Stalley is great here amidst production work from Apollo Brown – who gives the record this cool groove that's almost cinematic at times – lots of rich sonic elements, but used in these really focused ways – so that when Stalley's voice comes out front in the mix, it's supported by plenty of power, yet never overwhelmed! The approach gives the MC a great sort of intensity – perfect for his slower-stepping rhymes, on titles that include "Bobby Bonilla", "Love Me Love Me Not", "No Monsters", "Humble Wins", "We Outside", "Lost Angeles", "Blacklight", "Broad Spectrum", and "What The Hook Gon Be". LP, Vinyl record album

That's a rainy image of our Chicago hometown on the cover – and it really suits the spirit of this set of work from fellow Chicagoan Philmore Greene – as the set's got a moody, almost melancholy approach that's given just the right sort of spin by Apollo Brown's production! The whole thing almost feels like a mini movie – but not the sort with those outdated skits or narrative bits – just this wider cinematic scope that has Brown empowering Greene in the best way possible – subtle majesty that's just right for the Windy City, on cuts that include "Hittin Blocks", "This Is Me", "Free", "Day On The Ave", "Nice To Meet You", "Just Imagine", "It's Different", "Promises", "Where's The Love", "Paradise", and "Keep Goin". LP, Vinyl record album

That's a rainy image of our Chicago hometown on the cover – and it really suits the spirit of this set of work from fellow Chicagoan Philmore Greene – as the set's got a moody, almost melancholy approach that's given just the right sort of spin by Apollo Brown's production! The whole thing almost feels like a mini movie – but not the sort with those outdated skits or narrative bits – just this wider cinematic scope that has Brown empowering Greene in the best way possible – subtle majesty that's just right for the Windy City, on cuts that include "Hittin Blocks", "This Is Me", "Free", "Day On The Ave", "Nice To Meet You", "Just Imagine", "It's Different", "Promises", "Where's The Love", "Paradise", and "Keep Goin". LP, Vinyl record album

That's a rainy image of our Chicago hometown on the cover – and it really suits the spirit of this set of work from fellow Chicagoan Philmore Greene – as the set's got a moody, almost melancholy approach that's given just the right sort of spin by Apollo Brown's production! The whole thing almost feels like a mini movie – but not the sort with those outdated skits or narrative bits – just this wider cinematic scope that has Brown empowering Greene in the best way possible – subtle majesty that's just right for the Windy City, on cuts that include "Hittin Blocks", "This Is Me", "Free", "Day On The Ave", "Nice To Meet You", "Just Imagine", "It's Different", "Promises", "Where's The Love", "Paradise", and "Keep Goin". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic presentation of all that's wonderful with the mighty Daptone label – one of the hippest, funkiest record companies of the past few decades – the company that gave the world Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley, and other great artists – all of whom are heard here in an extended length live set! The package documents three nights of music at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem – home to famous live shows by James Brown – whose tight way of presenting a variety of singers is replicated here – as Daptone cycle through some of their hippest acts in the lead, offering up a few songs by each – while the mighty Dap Kings provide all the backing! There's a huge amount of songs by both Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley – plus more by Budos Band, Antibalas, Menahan Street Band, Como Mamas, Sugarman 3, Saun & Starr, and Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens – then everybody comes together to perform a version of "Family Affair" at the end! Binky Griptite acts as the MC for the evening – and the whole thing has a rock-solid sound that's every bit the best that Daptone can offer. LP, Vinyl record album

A now-legendary compilation – an early effort to reissue funk on the Stones Throw label – and a set that virtually gave birth to all the fantastic projects they've done under the Now Again banner over the years! Compiler Egon has gone through a range of rare singles, masters, and demos – and has come up with tunes that burn with a brightness that's undeniable. The grooves are all on the harder end of the James Brown Funky People side of the spectrum – and the whole thing is a massive dig into the funky 45 underground – featuring a few groups who rose to new fame over the years, thanks to the legendary status of this project! Titles include "Don't Go" by Aristocrats Organization, "Loaded To The Gills (edit)" by Michael Liggins & The Supersouls, "Mr Chicken (alternate)" by The Soul Seven, "Slipping Into Darkness" by Dayton Sidewinders, "James Brown Medley" by The Apollo Commanders, "Scorpio" by Kashmere Stage Band, "Sad Chicken" by Leroy & The Drivers, "Street Scene" by Leon Mitchinson, "Free Your Mind" by Amnesty, "The Thing" by Carleen & The Groovers, "Go For Yourself (edit)" by Kenny Smith & The Loveliters, and "The Stretch (edit)" by Detroit Sex Machines. LP, Vinyl record album

A now-legendary compilation – an early effort to reissue funk on the Stones Throw label – and a set that virtually gave birth to all the fantastic projects they've done under the Now Again banner over the years! Compiler Egon has gone through a range of rare singles, masters, and demos – and has come up with tunes that burn with a brightness that's undeniable. The grooves are all on the harder end of the James Brown Funky People side of the spectrum – and the whole thing is a massive dig into the funky 45 underground – featuring a few groups who rose to new fame over the years, thanks to the legendary status of this project! Titles include "Don't Go" by Aristocrats Organization, "Loaded To The Gills (edit)" by Michael Liggins & The Supersouls, "Mr Chicken (alternate)" by The Soul Seven, "Slipping Into Darkness" by Dayton Sidewinders, "James Brown Medley" by The Apollo Commanders, "Scorpio" by Kashmere Stage Band, "Sad Chicken" by Leroy & The Drivers, "Street Scene" by Leon Mitchinson, "Free Your Mind" by Amnesty, "The Thing" by Carleen & The Groovers, "Go For Yourself (edit)" by Kenny Smith & The Loveliters, and "The Stretch (edit)" by Detroit Sex Machines. LP, Vinyl record album