Seanie T - S.O.S. - UK 12" - (2001)

Ill Flava Records – HGST001

Sean Theobalds aka Seanie T (also going by the name of Amedis), is a UK Hip Hop/Ragga emcee from South East London. He is also founder and head of Dark Horizon Rekordz, a UK hip hop label.

He was also in The Blacknificent Seven, a UK Hip Hop group featuring Estelle, Rodney P, Roots Manuva, Karl Hinds and more, but they only seemed active 2005 throuogh 2006.

S.O.S. (standing for Same Ol' Sean) is a straight banga produced by Amedis and Taipanic aka Tony Rotten from Black Twang, and features some nice backing vocals on the chorus courtesy of Blak Twang himself, Roots Manuva, Big Ted and our very own Karl Hinds.

Unfortunately never released on CD, this 12 is backed with a track called the Formidable, and there is an instrumental of both cuts, which may please you mixologists. Sadly there is no acapella, though.

Apologies for the audio quality, I'm not best placed to rip from vinyl any more. If anyone has a better rip they'd like to contribute I'd be happy to replace! (I also no longer work at the place with the A3 scanner so had to list the images from Discogs lol).

Enjoy this UKHH gem.

Tracklist

1. S.O.S. (Radio Edit) (Featuring Big Ted, Blak Twang, Karl Hinds, Roots Manuva)
2. S.O.S. (Instrumental)
3. The Formidable
4. The Formidable (Instrumental)

Discogs page

Download: ST-SOS.7z | Filesize: 42.6MB

Erick Sermon featuring Marvin Gaye ‎– Music - (2001)

Polydor ‎– 497 622-2

I'm putting up two posts today, technically three, all with a certain theme, but you'll get what I mean by that with #2 later today. You're allowed to go a little nuts on your birthday, right? :D

As a huge fan of both Marvin Gaye and EPMD/Def Squad, I was delighted when Erick Sermon dropped the track "Music" in 2001 - even happier that it was a bona fide hit for both parties. 

The song was inspired when Erick Sermon heard an outtake of Gaye's 1982 album track, "Turn On Some Music" (titled "I've Got My Music" in its initial version), Sermon decided to mix the acappella vocals and make his own song with it.

This hip hop and soul duet featuring the two veteran performers was released as the leading song of the soundtrack to the Martin Lawrence & Danny DeVito comedy, "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" (which I've not seen to this day). 

The song became a runaway success in the US rising to #2 on Billboard's R&B chart and was #1 on the rap charts. It also registered at #21 pop giving Sermon his highest-charted single on the pop charts as a solo artist and giving Gaye his first posthumous hit in 10 years following 1991's single, "My Last Chance" also bringing Gaye his 41st top 40 pop hit. 

I can't find the data on what it did in the UK - not much probably, considering the awful mainstream consensus.

There was also a version that removed Erick Sermon's verses, leaving Marvin's vocals over the beat, although that ain't available here.

There's an F bomb on the Album version, so depending on whether you're okay with profanity or not, go with either the Album version or Radio Edit. The Instrumental should be of interest to some more DJ minded folks.

I wish it had the Marvin Gaye-centric mix on here as well for completion, but mostly I'm just happy to have the track. 

This is one brilliant release.

- Kymba x

Tracklist

1. Music (Album Version)
2. Music (Radio Edit)
3. Music (Instrumental)

Discogs page

Download: ES&MG-M.7z | Filesize: 25.4MB

Terminator X & The Godfathers Of Threatt – It All Comes Down To The Money - (1994)

Rush Associated Labels – 660275 2

Re-Up! Originally posted by me on August 1st 2019. The Artwork somehow was missing so it's all redone for you.

Norman Rogers (born August 25, 1966), known as Terminator X, is a retired American DJ best known for his work with legendary hip-hop group Public Enemy, whom he left in 1998. He also produced two solo albums, Terminator X & The Valley of the Jeep Beets (1991) and Terminator X & The Godfathers Of Threatt presents Super Bad (1994) (which this track is taken from). In 2013, Terminator X was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Public Enemy.

After retiring from the music scene, Mr X now runs an ostrich farm in Vance County, North Carolina. Fairplay to the man, but that is quite some change of pace!

Super Bad was a really good album, and this was my favourite track on it. It samples "I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)" by Instant Funk & contains elements from "You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else" by The Jones Girls. The chorus is real catchy and sung fabulously by Khadejia Bass. I doubt she is, but I always wondered if she was related to Fontella Bass. 

Features old skool heroes Whodini on the raps, who were both the first Hip Hop band to put out a rap track accompanied by a video as well as the first certified gold selling Hip Hop album. 

The bottom line here is that while this is a great release for remixers and DJs, my advice is to jump straight into the Extended Mix. It also sounds great played LOUD! I do like a track where the bass is nice and heavy.

Tracklist

1. It All Comes Down To The Money (Radio Mix)
2. It All Comes Down To The Money (Instrumental)
3. It All Comes Down To The Money (Breakdown)
4. Ruff E Nuff (Radio Edit)
5. It All Comes Down To The Money (Extended Mix)
6. It All Comes Down To The Money (Pianopella)

Discogs page

Download: TX-IACDTTM.7z | Filesize: 82.7MB

Intelligent Hoodlum - Back To Reality (CJ Mackintosh Mixes) - (1990)

A&M Records, AMCD 598

Originally posted 09/04/2009. This was posted by me (Kym) but is attributed to Mickey P in the great Soul Vendor/Blogger cock-up haha.

Not so sunny here in North London today, but I thought I'd post another BBQ classic regardless. I'm not sure really how well you'll receive this one, as it's not soul as such, but a nice, chilled out slice of Hip-Hop, reminiscing about simpler times.

Intelligent Hoodlum (born Percy Chapman, although he would later switch to the moniker "Tragedy Khadafi") is an extremely eloquent rapper from Queens, New York. His first, self-titled album was a politically charged affair featuring the excellent Arrest the President, and a whirl of other contentious tracks. I loved it but it wasn't for everyone.

However, amongst the anger and social commentary on his debut there lurked a rather good party jam, the Soul II Soul sampling Back To Reality - no surprises for guessing what sample was used there, huh? ;)

On its release in the UK, Back To Reality was given a suite of remixes by one CJ Mackintosh. The pick of which for me is CJ's Drum And Bass Mix (no, it's not that kind of Drum & Bass), which cranked up the Soul II Soul elements, added nice piano chords, strings stabs, and made a great summer vibe kinda tune out of it. 

The Ragamuffin Mixis also pretty dope (love the strings), and has a different vibe. Worth checking and would be the one I'd recommend if the Drum And Bass Mix didn't exist.

The Raggamuffin Mix is also dope, Hope you dig this as much as I do. If you don't know it, give it a try and tell us whatcha think.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Back To Reality (Drum And Bass Mix)
2. Back To Reality (Back To Basics)
3. Back To Reality (Ragamuffin Version)
4. Back To Reality (Ragadub)

Download: IH-BTR.7z | Filesize: 43.8MB

Chico DeBarge featuring Erick Sermon & Redman ‎– Soopaman Lover (Remix) (1999)

Motown ‎– UDM-56233

It's my birthday today and you'll have to excuse me being self indulgent: I'm dropping two tasty joints from my favourite DeBarge today - the badboy of the fam, Mr Chico DeBarge.

First up is the oh so wicked remix of Superman, the red hot Soopaman Lover remix featuring Def Squad heavyweights Erick Sermon and Redman (my man).

This remix is straight fire with a hot beat supplied by Mr Sermon, surely one of Hip Hop's most underrated producers (EPMD were effing with the funk before a certain Dr Dre had even conceived of G-Funk)? All props are due. 

It opens with Red in fine style revisiting one of his own Soopaman Lover rhymes - Soopaman Lover Part II if I recall correctly? Chico then takes the reigns and re-sings, in a new styley, the lyrics of his Superman track, which is included as track 4 on this CDS, from his excellent Long Time No See album (you really should check that out if you've not heard it. It's full of Neo Soul goodness). Erick Sermon has a verse at the end to wrap it up. It's R&B/Soul/Hip Hop perfection and I love it as much today as I did back then. Twenty years old now. Damn.

I can't big this track up enough. It's 90s R&B perfection.

You have a street and clean version so take your pick as to if you like profanities or not. There's a nice instrumental as well for mixology. We then have the album version which is a great song as well, just with a different vibe, and it's ably finished off with another cut from Long Time No See, Virgin. It's a really nice track and all round a seriously heavy release.

Next post is the ever so sexy Iggin' Me from the same album. Boom.

See you on the flipside.

Tracklist

1. Soopaman Lover (Remix) (Street Version) Featuring – Erick Sermon, Redman
2. Soopaman Lover (Remix) (Clean Version) Featuring – Erick Sermon, Redman
3. Soopaman Lover (Remix) (Instrumental Version)
4. Superman (Album Version)
5. Virgin (Album Version)

Download: CD-SL.7z | Filesize: 42.5MB

Supercat - Scalp Dem / South Central (Promo) - (1994)

Columbia ‎– CSK 6430

Perhaps dancehall tracks don't truly belong on the Soul Vendor, but May is my birthday month, and so I'm gonna break the rules a little and indulge myself in some boom tunes from my youth.

Today I'm serving up the awe-inspiring Wu-Tang remix of Scalp Dem by Supercat. 'Cat was big back in '94, with a highly influential style that can still be felt to this day (people like Sean Paul owe Supercat and his peers a huge debt of gratitude). I've always been partial to a bit of ragga but some time in 94 I started hearing this one beat (I think Jazzie B used to use the instrumental for backing music on some of his talkie bits on his Monday night Kiss FM show, back before it was crap) that got under my skin.

This beat sounded like nothing else - eerie string type vibes over some plodding drums. Kinda hypnotic, and when I heard the full version I knew it was a masterpiece. 

So there's the Wu-Tang Mix on here followed by the original Dance Hall Mix. Go Wu-Tang for maximum enjoyment, obviously.

It's backed up with the remix of 'Cat's South Central, which is also incredibly catchy, using the Outstanding loop as its basis. It's a fine track but can't touch the majesty of the Scalp Dem Wu remix.

Wu-Tang forever, baby!

Tracklist

1. Scalp Dem (Wu-Tang Mix)
2. Scalp Dem (Dancehall Mix)
3. South Central (Outstanding Mix)

Download: S-SD-P.7z | Filesize: 27.5MB

Darkman - Yabba Dabba Doo Reloaded - (1994)

Wildcard Records, Polydor ‎– 851 131-2

For sake of completion here are the Yabba Dabba Doo remixes, big up the one like the DJ Pugwash for the shout on the original post.

My mix of choice is still to this day the Femi Fem (of the Young Disciples) produced Party Like That Mix, but the remixes are all pretty strong. Pugs was bigging up the Mutiny remix, which is probably the best out of these newer mixes, and my junglist leanings have me appreciating the M-Beat version.

- Kym :)

Tracklist

1. Yabba Dabba Doo (La Smoov 7")
2. Yabba Dabba Doo (Original 7")
3. Yabba Dabba Doo (Party Like That Mix)
4. Yabba Dabba Doo (Mutiny One Time For Your Mind Mix)
5. Yabba Dabba Doo (M-Beat Jungle Mix)

Download: D-YDD.7z | File size: 50.5MB

Darkman - Yabba Dabba Doo - (1994)

Wildcard Records, CARDD6 855781-2

320 reup! Looks like this is another of my old posts being attributed to Mickey. Really odd - Fix up, blogger! - Kym

Here's a total banger!

Wildcard were another label on a roll in the early nineties. They'd signed China Black after their massive indie success on the Reggae charts with the still brilliant Searching (available for download elsewhere on TSV - I'll also post up a rip of the original indie release which had different mixes), and helped propel it into the pop charts. They also had Nu Colours, another up and coming urban act, and then they signed Darkman, who would go on to score the biggest UK Hip Hop chart position to date with the infectious Yabba Dabba Doo.

This track absolutely dominated airplay in the UK in the summer of '94. It was massive both on radio and in the clubs. it would blow up again the following year as well when it was remixed and rereleased (I'll post the re-release at a later date for sake of completion). However, the finest version of it for me was always the Party Like That Mix, available on both releases.

The Ghetto Lab mix is interesting for the more gangsta take on the lyrics, the 7" Mix is thoroughly decent, as is the bonus track What's not Yours, but, as stated above, it's the anthemic Party Like That Mix all the way for this girl.

Some trivia - Yabba Dabba Doo was produced by Darkman AND a guy called Micky P (I'm pretty sure he was the same Micky P who used to be on KISS FM back in the day, when it was actually good) - no relation to our Soul Vending founder.  Also,  there was additional production by the Young Disciples' very own Femi Fem. Cool, huh?

- Kymba :)

Tracklist

1. Yabba Dabba Doo (7" Mix)
2. Yabba Dabba Doo (Party Like That Mix)
3. What's Not Yours (Power Lab Censored Mix)
4. Yabba Dabba Doo (Ghetto Lab Mix)

Download: D-YDD.7z | File size: 40.4MB

Darkman - Who's The Darkman (1994)

Wildcard Records, CARDD8 853489-2

320 re-up!

Today's prime cut I'm serving up is Darkman's follow-on single to Yabba Dabba Doo, which you can find elsewhere on this site - "earth gyrl" had posted in the comments section she'd like to see this one posted, so, this one's for you, Gyrl.

Who's The Darkman was a nice follow-up single, but didn't make as huge a splash as Yabba Dabba did. However, it's still a great sounding funky track (despite the kinda loose rapping style at times), and will sound dope played at volume from your car speakers - please tell me I'm not the only one who's been caning Soul Vendor in my car?? I've got an iPod playlist chock full of beautiful urban goodness from here - but I digress.

I like both mixes of this track, and find it hard to pick between them. I think the Shine Mix just edges it, but it kinda depends on my mood. Wicked isn't a bad song, but you'll really be wanting the title track.

If I recall correctly, there were no more releases from Worldwide, the album that accompanied this and Yabba Dabba, but don't quote me on that. Regardless, the two posted here are HEAVY!

Take care, lovely people.

- Kymba :)

Tracklist:

1. Who's The Darkman? (Power Lab 7")
2. Who's The Darkman? (Shine Mix)
3. Wicked (Ghetto Lab Mix)
4. Wicked (Power Lab Mix)

Download: D-WTD.7z | File size: 38.8MB

Buckshot LeFonque - Another Day 1997

Columbia Records 665376 2

Named after the jazz sax player Cannonball Adderley, Buckshot LeFonque was a Branford Marsalis project. He wanted to create a new sound using hip-hop influences with more generic musical styles. This release comes from their second album Music Evolution 1997, produced by Marsalis and featuring 'the vocal stylings of Frank McComb (who also plays keyboards) along with Marsalis on sax, Will Lee on Bass, Rocky Bryant on Drums. Carol Webb Sontomme is concert master in charge of a full 6 piece string section.

Another Day In The Hood is a virtual re-recording of the main release, Another Day, featuring a further two minutes of rap. The other track on this release is Musical Evolution remixed by DJ Premier (Gang Starr) who had a large production role in the previous debut album, Buckshot LeFonque 1994. They were never commercially successful but then that was never Marsalis objective.

"We took some interesting left turns... which is what I expected."

• Another Day (Album Version)
• Another Day (Remix)
• Another Day (Another Day In The Hood Mix)
• Music Evolution (D.J. Premier Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Buckshot LeFonque.rar Filesize: 23.94 MB

Master Wel - Henny-Penny-I-tis 1995

4th & Broadway 12 BRW 323

I bought this on the strength of the Dodge Remixes, Dodge City Productions rule. I also love Carla Cook's vocals. All in all, a nice bit of contemporary Acid Jazz. Now for the boring stuff.

Master Wel is an alias for the late Weldon Irvine (27/10/43 - 9/4/02) Known in Jazz and poetry circles simply as Weldon and within the world of Hip Hop as Master Wel, Irvine's skills as a musician and lyricist are well documented. With well over 500 compositions to his credit, he was the producer, arranger and conductor for many concerts, festival presentations, and staged musicals. He has worked with such Jazz notables as Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Stanley Turrentine, Bill Jacobs, with Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, as well as with poets Louis Reyes Rivera, George Edward Tait, Rich Bartee and the Griot Trio, and with such Rappers and Spoken Word Artists as KRS-One, Grand Master Flash, Gang Starr, Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube & Black Star, to name just a few.

As he became involved with Hip Hop, many of the rappers, including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Q-Tip, sought him out as teacher and mentor. Irvine championed hip-hop from the beginning. He compares groundbreaking MC's such as Rakim to jazz titans like Charlie Parker.

"I've always been a big fan, just like any kid with gold teeth and pants hanging off his behind," he says. "The beats that these guys were producing blew my mind.... I've always accepted it as music."

Irvine was so inspired that he began rhyming himself. Using the name Master Wel, a reference to his aristocratic upbringing, he released 1997's Spoken Melodies (featuring Saul Williams and others) and 1999's The Price of Freedom featuring cameos by Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Q-Tip. Irvine honed his skills by hanging out with rappers half his age. He vividly remembered signing up for open mic nights and talent shows. Within earshot, people snickered, "Hey, grandpa's gonna rap." He persevered...

"I see the reaction of real hip-hop heads when they see me pick up the mic and start to rhyme. They're shocked that I'm doing it, but when they start bopping and responding to my call and response, that tells me I have the capabilities."

He gave piano lessons to Q-Tip and Common. "As these hip-hoppers get more proficient with jazz.... they are going to blow a lot of people's minds." he said. They'll be following in Irvine's footsteps.

"I often just sit and listen to him because he teaches truth. He's my mentor."

Q-Tip

"When I grow up, I want to be like Weldon."

Mos Def

• Soul Inside Mix
• Soul Walk Mix
• Single Version
• Soul Inside Instrumental
• Soul Walk Instrumental
• Jazz Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Master Wel.rar Filesize: 58.81 MB

Almost impossible to read, it says:

Track 1 contains portions of 'We Getting Down' and 'Walk The Walk' by Weldon Irvine. Lead vocal: Carla Cook. Backing Vocal: Hilda Aja Richbow & Walter Mason. Sax Solo: Roger Byam. Drum track: Harold 'Doo' West & Weldon Irvine. All other instruments by Weldon Irvine. Recorded and mixed at: Lis Rascals Studio. Tracks 1 & 2 Additional Production and Remix by: Dodge for Soul Inside Productions. Additional Keys: Rico 'Sick Note' Ellis. Mix Engineer: Paul Motion. Track 1 Bass: John Thompson.

Malcolm McLaren - Double Dutch 1983

Chrysalis Records MALC 312

To be truly cynical for a moment, it's easy to suggest that McLaren preyed upon the stupid. After taking the dumb, young testosterone filled white teenage rock scene by storm with the Sex Pistols, he then proceeded to do the same with young black teenagers, taking the whole B-Boy/Hip Hop/Electro thing out of 'The Projects' and putting it onto the World stage.

('Of course we know who can really blow')

The true wonder lies in the fact that he was able to do it after being labeled as a 'con man' on the music scene. Of course, the fact of the matter is, he was bloody good at exploiting an opportunity. I was about to say talent but I don't think that description covers Sid Viscious? McLaren was a genius of sorts but love him or hate him, he did bring The World Class Supreme Team Show to our attention and for that alone, I'll allow him the room to exist in my little piece of the web.

The main release here is credited to Malcolm McLaren & The Ebonettes and is basically, Double Dutch is like a theme song for the skipping sport of the American Double Dutch League. That makes it sound like crap but I love it, it's not quite singing and not quite rapping either, set over a traditional African melody with a catchy chorus. Considering that this was the follow-up to the revolutionary Buffalo Gals, it must have taken some balls to put this out, or a good accountant.

"Schemin' on the meaning of a jazz thing."

The flipside is credited to Malcom McLaren & The World Class Supreme Team Show but McLaren don't figure on this except in the writing credits. She's Looking Like A Hobo seems to be either the track that was used in Buffalo Gals or an extension of the idea used in Buffalo Gals. Either way, if you like the music behind that track, you'll enjoy this. I like all of this release, it's fresh and interesting a quarter of a century down the line but the track that makes it essential to me is D'Ya Like Scratchin'? This track always makes me feel good with its hip hop scratch and rap skills set over a soulful melodic backbeat. Returning to my opening cynicism, this is probably an advert for their radio show but as with all McLaren's projects, it's done so well that you don't feel the pain.

Novacaine for the Soul?

• Double Dutch (New Dance Mix)
• She's Looking Like A Hobo
• D'Ya Like Scratchin'? (Special Remix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Malcolm McLaren.rar Filesize: 33.26 MB

The Masterdon Committee - Funk Box Party 1982

Dee Jay Limited Edition BLUE-002

• Part 1
• Part 2

This is a Old School Hip Hop classic that I, once again, gotta give props to Marcus for. I didn't hear it until 1986/7 when Barry B put it out in one of his mixes layered with DSM's Destiny. The Mastermix Dance Party went out on the Thursday night and on Friday I would generally spend lunch down in the basement with Marcus and a cassette tape, playing name that tune on the car stereo. Good Times!

"Listen, listen, listen for the beatbox, Huh!"

The group came from the 147th street area of 70's Harlem, New York and comprised of MasterDon, Pebbly Poo, Gangster G, Keith KC, Boo Ski & Johnny D. It's a 'call and answer' style track that has been used many times since, a lively crowd in the studio alongside the crisp 808 beats and old school claps. It sounds like they were having a damn good party when they recorded it. Further in, the raps really kick in, Pebbly Poo's spot is one of the earliest examples of the aggressive female style developed by Roxanne Shante a few years later.

I was too late for the original pressing but managed to get a re-issue a few years later. Funk Box Party is an awesome tune and absolutely essential. Part 1 is the vocal and Part 2 is an Instrumental with vocal chorus.

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: The Masterdon Committee.rar Filesize: 23.26 MB