Fortress Entertainment Compilation Vol. 1 (1994-1996) - 2026

 

LP - 2026 - HHE  

HHE makes a powerful return with a release that digs deep into the roots of underground hip-hop. In collaboration with Fortress Entertainment, this first installment marks the beginning of a series of projects that promise to unearth more hidden gems from the label’s archives.

This record stands as a true time capsule, showcasing rare and essential recordings from the mid-90s. It kicks off with the full Natural Elements EP from 1994, back when the group was still a six-man crew, featuring an early appearance from the legendary KA (RIP). The project also includes a previously unreleased track from Nightbreed, the mythical duo formed by KA and Kev.

Further enriching the collection are an early classic from L-Swift, a hard-hitting track from the Raidermen, and an outstanding unreleased demo by female emcee Essence, also recorded in 1994.

Available on vinyl (200 Splatter Vinyl - HHV Records Exclusive / 100 Color Vinyl⁠ / 200 Black Vinyl) and CD (300 copies with bonus DVD). 

Pre-Order : HHE / HHV  

KA & Mr Voodoo - '94 S&B interview & Freestyle - WKCR 1994

 

KA & Mr Voodoo - WKCR Studio - Photo courtesy of Jay Smooth 

On January 20, 1994, Jay Smooth (of The Underground Railroad on WBAI 99.5), the Brownsville-based emcee KA who was a Natural Elements member at that time, and the legendary Mr Voodoo were invited by Stretch & Bobbito on WKCR. Here is the freestyle session aired that night. 

  

Sure Shot Singles : Mr Voodoo - Lyrical Tactics / Shine - 1996

12" - 1996 - Fortress Ent.

From The Source - June 1996 - Scan courtesy of Frederic Thecle

Interview : The House List Ep #33 - Mr Voodoo (Natural Elements)

"Back with another very special episode of The House List, here we sat down with Brooklyn's own Mr Voodoo - yes, that Mr Voodoo (aka Agu Obiakor) of Natural Elements. We track the history from childhood to present day. Canvasing a NYC of another era, where Agu, became the 'poet laureate' of beloved late night radio show 'The Underground Railroad'. Hosted by J-Smooth on the revered WBAI 99.5, Agu honed his craft from intern to co-host, all the while developing what come to be one of the 'underground' hip-hop era's most respected voices. With only a few physical releases to speak of, Voodoo's notoriety grew across the globe through the 90's as demos and never-released songs made their way to NY radio and on cassettes copied and traded the world over. Voo's work as a soloist, with Natural Elements and for the imprint Fortress Records are sought after pieces of art on wax. For the fans and heads - this will be a treat and for those who many only come to know of his this very moment, we hope it'll lead you down a path of discovery" Peter Agoston 

NATURAL ELEMENTS – NE DEFINITELY MIXTAPE - 2013

-= Downoad the Mix Here =-