
UMG is Re-Releasing Several Classic Hip-Hop Albums on Vinyl. Which is Your Favorite?
During last night’s 53rd Grammy Awards, show host LL Cool J took a moment to acknowledge Def Jam Records, a label he helped build through his 1985 debut, Radio (and over a dozen Def Jam albums to follow). That LP, which includes “I Need Love” (a song LL also referenced in his early monologue) is one of many coming back out on official vinyl, thanks to Universal Music Group’s “Respect The Classics” campaign.
The site has confirmed that the following LPs are coming back to wax in January and February of 2014:
– LL Cool J’s Radio
– DMX’s It Dark…And Hell Is Hot
– DMX’s Flesh Of My Flesh, Blood Of My Blood
– Eminem’s The Slim Shady LP
– Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP
– Eminem’s 8 Mile soundtrack
– Redman’s Whut? Thee Album
– Kanye West’s 808’s & Heartbreak
– Ludacris’ Back For The First Time
– Common’s Like Water For Chocolate
Ruff Ryders/X Heads will be pleased to know that both of Earl Simmons’ re-releases include colored vinyl, gold for the Dame Grease-backed debut, and “blood splattered” for the sophomore multi-platinum effort released that same year of ’98.
Do any of these spark your wallet’s interest?
Check the Respect The Classics page to see previously releases, including heralded titles by Public Enemy, Gang Starr, and N.W.A.
Related: Blu & Exile’s Out Of Print Below The Heavens To Have Deluxe Re-Release