Allah Be Universal - Indecent Exposure - 1997

12" - 1997 - Wild Beast Records 

One word... Enigma ! 26 years after the release of Allah Be Universal's first and only 12" on Wild Beast Records, this Queens-based MC is still like a ghost in the 90s indie hip-hop history. Even DJ Static from the South Bronx who produced the main single of the wax "Indecent Exposure", don't know much about him... All he can remember is that they just met at the studio through a mutual friend  and played him a few beats. "A.B. Universal picked that beat and started to write to it"... that's how the single was born ! The flip side of the record contains the track "Omerta" produced by Cross-One from East Elmhurst Queens, NY with scratches handled by DJ Goodfella. 

Fred Ones who recorded and mixed the tracks during the studio sessions declared in a recent interview I had with him  : 

Fred Ones : " I remember A.B.U.'s seriousness of the craft. This was over 20 years ago so exact details are hard but he had a real gift for rhyming… voice, rhyme flow and vocabulary. We all smoked and drank at the studio but when he got into the booth, it was time to work. Serious but chill dude !! "

About Wild Beast Records, It was managed by DJ Goodfella and a kat named Lex P. Lex P also released a 12" Test Pressing (Gladiator / Kinetic) in 1999, produced by DJ Static. About Allah Be Universal, if you want to grab more of his stuff you need to know that he also features on another 12" entitled Cliffhangaz (Ready 4 War / Curry Chicken Head) released in 1999 on Fat Beats Records, with productions managed by Shakim and the legendary Mista Sinista.

12" - 1999 - Fat Beats Records  

Remix Session : Benny The Butcher - Rubberband & Weight (Bofaat Remix)

A remix of Benny The Butcher 's "Rubberband & Weight" produced by Bofaat, taken from his Griselda x BoFaat - The Remix EP. 

Kenautis Smith Presents Fortune 5000 - 2023

 

LP - 2023 - F5 Records 

F5 Records are back with material recorded between 1996 and 1998 by Fortune 5000 a.k.a Fortune 5G, a crew which was comprised of Deep Six (Jerry G, VRB KNT, Jah Safe, Dink Scrill & NorfStar), Usual Suspects (Hi-Fidel, Ess Jones, J-Crew, Smoke, Rahsaan & Big Ben), Kenautis Smith & DJ Crucial.

 Pre Order 

Video : Fliptrix - R2D2 - 2023

 

Visuals for "R2D2", the latest Fliptrix's single produced by Illinformed, taken from his new album "Mantra No. 9" released on Vinyl, CD and Cassette on High Focus Records.

Video : Amadeus360 Feat Buckshot, Termanology & DJ Evil Dee - Warfare

Amadeus360 The Beat King drops the video for "Warfare" featuring Buckshot, Termanology and DJ Evil Dee, taken from his upcoming album "THE MPC JEDI".

Video : Stik Figa x DJ Sean P - After the Credits feat Jabee - 2023

 

Visuals for the Stik Figa & DJ Sean P 's single "After the Credits" featuring Jabee, taken from the new collaboration album "Pookey: Stik Figa Finds Himself" with DJ Sean P.

Phoniks - Dreams - 2023

 

LP - 2023 - Don't Sleep Records  

Portland-based producer Phoniks is back with a new instrumental project, full of jazz samples and Jazzy hip-hop beats. 

"Phoniks' latest album "Dreams" is a smooth, 19 track instrumental LP that seamlessly blends live instrumentation and chopped samples. The beats are carefully crafted to create a unique atmosphere and mood, taking the listener on an immersive journey through lush soundscapes and jazzy hip-hop beats. Phoniks' skillful layering of sounds from a diverse range of sample sources results in richly textured compositions that capture the listener's attention. 

As the spiritual successor to Phoniks' popular 2018 instrumental album "Down To Earth," "Dreams" builds upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor and elevates it to new heights. From the soulful chops of "That's All" to the mellow groove of "Ghosts," each track invites the listener to sit back, relax, and get lost in the dreamy vibes."

Available on Limited Edition 12" LP Tri-Color Vinyl / 12" LP Black Vinyl (Pre-Order) / CD & Cassette...

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SPECS - Welcome Mats / Put Ya Money On Us - 1998

12" - 1998 - Soul Purpose Records 

Here is another very good 12" for you record collection if you're lucky enough to find a copy... It was released in 1998 on Soul Purpose Records by an MC/Producer called SPECS from the DMV area. The 12" consists of 2 tracks entitled "Welcome Mats" and "Put Ya Money On Us".

Both tracks are available in their Raw and Radio versions. About the productions, the samples used by SPECS for "Welcome Mats" come from the songs "Ike's Mood / You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and "Walk On By" performed by Isaac Hayes. No info about the samples used for "Put Ya Money On Us". 

If you're looking for more info about SPECS, his first appearance was on Jack The Rapper's compilation entitled "Family Affair ‘93", a comp of unsigned artists released in 1993 as a promotional CD especially for Jack The Rapper's convention. Surprisingly, nothing released by SPECS between 1993 and 1998.

1998 is the year which marks his official debut with the release of this 12" and a few productions for the indie hip-hop scene and for emcees like K-Skills & Dr. Becket (First Class / Hitten Hardest) or groups like Defined Print from Washington, DC (Cavernous Rhythms) in 1999. 

I've been in contact with SPECS who was ready to tell me more about his story at the beginning, but he changed his mind unfortunately... No luck but of course I respect his choice ! Peace

Recognize Ali - Back To Mecca II - 2023

CD - 2023 - Greenfield Music  

Recognize Ali is back with some grimey boom bap 90’s flavors... His latest album entitled "Back To Mecca II" is mostly produced by Anu El and is only available on CD format (Jewel Case & Metal Case). Vinyl and Cassettes coming soon...

Order  

Radio Show : NO TV RAPS - March 17th 2023

 

Latest episode of the No TV Raps Radio Show aired on March 17th 2023 on Radio FSK, Hamburg (Germany) and hosted by Rug & SampleMind.

Video : RIM - New Gritty Feat Eddie Kaine & UFO Fev - 2023

 

The Brooklyn-based emcee RIM drops the visuals for his new joint entitled "New Gritty" featuring Eddie Kaine and UFO Fev, produced by Finn.

Fat Nogin Civilianz - Fat Nogin Civilianz - 2023

CD - 2023 - HHE  

Back in 1998 this rare and dope comp was released on tape only by this dope crew from Virginia named the Fat Nogin Civilianz. The collective was formed by different groups or artists like Vertical Status (Dalu, Soul Sun & Malik Starr), Exstra Black Adishon (N-Tel & Natural), Verbale Unknown (Majestic & Rapster Funk), Vinyl Scavengaz (N-Tel, Majestic & Ant Live), Bless, M Squared, Shabazz and Philosophy.

 

The project was released on Most Entertainement Music Group which originally started as a management company in 1995 and became a record company in 1997. It was managed by two childhood friends named Dante R. Parham and D. Carlos Johnson from Petersburg, VA. Carlos Johnson was also known by the rap name KAY ILL who also features on the comp. If you're looking for some more extra information and documentation about this comp, peep the blog review Here 

Now in 2023, Hip-Hop Enterprise is proud to present you the 25th Anniversary Edition on CD (250 copies) and soon also on vinyl (stay tuned ! )

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Video : L'uZine - Or - 2023

The French crew L'uZine from Montreuil (93 - Paris) is back with the video of their brand new single "Or", taken from their upcoming album entitled "La 26ème Lettre" which will be available soon on Vinyl & CD

Street Poets - Street Poets - 2023

2xLP + 7" - 2023 - 90's Tapes / HHV 

Originally released in 1995 on DBK Records Inc by Street Poets, group hailing from Boston, MA and composed of Punch a.k.a Punch Spiked With Poison, Polecat and Dif Productions, "Street Poets" album is now available for the first time on vinyl with the help of 90's Tapes and HHV. 

"The Street Poets project consisted of several cats from the Boston, MA, area. The production was handled by Underground Productions and DIF Productions, who also appeared on the microphone along MC's Polecat and Punch Spiked W/ Poison. The one and only album dropped on their own imprint DBK Records in 1995. Next to three accompanying 12" singles, the full album was only available on CD and cassette so far - until now! " - courtesy of 90's Tapes 

Available in a limited run on black vinyl 2LP (Gatefold - 750 copies) incl. bonus 7" ("Out Ta Flip" b/w "Buggin'"), CD (jewel case - 300 copies) and cassette (100 copies). 

Order   

BLVD. Mosse - All Praises Due To Outstanding - 1990

12" - 1990 - Scorpio  

If you want to grab a slice of Trenton Hip-Hop history... here is the debut 12" released by Blvd. Mosse on the New York-based label Scorpio in 1990. The wax is really cheap and really easy to find. The group was comprised of Outstanding a.k.a Out, DJ Plexx and D.J.L. hailing from the North section of Trenton, New Jersey. Out and Plexx were the core members of the group. After meeting in High School in '88, they musically bonded to become Blvd. Mosse because the Boulevard was their lounge !

Both tracks of the wax "All Praises Due To Outstanding" (LP Version / Dub Version & Acappella) and "Move To Something Funky" (LP Version / Instrumental & Acappella) were produced by the legendary Tony D (RIP). The best track of the 12" is "Move To Something Funky" which uses a sample of the song "Moment of Truth" released in 1971 by Earth Wind & Fire.

Grown Man Rap Show - Episode #308: Spotlight on Big Beat Records

Hosted by veteran DJ Toast and broadcast live every Sunday night at 9pm (ET) from 91.5 WRPI (Albany NY), Toast brings you the best in vintage & contemporary true school Hip Hop. This episode is dedicated to the NY-based label Big Beat Records. 

Kenny Dope presents the Mad Racket “Supa (KD’s B-Boy Mix)” (1991)

Dawn Penn “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)” (1993)

Artifacts “C’Mon Wit da Git Down” (1994)

Artifacts f. Lord Finesse & Lord Jamar “Collaboration of Mics” (1997)

Down South “Around the Clock” (1994)

LA the Darkman “I Want It All” (1998)

Real Live “Real Live Shit” (1995)

Real Live f. Ghostface, Cappadonna, Lord Tariq & Killa Sin “Real Live Shit (Remix)” (1996)

Lil’ Kim “Queen Bitch” (1996)

Artifacts “Wrong Side of the Tracks” (1994)

Sister Nancy “Big Beat Bam (Remix)” (1993)

Junior MAFIA f. The Notorious BIG “Players Anthem” (1995)

Lil’ Kim f. Lil Cease “Crush On You” (1996)

Artifacts “The Ultimate” (1997)

Artifacts “The Ultimate (Showbiz Remix”) (1997)

Pete Rock & Large Professor “The Rap World” (1996)

Junior MAFIA f. The Notorious BIG “Oh My Lord” (1995)

De La Soul “I Can’t Call It” (1996)

Lil’ Kim f. Puff Daddy “No Time” (1996)

Junior MAFIA f. The Notorious BIG “Get Money” (1995)

Real Live “The Gimmicks” (1996)

Mad Skillz “Move Ya Body” (1995)

RZA f. Method Man & Cappadonna “Wu-Wear: The Garment Renaissance” (1996)

A Tribe Called Quest “Peace, Prosperity & Paper” (1996)

Mad Skillz “The Nod Factor” (1995)

LA the Darkman f. Killa Sin “Heist of the Century” (1998)

Mad Skillz f. Large Professor & Q-Tip “Extra Abstract Skillz” (1995)

Nubian Crackers “Two For the Time (Symphonic Cracker Mix)” (1992)

JVC Force “Big Trax” (1992)

Inspectah Deck f. U-God “Semi-Automatic Full Rap Metal Jacket” (1996)

Lil’ Kim f. Jay-Z “Big Momma Thang” (1996)

Kenny Dope presents The Mad Racket “Supa (Tick Tock You Don’t Stop Mix)” (1991)

Kenny Dope presents The Mad Racket “Don Da Da (Gangsta Mix)” (1993)

Down South “Lost in Brooklyn” (1994)

Nubian Crackers f. Don T “As Them Talk (Da Nubian Mix)” (1993)

Junior MAFIA “Realms of Junior Mafia” (1993)

Tara Kemp “Hold You Tight (Sisters Gonna Work It Out Mix)” (1990)

Double XX Posse “He Asked For It” (1994)

Nubian Crackers “Clap Your Hands Everybody” (1992)

Double XX Posse “Not Gonna Be Able To Do It” (1992)

Percee P & E-Kim “Now They Wanna See Me” (1992)

Double XX Posse “Executive Class” (1991)

Percee P & E-Kim “Puttin’ Heads to Bed” (1992)

New Joint : Ace SL x Tru Comers - Treasures - 2023

 

Second single dropped by Ace SL and Tru Comers, taken from their upcoming collaborative album which will be available soon on vinyl via Vinyl-Digital.

 

Video : Sonny Blak Feat Derrick Temple & S.Spyda - Straight Path - 2023

 

Visuals for Sonny Blak's latest single "Straight Path" featuring Derrick Temple and Selector Spyda, all members of the Organised Rhyme Family from Northampton, UK. The production is handled by Kreaps.

 

Video : John Robinson & Figub Brazlevic - Welcome Everyone - 2023

Visuals for the latest single dropped by John Robinson & Figub Brazlevic, taken from their collaborative album "Live Life And Tell Stories", available to Pre-order on Purple limited edition vinyl (300 copies). 

Big Yang The Lyrical Boss - Now It's Time - 1994

12" - 1994 - M.O.B.B. Records

Big Yang a.k.a Big Yang The Lyrical Boss was a rapper from Far Rockaway, Queens NY who is now based and living his life in Houston,Texas. In 1994 he dropped his debut 12" entitled "Now It's Time" on M.O.B.B. Records, a small record label from Rosedale, NY managed by Ramel Harvey.

Ramel Harvey : "I decided to open M.O.B.B. Records because rappers didn't really last forever back then but music executives do. I believe it was around 1992. M.O.B.B. stands for Might Of Black Brothers. Big Yang was introduced to me by a friend who knew I was into music and we started working together from there because I knew he had something. His voice and presence was commanding so I knew we had to get into the studio."

The 12" consists of 4 tracks entitled "Licka - Licka" produced by J.K. Smooth and B.Scott, "Blow Up Da Spot" featuring Johnnie Qwest and produced by Baby Wise, "The Madness" produced by Starkim, and "Time Ta Drop Da Bomb" featuring Johnnie Qwest and produced by Baby Wise. The A-side contains the Radio versions of each track and the B-side which is also called the Street side contains all the Uncut versions. It's rare but no instrumentals are available. 

"Now It's Time" was also released on Tape and CD format at the time. Vinyl and Tape are easy to grab for a good price but the CD version is a little bit more expensive due to the fact that it contains a bonus track entitled "Watch Whut Ya Say (Uncut)" produced by Baby Wise. 

MiLKCRATE - Nuggets 3 - 2023

 

Milkcrate from Toronto, Canada drops the third volume of his Nuggets series. 

Pen Pals - New Donk City / Skip A Beat 7" - 2023

 

7" - 2023 - Chopped Herring Records  

Pen Pals team up with the Jazz Spastiks and Lars Viola to drop "New Donk City / Skip A Beat" on the famous UK-based label Chopped Herring Records. 

Order : 7" vinyl (300 copies) / Black Label (50 copies)

MAIN SOURCE - P-Vine Japan Picture Vinyl - 2023

Japan's P-Vine present a batch of Main Source's picture vinyl for your record collection... The first "Breaking Atoms" still considered one of the greatest 90's Hip-Hop albums, has been reissued in analog form on 2-disc picture vinyl. Four 7" titles including "Live At The Barbeque" and "Looking At The Front Door" are also available.  

Order : P-Vine / Juno Records 

Don't Sleep Records - Instrumentals: Volume 1 - 2023

LP - 2023 - Don't Sleep Records  

Don't Sleep Records are back with a new instrumental project which will be available on Limited Edition 12" LP in April 2023. 

"We're thrilled to present our first-ever compilation "Don't Sleep Records: The Instrumentals Volume One". This collection features a blend of our most popular records and personal favorites, including some slept-on beats that deserve a second chance to shine. 

These tracks represent the diverse range of sounds and styles that have shaped the unique sonic fingerprint of Don't Sleep Records over our ten-year history. From jazzy, soulful tunes to hard-hitting boom bap and soulful bangers, this compilation offers something for every discerning listener. 

We're excited to share this collection with our fans and we hope you'll enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed putting it together." - courtesy of Don't Sleep Records 

Pre-Order : Limited Edition 12" LP Galaxy Vinyl &  Limited Edition 12" LP Black Vinyl