Hip-Hop News

Not really a "Best Of" but in fact a proper album recorded for Alvin GG Ranglin in 1977 at Channel One and Harry J featuring the Revolutionaries on the backing tracks. McKay is one of those artists whose records are now highly sought after by collectors. His unique yearning vocals strike an emotional chord and like Junior Byles he never seemed to sing a song without investing in it something of the fragile passion that reportedly troubled his inner world. The standout tracks include It's Running Over, When The Right Time Come, Blow Wind and Some A Dem Run Away. Onlyroots present this fine album complete with its stunning original cover photo featuring McKay, his gaze suitably focused somewhere in the middle distance, a hefty spliff balanced between his fingers, in crisp full colour detail. Essential stuff.

Midnight Groovers burst onto the musical scene in the early 1970s led by Phillip Mark aka "Chubby" and his brother "Coe". This compilation puts together for the very first time all the best reggae tracks of the famous Dominican band. Their music spreads a strong and deep message, a message of resistance.

Roots Dub from Vinney Satta and Omar Perry ! With a Vida Sunshyne featuring. Wise dub stuff !

While Montego Bay natives Jackie Bernard, his brother Footy Bernard and cousin Lloyd Kerr recorded under various guises in the early '60s, their collective arrival as The Kingstonians in 1967 marked a sea change not only in the vocal trio's productivity and popularity, but also in the emerging Reggae sound. The Kingstonians made several chart-topping singles between 1968 and 1970, including the massive hit 'Singer Man' whose success ultimately led to the release of their sole LP, Sufferer.

Originally issued on Trojan, Sufferer collects a dozen of The Kingstonians' best-known songs. Produced by Derrick Harriott, these truly boss sounds would pack dancehalls on the island as well as become the soundtrack for working-class youth across '70s Britain.

The title track remains a classic of the early Reggae era with impeccable arrangements, stuttering organ and soul-steeped lyrics. The Kingstonians' shift away from Rocksteady modes is perhaps most apparent on the aforementioned 'Singer Man'—an irresistible forward groove, prompting a deeper danceability that is rightly centered on real feeling.

Reproducing the original sleeve design, this reissue is part of an archival series that focuses on Trojan's essential '60s and '70s catalogue. Liner notes by Laurence Cane-Honeysett.

2024 Reissue

We're proud to introduce the new Superfly reissue of 1989
nigerian ecological soul LP, a superb dubby manifesto to nature
preservation! The album sounds like nothing else and comes with
extended liner notes by Uchenna Ikone. As usual, beautiful quality
repress with paste on covers made in Japan, Obi and 180grs vinyl,
limited to 1000 copies only!

180 gram vinyl re-issue of classic Maytones album first released 1976. Produced & Arranged by A. Ranglin. Original LP Illustration by Tyrone Whyte

Advertising in Riddim, Black Echoes and Record Collector Magazine

All-time classic rocksteady album with the evergreen rewind Love me Forever, and more.

2x12"

An artist as versatile as Alex Krüger is a rare find these days, not only did he release numerous EP's and albums as Tigerskin or Korsakow since the mid 90s, he's also been on the forefront of the 'Dub Techno' movement since 1999 with outings on classic labels such as 'Raum...Musik", 'Force Tracks' and '3B/ United States of Mars". Now ten years after his last album on 'Opossum Recordings' Alex is back with this well crafted genre bending full length 'Caves & Cages". From deep techno cuts through rippling ambient excursions to funky reggae infused live jams with Haushausen this work is yet another milestone in the creative bubble Alex lives in (i.e. his studio). A predominantly analogue producer, Alex recorded most sounds for 'Caves & Cages' on his modular synths and vintage gear at Organic Domain during 2017 and early 2018. Throughout the album tension ebbs and flows effortlessly via syncopated subs, analogue improvisation, subtle chord stabs and sustained swells interspersed with textured field and home recordings. The ambient opener 'Intra' sets the tone for the album. Rich with alien atmospheres, distant soundscapes, out of reach voices and licks of live instruments dug up from numerous recordings dating back as far as 30 years, even before Alex started his electronic journey. The sojourn ventures deeper from there. Subaquatic dub techno is the mood on 'King's Cave", 'Helix' and 'In Air' only surfacing ever so slightly for moments of clarity where shimmering tops and glistening synth lines shed some light on the steady grooves. The tracks 'Future History' and 'Transition State CIV' border on deep house territory.

The legendary first album.

Hot on the heels of their acclaimed 2016 album BOUNCE, The Beat featuring Ranking Roger release brand new album PUBLIC CONFIDENTIAL on Jan 25 2019 on DMF Records. Expected to delight 2-Tone fans, who endured a 30-year gap before BOUNCE between albums, PUBLIC CONFIDENTAL continues to showcase the band at their joyful skanking best with 10 brand new songs. Produced by Mick Lister and Ranking Roger, PUBLIC CONFIDENTIAL will be available digitally and on CD, Black Heavyweight Vinyl, Blue Transparent Vinyl and Black/White Half & Half Vinyl with signed copies available to pre-order now.

The band is very much as before but this time even more of a family affair with Roger's daughter Saffren providing vocals as well.

Hot on the heels of their acclaimed 2016 album BOUNCE, The Beat featuring Ranking Roger release brand new album PUBLIC CONFIDENTIAL on Jan 25 2019 on DMF Records. Expected to delight 2-Tone fans, who endured a 30-year gap before BOUNCE between albums, PUBLIC CONFIDENTAL continues to showcase the band at their joyful skanking best with 10 brand new songs. Produced by Mick Lister and Ranking Roger, PUBLIC CONFIDENTIAL will be available digitally and on CD, Black Heavyweight Vinyl, Blue Transparent Vinyl and Black/White Half & Half Vinyl with signed copies available to pre-order now.

The band is very much as before but this time even more of a family affair with Roger's daughter Saffren providing vocals as well.

One of the biggest bands of the 2-Tone movement, The Beat are known the world over for a string of hit singles in the 80's including "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Too Nice To Talk To", "Can't Get Used To Losing You", "Hands off She's Mine" and "Best Friend". Fronted by vocalist Ranking Roger, the 2016 band also features Roger's son, Matthew Murphy aka 'Ranking Junior' on vocals with Fuzz Townshend on drums, Andy Pearson and Steve Harper on guitars. They are a band at the top of their game with a dynamic and relentlessly energetic live show and now their loyal fans are finally being treated to a brand new studio album with the first single 'Walking on the Wrong Side' out this Summer. Their fourth and new studio album 'Bounce' - the first in over 30 years - will be released in September this year.

The new album has been written by Ranking Roger and Mick Lister. It has been Produced by Mick Lister (Bad Company, Amy Winehouse, Nina Jayne) and mixed by Tim Hamill, Mick Lister & Dennis Bovell. The album was mastered at Abbey Road Studios and will be released by independent label DMF Records. The Beat formed in Birmingham in 1978, part of the West Midlands ska revival scene that also produced The Specials and The Selecter, whilst London saw the formation of Madness and The Bodysnatchers. Their first single was an arresting version of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears Of A Clown' Released in a one-off deal on Jerry Dammers' Chrysalis-backed 2-Tone label, the single stormed into the Top 10 in December 1979, and saw the band appear twice on Top Of The Pops. Backed by Arista, the band formed their own label Go-Feet Records. The first release in February 1980 was another Top 10 hit, 'Hands Off... She's Mine', and was the first of twelve chart singles for the band on Go-Feet.

Tradition futuristic Cumbia travelsound through Caraibs, Africa, Andines, Spain, India, ... Superb open minded compilatio nbringing loads of bloody good tune... and a pure spirit :! ENJOY !

No Nuclear War is the final album by the Jamaican musician Peter Tosh, known for being one of the core members of the Bob Marley backing band The Wailers. A few days after the release of this album he was murdered during a home invasion. He combines elements of reggae with roots and the popular dancehall music from that period. 'Vampire' is a straightforward roots songs, while others are more danceable. The lyrics are powerful and a strong part of the message Tosh' wants to spread to the public. It received a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1988.

Limited Edition Black & White Marbled 10" Vinyl

Robert 'Dandy' Livingstone was one of the major influences in the spectacular rise of Trojan Records. Let's Catch The Beat consists of some of his best work he recorded before the end of the 1970s. Credited as the Brother Dan All Stars he brought the reggae rhythms with a British flavour. This fine combination marks one of the largest pieces in the early days of the Trojan Records label. Dandy's third album Let's Catch The Beat was released for the price of two 45's-quite a bargain, and went on to become a big seller.

Let's Catch The Beat is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

Don Drummond became famous as one of the original members of the instrumental ska band The Skatalites. He composed most of their tunes and recorded different tunes in the '50s and '60s. He was an excellent trombonist and the famous producer Duke Reid remixed a couple of his tracks years after his death. The instrumentals which are blended together searching for the famous ska sound. The different musicians, who never seem to be out of the Jamaican Hit Parade, bring you 12 numbers packed with the infectious West Indian beat which will make you want to dance and keep on dancing. The so-called Memorial Album illustrated how Drummond's talent would change the future of Trojan.

Don Drummond was convicted for murdering his girlfriend in 1965. He was imprisoned in Kingston, where he died four years later. The official cause of death is still unknown, but different theories saying that he was killed or poisoned.

Memorial Album is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

South London virtuoso keys wizard Joe Armon-Jones returns with two freaked out dub versions, re-rubbing two entries from his debut for Brownswood earlier this year. 'Starting Today Dub' is stripped back and stretched out to maximum effect. 'Mollison Dub Vocal Version (Feat. Asheber)' spaces out the original and adds in extra vocals from West London dub staple Asheber.

His debut album, Starting Today, came out in May 2018. Part of the vibrant young jazz scene in London, it brought together a bunch of players under that umbrella. It was praised by Pitchfork, Loud and Quiet and CLASH. In the words of The Wire, it's "bass-rich music hustle straight out of the London soul-jazz-dance lineage.

A welcome branching out into the reggae universe, Rocafort is proud to present The Circle of Confusion featuring the legendary sweet falsetto voice of Cornel Campbell. Lausanne Switzerland meets Kingston Jamaica in this heartfelt, stripped back, feel-good homage to the late 70s roots reggaestyle.

The Circle of Confusion are a Swiss production duo: Seb.K (Shakedown productions) and Phil'eas (Black Diamond Sound). Diehard reggae fans, they dared to contact their favourite Jamaican singer and got a result with Campbell delivering the lyrics on the spot, written on the day of Nelson Mandela' death. There's depth and feeling in this wonderfully lilting, plaintive song, typical of Campbell's social consciousness and beautiful soul. Hard to believe it was all strung together in a shiny, clean Swiss studio when the sound is so simply warm and Jamaican. Beautiful run on the keyboards by Jah Lou.

If you were moved by the Rhythm and Sound album of 2001, you will not be disappointed with this splendid roots collaboration. We can only hope there's more to come.

The Beloved Harmony Jamaican Group The Ethiopians Released Their Debut Album Engine 54 In 1968. Train Imagery Is The Main Focus On The Album, With Excellent Falsettos And Consistent Music From The Prime Of The Rock Steady Period. "train To Skaville" Is The Hit Classic Which Appeared On This Specific Album. It Made An Huge Impact Overseas And It Brought The Group Their First Tour In The Uk.

The Ethiopians Was One Of Jamaica's Most Popular Bands During The Late Ska, Rocksteady And Early Reggae Periods. The Band Was Founded By Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor And Aston Morrison.

SKRS are back on Boomarm!

Following the Black Mazda Soundclash tape on Liquorish Records, Lost & Found Vol. 2 offers up two bubbling and buoyant sides of upfull, dubwise riddims. Crafted in the lab by the SKRS crew (aka Seekers International) as an antidote to counteract all the doom and dreadfull hearts, SKRS remedy the dance!

Limited to 500 copies, comes in picture sleeve with art by MYSTERYFORMS.

1967's Mr. Soul of Jamaica was the first album by rocksteady star Anton Ellis. As one of the innovators of this genre who was given the informal title 'Godfather of Rocksteady' he wrote some original reggae hits which contains a lot of soul. A familiar mix of heated horns, fine harmonies and impressive key works filling the air. The album is packed with some wonderful, melodic songs, ones that will appeal to vintage reggae lovers as well as soul music fans. Ellis is fabulous on every song on this record, including 'You Make Me So Very Happy', 'Why Birds Follow Spring' and 'Ain't That Lovin' You'

Anton Ellis was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame in 2006. Two years later he died of cancer at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. He played an important role in the trajectory of dancehall, reggae and hip hop.

Mr. Soul of Jamaica is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

- 180 GRAM AUDIOPHILE VINYL
- LIMITED EDITION OF 750 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED COPIES ON ORANGE COLOURED VINYL

1967's Mr. Soul of Jamaica was the first album by rocksteady star Anton Ellis. As one of the innovators of this genre who was given the informal title 'Godfather of Rocksteady' he wrote some original reggae hits which contains a lot of soul. A familiar mix of heated horns, fine harmonies and impressive key works filling the air. The album is packed with some wonderful, melodic songs, ones that will appeal to vintage reggae lovers as well as soul music fans. Ellis is fabulous on every song on this record, including 'You Make Me So Very Happy', 'Why Birds Follow Spring' and 'Ain't That Lovin' You'

Anton Ellis was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame in 2006. Two years later he died of cancer at the Hammersmith Hospital in London. He played an important role in the trajectory of dancehall, reggae and hip hop.

Mr. Soul of Jamaica is available as a limited edition of 750 individually numbered copies on orange coloured vinyl.

Mystik dons the helmet and descends into the unknown, crafting sounds tailored for the denizens of sound system culture.

Low Jack and Clara! seal a killer first year for the mutant dancehall series 'Les Disques De La Bretagnes' with this necessary doublepack including their long sold out instalments
for the series, Launched earlier in the year as a sublabel of Editions Gravats, Les Disques De Las Bretagnes has become a go-to home for ruffneck, forward new spins on the Black
Atlantic links between dancehall, reggaeton and electronic music. Now, following Iueke's sold out 'Champion' 12' - as played by Aphex Twin - the label extend a very handy catch up of Low Jack and Clara! y Maoupa's 12's packaged as a 2LP with new sleeve art, Of Honduran heritage and based in France, Low Jack brings a unique sidespin on dancehall templates with his 'Riddims du lieu-dit' LP. Originally one side of a split tape with Equiknoxx for Bokeh Versions, its edits of Industrial obscurities and classic
dancehall made for a rude, refreshing take on '80s and '90s digi-dub and dancehall that sold out within a week. Likewise, Clara! y Maoupa treated reggaeton with a mix of reverence and daring, twisting classic '90s ragga with bumping dembow while also introducing the Spanish artist as a deadly vocalist. Her Ruge is without question one of the deadliest tracks of the year - so good!!!!
100% deadly.















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