Duck Down US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Great hip-hop has often been defined by collaboration and Chemistry by 9th Wonder and Buckshot is a testament to that. The album, released on June 21, 2005 through Duck Down Music as a part of the label's "Triple Threat Campaign", showcases the seamless synergy between 9th Wonder's soulful production and Buckshot's sharp lyricism. Each track shows off their undeniable chemistry, with smooth beats and introspective rhymes that captivate from start to finish as muse on everything from introspective reflections to social commentary, all with precision and depth. With its cohesive sound and thoughtful lyricism, Chemistry is a must-listen for fans of both artists and the genre as a whole.

Review: D.I.R.T. stands for 'Da Incredible Rap Team' and it is a gritty masterpiece from Heltah Skeltah that epitomises hardcore East Coast rap. Released in 2008, this sophomore album from the Brooklyn duo should sit right up there with earlier peers like Jeru The Damaga such is its lyrical prowess and razor-sharp delivery over haunting production. Sean Price and Rock deliver relentless bars filled with streetwise wisdom and unapologetic bravado that paint vivid pictures of urban life. With guest appearances from fellow Boot Camp Clik members and production from renowned beatmakers like Marco Polo and 9th Wonder, D.I.R.T. is a relentless onslaught of raw lyricism and head-nodding beats.

Review: Nearly three decades of intertwined history have led Brooklyn rappers Rock and Ruste Juxx to their first full-length collaboration. Crownsville is a raw amd reflective rap with hints of record born of loss and legacy. With roots in the Boot Camp Clik and close ties to the late Sean Price, the pair channel their Brownsville and Crown Heights origins into a gritty, 33-minute showcase. Opener 'Crownsville' begins things on an icy, creeping and stark note, as we cruise the backstreets of the frosty city so named. 'Black Out', meanwhile, leans into soul-tinged pride. Vinny Idol's production on 'Vehicular Manslaughter' and the grimy 'Crash Ya Whip' raises the stakes early, shortly before a spectral boom-bap tribute, 'Sean Lives On', follows a touching skit from Bernadette Price.

Review: Skyzoo's debut album, The Salvation, released back in September 2009 marked a major moment in his career and was packed with production from top hip-hop talents like Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Nottz, Illmind, Black Milk, and Needlz. Known for his heartfelt, true-to-life lyrics, Skyzoo quickly earned respect as one of his generation's standout emcees with collaborations across the hip-hop spectrum, from Rakim to Black Thought. He has released numerous albums, including projects with Pete Rock and Apollo Brown, and to celebrate this one's 15th anniversary, Duck Down Records serves it up on navy blue and white marbled vinyl.