That's Love (feat Mac Miller & Heather Victoria) (3:22)
A Star U R (feat Terrace Martin, Problem & GQ) (4:12)
Make It Big (feat Big Remo - 9thmatic remix) (4:07)
Review: The long-awaited vinyl reissue of 9th Wonder's landmark 2011 album is finally here. This record was the first full-length project to truly spotlight the Grammy-winning producer's signature soulful beats, a sound that left an undeniable mark on both the underground and mainstream scenes. A key figure in putting North Carolina on the map in hip-hop, 9th Wonder's production style, rich with warmth and emotion, became instantly recognisable as a result. Recommended.
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.
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: H.P. Lovecraft based much of the lore of his novels on the fictional Necronomicon, or Book Of The Dead, the apocryphal tome and curse-book of hell whose privies and hermeneutics transcended (most) mortal eyes. Axiom Funk, on the other hand - the united post-funk experiment led by the inimitable Bill Laswell, and also featuring the ineluctably starry roster of Bootsy Collins, George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Jerome Brailey and Bernie Worrell, all daemonic names in the annals of the nether funk continuum; each worthy of their own sigil - gave us the Funkcronomicon in 1995. An ex-sanguine sizzler of a record written in desecrate blood, and whose vitiations allow it to mix an unholy cocktail of genres from P-funk to boom-bap to battle tool, this is a record akin to one long, possessive, dead-behind-the-eyes groove, building on the concept of funk, and all music for that matter, having been banned by false-conscious powers in the city of Ohio. What to do then, but to invoke music to incite the public's carnal unconscious?
Review: The reissue of Axiom Funk's Funkcronomicon is a high-energy celebration of funk's golden era, presented on red vinyl. Originally released in 1995 under the name Axiom Funk, this album is essentially a lost Parliament-Funkadelic masterpiece. Produced by the legendary Bill Laswell, it features a stellar lineup of funk icons including George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, and Eddie Hazelihis final recordings. Other notable contributors include Sly Stone, Herbie Hancock, Maceo Parker and Sly & Robbie. The album blends funk, soul and rock with psychedelic influences, exemplified by tracks like 'Hideous Mutant Freekz,' Eddie Hazel's guitar showcase 'Orbitron Attack,' and Bootsy Collins' reimagining of Hendrix's 'If 6 Was 9.' The cover art by Pedro Bell enhances the album's mystique with its Lovecraftian themes. This reissue is a comprehensive experience for any funk aficionado. Don't miss out on owning this essential funk artifact.
Review: 'Stand Together' by Beastie Boys is a signature high-energy track from their iconic album Check Your Head. It perfectly resents what the US disruptors were all about with its trademark fusion of hip-hop, punk and funk, explosive instrumentation and dynamic vocal delivery. It's also the name of this broadcast album which comes on yellow vinyl and is a recording of a live TV broadcast the group did back on September 19, 1992 from Kawasaki Citta Club in Kanagawa, Japan. Plenty of their jams of the time - 'Egg Man' and 'Shake Your Rump' being much loved fan favourites especially - feature here, capturing the band at a particularly fertile moment in their career.
Review: Lil Yachty and James Blake's Bad Cameo showcases their fearless creativity, blending Yachty's dynamic vocals with Blake's signature production. Tracks like 'Missing Man' and 'Transport Me' shine with captivating depth, while 'Red Carpet' offers a soulful, gospel-infused highlight. The album's experimental nature, especially on tracks like 'Save the Savior' and 'Midnight', reflects the duo's bold approach, pushing boundaries with each song. Even in its unexpected turns, Bad Cameo remains an exciting exploration of sound. Available on limited magenta vinyl, this release is a fresh, innovative take from two artists unafraid to try something new.
Review: Originating from Hameenlinna, Finland, the DJ and producer duo Tuure Tammi and Juha Sarkkola are The Blassics. What started as a small instrumental funk project has since grown into a nine-piece instrumental band and that aims to distil the energy of their live shows into equally captivating records. Their style harks back to rough original funk 7" and draws on Afrobeat and jazz. Breaks & Juicy Takes is their new LP and one with 11 brilliantly infectious blends of broken beat, dub and nu-jazz and it's a lively, vibrant blend of hooks, basslines and melodies that will never grow old.
Review: Common and Pete Rock are two towering behemoths in the hip hop world. Rock is best known for his instinctive and distinctive beat making style and for plenty of seminal bums he has elapsed which showcase that, while Common is the next level lyricist, rapper and iconic freestyler who paints vivid pictures with his words. The Auditorium Vol 1 is a remarkable coming together of the two which arrives on limited edition coloured vinyl across four sides of wax. The groundbreaking collab blends all their considerable skills into a record that draws on the golden era but also shows a new future for the genre. It's richly layered and hugely rewarding, as you would expect.
Review: Charleston artist Contour, aka Khari Lucas, showcases his ever-evolving creativity on Take Off from Mercy, his debut album for Mexican Summer. Originally a beatmaker, Lucas has expanded his sound across projects like Onwards in 2022, Love Suite in 2021 and Weight in the same year, all of which blend noirish, sample-driven r&b with plenty of other diverse influences. Take Off from Mercy moves away from sampling, instead embracing guitar-led compositions that weave blues, Tropicalia, hip hop, post-punk and indie rock. This album solidifies Lucas's status as a dynamic lyricist and collaborator and has great contributions from Saul Williams, Mndsgn and co-producer Omari Jazz.
Review: Soulful, interludey new LP bizniss from Conway The Machine, returning with his first full-length offering of 2024, Slant Face Killah. Subverting the pop cultural trope of the "smiley face killer" - through which the macabre horror of serial murders is subverted by an unsettling appeal to pure happiness - The Machine breaks down this trope with fervour, unleashing his killer insincts upon a mic that knows both gleeful and grim bars. Aggressive, gung-ho lyrics abound across this deft mixture of hard gangsta beats and serene, sampledelic breakdowns, which also channels an impressive feature list including Method Man, Raekwon, Joey Bada$$, Larry June, Key Glock, Jay Worthy & more, and production from heavyweight producers such as The Alchemist, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Cardo, and Swizz Beatz.
Review: Cromagnon Band's Mode is a deeply immersive journey into instrumental creativity, crafted through a unique process of live jamming and reverse engineering. The trioidrummer Tom Watt, bassist Lenny Walker, and multi-instrumentalist Bert Pageitake grooves from their favourite tracks, jam until something fresh emerges, then reshape it into fully produced pieces. The result is a psychedelic blend of dark funk, Nordic psych/jazz, boom-bap hip-hop breaks and riff-heavy rock reminiscent of early Black Sabbath. With no specific narrative, Mode leaves room for listeners to interpret and create their own mental imagery. Its sound is cinematic, layered, and transcendental, showcasing the band's broad musical influences and love for sonic experimentation. This second album, and their debut release on BBE Music, is a testament to their live jamming technique and musical pedigree, with Bert Page's Moog and Rhodes providing rich textures alongside his sax and clarinet. Mode is a must-listen for fans of boundary-pushing instrumental music.
Review: Stereophonk hit gold with volume one of this series so no wonder it now presents the eagerly awaited Bunch Of Funk Vol. 2. This one features 18 unreleased tracks making their vinyl debut, including two exclusive cuts created in collaboration with the talented Medline. Iconic breakdance figure DJ Marrrtin is known for his hard-hitting breaks played at major events and always makes sure he serves up music that invites listeners to express themselves on the dance floor. Here he infuses a powerful, organic sound that honours breakdance heritage while innovating for future generations.
Review: A new song by the acclaimed DJ Mitsu The Beats (a member of Sendai's hip-hop crew Gagle) and rapper Sorane, 'Daily Meets' is a chillaxed, fluid lo-hi-fi hip-hop tonic for those whose ears require polishing, refreshing and/or full-blown aneling in the morning. Getting at a quotidian "everyday life" themes - bleary eyes, coffee shop hissings, cutlery tinkles, long gazes out the window - this jazzy track blends sharp lyricism with repetitious slice-of-life themes, finding joy in those life periods that the less patient among us dare to call groundhog days. Backed up by the instrumental too, you're more than well equipped for both DJ and home system play here.
Review: To celebrate the one-year anniversary of provocative rap and hip-hop star Doja Cat's critically acclaimed album Scarlet, this deluxe vinyl edition 'Scarlet 2 CLAUDE' is now served up on bone vinyl. This version includes 24 tracks and features hits like 'Attention,' 'Paint The Town Red,' 'Agora Hills,' and 'OKLOSER.' 'Paint The Town Red' is the real standout and a firm favourite with many having spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, which made it the first rap song to top the chart last year. It also led the Billboard Global 200 for four weeks and after that in February 2024, the superb 'Agora Hills' reached No. 1 on Top 40 Radio, marking Doja Cat's eighth chart-topper.
Wake Up In The Sunshine (Naughty NMX LAX To JFK mix) (4:34)
Keep A Level Head (Runmx Naughty But Humble mix) (4:16)
Review: Dusty Donut's Naughty NMX is back with a double dose of feel-good grooves. On the A-side, he delivers a fresh, Nubian-inspired remake of a timeless summer funk classic that brings the sunshine to any setting. The B-side sees him collaborating with label mate Runex for a deeper and more soulful take. It features smooth production, punchy rhythms and slick drums that make it irresistible when played nice and loud and is the sort of track that brings smiles as well as energy. A must-have for anyone looking to keep the essence of summer alive in the darker months.
(Baby Can We) Lift This Up? (feat Hemi Moore) (3:57)
Table For Two (feat Tilly Valentine & Bran Mazz) (3:12)
The Way Things Were (feat Isaac Waddington) (3:38)
Breakfast In Bed (feat Joe Bae) (2:27)
Review: edbl is a dynamic producer based in South London who is synonymous with a mellow, soulful sound and collaborations with over 60 different artists. His acclaimed work South London Sounds played a pivotal role in establishing his popularity in Japan and Asia not least his signature track 'The Way Things Were' featuring Isaac Waddington. This all new long player compiles carefully selected songs that take in some superbly smooth and soulful tracks. Highlights include the jazzy flute-infused 'I'll Wait' and the beautifully vocal-driven 'Table For Two,' which sure do solidify edbl's status at the forefront of the global music scene.
Review: Eminem's latest album marks a bold and thoughtful effort to revisit and redefine his Slim Shady persona. Emphasising a concept album format, Eminem wants fans to experience the project in sequence, aiming to dissect and reflect on Slim Shady's controversial legacy. The album's first half brings back Slim Shady's provocative edge, addressing contemporary issues like cancel culture and Gen Z with a raw, unapologetic energy. Drawing from the darker corners of his past work, such as Encore and Relapse, the production provides a gritty backdrop that enhances the thematic exploration. Eminem's self-reflection is both daring and introspective, with tracks like 'Guilty Conscience 2' presenting a powerful narrative of putting Slim Shady to rest. In the latter half, the album transitions to a more reflective Eminem, offering familiar yet heartfelt insights into his personal journey and struggles. The album's production and moments of clarity showcase Eminem's continued evolution as an artist. This ambitious project stands out in a year of exceptional rap music, highlighting Eminem's enduring relevance and creativity.
Review: Eminem's new album, Guilty Conscience 2, marks a bold return to his Slim Shady persona with a fresh angle that deepens his thematic exploration. With album sales over 220 million records worldwide, including albums, singles, and other formats, it is hard to argue that Eminem isn't the voice of this generation in Hip-Hop. As he turns 50, Eminem revisits and critiques his notorious alter ego, presenting Slim Shady as a relic of toxic masculinity and outdated rage. The album's first half channels Shady's provocative style, while the latter part reflects a more mature and contemplative Eminem. The production strikes a balance between modern sensibilities and nostalgic nods to earlier works, offering some of the best beats and hooks Eminem's had in years. Guest features, including JID and Big Sean, complement his intense delivery, enhancing the album's impact. While the content remains provocative, it effectively engages with its themes, providing a nuanced critique of both Eminem's past and the current cultural landscape. Fans of his earlier work will find much to appreciate here, though it may not break new ground. Overall, Guilty Conscience 2 is a compelling chapter in Eminem's storied career.
Review: Hip-hoppers EVISBEATS and Kazuhiko Maeda have collaborated on superb new album 'Syn Fonia' which blends various sounds through improvisation and recording. They used acoustic instruments, loopers, electronic sounds and environmental noises to craft this instrumental collection and the resulting album showcases how their inspirations intertwine to create a series of tracks that evoke distorted, nationality-free imagery through their sound experimentation. This project highlights the creative synergy between the two artists and their innovative approach to music-making.
Review: Adedemola is the new self-titled album from Fireboy DML and one that marks a new chapter in his artistic journey. It continues to be shaped by years of self-discovery and more than just music, the record reflects his experiences of love, loss and self-realisation. The album was born from navigating life's struggles including the heartbreak of losing close friends which ultimately guided him to clarity and purpose. Adedemola dives into love in all its forms here from self-love to family love and romance and in doing so urges us to embrace what truly matters. There is great honesty throughout this album as Fireboy DML calls for unity and positivity across a compelling suite of sunny pop tunes.
Review: B-sides, Remixes, Rarities: Volume 3 & 4 is the second double LP in Amerigo's Soul Mates series and this one showcases 15 more superb tracks from his extensive catalogue. This compilation includes exciting mash-ups like Kendrick Lamar vs. Marvin Gaye, Dr. Dre vs. Curtis Mayfield, and Black Star vs. Aretha Franklin, among others. Each track highlights a masterful blending of iconic artists to create a unique listening experience that celebrates the intersections of hip-hop and soul and brings plenty of good times.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/Carol Of The Bells (feat Cynthia Erivo) (4:57)
Make It Home (feat PJ Morton & Sevyn Streeter) (3:47)
Memories With Mama (feat Tarriona 'Tank' Ball) (3:30)
Joy To The World (feat Alex Isley) (5:21)
December (feat Andra Day) (4:54)
Little Drummer Boy (feat The Baylor Project) (6:42)
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (feat Doobie Powell) (6:33)
Review: Whether you like it or not, the festive season is fast approaching which means we are starting to get a number of seasonal classic land, new and old. This one is a rather non-traditional holiday release that brings a weight and musical funkiness to a genre and time of year that is often seeped in campy or classic holiday motifs. It is the work of modern jazz heavyweight Robert Glasper and finds him working with a top list of frequent collaborators including PJ Morton, Sevyn Streeter, Cynthia Ervo, Tarriona Tank Ball, Alex Isley, Andra Day and The Baylor Project. It is a real joy to listen to and brings great warmth to the cosy months.
Review: In 2024, H.E.R. marks the fifth anniversary of her critically acclaimed album I Used To Know Her with a special 2xLP reissue. Featuring all 19 original tracks, including standout hits like 'Could've Been' featuring Bryson Tiller and 'Take You There', this release captures H.E.R.'s signature blend of soul, r&b and introspective lyricism. This edition is a must-have for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
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