Hip-Hop News

Alsarah & The Nubatones are back! After the release of their first album, Silt, the band embarked on an an intense travel schedule that saw the band tour Australia, play a headline slot at WOMAD, sell out their London debut as well as a marquee slot at NYC's world famous Apollo theatre. After an extended sabbatical in Morroco, their sophmore album Manara was given birth, showcasing a new intimacy in the creative process for the group.

Having suffered the loss of former Oud player Haig Manoukian to a long battle with cancer shortly after the release of the debut Alsarah & The Nubatones spent the past 2 years touring, growing closer and shaping their sound with the two new members - Brandon Terzic (Oud) and Nahid (additional vocals). Banded together with stories of movement and migration in the face of the current anti-­immigrant global atmosphere, they delved deeper into defining the sound they have coined as "East African Retro­pop", rooted in the silt of Sudan and Nubia, and further inspired by the eastern coast of Africa and the diversity of its sounds and migration patterns.

The questions, "What is home" and "What does it sound like" lie at the crux of the creation of Manara. As Alsarah explains "Sometimes we leave home willingly, sometimes we are forced out, sometimes we plan to go back, and sometimes we don't know if we will ever see our loved ones again. But one thing we always know is that we don't want to forget, or be forgotten. As the sea takes us, Manara is the lighthouse anchoring our journey, and the keeper of our secrets. Not a destination, but rather a marker along the way."
This album representsleap forward and a deeper maturation of the Nubatones' sound. In the digital age of the single mp3 download, Menara was made to be listened to from beginning to end, as it weaves through various interludes and songs in the vein of classic albums such as Dark Side of the Moon, and Musicology.

10 track Album from Anthony Red Rose released by Dub Store Records

Blondet bounds back on the vinyl scene w/2 tracks from his last album. The A was versioned on a Subatomic Sound 7" hits off w/a brisk steppin' tempo; flip for a Zeb dub of "Tu Va Partir" which is also sprightly, but more relaxed. Faders up!.

UK Dub pioneers Alpha & Omega (Greensleeves / A&O Records) present their first new studio album in 5 years. Alpha & Omega Meets Ras Tinny 'No Beginning No End' is a nod to the classic A&O sound yet illustrates A&O's forward thinking and distinctive outlook on reggae music. Featuring the unique vocal stylings and astoundingly intelligent lyrics of Surinamese singer Ras Tinny. Another A&O classic, and well worth the wait.

The Croatian dub duo Dubble are stepping up with their 4th release on Dub Tunnel Records. For this outing they are travelling the dubwise road with veteran JA vocalist Earl 16. Earl 16 is known worldwide for his work with the entire A to Z of Reggae and beyond, from Augustus Pablo to Zion Train. Dubble are Vanya and Dubolik based in Zagreb, Croatia and will be launching this record at the 2016 Outlook Festival.

Dubble are the latest heavyweight sound to come stepping out of the
thriving Balkan Dub scene. The dangerous Dubble dub duo of Vanya O &
Dubolik were part of Zagreb's legendary Radikal Dub Kolektiv, and now
they take the same DIY dubwise spirit to their new project. Dubble
make tuff UK style dub, but bring in subtle influences of Dubstep and
Trance to create a unique blend of future sound, all played and mixed
live as they combine classic retro dub mixing with analogue synths,
live vocals & melodica.

'1000 Wats' is the third album from the tropical reggae- and dub-infused Quantc Presenta Flowering Inferno project. This outng sees musical explorer Will 'Quantc' Holland making a more concerted foray into pure reggae-roots territory, although fashes of Holland's Colombian infuences stll shine through. A sun-drenched record, the LP is charged with atmosphere and a ftng tribute to dub music evoluton. Drawing together a set of classic style rhythms for the dancefoor, '1000 Wats' was recorded direct to tape, with all the band members in the same room; for this outng, Holland enlisted his most prestg-
ious roll-call of guests yet. Alongside Jamaican dub legend U-Roy and long-tme collaborator Alice Rus- sell, the featured artsts include popular reggae singers Hollie Cook and Christopher Ellis; the late, grea keyboard maestro Ikey Owens (whose tragic 2014 passing followed a career working with everyone from Run The Jewels to The Mars Volta to Jack White); and legendary Jamaican drummer Santa Davis, known for his work with the likes of Bob Marley and The Aggravators. Now based in New York, afer almost a decade living in Colombia, Britsh producer, musician and band-leader Quantc has enchanted fans and tastemakers with more than 15 albums in as many years. Seeking out and working with some of the world's most infuental players, he has been instrumental in opening up audiences in the UK and elsewhere to countless rhythms and. '1000 Wats' contnues a
thread of releases as adventurous as they are classic.

1973-1976 was a period in Reggae's history when the music coming from Kingston,Jamaica was at its peak.
So many talented singers,who sang soulful/righteous songs found their way onto tape.
Maybe it was the competition between the studios like Randys,Channel 1 and Harry J's and the quality of the singers available to sing these tunes.But whatever caused the explosion the mighty voices of Horace Andy,Cornell Campbell,Johnny Clarke and Ronnie Davis never sounded better....
The tracks as you can see here were culled together from sessions recorded at the fore mentioned legendary studios.Then taken to King Tubby's home style studio at 18 Drummlie Ave in the Waterhouse district of Kingston.This is where the great Dubmaster himself would record the vocal tracks.
A method in which he preferred to work and then mix the tracks Tubby style...We have travelled to Jamaica and listened to hours of master tapes to bring this set to you.
So please sit back and enjoy what we believe to be a wicked set by Kingston's finest..
ALLSTARS one and all........
One more tiem Mr.Tubby if you please ..roll that tape....

Hurting, spiritually-charged, Creole genius from the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, recorded in the 1970s and 80s.
Gorgeous songs seamed with Eastern mysticism and the Romantic sublime — about childhood, eschatology, sufferation, fishing, favourite island haunts — explore the existential homesickness of the Creole wanderer, at the crossroads of African, Indian and European cultures.
Gently hypnotic percussion, Fender Rhodes, ngoni, two plastic bags rubbed together... A one-of-a-kind blend of blues, maloya and outernational roots, with strains of reggae, prog and free jazz.

One of the most popular tracks from last year's "Survival Of The Fittest" LP finally gets a single release and the remix treatment from Reggae Roast's Vibration Lab. Taking the track in a deeper, more digital direction, the veteran duo have crafted a classic slice of modern dancehall, reminiscent of the legendary sounds of Gussie Clarke and that timeless 90s vibe. Flip it over for a dubwise version for your own MC or singjay to get busy with.

10 track Album from King Tubbys released by Dub Store Records

10 track Album from King Tubbys released by Dub Store Records

12 track Album from Lennie Hibbert released by Dub Store Records

12 track Album from Lennie Hibbert released by Dub Store Records

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the new single to be taken from the hugely anticipated third album from arguably the UK's finest dub and reggae outfit, Resonators.

After a four-year hiatus - mostly spent tirelessly performing headline shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, as well as recording a plethora of new music - this almost peerless Brighton-based collective are ready to unleash their new material to an eager public in the shape of their third album, "Imaginary People".

The title track from the album is a feel good, dance floor friendly slice of sweet soulful reggae that comes complete with a dubbed out "A Future Time Version" courtesy of Darren 'JamTone' Mathers.

With a plethora of new songs under their belt, as well as what's becoming a very healthy catalogue of crowd pleasers from their last two albums, Resonators will be touring the UK and Europe this Autumn. Make sure you catch them as they're one of the finest live acts in this country right now!

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the hugely anticipated new album from arguably the UK's finest dub and reggae outfit, Resonators.

After a four year hiatus - mostly spent tirelessly performing headline shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, as well as recording a plethora of new music - this almost peerless Brighton-based collective are ready to unleash their new material to an eager public in the shape of their third album, "Imaginary People".

Inspired by the meditative quality and universal appeal of Jamaican roots music the bandradiate a playful and unified stage presence. The two lead singers Kassia Zermon and FayeHouston wipe away the notion of the big-ego front man whilst Darren JamTone provides livedub effects, and the balance is set.

This fine balance is also apparent on the album where sonorous dub moments on tracks like "Come Through" and "Trees" are perfectly complemented by sweeter cuts like "Right Time" and "Swing Easy". As ever with Resonators though, it's the song writing that stands out, and album highlights "Papa Daddio" and the psychedelic "Healer" showcase this perfectly.

With a plethora of new songs under their belt, as well as what's becoming a very healthy catalogue of crowd pleasers from their last two albums, Resonators will be touring the UK and Europe this Autumn. Make sure you catch them as they're one of the finest live acts in this country right now!

Wah Wah 45s are proud to present the hugely anticipated new album from arguably the UK's finest dub and reggae outfit, Resonators.

After a four year hiatus - mostly spent tirelessly performing headline shows and festivals across the UK and Europe, as well as recording a plethora of new music - this almost peerless Brighton-based collective are ready to unleash their new material to an eager public in the shape of their third album, "Imaginary People".

Inspired by the meditative quality and universal appeal of Jamaican roots music the bandradiate a playful and unified stage presence. The two lead singers Kassia Zermon and FayeHouston wipe away the notion of the big-ego front man whilst Darren JamTone provides livedub effects, and the balance is set.

This fine balance is also apparent on the album where sonorous dub moments on tracks like "Come Through" and "Trees" are perfectly complemented by sweeter cuts like "Right Time" and "Swing Easy". As ever with Resonators though, it's the song writing that stands out, and album highlights "Papa Daddio" and the psychedelic "Healer" showcase this perfectly.

With a plethora of new songs under their belt, as well as what's becoming a very healthy catalogue of crowd pleasers from their last two albums, Resonators will be touring the UK and Europe this Autumn. Make sure you catch them as they're one of the finest live acts in this country right now!

Described as "Brighton's Lee Scratch Perry", reggae producer/DJ/remixer RICHIE PHOE drops his debut album on Canada's BALANCED RECORDS. Includes the out of print "BUMPY'S LAMENT", his cut from 2008 "EYES ON THE PRIZE" featuring TIPPA IRIE and "HATE TO LOVE" with EARL 16. Being repressed.

Bonus 7' (Only W/ First 1000 Copies). A legendary, ultra-rare afrobeat killer, restored and presented for the first time in wide release! LP Includes bonus 7' disc featuring the rare 1972 single SON OF THUNDER' b/w ALUPANDU-GBE' limited to 1000 copies. It's 1968 and Fela is in tears. Fela Kuti, the genius of afrobeat. The champion of the people. Fabled for unflinchingly staring down the barrels of state tyranny, enduring beatings within an inch of his life from government stormtroopers and then getting on stage to mock his tormenters in song. Fela the fearless, Fela the invincible. Fela who they call Anikulapo— he who carries death in his pocket.' What insurmountable catastrophe could have reduced this formidable titan of African music to tears Ojo Okeji leaving his band, that's what. From the liner notes, by renowned Nigerian music historian Uchenna Ikonne. In the early years of Fela Kuti's career, well before he would define the genre of afrobeat, and leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape, he was a struggling trumpet player, seeking to redefine the sound of his current group, the art-jazz ensemble Fela Ransome-Kuti Quintet. As he moved his group towards the then-popular genre of highlife in 1963, he lost his bassist in the move towards commercial success, but gained the company of Ojo Okeji, who had a sterling reputation both as a bassist and percussionist in groups like Lagos Cool Cats, Rex Williams' Nigerian Artistes, and Western Toppers Highlife Band, a favorite of Kuti's. Okeji impressed Kuti with his deft jazziness on the bass, so he was in on the spot, and the Fela Ransome-Kuti Quintet became Koola Lobitos. It was Okeji that introduced Kuti to the famed percussionist Tony Allen, (Who would subsequently join Kuti into his greatest years as an artist) as well as conguero Abayomi "Easy" Adio. During his time in Koola Lobitos, Okeji not only contributed deeply melodic, and adeptly rhythmic baselines, but brought his own influence from emerging US soul artists like James Brown & The Famous Flames and Wilson Pickett, heavily pushing Koola Lobitos towards a more soulful direction. This push was often resisted by Kuti, who frequently clashed with Okeji. 1968 proved to be a turning point for the group, as the Nigerian Civil War broke out, and many starving musicians turned to the military for work. Okeji and Adio would leave for the army, while Kuti and Allen kept Koola Lobitos going, where it evolved through different names and iterations and grew into the worldwide afrobeat force that made Kuti an icon during the 70s and 80s. But as Kuti and Allen rose to global recognition, Okeji and Adio would form a new band within the ranks of the 6th Infantry Brigade of the Nigerian Army. Their emblazoned blue jackets earned them the nickname "The Blues', but Okeji preferred the name Shango' after the Yoruba thunder god. Shango took the fundamentals of Kuti's famous afrobeat and brought new layers of guitar and horn arrangements, while often invoking supernatural aesthetics, and maintaining a love for the US soul artists that influenced Okeji so much. Because Shango was an army band however, their records were not readily available to anyone outside of the military so their music, including their eponymous 1974 LP, remained relatively unknown even amongst the people of Nigeria. Decades later Comb & Razor is thrilled to present this long-lost Nigerian gem for the first time to a world-wide audience.

A legendary, ultra-rare afrobeat killer, restored and presented for the first time in wide release! LP Includes bonus 7' disc featuring the rare 1972 single SON OF THUNDER' b/w ALUPANDU-GBE' limited to 1000 copies. It's 1968 and Fela is in tears. Fela Kuti, the genius of afrobeat. The champion of the people. Fabled for unflinchingly staring down the barrels of state tyranny, enduring beatings within an inch of his life from government stormtroopers and then getting on stage to mock his tormenters in song. Fela the fearless, Fela the invincible. Fela who they call Anikulapo— he who carries death in his pocket.' What insurmountable catastrophe could have reduced this formidable titan of African music to tears Ojo Okeji leaving his band, that's what. From the liner notes, by renowned Nigerian music historian Uchenna Ikonne. In the early years of Fela Kuti's career, well before he would define the genre of afrobeat, and leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape, he was a struggling trumpet player, seeking to redefine the sound of his current group, the art-jazz ensemble Fela Ransome-Kuti Quintet. As he moved his group towards the then-popular genre of highlife in 1963, he lost his bassist in the move towards commercial success, but gained the company of Ojo Okeji, who had a sterling reputation both as a bassist and percussionist in groups like Lagos Cool Cats, Rex Williams' Nigerian Artistes, and Western Toppers Highlife Band, a favorite of Kuti's. Okeji impressed Kuti with his deft jazziness on the bass, so he was in on the spot, and the Fela Ransome-Kuti Quintet became Koola Lobitos. It was Okeji that introduced Kuti to the famed percussionist Tony Allen, (Who would subsequently join Kuti into his greatest years as an artist) as well as conguero Abayomi "Easy" Adio. During his time in Koola Lobitos, Okeji not only contributed deeply melodic, and adeptly rhythmic baselines, but brought his own influence from emerging US soul artists like James Brown & The Famous Flames and Wilson Pickett, heavily pushing Koola Lobitos towards a more soulful direction. This push was often resisted by Kuti, who frequently clashed with Okeji. 1968 proved to be a turning point for the group, as the Nigerian Civil War broke out, and many starving musicians turned to the military for work. Okeji and Adio would leave for the army, while Kuti and Allen kept Koola Lobitos going, where it evolved through different names and iterations and grew into the worldwide afrobeat force that made Kuti an icon during the 70s and 80s. But as Kuti and Allen rose to global recognition, Okeji and Adio would form a new band within the ranks of the 6th Infantry Brigade of the Nigerian Army. Their emblazoned blue jackets earned them the nickname "The Blues', but Okeji preferred the name Shango' after the Yoruba thunder god. Shango took the fundamentals of Kuti's famous afrobeat and brought new layers of guitar and horn arrangements, while often invoking supernatural aesthetics, and maintaining a love for the US soul artists that influenced Okeji so much. Because Shango was an army band however, their records were not readily available to anyone outside of the military so their music, including their eponymous 1974 LP, remained relatively unknown even amongst the people of Nigeria. Decades later Comb & Razor is thrilled to present this long-lost Nigerian gem for the first time to a world-wide audience.

21 track Album from Various Artists released by Dub Store Records

20 track Album from Various Artists released by Dub Store Records

SCOOPS Records Autumn 2016 release programme takes the form of 2 x 10' vinyl singles

Vibronics welcome back long term collaborator Jah Marnyah to the studio for this new EP featuring two brand new Roots-Reggae vocals. Jah Marnyah is a well-established singer, originally from the volcano island of Montserrat and now firmly rooted in the city of Leicester, UK. His work with Manasseh, Dub Terror and Vibronics has cemented his reputation as leading light in the UK Dub/Roots/Reggae scene.

Vibronics, the future sound of dub, have been vibrating the world with bass since 1997. Their music is at the forefront of the UK Dub scene, proven by over 50 releases on their own legendary SCOOPS label as well as a host of albums, singles and remixes for a myriad of other labels such as Universal Egg, Jarring Effects, Dubhead and Jah Tubbys . In the studio they have worked with Michael Prophet, Zion Train, Soom T, Iration Steppas, Macka B, Ranking Joe, High Tone, OBF and an almost endless list of dub & reggae luminaries. Wether dub-mixing live on stage, rocking the clubs or uplifting the festivals, Vibronics continue to perform tirelessly across Europe as well as in Asia and across the Americas.

PROMO : Don Letts 6Music London, Culture Dub France, Jah Shaka, Iration Steppas & Aba Shanti full sound system support.
There is an Official Music Video with full on-line campaign to accompany this release.

COOPS Records Autumn 2016 release programme takes the form of 2 x 10' vinyl singles

Vibronics have been back in the studio with their blazing brass section Splitz Horns to create the anthemic instrumental 'Glorify'. The studio has also welcomed rising German reggae sister Saralène for her 1st outing on the SCOOPS imprint. This international collaboration has been hotting-up festivals all summer with its trademark heavy dub riddim and uplifting vocal message.

Vibronics, the future sound of dub, have been vibrating the world with bass since 1997. Their music is at the forefront of the UK Dub scene, proven by over 50 releases on their own legendary SCOOPS label as well as a host of albums, singles and remixes for a myriad of other labels such as Universal Egg, Jarring Effects, Dubhead and Jah Tubbys . In the studio they have worked with Michael Prophet, Zion Train, Soom T, Iration Steppas, Macka B, Ranking Joe, High Tone, OBF and an almost endless list of dub & reggae luminaries. Wether dub-mixing live on stage, rocking the clubs or uplifting the festivals, Vibronics continue to perform tirelessly across Europe as well as in Asia and across the Americas.

PROMO : Don Letts 6Music London, Culture Dub France, Jah Shaka, Iration Steppas & Aba Shanti full sound system support.
There is an Official Music Video with full on-line campaign to accompany this release.

2 track Single from David Isaacs released by Dub Store Records

Compilation of classic Jamaican island sounds, including offerings from the seminal likes of Alton Ellis, Lee Perry, Desmond Dekker and Lynn Tait and the Jets

Masterpiece of Footwork...Rashad never die !

Beauty of the first track brings the smile and the life back reality. Bass Music and Dub honey moon... The press is perfect and the sleeve is kicking:) Dubwize core & Electro Dub !

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra, fronted by the much-loved Madness saxophone player, are back to spread more fresh ska vibes across the nation. Bite The Bullet, the follow-up to the widely-admired 2013 album The Benevolence Of Sister Mary Ignatius, is an irresistible combination of new songs written by the band, and unique versions of favourites stretching from The Beatles to Bond. The new songs are complemented by some imaginative cover choices, including Lennon & McCartney's A Hard Day's Night gem 'I'll Be Back,' John Barry's 007 theme 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' and Leiber & Stoller's Coasters tune 'Hongry.'

2 track Single from Hopeton Lewis released by Dub Store Records

2 track Single from Lynn Taitt And The Jets released by Dub Store Records

2 track Single from Soul Brothers released by Dub Store Records

Wah Wah 45s' summer of dub gets into full swing with this foot- friendly12-inch package from The Gene Dudley Group, remixed by a trio of our favourite producers on the planet.

First up, Russian man-of-the-moment Alexander Lay-Far re-moulds brassy tropical jam, Do The Cookie Dough Throw, for the discerning modern dance floor. Lay-Far delivers the kind of trademark beats that have helped him become one of the most sought after DJs and producers on the planet, whilst keeping the dub feel that runs throughout this release.

Then its time for the man like WrongTom to step up to the plate. No stranger to Wah Wah 45s, and a prolific recording artist for Tru Thoughts Records where he delivers reggae and dub outings with a plethora of collaborations including Deemas J and The Ragga Twins, Tom comes through here with a classy digital dub version of Gene Dudley's laid back slice of Island soul, Tiger Jaw.

Last, but certainly not least, BJ Smith (one half of the legendary Smith & Mudd) takes mid-tempo funk nugget Jackpot, featuring the vocals of Miss Anne Frankenstein, and flips it on its head! His re-work is nothing shot of an epic Balearic masterpiece - perfect for both those sunrise and sunset moments on the beach this summer!

The original versions of all of these tracks can be found on The Gene Dudley Group's sophomore LP, Zambidoose - and don't forget to look out for Gene's live band at a festival near you soon!

* A welcome reissue of a UK dub classic from the Conscious Sounds stable originally released in 1994.
* A spaced out 6 minute live instrument phaser-laden excursion in to a dub nirvana which does smells like teen spirit...
* Backed with rawer dubbier mix...
* Centry consisted of Dougie Wardrop (Bush Chemists & Conscious Sounds), Chris Petter (Crispy Horns, Love Grocer & Zion Train) and Nigel Lake,

28 John Holt Klassiker in einem Superdeluxe 2LP Vinyl-Set mit Klappcover und bedruckten Innenhüllen. Die Geschichte des Sängers wird in ausführlichen Liner Notes von Harry Wise in anspruchsvoller Form behandelt und durch viele tolle Fotos, teilweise unveröffentlicht, abgerundet. Für die Produktionen ist alleine der Produzent Bunny Lee mit 16 Tracks verantwortlich, sowie The Paragons (4x), Phil Pratt (2x), Joseph Hookim (2x), Henry "Junjo" Lawes (3x) und 1 x Lloyd James.

1979 album re-issued on 180 gram vinyl in its original cover. Produced by Linval Thompson with the sleeve designed by Art In Heaven.

Advertising in Record Collector Magazine

Raging Fyah is the celebrated five-piece band from Kingston, Jamaica making their name with retro sounding roots reggae riddims and sweet harmonies. The music is thoughtful and melodic, blending the best elements from groups like Steel Pulse and Morgan Heritage. "Everlasting" is their third studio album and first with VP Records and features Busy Signal, J. Boog and Jesse Royal! The longplayer will carry the Dub Rockers imprint - an initiative targeting the growing US reggae live scene that has fostered bands like SOJA, Rebelution and Slightly Stoopid - and will be available as CD and also as LP-vinyl.

A mad beast of a Dave Kelly — as the label logo has it (derived from Tubby, like the music) — faced down brilliantly by singer and deejay. Out originally in 1989 — another death-in-the-arena BR revive.