By Ben Skidmore exclusively for Shotgun The Aux

As a relative newcomer to the UK Hip Hop scene, I often feel like I’ve missed the boat when it comes to some of the truly pioneering moments and movements throughout the history of the genre. Most of which playing a huge part in making the scene what it is today, not to mention changing the course of music’s future as a whole.

UK Hip Hop Pioneers Rodney P and Bionic (London Posse)

Whether I was late to the Hip-Hop party due to my own musical growth, or I simply wasn’t born yet, I would say I’ve missed out massively. Because of this I often find myself delving deep into Discogs, digging into the archives, hunting for any and all projects which have caught my eye, or I hold close to my heart.

Albums, beat tapes, mixtapes, compilations and EPs. The works. For me, nothing is more exciting than sticking on a record, new and old alike, for the first time, dropping the needle and letting the wax do the rest. Which is why I think accessibility to music is so important. Unfortunately, when it comes to the older, sold out runs – it can be near impossible to so much as find a copy up for grabs.

If you’re lucky enough to uncover a classic, more often than not you’ll find they come with a ludicrous price tag, no disrespect to resellers, but really. Nothing makes my heart drop like seeing a beefed-up asking price on one of my must-haves, which in the moment, I truly cannot do without. Now, for those like myself who take pride in having their all-time favourite LP’s sitting pretty in the vault, this can be demotivating to say the least, especially when you’re just getting to grips with the scene.

However, every mushroom cloud has a silver-lining. Limited releases, infrequent represses and quirky merchandise runs contribute hugely to the adoration I have for Hip-Hop today. It’s a niche, and despite the fact I would urge anyone and everyone to get themselves plugged into the scene, I love the exclusivity.

For example, snappy Jam Baxter and Runcorn rapper Lee Scott dropping their most recent project, Happy Hour at The Super Fun Time Party Dome Megamix 4000 on an extremely limited run of 10 mini discs, to Real Life Drama Record’s limited edition box-sets – including the vinyl album, a copy on CD and cassette, along with exclusive treats (like a bong-shop party bag) including grinders, bongs, posters and a wide range of other fitting merchandise – with almost every release.

You just don’t get this anywhere else, and while you can almost find any chart album on the shelves, regardless of when they were released due to near constant repressing – I’d choose limited edition, fan friendly and sought-after releases every time.

Lee Scott x Jam Baxter – Happy Hour at The Super Fun Time Party Dome Megamix 4000

Where’s the fun in finding out an LP’s dropped if you know it’ll be repressed in a year’s time? Maybe I’m a sucker for the merch, but the creativity, personality and vision in the Hip-Hop community in the UK is unmatched, and I applaud all the artists and creatives making this a reality.

About Ben…

Based in Bristol UK, music is around every corner. Something which contributed hugely to Ben’s relatively new-found love for music. Jazz, Reggae, Drum & Bass and most importantly Hip-Hop (to name a few). He avidly enjoys writing and paired with a near obsession for music, this has risen from the ashes. Make sure to give him a follow if you like what you see!

Go follow Ben on Instagram for more reviews/insights @skidslist

https://instagram.com/skidslist?igshid=1k19z9j3kqx5o