Hip-Hop News

Vintage Edits series is back on Legofunk Records. A timeless pure tribal afro moves of fine blissed out and groovy disco tracks from Lego Edits...summer vibes!

7" LIMITED EDITION - 300 COPIES

A Tele Music CLASSIC from 1972, Pierre-Alain Dahan's Continental Pop Sound is of those library albums with something for everyone. Breaks? Check. Fuzz guitar? Check. Slower, jazzy stuff? Double check. It's a stunning collection of psychedelic rock, soulful funk and retro pop stylings that's currently going for over £200 on Discogs. And with good reason. French drummer, percussionist and composer Pierre-Alain Dahan was a key member of the legendary Arpadys, Disco & Co, Voyage, Tumblack (with Wally Badarou and Sauveur Mallia) and Jef Gilson Septet. So, you know this Be With reissue is nailed on essential.

Skip the by-numbers opener "Rock Extra" and head straight to the deeeeeep, minimalist groove of "Slowrama", a humid masterclass in low-slung, creeping crime funk with weighty breaks and beefy bass complimented by hypnotic wah-wah and warm electric piano. Sensational. It was sampled by Prince Po in 2004 for his "Love Thang" track. The galloping "Latin Pop Sound" is a percussive, Santana-esque tour de force featuring fantastic guitar shreds over a bassline to die for. "Morning Melody" is a lightweight amble whereas the brief but deliciously psych-rock heavy "Islam Blues" is a must for your mixes when requiring short segue tracks. The A-Side closes out with "Phasing Drums N° 1, 2 & 3", all completely ace. For us, N° 3 is the pick of the bunch, with particularly slooooow and deliberate drums underpinned by a droning, sinister organ. Hip-hop, before hip-hop, no less.

The genuine monster "Pacific Rock" blasts out the gate to usher in Side B, a thrilling and unrelenting pop-rock instrumental that really drives. "Quasimodo Pop" contains great slow mo funk breaks and scratchy guitars that alternate with pretty heavy riffing to create a compelling base track. "Carmel Beach" is as beautiful as the location it's named after, as insouciant guitars glide over super slo-mo beats and dramatic organ before it breaks down to a laconic, reflective electric piano showcase. Sumptuous. "Auto Moto Rallye" is a brief driving funk gem, as you might expect, complete with revved up guitars tuned and played to emulate the irresistible sound of growling race cars.

The upbeat, piano-led rock stomper "V.S.O.P Rock" is all well and good but, what you might really be here for is the trio of tracks that ensure the LP ends on an almighty high. The three most famous tracks “Rythmiques 1, 2 & 3” all come complete with *ultra*-dope breaks. N° 2 is probably our favourite, with the shuffling bassline and breaks combo augmented by the wonderful cowbell. Though on any other day, it could be N° 3! This album is often considered as the “baby brother” to Tele Music's Rythmiques, and this triptych is all the proof you need. Outstanding.

One of the very best French drummers ever, Pierre-Alain Dahan began his career at the Blue Note in Paris with Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon and Daniel Humair. Some start, eh?! He also participated in the recording of Serge Gainsbourg's cult album 'La Ballade de Melody Nelson' before going on to make countless KILLER library funk records and be a key member in the legendary Arpadys, Disco & Co, Voyage, Tumblack (with Wally Badarou, Sauveur Mallia et al), Jef Gilson Septet (alongside Henri Texier) and many more. Some pedigree.

The audio for Continental Pop Sound has been remastered by Be With regular Simon Francis, ensuring this release sounds better than ever. Cicely Balston's expert skills have made sure nothing is lost in the cut whilst the original, iconic Tele Music house sleeve has been restored here at Be With HQ as the finishing touch to this long overdue re-issue.

‘Life & Love’ is the third album from Skinshape (with ‘Filoxiny’ being his fourth). Written, Recorded and Produced by Will Dorey at the Arch Studio, London, and in his bedroom. Great melting pot of styles and tunes, D.I.Y. Funk Soul Jazz. Recommended if you're into Khruangbin. Skinshape is the project of British musician William Dorey. The sound has roots in many genres but in particular 1960s-0s Funk, Soul, Reggae, Psychedelic Rock, Afrobeat and Folk. Skinshape grew out of a love for old music and the way it sounded. Initially Dorey experimented with samples (especially drum breaks) to create instrumental Hip-Hop/Trip-Hop tracks but then later started to play around with tape machines as a means to create his own 'samples'. This process gave birth to Skinshape with all elements being recorded by Dorey since the first self-titled album released in 2014. Aside from the Skinshape project Dorey was bassist for the band Palace from 2014-2017 and runs a reggae label called Horus Records based in North London.

"Black Aroma EP Vol. 2" is the second release of an EP series that blends slow, mid-tempo and upbeat jams that have one common theme: the Aroma.

"Black Aroma EP Vol. 4" is the 4th release of an EP series that blends slow, mid-tempo and upbeat jams.

2024 Reissue

Reissue maestros P-Vine follow up their special 10" Evil Vibrations EP with another drop from the American funk group The Mighty Riders. It is their superb 1978 long player Help Us Spread The Message which gets the treatment now and arrives on limited coloured vinyl. Any backstory about the album and Miami band is hard to come by with the label themselves saying "the project is still a mystery" but suffice it to say the record is one that is hard to find and highly revered by collectors. All the tracks have been newly remastered for this reissue which is set to become a rare groove classic all over again.

2023 Repress

This is it. The number one. El Numero Uno. The Bomb. The tune that gives you street soul bass up in your face and will destroy your speakers if you're not careful. Quite simply the greatest & most sought after street soul holy grail of them all. The sound of Manchester then and now. Adored the world over and currently (ambitiously) selling on Discogs for £1999.00. Bô'vel - Check 4 U (1996) will finally be available again via Be With in July.

Fully remastered, produced in conjunction with Bô'vel herself and our man RUF DUG and featuring the huge METRODOME remix everyone's been raving about on the flip. Ltd. to 1000. Don't sleep. ENJOY.

The vinyl sampler „70s Disco Hits Vol. 2“ is a compilation of timeless disco classics from the 1970s presented on a highquality vinyl record.

This sampler invites you to rediscover the pulsating rhythm and distinctive sound of this outstanding decade.

Thanks to very careful selection, „70s Disco Hits Vol. 2“ presents a fascinating mix of well-known songs and hidden gems of the disco era. From funky basslines to rousing horn sections and infectious choruses, this sampler offers a crosssection of all the diversity and energy of the 70s.

Sweet boogie tune from Nicci Gable, written and produced by George Anderson and Jill Saward (Shakatak)! Instrumental on the flip, Jam!

"She's in L.A.", the new single by Rio 18 featuring Young Silver Fox, was written by Carwyn Ellis in Wales, recorded with Shawn Lee & Andy Platts aka Young Gun Silver Fox in London and mixed by Kassin in Rio de Janeiro,

This joyful tune is a widescreen international pop anthem soaked in summer sun. Rio 18 and YGSF deliver a new kind of flavour of lowriding Californian funk, telling a story about the joy of finding a new life in the City Of Angels, the metropolis by the sea.

Nach fast zwei Jahren intensiver Recherche erscheint der vierte Teil der 'Can You Feel It?' Reihe mit raren und obskuren, teils unveröffentlichten Perlen der Disco-Ära 1976-85, die allesamt zum ersten Mal seit damals wieder das Licht der Welt erblicken. Neben vielen US-Künstlern liegt ein Schwerpunkt diesmal auf Disco-Land Deutschland mit den Acts Matter Of Taste, Street Life und Ocean Orchestra (Herbert Grönemeyers erste Band) sowie einem im Hotspot München produzierten Track der US-Formation Vantage Point. Ferner dabei sind Kim McCrae, Pat Carpenter, Frankie Staton, Royal Touch, Swankk (aka The Buckeye Politicians), Tory Winter und Chatham mit einem Brothers Johnson-Cover.

VERVE BY REQUEST SERIE: remastert vom analogen Originalband, audiophiles 180-Gramm-Vinyl von Third Man Pressing/Detroit, Gatefold-Sleeve.

Durch die letztjährige Grammy-Nominierung der Jazzharfenistin Brandee Younger sind in jüngster Zeit viele Jazzfans wieder auf das schmale, dafür aber umso erstaulichere Œuvre ihres großen Vorbilds Dorothy Ashby aufmerksam geworden. Ihr wohl exzentristischstes, zugleich aber unglaublich zugängliches Album nahm sie 1970 für Cadet Records auf: “The Rubáiyát Of Dorothy Ashby”. Auf ihm vertonte sie Vierzeiler des persischen Dichters Omar Chayyām (1048-1131), wobei sie auf reizvolle Weise Spiritual Jazz, Funk und Blues mit Elementen asiatischer und afrikanischer Musik verschmolz. Neben ihrer Harfe spielt Ashby hier auch die japanische Koto und sang.

Dorothy Ashbys ”The Rubáiyát Of Dorothy Ashby” erscheint am 12. Mai zeitgleich mit der verschobenen LP Archie Shepp - Kwanza (Verve By Request) 00602448476180.

We are delighted to welcome superstars of the "Stank Soul Edits" series Mako & Mr Bristow to the Soul Flip family for the label's 15th release.

At Soul Flip, we love a "version", and the boys' take on Jimmy Hicks' reinterpretation of Jean Knight's smash hit "Mr Big Stuff" is no exception.

On the flip, the boys take aim at Candi Staton's "I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart" with similarly devastating results.
We are delighted to welcome superstars of the "Stank Soul Edits" series Mako & Mr Bristow to the Soul Flip family for the label's 15th release.

At Soul Flip, we love a "version", and the boys' take on Jimmy Hicks' reinterpretation of Jean Knight's smash hit "Mr Big Stuff" is no exception.

On the flip, the boys take aim at Candi Staton's "I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart" with similarly devastating results.

Fans rejoice - Lord Echo's limited vinyl-only singles are compiled on a vinyl album presented in an embossed Japanese printed sleeve and obi strip While we patiently await new music, we can revel in versions that escaped the typical overthinking that occurs during the album process, instead refecting the spontaneity and freedom of a touring artist. All tracks bar one ('Thinking of Dub') were initially released on short-run 7" singles for Echo's early Japan tours, made only available to dedicated fans who attended the live shows. The country holds a special place in his heart thanks to the warm hospitality of its citizens, in particular tour organiser and label owner Kenji Sakajiri from Wonderful Noise (with whom Soundway is co-releasing the vinyl album). That said, cultural differences made for unforgettable if not unique experiences of performing in Japan - from DJ etiquette which compelled him to stay to the end of the party no matter what, to a near- religious moment of dancing to Pat Metheny around a bonfire in the woods. A regular visitor to Asia will also be familiar with the concept of "lose- face", and in the case for Lord Echo it was processing the crushing shame of DJing a digital set alongside heavyweight Japanese collectors or next to signage stating "REAL DJ VINYL ONLY". Humbling moments aside, the Japanese obsession with detail and quality can also produce a high level of experience, one that left such an impression upon Echo that the track 'Nightclub Daydream' is inspired by the near-utopian clubs he visited and the sound systems that drive them. Unexpected perhaps that such an atmosphere of perfectionism also unleashed creative bursts, resulting in a heavy, subby version of "In Your Life" with Lisa Tomlins taking over vocals, an upbeat reggae cover of William DeVaughan's "Be Thankful For What You Got", or a version of "Woah! There's No Limit" with infuences of soul and early hip- hop amen breaks. Without further ado, Soundway presents Lord Echo's 'Rarities', a collection of sought-after singles now made very much accessible to you the people.

Did you know that Judy Freeman and Blackrock cut more songs than the 4 that were put out in 1971? We know of at least one.

"I Know Where You're Coming From" is a 70s funky Northern Soul masterpiece. We've rescued a lost, never heard before, track by the group for the A-Side here. Fans of their music will immediately connect with this blistering anthemic Northern Soul monster. Go ahead and grab the talcum powder, and prepare to dance up a storm to this one.

We've selected the completely unrelated, previously unreleased Marshall Hooks "She Is All I Need" for the B-Side on this one. A relatively straight ahead Otis Redding-styled Soul original that thumps and a nice compliment to the A-Side. If you aren't familiar, Marshall released one LP on Blue Horizon and a monster R&B 7" in 1965 on the Muriel label.

"From the first fuzzed out note of guitar on this record you'll know you're dealing with two heavy instrumental Psychedelic Funk sides. For our 14th regular release, we reached back into our acetate archive to bring you the never heard before Chordata. This recording seems to be related tangentially to Mancefield & Brother Man Band. And though we believe the group is likely from NJ/NY, we haven't been able to pin it down.

""Super Dynamite"" on the a-side features heavy guitar work, punchy horn stabs and arrangements, and heavy percussion. And what great Funk song doesn't have a drum break? Two thirds of the way through the side, Chordata delivers a pure drum and percussion break that extends while the guitar player and horns add a discordant layer to the mix.

The b-side, ""What It Is"" takes us on a jazzy trip that is like a group of teenagers dropping acid and trying to recreate a mix of Miles Davis' ""Bitches Brew"" and a lost Funkadelic session. It’s heavy, sonic, drenched in sweat, and amazing. The guitar player goes off on this side and is the focus. And while this is a less accessible recording, it might end up being your favorite side after repeated listens. "

"These sides from 1970s band Smith & Gordera are prototypical for the ""Sounds Like Santana"" genre coined at the Friends of Sound record store in Austin, TX years ago. Heavy Latin Rock fusion on these tracks with just a pinch of Jazz thrown in for good measure.

""Evil Deeds"" starts right into it the moment the needle hits the groove on your turntable - heavy organ, percussion, shakers, and guitar all greet your ears. Moving into the track you get the typical shredding guitar solo, organ solo, and a sax solo, for good measure.

""Time and Space"" starts with a nod to the classic Dave Brubeck ""Take Five"" and continues on an adventure into a more psychedelic groove and more of a Rock vibe. Time changes and tempo shifts and big solos round out the side."

"""Show You"" on Side A is ready to explode at Soul Nights around the world. A frenetic driving beat, strong horn charts, great soaring lead vocals, and sweet harmony backing vocals make this an instant classic in the canon of Northern Soul. And better yet, it is a fresh tune! Get yours and be the focus of the trainspotters after all the quantity is gone, bought up and filed into dj's collections.

""I Love Ya"" on the B-Side is a soaring 60s Sweet Soul ballad perfect for cruising on Sunday afternoon in summer. Harmony, check... vibes, check.... lyrics about loving your woman, check... all the boxes have been checked by this side. It is the quintessential compliment to the uptempo flip. The pairing is perfect.

An extra special thank you to Scott Aidlen and West Los Soul for contributing the songs featured on this release. Respect!"

Reissue of the only self-produced solo album by Barney "Blair" Perry, historic guitarist of the Blackbyrds, is a great production directed by Donald Byrd, "Nightlife" is a cult album, fusion sounds and midtempo funk disco, recorded in 1978, it is simply stunning, a powerful bass and wonderfully soulful sounds thanks to the superb guitar work of the masterful Mr Perry.

"Bring On The Good Times" is the debut album by Dawn Patrol, a brand new Dutch collective led by the prolific producer, songwriter and musician Phil Martin (Jazzinvaders, AIFF, Martin & Garp) sets out to explore the essence of West Coast music, a late 70s Softrock spirit and European pop sensibility.

Sharing the love for the sound and spirit of late Seventies pop music, Phil Martin and his likeminded musician partners in crime Rik van der Ouw and Ruud van Halder plus vocalists Baer Traa and Lo 'Garp' van Gorp recorded ten songs celebrating a pure freshness in pop harmonies and melodies.

The band put the spirit of "Bring On The Good Times" in their own words:

"Once upon a time, with the moon in Virgo, a rare event took place which we now refer to as the Close Encounter of the Human Kind. 'Alchemist' Phil Martin, his partner in crime Garp, 'Free Radical' Baer and Rikki & Rudy met in person during an era that was characterized by distance. What these characters have in common is a mission to make the environment and life in general a little more enjoyable, humane, so to speak. On his sentimental journey to nostalgia, years prior to this event, Martin seemingly coincidentally ran into Garp. Both Martin & Garp had always suffered a certain discomfort with the present. Music and sounds of the past always made them feel happier and more in touch with their souls.

What had once started as a refuge from their life and times, turned into an odyssey to divine harmony. In his ancient Man Cave, situated in Thuredrith, Phil Martin had for years successfully worked on numerous creations until one day, he found himself at a roadblock. He believed what was missing was the Free Radical. The Free Radical is a highly sought-after entity, an errant Knight. Although dangerous on its own, when combined with the right components, it sublimates into the most noble of elements. Meanwhile, the People of Marutyri, for generations notorious time travelers and explorers of the vast Valley of Sound, spawned two highly talented descendants, called Rikki & Rudy.

In their quest for the divine melody, Rikki & Rudy crossed paths with the Free Radical and a sense of bliss was felt by all. Oblivious to the fact they had just experienced the start of an extraordinary and life changing process, the Free Radical, now dubbed "Baer", decided to join the young pioneers on their path. Subsequently, an immense and vibrant energy was unleashed onto the airwaves, while the trio set course for destinations unknown. These intense vibrations hadn't gone unnoticed by the refined senses of Martin & Garp, of course. It was like a rejuvenating breath of air which drew the duo to intercept the trio whilst on their journey. It was the crack of dawn, when The Alchemist cooked up a potion enabling all involved to take part in the same Magical Mind Excursion without ever having to meet. Dawn Patrol was born: Divine Harmony - Radicalism - Divine Melody."

Teenage melancholy from the original Miami Sound Machine. Backed by the infamous FAMU Marching 100 Band and Frank Williams' crack shot players The Rocketeers, I Am Controlled By Your Love compiles sides from Helene Smith's '60s tenure with the Deep City, Lloyd, Reid, and Blue Star labels. A sweltering album of 12 deeply soulful, alternate universe hits from the First Lady of Miami Soul!

In a club scene saturated with the Minneapolis sound, Luck Rosenbloom was searching for something different. Using Korgand Moog synths, Steinway Concert Piano and a Boss DR-110 Dr. Rhythm, he created his own funky fusion sound to spread the word of God to the mainstream. Recorded at Minneapolis's Custom Record Studios he cut 200 copies of this elusive 45 of which only a few known copies exist. The record was promoted on his cable access TV show "Lucky Mania TV" where he encouraged kids to say no to drugs and take their vitamins.

Passion, Soul, Conviction, Grit. Marquis Johnson carries the flame of true honest Detroit musical expression. Detroit Circa '65 is a reimagined experience of Detroit's soul cadence.

Detroit rhythm is the soundtrack to liberation and change that continues to inspire every generation. So, turn it up and play it loud! Let it ring and set your soul on fire!

Shawn Lee goes on a soul trip. Together with Hamburg/Germany based The Angels Of Libra he recorded two modern soul steppers for this special 7inch single release. "Bless My Soul" is truly blessed by it's magic hookline, while "Souvenir" tells a smooth soul story.

The Angels Of Libra consists of the wrecking crew in Hamburg's soul musician scene. They set out to work and recor with a variety of talented singers and artists, while producer Dennis Rux (Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Studios) aims to create a vintage, but modern sound.

Real people music recorded at a Quaker Boarding school in the mid-'70s. Mixing soft psych, vocal jazz, and sunshine soul, Shira Small and her high school music teacher Lars Clutterham created a peerless artifact of outsider magic. Imagination, wonder, the existential dread of Vietnam and math class and getting caught smoking weed in Nixon's America... it's all here. Is your life alright?

LRK proudly presents "All Of Me / Self Revolution" a limited edition Retro Soul 7" vinyl from Gary Beals.

Lyrically, "All of Me" playfully celebrates bringing one's "whole self" to the forefront as Gary playfully expresses his interest and openness, giving of himself to that someone, he is very much interested in exploring more with.

Gary Beals is an acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and captivating and heartfelt performances. Rising to prominence as a finalist on the first season of "Canadian Idol," Beals has continued to captivate audiences with his exceptional talent and genuine artistry. His music seamlessly blends R&B, pop, and soul, resulting in a timeless sound that resonates with listeners worldwide. With multiple successful albums and a dedicated fanbase, Gary Beals continues to inspire and uplift through his powerful music.

Craig Charles is a big supporter of Gary's Beals and spun "All Of Me" for weeks on his Soul and Funk show on BBC radio Six

Hailing from the North East of England, Smoove & Turrell have dominated the UK funk & soul scene for over a decade with their unique blend ...

Jim Sharp is certainly making waves right now on a number of different imprints – this time Originals are blessed with a couple of Jim Sharp edits - Biggie’s Things done changed gets freshened up with a tidy edit of the sample source on the flip both locked in at 91bpm with the DJs in mind – doubles essential!

Mo" Horizons enter their seventh album chapter andremarkably, celebrate 25 years of their exultant andglobally enriched, forward-thinking, electronic sound. Featuring a cast of guest singers, including Ghanaianlegend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Mango, is a fiery andsample-heavy blend of future-funk, balearic, highlife,Brazilian drum "n bass and lo-fi hip hop, set to bereleased on their long-standing label Agogo Records.

Spanning over three decades, German DJ andproduction duo Mo" Horizons, led by Ralf Droesemeyer,& Mark Wetzler have been a relentless force on theglobal groove scene. For 25 years, the pair havecontinued to grow their international audiences,testament to remaining on-point, ignoring the fashionand tribalism of scenes like big beat and broken beat,that thrived but then morphed and went off radar.

Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band return with another set of covers bound to get you out of your seat and on your feet. The mysterious German steel pan outfit is working on their fourth studio album now and treat us to another must have two-sider to hold us over while they finish it. This one is sure to become another favorite among DJs worldwide. The A side finds BRSB taking on a huge hit with an eerie cover of Drake's "Hotline Bling". The intro melodica hints at the melody and when the beat drops and the top line plays on the pans all bets are off. The B side is something of a Big Crown family affair as Bacao covers "Murkit Gem" from El Michels Affair's Yeti Season album. The tune lends itself to the pans with its infectious melodies and the way BRSB plays it, it takes on a James Bond spy chase energy that works perfectly. Tracks: A Side. Hotline Bling B Side. Murkit Gem

First Word Records are very proud to bring you a new album from Don Leisure with Amanda Whiting. 'Beyond The Midnight Sun' expands upon ground first explored on Don Leisure's track 'All Praises Due', which also featured Amanda (with Angel Bat Dawid), and featured on his previous album 'Shaboo Strikes Back'.

This is a full-length project that these two formidable Welsh artists have collaborated on together. To bring you up to speed, Cardiff DJ and beat-maker Don Leisure has been twice nominated for the Welsh Music Prize, with the afore-mentioned album 'Shaboo Strikes Back', and a previous project, 'Steel Zakusi'.

As well as being 50% of Darkhouse Family with Earl Jeffers, he's released music under various monikers on labels such as Metalheadz, International Anthem, Fat City, Earnest Endeavours, Group BraCil and on Rough Trade with another regular collaborator, Gruff Rhys. Other collabs have included Charlotte Church, Om'Mas Keith, DJ Spinna and First Word label-mate Tyler Daley ...

Repress !