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Circular Wax®

@circularwax

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Physical media enthusiast with a deep passion for music ⚜️ Love to seek, find and exchange hidden gems!

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The Nottingham veteran and PhD-level lyricist @kafka_poe_murakami has officially closed the curtain on his latest trilogy with the release of "Ito." Following the heavy cinematic grit of S.T.A.R.V.E. and the architectural depth of Houses, Ito arrives as the final masterpiece of this three-part art project.

Released via @plague_11, Ito is a masterclass in UK Hip-Hop minimalism and high-concept writing. Across 10 tracks, Cappo trades in the dense, often claustrophobic atmospheres of his earlier work for something that feels more deliberate and canonical.

As always, the wordplay is elite. Tracks like "Pequod" and "Greene" showcase his signature blend of literary allusion and street-level philosophy.

The sonic landscape is cold, sharp, and unmistakably British. It’s the sound of an artist who has moved beyond needing to prove his technical ability, focusing instead on pure, evocative storytelling.

From the transparent "Black Ice" vinyl to the 12-page annotated booklet, the physical release mirrors the complexity of the audio.

Ito isn't just an album; it’s a conclusion to a years-long exploration of trauma, escapism, and absolution. For those who value lyricism as high literature, this is essential listening.

Top Picks: White, Pequod & Glaze.

#Cappo #Ito #UKHipHop #NottinghamMusic #NewMusic AlbumReview PlagueRecords HipHopCulture Lyricism VinylCommunity by @circularwax

35

4

7 months ago

Houses by Cappo isn't just an album; it’s a walkthrough of a crumbling estate at dusk. Produced with a cinematic, almost haunting precision, the soundscape sits somewhere between dusty basement jazz and a noir thriller. It’s claustrophobic in the best way possible.

Cappo remains a master of the "abstract-concrete"—layering complex, multi-syllabic schemes over very real, grounded observations of British life.

The lyricism is dense. You won’t catch everything on the first listen. Or the fifth. The delivery is methodical. Every bar feels weighted, like he’s carving the words into the beat. The themes are a literal and metaphorical exploration of "home"—the structures we live in, the skeletons in the closets, and the internal architecture of the mind.

Is it "easy listening"? Absolutely not. This is high-art hip-hop that demands your undivided attention. If you’re looking for a club anthem, keep scrolling. But if you want a record that breathes, bruises, and rewards deep listening, Houses is a masterclass.

Rating: 8.5/10 🔥
Favorite Tracks: Unborn Seed, Lyfe and Solitaire

#Cappo #Houses #UKHipHop #RealHipHop #nottinghammusic by @circularwax

71

3

8 months ago

The Nottingham legend returns with a masterclass in claustrophobic lyricism. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎤

If most UK Hip Hop is a walk through the park, S.T.A.R.V.E. is a late-night trek through a concrete labyrinth. Cappo has always been a "rapper's rapper," but here, he strips away the excess to reveal something skeletal, haunting, and undeniably brilliant.

The production is cold. We’re talking industrial textures, eerie loops, and drums that hit like a heartbeat in a panic attack. It’s the perfect backdrop for Cappo’s surgical delivery.

The acronym title sets the tone. Cappo isn't just hungry; he’s emaciated by the state of the art form. His flow is dense—multisyllabic schemes that require a rewind just to catch the internal rhyme play.

This isn't "club" music. It’s "headphones-on-in-the-dark" music. It explores themes of isolation, the grind of the independent artist, and the spiritual hunger for something more than digital clout.

S.T.A.R.V.E. is a reminder that technical proficiency still matters. In an era of "vibe" over substance, Cappo remains a scientist of the syllable. It’s bleak, it’s beautiful, and it’s arguably one of the most cohesive projects in his massive discography.

Rating: 9/10 💎
Standout Tracks: Jar, Strongbow and Slow Poison

#Cappo #STARVE #UKHipHop RealRap NottinghamMusic BoomBap Lyricism AlbumReview VinylCommunity by @circularwax

49

6

8 months ago

When the Godfather of the Underground and the Alchemist of Sound finally locked in for a full-length project, the expectations weren't just high—they were tectonic. Released in 2022, The Elephant Man’s Bones didn't just meet those expectations; it restructured the DNA of luxury street-rap.

Uncle Al provides a masterclass in less is more. Moving away from the typical boom-bap fatigue, the production here is woozy, psychedelic, and hauntingly minimal. From the eerie, distorted horns on “Daddy Kane” to the nostalgic, weeping piano on the title track, the beats feel like a velvet-lined interrogation room.

@rocmarci remains the king of the nonchalant flex. His flow is like water over jagged rocks—smooth, cold, and inevitable. He’s not just rapping; he’s curated a gallery of high-end crime fiction. Whether he’s comparing his ice to Walter White or dropping knowledge on “Stigmata,” his pen is as sharp as a trillion-cut diamond.

This isn't just an album; it’s a mood. It’s for the late-night drives and the quiet observers. While some might find the drumless pockets too slow, for the initiated, it’s a 38-minute victory lap of two masters at the absolute peak of their powers.

💿 Favorite Song: Quantum Leap

Drop your favorite track in the comments! 👇

#RocMarciano #TheAlchemist #TheElephantMansBones #HipHopReview VinylCommunity UndergroundHipHop AlbumReview @alanthechemist @bambambaklava @boldyjames @icet @knowledgethepirate777 @eddiesancho @jlaportamasters @kitasavi @mr_krum_graphic_design by @circularwax

75

7

8 months ago

From the moment the needle drops, this record feels like a time capsule from the golden era — soulful piano loops, deep basslines, and crisp snares wrapped in that unmistakable 9th Wonder warmth. The production by @9thwonder leans minimalist, but that’s its strength — every sample breathes, every drum hit lands with intent.
@themusalini glides over these beats with smooth, confident delivery — all swagger, no filler. His voice fits perfectly into 9th’s lush soundscape, balancing player talk with street wisdom. It’s cinematic, like the soundtrack to a late-’70s blaxploitation flick: stylish, smoky, and effortlessly cool.
💿 Standout spins:
• Deja Vu – lush and hypnotic
• Paid in Full – nods to a classic, stands on its own
• Don Music (feat. 38 Spesh) – pure grit and groove
At just 26 minutes, it’s all quality — no skips, no fluff. And on vinyl? It’s magic. The warm analog textures hit different through the speakers, and the minimalist cover art makes it a perfect display piece for the shelf.
For collectors of soulful boom-bap and refined underground gems, The Don & Eye is one to keep in rotation. Drop the needle, pour a drink, and let it play front to back. 🔥🎶
#vinylcommunity #nowspinning #vinylcollection #TheMusalini #9thWonder #boombap #hiphopvinyl #cratediggers #nowplaying #vinyllovers @derapwinkel.nl by @circularwax

31

5

a year ago

@diamond__dallas & @bigghostltd
Gucci Gambinos

Tooninology - Black
291/300
@derapwinkel.nl

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop by @circularwax

59

3

2 years ago

@spectacular.diagnostics’ Raw Game 🥩 is exactly what the title suggests—grimy, unpolished, and bursting with raw energy. His production feels like it was dug straight from the depths of a forgotten vinyl stash—dusty loops, eerie synths, and drums that hit like gut punches. It’s that perfect balance between hypnotic and hard-hitting, the kind of beats that pull you into their own world.

What really makes Raw Game special is how well the guest MCs complement the production. With artists like Vic Spencer, Westside Gunn, and Qari lacing the tracks, every verse feels like a natural extension of the beat rather than just another feature. Tracks like “Tommy Snort”, "Suite 93", and “Ray Lewis” highlight this chemistry—gritty bars over murky, head-nodding instrumentals that feel effortlessly cool.

Spectacular Diagnostics has a way of making music that feels both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. Raw Game doesn’t just sit in the underground lane—it owns it. If you’re into raw, no-frills hip-hop with beats that sound like they were meant to loop forever, this one is a must.

Featurings from @westsidegunn, @whoisconway, @vicspencer, @chicagoqari, @jjaer, @oliverthe2nd, @vritra322, @quellechrist, @smoovthcalhoun, Rast RFC, @chriscrackndc, @pinnland_empire & declaime_x

Coverart by @matt_littler
"Ten Year" vinyl released by @vinyl_digital limited to 200 pressed.

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #spectaculardiagnostics #westsidegunn #conwaythemachine #vicspencer #chriscrack #marcuspinn #delaime #quellechris #rastrfc #oliverthe2nd #vritra #smoovth #jeremiahjae #qari by @circularwax

42

1

2 years ago

If Good Book Vol. 1 was a sermon, Good Book Vol. 2 "God's Work" is full-blown scripture. @alanthechemist takes the gospel-sampling concept even further, crafting an experience that’s richer, more expansive, and even more immersive. The production is lush yet gritty, balancing soulful warmth with that signature Alchemist dust, making every track feel like a lost relic from a sacred vinyl archive.

What makes Vol. 2 stand out is its dual nature—one side leaning more toward instrumental meditations, the other packed with top-tier guest appearances. Mach-Hommy, Westside Gunn, and Royce da 5'9" glide effortlessly over the beats, proving that these gospel-infused loops weren’t just made for reflection—they knock, too. Tracks like “Floor Seats” and “Pray for You” capture that divine-meets-street energy perfectly.

While Vol. 1 set the foundation, Vol. 2 expands the vision. It’s more ambitious, more layered, and cements itself as one of the most unique projects in Alchemist’s catalog. Whether you’re here for the beats or the bars, this is a project that feels like it was built to last.

Featurings from @royceda59, @westsidegunn, @whoisconway, Mach-Hommy, @meyhemlauren, Durag Dynasty, @bigtwinsqb, @mobbdeepqb, @bambambaklava, @bigbodybesnyc, @oliverthe2nd, @jjaer & @yourolddroog

Coverart by @frankthebutcher
Mastered by @jlaportamasters
@alclaboratories on pink vinyl
Signed by the man himself

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #machhommy #yourolddroog #bigtwinsqb #meyhemlauren #duragdynasty #oliverthe2nd #royceda59 #griselda #conwaythemachine #westsidegunn #bigbodybes #jeremiahjae #actionbronson #mobbdeep #thealchemist #budgie #alcrecords #frankthebutcher #joelaporta by @circularwax

33

0

2 years ago

@alanthechemist’s Good Book Vol. 1 "Joyful Noise" is a deep dive into his signature sound—soulful, dusty, and cinematic, but with a unique twist. Teaming up with Budgie, the project flips gospel samples into something entirely new, creating a soundscape that feels both spiritual and raw. It’s not a typical rap album; instead, it plays like an instrumental sermon, with beats that evoke both reflection and grit.

What makes this project special is how seamlessly Alchemist and @budgeboogie blend the sacred with the street. Tracks like “In Heaven’s Home” and “Thank Jesus” feel ethereal, while others like “The G Code” bring that classic, hard-knocking Alchemist bounce. Even with guest verses from the likes of Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Domo Genesis, the production remains the main character—every beat tells its own story.

This isn’t just another beat tape—it’s an experience. Good Book Vol. 1 feels timeless, proving once again why Alchemist is one of the best to ever do it. Whether you’re dissecting the layers in the production or just vibing out, there’s something here to keep you coming back.

Featurings from @bambambaklava, @domogenesis, @bluherfavcolor, @rocmarci & @prodigymobbdeep 🕊️

Coverart by @frankthebutcher
Mastered by @jlaportamasters
@alclaboratories on black vinyl
Signed by the man himself

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #actionbronson #domogenesis #blu #prodigy #mobbdeep #thealchemist #budgie #alcrecords #frankthebutcher #joelaporta by @circularwax

36

2

2 years ago

@__crimeapple__ & @prodbymichaelangelo Tucibi is a slow-burn masterpiece—rich in detail, razor-sharp in execution. Crimeapple’s pen game is as polished as ever, effortlessly blending street poetics with flashes of humor and cultural depth. There’s an ease to his delivery, like he’s never in a rush but always in control, making every bar hit harder.

Michaelangelo’s production sets the perfect tone—grimy, atmospheric, and subtly layered. Instead of overpowering the lyrics, the beats act as a shadowy backdrop, letting Crime’s words paint the picture. Tracks like “COCAINA ROSADA” and “2,222” showcase this synergy, where the production and vocals feel like two parts of the same movement rather than separate elements.

What makes Tucibi stand out is its cohesiveness. It doesn’t rely on flashy moments or forced hooks—just raw, immersive hip-hop crafted with precision. Crimeapple has been consistently elevating his game, and this album feels like another step forward. If you’re into intricate lyricism over cinematic beats, this is one you’ll want to sit with.

Featuring from @rlx.000
Coverart by @ermsy
@daupemedia yellow splatter 029/100

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #daupe #daupemedia
#splattervinyl #crimeapple #michaelangelo #rlx by @circularwax

45

5

2 years ago

@vicspencer’s The Ghost of Living is the kind of album that grows on you with every listen. It’s raw, unfiltered, and packed with the sharp wit and rugged delivery that make him one of the most unique voices in underground hip-hop. There’s no attempt to chase trends here—just straight bars, confidence, and that signature Vic Spencer charisma.

What stands out most is his ability to sound completely at ease while delivering some of the most off-kilter, hilarious, yet deeply introspective lines. Tracks like “Legitimate Ignorance” and "Daily Bread, Pt. 3" have that effortless, talking-shit energy that makes you want to run them back immediately. But then you get moments where he peels back the layers, showing flashes of vulnerability and wisdom without ever getting preachy.

The production is grimy but soulful, perfectly fitting Vic’s laid-back yet menacing style. Nothing feels overproduced or forced—it’s like he just walked into the booth, let his thoughts fly, and left. That’s part of the magic. It doesn’t feel calculated, yet everything lands exactly where it should.

If anything, Ghost of Living is proof that Vic Spencer is in his own lane and has no interest in stepping out of it. He’s got nothing to prove, and that confidence makes the music hit even harder. If you’re into unfiltered, elite-level lyricism with a heavy dose of personality, this is one you don’t want to sleep on.

Featurings from D. Brash
Executive produced by @bigghostltd

@derapwinkel.nl test pressing

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #vicspencer #bigghostltd #theghostofliving #dbrash by @circularwax

42

5

2 years ago

@domogenesis’ Aren’t U Glad? is a slept-on gem that showcases his growth as an artist in the best way possible. Entirely produced by Evidence, the project has this hazy, nostalgic feel that perfectly complements Domo’s introspective and confident delivery. It’s the kind of tape that feels effortless yet intentional—like a late-night conversation where every word matters.

What really hits about this project is how comfortable Domo sounds in his own skin. Tracks like “Me vs. Me” and “Hood Famous” show a level of self-awareness that wasn’t always there in his early Odd Future days. He’s still got the slick wordplay, but now there’s more weight behind it—like he’s been through enough to know exactly what he wants to say.

Evidence’s production is a perfect match, too. The beats are warm, dusty, and full of texture, but never overpowering. Instead, they let Domo breathe, giving him space to weave between confidence and self-reflection. The whole tape feels cohesive without ever getting repetitive, which is a rare balance to strike.

If anything, Aren’t U Glad? is proof that Domo Genesis has always been one of the most underrated lyricists from his class. It’s not flashy, it’s not trying to be something it’s not—it’s just straight-up quality rap music from an artist who knows exactly who he is. If you’ve never given this one a real listen, you’re missing out.

Featurings from @phontigallo and @evidence
Executive produced by @evidence

Picture disc variant
Signed by Evidence and Domo Genesis

#vinyl #hiphop #boombap #hiphopvinyl #vinylcollection #vinylcollector #undergroundhiphop #domogenesis #evidence #phonte #phontigallo by @circularwax

23

1

2 years ago