Troubleneck Brothers "Love/Hate" (Album Release)

Love/Hate combines several demo tracks from the Troubleneck Brothers' early-to-mid 90's tapes including instant classics such as "Back 2 The Hip Hop". Hailing from New York's Harlem and Uptown, the crew consisting of Soundwave, Moetown, Prophet, Blunt, Stepchild, Shaft and Nat 1 created some heavy buzz on the underground scene with their classic East Coast sound. Man, "Troubleneck Wreck" was one of my favorite pieces of vinyl back in the 90s. This release includes a demo version of that track and many others. Their early joints were released on StepSun Music Entertainment, whose parent label was Tommy Boy Records. Bill Stephney had a real ear for music. It's nice to see these rare demo joints unearthed from the Troubleneck Brothers, listen to it via 90s Tapes below...

Evidence "Nothing Stays In Las Vegas" (7", Vinyl)

On the heels of Evidence's latest collaborative album with Domo Genesis, "Intros, Outros & Interludes," the West Coast producer/MC releases a 7" vinyl offering titled, "Nothing Stays In Las Vegas." The track is produced by long-time friend and collaborator, The Alchemist. As expected, the chemistry is top notch and it's a beautifully cinematic track. The vinyl comes with the instrumental and is limited to 500 copies, along with a promotional matchbook that is sold separately or as a bundle. I consider Evidence to be one of the most talented artists to emerge from the underground as part of Dilated Peoples -- Whether it's photography, on the beats or in the booth, Ev has consistently made art the focal point of all his offerings. Having crossed paths on numerous occasions, I also consider him to be a stand-up dude, and have nothing but respect for him. I highly recommend supporting this latest effort, click HERE to place an order via Bigger Picture Recordings.

The Low End Theory 30th Anniversary (7" Collection)

Originally released 30 years ago on September 24, 1991, A Tribe Called Quest's second studio album is regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time! From "Check The Rhime" to the posse cut "Scenario," the trio of Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad deliver jazzy hip-hop beats and rhymes like butter. To commemorate the 30 year anniversary, Get On Down is proud to present this exclusive limited-edition 7-inch box set. The full album is presented on 8 small hole uniquely colored 7" records with 2 bonus tracks. Five of the 7-inch records are housed in custom picture sleeves that form the iconic album cover along with 3 replicas of the original 12-inch singles that were released. The 7" collection is housed in a deluxe, fabric-wrapped 45 singles carrying case, with 360-degree original album art and custom inner wrapped ATCQ logo graphics and group photo. This fine collector's box set is available now for pre-order - I get absolutely nothing from promoting it; I just think it's that dope! To this day, this remains one of my favorite all-time albums!

DJ Shok Presents "Hi-Tech's Golden Era Singles" (EP Stream)

Here's the first ever anthology release of Yonkers MC Hi-Tech's golden era 12" joints. The release includes 8 tracks, along with the instrumental versions. The production is handled by DJ Shok and Jay Biz and will be available on 2LP vinyl, CD, cassette and digital. If you've been following the blogs over the years going back to my very first site, I've been pushing Hi-Tech's music and DJ Shok's classic production for years. "4 Degrees For The Streets" is still one of the best B-side tracks to come from the underground, independent scene in the 90s, but you'll also recognize "24/7," "Book of Life," "All Time Einstein" and more as well. Big ups to DJ Shok, who has a dope catalog you should already be familiar with. Pick up a copy of this limited release and check Tech's technique below...

Wee Bee Foolish "This Kid" (12", 2001)

Wee Bee Foolish are an alternative hip hop group with members Ken Boogaloo, Yeshua DapoED, DJ Bless and semi-official member producer Xtraordinaire. All four members hail from Brighton Beach, Brooklyn in New York. All of their releases have been on the Head Bop music label. They have cited other New York artists such as the Native Tongues Posse, Boogie Down Productions and Juice Crew as influences. To date they have released albums in 2002, "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and 2007's Underdog. Arguably my favorite song from Brighton Beach Memoirs, "This Kid," was released as a 12" in 2001 with distribution through Fat Beats. It's an underground favorite and did well in stores like Fat Beats during that independent run in NYC. Yesh released "Into Fresh Things" on Ill Boogie Records a year later and has remained a popular figure in the underground since back in 1996 with Fondle 'Em. Peace to the good brother Pocho, too. Revisit the underground gem, "This Kid," below...

Danja Mowf "Question" (12", 1996)

Danja Mowf is a co-founder of the nationally recognized hip-hop crew The SupaFriendz. In 1996 he produced “Vowel Movement,” a classic hip-hop 12″ single that put the Supa crew on the map with his own joint on the B-Side. His 1997 debut solo release “Word of Mowf” received critical acclaim for it’s introspective and artistic depth. In 1999, Danja received national exposure again while appearing alongside Aaliyah on the remix of her hit “Are You That Somebody.” Now Danja runs a media company servicing creative radio, television, film, web and and print advertising. He is happily married with three sons and enjoys coaching, traveling and community service. Below is his 12" from 1996 entitled "Question" with "Jack & Da Weedstalk" and "Dangerous" on the B-Side. Peace to VA. Listen...

Combined Operation "Sessions EP" (Reissue, 2019)

I was not expecting to see a re-issue of this underground Chicago gem: Combined Operation's "Sessions" EP from 1998. I'd written about this record - mostly for the cut "Basic Instincts" - back in '06 and got some great feedback on it, but, unfortunately, like so many other records from that era, I never had much information to share about the group. That is, until now: Combined Operation aka Co Op, consisted of 6 eMCees: Melo, Stimulis, Polaris, Skeyo, Majek, and Dash. The entire EP was produced by Drift, whose style set the tempo for the record with its gritty boombap soundscapes. The LP and CDs are now available in limited quantities, with full analog remastering. The artwork was hand-drawn by Andrey 'Bioniq' Glushchenko and commissioned by the good folks at Back 2 Da Source Records for this release. Props to them for giving the EP new life, along with some great people in the underground who continue to champion rare, independent hip-hop from the 90s. Special shout-out to UnikOne, who already had audio of my favorite track off it and was instrumental in tracking down much of the info included in the blurb for the EP. Visit his blog HERE.

Killa Kidz "In The Mental" (Demos EP)

The owner of Chopped Herring Records says, "So, True Force aka Tirrell (Killa Kidz old manager and exec producer) hits me and says “Bob, I found more DATs!!!”. “No shit?” I said. And then the files started to come. Multiple versions and recordings of unheard and unreleased material from the early days of Queensbridge’s dopest undercover crew. Included was the 1995 bomb and first ever group recording “In The Mental”, the title of this excellent follow up to 2013’s “1996-1997 Phenomenon EP” on Chopped Herring. In total we received 7 joints from 1995-1997 off the original studio DAT’s. There are only 350 copies pressed, so try to get ya'self one, ASAP. Hit up the tags for more information about the Killa Kidz, and as always, R.I.P. Killa Sha! Listen to the snippets below.

Thrust "Past, Present, Future" (EP, Reissue)

"Christopher “Thrust” France (born July 8, 1976) may be best remembered for his verse on the Rascalz classic, DJ Kemo produced “Northern Touch“, featuring Canadian notables Choclair and Kardinal Offishall. But his legacy stretches much further than a dope 12” or a couple of popular music videos. Living in Toronto – Thrust’s home and arguably the center of mainstream “urban” culture in Canada – it’s clear that the man’s incredibly popular. Little known fact: Thrust appeared in a 1990 Kids in the Hall skit (he was 15 at the time) and for the past few years, he has served as a music instructor, teaching hip hop production (as well as the occasional history lesson) at Harris College. He is probably the youngest Canadian hip hop artist to date and gained much of his hip hop identity from the source – summers in New York City circa late ‘80s-early-‘90s. With the exception of some pioneers: Michie Mee, Maestro, Dream Warriors and a handful of others, few in Canada were making rap music or breaking into the U.S. market, getting radio play or making a living on it. In the days before broadband and before everybody and their best-friend’s homie rapped or made beats, hip hop in Canada only played on a few select radio stations across the country. This is the environment where Thrust came up in, which makes him a significant figure – even if you can’t name one of his albums." Thrust's "Past, Present, Future" EP was originally released in 1995. It is now being re-issued on vinyl and CD from Smoke On Records. The limited edition copies can be purchased HERE. Additionally, click HERE for a nice video interview with Thrust for more info.

The hype sticker on the original vinyl EP from '95...

Storm Troopz Corps "Basick Trainin" (Vinyl, 1998)

This one has been circulating since my first blog in the mid-2000s, but guess how much new information I have about this release? None! It's not talked about much, nor posted too heavy online, which is unfortunate. That said, Storm Troopz Corps independently released "Basick Trainin'" on 12" and cassette single in 1998. It's not a flawless record, but the Full Metal Jacket intro and the hard beat always caught my attention. The tape and vinyl include dirty, clean and instrumental versions of "Basick Trainin" and the vocal version of "This Is War" on the B-Side. I couldn't dig up the 12", but I'm filing it under "Vinyl" because it fits with similar 90s gems in that section of the site.

Run DMC "Down With The King" (Reissue, 2018)

Officially licensed reissue of the 1993 Pete Rock produced Golden Era classic featuring guest rhymes from Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Original Artwork by Ricky Also, who shares, "I love record sleeves that have a bit of a story behind them, I used to spend hours checking out every detail on every vinyl I brought, and you could always tell which covers were created with love, they would have that extra level of detail and story behind them. Down with the King is such a dope release, it still sounds as fresh as it did when it was first came out in the early 90’s. I wanted to create a cover design that looked as fresh as the record sounds, but also had that nod back to its past and the original sleeve design. The original sleeve shows Run, JMJ & DMC sat on a fenced wall in front of a graveyard and church. After a fair amount of research, a few educated guesses and a lot of routing through street view maps I found the same church on Jamaica Ave, Hollis, Queens NY. I was then able to create a broader view of the scene and show JMJ floating above the graveyard and Run and DMC still in the same position on the fence. It felt like a nice story to be able to tell, it reflects the history and roots of the group and almost gives the song a new perspective now that the legend Jam Master Jay is no longer with us." Revisit this classic track and instrumental below...

Senswif "Elevation" (12", 1997)

Representin' Queens, New York - specifically Flushing - Senswif was formed in 1995 by GodSen and Born Swif. In 1997, they released their only 12" vinyl with "Elevation" on the A-Side and "Maintain" on the B-Side. It was released independently on their own Lah Lah Music label. At the time and even now, I get Cormega-like vibes from the record, and you can tell it reps Queens out the gate. Their melodic flows fit right over the production for "Elevation" by Lord C. Black. The credits state there was an album entitled "Alpha & Omega," but to the best of my knowledge, it was never released. 

Mekolicious "Unsigned Hype" (The Source, 12/97)

Mekolicious was featured in The Source's Unsigned Hype back in December, 1997. His white label 12" was released under the name Meccalicious and included the dope tracks "Hope The World Don't Stop" and "How You Feel" with production from fellow Mount Vernon resident, the Soul Brother No.1, Pete Rock. Prior to that, he was on a remix to INI's "Fakin Jax," as well as records with Rob-O and various loosies that were unreleased, alternate mixes or later released officially by Pete Rock without him on it. Between the years 1994 and the early 2000s, Pete Rock had his own label titled Soul Brother Records. The label returned more recently to co-release some of his more recent records, but it was during those early years that Pete Rock was producing for Mekolicious. I'd say close to 10-12 records in total, all produced by Pete Rock. There were light rumors that EPs and other 12" pressings were done, but I've yet to lay eyes on them, except for a 7" that BBE and HipHopSite put out in the early 2000s with a self-titled record, also produced by Pete Rock. This is definitely another case of what coulda been? I hope you'll be interested enough to dig up more!

Chrome Rebels 'Escape From Irak' (12", 1997)

Out of Lefrak City, Queens, this is the 1997 vinyl release from Chrome Rebels, ‘Escape From Irak,’ on Coptic Soundstations. The track was produced by Coptic, who later did production on tracks with G.Depp, Puff, KRS; a record on Biggie’s ‘Born Again’ album, and others. The two eMCees, Mr. Chrome and Treb Rebel, released this single during a Queens heatwave, which saw releases like CNN's 'The War Report' in '97, Mobb Deep's 'Hell on Earth' the year prior, and plenty more from Nas, Nature, Trag, Noyd, etc. That was stiff competition for an independent release, but it had mixtape appeal. It's not impossible to track down a copy of the 12", but it may run you at least $25-30 unless it's at a thrift store, lol. The 12" comes on a generic sleeve with a newspaper-like print on the front. I grew up 10 minutes from Lefrak, so maybe I'm bias to all things Queens, but it's worth diggin' up - don't take my word for it, you can listen to the full 12" below. As always, if you have an update or more info on the artists, leave me a note in the comments (or on IG), and I'll check it out.

Chi-Ali "Roadrunner (Q-Tip's Puberty Mix)" (12", 1992)

The Fabulous Chi-Ali, Native Son of the Native Tongues. Yes, at the time of his release, he was 15-16 years old and the youngest member of the Native Tongues. Making early appearances with De La Soul & Black Sheep, he later released his first solo single in 1992 with 'Age Ain't Nothing But a #.' Ali had 2 follow-up singles with 'Roadrunner' and 'Funky Lemonade' found on his debut album with Relativity, 'The Fabulous Chi-Ali.' Production on the album was handled mostly by The Beatnuts & Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep, with features from Dres (Black Sheep), Trugoy (De La Soul), Fashion (The Beatnuts) & Phife Dawg (ATCQ). My favorite Chi-Ali track was a Q-Tip remix of 'Roadrunner' - ironically called the 'Puberty Mix' - which was not included on the album. The track was released on vinyl, CD and cassette with Chris Lighty & Violator added to the fold. Chi-Ali's career was cut short by a manslaughter charge, manhunt and eventual spot on America's Most Wanted - he was caught 14 months later and received a 12-year sentence. He served his years and I saw him down in Atlanta not long after his release. He's since put out a few singles, done a few features/remixes, but above all else, I'm sure he's just enjoying his freedom. Happy 25th anniversary to the 'The Fabulous Chi-Ali' album. It's out of print now, but you can certainly still find copies on Discogs. Listen to the 12"...

Innersoul ‘It’s The Right Time’ (12", 1996)

This is a fresh 12" from Innersoul out of Harlem, on Mix-It-Up Records. In June of '96, Billboard magazine reviewed ‘It’s The Right Time’ saying: ‘Innersoul, aka newcomer Chris Sawyer, sets himself as a source of positivity on this call for the rise of youth education and empowerment. Wise and clever rhymes are woven into a musical fabric that wriggles with retro-funk rhythm and atmospheric, jazz-spiked keyboards. DJ Choco steps forward with a remix that has a raw street-flavor needed to connect with its intended audience of kids and rap purists. And for the rest who just who something smart and catchy, stick with Carlos Bess’ tight original production. A cool introduction to a rapper with the juice to go the full distance.’ The song is also featured on Innersoul’s debut ‘The Theory,’ a gem I recommend diggin' up. You can listen to the full 12" below...

L The Head Toucha "Too Complex" (The Source 4/97)

"Worcester, Massachusetts' L The Head Toucha is an MC whose stylistic flourishes gain inspiration from the sophisticated poetics of contemporaries like Organized Konfusion and The Roots. Slickly produced by one of hip-hop's most slept-on beat-teams, The Vinyl Reanimators, this single provides more than ample spotlight time for L's breathy timbre, enabling "Too Complex" to live up to its title without losing us in overindulgences: "To MC the art of rhyming should be pure and natural / When I think of all these ill skills international / See my words and actions will / Attract the steel like a magnet / N!ggas is stagnant / And incomplete like fragments." Scratch-ins from Trugoy's verse on De La's "The Bizness" are just the cherry on top of this charmingly subtle bounce track ... Endowed with the abilities to finance the utilities, L's debut suggests 'nuff potential. May the world be his." - Chairman Mao (Sure Shot Singles / The Source: April, 1997). Listen to the "Too Complex" single... 

Nine "When The Shit Hits The Fan" (12", 1996)

"Boogie Down major like Nine..." This is a white label 12" from '96 by one of the Bronx's most vocally recognizable MCs, Nine. Born on 9/19/1969, Nine played a big role in the sound of the 90s - his certified classic 'Nine Livez' and the people's choice 'Cloud Nine' were played until the tapes popped. Getting an early start on records with The Masters of Funk and Funkmaster Flex, his voice was destined be heard as a solo artist. It's a shame that label issues at Profile/Arista got a hold of him, because new artists were ushered in sporting his style ('A lot of rappers wore my style like an overcoat') and we started to hear Nine less and less. That said, his latest project, '1999,' was released last year on Smoke On Records, so he's still out here making strong moves! Taking it back to 1996, the full 12" for 'When The Shit Hits The Fan' is available to stream below, def give it a listen...

Big Dro & Zinndeadly "Choose One" (12", 2001)

I'll admit, I grabbed this single because of the feature from Mystic; the Oakland MC and songstress, who brought us 'Scars for Luck & Cuts for Freedom' in 2000. I've also supported nearly all the releases on the GoodVibe Recordings label, so it wasn't a big leap that I'd enjoy this single from Big Dro & Zinndeadly too. The 12" came out in 2001, with cuts from DJ Drez and additional features from 427, Phil Da Agony & Planet Asia on the B-Side joint, 'Three O'Clock Rhyme Session.' Zinndeadly handled production on both tracks. Looking into his catalog, Big Dro had a total of 3x 12" releases that I could dig up, as well as being on the GoodVibe Recordings compilation in 2000. I think you'll like this joint as much as I do... so check out the full 12" below. Peace to my sis Mystic!

DJ Premier: Importance of Vinyl & Record Store Day (2009)

Happy Record Store Day! Conceived in 2007, we're now celebrating its 10th anniversary! There's a bunch of great exclusive releases this year; I personally recommend that Slick Rick 7", CD & Children's Book from Get On Down; I mentioned it HERE. Going back 8 years, I interviewed DJ Premier in the cramped back office of Fat Beats on Record Store Day, 2009. He'd just finished signing autographs and hyping for Talib Kweli, who also came through and kicked some freestyles; see that video HERE. I edited the original interview down from a wider discussion on music to focus in on DJ Premier's views on the importance of Vinyl in the culture; Record Store Day, and what stores like Fat Beats - as well as the opinion-leaders behind the scenes - mean to the community. I also kept (and poorly edited) Premo discussing how one of the 48 Laws of Power ("Reputation is the cornerstone of Power") explained his journey in music so well that he tattooed it on his arm. Excuse the video quality, I lost the OG files. Art by Kwills. Go buy something at your local spot!