Hip-Hop News

Soulful reggae tune by Bunny Clarke, first time reissue with dub version since it's initial release in 1975 with the typical Lee Scratch Perry production sound.

Original cut of the well-known "Fever" riddim, voiced by Milton Henry and Junior Byles, credited here to King Medious, an alias Henry says was inspired by the mysterious Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses. Crucial early 70s Lee Perry production. First time reissue on 7inch.

Strong roots over a charging rhythm driven by Niyabinghi-style hand drums by the obscure vocal group Truth, Fact & Correct, rumoured to be in fact The Viceroys.

2x7"

Brand new EP from the London's own Mowty Mahlyka aka Dark Angel, well know for his previous Moonshine Recordings killer release 'Propaganda'. Riddims for this double 7" beauty were cooked by the Moonshine all stars - Bukkha & D-Operation Drop. Expect some serious dubwise fayah!

Single cut of the epic "Grounation" - lively piece gathering peace and love backed with the flute lead instrumental "Ethiopian Serenade" also a single only version.

In the early 1960’s, when the Jamaican recording industry was still very much in its infancy, the local music scene was dominated by a mere handful of performers. Among these musical pioneers was Derrick Morgan. A year after the launch of the islands records label (1967), they released the Derrick Morgan And His Friends LP, which has since become a highly prized collector’s item. Recorded at Jamaica’s premiere recording studio, WIRL, and featuring the musicianship of leading session crews, the Carib Beats and Lyn Taitt & the Jets, the quality of the tracks remains consistently high. Morgan is one of Reggae’s real unsung heroes and this compilation makes it all the more compelling.

Derrick Morgan And His Friends is available as a limited
edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange vinyl.

Having dominated the rock steady era, Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid was searching for a way to build upon his standing as one of Jamaica’s premiere record producers following the arrival of the new reggae sound towards the close of the Sixties. By releasing Gay Jamaica Independence Time he proved that he still released high quality tracks. Some of the most talented musicians from that period are featured on this record, like U-Roy, The Ethiopians, Alton Ellis and Tommy McCook. Duke Reid may have been late on the reggae scene but his best material stands shoulder to shoulder with the classics of the era and many of the tracks presented here reach that level with ease. The disc closes with the Jamaican National Anthem, as this title was released to commemorate the eighth anniversary of Jamaican independence.

Gay Jamaica Independence Time is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange vinyl.

Soul Jazz Records are releasing this 20th anniversary edition of their classic Studio One Rockers on unique Record Store Day EXCLUSIVE coloured vinyl + download code. This new edition is a one-off pressing exclusively for Record Store Day Owned and founded by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd, Studio One's output serves as a comprehensive guide to the history of Reggae music.

The music on Studio One Rockers covers all areas of Reggae such as Ska, Rocksteady, Roots and Dancehall, all areas in which Studio One led the field and has become the essential introduction to reggae fans throughout the world.


Included in this compilation are classic Ska tracks ("Phoenix City"), Rocksteady ("Feel Like Jumping"), Roots music ("Truth and Rights"), Dancehall (Freddy McGregor, Michigan and Smiley) and many more. Featured here are many of the classic tracks from Studio One. From Dawn Penn's legendary "No, No, No" to classics such as Horace Andy's "Skylarking" and Marcia Griffith's "Feel Like Jumping".

"Compilation of the year. 100% Essential” Time Out "Compilation of the year. A compilation of unbelievable quality. Awesome” DJ "A who's who of Jamaican music” The Times "An essential slice of musical history" Wire "The most credible compilation of reggae you can buy” - The Guardian.

* Brand new release from the mighty Ital Horns - Dave Fullwood - Trumpet & Richard Doswell - Saxaphone - (Crispy Horns, Zion Train, Conscious Sounds and more),
* Blazing horns on a one drop roots reggae rhythm produced by Liam `Partial' McGurk and mixed by Dougie Wardrop from Conscious Sounds.

7” SINGLE IN A HARLEM SHUFFLE HOUSE BAG!

ABOUT NORA DEAN:

Although one of the greatest Reggae female vocalists, little is known about Nora Dean. She recorded solo and also as a member of The Soulettes, The Ebony Sisters and The Soul Sisters. Nora Dean's most known song "Barbwire" was a number one hit in 1969. Her songs today are considered great classics among early Reggae fans.

As both sides of this single shows, Nora Dean was without doubt one of the greatest Jamaican voices ever.

"Peace begins within" is an beautiful uptempo early Reggae masterpiece where Nora's vocal ability really shows. It is an unusual song depicting in a few words the hard reality of life, on an uplifting early Reggae beat. Brilliant track! The original single is one of the most sought after Reggae 7" vinyl ever with a price tag of about 900 dollars a piece if you can ever find one...

We wanted to do something very special for this release so we selected the 1969's "Ay Ay Ay Ay" for the B side. "Ay Ay Ay Ay" is an unusual track, a very Jamaican song although not quite Reggae, wonderfully weird where Nora sings, moans, laughs, shrieks, whistles, delivering one of her most compelling vocal performance on a background of tribal drums and hypnoctic guitar. Irresistible!

7” SINGLE PRESENTED IN A BLACK SLEEVE

These two avidly sought after Early Reggae tracks have been extracted from the 1970 “SUFFERER” album...

These 2 tracks are extremely rare on 7” vinyl and are sought after by literally thousands of collectors and Early Reggae fans alike. Price for a mint copy of HOLD DOWN will fetch over Euro 500, if you ever find one…

THE KINGSTONIANS:

Jamaican vocal trio, the Kingstonians were formed around 1966 by Cebert Bernard (aka Jackie Bernard) and his brother Lloyd "Footy" Bernard, along with mutual friend Lloyd Kerr. They began their recording career with producer J.J. Johnson, but had their greatest success between 1968 and 1970 with producer Derrick Harriott, who helped steer the singles "Singer Man" and "Sufferer" to the top of the Jamaican charts.


Reissued on 7" vinyl for the first time, this is a licensed release of the very rare and very much in demand HOLD DOWN. It presently trades at about USD500 for a mint copy if you can ever get one.

This track was originally published on the 1969’s 7’ vinyl single The Kingstonians HOLD DOWN/Barry York WHO WILL SHE BE on Crab (a British reggae label active between 1968 and 1971) and on the 1970 album The Kingstonians' SUFFERER on Trojan.

With "HOLD DOWN" The Kingstonians signed an outstanding track with great vocals, tight lyrics (see below) and a rhythm guaranteed to get these brogues tapping! This gem quickly became a genuine anthem right next to the likes of 54-46 WAS MY NUMBER or MOON HOP and yet it has never been repressed on 7’ vinyl, hence it’s high collectable value...

This is a licensed reissue of the rare 7" vinyl single track. Very much in demand, it presently trades at about USD300 for a decent copy.

It was originally released on the 1969’s 7’ vinyl single The Kingstonians NICE NICE /I’LL BE AROUND on Big Shot (a British reggae label active between 1968 and 1971) and on the 1970 album The Kingstonians' SUFFERER on Trojan.

This is another cracking uptempo track, very typical of The Kingstonians & Derrick Harriott’s production at that time and a perfect flip side for the A side anthem.

All time killer in-demand Barrington Levy roots anthem from 1983. Produced by George Phang, backed with lethal Sly & Robbie propelled dub treatment.

One of the ‘Cool Rulers’ heaviest roots slabs and one of his most sought after, originally released in 1976. Backed with original killer dub version from Errol T, here’s the first time legal re-press of this Joe Gibbs produced classic!

“Though the rhythm base originates from Bob Andy’s Studio One tune “Unchained”, it has become not only a well-coveted rhythm, but it became more popular after Dennis Brown’s recording “Easy Take It Easy” (and in 1993 re-versioned by Bim Sherman / Dub Syndicate as “Can’t Take It Easy” for On-U Sound). Today, both the Dennis Brown rendition and this particular version by the water-smooth-voiced Gregory Isaacs in 1976, released on the Joe Gibbs label imprint Belmont under the title “Babylon Too Rough”, are major roots club staples”.

Heartical 1978 roots classic from Prince Allah backed with original killer dub version from Errol T. First time legal re-press of this Joe Gibbs produced classic originally released on the Joe Gibbs Record Globe label.

Keith Blake (born 10 May 1950), better known as Prince Alla (sometimes Prince Allah or Ras Allah) is a Jamaican roots reggae singer whose career began in the 1960s, and has continued with a string of releases into the 2000’s.

Originally issued on Blue Beat, Buster waxes moralistic, backed with alternate version of UK release.

A cover version of Smokey Robinson's My Girl, backed with Drummond with (possibly) the full Skatalites band.

Cover of Nat King Cole hit, with Baba Brooks, Alphonso and Lester Sterling letting it rip on the flip, Jamaica jazz style.

A tribute album to the lead vocalist, Bunny Brown, who died in March, 2019.

This is the second album of The Chosen Few, the most soulful & funky vocal group in Jamaican history. The album was produced by Tony Robinson and released on TR Groove Master in Jamaica, and on Trojan as “Everybody Plays The Fool” in the UK.

No doubt a masterpiece of “Island Soul”, it was not the centre of attention, due to being overshadowed by the growing popularity of rastafarianism and the roots rock movement, led by Bob Marley at that time.

A variety of soul covers are included on the album, with Betty Wright’s “I Love The Way You Love” as the title track, “Reggae Stuff”, a cover of Kool & The Gang’s “Funky Stuff”, “My Thing” known as a big hit by The Moments, and Sylvia, the soul classic “Tears Of A Clown” by Smokey Robinson and more. Added to that is “Children Of The Night” as a bonus track which was released as a 45.

Jamaican reggae artist Ini Kamoze released his second album Statement in 1984 as a follow-up to his excellent self-titled debut LP. With the production skills by Sly & Robbie they made a great and versatile record, that can be considered among his best albums. The catchy rhythms and Ini’s impressive vocal work can be heard on songs like “Babylon, Babylon” and “Taxi For Me”. This is an album that fits in every record collection.

• 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
• PRODUCED BY SLY DUNBAR & ROBBIE SHAKESPEARE
• INCLUDES “SETTLE WITH ME”, “BABYLON, BABYLON”, “ENGLAND BE NICE” A.O.
• REGGAE SERIES WITH SELECTED REGGAE CLASSICS STICKER ON SEAL

Bunny Wailer’s album Sings the Wailers successfully reworks many of The Wailers songs with the backing of top Jamaican musicians, Sly and Robbie. The way he edited the songs for the modern age is impressive. At some moments he’s harmonizing with himself, to keep the spirit of The Wailers alive. Dubby overtones and well produced arrangements are all part of the wonderful sound created by Bunny and Sly and Robbie.

• 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
• INCLUDES “MELLOW MOOD”, “HYPOCRITE”, “RULE THIS LAND”, “I’M THE TOUGHEST” AND MORE REGGAE SONGS
• REGGAE SERIES WITH SELECTED REGGAE CLASSICS STICKER ON SEAL

Released on Greensleeves in 1990 to glowing reviews ‘Blowing With The Wind’ went on to be Pablo’s most successful album since the seventies. The mix of nyahbinghi drumming and hardcore steppers was embraced big time by the new age sound-system culture bringing Pablo’s far east sound to a whole new audience. A successful tour of Japan followed where Pablo showcased Blowing With The Wind with a selection of his original rockers. Recorded at Tuff Gong & Dynamic and mixed at Tuff Gong & Music Works, engineered by Soldgie, Chunny, Sylvan Morris & Tony Kelly.

The release of Rising Son in 1986 on Greensleeves began a new era for Augustus Pablo edging his Rockers revolution into the digital age. In his own words Rising uon “mix-up the vibes a little more” from steppers like ‘Pipers of Zion’, revival reggae ‘African Frontline’ and the deep and heavy ‘The Day Before The Riot’. Recorded at Channel One, Tuff Gong, Dynamic & HC&F and engineered by Phillip Smart and Scientist.

* Classic UK vocal and dub LP from 1992 gets the reissue treatment from Partial Records
* This was the first album from the Conscious Sounds label which features UK-based singer Tena Stelin and the then in-house Conscious Sounds group (Nigel Lake, Chris Petter and Dougie Wardrop).
* Presented in a showcase, with the vocal followed by dub version.
* The original pressing is long-deleted.
* Limited to 500 copies only.

Numa Crew and the ’London City Warlord’ Riko Dan join forces on this dancefloor banger called ‘Babylon’.

When it comes to the influence of Ragga in the MCing styles of Grime, one of the undisputed pioneers is Riko Dan - most famously associated with Roll Deep, one of the most important collectives in the history of Grime.

The original track is an explosive mix of Grime and Dubstep sounds spiced with a Dancehall flavor that gives Riko the perfect platform to spin raw and punching lyrics.

The flip side is a remake of the original ‘Babylon’ in a pure Dub stepper style, heavyweight bassline, hypnotic skanks and mystical atmospheres that fuse the two worlds of Grime and Dub in a unique sound. Certified sound system material.

Reissue from 1988 originally, killer digital Oswald Creary production

Names You Can Trust is proud to continue the tradition of collaborations with the finest musical talents the world has to offer, sin fronteras. The latest release features a pair of cuts from the renowned Ava Rocha, backed by punk cumbiero all-stars & NYCT alumni, Los Toscos. Rocha, the daughter of Latin American film legends from Brazil and Colombia and a multi-disciplinarian triple threat herself (music, film, visual art), calls both countries home and has long held a reputation for no-holds-barred artistic commentary on the political follies of the neighboring, intertwined societies.

What she brings on her latest single easily stands alone on musical merit, but gains greater nuance and significance as the powerful lyrics emerge. With a disarming chanteuse vocal delivery and a stark groove that would be equally at home on an early Tom Waits record or in the psychedelic jam sessions of a '70s Fuentes group, this double sider is ultimately a great introduction to Rocha's Latinx punk social commentary but should also slide right in with DJs looking for a versatile addition to their boxes.

Reissue of harmonious vocal 1987 roots.