From Grand Puba's first solo LP, produced by Stimulated Dummies. 12-inch, Vinyl record

With Grand Puba. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Promo only 12" single of the Heavy Rhyme Experience Theme featuring rhymes by Grand Puba, Master Ace, and Main Source. 12-inch, Vinyl record

One of those records that maybe snuck in a bit under the wire at the time of release – but a set that instantly went on to become a classic, and one of the greatest debuts of the early 90s! Not only is the production great – full of sophisticated samples and ways of putting them together that set a whole new standard for a generation – but Brand Nubian also found a way to take some of the energy of the Native Tongues' freshness, and turn it towards more serious themes – but all without the heavy-handedness that made some of their contemporaries date quickly. Hats off to Grand Puba, Sadat X, and Lord Jamar for such a great job right from the start – on titles that include "All For One", "Slow Down", "Drop The Bomb", "Concerto In X Minor", and 2 mixes of "Wake Up" (Stimulated Dummies mix and the penultimate reprise) – plus "Who Can Get Busy Like This Man", "Ragtime", "To The Right", "Dance To My Ministry", "Step To The Rear", "Try To Do Me", and "Dedication". CD

"Rio De Janeiro" is one of the Long Beach crew's signature party rockers, with a groovy Paul's Boutique-era Beasties kinda vibe. The flip features a guest verse by Grand Puba. 12-inch, Vinyl record

The landmark debut of Mary J Blige – a record that not only did a great job of blending underground hip hop and mainstream soul sensibilities – but maybe also opened the door for the Neo Soul revolution to come! Mary comes on here with a fresh new vision in female soul – one that's informed by the youth and upfront energy of the hip hop female MCs that preceded her – but with a depth that also makes Blige sort of the new Aretha Franklin for the end of the century – a deep soul singer, but one who's equally at home in the streets and the studio. Important production is by a young Sean Combs – some of his first great work on record – and the set also features guest appearances from Busta Rhymes, Little Shawn, Grand Puba, Erick Sermon, and CL Smooth. Titles include "Real Love", "Sweet Thing", "Love No Limit", "You Remind Me", "Reminisce", "What's The 411", "I Don't Want To Do Anything", "Changes I've Been Going Through", "Slow Down", and "My Love". CD

Early 90s greatness from Brand Nubian – and proof that the group had a lot of life in them, even after Grand Puba set out on his solo career! Sadat X and Lord Jamar acquit themselves nicely on the mic, and the beats are head-noddingly satisfying too – work from DJ Sincere this time around, but very much in the best Brand Nubian mode! The whole thing's a landmark from that moment when the 5% movement had a big impact on hip hop – which means there's a few dated opinions at points, although the set's got more than enough strength to stand as a lasting classic. Titles include the singles "Allah U Akbar", "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone", and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" – plus the cuts "Travel Jam", "Steal Ya Ho", "Steady Bootleggin'", "Black Star Line", "Meaning Of The 5%", "Ain't No Mystery", "Pass The Gat", 'Allah & Justice", "The Godz", "Brand Nubian Rock The Set", and "Black & Blue". Features a bonus 7" single with the tracks "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down (single mix)" and "Love Me Or Leave Me Alone (rmx)". LP, Vinyl record album

A late 90s classic from that moment when Dan The Automator was stepping out from his role as an underground hip hop hero on the west coast – and into superstardom in a range of different guises! Here, Dan's working as Nathaniel Merriweather, alongside the Chest Rockwell of Prince Paul – the latter of whom ensures that there's some extra-dope production on the set to really send things home! The list of guest stars is huge – Del, Grand Puba, Sadat X, DJ Shadow, Money Mark, Biz Markie, and many others – almost a whole generation of hip hop on one record – and titles include "Metaphysical", "Waterworld", "Truth", "Projects", "Sunshine", "Runway Song", and "Rock N Roll (Could Never Hip Hop Like This)". LP, Vinyl record album