One of the best rappers most people never heard of, Virginia's Skillz has ghostwritten for the biggest names in the game and does his annual "Rap Up" for underground hip hop heads – and after a few false starts the Million Dollar Backpack CD dropped in summer 08! Longtime fans ... read moreCD
Slick Rick's first solo album – one of the vital early front-to-back hip hop albums of the late 80s Def Jam prime era – and up there with the best ever! MC Ricky D introduced the world to a whole new rap style on Doug E Fresh's "The Show" and by the time this album dropped the ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The first Def Jam single from Slick Rick, a slower track with Slick Rick's classic storytelling that, despite the late-80's guitar and synth production, still holds up. With a nice quote from "Mahogany", too! 12-inch, Vinyl record
The tough-as-nails first single off the "Already Platinum" LP. Thugga lays down his trademark molasses-thick flow over an unusually heavy and ominous backdrop provided by the Neptunes. 12-inch, Vinyl record
A tight duo effort from Slimkid3, othewise known as Slim Kid Tre and Tre Hardson, of the legendary Pharcyde – and DJ Nu Mark, whose solo efforts and Jurassic 5 pedigrees are pretty close to legendary in their own right! Star-studded guest list, too – with Del, Murs, Diamond D, J-Live, ... read moreCD
Evolution is the title of the album – and it's also the name of the game for Slum Village – whose peak material remains some of the best hip hop to ever come out of the Detroit scene! SV has evolved into a showcase for group co-founder and sole remaining original member T3 – ... read moreCD
The second single from the Slums' Trinity LP, and one of the stronger moments of that album, mixed up nicely by Timbaland! "Disco" is a mid-tempo party groover, with a role on the Slum LP that is similar to the one "Roller Skating Jam Named 'Saturdays'" played on De La's ... read moreCD
Snoop's back, with guest spots and production by the Neptunes, Premier, Jay Z, Redman, Nate Dogg and others, and it's a real guilty pleasure. Snoop is Snoop, there's nothing fresh at all here, but whether you like the pooch or not, this without a doubt his tightest batch since Doggystyle. It's ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a cutout hole, a lightly stained and wavy corner, and a bit of peeling on front.)
Snoop brings Doggy Style over to Geffen – also the home to the Neptunes' Star Trak, Snoop's partners for this seriously strong later effort – also working with a diverse roster of producers and vocal guests including Alchemist, Lil Jon, 50 Cent, Hi Tek, and others. Snoops laidback rhyme ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The G-funk classic. Tracks include "Bathtub", "G Funk Intro", "Gin And Juice", "Tha Shiznit", "Lodi Dodi", "Murder Was The Case", "Serial Killa", "Who Am I? (What's My Name)", "For All My Niggaz & Bitches" ... read moreCD
The G-funk classic. Tracks include "Bathtub", "G Funk Intro", "Gin And Juice", "Tha Shiznit", "Lodi Dodi", "Murder Was The Case", "Serial Killa", "Who Am I? (What's My Name)", "For All My Niggaz & Bitches" ... read moreCD
(Enhanced CD pressing with music video for "What's My Name".)
Tracks include "Bathtub", "G Funk Intro", "Gin And Juice", "Tha Shiznit", "Lodi Dodi", "Murder Was The Case", "Serial Killa", "Who Am I? (What's My Name)", "For All My Niggaz & Bitches", "Aint No Fun ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The fake soundtrack which is actually more of a various artists than a Snoop Dogg record, when Dre & Death Row were at the top of the world. Not the finest example of G-funk, but there's still a few nuggets of that classic "Rollin' in my 6-4" sound: like "Natural Born ... read moreCD
The Soul Rebels fold together two strands of contemporary New Orleans sounds – the updated brass band form for the funk-heavy generation, and the city's ever-growing love of hop hip too! The group are one of the boldest, bounciest of the contemporary NOLA scene – but they also open the ... (Jazz, Hip Hop)read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition colored vinyl pressing – with download!)
The first full length group effort in years from Souls Of Mischief – with production by Prince Paul – a solid return to active duty from Oakland's finest underground hip hop crew. Here the Souls manage to bring skillful rhymes without tripping over the long time that has passed since ... read moreCD
Aching for the days when the Native Tongues walked the earth? Vintage jazzy Gang Starr? Wish there were more cats out there like People Under The Stairs? This album by the Sound Providers is just what you're looking for, kiddies. To our ears this just about as strong as anything that's come out ... read moreCD
Kind of an oddball rap single from the early days of Sleeping Bag. The rhymes are fine, nothing to write home about, but not insulting to our ears, but the track is a nice almost electro sort of groove, with some heavy synths. Plus the long vocal mix and the instrumental versions were both mixed ... read more12-inch, Vinyl record
Maybe not the first full length album by a female MC, but a really well-remembered set from the early days – and one that hardly tries to go for any crossover modes at all! Instead, Sparky-D really keeps it live and close to the streets – beginning the set with an acapella track that ... read moreCD
Spice 1 —
Spice 1 ... CD Jive, 1991/1992. Used ...
$19.99
The first full length classic from Spice 1 – an MC who came up in the wake of Too Short on the west coast, but has definitely found his own style by the time of this set! Some tracks almost have an Ice Cube mix of biting social commentary and view from the streets – while others are ... read moreCD
While most of the true hip hop pioneers had fallen off by this time, Spoonie G actually did some of his best material in the mid-80's. The cut here is "Take It Off" – it's straight big beat hip hop, but with lots of cowbell-type percussion that gives a bit of go-go feel in parts. 12-inch, Vinyl record
(In a Tuf sleeve. Label has a streak of marker.)
Rae Sremmurd —
Sremmlife II ... CD Eardruma/Interscope, 2016. Used ...
$3.99
... CD
(Punch through barcode & clear promotional sticker on jewel case cover.)
The debut from Michigan's Starting Artist Crew – from the same school as Jurassic 5, People Under The Stairs and Ugly Duckling. The SAC worked very hard to come up with a solid full length, rather then blowing their wad on a single or two. Promising! Tracks include "The Ill Na Na" ... read moreCD
A sweet set from Sulu & Excelsior – essentially the solo project of singer, rapper and trumpet player Steven "Sulu" Mallorca despite the sprawling sound and stylistic breadth – with influences that stretch from classic Motown, to late 60s funk, to live horn-backed hip hop ... (Neo Soul, Hip Hop)read moreCD
Summer Sons & C Tappin —
Uhuru ... LP Melting Pot (Germany), 2018. New Copy 2LP Gatefold ...
$14.9926.98
The keyboards of C Tappin are a fantastic element here – used to create warmth and flow throughout this album of understated majesty! The set draws equal inspiration from a journey to Kilimanjaro, and a recent live set by D'Angelo – produced and mixed by Slim in his studio, with lyrics ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Limited edition two record set, includes instrumental edits of all songs – with more nice keys!)
"Fly Guy" is a good answer record to the Boogie Boy's "Fly Girl". Unlike the usual hip hop answer records, this one is not a dis, but instead using the same idea and music and reversing the genders. Definitely a reminder of an earlier era, what makes this one kinda nice is the ... read more12-inch, Vinyl record
A stunning debut from SZA – a soul singer who seems to represent a whole new way of being – with a style that's at once very understated and completely compelling! SZA's clearly got a hell of a voice – but she's also content to weave it into the rich mix of beats, keyboards, and ... (Neo Soul, Hip Hop)read moreLP, Vinyl record album
Two tracks from T La Rock's first and best album. Mantronix uses his trademark production style to make Back To Burn sound like something off the first Mantronix LP, but, to our ears T La Rock is a much better MC than Mantronix's own MC Tee. 12-inch, Vinyl record
A well-titled set from the lyrical king – the mighty T La Rock, one of the key mid 80s MCs who helped introduce a whole new level of sophistication to hip hop! T La Rock maybe never hit the heights of KRS-One, Rakim, or other contemporaries – but this set has all the sharp fire and ... read moreCD
Talib shakes loose of the shackles of the major labels and drops a tight batch of material – sort of a coming out party stacked with stellar tracks that are just raw enough to showcase his unrivaled vocal skills! Many of these tracks were recorded somewhat on the fly in Kweli's crib, and ... read moreCD
Talib Kweli & Madlib —
Liberation ... CD Blacksmith, 2007. Used ...
$7.99
The dynamic duo of Talib Kweli & Madlib making jazzy & funky, stripped down, beautiful hip hop together – originally released as a surprise free download on Stones Throw's website – now on CD on Kweli's Blacksmith label! Liberation finds Talib rocking his precise, thoughtful, ... read moreCD
Tall, Dark, & Handsome may not be one of the best-remembered crews from the 80s – but they've got a fresh, playful approach that really keeps things interesting! These guys really remind us of the energy that the right group of MCs could bring to a party back in the day – yet they'v ... read moreCD
3rd Bass' biggest commercial hit, taking on Vanilla Ice, if not by name, at least in concept, but the cut to check for here is "Derelicts..." , produced by Prince Paul and remixed by the Stimulated Dummies. 12-inch, Vinyl record
(Cover has a small sticker.)
Third Root —
Libertad ... LP Third Root Music, 2017. Sealed 2LP ...
$6.99
Top notch Central Texas hip hop collaborative produced by Adrian "AQ" Quesada (Grupo Fantasma, Brownout, Echocentrics, Spanish Gold) – with "Reflection Of The Times" feat Reggie Coby, the title track with Mellow Man Ace, "Justice Or Else", "Yanga's", ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
A track that really takes us back, like any of the Arthur Baker or Johnny Rocca cuts, or Shannon's "Let the Music Play". We're not sure this qualifies for classic status, but it does make us feel a little nostalgic. (Soul, Hip Hop)12-inch, Vinyl record
Major label debut from the Memphis innovators. Waaay before winning an Oscar, these guys were watching too many late night horror flicks, and it shows. Classic M-Town buck that influenced the entire Southern Rap genre. Contains "Prophet Posse", "Spill My Blood", "Tear Da ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Still sealed! Shrinkwrap is lightly aged, with a promo sticker on back.)
Three 6 Mafia —
Da Unbreakables ... LP Columbia/Hypnotize Minds, 2003. Very Good+ 2LP ...
Just Sold Out!
Tracks include "Rainbow Colors", "Testin' My Gangsta", "Bin Laden", "Ridin' Spinners" feat Lil' Flip, "Ghetto Chick", "Let's Start A Riot", "Beatem To Da Floor", "You Scared Pt 2" and more. LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes the printed inner sleeves. Cover has a promo sticker and light wear.)
Their second album, and though not quite as nice as Original Stylin', still an essential piece of Philly hip hop history. The group's no longer associated with the Hilltop Hustlers, and have adopted a slightly more slick approach to their sound, producing themselves on this effort. Includes " ... read moreCD
(Out of print. Cutout notch through booklet and tray card.)
Three Times Dope, were part of the whole Steady B Hill Top Hustlers crew. The production and rhyme style is sort of halfway between old school Kool G Rap and Superlover C & Casanova Rud. Nice shots of all 3 colorways of OG Air Jordan III's on the cover as well. 12-inch, Vinyl record
(Cover has call letters in marker across the front and a stain at the bottom.)
TI returns with King – featuring production by Just Blaze, Mannie Fresh, Toomp, Keith Mack, Neptunes and others. Tracks include "King Back", "Front Back" feat UGK, "That You Know", "Live In The Sky" feat Jamie Foxx, "Ride Wit Me", "Why ... read moreCD
(With a bonus DVD of concert footage and music videos.)
So we'd guess by the title to this latest Timbo effort that it's meant as a follow up to the last Missy Elliott album, and in a lot of ways it is. As with earlier Tim & Magoo efforts, you're not getting this one for lyrical finesse, but the bouncing beats, which get stripped down to the bare ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The first LP from this radio-friendly duo, with guest vocals from Missy Elliot, Aaliyah, and Ginuwine. Includes the tracks "Beep Beep", "Ms Parker", "Luv 2 Luv U" (remixed AND the original!), "Up Jumps Da Boogie" (also original and remixed), "Peepin My ... read moreCD
The first album by The Tom Tom Club – a group that started out as a side project by Talking Heads members Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz – but which went onto have a surprising life of its own! Like the Talking Heads at the start of the 80s, Tom Tom Club were very open to pulling ... (Soul, Hip Hop)read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The crossover rap classic from Tone-Loc! Temporary pop phenom this is not – the biggest couple of hits are still ubiquitous decades later – and Loc himself, with that raspy voice and smooth charisma, still stands as one of more unique voices of late 80s hip hop. On top of those ... read moreCD
Tracey Lee —
Many Facez ... LP Bystorm/Universal, 1996. Near Mint- ...
$4.99
10 tracks: "Many Facez", "The Theme (It's Party Time", "Big Will", "Stars In the East", "On the Edge", "Rugged One", "Who's Crew", "The Professionals", "Keep Your Hands High" & "Clue (Who Shot LR?)&qu ... LP, Vinyl record album
Beats, Rhymes & Life – crucial aspects of Tribe Called Quest and hip hop in general – and the fourth album by the inimitable Tribe! After a couple or three years of down time following Midnight Marauders, the Tribe returned with this extra stripped down sound, collaborating with ... read moreCD
A pretty great follow up to the previous hits package Retrospective – this one with many of the Tribe's OTHER hits, plus 2 previously unreleased nuggets! Alternate mixes, out of print soundtrack and 12-inch cuts, plus album tracks that weren't ingrained into the mainstream consciousness ... read moreCD
A vocal and instrumental version of this fat, fat Go-Go take on 'Trans Europe Express", with massive bass, heavy syncopated beats, and nice spacey synthesizer sounds! (Soul, Hip Hop)12-inch, Vinyl record
The Tuff Crew burst out of the Philly scene with this overlooked gem from the end of the 80s – an album that may not be top of the history books, but which still has all the raw creative energy of those great indie years before the first big assault on hip hop by the major labels! The ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a small sticker and some edge wear. Vinyl has some light marks.)
Beat-heavy work from the Tuff Crew – a group who definitely live up to their name on the bottom end! Much of the work here is very drum machine-heavy – in a style that was maybe used more widely a few years before in hip hop, but which still gives this album by the group a nice sense ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing. Cover has a small address sticker on front and splitting in the spine.)
Tuff Crew —
Phanjam ... CD Soo Deff, 1987. Used ...
$8.99
An underground Philly hip hop classic – and a set that's got the same raw edge as the best early work by Schooly D! The Tuff Crew work here with the Krown Rulers – in the kind of record that almost feels like the kind of late nite, party-heavy vibe that made east coast hip hop radio so ... read moreCD
Just before he got too hot for Jive and jumped to Death Row, this is the album where Pac moves above the Thug Life image he worked so hard to craft and delivered the lyrical goods with both his street stories and more introspective rhymes. Includes "If I Die 2 Nite", "Me Against The ... read moreCD
The most notable thing about this single is that Two Kings in A Cipher were Ron Lawrence (known then as Amen Ra) and D Dot Agellettie (known then as D.O.P) who later went on to produce lots of Puffy's hits. And of course, D Dot Angelettie is now better know as The Mad Rapper. "Movin On 'Em&quo ... read more12-inch, Vinyl record
(Cover has a small sticker.)
Ty —
Work Of Heart ... LP Jazz Refreshed (UK), 2018. Sealed 2LP Gatefold ...
$24.99
Nice one from Brit hip hop mainstay Ty – living up to the title with personal lyricism from the heart, but soulful a broader, universal sense too – with appearances by John Robinson, Deborah Jordan, N'fa Jones, Julie Dexter, Umar Bin Hassan and more! Ty is hands on with the production ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
An early 90s win from UGK – making a strong name for themselves and for Houston as a southern hip hop capital – going strong here a couple years before the massive Ridin Dirty! Strong stuff with solid Pimp C production – Super Tight is a hella appropriate title for this one. ... read moreLP, Vinyl record album
The early 90s debut of UGK and early triumph for Pimp C & Bun B, even if it was a little bit ahead of its time! Given a massive platform by Jive at the time, UGK proved a little Too Hard To Swallow for the mainstream early on, finally breaking out with Ridin' Dirty a few years later, but this ... read moreCD