A spacey stormer from Marshall Jefferson and crew – stretching out for nearly 7 minutes with that increasingly baroque feel that was creeping into the Chicago sound at the time. (House Music) 12-inch, Vinyl record
Bass pedals, midtempo rhythms, and a sublime early 80s groove – a cut that crossed over big but still sounds great today – and a wonderful mix of styles that's easily one of the standouts from the time! The keys are electric, but never too cold – and Junior's vocals on the hook ... (Soul) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
One of our favorite Just-Ice tracks which features classic spare production by Mantronix at the height of his skills, and 6 and 1/2 minutes of completely different lyrics. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
This is Just-Ice's first single, with a track that didn't make it to the LP, plus the original version of "Latoya" that's better than the LP version. "Put That Record Back On" is the cut here, with classic Mantronix production, from around the same time as his other big singles. ... (Hip Hop) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
(Original pressing in a Fresh sleeve. Labels have a name in pen.)
A classic from the late 80s school! "Strong Island" is a straight-up masterpiece – with laidback rhymes, incredible beats, and punchy samples – a triumph of period hip hop craft if there ever was one! (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
With guest spots by DJ Romes, Kombo, Wildchild, Planet Asia, Krondon, Phil Da Agony, Montage One, Rhettmatic and the Visionaries. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
With guest spots by DJ Romes, Kombo, Wildchild, Planet Asia, Krondon, Phil Da Agony, Montage One, Rhettmatic, and the Visionaries. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
"Gold Digger" is another great single from Kanye West – with a minimalist funky clappin' beat track and a Ray Charles sample – plus an appearance by Ray-incarnate Jamie Foxx. The subject matter couldn't be more tired, but Kanye's vocal approach is still fresh, and the ... (Hip Hop) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
It seems like it's been a whole since we heard the Bronx referred to as Pelon, and "Pelon Rising" samples some Bronx and other MC's talking about how now's "the time for the Bronx to shine like the sun." Both cuts have a nice, spare production style (no producer is listed) ... (Hip Hop) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
Another one of those novelty records Profile was putting out in the mid-80's. Similar to "Inspector Gadget" with the Batman theme and lots of cut-up vocals. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
A plenty great dancefloor number, done in an extended Miami mode that features plenty of bass and percussion breakdowns in the middle! Lots of sparer passages really make the instrumental tune sparkle! The flipside is a vocal number, and a bit more conventional club. (Soul) 12-inch, Vinyl record
Kenn Starr, Asheru & Talib Kweli collaborate on "If". Ken handles the flip solo. Taken from the Halftooth Presents compilation. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
Quintessential 80s groove from Chaka Khan – a great version of Prince's "I Feel For You", remixed here with some really chunky beats and cool sampled vocal bits! (Soul) 12-inch, Vinyl record
2 versions of Evelyn Champagne Kings monster radio hit "Shame", with an unstoppable rolling groove that we never get tired of. The original version from the late 70s here is included in both its full length and a shorter version, and it gets an updated early 90s commercial house mix from ... (Soul) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
Nice 12" of Evelyn Champagne King's monster radio hit "Shame", with an unstoppable rolling groove that we never get tired of. (Soul) 12-inch, Vinyl record
"Ya Better Bring A Gun" is still one of our favorite early west coast singles – from around the time of the first NWA LP, and with the same sense of humor. (Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record
Either a comeback or a swan song for Eartha – as it was her first big single in years, and maybe her last ever – but whatever the case, the tune was a strong entry in the camp disco category – with a title and theme that would keep this one playing on dancefloors for years! (Soul) 12-inch, Vinyl record
A really great number from Kleeer – one of the group's standout early singles, and a track with a slightly warmer feel than some of their later work! There's a playful dancefloor funk approach at the bottom of the groove – bass and percussion messing around while the straighter lyric ... (Soul) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
Three classics from KMD off the amazing "Mr. Hood" LP. "Nitty Gritty" features Brand Nubian and the remix is even doper, with new lyrics from Busta Rhymes and all new music, making good use of the "Was Dog A Donut" sample. "Plumskinzz" uses more mellow ... (Hip Hop) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
Sweet jazz funk from 70s Finland! "Boots & Roots" is a wonderful groover from the group of saxophonist Eero Koivistoinen – a snapping groover with guitar on the rhythms, and freewheeling solos on soprano sax from Eero, plus some great solo work on piano! "Roots & ... (Jazz) read more12-inch, Vinyl record
The real star of this single is the jazzy instrumental flip, produced by Eumir Deodato like the rest of the album, with a wonderful breezy feel that reminds us a bit of nice Mizell Bros production. (Soul) 12-inch, Vinyl record
Before the LL Cool J and Canibus battles on wax there was LL vs. Kool Moe Dee. "Let's Go" is one of Kool Moe Dee's entries in the battle, with some good punchlines, and is one of his best later tracks. Released around the time of the "How Ya Like Me Now" LP, never made it on ... (Hip Hop) read more12-inch, Vinyl record