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Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life
Dr. Dre Drops "The Chronic" Instrumentals + 25th Anniversary Reissue of "2001"


Revisit the smoke-filled inner city drama of Dr. Dre's solo masterpiece as it's label releases the official instrumental version. This 2025 release by Interscope/Death Row/Aftermath Records present the sonic of The Doc for an added experience of "The Chronic". If Hip Hop were a blunt, this would be the grandaddy of them all as your street pharmacist Dr. Dre serves up an addictive dose of beats. So inhale on an aural note as the vibrations and energy of the Compton streets pierces your eardrum. 

You can get a copy of "The Chronic" Instrumentals here at Discogs, but it ain't gonna be cheap! Thanks to the Rap Rarities YouTube channel for the upload from which I playlisted the instrumental album stream.

Below, Dre & Snoop catch wreck on Arsenio back in '93 to promote the release of "The Chronic". For 2026, Interscope presents yet another treat (pictured above): the Limited Edition, 25th Anniversary Edition, 5th Anniversary Edition Double vinyl LP of "The Chronic 2001". You can get your copy of that here at Amazon.

 

Escape To Another World With The Progressive Soul of Atjazz & Luxury Soul 2026


Universal love flows throughout this musical movement as R&B/Soul explores new territory of rhythm and emotion. Like the wonderous extensions of the galaxy, Atjazz & Luxury Soul 2026 shine brightly with spectacular entries to 2026. Witness the future of Soul as vets and newcomers bless your eardrums with the finest grooves, setting the mood for escapism and togetherness.

Featuring: Ernesto & the Basement Gospel, Fred Everything, Jorge Bezerra, Nathan Haines, Sarai Jazz, Dwaine Hayden, Audrey Powne, Karizma, Amalia Townsend, LyricL, Peacey, Si Tew, Pete Simpson, OVEOUS, Kaidi Tatham, Clyde Beats, Octavio N. Santos, Natasha Watts, OMAR, Erin Buku, Rona Ray, Aart Iveson, Rudi Iveson, Charles Webster, Sio, Max Beesley, Josh Milan, Ziyon, Osunlade, Clara Hill, Imaani and more!

 

In '92, Das Efx Chat With Downtown Julie Brown & Drop "Dead Serious" Instrumentals


Fresh of the success of "They Want Efx" is Dre & Skoob who talk about their moves in the summer of '92 on American Dance Traxx. Unlike today, the music industry was smaller and as a result you could end up with interesting moments like this of grimy MCs being on mainstream TV. Das Efx represent straight from the sewer and explain the meaning of the name, which Julie Brown gets a kick out of. 

Below, is an unofficial and obscure instrumental album of Das Efx's debut. This release has some songs that weren't on the album and is missing a few from the album. If you're interested in a copy of this instrumental LP, you can find it for sale here at my eBay Partner Storefront. By purchasing it or any other music there, you'll support the blog since eBay pays me as their affiliate.

 

The Music Of Talking Heads Enters Dreamlike Territory With BBE Records


Taking upbeat Pop-Rock tunes and transforming them into laid-back dreamlike compositions, aja money and EBBA pay homage to Talking Heads. The result is a time to sit back and relax as their soothing vibrations ease your mind like therapy. EBBA's take on "Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town" is like an ascent to heaven with it's delightful blend of upbeat rhythm, positive images and sweet vocals. On "The Book I Read", aja monet dreams from beginning to end as she reframes this song as a soulful and reflective journey of life.

These are a couple of my favorites from BBE Records' 2025 compilation which showcases emerging talent who cover Talking Heads. Lend your ear and let the days go by to the sounds of a project that's Once In A Lifetime.
 

Snarky Puppy & Brad Allen Williams Harvest The Fruit Of Life with Adrenaline-Fueled Fusion

By JR on 10:35 PM

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Embrace the life-giving power of fusion with the exciting sounds of Snarky Puppy & Brad Allen Williams. These tunes are bound to make you want to get up as each band deliver energetic arrangements driven by hope, faith and desire. Vocalist J. Hoard drives the powerful message of "the fruit" with a striking performance that resonates with life. You'll be thankful to be "Only Here and Nowhere Else" as Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest's inspiring instrumental fusion rejuvenates your soul.

There's more good vibrations in store on the 2025 albums "Somni" by Snarky Puppy & "light rivers vol. 2" by Brad Allen Williams.
 

Good Times Await With The Instrumental Funk of Mal Waldron & Movement in the City


Like a plant as it receives sunshine, these style of lively Funk fusion sets the mood and provide audible nourishment when I'm at the crib. Highly recommended for a nice and enjoyable listen when you're lounging at home. "Movement in the City 3" is Volume 6 in a series of compilations and previously unreleased recordings from As-Shams Archive that include Tete Mbambisa's "African Day" and Kippie Moketsi's "Hard Top". In an electrified meeting of minds, "Candy Girl" is a lost 1975 session by jazz pianist Mal Waldron, recorded in Paris with core members of the mighty Lafayette Afro Rock Band.
 

Love Is The Realest Thing on "Something Always Happens" by Thomas Wenglinski


With attractive fusion to make you fall in love like the sight of your crush, the music of "Something Always Happens" speaks to the heart. Thomas Wenglinski finds his sweet spot on the vocoder to lead you on a journey of uplifting songwriting. Let yourself go to this 13-track escapade into happiness by a musician who delivers warmth and affection with each note.

Shylow x Method Man Are A Deadly Combo on "Blue Sky" (The Meth Lab Remix EP)


On "Blue Sky", Method Man spits flames to the sounds of Shylow for a dangerous concoction of beats and rhymes. With Shylow at the steering wheel of this neck-snapping project, we receive the potency of Hip Hop in pure form. Produced, Mixed/Mastered and cuts/scratches performed by Shylow. Featuring RJ Payne, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck and KRS-One.

Much Rewind Revisits Throwback Interviews With NaS, Biggie & Other Music Greats


The Canadian music video show known as Much Music has created a new YouTube channel dedicated to their archived interviews. These are just a couple of gems from their remarkable run of speaking with music royalty. Enjoy as Much Music catch up with Nas and Biggie during their mid-90's breakthrough, plus more throwback footage with music legends at their channel. 

 

Endulge In The International Drum Breaks of Delirious Music & Gumroad

By JR on 8:25 AM

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From Latin America and Italy to Japan and more, the Soundcloud page of delirious music is an extensive look into international rare grooves. With 200+ tracks of funky music and counting, this crate digger shows no sign of slowing down. This is one of my favorite SC streams and always surprises me by what their able to find.

The International Breaks imprint is over 20 volumes and counting, with punchy kicks and snares of a wide ethnic variety. Head over to Gumroad to hear the international flavor they offer, with downloadable drum kits and sounds spanning the globe. This popular sound pack features drum sounds recorded from the original vinyl records in high quality WAV format.
 


Kurupt Freestyles In '97 & Joins Bink! on "Smoke Sumthin'" feat. Ras Kass & Demrick


Bear witness to the flow of a Dogg Pound Gangsta as he proceeds to chew MCs up like Mike & Ike's in '97. Kurupt visits the Wake Up Show and leaves an impression on the mic to add on to their esteemed legacy of lyricism. A nice addition to include with your memories of 2Pac's "All Eyes On Me" as Kurupt impresses by combining spontaneous thoughts lyrically. Straight from the tape deck of cratesofjr.

"Smoke Sumthin'" feat. Ras Kass & Demrick is one of my favorite gems downloaded during The Blog Era. Bink! crafts a thumping soundscape for these MCs to envision the smoke-filled cyphers of The West Coast.
 

There's No Escaping The Rhythm of Georgia Anne Muldrow & Kaidi Tatham's "I Wanna Know"


Rock to the rhythm of a musical unit who absorb the energy of the universe to project a profound love of life. If you're looking for a jolt to inspire your mood, "I Wanna Know" is musical energy at it's finest. Energy pulses throughout this tune in the form of hip-shaking Boogie and Broken Beat courtesy of producer Kaidi Tatham. Georgia Anne Muldrow's unmistakable voice and vivid perception of nature as a songwriter sets the tone for an awakening of the spirit.


Here An Alternate Version of Method Man's "Bring The Pain" + Meth/Red Interview in '94



Back in the days when Wu Tang and many other artists used to release promo cassettes and CDs, you might get some raw bonus material. This alternate version of "Method Man" featuring extra vocals on the chorus is one example of generosity by The Wu. The promo run for the first round of solo albums of the Wu generals was a moment to behold, one of the most entertaining moments in Hip Hop. I present moments from this period in the form of rare audio and video interviews.

I've got the Month of The Man promo cassette here at my eBay storefront, currently in stock by a couple dealers. Support the blog by purchasing the tape (or anything else). As a member of eBay's Partner Program, I receive a commission for anything you buy through my link.

Below, is one of my earliest video uploads dating back to when I first began the blog: Meth and Red on tour in '94 for The Month Of The Man.
 

Take A Trip To The Otha Side With Potatohead People's "Emerald Tablet" Instrumentals


Get lost in the dream of Potatohead People who orchestrate a delightful journey driven by the kick and snare. The soulful sounds of "Emerald Tablet" represents a new form of Hip Hop expression which is nothing less than inviting. Nick Wisdom and Astrological are our guide to cloud 9, with laid-back Dilla-esque arrangements that provoke your head to nod and soul to unwind. 

Within the scope of instrumental releases, "Emerald Tablet" is a gem which represents new degreees of how good Hip Hop can feel. Check out the vocal version of "Emerald Tablet" below, featuring Bahamadia, Slippery Elm and Taraach.
 

Get Intoxicated To The Instrumental Album Streams of The Beatnuts


Like kicking back and indulging in your favorite drink, this serving of underground Hip Hop sound is sure to get you intoxicated like the liquor. Enjoy a set of The Beatnuts' instrumental releases uploaded by a few crate diggers. When I thought of this post, I recalled the days I found each of these instrumental LPs while digging in NYC record stores. It was a delight to discover each, and I'm hoping you feel the same if you haven't heard the instrumentals of these classic Hip Hop albums already.

Beatnuts Instrumental LPs Available Now On eBay: (Support the blog by purchasing the tape (or anything else). As a member of eBay's Partner Program, I receive a commission for anything you buy through my links.)