Hip-Hop News

The famous Joseph Cotton and the DJ / producer Atili Bandalero present their first collab "Nightlife". This opus counts 10 titles, with as a thread the still sharpened flow of Jamaican veteran DJ Joseph Cotton, who has lost none of his communicative energy. Atili Bandalero is at the helm to offer you colorful riddims of digital reggae and ska, which transport us directly to Jamaica!

"Good Morning Midnight" is the second studio album of French MC Biga*Ranx. Driven by the unstoppable flow of the artist, this album drags us into his special universe navigating between Reggae Digital, Hip Hop and Bass Music. As he says so well, Biga*Ranx wanted to "invent his own music". This album has 20 surprising songs from the artistic melting pot of Biga*Ranx. The proof is with the title Cumbia "Buck A Shot" which transports us directly to Colombia, or "Bad To The Bone" with Reggae-Trap influences. However the Reggae soul is still present on the entire record, as evidenced by "Boogie Man Skank" or "Confession". For the composition he used different talented beat-makers like the English of Vibronics or the Danish producers of Maffi. The French scene is also well represented by Manudigital, Tom Fire, Atili Bandalero or Barbés.D. Biga*Ranx loves to sing life simply, always in a personal approach. He approaches the themes of his generation by adding a touch of positivism and fighting spirit, approaching the original message of reggae.

Dreadmania (It's All In The Mind) is Judge Dread's (nee Alexander Hughes) very first album, originally released by Trojan Records in 1972, and is a confirmed Ska and Skinhead Reggae classic. The least likely of reggae stars, the white, Brixton raised Dread had previously served as a club bouncer (where he met Derrick Morgan and Prince Buster), wrestler, bodyguard, DJ, and debt collector for Trojan Records, before hitting it big in 1972 with "Big Six" - inspired by Prince Buster's classic "Big 5" - which reached number 11 on the UK chart and sold nearly a half a million copies. On the back of that hit, and its follow up "Big Seven", the label quickly assembled an album to cash in on their success, and its title, Dreadmania, aptly summed up the state of the nation, as Judge Dread fever gripped the island. Of course, the two hits were included within, as was "Oh She Is a Big Girl Now," which was subsequently spun off as a single, and "Dr. Kitch," which later reappeared as a B-side. Appropriately enough, the Chuck Berry hit "Ding a Ling" was covered, and just in case there were any remaining doubts about the album's contents, there's even a track titled "Donkey Dick." "It's all in the mind/It's all in the mind/The rudeness it's all in the mind," the Judge ruled on the opening track. Perhaps, but Dread could make even a nun blush. He was the king of the double entendre, his clever wordplay and wit a revelation for the staid British. But he also captured the imagination of Jamaicans. Dread wrapped his rude lyrics within perfect reggae backdrops, with many of his songs built around classic Jamaican rhythms, adding further authenticity to his sound.

Bazza Ranks from Dirty Dubsters created a 2018 Reggae / Dancehall / Jungle Revision of the Pete Rock and CL Smooth Classic "They Reminisce Over You" and enlists UK Microphone Controller Dynamite MC to give us a melodic rendition with a few well worded images from memory lane.

ONLY 1 LIMITED COPY PER CUSTOMER !

MOONDUST releases a tasty jazz-reggae nugget from THE SLACKERS sax man and his world know all star band the ROCKSTEADY 7. RETRO INDIE DUB

One of the boldest new producers to broach the dub sphere in recent times, Jay Glass Dubs is subject of Dubs, a prime 'early years' survey of his work, compiled by Alessio Natalizia (Not Waving) for his Ecstatic label, and released quick at the heels of their ace TRAX set and Novoline album.
Written during what Dimitris Papadatos, aka Jay Glass Dubs, describes as 'an adventurous and bold period', and holding material variously issued by Hylé Tapes, THRHNDRDSVNTNN, and Seagrave between 2015-2016, the Dubs compilation frames a singular, stripped down take on classic dub forms, wherein Jay Glass Dubs perceptibly retains the sound's heavy function and mystic qualities, but subtly updates its palette with a range of nods to shoegaze, darkwave synth styles and weightless dynamics.
The results form a sort of ghostly, filleted subtraction of classic dub architecture, all plasmic tones and diaphanous, boneless structures buoyed by an often overwhelming, yet somehow intangible
bass presence. Beyond the obvious, thematic ligature that connects the material, which was all recorded within a very short period of time, the artist also suggests there is an underlying, encrypted similarity to the material which is 'merely apparent to me', and awaits much closer investigation from keen ears.
From Jay's eponymous 2015 debut for Hylé tapes, listeners will encounter the heaving smudge of Definition Dub, the serpentine, Coil-like digital delays of Grumpy Dub, and a grime drone drill Depression Dub. Off the II tape for THRHNDRDSVNTNN comes the darkwave synths and militant step of Magazine Dub recalling a gauzier Equiknoxx production, next to the bass-less scudder,
Detrimental Dub and the shoegazing bloom of Daria Dub, while his III tape tees up some abyssal highlights in the vertiginous Hilton Dub, the melancholy, Basic Channel-scoped scale of Sieben Dub, and the HTRK-eaque starkness of Everlasting Dub.
Exclusive to the set is Perfumed Dub, recorded in 2017 and pointing to vast, layered, atmospheric directions for a timeless project which is only just hitting its stride.

UK Dub pioneers Alpha & Omega (Greensleeves / A&O Records) represent the foundation of UK soundsystem culture and bass music. Formed in the 1980's and with over 30 studio albums to their name, A&O have not only left a lasting legacy but are continuing to do so via collaborations with some of the most established names in reggae, underground artists and newly discovered talent alike. A&O's brand new studio album 'One By One' is a nod to the classic A&O sound yet illustrates A&O's forward thinking and distinctive outlook on reggae music. Another A&O classic, and well worth the wait.

Producer Victor Ticklah' Axelrod is back with another supple Reggae delight. After the success of The Inversion's last collaboration with Bob & Gene, Axelrod once again takes a seat in the Producer's chair, this time with a tune a little deeper in the catalogue. Originally tweezed from the beautiful MO DO tape boondoggle, back in '05 - '06, this single has been a long-time favorite of the Daptone family.

One night in 1971, frustrated by their lack of the success, Bobby Nunn and Gene Coplin sat in the basement of 50 Orange Street and put together a record expressing said frustration. Equipped with only a guitar, bass, and piano - no drums (though you don't even notice) - the two crafted an immaculate slice of Soul, aptly titled It's Not What You Know (It's Who You Know)'. Fast forward 46 years, and now accompanied by the rocksteady rhythms of The Inversions - the vocal stylings and poignant lyrics are reborn, sounding as fresh today as it did when it was crafted down in that magical basement. The VERSION flip is a delay laden masterpiece produced and arranged by Axelrod. A must for fans of Dub and Reggae alike. A truly gorgeous record!

'Afro Rock Vol. 1' is one of the most important compilations of heavy original '70s Afro funk and soul to be released in recent years. Originally surfacing on Duncan Brooker's indie Kona label in early 2001, the album single-handedly kick-started the thirst among jazz, funk and soul fans and 'diggers' to rediscover lost music from Africa made during the '60s and '70s from a time when many countries were gaining independence and celebrating a Pan-African identity within their music. The album was one of the frst to reach a far different audience to the traditional 'world music' market and spawned many further projects and labels in its wake. A year later, the 'Nigeria 70' compilation surfaced on Strut and labels like Soundway and Analog Africa would continue to unearth amazing lost gems from the Motherland. The album is testament to the determined work of Brooker following several research trips, especially to East Africa - Kenya and Zaire. It brought to light East Africa's fnest funk band, Air Fiesta Matata, led by the recently deceased Steele Beautttah, 'The Nigerian James Brown' Geraldo Pino from Port Harcourt in Nigeria, and the storming Afro jam 'Yuda' by Dackin Dackino, a previously unreleased gem from Zaire discovered on a discarded reel. The album has remained infuential since its release with tracks appearing on other Afro compilations and on TV and the big screen - Jingo's 'Fever' featured in Kevin McDonald's 2006 hit flm, 'Last King Of Scotland'.Out of print since 2015, the album is being reissued on Strut in its original form with the extra dynamite unreleased psychedelic cut by Kenya's Ishmael Jingo, 'Keep On Holding On' taken from the original master tape. The package features the original sleeve notes by Duncan Brooker along with new additional notes providing further background to the album and tracks.

[L] C3 | Igziabeher (Let Jah Be Praised) (ShaJahShoka Dub Plate)

One digital reggae Top Class sound and its digital dub instrumental on the flip.

Re-press. Early rocksteady, Clancy Eccles production from 1967.

Re-press. 1978 recording, originally issued on Augustus Pablo's Rockers label, taken from his 'Africa Must Be Free By 1983' LP.

Kingston, Jamaica, spring 1978, and Lloyd Parks is taking his We The People band in to Joe Gibbs' Studio to record the 'Meet The People' album. Lloyd has already achieved big local hits both as a solo singer and with the Termites, and had three solo albums released by Trojan in the UK. Now, as a session musician, he is at the heart of Joe Gibbs' quest for international success. That February his bass playing helped to propel Althea and Donna's 'Uptown Top Ranking' to number one in the British charts.

By 1978, Joe Gibbs was really starting to taste international success, with the 'African Dub' series and albums by Culture and Prince Far I having found a wide audience overseas, and Dennis Brown just about to break through.

As the We The People band became increasingly in demand as a live act, Lloyd's collaborations with Dennis Brown for Joe Gibbs created a huge hit with their recut of 'Money In My Pocket', and a brace of albums for A&M. Yet just as the studio's global reach seemed assured, Joe Gibbs found himself caught up in a dispute over songwriting royalties for JC Lodge's 'Someone Loves You Honey'.

The 'Meet The People' album may have had limited distribution, but its rarity has only added to its strong reputation with afficionados over the years. Today its songs of reality still resonate, and vibrancy of the musicians still jumps out of the speakers.

ORANGE ST. SPECIAL VERSIONS ! EARTH SOUND RECORDS IS SHAKING THE PLACE WITH TWO RARE CUTS OF PRINCE BUSTER & THE ALL STARS CLASSIC HITS.'THE BLUES' AKA EARTHQUAKE (ALT. TAKE) B/W SHAKING UP ORANGE ST. VERSION

Excellent good feeling style of an digital dub ina Dancehall style

2 track Single from Brimstone released by Fam's/Dub Store Records

2 track Single from Family Man & The Rebel Arms released by Cobra/Dub Store Records

Obscure and much sought after Junior Reid title, originally released in 1984 on W.O.W. Music, reissued for the first time.

Tightly produced steppers track backed by the Revolutionaries and mixed at Channel One by Barnabus.

Following on from our extremely well received re-press of Pasteur Lappe's second album "Na Man Pass Man" here at Africa Seven we are really pleased to be heading back to the beginning with Pasteur. It is a another fine repress. The debut album "We, The People".

The story begins in the 60's with a charming 19 year old Nicolas "Pasteur" Lappe becoming a sensation on Radio Adele in Douala, Cameroun. He goes on to become the editor of the Douala Gazette newspaper and become friends with other African music stars such as Tala AM, J Moboule and Fela Kuti. He also works tirelessly promoting new and upcoming local Cameroonian talent. After moving to Paris, a stint in journalism school and publishing a book of poems "Chansons Negres" he finally settles into a new life of music in Paris.

Pasteur's first album was recorded in 1979 with the backing band and production collective called the Zulu Gang, which include Douglas Mbida (who went on to release several top flight albums himself) and Jacob Desvariaux (who went on to form Kassav). The album is full of diverse sounds, from driving funk, sweeping disco grooves, syrupy ballads, reggae, Jackson-five-esque pop to finger-lickin' soul. At its core though is the custom "Sekele" groove... a movement to encompass the dance, grooves and vibes from his native Douala.

The album opens with the pulsing grooves of "More Sekele Movement" which features driving bass groove, snappy percussion and catchy vocal lines from our hero. "Dora" is next. It is a sparkly Afro pop gem with stabby horns and a smooth catchy melody.

Things take a slow route for the next track - "Watch Get My Day Dreams" which is a slow smooth vocal number. Lazy Rhodes and a end-of-the-disco sway. It also features Maryse Lappe guesting on vocals. Things heat up on the flip with "Sekelimania (Nku Bilam)" bringing back the funk. Choppy guitar riffs, percussive clavinet and top-of-the-world horns power this smooth power funk along.

Next "The Sekele Movement" keeps the horn department busy with its Afro swing drums, walking bass lines and funky keys. This track was featured on the recent Analog Africa - "Pop Makossa" compilation. A real find. The album closes with a slow and forlorn love song. A partly spoken, partly sung love song which talks of separation and longing. The perfect thoughtful ending to a fine LP.

The nostalgic poet, with Africa at his essence Pasteur Lappe.

2 track Single from Sena released by Fam's/Dub Store Records

*Another collectable relic unearthed by the Partial Records archaeological team.
* Produced in 1999 by Robert Tribulation from the Word Sound & Power label and sound system featuring roots reggae singer Delroy Dyer, `Live Up' is previously unreleased before in any format.
* The lesser-spotted Delroy Dyer had a short burst of activity in the late 90's / early 00's recording mainly for Russ D / Disciples and WSP, and remains something of a cult legend.
* Backed with a raw dub mix from Tribulation All Stars with some frantic up-front bongo work.

* Boom 90's sought-after selection from versatile JA/UK vocal veteran Danny Red licking out against bad boys and gangsters alongside Boombastic Crew aka Nick Raphael (Manasseh. Riz Records, Roots Garden) and Gil Gang (Tuff Scout, Riz Records)
* Riddim-wise this is a sound system bullet which has hints of the mid 80's in the style of King Jammy, Jah Tubbys and Unity Sounds.
* This track originally came in the early 1990s on a Riz Records LP `Themes From Riz' which is now a wallet-busting records to secure.

The Mighty Diamonds are one of the most famous vocal groups to come out of the Jamaican Reggae scene.
Their perfect harmonies ride over the wholesome and Garveyite influenced lyrics to such great effect that they will always evoke memories of that time and place, but also like all great music never seems to date.

The Mighty Diamonds consist of Donald 'Tappy' Shaw (lead vocals) Fitzroy 'Bunny' Simpson and Lloyd 'Judge' Ferguson providing those fantastic harmonies.
They began their recording career working with producers Stranger Cole and Rupie Edwards but found their breakthrough success with producer Joseph 'Joe Joe' Hookim at the legendary Channel One Studios recording 'Hey Girl' and covering two foreign tunes namely 'Country Living' (The Stylistics) and 'Stoned Out of Mind' (The Chi-lites) which suited their vocal styles perfectly.

The vocal group also cut tracks with other famous producers of the time Joe Gibbs ,Gussie Clarke and Mr.Tappa Zukie of which we focus this release on.On listening, these tunes work perfectly with harmonies weaving together and lifting the songs to another level.
The group also leave some room for a history lesson in the shape of 'Morgan the Pirate' and the thought provoking 'Do You Want to Spend Your Time Wasting Time'.
Well waste no more and enjoy this set by one of Jamaica's finest vocal groups....

In 2006 Pama Internati onal became the fi rst new band in 30 years to sign to the world's iconic reggae label Trojan Records. The Trojan Sessions featured a host of Jamaican musical legends performing songs writt en especially for

them by Pama Internati onal's songwriter Sean Flowerdew and recorded by an all-star line-up that includes Lynval Golding and Horace Panter from The Specials. The album takes in ska (Disobedient Children - co-writt en by Rico Rodriguez

MBE on trombone and vocal duti es & Penny Wise Pound Fool starring Derrick Morgan), boss reggae (It Ain't Funny featuring Dave & Ansel Collins - on record for the fi rst ti me together in three decades!), rockers (It's All About

The Money), dub soundscapes (Bett erment Blues featuring Dawn Penn), rocksteady (Fisherman featuring AJ Franklin from The Chosen Few & Studio One recording arti st Winston Francis and I Know It's Not Your Way), an early

reggae styled cut that invokes the spirit of Liquidator (Neither High Nor Dry featuring Dennis Alcapone) & more!