With all the singles they dropped in the years prior to this, everyone was anticipating this one with glee, and believe it or not, it still lives up to the hype. The first full length double feature with "1, 2, 1, 2", "Da Rockwilder", "Tear It Off" and another dozen smoked out cuts, including "Run 4 Cover", "Fire Ina Hole", "Mi Casa", "Maaad Crew" and "Dat's Dat S**t". CD

One of the most triumphant records from the first wave of Wu Tang Clan solo efforts – and an early 90s hip hop masterpiece that's hardly aged a day since! Tical is right up there with Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) on the quality front. It's got the iconic Wu production aesthetic in peak form, and Meth himself does an incredible job here of not only cementing the Wu Tang's legacy, but setting himself up to be the Clan's breakout solo success story for years to come. Includes "Tical", "Bring The Pain", "All I Need", "What The Blood Clot", "Meth Vs. Chef", "Biscuits", "I Get My Thang In Action", "PLO Style", "Sub Crazy", "Release Yo' Delf", the killer "Method Man (Remix)" and more. CD

The return of Mr Mef & Funk Doc – 10 years on from the original Blackout LP – and it's a solid duo hip hop LP the likes of which we don't hear nearly enough of in the late 00s! It seems like Blackout! 2 has been in the works almost since the first LP had run its course, but if you haven't been on pins & needles in anticipation, their expert lyrical chemistry should glide you back into it pretty easily. Erick Sermon is back in as producer, as well as Pete Rock, Mathematics, Rockwilder and others – with some mid school love without going throwback, and it's great to hear this duo back in fine form on record. Titles include "I'm A Dope N**a", the tight single "A-Yo" feat Saukrates, "Dangerous Emcees", "Hey Zulu", "City Lights" feat Bun B, "Mrs International" feat Erick Sermon, "Four Minutes To Lockdown" feat Raekwon & Ghostface, "A Lil Bit" feat Malanie Rutherford, and more. CD

One of the most triumphant records from the first wave of Wu Tang Clan solo efforts – and an early 90s hip hop masterpiece that's hardly aged a day since! Tical is right up there with Enter The Wu Tang (36 Chambers) on the quality front. It's got the iconic Wu production aesthetic in peak form, and Meth himself does an incredible job here of not only cementing the Wu Tang's legacy, but setting himself up to be the Clan's breakout solo success story for years to come. Includes "Tical", "Bring The Pain", "All I Need", "What The Blood Clot", "Meth Vs. Chef", "Biscuits", "I Get My Thang In Action", "PLO Style", "Sub Crazy", "Release Yo' Delf", the killer "Method Man (Remix)" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

A classic single that changed the direction of hip hop. A dozen Wu-associated LP's and however many singles later, these still hold up. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Featuring Paul Wall & Method Man on "Still On It" and Caddilac Tah on "Still Down". 12-inch, Vinyl record

Sweet and gritty soul from D'Angelo – who takes a huge step into deeper territory on Voodoo – and it's one of the most monumental records of its time! On one level, Voodoo works as a nicely stripped-down session with a very classic soul feel. Gone are the overzealous flourishes that sometimes overwhelmed his earlier songs, and in their place are some sweetly crafted vocal parts with a classic Marvin Gaye/Al Green feel. That warmth is probably what made Voodoo a massive popular success – but what makes it such a creative triumph are the darker undercurrents – which hint at a troubled soul struggling for spiritual truth. One of the rare cases in popular music when great art became music for the masses! Titles include "Left & Right (feat Method Man & Redman)", "The Line", "Spanish Joint", "Africa", "Feel Like Makin Love", "The Root", "Playa Playa", "Devil's Pie", and "Greatdayndamornin/Booty". LP, Vinyl record album

DJ Jazzy Jeff returns – with a top shelf roster or MCs doing justice to his Philly soul reared, bedrock beatcraft – including Big Daddy Kane, Method Man, Rhymefest, Jean Grae, Kardinall Offishall, CL Smooth, Pos of De La Soul and more – underground spitters and mic icons alike! We don't know if Jazz tailors his beats for the chosen MCs – or if he seeks out the appropriate MCs for his ready-made material – but whatever his methods, they're still working well. Return Of The Magnificent is a standard bearing effort! Titles include "Hip Hop" feat Twone Gabz, "Let Me Hear U Clap" feat Pos from De La Soul, "Run That Back" feat Eshon Burgundy & Black Ice, "Jeff N Fess" feat Rhymefest, "Practice" feat J Live, "Supa Jean" feat Jean Grae, "The Garden" feat Big Daddy Kane, "Hold It Down" feat Method Man, "My Soul Ain't For Sale" feat Raheem DeVaugh, "Cone On feat Dave Ghetto, "Brand New Funk 2K7" feat Peedi Peedi and more1 LP, Vinyl record album

Tracks include "Dangerous MC's" featuring Snoop Dogg & Busta Rhymes, "I Really Want To Show You" featuring Nas with K-Ci & Jo-Jo, "Rap Phenomenon" featuring Redman & Method Man, "Tonight" featuring Mobb Deep, "Let Me Get Down" featuring Missy Elliott, Craig Mack, & G-Dep, "Come On" featuring Sadat X, "Big Booty Hoes" featuring Too $hort, "Dead Wrong" featuring Eminem, "Notorious B.I.G." and "Would You Die For Me" featuring Lil Kim & the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy, "Biggie" featuring Junior M.A.F.I.A., "Can I Get Witcha" featuring Lil Cease, "Who Shot Ya", and "If I Should Die Before I Wake" featuring Ice Cube, Beanie Sigel, & Black Rob. LP, Vinyl record album

Biggie's masterpiece! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millennium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". This is the original version of the CD with the baby on the cover and 17 tracks in all. CD

Biggie's masterpiece – remastered! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millenium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". . LP, Vinyl record album

A huge array of photographs from the golden years of 90s hip hop – all captured within a few short years by Peter Spirer, at a time when he was diving deep into the scene to really document the sort of energy that's made this stretch such a legendary one for the music! These photos are way more than standard portraits or stage shots, as Peter managed to really penetrate the everyday lives of the artists, to a point where you'll find some very surprising, and very striking images of figures who aren't always captured without striking a pose. The book features over 130 photographs, with subjects who include Dr Dre, Das Efx, Biz Markie, Busta Rhymes, Notorious BIG, Method Man, Nas, Q-Tip, Tupac, Guru, KRS-One, and dozens of others – and the heavy hardcover book is 240 pages in length – with added text from Soren Baker, and an introduction from Ice T. Book

With Bobby Digital, Killarmy, and Method Man on "And Justice For All". 12-inch, Vinyl record

With Redman and Method Man. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Includes remixed versions of "Woo-Hah!!" by Busta Rhymes, "Masta IC" by Mic Geronimo, "Danger" by Blahzay Blahzay, "Shook Ones Pt III" by Mobb Deep, "Fakin Jax" by INI, "Microphone Master" by Das EFX, "If I Ruled The World" by Nas, and "PLO Style" by Method Man. LP, Vinyl record album

Featuring Redman & Method Man on "Rock & Roll", Rottin Razkals on "Rah Rah", Lil Jon & Chyna White on "Wild Muthaf*ckas", and Pink on "what You Wanna Do". 12-inch, Vinyl record

Biggie's masterpiece! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millennium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". This remastered re-release of the album includes two bonus tracks – the legendary, oft-bitten track "Who Shot Ya" and "Just Playing (Dreams)". LP, Vinyl record album

Biggie's masterpiece – remastered! There's very little we could possibly say about this east coast landmark that isn't already etched in stone in the annals of hip hop history. Biggie's a master storyteller, whether he's spinning tales of violent street nihilism, his skills beneath the sheets, or blistering sadness and regret. This thing sounds as great in the new millenium as it did at the end of the previous one. All the classics: "Things Have Changed", "Gimme The Loot", "Machine Gun Funk", "Ready To Die", "Warning", "The What" featuring Method Man, "Ready To Die", "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "Respect", "Friend Of Mine", and the Premier-produced "Unbelievable". . LP, Vinyl record album

Chef Raekwon cooks up one of finest hip hop albums in history – a standout moment in the Wu Tang canon and the 90s in general! Given Ghostface's presence throughout, the prime RZA production and other top shelf guests, you could almost call this one a Wu Tang Clan album, if not for Raekwon's incredible leadership behind the mic. Guests include Nas, Method Man, Inspektah Deck and more from the Wu Tang family. An absolute standard-bearer! Titles include "Knuckleheadz", "Knowledge God", "Criminology", "Incarcerated Scarfaces", "Guillotine (Swords)", "Glaciers Of Ice", "Ice Cream", and more! LP, Vinyl record album

Maybe the most lasting classic during the short but important run of Tupac Shakur – the overstuffed album that catapulted him to huge mainstream fame, and which was also the last to be released before his early death. The producers and guests read like a who's who of the harder side of the mainstream spectrum – and include Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Redman, Method Man, Kurupt, E-40, The Outlawz, and others – but it's also clear who's going for the crown here, as you'll hear on tracks that include "All Eyez On Me", "California Love (rmx)", "I Ain't Mad At Cha", "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted", "Can't C Me", "Heartz Of Men", "Got My Mind Made Up", "Shorty Wanna Be A Thug", "Ain't Hard 2 Find", "Run Tha Streetz", "Picture Me Rollin", "When We Ride", "Thug Passion", "Heaven Ain't Hard 2 Find", and "How Do U Want It". CD

Maybe the most lasting classic during the short but important run of Tupac Shakur – the overstuffed album that catapulted him to huge mainstream fame, and which was also the last to be released before his early death. The producers and guests read like a who's who of the harder side of the mainstream spectrum – and include Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Redman, Method Man, Kurupt, E-40, The Outlawz, and others – but it's also clear who's going for the crown here, as you'll hear on tracks that include "All Eyez On Me", "California Love (rmx)", "I Ain't Mad At Cha", "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted", "Can't C Me", "Heartz Of Men", "Got My Mind Made Up", "Shorty Wanna Be A Thug", "Ain't Hard 2 Find", "Run Tha Streetz", "Picture Me Rollin", "When We Ride", "Thug Passion", "Heaven Ain't Hard 2 Find", and "How Do U Want It". CD

Include music by Kurtis Blow, Sugarhill Gang, Treacherous Three, Eric B. & Rakim, Too $hort, Roxanne Shante, Naughty By Nature, Biz Markie, Public Enemy, 3rd Bass, Black Sheep, Onyx, Method Man, Wu-Tang Clan, Common, Busta Rhymes, 2Pac, and more! CD

Sweet and gritty soul from D'Angelo – who takes a huge step into deeper territory on Voodoo – and it's one of the most monumental records of its time! On one level, Voodoo works as a nicely stripped-down session with a very classic soul feel. Gone are the overzealous flourishes that sometimes overwhelmed his earlier songs, and in their place are some sweetly crafted vocal parts with a classic Marvin Gaye/Al Green feel. That warmth is probably what made Voodoo a massive popular success – but what makes it such a creative triumph are the darker undercurrents – hinting at a troubled soul struggling for spiritual truth. One of the rare cases in popular music when great art became music for the masses! Titles include "Left & Right (feat Method Man & Redman)", "The Line", "Spanish Joint", "Africa", "Feel Like Makin Love", "The Root", "Playa Playa", "Devil's Pie", and "Greatdayndamornin/Booty". CD

Ghostface's follow up to Supreme Clientele – a career benchmark of a predecessor to live up to, no doubt about that – and the Ghost does just with that with Bulletproof Wallets! It's a strong, deep cut above a lot of the Wu work of the later 90s and early 00s – with some tracks like "Ghost Showers" being straight up classic level track, along with others like "Never Be The Same Again" with Raekwon and Carl Thomas – and all-in-all, this one holds up well after all these years. Other titles include "Flowers" with Method Man & Superb, "Jealousy", "The Juks" feat Trife & Superb, "Walking Through Darkness" feat Takitha, "The Hilton", "Ice" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

With The Dogg Pound and Method Man. 12-inch, Vinyl record

A pair of classic albums from The Undisputed Truth! First up is Method To The Madness – a gem from the second chapter of the group – that time when they stepped away from Motown, and followed producer/creator Norman Whitfield to his own label in California! The shift of record companies also marks a cool shift in styles too – an approach that still has all the bold, bassy elements you'd know from the earlier hits – but one that also has some fuller, more cosmic elements too! The set begins with a weird electronic spoken number that's almost experimental – then brings up the bass for a bit of heavy funk, while also using electric elements in a way that really points the way to sounds that other big funk groups would cop at the start of the 80s – but which really sound fresh here. Titles include "Sunshine", "Take A Vacation From Life (And Visit Your Dreams)", "Life Ain't So Easy", "You + Me = Love", "Cosmic Contact", "Hole In The Wall", and "Let's Go Down To The Disco". Smokin has them still going strong with Whitfield, in a groove that's every bit as wonderful as their early years! There's a killer mix of funk and deeper soul here that few other acts could handle this well – a way of hitting the flashy funk of Sly & The Family Stone or Graham Central Station – but also not falling into any showbiz traps, either – in a mode that really his the group not only respecting the role of each member, but also working together in a very cohesive way on the album. The result is a great little set that balances funky grooves with some excellent cosmic soul cuts – supported by great session work from giants like Wah Wah Watson, Walt Downing, and Jack Ashford. Titles include "Show Time", "Space Machine", "I Can't Get Enough Of Your Love", "Misunderstood", "Sandman", "Atomic Funk", and "Talkin To The Wind". CD

A killer classic from the second chapter of the Undisputed Truth – that time when the group stepped away from their Motown home, and followed producer/creator Norman Whitfield to his own label in California! The shift of record companies also marks a cool shift in styles too – an approach that still has all the bold, bassy elements you'd know from the earlier hits – but one that also has some fuller, more cosmic elements too – which are hinted at by the image on the cover! The set begins with a weird electronic spoken number that's almost experimental – then brings up the bass for a bit of heavy funk, while also using electric elements in a way that really points the way to sounds that other big funk groups would cop at the start of the 80s – but which really sound fresh here in the hands of Undisputed Truth. Titles include "Sunshine", "Take A Vacation From Life (And Visit Your Dreams)", "Life Ain't So Easy", "You + Me = Love", "Cosmic Contact", "Hole In The Wall", and "Let's Go Down To The Disco". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the most unique books we've ever gotten from John Corbett – an author who's given us some fantastic music writing over the years! This book is completely different – not written, but "salvaged" – as the contents are a lost manuscript from the early 30s – one that offers up a rundown of 140 different figures in the Chicago mob – some famous, some obscure – all written in this sharp style that's very to the point! The anonymous author offers no judgement in most cases, but provides a surprising amount of detail on each figure – from territory covered, to methods, to some of their important crimes – and their fates, if they ended up dead or in jail. The original manuscript is reproduced here exactly as it was found in a Chicago junk shop by Corbett – yellowed, brittle pages, each given a large page reproduction, with original typeface and typos – which makes it feel like you're handling the whole thing yourself. Corbett provides an introduction to the material – and then at the end, the book has some very cool features – a collection of all the locations referenced in the pages, 400 in all, most of which are presented on a pull-out map of Chicago that comes with the book! 232 pages, softcover, in full color. Book

A contemporary album on the legendary South African jazz label As Shams, and one that really continues the strong legacy of sounds it began in the 70s! The tracks have this long, building approach – strong rhythms at the core headed by pianist Kyle Shepherd, which are topped with work on saxes from Marc Stucki and trombone from Andreas Tschopp – both European players, who bring in some nicely modern inflections to the music, and maybe a slight touch of improvisation! Other group members include Shane Cooper on bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums – and titles include "Future Past", "The Storm That Guides You", "Porcupine", "Like A Leafe On A Tree", "All The Flame", "Radha III", "Kudu Chant", and "Method Of Moments". LP, Vinyl record album

As with many of the Chuck Berry full LPs for Chess, this one's filled with some great obscure material that always gets eclipsed by Chuck's big hits. Despite the idea that these would be "new jukebox hits", the material has an approach that was probably a bit too hard for radio, but that's ok with us! Titles include "13 Question Method", "Don't You Lie To Me", "The Way It Was Before", "Away From You", "I'm Talking About You", and "Stop & Listen". LP, Vinyl record album