Albums released on 2 July
1996 · 31 YEARS
It Was Written
Nas
Nas delivers a heavy follow-up that explores street narratives through a sharp, polished lens. Released in 1996, the album pushes lyrical boundaries while maintaining a focused cinematic quality.
1976 · 51 YEARS
Seychelles
Masayoshi Takanaka
Masayoshi Takanaka creates a sun-drenched fusion record that remains a high point in Japanese jazz-funk. Released in 1976, it uses fluid guitar work to bridge Latin rhythms and sophisticated jazz.
1996 · 31 YEARS
Stakes Is High
De La Soul
De La Soul balances social commentary with jazz-inflected production on this 1996 release. It captures a shift in the genre through intricate boom bap rhythms and deep lyrical focus.
1971 · 56 YEARS
Shaft
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes crafts a definitive 1971 soundtrack that merges smooth jazz with hard-hitting funk. It stands out for its rhythmic precision and lush orchestral arrangements.
1999 · 28 YEARS
California
Mr. Bungle
Mr. Bungle moves through surf rock, doo-wop, and lounge pop on this 1999 release. The band utilizes unconventional instruments to create a cinematic fever dream of West Coast aesthetics.
2001 · 26 YEARS
Pleased To Meet You
James
James presents an introspective collection that balances anthem-like qualities with moody writing. Released in 2001, the album marks a shift in British indie rock at the millennium.
1972 · 55 YEARS
Space Shanty
Khan
Khan explores cosmic themes on this 1972 progressive rock record. Steve Hillage drives the project with experimental guitar work and sprawling, multi-part compositions.
1991 · 36 YEARS
The Ruler's Back
Slick Rick
Slick Rick leans into his signature theatrical delivery on this 1991 release. Despite personal turbulence, he continues to weave intricate, character-driven tales.
1980 · 47 YEARS
Sue Saad And The Next
Sue Saad And The Next
Sue Saad And The Next blend new wave energy with power pop precision. This 1980 release captures the transition of late-seventies rock grit into radio-ready hooks.
2021 · 6 YEARS
Pink Noise
Laura Mvula
Laura Mvula mixes experimental soul with futuristic pop on this 2021 release. The songwriting focuses on identity, utilizing lush vocal layers and analog synths.
2021 · 6 YEARS
We're OK. But We're Lost Anyway
Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp
Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp channel post-punk and African polyrhythms into a rhythmic machine. Released in 2021, the record captures a sense of urgent, chaotic energy.
1990 · 37 YEARS
Crawdaddy
The Darling Buds
The Darling Buds combine bright melodies with a fuzzy indie-pop aesthetic. Released in 1990, the album is a definitive example of the C86-influenced sound.
1984 · 43 YEARS
Victory
Jacksons
Jacksons reunited for this 1984 record during a period of solo superstardom. The release is a snapshot of a family dynasty navigating massive industry expectations.
2021 · 6 YEARS
Utopian Ashes
Bobby Gillespie
Bobby Gillespie and Jehnny Beth collaborate on a collection of soulful, country-inspired duets. Released in 2021, the album explores the realities of long-term relationships.
1991 · 36 YEARS
Into The Great Wide Open
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers use polished, layered production to tell stories of fame on this 1991 release. It captures a moment where classic rock met expansive studio techniques.
2021 · 6 YEARS
Get Up Sequences Part One
The Go! Team
The Go! Team creates a multi-layered collage that feels like a frantic race through a dream. Released in 2021, the record captures a high-energy and fragmented creative process.
2004 · 23 YEARS
Iskra
Iskra
Iskra delivers a raw, uncompromising debut focused on social injustice. Released in 2004, the album serves as a document of the crust punk and anarcho-punk scene.
1991 · 36 YEARS
Dying Young (Original Soundtrack Album)
James Newton Howard
James Newton Howard crafts a lush soundtrack defined by Kenny G on this 1991 release. It blends cinematic strings with the era's penchant for sentimental, radio-friendly arrangements.
1997 · 30 YEARS
もののけ姫（サウンドトラック）
Joe Hisaishi
Joe Hisaishi creates a sweeping score for the 1997 film Princess Mononoke. It balances battle sequences with delicate melodies that highlight a connection to nature.
2011 · 16 YEARS
Section.80
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar explores life in Compton on this 2011 release. Jazzy samples and drum loops ground the complex storytelling in a nostalgic, soulful aesthetic.