Juno Recommends Hip Hop / R&B: 2024

Review: This one flew off the shelves so quickly, it's back in stock for a reissue in the very same year in which it was first released. Hot Plate Records owner and former Jurassic 5 DJ, Nu Mark, is no less prolific when it comes to his solo material, exercising his ability to draw in impromptu supergroups for mesmerising funk one-offs. For 'Pass The Courvoisier', Nu Mark enlisted a boorish band of fellow musicians, including Full Crate and Hassan Miniawa, to take the reigns on a strange selection of international instruments - from oud, to flugelhorn, to straws and nay - for an odd yet no less beguiling Pharrell Williams cover. On this reissue, though, it's revealed another cover was born of the same session: a X interpretation of Dead Prez' 'It's Bigger Than Hip-Hop'.

Review: Smoove AKA Jonathan Scott Watson brings us Bizarre Cut 'N' Paste Ride for the most recent Wack Records release. The producer is known for using his cut up style of east coast flavor. On the A-side, 'Bizarre Cut 'N' Paste Ride' uses Pharcyde tracks and edits them seamlessly like a DJ would. Focusing in on the original instrumentals, he creates a jazzy sound with them. 'Summer Cyde' expands upon this theme while using the all-time classic 'Passin Me By' in the mix. This is like having a dub plate of Pharcyde cuts to your own personal bag. Sounds like these will never get old.

Review: Jim Sharp presents his sophomore Mountain 45s release, following up the absolute banger of a debut, 'Westchester Eagle'. Coming full circle, we hear Sharp team back up with fellow producer Double A here; on the A we've got the latter's 'Iko (Never Felt This Way)', a fearless cross-section of big beat, Latin funk and sampled West African refrains, while Sharp helms up the B-side this time around, with a full-horseshoe'd rerub of an (ashamedly on our part) unknown funk delight.

Review: With the likelihood that these two legendary MCs would have ever shared credits on a release while alive being zero, this 7" A Don mash up is the closest we'll ever get to seeing these East and West coast feuds quelled musically. Featuring a smooth disco-funk reimagining of The Notorious B.I.G.'s 'Juicy' on the A-side, with a jazzy old school boom-bap rendition of Tupac's 'Thug Style' on the flip, this pair of edits traverse decades of musical history, progression, fusion and controversy in under ten minutes, while effortlessly bridging sonic gaps. Limited to just 200 copies, these will fly, so don't sleep.

Review: There are not many songs in the history of hip-hop that are more important than 'Hip-Hop Hooray'. The track single handedly helped catapult underground rap sounds into mainstream success. The song was a massive hit moving into the top ten on the Billboard and #1 on the hip-hop chart and with a memorable video directed by Spike Lee, it was in heavy rotation on every music and video platform. Naughty By Nature became household names and the single went on to sell platinum status. You could not escape this anthem of the streets. Now, the groundbreaking song is reissued on 7" for the first time in over 30 years.

Review: If you are a true boon-bap obsessive you will know that The U.M.C.'s 'One To Grow On' is a prime cut form that sounds heyday back in 1991. It sounds as good now though all these years later and is still the sort of dusty, infectious vibe that new school producers so often try and ape. You can't beat the OGs though and whether you go for the a-side with the hard bars or the more sunny and carefree flip with its sunny flutes and crisp breaks, then this is a 7" for you.

Review: Mantronix declared themselves 'King of The Beats' back in 1988 and managed to live up to the title across a fine career. The tune is of course widely credited with being the first track to ever sample the amen break so many art forms owe it a real debt of gratitude. Its blend of old school hip-hop, electro and club music is topped off with rapper MC Tee in fine form. This reissue on Lil Static comes in limited quantities and is backed with 'Get Stupid Fresh' (part 1), another classic joint from back in the day.

Review: More gold from the always in the know and on point 5 Boroughs label. Again here it digs into the vast annals of hip-hop history to come up with some still relevant gems in the form of Rakim and DJ Premier's staple 'It's Been a Long Time.' It is a classic boom-bap joint with lush strings and horns, some old-school scratching and cool bars. As walls, the label serves it up alongside the original sample source on the flip which is Cecil Holmes's languid soul slow burner 'Call Me, Come Back Home'. These plays shift in quick time so do not snooze if you want a slice.

Review: Throwdown Records throw down a fresh reissue of Ice Cube's stone cold classic 'You Know How We Do It', first released as a single from his fourth studio album Lethal Injection (1996). Emblematic of Cube's signature West Coast G-funk, this one's replete with the glissando'd whistles and smokey funk motifs we all know and love from the frozen rap hexahedron, who confidently assures us of us already knowing how he does it. There's no messing with Cube; the track appears alongside the original B flip '2 N The Morning', which ups the bombast to boomier, increasingly sexual nighttime ends.

Review: Suckaside, a creative artist with a deft touch in beat composition, sampling, and mashups, delivers a dynamic offering with Toxic Funk Vol 15. 'Sometimes Bootyful' is a piano-laden funk jam driven by a tight breakbeat that's both hip and infectious. The track seamlessly blends elements of house into its groove, making it accessible to pop fans while staying true to its funky roots. The addition of rap verses adds an extra layer of appeal, making this track a standout. Bringing in 90s funky rhythm vibes, 'Sugar Face' on the B-side cleverly incorporates hooks from D'Angelo's 'Brown Sugar.' This track is a 7" gem for funk and R&B lovers, combining nostalgic grooves with a modern twist.

Review: Junior Mafia consisted of Lil' Cease, Chico, Nino Brown, Larceny, Trife, MC Klepto, and Lil' Kim and hailed from Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York. Kickin records collects their two biggest hits and includes them on one 7". These two classics of New York hip-hop are guideposts for the history of the genre. Both of them feature the legend Notorious BIG himself. On side one you have the worldwide hit 'Players Anthem' then on side two there is the equally as large 'Get Money'. You could not escape these tracks in 1995. Hip-hop royalty!

Review: Originally released in 1993 as part of their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 'CREAM' epitomises the group's raw energy and streetwise storytelling, blending gritty lyricism with a haunting piano loop. Reflecting the harsh realities of inner-city life along with its infectious hook and vivid verses, it remains a standout track in the Wu-Tang Clan's legendary discography, revered by fans and critics alike for its authenticity and impact. For the B-side we get 'As Long As I've Got You' by The Charmels, a 1967 soul masterpiece that exudes timeless elegance and emotional depth and became the inspiration for Wu-Tang's groundbreaking hit.

Review: 'O.P.P.' by Naughty By Nature is an iconic hip-hop song that not only achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning platinum status, but broke barriers and became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s. The song's success helped Naughty By Nature establish themselves as a major force in hip-hop and contributed to their longevity in the industry. 'O.P.P.' continues to be celebrated and remembered, showing the group's ability to blend rough subject matter with catchy pop hooks, making it a timeless classic in the genre. The Hip-Hop movement was arguably the most important cultural movement in the 80s and 90s. Here you have one of its most important soundtracks.

Review: Hip Hop Classics delivers two back-to-back partystarters produced by the Neptunes (Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo) at the height of their dyadic powers. Emblematic of the pair's sparse, crisp hitmaking sound - a formula that would do well to score them many a hit from the late 1990s and into the 2000s - we're first met with 'Frontin', an ultra-crisp flirtation in sound that not only established Williams' personal gravitas, but also laid down his snowballing association with Jay Z; and the latter's 'La La La' on the B, a lesser-known gangsta cut by the hova on which a phat Reese takes centre stage.

Review: This is one of those albums that is for the real heads - a deep, dark, moody mix of new soul and hip-hop from the great vocalist you might well have recognised from Roni Size/Reprazent's seminal New Forms album. Released in 1996, it showcases Bahamadia's distinctive flow and insightful lyricism with tracks like 'Uknowhowwedu' and '3 the Hard Way' effortlessly navigating intricate beats and soulful samples to deliver messages of empowerment and introspection. As such the LP embodies the essence of 90s hip-hop in the way it blends jazz-infused production with Bahamadia's smooth delivery. As a pioneer for female MCs, Bahamadia's influence should reverberate through generations.

Review: Jim Sharp's Put It On The Line from Revamp records delivers two distinct takes on this compelling track, blending hip-hop and r&b influences with flair. Side-1 presents 'Put It On The Line,' a track rich in 70s soul with an urban edge. Its smooth piano lines and elegant strings are complemented by a robust beat, creating a classy track. Side-2 features 'I Shot Ya,' which reimagines the A-side's beat with a gritty hip hop twist. Channeling East Coast 90s vibes reminiscent of Craig Mack, this version injects the track with a fresh, rhythmic energy that contrasts beautifully with the soulful original.

Review: What can you say about this amazing album that has not been said before?! Originally released in 1996 and quickly becoming one of the most important pieces in the history of sampled music, its legacy continues to grow while Shadow remains the archetypal example of a crate digging producer. Everything from jazz, spoken word, hip-hop and more was sampled into this cornucopia of sound - in many ways the zenith of the impressive output of James Lavelle's revered Mo''Wax label - and you wouldn't be surprised if it ended up in the Smithsonian for what it has accomplished and meant to the scene.

Review: Altered Tapes and DJ Platurn have teamed up for the next instalment in the Heat Rock series, taking on one of Marvin Gaye's most iconic soundtracks. It's already staple, but Side A sees Altered Tapes flipping the original into an even more break-heavy version, turning up the intensity with relentless drums and a sharp, percussive edge. The result is something that'll keep people on their toes, bringing an unmistakable punch to Marvin's already rhythm-driven classic. Meanwhile, Platurn's Side B remix stays a bit closer to the original, offering an extended version that's stemmed out for maximum DJ control. It's a more faithful reworking but still comes with extra flavourimore bounce, more groove, and more of the kind of energy you'd wish the original had packed. Perfect for DJs looking to keep the crowd moving, it's the sort of version you can build a set around, each element carefully considered to bring out the best in Marvin's timeless sound. Whether you're after a break-heavy flip or a DJ-friendly rework, this release has you covered.

Review: Curated by the legendary producer Arthur Baker, Breakers Revenge is a comprehensive compilation of original funk, soul, Latin, disco and electro tracks from 1970-1984. These tracks, ranging from well-known classics to hidden gems, have become legendary in the world of breakdancing. Featuring seminal tracks like Dennis Coffey's 'Scorpio', The Jimmy Castor Bunch's 'It's Just Begun' and Afrika Bambaataa's groundbreaking 'Planet Rock', this collection embodies the essence of breakdancing culture. The percussive breakdowns and infectious beats of these tracks have not only been the soundtrack to countless block parties and park jams but have also been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists and producers. With extensive liner notes and track-by-track breakdowns, Breakers Revenge is perfect time capsule for fans of breakdancing, hip-hop and music enthusiasts.

Review: The 45 Kings return with Vol 12, delivering two essential cuts from Nas's legendary Illmatic album. On Side-1, 'N.Y. State of Mind' captures the raw spirit of New York with its darker, jazz-influenced beats, perfectly complementing Nas's gritty lyrical flow. Side-2 features 'Represent'. a timeless track, exuding class with its sharp production and quintessential boom-bap vibe. Both tracks showcase why Illmatic is hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time. This 45 is perfect for any vinyl collector or fan of classic hip-hop, encapsulating the golden era with two undeniable gems from Nas's breakthrough masterpiece.

Review: LL Cool J returns with The Force, his first album in 11 years. This new project, his 14th studio record, marks a significant evolution in his career. The album features production by Q-Tip and boasts collaborations with Eminem, Saweetie, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg and Fat Joe, among others. LL Cool J describes The Force as a fresh start, saying he relearned how to rap and aimed to strip away excess to focus on meaningful content. With tracks like 'Murdergram Deux' and 'Proclivities,' the album delves into themes of self-motivation and bold expression. Notably, 'Huey in the Chair' and 'Basquiat Energy' celebrate icons of personal conviction. The Force stands as a testament to LL Cool J's enduring relevance and innovative spirit in hip-hop.

Review: Manchester producer Atomphunk's collaboration with Seattle duo Mugs and Pockets, featuring DJ Deviant, is a standout summer release. 'Summer Jam' is a vibrant track with a popping funk bass line and lively rhymes that evoke the spirit of the Native Tongues, blended seamlessly with the Grand Central/Fat City groove and the West Coast bounce of Jurassic 5. This track is poised to be Regulate's biggest hit yet. On the flip side, 'Back For More' takes a more laid-back approach, with Atomphunk crafting a synth-driven groove perfect for those hot, sticky summer days. Crisp beats and Pockets' (from MAP) smooth delivery make this tracka great blend of funk, hip-hop and groove.

Review: This all-star collaboration features SlimKid3 from Pharcyde, Hamburg DJ and producer Schmiddlfinga as well as DMC Champion DJ Robert Smith. The uplifting party track 'One Question' is result of their talents. This jam gives off a classic 90s sound with the sampling, scratching and production. All three members work in harmony to create an amazing jam for the summer. If this gets in the right hands, expect it to blow up. Jim Sharp on the remix offers a great alternative version that hits just as hard. This 7" packs a punch for the hip-hop heads!

Review: TNT Vol 8 brings two powerhouse tracks from Nelly's debut album in 1999 to a 7" format on TNT Rap Classics. This hip-hop gem features 'Ride Wit Me' on Side-1, a collaboration with City Spud that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted in the top 10 internationally. The track, written by Nelly and Jason "Jay E" Epperson, creatively interpolates DeBarge's 'I Like It.' Side-2 features 'Country Grammar,' Nelly's debut single that introduced his signature style to the world. Written by Nelly and Epperson, this track reached number seven in both the U.S. and U.K. and made a significant impact globally. 'Country Grammar' incorporates a melody from the children's clapping game 'Down Down Baby,' and the clean version replaces explicit lyrics with radio-friendly alternatives. Hip-Hop enthusiasts, collectors and DJs should be excited about this wicked 45,

Review: Canada's hottest topic breaks, edits and golden era DJ, DJ Pump, links fellow firestarter Jim Sharp for a new collaborative add to a multifarious backlog of digitals and records. As ever, Pump and Sharp build on a predilection for soul and hip-hop edits, and craft an impressive two-track 7" from the sources so tapped. Both 'Haayaa!' and 'Oh My' revolve around distinct period cuts from 90s a la Missy Elliott or Ludacris; plus an encyclopaedic knowledge on the part of both artists makes itself manifest on the B-side's 'Oh My!', which particularly samples Tweet's 2002 'Oops Oh My', priming it for the wonkiest reinterpretive play.

Review: Legendary edit king, scalpel master and studio wizard Jorun Bombay is back with more of his expertly articulated remixes. This time his latest 7" comes on Soundweight and finds him reworking a live at Holls Park version of 'Tougher.' It is super short but sweet with raw, bumping breaks, backspins, sleazy vocals and early-era electro stabs. On the flip is 'Who's House' (Iive At Hollis Park version - Jorun Bombay remix) which is a smoother, deep hip-hop roller with feel-good horns and plenty of characterful scratching. Two different but equally effective new joints from Jorun.

Review: Another Record Store Day gem here, this time that looks to the golden era of hip-hop and one of its many classic tracks. It finds B-Boy and Empire Slate present a true gem from 1987 that is well and truly deserving of all the plaudits it has had over the years. The original mix is a masterpiece that has never before been released on a 7" format, but that wrong is now righted after 35 years. It has been condensed to fit on a '45 but retains all the glorious and fluid rap that defined the original, all freshly remastered for 2024 on heavyweight wax.

Review: Westside Gunn's latest project, Hitler Wears Hermes 8, shows his adeptness as a curator rather than a central figure. The confrontationally prolific Buffalo rapper strategically incorporates dynamic guest appearances throughout both halves of the album, allowing them to shine while he takes a more subdued role. Gunn's writing exhibits moments of brilliance throughout. The album's smart sequencing and near-uniform excellence of guest verses highlight Gunn's skill as an A&R, with interludes further enhancing the album's atmosphere. While each half of the project leans heavily on collaborators and mise-en-scene, the overall result is a supremely competent yet somewhat forgettable addition to Gunn's discography. Notable moments include standout tracks like 'TV Boy,' where Gunn's delivery shines amidst grimey production, and collaborations with Mach-Hommy, showing their chemistry.

Review: In 1991, A Tribe Called Quest released The Low End Theory, a groundbreaking album that solidified their status as hip-hop legends. Building on the jazz-infused sound of their debut, the album featured sparse grooves and expertly chosen bass samples, with jazz bassist Ron Carter contributing to 'Verses from the Abstract.' DJ Ali Shaheed Muhammad's minimalistic approach allowed Q-Tip and Phife Dawg's lyrical prowess to shine, showcasing their clever wordplay, humor, and social commentary. Tracks like 'Butter' and 'The Infamous Date Rape' addressed misogyny, while 'Rap Promoter' and 'Show Business' critiqued the music industry. The album's production is consistently smooth, with standout tracks such as 'Check The Rhime' and 'Jazz (We've Got).' The posse cut 'Scenario,' featuring Leaders of the New School, is a legendary closer. The album's influence on hip-hop is undeniable, inspiring future artists like Kendrick Lamar and Outkast. The Low End Theory remains relevant and refreshing, a testament to Tribe's creativity and unflappable style. It's a masterful blend of thought-provoking lyrics and impeccable production, making it one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

Review: First released in 2004, Mf Doom's 'Mm..Food' is a critically acclaimed hip-hop classic that stands out for its imaginative production and clever lyricism. The album weaves food-themed metaphors into sharp social commentary, creating a unique narrative full of humor and depth. Tracks like 'Beef Rapp' explore the glorification of conflict, while 'Hoe Cakes' and 'One Beer' touch on themes of indulgence and escapism. Celebrating the 20th anniversary, this reissue is available on 2xLP galaxy vinyl, with all-new artwork by Sam Rodriguez, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of Doom's singular creative vision.

Review: Loma Vista proudly present the latest full-length album by Common, one of the so-called 'conscious' hip-hop scene's earliest progenitor. Here, the rapper teams up with fellow wordsmith and DJ Pete Rock - whom the former refers to as "one of The Greatest Creators Hip Hop and Music has ever seen" (capitalisations not going unnoticed) - for a 15-track meditation on the proverbial theatre: the setting in which the fantastical drama of hip-hop takes place. Never having worked together before, Common and Rock roll out an uncommon compendium, fulfilling in particular Common's dream of working with an antecedent great. Mid-album scratch-fests like 'All Kind Of Ideas' evoke golden-days hip-hop nostalgia through their easy, boppy grooves and images of hustling and "cooking up", while 'Wise Up' and 'Dreamin'' move more textural and vinyl-crackly with things, musing equally on the requisites of leg-breaking performance. A glisteningly soulful album, invoking the glabrous power of street dreams.

Review: Son of Todd Osborn (Soundmurderer/Ghostly) Kaito Ian makes a hugely impressing first outing on the Galaxy Sound Co label with a series of lo-fi hip-hop beat-strumentals that cannot fail to get your head nodding. He is a dedicated music lover and skater with a deep knowledge of his craft and that shows here with some refined sounds starting with the soul drenched 'Revert', then on to the warped angelic vocal samples of 'Sequoia' and the percussive jumbled and scratching of 'Trek'. 'Wait Up' is another excellently blissed out joint and 'Sloan' is a sunny, laid back, lazy vibe to close down a superb EP.

Review: JPEGMAFIA's Veteran is a confrontational and glitchy masterpiece, both musically and politically charged. Drawing inspiration from Ol' Dirty Bastard's experimentalism, the album delves into themes of racism, gentrification, and internet culture with unapologetic fervor. Entirely self-produced, the album showcases JPEGMAFIA's adept ability to use of sound and texture, weaving together frayed elements into a cohesive and atmospheric whole. Tracks like 'Baby I'm Bleeding' and 'Panic Emoji' exemplify the album's sonic chaos, with distortion and fragmentation used percussively and melodically. JPEGMAFIA's delivery is equally dynamic, seamlessly transitioning between singing and rapping, often on the same track. His lyrical prowess shines on 'Williamsburg,' where he paints a vivid portrait of gentrification's cold and industrial reality. JPEGMAFIA's music remains firmly rooted in his unique perspective, making Veteran a breathless and essential addition to the hip-hop landscape.

Review: The Ultramagnetic MCs, a pioneering hip-hop group from the Bronx, NYC, are celebrated for their innovative sampling, complex rhymes, and surreal lyrical style. Founded by Kool Keith, the group also includes Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love, with Tim Dog joining unofficially in 1989. Their track 'A Chorus Line,' initially the B-side of a single, quickly became one of their standout hits, introducing Tim Dog to the scene, while the instrumental from 'A Chorus Line' was later reworked for Tim Dog's controversial debut single, 'F--- Compton,' produced by Ced Gee, which played a significant role in igniting the East Coast/West Coast rivalry of the 1990s. This 7" release features both parts 1 and 2 of 'A Chorus Line,' offering a glimpse into the early days of Ultramagnetic MCs and their influential role in hip-hop history, capturing the raw energy and groundbreaking creativity that defined their legacy.

Review: El Michels Affair have made their name on their connection to Wu-Tang, kicking off with the essential Enter The 37th Chamber tribute back in 2009. Now Fat Beats are devoting a run of 7" releases to some of the strongest joints from that album, where iconic beats from the wider Wu-Tang universe get rendered as smoky, jazz-funk master pieces which sound so good rolling at 45 rpm on their own side of wax. On this particular entry, ODB's 'Shimmy Shimmy Ya' gets the treatment, with a children's choir-rap evocation of the lead hook that will turn heads on its own. On the flip it's Raekwon's 'Incarcerated Scarfaces', which sounds utterly essential played out by a live band.

Review: Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth are a big part of the history in hip-hop during the early 90s. Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York they released two classic albums and a handful of singles to great success. A regular selection on the very influential MTV Yo-Raps show they quickly gained notoriety for Pete Rock's use of obscure soul and jazz records. Here we have the reissue of the 2017 release that brings their most popular track to the masses once again. 'They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)' blew them up big and was their highest charting record. This 7" features the Altered Tapes remix along with the instrumental on the second side. You would be hard pressed to find another track that is the epitome of the New York hip-hop sound in 1992 then this mega-hit.

Review: Reggie Ray's latest release, timed with the Paris '24 Olympics Breaking event, pays homage to street culture with a heartfelt record. With intricate production and a nod to New York '72, it's a fitting tribute to DJ Regal's innovative spirit. The artwork by Optic Intake adds visual depth, resonating with the energy of the FBV Crew and the late Paul Eve's enduring influence. Released by Lexington144 Records, this EP blends nostalgia with contemporary beats, showcasing Reggie Ray's mastery in crafting dynamic, street-inspired tracks. A poignant note honors Eve's legacy, promising future releases from Lexington 144 Records. This release not only celebrates breaking culture but also tells about the enduring impact of its creators.

Review: DJ Deviant's 7" single is a nod to classic hip-hop with a modern twist. 'The Rhythm' on Side-1 is a funky, horn-laden track layered over B-boy breaks, delivering a sound that's sure to get the party started. On the flip side, 'Make Em Bounce' offers a mid-tempo groove with '90s hip-hop vocals, horn stabs, and boom bap drum breaks, creating a vibe that will make you move. This single is great for DJs and 45 enthusiasts, blending nostalgia with contemporary beats in a way that's both familiar and fresh.

Review: EDdits master DJ Bacon returns for two of his boxiest yet on the usual 7". Bacon's production style betrays a kind of Buddhist mindfulness, or at least a minimalism, in its approach; all you need is a good beat, ever-so-slightly abstracted from its original context, to arouse the excitations of both mind and body. The fact of not knowing the sample's origin is part of the art; this condition of not knowing fetishises the breakbeat, by partially obfuscating knowledge of where the sample came from. Titles like 'Sardines Is The Word' and 'TF Megamix' are likely coded allusions to these original desiderata, but only the most hardened connoisseurs, a secret club in which Bacon and a select few others surely fraternise, would know exactly which sample sources these are. Thus we have the continued recreation of DJ Bacon as a purveyor of cool; one which enables us to enjoy the slick roundedness of these beats more than we would if the game was given away.

Review: Common and Pete Rock are two towering behemoths in the hip-hop world. Rock is best known for his instinctive and distinctive beat making style and for plenty of seminal tunes which showcase that, while Common is the next level lyricist, rapper and iconic freestyler who paints vivid pictures with his words. The Auditorium Vol 1 is a remarkable coming together of the two which arrives on limited edition coloured vinyl across four sides of wax. The groundbreaking collab blends all their considerable skills into a record that draws on the golden era but also shows a new future for the genre. It's richly layered and hugely rewarding, as you would expect.

Review: Busta Rhymes' 7" release on Kickin Kutz features two dynamic tracks from his fifth studio album, Genesis. Side-1 boasts 'Break Ya Neck,' a high-energy hip-hop track produced by Dr Dre, with additional vocals by Truth Hurts, originally released as the album's second single in 2001 and incorporating an interpolation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Give It Away.' The official remix, featuring Twista and Do or Die, further elevates its appeal. Side-2 presents 'As I Come Back,' featuring Kelis, which showcases Busta Rhymes' rapid-fire delivery and innovative style. Two classics of Busta Rhymes' early 2000s sound.

Review: No Fear of Time, the long-awaited sophomore album from the legendary hip-hop duo Black Star, is finally available in physical formats, including a stunning gatefold LP. After a digital-only debut in 2022, this release celebrates the dynamic collaboration between yasiin bey and Talib Kweli, who first captured hearts with their iconic 1998 album. Produced by Madlib, No Fear of Time showcases the duo's evolved artistry, recorded in diverse locations worldwide, including hotel rooms and backstage at Dave Chappelle's shows. The album's unique style flows seamlessly, with tracks like 'So be it' and 'Sweetheart. Sweethard. Sweetodd', igniting old-school vibes while addressing contemporary issues with sharp wit. With their powerful reunion, Black Star reaffirms their influential status in hip-hop, reminding listeners of the genre's rich cultural depth.