Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: No production outfit keeps a pace of output quite like Vibez '93. The latest four-track record from the shadowy d&b profuser now hears them summon sampled echoes of A Tribe Called Quest and Digable Planets respectively, culling choice acapella selections from the debut albums Low End Theory and Reachin', exegeting the former's titular theory for a hard transpose into sheller drum & bass. 'Electric Relaxation' and 'Check The Rhime' are blown out across a two-side jazzstep liquescence, while 'Cool Like That' and 'All Night Long' make for finer-brushed summer steps.

Review: Vibez '93 top up their seemingly ever-flowing V/A series with a fresh one. 'Return Of The Mack' continues their recent spate of hip-hop flips, with Biggie Smalls, Mark Morrison and Sunshine Anderson adorning the various rollages on display here. Given the historical interplay between hip-hop and drum & bass, the fusion is unsurprisingly neat, though '93 lends things an extra energy we're confident few others could summon.

Review: With 'breaking' making its debut in the 2024 Paris Olympics, it seems an apt time to go back to where it all began and showcase some of the music that first made break-dancers move in the early years of hip-hop culture. Soul Jazz Records clearly agrees, hence this two-disc retrospective of early 'breaker' favourites curated by Arthur Baker - a man who's productions and remixes soundtracked many dancefloor battles in the early 80s. It's a suitably strong selection all told, with dusty funk, soul and funk-rock favourites (Johnny Bristol, James Brown, The Jimmy Castor Bunch, Spanky Wilson) being joined by disco-funk jams (Herman Kelly and Life), extra-percussive workouts (Manu Dibango, Mongo Santamaria, Candido) and a smattering of key Baker productions (Afrika Bambaata and Soul Sonic Force's 'Planet Rock' and his own infectious 'Breakers Revenge').

Review: Part 2 of this exciting soundtrack brings an array of music that complements the series' epic conclusion. Headlined by Ashnikko's electrifying anthem 'Paint The Town Blue', this collection includes contributions from a diverse lineup of artists such as Stray Kids, Young Miko, Tom Morello, d4vd, Twenty One Pilots, Marcus King, King Princess and more. The album strikes a perfect balance between high-energy tracks and more introspective tunes, enhancing the emotional depth of the show and its beloved characters. Following the success of the first soundtrack, this edition continues to elevate Arcane's storytelling, adding even more layers to its vivid world. Notable contributions also come from Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park and Imagine Dragons, further enriching the listening experience. With its dynamic range of sounds, the Arcane Season 2 soundtrack is a powerful companion to the series, deepening the viewer's connection to the world and characters.