Various Artists - Top Shelf 1988 (RSD 2024, Transparent White Marble LP Vinyl)

Featuring music from Hip-Hop legends including Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Craig G, MC Lyte, Special Ed, Doug E. Fresh, Jungle Brothers, Grand Puba, Masta Ace, Dres (of Black Sheep), Smooth B (of Nice & Smooth), Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel and Chubb Rock, Top Shelf 1988 is a love letter to classic hip-hop. Purportedly, during the early rise of Hip-Hop, Top Shelf’s Lower East Side studio became a safe-haven for artists to create magic without pressure from the industry. Unfortunately, things came to a screeching halt after a riot took place in August 1988 outside of Tompkins Square Park. After the melee, producers returned to find they had been looted of everything - including their treasured masters. Years went by until they were found and “Top Shelf 1988” was fully released. Pressed on transparent white marble vinyl and includes an 11"x17" poster for Record Store Day 2024.

1. Biz Markie
2. Big Daddy Kane
3. Craig G
4. MC Lyte
5. Special Ed
6. Doug E. Fresh
7. Jungle Brothers
8. Grand Puba
9. Masta Ace
10. Black Sheep
11. Smooth B
12. Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel
13. Chubb Rock