Identical Testicle - Galaxy Cross (2012)

"Smoking the best weed, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, hasn't slowed down Beno and Rejoicer a bit - they fire up beats by the minute. One would think that making so many beats in such a short period of time results in a monotonous plethora but on the contrary - many different styles, different BPMs, using many tools of trade such as Moog, African and Swiss percussion, guitars and bass guitars, Ableton Live, Harps, all sorts of old and obscure synthesizers - just to name a few!"

- Alessandro

Onra - Chinoiseries (2007)

"Onra is a French hip-hop beatmaker based in Paris, with Vietnamese ancestory. In 2006, he went on a trip to Vietnam for the first time, and collected 30~ vintage pop vinyls of Vietnames and Chinese origin from flea markets, in poor condition, which he went on to use to construct this album. Chinoiseries is an extremely rich sounding instrumental hip hop album composed of 32 sketches from these vinyls, released in 2007."

Sample: "The Vallee of Love"

- Alessandro

Neutral Bling Hotel - In My G4 Over Da Sea (2012)

Neutral Bling Hotel was an American /mu/core formed in the early 1990's by singer, guitarist, songwriter and notorious gangster Lil' Jeff Swagnum, known by his stage name, Mashed Potato. The band was noted for its experimental sound, obscure lyrics and dope beats.
(Neutral Milk Hotel's ITAOTS/Hip-Hop mashup by Psycosis. EXTREMELY WELL DONE GO GET IT.)

Sample: "Oh Dougie"
Download
Bandcamp

- Alessandro

Ackryte - Shades (2012)

"Shades" is a collection of Ackryte's favourite tunes that he's created over the past few years, as well as some new material that hasn't been heard before. The album serves as a lead-up to his debut album that'll be released later this year, a chance for you to become more acquainted with Ackryte's work. Ackryte creates relaxing electronic beats that almost sound like hip-hop instrumentals, with jazz/soul/funk samples. Great stuff to actually listen to as well as to have it sort of in the background. Whether that be for browsing, working or whatever you do in your free time. And it's free!

Sample: "Come Naturally"
Download
Bandcamp


- Alessandro

Hail Mary Mallon - Are You Gonna Eat That? (2011)

Hail Mary Mallon consists of Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz. Aesop and Rob Sonic have a great chemistry going when put together and never have disappointed before this project. When they and DJ Big Wiz got together for their very own project, it wasn't a disappointment either. Amazing lyrics, a lovely combination between Aesop and Rob Sonic's flow and the raw beats that DJ Big Wiz provides the two with, makes for an album that can not be missed in your hip-hop collection!

Sample: "Garfield"

- Alessandro

Grieves - 88 Keys & Counting (2008)

Grieves is a rapper from Seattle that mainly raps in poetic ways about the problems, depression and other things that he's experienced in his life with some singing here and there. The great lyrics he writes and brings with such amazing delivery is heavily complimented by the wonderful piano-based beats produced by his good friend Budo. A hip-hop masterpiece that is way too much slept on.

Sample: "Kings"

- Alessandro

Kool G Rap - 4,5,6 (1995)

"4,5,6" isn't hip-hop legend/pioneer of hardcore hip-hop Kool G Rap's most critically acclaimed album, but was a big inspiration to fellow rappers and also well-received by underground hip-hop lovers. Kool G Rap's flow and lyrics are extremely on point and the beats are great, with  features of MF Grimm and Nas. The album is dark and grimy with an old-school feel to it that every hip-hop fan should have in their collection and everyone that wants to get into hip-hop should have listened to. One of my favourite hip-hop gems. Great album, go get it.

Sample: "It's A Shame"

- Alessandro

Dinner at the Thompson's - Off the Grid (2010)

A decadent blend of trip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, lounge, and much. Production from Fablive effortlessly keeps this show running, and Lucille Tee's street-smart vocals perform nimbly in this genre-hopping gem. Often overlooked back in 2010, don't pass up the opportunity to give it a chance.

Sample: "Spirulina Queen"

- Jake

Abnormal - Speaking In MIDI (2012)

Abnormal is a 19-year-old hip-hop producer from St. Louis and is heavily influenced by J Dilla, Flying Lotus and others. His albums contain some great upbeat hip-hop instrumental tunes that have some seriously good sampling too. One of those albums that you're always in the mood for. "Speaking In MIDI" can be downloaded for free on his Bandcamp, with a possibility to donate 3 dollars or more for 5 bonus tracks.

Sample: "The View From My Soul's Window" (20-second-version of it)
Download

- Alessandro

MC Shan - Down By Law (1987)

MC Shan, from Queensbridge, is one of hip-hop's pioneers and part of the infamous Bridge Wars from the late 80s. I love his debutalbum "Down By Law" to death. It's filled with entertaining stories about MC Shan's adventures in Queensbridge, as well with some disses towards KRS-One and co, over some funky 80s hip-hop beats with crazy DJ cuts and samples produced by iconic producer Marley Marl. A must-have classic for every hip-hop lover, or music-lover for that matter!

Sample: "Down By Law"

- Alessandro

Animate Objects - Riding in Fast Cars with Your Momma (2007)

Conscious hip-hop stuff! Classy, jazzy beats and slick flows characterize this acclaimed, but fairly forgotten, gem filled with a variety funky stuff to bounce to and slow-paced stuff to grind to.

Sample: "El Dorado"

Download

Bandcamp

- Jake