Back catalogue: Hip Hop/R&B

Review: Jazzy hip-hop instrumental release from Vitamin D & Gramatik. Nice beats and keyboard touches on both sides so get 'em whilst their hot. Only 250 pressed!

Review: Exclusive new Pete Rock joint from Handcuts (Japan), based around the sample from the Kanye West tune of the same name.

Review: Hip-hop heads love nothing more than classic Blue Note material getting a modern fix up. And that's what we have here as Kay Young and Venna and Marco Bernardis join forces to work their magic on Marlena Shaw's 'Feel Like Making Love' and Donald Byrd's 'Where Are We Going?' This limited 7" is a taster from the 16-track compilation Blue Note: Reimagined II. It's packed with the neo-soul, r&B and hip hop scenes finest contemporary talents adding new magic to the still standout original source material. Like volume one, it's an absolute must-have, as is this 45rpm.

Review: With the Alchemist's profile rising he went on to lay down tracks for some of hip hop's most successful and prominent artists such as Nas, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Ghostface Killah and Snoop Dogg. Now The Alchemist returns and as always he's assembled a stellar crew. The "No Days Off" crew includes Ras Kass, Prodigy, Xzibit, Tha Dogg Pound, Obie Trice, Kokane, Evidence and more.

Review: Baby J has been fine tuning his production skills over the years and has worked with the likes of Shabazz The Disciple (Wu-Tang), Brand Nubian and Dead Prez. He has also worked with the cream of the UK hip hop scene including: Skinnyman, TY, Plan B, Moorish Delta 7, Klashnekoff as well as r&b acts such as Mpho Skeef, Mark Morrison and Laurissa. In 1998 he released 'The Birth' (Bomb hip hop) a solo album featuring US and UK MCs including Shabazz The Disciple, Freestyle (the Arsonists) and Poetic (The Gravediggaz). In 2005 Baby J dropped his second solo album 'FTP', which featured artists including Blade, Dead Prez, Skinnyman and Shystie as well as the massive hit 'Let It Go' (remix) featuring Ruckus, TY, Klashnekoff & Yogi. Now in 2006 he is dropping his third album 'FTP 2 - Fight The Power', which includes the tracks, Yogi - 'Black Or White' and Dynamite MC's - 'Young, Gifted & Black' and features UK MC's, Fallacy, Rukus, Mr Ti2bs & more.

Review: 2006 has been a hell of a year for BG, not necessarily par for the course for a rapper who's career goes back to the early 90s and a pre New Orleans hip hop scene. But having picked up a mic at such a young age has paid off for B Gizzle with "The Heart Of The Streetz, Vol. 2" moving well over 150,000 at Soundscan after opening with week one sales of epic proportion. Before BG moves on to a major label deal all his own he's got one more Independent move to make with "Play It How It Go", a collection filled with street level bangers to keep the hardcore fans happy. Having moved literally millions of albums as a solo artist "Play It How It Go" is aimed at the heart of a very motivated fan base. With "Heart Of The Streetz V2" still hot, and "Move Around" with Manny Fresh still making an impact on radio "Play It How It Go" is ready to go out and in big numbers. In addition to BG, "Play It How It Go" features his Chopper City Family, Lil' Flip, and even Snoop picks up the mic and lends some verbals. The bottom line is there's no need to play hype on an artist like BG. Your sales history on B Gizzle speaks more than any hype could ever hope.

Review: Formed in 1999, Black Chiney (aka Supa Dups) became known for remixing dancehall reggae tunes with elements of hip-hop. The compilations proved an instant hit with fans and helped forge a new Americanized sound of dancehall, an offspring of reggae distinguished by breakneck rhythms and a rapid-fire singing technique known as 'toasting'. In recent years Black Chiney has taken to participating in highly spirited DJ battles known as 'soundclashes'. Several years back they captured the winning spot at Fully Loaded, Jamaica's premier soundclash festival, dethroning local dancehall hero Tony Matterhorn.

Review: Mobile Home presents rising star Black Milk, who brings some of the finest talent from his hometown of Detroit together with a few of Cali's best hip hop artists for one of the most anticipated albums of the year, 'Caltroit'. Featuring guest vocals from Busta Rhymes, Elzhi, Royce da 5'9", Kardinal Offishall, Stat Quo, Ras Kass, T3, Glasses Malone, Diverse & more.

Review: Strolling in the eternal circle of being and becoming, driven by emotions and the will to give it an expression. A kind of sound for all senses, music which does not know about limits. The "Calderas Of Mind" EP is standing for the negative battering things which take place in our heads. A collaboration between Miami's Botanica Del Jibaro and Dresden's Mooncircle Project, the music on "Calderas Of Mind" brings together a vast array of artists from around the globe with the likes of Soarse Spoken, Manuvers, Soloman Spectrum, Epstein, Seven Star, Serum, Miles, Livee', and Climber, all popping up to add texture to the sound. Underwired throughout with a light and buoyant sound, at no point on "Calderas Of Mind" does the music become soporific, preferring instead to keep the hip-hop ticking along with a smile on its face through a smatter of peachy rhymes. Brimming with summery intent, this is the sound of BBQ's and lazy evenings, all topped off by a blush of sunburn. The CD includes a video clip by the Beta Bodega Coalition's graphic guerilla, La Mano Fria. Music is the way we use to convey the power and beauty of our own world containing all our sorrow, love and experience.

Review: This Ground Floor release is full of remixes, white labels and deep album cuts, recorded between 1993-1997, the so-called "golden era" of hip-hop. "Diggin' In The Crates" member Buckwild presents some of his hardest to get work, remixes and beats.

Review: "The Epidemic Begins Now", by Cool & Dre, has 22 tracks and contributions from Akon, Fat Joe, Twista, Chamillionaire, Missy Elliot and more.

Review: In the hip-hop world the name D Block is synonymous with beats, rhymes and life. Who better to paint a landscape of what's going on in the world today than four emcees from New York with a passion for keeping hip-hop in its realest form. Styles P, Sheek Louch, Jadakiss, and J Hood are the collective known simply as D Block. With gold and platinum plaques under their belts, the crew formerly known as The Lox has been creating havoc on mixtapes and DVD magazines for the past five years. With their newest effort, "Street Muzik", D Block has solidified themselves as the premier lyrical crew in the rap game. Check out brand new, unreleased tracks on an album that's sure to create a buzz within the industry. As Styles P would say, "Two toothbrushes up!".

Review: Working with Apathy, Akrobatik, Krumbsnatcha, this double album features D’s solo album, "Rap Music Sucks", on one disc and exclusive collaborations with the biggest names in indie rap on the other. The album features Slug of Atmosphere, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks, Krumbsnatcha, Akrobatik, Prospect of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, 7L & Esoteric, Main Flow, Terminology and many others. The enhanced CDs contain full-length music videos for: "Soccer Mom", "No Habla Espanol", "Confused & Amused", "Retro Futuristic Backpacker Special".

Review: Working with Apathy, Akrobatik, Krumbsnatcha, this double album features D’s solo album, "Rap Music Sucks", on one disc and exclusive collaborations with the biggest names in indie rap on the other. The album features Slug of Atmosphere, Vinnie Paz of Jedi Mind Tricks, Krumbsnatcha, Akrobatik, Prospect of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad, 7L & Esoteric, Main Flow, Terminology and many others. The enhanced CDs contain full-length music videos for: "Soccer Mom", "No Habla Espanol", "Confused & Amused", "Retro Futuristic Backpacker Special".

Review: Jay Dee (aka J Dilla) emerged as a hip-hop producer to be reckoned with in 1995 when his name was attached to the first single from The Pharcyde's eagerly anticipated sophomore album "Labcabincalifornia". Drop the needle on his first Pharcyde production "Runnin" and you have the launch point of a producer's career that mesmerized, titillated and expanded the domes of hip-hop fans for the next decade. "Jay Deelicious" documents Jay Dilla's early production on Delicious Vinyl. Working closely with The Pharcyde and Michael 'Mike Floss' Ross, (Delicious Vinyl's founder), Jay Dee was instrumental in keeping The Pharcyde's second album as ear popping and bugged as their maiden classic. Put on your headphones and take a trip into the early works of a hip-hop master.

Review: With the unexpected blow-out success of Diplo's "Favela On Blast", the people have spoken and they want more baile funk. Bolstered by the worldwide positive response, Diplo went back to the Rio to serve up a fresh platter of favela. One more reason to convince yourself to quit your job and move to South America pronto!

Review: The one and only DJ Jazzy Jeff presents the third instalment to one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop mixed CDs of all time. 'Hip Hop Forever' the legendary first volume of was mixed by Kenny Dope of Masters At Work fame and now DJ Jazzy Jeff is set to raise the bar with his second star-studded collection. Jazzy Jeff formed the group DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince in 1985 with Will Smith, since then they have released numerous hit singles, 4 Gold albums, as well as starring in the hit TV show The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Will Smith then used that success to became one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars after a string of Box Office Hits ranging from Bad Boys, Independence Day and Men In Black. Some twenty years later, they are still working together, whether it is performing in front of a million people at last years Live 8 event in Philly or production work on Will Smiths solo records. In 2004 BBE presented the world DJ Jazzy Jeff's first official mix CD. It was an immediate success with fans and critics around the world. For Volume 3, he follows the same winning formula, classic hip-hop, hard to find jams and new favourites are all represented and mixed as only The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff can. So, sit back and enjoy a fine mix by possibly the greatest hip hop DJ of all time featuring a mix of the biggest artists in hip hop including: Biz Markie, Redman, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Jay Dee, Black Sheep, Mobb Deep and The Pharcyde. DJ Jazzy Jeff is extensively touring the world and can be seen at the BBE 10th Anniversary Party in London on Sept 30th showing off his incredible skills.

Review: The one and only DJ Jazzy Jeff presents the third instalment to one of the most critically acclaimed hip-hop mixed CDs of all time. 'Hip Hop Forever' the legendary first volume of was mixed by Kenny Dope of Masters At Work fame and now DJ Jazzy Jeff is set to raise the bar with his second star-studded collection. Jazzy Jeff formed the group DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince in 1985 with Will Smith, since then they have released numerous hit singles, 4 Gold albums, as well as starring in the hit TV show The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. Will Smith then used that success to became one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars after a string of Box Office Hits ranging from Bad Boys, Independence Day and Men In Black. Some twenty years later, they are still working together, whether it is performing in front of a million people at last years Live 8 event in Philly or production work on Will Smiths solo records. In 2004 BBE presented the world DJ Jazzy Jeff's first official mix CD. It was an immediate success with fans and critics around the world. For Volume 3, he follows the same winning formula, classic hip-hop, hard to find jams and new favourites are all represented and mixed as only The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff can. So, sit back and enjoy a fine mix by possibly the greatest hip hop DJ of all time featuring a mix of the biggest artists in hip hop including: Biz Markie, Redman, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Jay Dee, Black Sheep, Mobb Deep and The Pharcyde. DJ Jazzy Jeff is extensively touring the world and can be seen at the BBE 10th Anniversary Party in London on Sept 30th showing off his incredible skills.

Review: DJ Junior is a well respected US DJ who has a passion for music and likes the sounds of the underground, constantly pushing new acts in his weekly radio show "Eavesdrop". "Lend Me Your Ear", on Record Breakin, has a selection of some of the finest tunes from the likes of Antibalas, Rich Medina, The 3 Foot People, Summer Children, Vice Lounge, Eric Robertson, Freddie Cruger, Frenza, The Rebirth, Roddy Rod, Lil Dave, Vikter Duplaix, Ty and A Race Of Angels.. So Stop listen and "Lend Me Your Ear".

Review: DJ Mark Farina drops the much anticipated 5th instalment of the now legendary Mushroom Jazz series!!! A true phenomenon in sound encompassing hip hop, soul and the best blunted beats all mingled to perfection by Mr Farina himself.

Review: 'Beggars Brew' presents some of the worlds finest hip hop. Nonames' impeccable selection showcases some of the best known and unsung talent from the UK (and across the pond) released, unreleased, live and instrumental, seamlessly scratched and mixed by the Foreign Beggars' DJ. Featuring joints from Madlib, Verb T and Harry Love, J Dilla, Pharcyde, Dubbledge, Klashnekoff, Dice-Raw and Blackalicious, the selection of cuts includes UK exclusives from Ghost and Kashmere, Stig, Dr.Syntax, Skrein, Wordsmith, 3face and Foreign Beggars, alongside some classic releases of the past few years, with a hint of some future stuff coming out of the Dented camp. In an age where the mixtape has become a quick fix excuse for a poor album, Beggars Brew brings it back to the essence with a slice of true underground artistry.

Review: Yet more killer cuts from hip hop's finest, living legend DJ Premier.
Featuring unreleased gems, album obscurities, promo only remixes
and out-of-print classics. Includes Biggie's 'Machine Gun Funk'
and 15 additional gems. Not to be missed.

Review: DJ Premier drops an amazing double CD of James Brown classics.

Review: Hot of the heels of his critically acclaimed REM Sleep mix CD, Dr Delay is back
with an all Turkish mix, 'Rajaz Meter' on Unknown Label. Fans of his other release
will not be disappointed in this one Delay comes through with his signature minimal
mixing and incredible taste.

Review: "Famous Nights And Empty Days" brings together a collection of artists who thrived in the generation after the freestyle fellowship, with acts such as Existereo and Kirby Dominant taking turns to spit over Factor's west-coast beats, even finding time to drop a sample of Traffic's "Dream Gerrard" from their final album, "When the Eagle Flies". Listen up to this Side Road release.

Review: A genre-hopping, mind-bending mix from the king of eclecticism, Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet), that ushers in a new age of experimentation for the seminal DJ Kicks series. Known primarily for his home made excursions to the far reaches of the musical map, Kieran Hebden is a DJ on a different kind of trip, the gratifying results of which can be seen all over this exemplary DJ Kicks compilation (the 26th in this now legendary series). Inspired by his 8 hour sets at The End and in Ibiza with Timo Maas, Kieran says he has rediscovered the thrill of filling a floor: "Playing for people who just want to dance is an exciting thing for someone who’s into experimental music". As you might expect with Four Tet, however, nothing is ever that straightforward, and his DJ Kicks is a mind blowing experience, taking in just about as many genres as there are tracks: Old skool hip-hop, French prog, conscious soul, electronic experimentation, minimal techno, early two-step, cosmic jazz, African thumb pianos and much more besides share space here, bound together by analogue synth interludes, segues and an exclusive new Four Tet track specially created for this compilation 'Pockets'; this year's only release under the Four Tet moniker.

Review: The first CD of Mad Idiot's new mix series call ghost ride the mix. Features 25 tracks of the hottest hyphy jams performed by the Bay Area greats.

Review: Norman Jay MBE, the people's DJ, returns to the fray once again with yet another lovingly crafted collection of classic and contemporary tracks for his highly esteemed Good Times series. 'Good Times 6' is the crucial soundtrack to your summer, as Norman perfectly encapsulates and celebrates the fun, vibrancy and proud eclecticism of his longstanding residency at the worlds largest street party - Notting Hill Carnival. Norman's annual Good Times soundtrack has become so popular, it is now synonymous with the event itself. On 'Good Times 6', Norman literally goes back to his roots, selecting the very best, old and new soul, reggae, rare groove, disco, funk, house, hip hop, drum & bass and all points in between, injecting every drop of his rich musical heritage into 2 feel good CDs. Norman's diverse musical knowledge and refusal to be restricted by one style, truly sets him apart from your typically blinkered, or bandwagon DJ. On 'Good Times 6' expect to hear everything and anything, from the recently late great legend Desmond Dekker with his timeless masterpiece 'The Israelites', West London's finest broken beat makers; Bugz In The Attic, Jimmy Ruffin, The Clash, Barry White, and even House of Pain. Norman's legendary Good Times Sound System makes its much anticipated annual return to the Notting Hill Carnival 2006 on Sunday 27th August and Monday 28th August, taking center stage once again as the main of event of the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Review: Rex Recordings from the USA with "The World Is Ours" featuring Talib Kweli, Sizzla, Papoose, Mos Def, Dead Prez, Capleton and many more.

Review: Kero One's first official mix CD showcasing a solid 60 minutes of quality hip-hop, fresh rhymes and moog powered beats.

Review: West Coast mixtape mogul, DJ Warrior, is at the turntables again with his hottest release yet, "Ill Street Dues Volume 3"!! This double disc mixtape is the third addition to the Ill Street Dues family, which have been featured in Scratch Magazine, MTV's Mixtape Mondays, and many more. Although Warrior represents the West Coast to the fullest, this CD signifies the merging of west and east coast hip hop with Talib Kweli, one of the illest rappers from the east coast and G. Malone, a west coast rapper who just signed to Sony Urban, hosting this third edition. The double disc features 63 hot tracks from artist such as: Ras Kass, Dogg Pound, Jay Z, Lil Kim, Keak Da Sneak, Bishop Lamont, E40, Planet Asia, Gza, Self Scientific, Mitchy Slick, Juelz Santana, Lil' Wayne, Pitbull, Chamillionaire, Bun B, Paul Wall, Warren G, Mike Jones, B. Real , Game, Kam, Sly Boggie and the list goes on.

Review: In truth, not all DJs are genuine "tastemakers", but Lefto most certainly is. Like the similarly minded - if far older and more experienced - Gilles Peterson, Lefto gets as much pleasure from introducing people to new and obscure music, as he does from rocking clubs. It's for that reason The Beauty Is Inside, a terrific, lightly blended mix of eclectic, far-sighted sounds hand-picked by the Belgian, is such essential listening. It naturally contains some slept-on tackle from the past - see the cuts by Ethiopian singer Alemayeu Eshete and South African artist Patience Africa - but even more killer contemporary fare, with highlights including the contributions of Qur'an Shaheed, Elisa Bee, fellow Belgians abrahamblue and contemporary jazz hero Makaya McCraven.

Review: The Fifth instalment in the Other Side series features the critically acclaimed rapper/producer Madlib on the mix CD.

Review: Jimmy Woo: man or myth? Hailing from Hong Kong, this well-heeled globetrotter is a regular visitor to Amsterdam. So infatuated with the city, he decided to open a club there. This nightclub combines the knowledge of and his love for Asian art with refined feel for the latest trends in music and design. Jimmy Woo loves exuberance, but also loves privacy. A preference which designer Eric Kuster has incorporated in the club's interior, combining them with provocative images by controversial Japanese photographer Araki. The gold leaf, the varnished black walls, the Japanese temple lamps and even a genuine Chinese opium bed, more than a century old, remind of the closing scene of the film Once Upon a Time in America. But Jimmy Woo also sets new standards for 21st-century nightlife with the very best sound technology and a fascinating illuminated ceiling featuring more than 12,000 lights. While naturally retaining its signature quality, that refined feel for the latest trends in music and design, in its second year Jimmy Woo is moving towards a more sophisticated, more distinctive and on some nights more underground programming. From urban to live acts, house to eclectic: every night has its own clear identity. But above all it always remains purely and totally Jimmy Woo. Tracks from Will.I.Am, Kid Sublime, Plantlife, Outkast, Only Child featuring Amp Fiddler, Omar and many more are all phunky as phuck and smooth as crème brulée! Besides pushing the bass bins in your car to the limit, "Jimmy Woo One" is also very suitable for your own private after party. It's up to you how private you want to keep it, just let the Cristal and the Moet flow. But it's not only the music that's mind blowing. The packaging certainly deserves extra attention: A pitch black digi-pack decorated with Chinese characters and a white bellyband. The result is chic, mysterious, cool and above all very striking.

Review: Friends & Family is Fat City's monthly club night held in Manchester & London. The club has been running for the last six years and boasts an impressive line up of guests from across the dance music spectrum. Friends & Family is regularly sold out in both cities. This mix perfectly reflects the music at Friends & Family and joins the dots between several genres including hip hop, nufunk, reggae and soul. The mix hosts an impressive line up of essential contemporary artists including Madlib, Jay Dee, Quantic, Mr Scruff, and Ty. Included are several exclusives from Orgone, Fat Freddys Drop, The Nextmen and Freddie Crugar alongside classics from Lee Perry, Bob Marley, Ripple and Angie Stone.

Review: Originally released in 2000.

Review: Unknown Label presents 'Ladies First'. Look who's the ladies man. Straight from the Stones Throw tour, this special mix is the newest from Peanut Butter Wolf, giving it up to the flyest girls of hip hop. Hold any scoffing, this is not a novelty my dudes. If you were expecting Salt n' Pepa Queen Latifah remixes, you should slap yourself, this is the Wolf fool. He's only the label head and his mixtapes have always been impeccable. There's over 30 of the baddest female MC's you've never heard. Not only that, the beats are banging. Every style from sick early 90's hip hop, hip house, and bass-a-delic Miami tracks.

Review: A retrospective look at the diverse musical legacy of LA's Stones Throw Records - the premiere independent label started by Peanut Butter Wolf in 1996. Classic tracks from J Dilla, Madvillain and Madlib appear alongside incredibly rare and desirable promo-only vinyl tracks make this the perfect introduction to the label for the curious and essential for any fans of the label. Comes with a bonus mix CD by J.Rocc of The World Famous Beat Junkies.

Review: A retrospective look at the diverse musical legacy of LA's Stones Throw Records - the premiere independent label started by Peanut Butter Wolf in 1996. Classic tracks from J Dilla, Madvillain and Madlib appear alongside incredibly rare and desirable promo-only vinyl tracks make this the perfect introduction to the label for the curious and essential for any fans of the label. Comes with a bonus mix CD by J.Rocc of The World Famous Beat Junkies.

Review: Brand new & exclusive material featuring anticipated return of MF Doom & Madlib as Madvillain, the late J Dilla, Madlib (Solo), J Rocc of Beat Junkies & other Stones Throw artists. DVD featuring MF Doom & Madlib headline a live hip hop concert. Edited by Adult Swim.

Review: Phi-Life Cypher are back with a bang! And this time they've brought their mates! Put simply, 'Playback' is the definitive collection of PLC's greatest collaborations. With contributions from DJ Vadim and The Herbaliser (both Ninja Tune), timeless tracks from DJ Skitz (BBC Radio 1Xtra), Taskforce (MFTC) and more, early classics and a clutch of brand new exclusive cuts. What you have here is quite an album! Not only does the mix of tracks work well from start to finish, highlighting PLC's prolific output over the years, but it also illustrates DJ Nappa's ability, production-wise, to stand shoulder to shoulder with some more well-known producers. "Nappa is the UK's hardest working and most underrated producer" DJ Skitz July 2006. The album also highlights the straight up verbal dexterity of PLC's two MCs, Life & Si Phili.

Review: Flagrant Fowl brings you an 18-track collection of "slo-mo disco", 'Tambourine Dream'. With remixes by NYC's Cousin Cole and Pocketknife, 6 of these tracks found their way onto the Flamin' Hotz picture disc and the ones they passed on are just as devastating. A laid back approach to making solid acoustic songs club-friendly. Nick Drake, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Seu Jorge, Paul Simon, Nico, Feist, and more, all get the mellow drum track added to subtle yet great effect.

Review: One of the sharpest swords the Wu-Tang has ever known, Raekwon the Chef is back in classic Wu fashion taking you on the lyrical high he is known for producing. Featuring outstanding guest shots from Busta Rhymes, AZ, Ghostface Killah, Nas, GZA and RZA, Raekwon (aka Lex Diamonds) is fully supported on this CD. Stick up kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks are the three most relevant topics throughout, so if you are looking for that East Coast gangsta music, "The Da Vinci Code: The Vatican Vol. 2" is the jump-off to jump on.

Review: "Underground Classics" features timeless productions and remixes both unknown and unforgettable from the Chocolate Boy Wonder!!! Steeped in hip-hop history with the discography to prove it, Pete Rock is the hip-hop producer's producer. First coming to prominence as a DJ on "Marley Marl's In Control" radio show on New York's WBLS in the late eighties, Pete's first record deal was with CL Smooth at Elektra. Their debut EP "All Souled Out" (1991) and LP "Mecca & The Soul Brother" (1992) were instant classics, ushering Pete's reputation as a beatmaker into the highest echelons alongside the likes of DJ Premier, Large Professor and Q-Tip. Between then and now he and CL's second album, "The Main Ingredient" (1994), the Pete Rock remix became a hot commodity. He added his trademark soulful sound to records by the likes of Jeru The Damaja ("You Can't Stop The Prophet"), Notorious BIG ("Juicy"), Public Enemy ("Shut 'Em Down") and House Of Pain ("Jump Around"), and produced standout tracks on albums by Nas ("The World Is Yours") and Run DMC ("Down With The King") amongst many others. Towards the end of the 90s, after his critically acclaimed solo debut "Soul Survivor" (Loud, 1998), hip-hop's increasingly commercial slant meant there was more of an outlet for purist producers like Pete Rock on independent labels. Most of the tracks compiled on "Underground Classics" are just that: great yet overlooked material that was either shelved prior to its intended release or unfairly neglected. "Give It To Y'All", a dramatic string - laden affair with The UN, is taken from the sessions of his Pete Strumentals album (BBE, 2001); The UN's "Game Of Death" is an eBay favourite, the limited quantity of the 12" causing collectors to shell out ten times its original price. "Aint No Thang" is lifted from The UN's album "UN Or U Out" (World, 2004), not an easy find anymore either. INI's story is an all too common tale of a great album getting caught up in major record label mis-management and ignorance. A Pete Rock-produced group which included his younger brother Grap Luva on the mic, their superb single "Fakin' Jax" (Elektra, 1995) promised big things for the album which ultimately only became available via bootleg. "Grown Man's Sport", "Center Of Attention", "Watcha Say" and "Step Up" are also included here from the group's only album. Japan-only releases always set off frenzied hunting amongst record collectors and Pete's long awaited reunion with CL Smooth in 1999, "Back On The Block", was one such single. "Collector's Item" with Grap Luva is another Japanese release. Also included are three collaborations with respected Boston MC Edo G, who hails from the same hometown as Underground Classics compiler Amir, of Kon & Amir fame. "Boston" and "Stop Dat" are taken from the veteran's fine "My Own Worst Enemy" set, released on Fat Beats in 2004.

Review: "Watch The Ride" is Harmless' new DJ mix series which will feature the best up and coming and established DJ talent the UK, Europe and the rest of the world has to offer. Focusing on genres including hip-hop, breakbeat, drum & bass, house and techno, the emphasis is without a doubt firmly on contemporary dance music. This mix comes from the legendary Scratch Perverts.

Review: Headed by Beanie Siegel and Freeway, some of State Property's most recent and infectious songs have been put together on "Out On Bail". The gang's all here on this one, as well as many greats. M.O.P, Noreaga, and Memphis Bleek rock the mic throughout this solid album. All emcees come correct with rhymes and hooks, while musically the release ranges from the rawest of the raw to the smoothest of the smooth. From film, to music, to clothing, State Property has always come on point, and knows what its crowd wants to hear. Things do not change on this release.

Review: This 21 track mixtape showcases one of North London's hottest MCs Orange. It also featuring some of the biggest mic men in the grime scene including, Lethal B, Demon, Flirta D, Bruza, Frisco, Hyper and more!! There's also a bonus footage CD with videos from Orange and the rest of V Empire!

Review: "Special Occasion" is the sophomore album from r&b crooner Bobby Valentino. "Special Occasion" is a showcase of Bobby Valentino's hip-hop/r&b talent balanced with sexy, melodious ballads. With Valentino co-writing more than three quarters of the album, it also boasts songwriting and production credits from award-winning hit makers such as Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins, Sean Garrett, Tim & Bob, Don Vito, Bryan Michael Cox and Dre & Vidal.

Review: B Boy Records made a big impact in a short space of time back in the eighties. It was responsible for putting out plenty of killer breaks and hip hop joints but soon disappeared as quickly as it appeared. This new compilation selects some of the label's best moments of the era, pressed across two slabs of wax . Hard-hitting percussion, raw synths and street wise raps all feature across the 16 tracks. Our picks of the bunch would have to be JVC Force's enduring classic "Strong Island" and old school legend Sparky D's "Throwdown".