Hip-Hop News

Western dub ambiance baby, spaghetti dub ! The A1 track carry the original idea of using some acid for Dub

A dub pumpin interpretation and the Riddim, instrumental, on it own. The Get Ready Riddim is bloody offers a large scale of interpretations !

Toots Hibbert and his Maytals recording at Studio One with Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd at the helm and the legendary Skatalites backing, what more could you possibly want Never Grow Old is the first full length from the Maytals and Toots' songwriting chops were fully formed right out of the gate, with most of the tunes being co-writes with Dodd. Bob was the king for a number of reasons but Toots may very well be the best male vocalist ever from the island of Jamaica. Real authentic ska from the source, undiluted and 100% killer, reissued on 180 gram vinyl.

Jump Jamaica Way was originally released in 1963 on ND Records - one of Clement "Sir Coxsone" Dodd's many imprints - compiling singles from the label's roster, which included house band The Skatalites, as well as The Maytals, The Charmers, and Alton Ellis, among others. Not too shabby a line-up, to put it mildly, and Jump Jamaica Way really delivers, 12 scorching ska sides for your dancing pleasure. As the notes say, "cut the chatter and spin the platter". Another impossibly rare Jamaican LP resurrected on 180 gram vinyl by Dynamite!

* The Everchanging Dub album rhythm tracks were originally recorded in 1988/89. Some of the resultant Dubs were released on 12"LP in the early 1990's, as TX Dub (TBXLP 001) which were mixed by Gussie P, at 'A' Class studio, London. The album was also released on CD in 2000, with additional tracks (TBXCD 014). 12 tracks from the original album have been fully re-mixed by Alien Dread, at the recently refurbished AD Studio for this 2015 release. Sample MP3's of the tracks can be found at the ACL web site.

01. Everchanging
02. Greater Capacity
03. Warp 6
04. Chasing Light
05. Temperate
06. Ruff Undercurrent
07. Climatic Change
08. Longevity
09. Organic
10. Lower Frequency
11. Cultured
12. Under Control

01. Cherry Oh Baby
02. Keep On Moving
03. Please Don't Make Me Cry
04. Sweet Sensation
05. Johnny Too Bad
06. Red Red Wine (12'' Version)
07. Guilty
08. She Caught The Train
09. Version Girl
10. Many Rivers to Cross

01. Cherry Oh Baby
02. Keep On Moving
03. Please Don't Make Me Cry
04. Sweet Sensation
05. Johnny Too Bad
06. Red Red Wine (12'' Version)
07. Guilty
08. She Caught The Train
09. Version Girl
10. Many Rivers to Cross

The online sensation taking MJ accapellas and ska/reggae music re-arranged by THE DRASTICS available on CD for the first time. Inc the two new cuts from the 7", dub versions of those two, plus the 6 songs from the original 2009 vinyl LP. New artwork, limited to 250 in full color wallet. MJ lives

The Hempolics are out to put those organic rootsy vibes back into electronic music and bring something altogether different to the table 'Warrior Sound' is the second offering from The Hempolics forthcoming album 'Kiss, Cuddle & Torture: Volume 1.' Written and produced by project mastermind Grippa Laybourne with soulful Rastaman vocals courtesy of Dan Bowskill (Dub Pistols), Warrior Sound presents the struggle of the typical urban day and its only solution playing out your finest roots rock reggae. On the flip side is an ethereal Warrior Sound instrumental dub mixed by Grippa with additional trombone by Lucas Petter. Taking UK reggae to the next level with a modern yet somehow backward looking style this record is destined to be a soundsystem smash hit.

It's been a long time between drinks for Melbourne's mighty Afrobeat juggernaut The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra (The POAO). To get everyone warmed up for next year's much anticipated LP release, two of the group's vocalists, rapper 1/6 and singer / percussionist Lamine Sonko are fronting alternate sides of a split 7" out on HopeStreet Recordings. A highly nutritious Afro freaky snack to keep enthusiasts of all things raw and righteous satisfied till the main course arrives.

The A Side, "Cosmetic Love," is a rumination on the nature of relationships by one of Australia's leading rap lyricists 1/6. The track's life began as a jam session that went to tape in the early days of the Hope Street studio, based on an idea by PutBacks guitarist Tom Martin. The session lay unused for years till 1/6 came across it and threw down these inspired rap verses. Public Opinion producer and musical director Tristan Ludowyk laid in some organ, additional percussion and brass and suddenly "Cosmetic Love" wasn't just a song, it was an A-side. An A-side born of happy accident.

On the B side: The Public Opinion Six, formerly The Afrobiotics. The rhythm section behind the POAO, start with the same idea and re-imagine it, creating a whole new song.With lyrics wfritten and performed by Lamine Sonko, "Jappo," in the Senegalese language of Wolof means "unite". Behind Lamine's straight-out-of-Dakar vocal stylings, The Public Opinion Six bring a heavy 1970s Lagos influenced groove, creating a pumping Pan African melange - sure to get motors running everywhere, from West Africa to worldwide.

Between them, Namibian Australian 1/6 (aka Aaron Stephanus) and Senegal born and raised Lamine represent the cream of African Australian vocalists and songwriters. 1/6 has won numerous plaudits in his decade long rap career, from the Hilltop Hoods award in 2010 to a critically acclaimed solo album Electronic Mail released by Pang Productions in 2012. Lamine grew up in Dakar in a lauded family of the griot tradition and is has followed been training in traditional Sabar music and dance forms since childhood. Now the unofficial Southern hemisphere ambassador of the Sonko clan, he brings a fresh angle on Afrobeat direct from Dakar to Melbourne. Both 1/6 and Lamine are at the vanguard of the new generation of African music makers and makers of African music in Australia.


"'The percussive, horn laden funk monster unleashed by Nigerian afro-beat inventor Fela Kuti in the 1960's is in good hands with this formidable Melbourne ensemble'" - Michael Dwyer (The Age)

"'Complementing their authentic Afro-beat groove with upfront rapping MCs...the Public Opinion conglomerate creates an irresistible mix'¦an enticing & proudly funky affair.'" - Seth Jordan (ABC Limelight)

"1/6 is an African-Australian who is emerging as one of Aussie hip hops freshest talents." - Jim Steps (All Aussie Hip Hop)

"Melbourne's best kept secret" - Soul Clap Records

Drums: Barry Dread

Bass, guitar, keys: steel

Keyboards: Victor Cross

Guitars: Jeffery Beckford

Brass: French Horns and Dean Fraser

Backing Vocals Luciano, Steel, Carroll Thompson

Engineer: Joe Ariwa

Prod : Mad Professor

This is the part two of the recording sessions of Luciano at Ariwa Sounds

An album conceived in Gambia featuring the sonic meeting of the Messenger and Mad Professor.

As on the first Album Deliverance, the choice of material is from the Prophet (Denis Brown) and Ariwa's vast back catalogue, with songs and vocal contributions from John Mclean, Carroll Thompson, Black Steel, Rockaway, and other Ariwa stalwarts.

This album also features U Roy the godfather of the talkers on sounds from the Ghetto

This album features all the songs mixed and edited in the style of 12 inch Disco mix, accompanied with their dubs.

01 Special kind of love
02 Essence of life
03 Have no fear
04 Ghetto Living
05 For the love of money
06 Only good Music
07 Sounds from the Ghetto

Drums: Barry Dread

Bass, guitar, keys: steel

Keyboards: Victor Cross

Guitars: Jeffery Beckford

Brass: French Horns and Dean Fraser

Backing Vocals Luciano, Steel, Carroll Thompson

Engineer: Joe Ariwa

Prod : Mad Professor

This is the part two of the recording sessions of Luciano at Ariwa Sounds

An album conceived in Gambia featuring the sonic meeting of the Messenger and Mad Professor.

As on the first Album Deliverance, the choice of material is from the Prophet (Denis Brown) and Ariwa's vast back catalogue, with songs and vocal contributions from John Mclean, Carroll Thompson, Black Steel, Rockaway, and other Ariwa stalwarts.

This album also features U Roy the godfather of the talkers on sounds from the Ghetto

This album features all the songs mixed and edited in the style of 12 inch Disco mix, accompanied with their dubs.

His first release on the Foundation Sound imprint, Dandelion delivers the title track with haunting vocals and emotive lyric's acknowledging the tough times we live in. "Dread Dub" showcases Dougie Conscious flexing his skills on the mix, crashing reverbs, dynamic delays and twisted bass frequencies make for a deep but very heavy version, a sound system killer.

Dandelion is an artist striding onto the British reggae landscape. Born in the Caribbean island of Tobago he grew up there until the age of seven before moving to Norwich, England. Here Dandelion discovered a thriving Reggae scene and sound system culture. Inspired by what he was hearing at the local 'roots reggae' events he started writing lyrics and singing for sound systems such as Free King, Rebel Lion and Foundation Sound. Through this live work with the sound systems Dandelion then started to work with UK based Roots Reggae producers and labels.

Dandelion's early releases include the 2007 UK Roots hits "Gold Chain" and "Adversary" which came on the Conscious Sounds label. These were followed by more songs, which included "CCTV" released on the Hyperdub label and "Buss Gun" which came on Free King Sound System's label, Sugar Beat. Now living in London Dandelion has gone on to become one of the main vocalists for the Hempolics project alongside singing as front man for The Drop.

* 7' features, Roots vocal & version tracks. Special Picture Disc limited pressing of Martin Campbell's perennial Roots track, Richman (Original 1981 version). A side voiced and mixed at King Tubby's JA. B side features an extended Version, re-mixed by Alien Dread at AD studio. The track, an observational Roots tune, features in Martin Campbell's 'live' sets. Sample MP3's of the tracks can be found on the ACL web site.

*7 inch Vinyl Picture Disc in PVC sleeve.
*Roots Vocal recorded and mixed at King Tubby's (Ja) & Channel One Uk.
*Version 2, re-mixed by Alien Dread at AD studio Uk.
*Produced By: Martin Campbell & Alien Dread.
*Exec Producer: Jo Jo Hookim (Channel One Ja)
*Limited press only!.

The gnarliest reggae compilation in Christendom, drawn from the seventies and early-eighties heyday of this Toronto-based label, when it played host to stars like Joe Higgs, Augustus Pablo, Johnny Osbourne and Leroy Sibbles, and home to locals like Pluggy Satchmo and Dill Smith. Raw, twisted, compelling, time-and-again staggering productions by Oswald Creary, in the tradition of his childhood-friend Lloyd Bullwackie Barnes — and Lee Perry and Keith Hudson — but utterly themselves. Rough, tough, mystical roots. Brilliant mastering by Moritz von Oswald. Both formats come in silk-screened sleeves (and the artwork is Will Bankhead's finest hour). Just awesome. Hotly recommended.

* A couple of nuggets from the vaults of The Rootsman and Third Eye Studio.
* Both tracks incorporate that UK dub sound of the 1990's and the middle eastern flavour of which some The Rootsman's work became associated with.
*`Intifada' from 1995 is deep and bass-heavy and comes with a previously unreleased dub cut, while `Valley of the Kings' from 1998 is a more upbeat steppers affair with a collaboration between The Rootsman and former festival favourites Celtarabia.
* Tracklist: A The Rootsman - Intifada, Intifada Dub B. The Rootsman meets Celtarabia - Valley of the Kings, Valley of Dub

Already a monster of a track ''Seven Nation Army'' is now given the dub treatment by Prince Fatty on this hand stamped limited edition 7" pressing

Mini LP 4 Stepper, classic dub and electro dub flavour... Sounds Around style !

Limited edition hand stamped 12" vinyl from veteren DJ Madd.

Roots steady Reggae song and Dancehall killer interpretation. The Get Ready Riddim is bloody offers a large scale of interpretations !

Last year two disco 12' Record Store Day releases from BBE became instant collectables... we expect this year's releases to be no exception, but this time around the philosophy is 'less is more' as we showcase the hip-hop side of the label across two very special limited 7' singles from J Dilla and DJ Vadim.
We just had to make DJ Vadim part of our Record Store Day celebrations this year, as the Leningrad native is celebrating twenty years of record releases this year. Right there at the beginning of the trip-hop variant of hiphop, Vadim's music has always been steeped in reggae influences, culminating in last year's mighty Dubcatcher album. The dancehall doubleheader Black Is The Night / Lyrical Soldier is no exception. An exclusive cut, the catchy Black Is The Night (featuring Katherine DeBoer) is taken by
Vadim's Mad Professor -inspired sonics into deep dub territory, whilst the latter is a bravura dee-jay excursion taken from the Dubcatcher album remixed by Jstar an original don whom helped inspire the Major Lazer crew; with Demolition Man's tongue-twisting performance over vibrant riddims.

Thomas Brinkmann returns on Third Ear just over a year after his Guy Martin ep in 2013. Once again, his sheer class and technical skill are in abundant supply, creating blistering Techno drenched in the funk. Just brilliant. Buy on sight.

Gesuchte Roots Maxi-Single von 1980. Mit dem Extended Mix von "Kingdom Rise, Kingdom Fall" (Spielzeit 10:05), plus dem non LP-Track "A Day Will Come" als 12" Mix (6:37). Die Single war seinerzeit ein Vorgeschmack auf das bekannteste und erfolgreichste Album der Wailing Souls "Firehouse Rock". Am Mischpult des Channel One Studio saß dabei der legendäre Toningenieur Stanley Bryan, besser bekannt unter dem Künstlernamen Barnabas, und der Produzent Henry 'Junjo' Lawes. Als Backing Band sind hier die Roots Radics in Bestbesetzung am Start!

Pressure Sounds 1st release in 2015 is a classic roots set by The Inturns. Produced by Phil Pratt and not re-pressed in its original format since the mid

nineteen seventies. Nine tracks on the one disc 180 gram vinyl album. Eleven tracks on the cd.

American rhythm and blues had a profound effect on Jamaican music and maybe one of its biggest influences was on the art of vocal harmony singing.

The links began in the 1950s and continued to the late '70s. It's sad that this tradition has waned in more recent times.

Always present when you least expect it, this time Beauchamp offers us a title where rocksteady, house and dancehall influences collide to form a formidable hymn to dance.Built around a sample of the Prince Francis's title African Skank, Bauchamp's interpretation reinterprets with respect and innovation this classic of rocksteady.
The performance of Tsunami, a Jamaican reggae/dancehall singer based in Bern who at his beginnings has been a member of the same collective as Vybez Kartel enhances the relentless groove of this track and makes it a 'must have' for any DJ who wants to make the dancefloor groove.
Lemonick's remix, firmly bass music oriented and the O.B.F VS Schnautzi remix, in the digital dub vein, lend this release the broad musical outreach that characterizes the artistic direction of Argent Sale.
Played by: Laurent Garnier, Poirier, Simbad, Douster and Lefto, amongst others.Playlisted release by worldwide radios, from Switzerland through Couleur 3 to South Africa, via Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, France and New Zealand.
Mastering: Precise, UK / Artwork: Jessica Champlaine

Breakbeat Paradise Recordings is pleased to finally welcome to the label a true veteran in the funky breaks scene: Mr PulpFusion with the huge 12" vinyl release Funk Never Sleeps. Straight out of Switzerland, PulpFusion has been producing funky jams since the early days of nu funk, and this time around he has brought a true dream team of remixers for this enormous 7-track EP. On the flip side he has teamed up with another skilled funk producer Morris Chestnuts from Bristol as well as Producer and Rapper Imagine This from New Zealand to help complete this funk fest of a release.

PulpFusion has countless albums and EPs under his belt and done remixes for Ed Royal and Mr Bird & Tal M Klein as well as running the successful label Big Balls Records. He has a unique sound that has strong roots in electric psychedelic funk mixed with beats and breaks.

The remix duties are in good hand with all experts within their fields starting with DJ Maars from down under, who is true master in skanky reggae mash-ups - Mr. Rory Hoy who is skillfully keeping alive the sounds of the big beat era and finally a true BBP all-star Jayl Funk who specializes in anything funky for the dancefloor.

Breakbeat Paradise Recordings is proud to start off another year with another extremely funky release to keep pushin' the sounds of funky beats and breaks even further.

Superb Amiga Dub sound. Very nice one, indeed !

1969 proved a crucial year in the development of Jamaican music. Reggae had just superseded Rock Steady in becoming the island s national sound, with the new exciting style swiftly embraced by a fast developing British working class youth movement noted for their smart, functional clothing and cropped hair Skinheads. So it was in such an environment that leading independent Doctor Bird Records released Laurel Aitken s long awaited second album, Laurel Aitken Says Fire, a collection comprised of his most popular singles from the preceding months along with previously unreleased material. Unsurprisingly, the LP became an immediate best-seller, its success only hindered by the record company's sudden and unexpected demise soon after.

Funk45 label boss Jazzman Gerald and obsessive collector Malcolm Catto present 21 rare and unreleased slices of heavy funk from the Alligator State! Having spent the past 3 years travelling the length and breadth of Florida - trekking through the everglades, sampling the dubious delights of 'swamp deer' and snatching rare 45s from the jaws of 20ft gators - they escaped back to the UK with an amazing selection of music that highlights Florida as one of the funkiest states in the USA! From driving percussive instrumentals by obscure small-town groups, to heartfelt slabs of soul; from tropical Latin grooves to funk so raw that James Brown himself gave his personal blessing, Florida has a little bit of everything! All the tracks have been fully licensed from the original artists, and the CD (and double gatefold vinyl) come with previously unpublished photos and meticulous, in-depth liner notes from 100% original research telling the story of funky soul music in Florida.

Dub Dynasty aka Alpha & Omega Meets Alpha Steppa's much anticipated second album. Dub Dynasty's 2013 debut 'Unrelenting Force' received widespread critical acclaim with support from media platforms such as Q Magazine, Mixmag, Wire, BBC and Rinse FM to name a few. Dub Dynasty once again deliver an international line-up featuring vocalists and instrumentalists from around the globe; UK, USA, Zimbabwe, Jamaica, Italy, Ireland, Spain and Suriname. With diverse contributions ranging from the soulful vocals of Wellette Seyon, Cian Finn and Prince David, to the militant chants of N'goni and Ras Tinny, traversing the enchanting flute melodies of Don Fe to the spoken word teachings of internationally recognised spiritual guru Mooji. This album is a musical journey to be experienced both at home and at soundsystem sessions across the globe. With various mixes from the LP currently being spun exclusively by top soundsystems and DJ's, from high octane dub outfit Iration Steppas to leading dubstep delegate VIVEK. Beautifully mastered and pressed to two disc vinyl for maximum bass pressure featuring artwork contributions from South Africa's dance movement the University Of Steppas.

After causing shockwaves throughout the world of reggae and beyond, Dubkasm's seminal instrumental smash 'Victory' has travelled from Bristol to Jamaica and back again. This new version is voiced by Luciano, arguably the greatest roots reggae singer of the modern era, and veteran deejay Turbulence, who steps up with a fiery, righteous counteraction. With its tough, unstoppable rolling bass, unique percussion and crisp, driving horns, the original version was the bestselling roots release of the decade. The exclusive dubplate of Luciano's incredible performance has been a fixture at soundsystem stalwart Aba Shanti's dances for the past year, and is finally available on 12-inch, backed with Turbulence's all-new deejay militancy. Both performers stay true to the spirit of the original, bringing out different sides of the Dubkasm ethos: Luciano is soaring and jubilant, while Turbulence chats pure and unflinching reality, delivering his most unforgettable chorus since breakout hit, 'Notorious', in the process. Each vocal is followed by an uncompromising, deep, old skool dub, with crackling delays and thunderous spring reverb. Mastered on ½' tape at the world-famous Stardelta studio and cut to 180g vinyl, the pressing does full justice to the depth of the music; you can hear every hi-hat and every last vocal inflection. This is an unmissable release.

Little dub, bring me the sun !

See the World, the new release from top Russian reggae don Steppa Style is one of Russia's best exports of 2014, without question. Throughout the LP's 18 tracks, Steppa inflicts bass heavy riddims laced with messages of positivity - nothing but good vibes from this one! This is the kind of album that puts a smile on your face and a bounce in your step. Track to track, Steppa shows he's done his homework when it comes to reggae legends, paying subtle lyrical homage to some of the greats such as Bob Marley and Yellowman. Along with Steppa's own signature style, See the World includes plenty of collaborations with current rising stars and established artists such as Skarra Mucci, Kris Kelli, Solo Banton and Deadly Hunta.

01 What a Life
02 Running Wave
03 Inna Disya Time (feat. Skarra Mucci)
04 Jungle Rebel
05 Digital (feat. Solo Banton)
06 Unity
07 Work Hard (feat. Deadly Hunta)
08 Sweet Love
09 See the World
10 Food of Love
11 My Time (feat. Kriss Kelly)
12 Gunman
13 Original Steppa
14 Instagram
15 Shout It Loud
16 Call Pon Me Phone
17 No Sound
18 Nice Up

Crucial Cuts marks the return of Billy Wilmot and Mystic Revealers to the reggae scene, with their first release since 2008. The 'best of' collection is re-mastered versions of the original studio recordings, compiled from their first four albums.

The group's brand of 90's roots reggae blends political edge with international pop flavour. Their style resonates with fans of Don Carlos and Israel Vibration. Mystic Revealers have Influenced Manu Chao and others
The album includes collaborations with Sizzla and Anthony B.

Embracing surf culture in Jamaica as a young man, Wilmot influenced generations of enthusiasts of the sport and has been a key figure in bringing reggae to surfing fans. Wilmot's sons are major figures in today's Jamaican surfing scene from their home in Bull Bay.

Wilmot operates a performance venue called Jamnesia which has become a magnate for new roots reggae talent.

* The 7 inch vinyl single has a contemporary style vocal track from Lover's Rock legend Peter Spence, who has teamed up with producer Phillip Gadd for a 2014 revisit and adaptation of this timeless classic, which was originally recorded by Ken Boothe in 1970 for JA Artist/producer Keith Hudson. The B side features a Horns led Instrumental version featuring new artist Saxophonist, Alvin Davis. The tracks were produced by Phillip 'Gadd 59' Whittaker at Gadd 59 Studio.


* New Reggae Vocal, with new rhythm and instrumental version.
* Produced by: Phillip 'Gadd 59' Whittaker at Gadd 59 Studio.
* All tracks mixed by: Alien Dread at AD Studio.
* Executive Producer: Phillip 'Gadd 59' Whittaker.
* Special Picture Sleeve.
* Limited initial press: Black Vinyl 7' in Picture Sleeve (Sealed)

This guitar player definitely wears acoustic blinders. Single note lines and riffs similar to early James Brown recordings, executed with amazing perfection - one can't imagine a more stoic performance, especially considering what's happening at the same time:

Blazing horns in unison and a slightly awry choir come together, work in opposite directions, completing a true rhythmically woven carpet with the tight rhythm section's network: multi-layered, close-knitted and nearly impenetrable. You can't escape from those tunes! Arms, legs and hips have to follow the pulse: one moment light-footed, the next heavy and uncompromising, fitting the distinct messages, criticizing worldwide "social absurdities" (JariBu).

The eight Japanese Musicians led by Masamichi Ishikawa play more Funk and Jazz than the Nigerian Afrobeat originals Fela Kuti and Tony Allen did: a swift flute, a blazing trumpet playing and extensive solos from the very beginning - just check out the opener, it runs more than nine minutes! Occasionally there's a nasty fuzz guitar which reminds one of the 1970ies, accompanied by tape hiss and amp noise. You've gotta love it!

Since 2009 there have been four long players by JariBu Afrobeat Arkestra. However the new "JariBu" is, similar to "Mediacracy" (Tramp Records 2012) the Tokyoites' second Record, distributed internationally. But they have been more than well received in the past few years - the Japanese Afrobeat word has been spread in the past and will be spread even more in the future!

Martin Buerkl (Basement Jazz Radio Show, Munich)