The Hamburg,Germany-based duo Rugged Mind (DJ Rug & SampleMind) alongside DJ Skeli, are back with the 10th episode of the Rugged Mind Headquarter Session series. Their impressive record selection includes tracks from Finsta Bundy, Cypher, Brothaz Bent, Ex-Prez, Example, Ill Ko, Adagio!, Gotham Kidz, Izm Da Mad Soul, Omniscence, Ill Biskits, Bandits... just to name a few. Nearly 4 hours of 90s boom bap & underground hip hop, enjoy the mix !
Originally released on tape by 90's Tapes in January, here is "Aerosoul (Volume One)", mixed by Cors One. The mix includes Da Grassroots, Raheim, Optical The Visionary, Scienz Of Life, Mystidious Misfitss, S.U.N., Jam D.O.T., Mad Skillz, Rezidue, 2 Face, Dutchmin, HDM, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Brainsick Enterprise, Company Flow, Black Moon, Southpaw, RAW and Doublespeek.
Three of the unreleased tracks feature fellow MC Technique, while vocalist Julia Wilson adds soulful warmth to one standout recording, expanding the album's musical palette without losing its raw underground identity. Completing the authentic presentation, the artwork features original 1990s photography by James Petrozzello, with the final design created by Cors One, capturing the visual language of the golden age.
More than an archival release, 'A Different Kinda Rapper' is a rediscovered chapter of New York underground hip-hop where jazz-inspired production, adventurous songwriting and uncompromising lyricism came together naturally. Decades later, these recordings remain as fresh, soulful and forward-thinking as ever, confirming Yah Supreme and Cave Precise as one of the era's most underrated creative partnerships." - courtesy of 90's Tapes
" Originally released in 1998, "Bomb M.C." is the only full-length album by Los Angeles underground outfit The Colored Section. Comprised of Coke, Che'ski and DJ Homicide, the group crafted a distinctive sound that stood apart from the dominant trends of the era. Rooted in classic boom-bap yet enriched with off-kilter rhythms, dusty samples and understated grooves, the album balances raw energy with remarkable musical sophistication.
Much of the production was handled by Coke, formerly associated with Mad Kap, whose ear for stripped-back yet deeply effective beats gives the record its unique identity. Rather than chasing radio appeal, The Colored Section embraced originality, sharp lyricism and a laid-back West Coast sensibility that resonated strongly within the independent Hip-Hop community.
Although "Bomb M.C." remained largely overlooked upon its release, it gradually earned cult status among collectors and underground rap enthusiasts. Today, it is celebrated as one of the most underrated releases of its time - an album that captures the creativity and adventurous spirit of late-1990s independent hip-hop. " - courtesy of 90's Tapes
" Recorded between 1995-1999 and originally released in 1999, "The Soundtrack To Life" stands as the sole full-length statement by The Outfit, an underground hip-hop collective from Delaware. At a time when commercial rap increasingly dominated the charts, the group embraced a more thoughtful and organic approach rooted in classic boom-bap traditions. Soulful samples, warm jazz-infused production and introspective lyricism define the album's character, offering an alternative to the glossy sound of the era.
Far from seeking mainstream attention, The Outfit focused on authenticity and substance. "The Soundtrack To Life" unfolds like a personal diary, touching on everyday experiences, aspirations and social observations with sincerity and maturity. Although the record never achieved widespread commercial success, it has earned respect among collectors and fans of mid-to-late-1990s independent Hip-Hop. More than two decades after its release, the album remains a hidden gem and a testament to an era when craftsmanship and message mattered as much as style. " - courtesy of 90's Tapes
Available in a limited run on 2LP (350 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies), MC (100 copies). Includes 5 bonus songs, 4 of them are from their 12" released in 1997 on Oblique Recordings Inc.
Recorded between 1998 and 1999 and originally self-released in very limited numbers on CD only, "The Windy City Theory" finally gets its first official release accompanied by two bonus tracks. Here's an excerpt of the description from back then: "The Windy City Theory" is the first official endeavor by Chicago's finest, 90 Proof. 90 Proof brings an array of styles to the table of hip-hop for those that hunger for the real and have a taste for originality. The fact that this crew cannot be classified under any one category allows them to reach every type of listener, with a very unique vocal presence that is evident in their music. The theme of this first project is simply life in the harsh streets of Chicago. Using melodic tracks and cutting edge lyrics, the six MC's paint a vivid and realistic picture in the minds of their listeners. Don't be mistaken though, these are far from your everyday gun-toting street hustlers turned rappers that you are so accustomed to hearing at the top of today's charts. 90 Proof is a totally self-contained unit with a number of in house producers, artists and writers with styles ranging from urban soul to hip-hop ... "As the world rotates, we create." - courtesy of 90's Tapes
"Robbery One" is the definitive document of the collaboration between vocalist Durty Rob (Rob Low) and producer Mad Man Scheme (Scheme Supreme). Recorded between 1989 and 1999 at Bellevue Bound Sounds on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and 1212 Studio in Jamaica, Queens, these tracks are sourced directly from the original session tapes. This edition presents the full vocal album alongside the instrumental and dub versions, revealing the raw construction of a sound that defined an era of New York City Hardcore Underground Hip-Hop. This album is a cornerstone of the Bellevue Bound Crew (BBC), founded by Mad Man Scheme, and features Durty Rob, also known as one-third of the group Tha Lowa (Da Uzi, Terra & Durty Rob) and a member of the Black Gorilla Army (BGA). - Mad Man Scheme
8th episode of Morning Breeze, mixed by my man Cors One. The track selection includes joints from Braintax, Youngblood & The Prunes, Little Indian, Constant Deviants, Ill Brothers, Motion, Tribeca Sound, Five Deez, D-Vine, The Arsonists...
Berlin-based DJ Selekta Mik and record label 90's Tapes present the 4th episode of MIK'x News. Enjoy the track selection !
" Originally released in 1996 on D.A.L. Records, "Make It Happen" marks Just Ro’s arrival as a distinctive voice in Chicago’s underground Hip-Hop scene. Entirely written by himself and his guests and shaped with raw, minimal production by Just Ro and Spike Rebel, the album blends introspective themes with street narratives. Featuring an early appearance by Common, it captures the spirit of independent 90s rap - honest, focused, and driven by lyrical intent. Includes all instrumentals. " - courtesy of 90's Tapes
Available in a limited run on 2LP (350 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies), MC (100 copies) and digitally on all major platforms.
"Here's something very special for the heads out there: DJ Shok stumbled upon a forgotten demo tape that contains alternate material, unreleased tracks and demo versions of the dynamic duo's prime.
Emerging from the Bronx and later rooted in Yonkers, MC Hi-Tech represents the essence of East Coast underground Hip-Hop from the 90s. Known for a handful of rare and sought-after 12" singles, his work stands out through sharp lyricism and stripped-down authenticity. Tracks like “Book Of Life,” “24/7,” or “4 Degrees For The Streets” became staples among collectors and aficionados of the era. DJ Shok, a respected figure in the underground scene, played a crucial role in shaping and preserving this legacy - handling much of the original production alongside collaborators like Jay Biz and later curating Hi-Tech’s catalog into a cohesive anthology." - courtesy of 90's Tapes
"Psyko Ward is a Houston, Texas–based underground Hip-Hop collective formed in 1992. The conglomerate brings together three duo groups - Dark Side (D-Ology & Tabu), MaadHouse (Savere & Smokee), and Poetic Souls (GT & Red Cess) - alongside the solo artists Fliponya, Beholda’, and T-Wrekz, formerly of Funke Concepts. In 1994, the group released a 4-track demo cassette of their album "Nine Circles Of Rek", offering a first glimpse into their sound, while the full project remained unreleased for decades. Defined by razor-sharp precision, Psyko Ward’s lyrical style cuts with unmatched intensity, capturing the raw, unfiltered spirit of the underground." - courtesy of 90's Tapes
Available in a limited run on 2LP (350 copies), CD in jewel case (300 copies) & MC (100 copies)
"Nestled in the vibrant underground hip-hop culture of mid-90s Canada, Plains Of Fascination was a posse that embodied raw creativity and grassroots rhythm. Emerging from Toronto’s rap circles, the group carved out a place on college radio and within local circuits with their gritty, beat-driven sound. Their most enduring legacy is the 1996 album "Join The Ranks", which features fledgling vocal contributions from a young Nelly Furtado. The album itself (plus 4 bonus tracks) captures a moment when Canadian hip-hop was still defining itself – a patchwork of earnest rhymes, classic breakbeats, and experimental energy that resonates with the DIY ethos of its era." - courtesy of 90's Tapes
" Kukoo Da Baga Bonez represents a form of hip-hop that values longevity over visibility. Emerging from New York City’s underground scene in the early 90's, he has built his career outside the glare of the mainstream, relying instead on consistency, craft, and cultural integrity. His roots lie in open-mic nights, freestyle battles, and the uncompromising spaces of New York’s underground hip-hop circles. Early collaborations with respected turntablists, including members of the X-ecutioners, reinforced his credibility and connection to hip-hop’s foundational elements.
"Kukoo's Nest" reflects the early stages of his career during the 90's and contains 23 tracks in total including all of his 12" releases, bonus songs and instrumental versions. Raw, uncut and demo'esque. " - courtesy of 90's Tapes
Available in a limited run on 3LP (350 copies), 2CD in jewel case (300 copies) & 2MC (100 copies)
Vinylaura was live at Bierwax in Brooklyn for the third episode of her Mix & Crates show. Tracklisting includes tracks from C-Rayz Walz, Phoebe One, The Nemesis Two, Know Qwestion, The Mischievous LQ And The Mad Mischief Crew, Ill Mentality, Tragedy Khadafi, Live Wire & SMK, Triip... just to name a few. Enjoy the mix ! Peace
