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Linear Labs
Adrian Younge & Linear Labs Presents... - Linear Labs: Los Angeles (LP)
Sold Out - $19.99
Featuring songs from upcoming releases produced by Younge, including 12 Reasons To Die II (with Ghostface Killah, Raekwon & RZA); Something About April II; and The Midnight Hour (with Ali Shaheed Muhammad); alongside Younge catalog classics dating back to 2000. LP format features bonus track: “Sirens II,” from upcoming Bilal album. In less than a year’s time, Adrian Younge’s Linear Labs imprint has made a very firm impression on fans of forward-thinking, analog-based music from multiple genres. One notable fan, among many, is DJ Premier, who produced his late 2014 PRhyme album exclusively using samples drawn from Younge’s catalog. To give fans a chance to revel in Younge’s range and – just as importantly – give followers a sneak-peek at four impressive 2015 albums already slated for release, Younge is proud to release the compilation album, Los Angeles. On Los Angeles, many hip-hop fanatics will impatiently skip forward to the graceful, galloping and appropriately dramatic “Return Of The Savage,” from the upcoming Younge-helmed 12 Reasons To Die II. The song features Ghostface Killah alongside Raekwon and RZA. But track-skippers will soon head back to the album’s opener: the dusky, Baroque soul of “Memories Of War,” from the upcoming Something About April II, with vocals by Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier. Also on the upcoming tip: a track from the Adrian Younge / Ali Shaheed Muhammad concept album The Midnight Hour, entitled “Feel Alive,” with silky vocals by Karolina, alongside longtime Younge collaborator Loren Oden.
Adrian Younge - Black Dynamite Instrumentals (LP)
$19.99
Release Date: 8/24/18
The first official release from multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer Adrian Younge was Black Dynamite, the meticulously crafted sonic accompaniment to the 2009 Michael Jai White comedy. Now, for the first time ever, Mr. Younge presents the instrumentals from Black Dynamite on his on Linear Labs imprint. Inspired by the great blaxploitation soundtracks of the 1970s, Younge commands the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, harpsichord, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, flute, sax, cello, and drums to craft a singular vision of the era. Since its release, the film has grown into a formidable franchise including a comic book and animated television series on Cartoon Network. Now five years later, the score is being reissued with the full set of instrumentals and four additional tracks including a rare version of “Jimmy’s Dead” by Tommy Davidson. A certifiable cult classic, the film centers around ex-CIA agent Black Dynamite’s fight to avenge his brother’s murder while cleaning up the streets of the deadly Anaconda malt liquor. Having been involved with the film from its inception, Younge’s score is intimately woven into the film’s narrative. As editor, Younge worked closely with director Scott Sanders to ensure the authenticity of the film’s pace and musical accompaniment. The final result is a clever homage that sounds more like an unearthed gem from the ‘70s—complete with MPC-ready Wu-Tang samples—rather than a modern creation. This authentic sound is one that Younge has been cultivating for years. His ability to replicate the nuanced stylistic effects of a bygone era are the result of utilizing exclusively vintage analog recording equipment and techniques, and long hours studying the sounds of heroes like Ennio Morricone and Curtis Mayfield. Laboring away in his Los Angeles based Linear Labs studio, Younge played every instrument on the record, teaching himself anything he didn’t already know. Through a dogged work ethic and determination, Younge has painstakingly constructed a modern vintage sound that harkens to the past with its sights on the future. Black Dynamite is a must-have for any fan of the blaxploitation era and dark soul music, a modern-day classic whose legendary status will only grow stronger over time.
Adrian Younge - Black Dynamite: Official Motion Picture Score (LP - Picture Disc)
$24.99
Release Date: 11/18/14
The first official release from multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and producer Adrian Younge, Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Score) was the meticulously crafted sonic accompaniment to the 2009 Michael Jai White comedy. The title is now being reissued as a limited edition picture disc on Younge’s own Linear Labs imprint. Inspired by the great blaxploitation soundtracks of the 1970s, Younge commands the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, harpsichord, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, flute, sax, cello, and drums to craft a singular vision of the era. Since its release, the film has grown into a formidable franchise including a comic book and animated television series on Cartoon Network. Now five years later, the score is being reissued with the full set of instrumentals and four additional tracks including a rare version of “Jimmy’s Dead” by Tommy Davidson. A certifiable cult classic, the film centers around ex-CIA agent Black Dynamite’s fight to avenge his brother’s murder while cleaning up the streets of the deadly Anaconda malt liquor. Having been involved with the film from its inception, Younge’s score is intimately woven into the film’s narrative. As editor, Younge worked closely with director Scott Sanders to ensure the authenticity of the film’s pace and musical accompaniment. The final result is a clever homage that sounds more like an unearthed gem from the ‘70s—complete with MPC-ready Wu-Tang samples—rather than a modern creation. This authentic sound is one that Younge has been cultivating for years. His ability to replicate the nuanced stylistic effects of a bygone era are the result of utilizing exclusively vintage analog recording equipment and techniques, and long hours studying the sounds of heroes like Ennio Morricone and Curtis Mayfield. Laboring away in his Los Angeles based Linear Labs studio, Younge played every instrument on the record, teaching himself anything he didn’t already know. Through a dogged work ethic and determination, Younge has painstakingly constructed a modern vintage sound that harkens to the past with its sights on the future. Black Dynamite is a must-have for any fan of the blaxploitation era and dark soul music, a modern-day classic whose legendary status will only grow stronger over time.
Adrian Younge - Instrumental Versions: Something About April II (LP)
$20.99
In the years since the release of Adrian Younge’s Something About April, he has been coined America’s black genius: the evocation of analog vestige in a digital era. His majestic music has garnered him reverence, likened to Ennio Morricone’s best work and the Beatles’ tenacity to create new sounds. Fortuitously, Something About April has made an indelible impression on modern vinyl heads and producers alike, being sampled by DJ Premier, Jay-Z, Common, 50 Cent and more. The Something About April brand is an axiom to the modern “Breakbeat” and Linear Labs is happy to announce its successor: Something About April II. As with Something About April – Something About April II is the sort of recording that is more than deserving of an all instrumental treatment. Recorded with Younge’s collection of rare instruments, Something About April II advances his musical paradigm with enterprising concepts and grander compositions — it synthesizes the boundaries between dark American soul and classic European cinema. Younge is the experimental spirit of the modernist vanguard, looking at the past to create the future. What this album extrapolates, from vinyl culture, will become further magnified by its sampling down the line. Something About April II will replace the former as a holy grail for producers and collectors alike.
Adrian Younge - Presents Venice Dawn: Something About April II (CD)
$12.99
In the four years, since the release of Adrian Younge's Something About April, he has been coined America's black genius: the evocation of analog vestige in a digital era. His majestic music has garnered him reverence, likened to Ennio Morricone's best work and the Beatles' tenacity to create new sounds. Fortuitously, Something About April has made an indelible impression on modern vinyl heads and producers alike, being sampled by DJ Premier, Jay-Z, Common, 50 Cent and more. The Something About April brand is an axiom to the modern "Breakbeat" and Linear Labs is happy to announce its successor: Something About April II. Recorded with Younge's collection of rare instruments, Something About April II advances his musical paradigm with enterprising concepts and grander compositions - it synthesizes the boundaries between dark American soul and classic European cinema. With effervescent conviction,Younge executes with an array of entrancing vocalists: Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) and Bilal perform duets on "Step Beyond" and "La Ballade," reminiscent of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin; Raphael Saadiq blends "Black Jazz" vocals with psychedelic soul on "Magic Music;" Israeli star, Karolina, delivers haunting chants over concertos like "Hear my Love" and "Winter is Here;" Loren Oden croons as if the apparent ghost of Donnie Hathaway created one last love song, "Sandrine." Younge is the experimental spirit of the modernist vanguard, looking at the past to create the future. What this album extrapolates, from vinyl culture, will become further magnified by its sampling down the line. Something About April II will replace the former as a holy grail for producers and collectors alike.
Adrian Younge - Presents Venice Dawn: Something About April II (LP)
Sold Out - $22.99
In the four years, since the release of Adrian Younge's Something About April, he has been coined America's black genius: the evocation of analog vestige in a digital era. His majestic music has garnered him reverence, likened to Ennio Morricone's best work and the Beatles' tenacity to create new sounds. Fortuitously, Something About April has made an indelible impression on modern vinyl heads and producers alike, being sampled by DJ Premier, Jay-Z, Common, 50 Cent and more. The Something About April brand is an axiom to the modern "Breakbeat" and Linear Labs is happy to announce its successor: Something About April II. Recorded with Younge's collection of rare instruments, Something About April II advances his musical paradigm with enterprising concepts and grander compositions - it synthesizes the boundaries between dark American soul and classic European cinema. With effervescent conviction,Younge executes with an array of entrancing vocalists: Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab) and Bilal perform duets on "Step Beyond" and "La Ballade," reminiscent of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin; Raphael Saadiq blends "Black Jazz" vocals with psychedelic soul on "Magic Music;" Israeli star, Karolina, delivers haunting chants over concertos like "Hear my Love" and "Winter is Here;" Loren Oden croons as if the apparent ghost of Donnie Hathaway created one last love song, "Sandrine." Younge is the experimental spirit of the modernist vanguard, looking at the past to create the future. What this album extrapolates, from vinyl culture, will become further magnified by its sampling down the line. Something About April II will replace the former as a holy grail for producers and collectors alike.
Adrian Younge Presents - The Electronique Void: Black Noise (LP)
$22.99
This, too, is a story about control. It’s a manual, maybe half Rosetta Stone, half bird guide. It was made the way they made electronic music in the good old days, all analog everything, right after synthesizers shrunk to a manageable size and you didn’t have to trek down to a university to use one anymore. Hard-earned. Tastes different. Our parents’ electronic. And its subject is staying together, that thing we thought was their province. It’s about trying to fix what hurts. It’s about knowing better. Black Noise is men talking to men about women; Lemonade is a woman talking to women about men, and they both orbit around a failure we take for granted like the sun: loving you is complicated. It’s a skill; we forgot. Adrian Younge calls The Electronique Void an academic album, by which he means it is both instructional and informational. There’s a problem at the heart of it, a woman who’s been told that she’s loved, but she doesn’t recognize that, can’t feel it, may have heard it all before, may be worrying about the wrong things. Jack Waterson, long a guitarist in Younge’s band, plays the role of narrator, sounding professorial and rather superior as he lays out for the woman where she’s erred. That vocoder you hear is Adrian, talking to her on a subterranean level, the way an artist must. There’s a strong sense of rules here, a prescription and a presumption that there is an agreed upon way to do it, and there is also a wrong way, or at least a way that won’t work. And the fact is, as didactic as that sounds, it might be the truth. Maybe everybody who’s alone can be cured. The discourse on the album is the kind of thing that happens when you go blonde and then you can’t keep ‘em off you. These truths are cold and hard, and our hero begrudges the well-meaning advice being rained down upon her as any independent woman would. The science of love, its formulas and if-then constraints, causal relationships and observable properties, is best taught experientially, but learning it hurts so, so bad. Music, especially electronic music, reliant as it is on abstraction and unrepentant as it is about hijacking your physiological responses to tempo and rhythm and dynamics, is a way to get there without going through it. Electronic music as practiced and developed by pioneers like Dick Hyman and Raymond Scott and Wendy Carlos is precise and intentional. In making his first electronic album, Younge took his cues from them, reminding a contemporary audience what a synthesizer, deep in its heart, really could be. The lady of The Electronique Void, only ever seen through a man’s eyes, who’s being told what to do by him, sounds trapped by her history and by her position, her ancestors’ trauma echoing through her lineage and booming out of her as a phobia, distrust, misapprehension, rational response to a fucked up situation. Waterson’s text here seems to say that if his character could go back in time, catch her before the damage was done, she would be able to love. And that’s reasonable. Don’t get hooked. Don’t do wifey shit for a fuck boy. Don’t let it go to your head, no. It’s also possible he has no idea what he’s talking about. The lessons for men in The Electronique Void are unspoken but plain as day. This music is an urgent tutorial. Adrian Younge looks at us and sees the frontline of a crisis, something we only have time to triage right now. This isn’t romantic and it isn’t about settling down. This is the fight of our lives: how to love.
Adrian Younge Presents - The Electronique Void: Black Noise Instrumentals (LP)
$19.99
Adrian Younge calls The Electronique Void an academic album, by which he means it is both instructional and informational. The science of love, its formulas and if-then constraints, causal relationships and observable properties, is best taught experientially, but learning it hurts so, so bad. Music, especially electronic music, reliant as it is on abstraction and unrepentant as it is about hijacking your physiological responses to tempo and rhythm and dynamics, is a way to get there without going through it. Electronic music as practiced and developed by pioneers like Dick Hyman and Raymond Scott and Wendy Carlos is precise and intentional. In making his first electronic album, Younge took his cues from them, reminding a contemporary audience what a synthesizer, deep in its heart, really could be. This study of how music crafted with synthesizers can tap into raw human emotion is sure to excite long-time fans of Younge as well as devotees of electronic music. Adrian Younge now presents what is sure to be one of his most sought after instrumental releases, The Electronique Void: Black Noise Instrumentals..
Adrian Younge Presents Venice Dawn - Something About April (LP - Deluxe Reissue)
Sold Out - $19.99
This deluxe reissue vinyl on Younge’s Linear Labs imprint includes a bonus instrumental song from the original album sessions – “Niacin.” In the four years since Adrian Younge’s Something About April album first appeared, the Los Angeles-based producer and multi-instrumentalist has become his own musical cottage industry. Not only has he collaborated with musical legends ranging from The Delfonics to Ghostface Killah, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and The Souls of Mischief; his work has also been sampled by such rap giants as 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Common. In an equally impressive twist, DJ Premier produced an entire album with Younge’s work as his only source material (including multiple samples from April, of course): 2014’s PRhyme, with MC Royce Da 5’9”. Something About April is an album that flaunts all of the trademarks that have made Younge an in-demand name as a composer and sample source-point. His work oozes raw, analog soul and the primal sonic edge of psychedelic rock, sitting nicely alongside Ennio Morricone’s best soundtrack work; Pink Floyd’s early catalog and Parliament’s Osmium. Younge’s songwriting is what truly makes this album unique and keeps ears engaged. While many of his tunes are initially vamp-driven, there are changes and aural twists that lurk around every corner, as evidenced on stand-out cuts including: The intense, deep groove and stripped-down vocals of “Turn Down The Sound” [sampled for Common’s “Out On Bond”]; The turns of both tension and beauty on “Reverie” (with all TWELVE instruments per formed by Younge) [sampled on Jay-Z’s “Heaven,” with Justin Timberlake]; The gorgeous, cinematic ballads “First Step On The Moon” and “Two Hearts Combine”; The breakbeat fiesta of “Sirens” [used by Jay-Z for “Picasso Baby”]; The new millennial soul/doo-wop of “Lovely Lady,” complete with lead guitar by funky soul legend Dennis Coffey.
Adrian Younge Presents Venice Dawn - Something About April: Instrumentals (LP - Deluxe Reissue)
$19.99
This deluxe reissue vinyl on Younge’s Linear Labs imprint includes a bonus instrumental song from the original album sessions – “Niacin.” In the four years since Adrian Younge’s Something About April album first appeared, the Los Angeles-based producer and multi-instrumentalist has become his own musical cottage industry. Not only has he collaborated with musical legends ranging from The Delfonics to Ghostface Killah, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and The Souls of Mischief; his work has also been sampled by such rap giants as 50 Cent, Jay-Z and Common. In an equally impressive twist, DJ Premier produced an entire album with Younge’s work as his only source material (including multiple samples from April, of course): 2014’s PRhyme, with MC Royce Da 5’9”. Something About April is an album that flaunts all of the trademarks that have made Younge an in-demand name as a composer and sample source-point. His work oozes raw, analog soul and the primal sonic edge of psychedelic rock, sitting nicely alongside Ennio Morricone’s best soundtrack work; Pink Floyd’s early catalog and Parliament’s Osmium. Younge’s songwriting is what truly makes this album unique and keeps ears engaged. While many of his tunes are initially vamp-driven, there are changes and aural twists that lurk around every corner, as evidenced on stand-out cuts including: The intense, deep groove and stripped-down vocals of “Turn Down The Sound” [sampled for Common’s “Out On Bond”]; The turns of both tension and beauty on “Reverie” (with all TWELVE instruments per formed by Younge) [sampled on Jay-Z’s “Heaven,” with Justin Timberlake]; The gorgeous, cinematic ballads “First Step On The Moon” and “Two Hearts Combine”; The breakbeat fiesta of “Sirens” [used by Jay-Z for “Picasso Baby”]; The new millennial soul/doo-wop of “Lovely Lady,” complete with lead guitar by funky soul legend Dennis Coffey.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Blackout b/w Resurrection Morning/Life’s A Rebirth (7")
$8.99
Release Date: 3/4/16
In 2015 Adrian Younge provided Ghostface Killah with a sonic backdrop equal parts hip hop and Italian horror, as much Ennio Morricone as sweet boom bap. Select singles from the project will now be available, presented here "Blackout b/w Resurrection Morning/Life’s A Rebirth” 12 Reasons To Die II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the '70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Younge's work of course sounds great – as presented here, it looks as good as it sounds with the Italian horror inspired graphics splattered all over the full color jacket.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Death's Invitation/Let The Record Spin (7")
$9.99
In 2015 Adrian Younge provided Ghostface Killah with a sonic backdrop equal parts hip hop and Italian horror, as much Ennio Morricone as sweet boom bap. Select singles from the project will now be available, presented here “Death’s Invitation b/w Let The Record Spin” in a full color jacket. 12 Reasons To Die II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge’s never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the ‘70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Younge’s work of course sounds great – as presented here, it looks as good as it sounds with the Italian horror inspired graphics splattered all over the full color jacket.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Return Of The Savage/King Of New York (7")
$10.99
In 2014 Adrian Younge provided Ghostface Killah with a sonic backdrop equal parts hip hop and Italian horror, as much Ennio Morricone as sweet boom bap. Select singles from the project will now be available, presented here “Return of The Savage b/w King Of New York” in a full color jacket. 12 Reasons To Die II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge’s never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the ‘70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Younge’s work of course sounds great – as presented here, it looks as good as it sounds with the Italian horror inspired graphics splattered all over the full color jacket.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Rise Up/Daily News (7")
$10.99
In 2014 Adrian Younge provided Ghostface Killah with a sonic backdrop equal parts hip hop and Italian horror, as much Ennio Morricone as sweet boom bap. Select singles from the project will now be available, presented here “Rise Up b/w Daily News” in a full color jacket. 12 Reasons To Die II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge’s never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the ‘70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Younge’s work of course sounds great – as presented here, it looks as good as it sounds with the Italian horror inspired graphics splattered all over the full color jacket.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die (2xCD - Deluxe Reissue + Instrumentals)
$4.99 $13.99
Twelve Reasons To Die, a groundbreaking concept album conceived and created by Adrian Younge that follows Tony Starks (one of Ghostface Killah’s alter egos), as a soldier for the 12 Delucas, a 1960’s-era Italian crime family. But when Starks leaves the family, an epic story unfolds like a vintage horror film with gangster elements. It’s a gritty story of good verse evil that walks the line of the supernatural accented by Ghostface’s grandiose, vivid storytelling. Sonically, Younge constructs a distinct aural realm for Twelve Reasons To Die. It’s music based on the break, the sonic foundation of hip-hop culture. But Younge traverses new ground by incorporating elements of what a composer would have used while making music in the 1960s: live strings, horns and drums. He also recorded the songs on 2-inch tape, giving each track a sonic heft and depth virtually non-existent in modern music. Wu-Tang Clan architect RZA was the one who chose Younge for this musical mission. As executive producer of the project, RZA added his touch to the album by providing Younge with suggestions, direction and the confidence to execute his vision at the highest level. This is a reissue with new packaging on Adrian's own label, Linear Labs.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die (LP - Deluxe Reissue)
$20.99
Release Date: 8/24/18
The sounds of classic 36 Chambers-era RZA meld with Portishead and the Italian film music of Ennio Morricone on 12 Reasons To Die, the first ever collaboration between Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge. A daring, full-length Crime/Horror concept album, 12 Reasons’ executive producer and Ghostface’s longtime Wu-Tang Clan collaborator The RZA, referred to the album as “groundbreaking” in the hip-hop genre. Ghostface Killah’s prominence in hip hop has grown steadily over his 20-plus year career – including high-profile appearances on Kanye West’s Cruel Summer, RZA’s The Man With the Iron Fists soundtrack and 36 Seasons, his recent collaboration with The Revelations – 12 Reasons catches the gifted MC at the height of his lyrical prowess. Composer/producer/instrumentalist Adrian Younge represents the next generation of black music producers. His aim is an organic re-appropriation of hip-hop circa the mid-90s. His previous releases, the Black Dynamite soundtrack album (2009) Something About April (2011), and There Is Only Now, his collaboration with Souls Of Mischief (2012), touched on psychedelia, blaxploitation, and the cinematic soul of the 1970s. 12 Reasons was Adrian’s first project in which he’s immersed himself in the world of hip-hop.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die II (2xCD - Includes Bonus Instrumentals CD)
$4.99 $14.99
ADRIAN YOUNGE ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED "TWELVE REASONS TO DIE II" ALBUM, STARRING GHOSTFACE KILLAH Featuring RAEKWON, RZA, BILAL, VINCE STAPLES and more! Fans who have been waiting for the past two years can finally rejoice: Adrian Younge's and Ghostface Killah's Twelve Reasons To Die II is coming soon. To up the ante this time around, Ghostface has added a very important lyrical companion to the mix: Raekwon. The chemistry that was cemented two decades ago on Rae's classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is as strong as ever, clearly heard on five out of the album's 13 songs. And on the topic of chemistry, executive producer and Wu-Tang patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator. Where the first installment of Twelve Reasons To Die was based in 1960s Italy – detailing the machinations of the feared DeLuca crime family – Part II inhabits the grimy streets of mid-1970s New York City. Descendants of the DeLucas are running the city, but a powerful, younger crime syndicate is percolating, commanded by black gangster Lester Kane (personified by Raekwon). As Kane's power grows, he takes on the DeLucas and a bloodbath ensues. Kane has always known the legend of Tony Starks, who was killed by the DeLucas in Italy and whose remains were partially used to create twelve vinyl records. When played back in the "old world," the Ghostface Killer rose and destroyed the Italian faction. This plays into the story's conclusion at the end of Part II. The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the '70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills and intellect into this dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die II (LP)
$22.99
ADRIAN YOUNGE ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED "TWELVE REASONS TO DIE II" ALBUM, STARRING GHOSTFACE KILLAH Featuring RAEKWON, RZA, BILAL, VINCE STAPLES and more! Fans who have been waiting for the past two years can finally rejoice: Adrian Younge's and Ghostface Killah's Twelve Reasons To Die II is coming soon. To up the ante this time around, Ghostface has added a very important lyrical companion to the mix: Raekwon. The chemistry that was cemented two decades ago on Rae's classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is as strong as ever, clearly heard on five out of the album's 13 songs. And on the topic of chemistry, executive producer and Wu-Tang patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator. Where the first installment of Twelve Reasons To Die was based in 1960s Italy – detailing the machinations of the feared DeLuca crime family – Part II inhabits the grimy streets of mid-1970s New York City. Descendants of the DeLucas are running the city, but a powerful, younger crime syndicate is percolating, commanded by black gangster Lester Kane (personified by Raekwon). As Kane's power grows, he takes on the DeLucas and a bloodbath ensues. Kane has always known the legend of Tony Starks, who was killed by the DeLucas in Italy and whose remains were partially used to create twelve vinyl records. When played back in the "old world," the Ghostface Killer rose and destroyed the Italian faction. This plays into the story's conclusion at the end of Part II. The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the '70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills and intellect into this dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die II: Instrumentals (LP)
$22.99
ADRIAN YOUNGE ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF THE HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED "TWELVE REASONS TO DIE II" ALBUM, STARRING GHOSTFACE KILLAH Featuring RAEKWON, RZA, BILAL, VINCE STAPLES and more! Fans who have been waiting for the past two years can finally rejoice: Adrian Younge's and Ghostface Killah's Twelve Reasons To Die II is coming soon. To up the ante this time around, Ghostface has added a very important lyrical companion to the mix: Raekwon. The chemistry that was cemented two decades ago on Rae's classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is as strong as ever, clearly heard on five out of the album's 13 songs. And on the topic of chemistry, executive producer and Wu-Tang patriarch The RZA returns to Part II as the story's narrator. Where the first installment of Twelve Reasons To Die was based in 1960s Italy – detailing the machinations of the feared DeLuca crime family – Part II inhabits the grimy streets of mid-1970s New York City. Descendants of the DeLucas are running the city, but a powerful, younger crime syndicate is percolating, commanded by black gangster Lester Kane (personified by Raekwon). As Kane's power grows, he takes on the DeLucas and a bloodbath ensues. Kane has always known the legend of Tony Starks, who was killed by the DeLucas in Italy and whose remains were partially used to create twelve vinyl records. When played back in the "old world," the Ghostface Killer rose and destroyed the Italian faction. This plays into the story's conclusion at the end of Part II. The storyline for Part II is vividly brought to life with the help of Younge's never-endingly evocative and unique brand of cinematic, psychedelic soul. The music – on which Younge himself plays upwards of 10 instruments on certain songs – was recorded strictly on analog tape, to bring out the true grit of the '70s era that provides the Twelve Reasons backdrop. Twelve Reasons To Die II is another heavy feather in the caps of all involved, especially Younge and Ghost, who again poured their skills and intellect into this dramatic and engaging tale. It all fits perfectly into the Wu-Tang family tree as well as Younge's always-expanding musical universe, which now proudly relies on Linear Labs to house it.
Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge - Twelve Reasons To Die: Instrumentals (LP - Deluxe Reissue)
Sold Out - $19.99
The sounds of classic 36 Chambers-era RZA meld with Portishead and the Italian film music of Ennio Morricone on 12 Reasons To Die, the first ever collaboration between Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge. A daring, full-length Crime/Horror concept album, 12 Reasons' executive producer and Ghostface's longtime Wu-Tang Clan collaborator The RZA, referred to the album as "groundbreaking" in the hip-hop genre. Ghostface Killah's prominence in hip hop has grown steadily over his 20-plus year career – including high-profile appearances on Kanye West's Cruel Summer, RZA's The Man With the Iron Fists soundtrack and 36 Seasons, his recent collaboration with The Revelations – 12 Reasons catches the gifted MC at the height of his lyrical prowess. Composer/producer/instrumentalist Adrian Younge represents the next generation of black music producers. His aim is an organic re-appropriation of hip-hop circa the mid-90s. His previous releases, the Black Dynamite soundtrack album (2009) Something About April (2011), and There Is Only Now, his collaboration with Souls Of Mischief (2012), touched on psychedelia, blaxploitation, and the cinematic soul of the 1970s. 12 Reasons was Adrian's first project in which he's immersed himself in the world of hip-hop.