Hip-Hop News

L’Entourloop “Le Savoir Faire” album in Vinyl 2LP version – September 22, 2017 – 18 tracks – 4 sides

Breeding in open air since 1964, Sir James and King Johnny are the figureheads of the mysterious L’ENTOURLOOP collective. Feed with good grains from Sounds Systems, vinyle’s culture (Scratchs / Beatmaking / Sampling) and rocked by the epic dialogues of a certain cinema, L’ENTOURLOOP concocte with love a music half-way between Kingston, London and New York!

This album is rich in combinations (Panda Dub, Kill Emil, The Architect…) and plenty of featurings (Biga*Ranx, Marina P, Demolition Man, Tippa Irie…) where the collective once again unveils its « Savoir-Faire » !

Clive Phillips, Dominic Goodman, Peter Blundell are Mosquitoes, a somewhat inscrutable London-based outfit in operation for something close to seven years now, and have released music across a host of celebrated and broad-minded underground labels. Give or take the occasional interview in the less-straight parts of the music press, this is as much formal biography as their music has thus far allowed, for there's something essentially unknowable at the centre of what makes Mosquitoes what they are. So murky is their early history in fact, the first two self-released Mosquitoes records seemed to disappear from sight before really becoming visible. As more records have emerged, those first communications accumulate new meanings, acting as vital documents in tracking the evolution of a band who stand at the vanguard of contemporary British music.

The second of these records, recorded to tape in summer 2016 and first released as a single-sided 12" under the name MOS-002, is arguably the first true iteration of Mosquitoes. Now fittingly renamed Mosquitoes for its reissue as a dubplate-style 10" on World of Echo on 5th March, these five cryptically titled, shape-shifting tracks, see the trio embrace a near-genre-less fluidity, and in doing so express a unique combination of both freedom and intent. By design or instinct, Mosquitoes stand at their own inverted rock nexus, presenting a music that's turned inside out, and in doing so, music that twists the listener the same way.

In that sense, Mosquitoes plug into a long lineage of DIY savant iconoclasts, those outliers who would deny orthodoxy in order to excavate new languages and ideas - The Dead C, This Heat, the anti-formalism of No Wave, David Toop's General Strike. As such, Mosquitoes rely on a musical pluralism in order to take it apart - you must know how something is made before you reassemble it anew. Labelling this an EP may possibly underplay the breadth and ambition of what's on show. Later records would arguably be more cohesive, but what stands as particularly startling with this early work is their fearless and all-encompassing dive into the avant garde. Consider the anti-rockism of the scorched earth 90s re-imagined through a distinctly avant filter of free jazz and dub aesthetics. And it's the latter which perhaps shapes Mosquitoes most, dub the perfect vehicle for the articulation of such wilful anti-formalism. Make no mistake, this is music that's unafraid to be tough, to demand something of the listener and to not ask permission. And to bear witness to a rejection of formalism so aggressively pursued is to be reconciled.

Glen Brown pleasantly covering the familiar Beatles classic not to mention stunning arrangement by Bunny Lee. Backed with popular female rocksteady vocal

Studio One and Dub Store co-produced single featuring Jennifer Lara covering Marlena Shaw's 1968 masterpiece "Woman of the Ghetto". This happens to be her last ever recording, riding on funky Side Walk Doctor rhythm led by Jackie Mittoo. Mastered and cut by Moritz Von Oswald.

Brown Marbled Vinyl

"Cosmic Shift" by Swiss-based DJ and Producer 'Lexx', with real name 'Alex Storrer'. He's a smartly crafted blend of styles from start
to finish. Soulful sounds of the inner city meet distinct melodies with a longing for an island in the sun.

The Album encompasses Neo Soul, Dub, Pop and hints traces of the Producers twenties as a Hip Hop addict in the golden era of the genre.
Collaborators include the Los Angeles based Woolfy and Harriet Brown, Ella Thompson from Melbourne, Jonnny Spencer of Chicken Lips fame and up and coming songstress Asé from Zurich.

After a long list of official remixes for many renown labels; occasional singles, Lexx ultimately felt the urge to tell his own story. It’s intimate, the sound of dawn, of twilight. Right before the night falls...

2 track Single from Chosen Few released by Crystal/Dub Store Records

2 track Single from Cornell Campbell released by Bunny Lee/Dub Store Records

2 track Single from I Roy released by Crystal/Dub Store Records

* A heavyweight slice of UK roots & dub, originally released on the Jah Warrior label in 1996 gets a welcome reissue by Partial Records

* Produced by veteran Jah Warrior, featuring vocals by the elusive Naph-Tali with harsh words for all wolf’s in sheep’s clothing and false rasta’s.

* Featuring four cuts (one vocal and three dubs mixed by Dougie Wardrop).

* 300 copies only

* A limited 10” featuring the British reggae veteran and general all-rounder G.T. Moore alongside Goldmaster All Stars.
* `Alpha’ originally surfaced on a CD-only album of the same name in 2004 and now gets a welcome vinyl release alongside two dub counterparts - `Alpha Dub’ and `Omega Dub’.
* Coning to you in a traditional roots rockers reggae style with horns-a-plenty,
* 300 copies only

Wicked roots reggae double sider by Ras Midas with "Good Old Days" featuring I-Roy on the A-side and Melchizedek on the B-side.

RSD2020 TITLE
After collaborating on a number of award winning vinyl albums, box sets and singles totalling over 80 songs together. They are back once again with this special, limited edition Vinyl Dub album.
Taking the original multi-track recordings of their co-produced 2016 sell out Roots Album for Max Romeo, ‘Horror Zone’. Lee & Daniel have created a new analogue Dub journey from those multi-tracks.
The original album was recorded live, using vintage Black Ark equipment to recreate Lee’s famous Lo-Fi Drum sound. With veteran Upsetter and Bob Marley and the Wailers musicians –
Glen Da Costa, Vin Gordon and Robbie Lynn, alongside Daniels Rolling Lion All Stars session band.
It has now been Deconstructed and Dub mixed live on Rolling Lion Studios SSL mixing console, using entirely vintage analogue equipment including the same pieces from Lee’s original Black Ark Studio. Driven by the idea to merge Lo-Fi and Hi-Fi. Merging the absolute best in class Analogue equipment available on the planet, with the very best Vintage equipment from the 1950’s-1970’s They have Dubbed these Bass heavy Lo-Fi recordings live, using space, depth and width. Paired with Phasers, Filters and Delays, resulting in a deep meditative, cinematic, psychedelic Dub journey into the stars.
Bought to you on super rare Glow in the Dark Vinyl, with a hand painted cover by Ellen G, the result sees the pair jumping into Lee’s Dub Starship to drive it straight through the Horror Zone!

Here is a brand new single from the Radikal Guru's 4th studio album 'Beyond The Borders'. 'Do The Right Thing' features italian vocalist Marina P mainly known for her previous works with Mungo's Hi Fi. Her soulful lyrics are touching on social struggles that we are facing today in our communities. On the musical side Radikal Guru comes with meditative basslines, melodic patterns and arrays of echo chambers and 808's. Backed by two roots style vinyl exclusive remixes made by the Guru himself.

Archives from Stepart ... Old collabe from the dark age of the newskool dub !


Big selecta and great tubnes with a pinch of early dubstep :)

massive !

7" Vinyl Label: Environmentally Friendly Cat No: MBX113 Format: 7" Vinyl Release Date: 26th April 2019 Pre-order online - HERE Genre: Reggae / Dub Price: £4.55 a1. Salute - Step Fresh b1. Salute - Circle Bass

Based in Essex and established in 2016, Side Track Music is the musical collaboration of Singer Tempa (Patrick O'Reilly) and Moss - Low End Music (Will Moss). With their debut digital release on MessenJah Music Records in 2016 (Colours Of Jah Rainbow) and a following release through the S.T.M Band Camp (Leaning Curve feat Apocalypse Dub Faction) the duo are now bringing the label into the vinyl format. The first vinyl release consists of two vocal cuts featuring UK artists Singer Tempa and Paul Fox, a vocal dub composed and produced by Side Track Music and a live dub mix by Paul Fox at Sound Business Studios. A hard hitting UK 1 Drop featuring a conscious message about real world topics.

The long awaited EP from Messenger Douglas and Kibir La Amlak is finally ready, and ready with style. Yes, it was definitely worth the wait! This testament to modern roots reggae has cut no corners and taken no shortcuts! A large credit list lines the back of this EP, naming a plethora of the best musicians, studios and engineers that the UK reggae scene has to offer. Such as Dennis Bovell, Jerry Lionz, Ashanti Selah, Roberto Sanchez to name but a few.

Messenger Douglas is an artist in a league of his own, high musical standards are seamlessly married with deep lyrical content! The four vocal instalments on this EP showcase this marriage immaculately.

'Real Works' the title track of the EP, kicks off proceedings as a rallying call to anyone who knows they can do better in life. A solid roots rockers riddim explodes out of the speakers to carry the message that 'there is no time to idle, relax or sit down, the battle can be won!' 'Blessings' follows as an exploration of faith and confidence in the ever present blessings of life. As life is a journey with many ups and downs, the riddim track, especially the bassline, reflects this. Dennis Bovell's world class bass playing shines through here, taking us from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Regardless of the position on the journey, the faith still remains. 'Happiness', a song written by Messenger over 30 years ago, finally finds its way onto the anthemic Joshua's Anthem riddim, with a message as relevant to the world today as it was when it was written. The EP concludes with 'Sufferers Tea', a true lyrical masterpiece, that deals with the harsh and bitter realities of life as a sufferer. The hypnotic guitars, and relentless pace of the riddim echo the intensity of the sufferers life, yet true to Messenger's songwriting genius, the song remains upful and even humorous in places.

All four vocals are followed by heavy-weight dub versions, mixed by Kibir La Amlak, in the original analogue fashion, hands on faders, spring reverbs, valve filters and an immaculate attention to detail. The tracks were mixed by Kibir La Amlak and Nick Manasseh at the Yard Studios and then mastered and cut to vinyl by Lewis Hopkins at Star Delta Mastering. The final sonic character of this EP (especially the vinyl) is huge! Warm, punchy, analogue, roots -reggae at its finest.

Both Kibir La Amlak and Messenger Douglas have a firm root in the world of reggae sound system, so it felt only natural that this EP echo that foundation with the vocal / dub format that is so richly associated with that world. The vinyl release honours this tradition with the EP coming on 2 separate 12' disks! Whether you choose to play your favourite track as a vinyl single through a sound system, or tune into the whole EP start to finish on Spotify as you cook dinner, one thing is guaranteed. You will not be disappointed!

Running Back welcomes Blood Shanti! The Falasha Recordings main man and brother of UK's living sound system legend Aba-Shanti delivers four breathtaking versions of Feater's 'Time Millionaire' (taken from the album ‚Socialo Blanco") in proper style. It might sound like an odd pairing, but it's a match made in heaven. Blood Shanti makes it sound as if the song was written for him. Pressed on one 10 in appropriate design and sleeve (watch out for the lion) it sounds as good as any slice of British reggae ever made (horns and piano included). While the 'Main Mix' is everything that lovers rock should be, the three dub versions deconstruct and dismantle the composition more and more as they go along. A modern take with an old-fashioned style of loving.

smokey vinyl / label sleeve / ltd 10"

Radikal Guru joined forces with Tenor Youthman to raise their voice against injustice that’s happening in the world today and encourage people to stand up for their rights! #beyondtheborders

Our final release of 2020 will be a 6-track EP from Adam Prescott Music & Tenor Youthman.

Pablo Gad's classic steppers, the tune that inspired Aswad's Warrior Charge and introduced the new Yard style chat, coupled with another killer from back in the day, adapted from the Silvertones Treasure Isle rocksteady of the same title with devastating effect. An essential purchase for all roots fans.

REPRESS!

Stix Records proudly presents Push Push by Taggy Matcher (aka Bruno « Patchworks » Hovart), back with upraising singer LMK, with a strong message to all the street stalkers harassing women!
After the success of “My Man”, from Singasong album in 2014, every visit from LMK at Taggy Matcher’s studio is the occasion to embrace their shared love for vintage “Rub A Dub”, a genre that she champions.
“Push Push” is an assumed tribute to the early digital productions of King Jammy, one of the best references when it comes to marry Lo-Fi & strongness. LMK sings with conviction a clear message to all the stalkers: “Push Push / Get Out Of My Way”… the message is quite clear! On B side, you’ll find the instrumental version for all DJ’s & MC’s ready to blast through their soundsystems.

* Modern day classc roots reggae vocal set from England-based female singer Donette Forte.
* A criminally under-recorded artist with only handful of recordings to her name, including three 45’s already released by Partial and featured on this LP: `Jah See and Know’. `Homeward Bound’ and `Time For a Change’.
* `Wilderness’, produced by Rej Forte was originally released on the Jah Works label 1991 and has been out of print ever since.
* This reissue features two additional dub versions which were not featured on the original release.
* Limited to 500 copies only.

Dynamic Sounds Studio has its roots firmly set in Jamaica’s history. It was the first state of the art studio built in Kingston, Jamaica and a firm favourite with all the topflight homespun artists. Bob Marley chose to record the bulk of his seminal 'Catch A Fire' album there and many foreign musicians trying to catch some of that reggae magic and emulate that sound have beaten a path to its doors. As you will see the studio had a history already of its own, that was carved out before it became the aptly named Dynamic Sounds.

Originally named WIRL Studio's (West Indies Records Limited), it was set up initially to record Jamaica's versions of the American Rhythm and Blues tunes that were proving so popular  on the island. It was started back in 1958 by Political leader Edward Seaga an astute businessman, who had many interests around the island including clubs and bars. As the R & B music evolved into its own styles from Mento into Ska, one of its main protagonists Byron Lee and his band the Dragonaires would be at the forefront and be seen as ambassadors to the cause. Edward Seaga would choose the band to head the 1964 World’s Fair and take them to New York to showcase the Jamaican Ska Music. His political ambitions leading the American friendly JLP (Jamaican Labour Party) against the Cuban inspired PNP (People's National Party), would see him cutting back his other interests and lead to the selling of WIRL, lock stock and barrel to Byron Lee. On taking over the business he renamed it Dynamic Sounds and extended it to include not only a top of the range recording studio but a pressing plant to distribute the new hot sounds of the day directly to the streets of Jamaica. The address would also change to 15 Bell Road, it's old address No 13, seemingly too unlucky for such a fine establishment.

The studio has become part of the Jamaican culture and each twist and turn in its musical story has been caught and recorded here. We get on board when the music had slowed down to the reggae skank that we now know and love. We have picked some fine cuts that we feel best represent the times. The rhythms are pushed to the fore and the great Sylvan Morris a much-underrated studio master, always came up with some interesting effects to enhance the version cuts. A fine time in reggae's history caught at one of Jamaica's finest studios. Dynamic Sounds from a Dynamic Studio.....

The latest vinyl slice from FBNM sees us head to the depths of central Africa via Paris to track down a feast of rare seventies afro funky jams from Cameroonian master musician EKO. We've brought FBNM favourite Riccio along for the journey too, who has provided us with a fantastic Rerub coaxing out some modern dancefloor sensibilities and production sparkle.

Eko Roosevelt Louis has had a music career spanning over forty years, born the grandson of a Kribi tribal chief, his musical persuasion beginning humbly with his village's local church before his formal education at the Senegal conservatoire and Paris' École Normale de Musique. EKO made a number of jazz funk and disco records in the mid seventies during a stint recording and touring in and around France before returning to Cameroon to take over his grandfather's tribal chieftaincy, a role he still holds today! Alongside this position of office EKO has continued to work with music, performing, teaching and even leading Cameroon's national orchestra!

The tracks we have selected for reissue are all taken from EKO's third album, Funky Disco Music which was recorded in Paris and released on his own Dragon Phenix imprint. Sung in a combination of English and EKO's native tongue we've lined up a real excursion in feel good afro-jazz, funk and soul made purely for dancing feet and boogying butts!

All tracks have been officially licensed and lovingly remastered for this special release by Andreas Lupo Lubich (CALYX Berlin), packaged alongside Riccio's sympathetic work in the cutting room on 12" vinyl with a special interview with Eko Roosevelt Louis himself!

From the acclaimed Alpha Steppa album 'Raise The Ark' - due to popular demand Steppas Records have finally unleashed the until now much sought after dubplate 'Dear Friend' featuring one of the most innovative and loved modern reggae, hip-hop and bass music artists of our time; Pupa Jim of Stand High Patrol. Alpha Steppa's unique heavyweight yet soulful sound coupled with Pupa Jim's profound, direct and infectious vocal make this long-awaited collaboration well worth the wait. With its clear and crucial message on the climate crisis, 'Dear Friend' is quickly becoming an anthem for an international, inter-generational fight for a sustainable future. The single edition includes exclusive vocal and dub mixes, plus two powerful and uplifting instrumentals featuring the great King David Horns and Ras Divarius – sleeved in the Steppas Records house-bag made from high quality 100% recycled card.




c b1 Dear Friend (ft. King David Horns) Trombone Mix
Violin Mix

Part one of a four part series, bringing artists from different musical hubs on this planet, onto the one record. To make the connections far between, closer together. Bristol, Berlin & Christchurch - Part one. Inspiring Modern Hypnosis, these three Artists and their established musical endeavours have laid path to our own make up and ethos - chur.

Versa. Orson. Akcept.