stanklove) (feat Big Rube & Sleepy Brown)
Review: The fourth album by OutKast, a transcendental funk fantasia and an unequivocal triumph for Southern rap. Andre "3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, known for their inventive personas and distinct styles, push boundaries in this ambitious release. Emerging from southwest Atlanta, OutKast quickly set trends, evidenced by the Kangol hats in Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. They address identity and location with unparalleled boldness, starting each album with an intro track that proclaims their distinctive Southern voice. Each subsequent album refines their mastery, culminating in Stankonia, where they balanced mass appeal and artistic integrity. Hits like 'So Fresh, So Clean' and 'Ms. Jackson' exemplify this, blending catchy tunes with complex themes becoming household names. Produced mainly by the duo alongside Organized Noize, Stankonia features a sonic collage from influences like Lee Perry and George Clinton. Tracks range from the abrasive 'Gasoline Dreams' to the introspective 'Toilet Tisha,' showcasing their dynamic range. The album is politically conscious yet whimsical, street-savvy yet avant-garde. Over two decades later, Stankonia stands as a revolutionary work, as vibrant and impactful as ever.
Review: "Dear Marvin," comments October London on this journey through themes of love, personal discovery and modern struggles, "I'm not trying to be you. That's impossible." That said, the reverence for Gaye is - obviously - evident, this heartfelt tribute to one of soul's greatest icons is given a properly contemporary feel through Snoop Dogg-mentored London's smooth falsetto and rich production. 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' are rich in vintage melodies of the 60s nand 70s, pulling listeners into their warm, comforting rhythms and the album's narrative unfolds across three sets: The Hope, The Grind and The Ascent, each exploring different facets of love and personal growth. Other highlights include 'Love Me Better' and 'The Same Love' and it's not hard to see why this accomplished effort gets the stamp of approval of the mighty Dogg himself.
Review: A stunning tribute to the golden era of Motown and soul, infused with contemporary flair, this album is the perfect homage to a legend. Drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye, London channels the timeless essence of classic r&b while weaving his own unique artistry into the mix. The album unfolds across three thematic setsiThe Hope, The Grind and The Ascent. With gems like the sensual 'Rollercoaster', the smooth collaboration 'Mulholland Drive' with Latoya Williams and the soulful charm of 'Make Me Wanna', October London effortlessly blends vintage soul with modern sensibilities. His falsetto vocals and lush arrangements create a soothing, nostalgic atmosphere, while the album's relaxed tempo invites listeners to immerse themselves in its rich melodies. Arriving on clear vinyl, this is an emotionally resonant journey that pays tribute to the greats while embracing the present.
Review: This album offers a smooth, nostalgic journey through classic 70s soul, with a modern twist that captures the essence of that era while infusing it with contemporary flair. The standout track, 'Rollercoaster', exemplifies the soothing, sensual style of the album, with falsetto vocals that echo the best of vintage soul. 'Mulholland Drive', a collaboration with Latoya Williams, further enhances this atmosphere, blending smooth grooves with a timeless feel. While the album leans heavily on familiar Marvin Gaye-inspired moments, tracks like 'Make Me Wanna' and 'Back To Your Place' draw listeners in with their rich, soulful melodies. The music itself is both comforting and captivating, with lush arrangements and a relaxed tempo that makes it easy to get lost in the vibe. Though some may find the album too nostalgic at times, the reverence for classic soul is clear and the execution is top-notch. For those who appreciate the golden era of r&b, this album delivers a satisfying, if sometimes familiar, experience that's sure to please fans of smooth, soulful music.
Black Is (feat DSTL Sareem Poems & Rich Medina) (3:57)
Review: Here comes an instrumental version of this killer record, where golden era boom-bap and modern hip-hop sounds are fused to perfection from the big dogs Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore who team up with guests including KUMBAYA, Malaya and more on this fresh new gatefold LP. 'Viberite' is one of this pair's best collars - a smooth and celebratory track with mellow vibes and soulfully atmospheric textures. 'Make It Like This' rides a nice loose, tumbling beat with warming chords heating it up from below and seductive flows up top. 'Does Anybody Care?' is not only a great title but a string-laced, soul-enriching gem of a tune, too,
Black Is (feat DSTL, Sareem Poems & Rich Medina) (5:29)
Review: Golden Era boom-bap and modern hip hop sounds are fused to perfection on this new collaborative EP from the big dogs Tall Black Guy and Ozay Moore who team up with guests including KUMBAYA, Malaya and more on this fresh new gatefold LP. 'Viberite' is one of this pair's best collars - a smooth and celebratory track with mellow vibes and soulfully atmospheric textures. 'Make It Like This' rides a nice loose, tumbling beat with warming chords heating it up from below and seductive flows up top. 'Does Anybody Care?' is not only a great title but a string-laced, soul-enriching gem of a tune, too,
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