... 12-inch, Vinyl record

A wickedly sharp album from Earl Sweatshirt – a set that comes on strong from the very first notes, then keeps on with a tightness that really makes a nice difference from some of Earl's other albums – an approach that's maybe more compact in terms of the way the songs are laid out, especially compared to sprawling efforts from bigger names – at a level that shows that there's plenty to learn from the left side of the spectrum in hip hop! Production is by Black Noise and The Alchemist, Armand Hammer make a guest appearance on "Tabula Rasa", and other cuts include "Old Friend", "2010", "Sick", "Fire In The Hole", "Titanic", "Vision", "God Laughs", and "Lye". LP, Vinyl record album

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

Beats by Afrika Baby Bam and the Beatnuts, amongst others. 13 cuts, including "It's A Shame (My Sister)", "Don't Funk Wid The Mo", "Ring My Bell", 'R U Single", "Just Don't Give A Damn" and "Read Between The Lines". (Cassettes, Hip Hop) Cassette

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

(Soul, Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record

With Grand Puba. (Soul, Hip Hop) 12-inch, Vinyl record

Earl Sweatshirt has always been at the forefront of hip hop – and here, he really continues that legacy, by also reaching backwards for the production skills of The Alchemist – whose special touch on the record really creates a whole new milieu for Earl's lyrics! There's a dreamlike quality to the record, but one that's also stripped-down enough to feel personal – a refinement of Alchemist's style, often with a great focus on just one or two instrumental elements – almost like spare spicing to really keep the vocals in the lead. Titles include "Dead Zone", "Free The Ruler", "27 Braids", "Mac Deuce", "My Brother The Wind", "100 High Street", "Sentry", "Sirius Black", "The Caliphate", and "Mancala" – the last two of which feature Vince Staples! LP, Vinyl record album

... 12-inch, Vinyl record

Tracks include " Raw", "Set It Off", "Ain't No Half-Steppin", "Word To The Mother (Land)", "I'll Take You There", "Just Rhymin With Biz", "Another Victory", "I Get The Job Done", "Wrath Of Kane (Live)", "Warm It Up, Kane", "Smooth Operator", "Young, Gifted & Black", "Rap Summary (Lean On Me) (remix)", "Cause I Can Do It Right", "It's Hard Being The Kane", "Very Special", and "Give A Demonstration". CD

The official full length debut from Lupe Fiasco – another wholly unique Chicago MC who's gotten the runaround from seemingly every major label in the biz – and a record that lives up to the long-building hype! Frankly, we were scared almost immediately when we heard the description "skate rap" applied to "Kick, Push" – only to find our fears unfounded. Lupe's only going to be himself – which is what makes him such a strong MC (other than the masterful breath control) – and that individualistic approach is proving to be Chicago's gift to mainstream hip hip. The Neptunes provide one of their best productions of the past couple years for "I Gotcha" – but the soundtracky productions by Soundtrakk (natch) are even better. Other tracks include "Real" feat Sara Green, "Just Might Be OK" feat Gemini, "Kick, Push", "The Instrumental" feat Jonah Matranga, "He Say She Say" feat Gemini & Sarah Green, "Sunshine", "Daydreamin'" feat Jill Scott, "The Cool" (produced by Kanye) , "Hurt Me Soul", "Pressure" feat Jay-Z, "American Terrorist" feat Matthew Santos, "The Cool", "The Emperor's Soundtrack" and more! LP, Vinyl record album