Fans who tuned into Tyler The Creator’s new album Call Me If You Get Lost may have noticed that, as opposed to the more tender sentiments expressed on his last two collections, this project featured much more materialistic subject matter than usual (I consider this a good thing). According to TMZ, this newfound ballerific intent isn’t just confined to the lyrics on the new album, as Tyler’s new chain based on his nickname from the album set him back half a million dollars.
It’s a tiny, multicolored bellhop — yes, Tyler chooses to have people call him one of those hotel guys who carry your bags, which… actually makes sense, considering how much he loves bags — covered in yellow, pink, red, and green gems, including diamonds and sapphires. Per TMZ, it contains 23,515 hand-set stones comprising 186 carats in diamonds and 60 carats in sapphires, while the little suitcases actually open and close. It was designed by jeweler Alex Moss, with whom Tyler worked on the piece for around seven months. The idea was sparked then, with around four of those months dedicated to actually acquiring the stones (I would love to see a movie about this, a la Uncut Gems).
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of June below.
The Roots — Do You Want More?!!!??! (Deluxe Edition)
Geffen/Ume
The Roots have been one of hip-hop’s finest groups for a long time and their ascent began with their 1995 major-label debut, Do You Want More?!!!??!. Now, they’re celebrating the iconic release with a slew of new reissues. The most expansive is the 4-LP edition, which includes a 24-page booklet and a whopping 18 bonus tracks, some of which have never been released and all of which were curated by Questlove.
2Pac — Until The End Of Time (20th Anniversary Reissue)
2Pac
Before Tupac was prematurely taken from us, he had a hell of a career, to put it lightly. One of the highlights, his album Until The End Of Time, turns 20 this year, and now it’s available on “high-quality, 180-gram audiophile grade vinyl” for the first time in two decades. This 4-LP release is a special one, as it comes with previously unseen photos and even a tracklist handwritten by Tupac himself.
PJ Harvey has essentially become the cornerstone of his monthly vinyl rundown with her regular rereleases. Her latest project to get the reissue treatment is White Chalk, her well-received seventh album from 2007. Also shared was a collection of demos, which were previously unreleased and are also available on CD and digital formats.
Last year, Dave Chappelle famously released 8:46, the title of which references how long Derek Chauvin had his knee of George Floyd’s neck before his death. Now the comedian is extending his special’s reach with a new Third Man Records reissue, which is pressed in a color edition that is limited, appropriately, to just 846 copies.
Alicia Keys — Songs In A Minor (20th Anniversary Reissue)
RCA Records/Legacy Recordings
Alicia Keys came blazing out of the gate with her 2001 debut album Songs In A Minor. Now the chart-topping, multi-platinum release has gotten a fresh reissue that includes some enticing goodies. Most excitingly, there’s a pair of previously unreleased bonus tracks from the original album recording sessions: “Foolish Heart” and “Crazy (Mi Corazon).” Additionally, there’s also “Fallin’ – Ali Soundtrack Version” and “I Won’t (Crazy World),” the latter of which was previously available on the 10th Anniversary Physical Deluxe edition, meaning this is the first time it’s available to stream.
Lady Gaga had one of 2020’s defining pop albums with Chromatica, and now she has come out with the ultimate edition of the album for diehard fans. This one is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and comes with a trifold embossed jacket, a new 28-page booklet, and a 40-page fanzine.
Although Rod Stewart had a No. 1 album early in his career, he needed a boost after 1974’s Smiler, which was a relative chart flop in the US. He followed that by signing with Warner Bros. Records and busted out a quartet of prosperous albums, three of which were top-two on the charts: Atlantic Crossing (1975), A Night On The Town (1976), Footloose & Fancy Free (1977), and Blondes Have More Fun (1978). Those four pivotal records have been compiled on this new box set, which also features studio outtakes from each of them. Stewart himself says of the collection, “It’s extraordinary for me to look back on this era of my career. I think fans will enjoy experiencing these songs on vinyl. I know I did.”
Ludacris — Word Of Mouf (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)
Vinyl Me, Please
Ludacris remains a pop-culture force today, and that was especially true when he released 2001’s Word Of Mouf, which features hits like “Area Codes” and “Move B*tch.” In celebration of the record’s 20th anniversary, it has gotten a slick new reissue via Vinyl Me, Please, which is pressed on “orange galaxy” vinyl and has a gorgeous overall presentation.
Sharon Van Etten came up with a great way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her album Epic: Re-release it alongside a version of the album covered by other artists. Participating in the project are folks like Courtney Barnett, Justin Vernon, Fiona Apple, and others. Van Etten says of the reissue, “Epic represents a crossroads for me as an artist. Going from intern to artist at Ba Da Bing, from solo folk singer to playing with a band for the first time and beginning to play shows on tour where people showed up. I am in awe of the artists who wanted to participate in celebrating my anniversary and reissue, from young inspiring musicians, to artists who took me under their wing, who I met on tour, and to artists I’ve looked up to since I was a teenager. Each one of these artists continue to influence my writing and provide a sense of camaraderie during this new era of sharing music.”
The Avalanches — Since I Left You (20th Anniversary Reissue)
Astralwerks
June was a big month for 20th anniversaries, because here’s another one. This time, it’s Since I Left You from The Avalanches, and it features a handful of bonus tracks, including new mixes from Black Dice, Leon Vynehall, Sinkane, Carl Craig, and MF Doom. The Doom contribution is previously unheard vocals on “Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life (MF Doom Remix),” which adds to the icon’s posthumous legacy. The box set collection that houses this anniversary set is essential for fans of the project.
Anybody who thought the vinyl resurgence was just a fad was mistaken: The industry has experienced a legitimate revival. As a result, music fans are interested in physical media in ways they may not have if the decades-old medium hasn’t made a comeback. That doesn’t mean everybody is listening to just their parents’ old music, though. That’s part of it, sure, thanks to rereleases that present classic albums in new ways. A vital part of the renewed vinyl wave, though, is new projects being released as records, of which there are plenty.
Whatever you might be into, each month brings a new slew of vinyl releases that has something for everybody. Some stand out above the rest, naturally, so check out some of our favorite vinyl releases of June below.
The Roots — Do You Want More?!!!??! (Deluxe Edition)
Geffen/Ume
The Roots have been one of hip-hop’s finest groups for a long time and their ascent began with their 1995 major-label debut, Do You Want More?!!!??!. Now, they’re celebrating the iconic release with a slew of new reissues. The most expansive is the 4-LP edition, which includes a 24-page booklet and a whopping 18 bonus tracks, some of which have never been released and all of which were curated by Questlove.
2Pac — Until The End Of Time (20th Anniversary Reissue)
2Pac
Before Tupac was prematurely taken from us, he had a hell of a career, to put it lightly. One of the highlights, his album Until The End Of Time, turns 20 this year, and now it’s available on “high-quality, 180-gram audiophile grade vinyl” for the first time in two decades. This 4-LP release is a special one, as it comes with previously unseen photos and even a tracklist handwritten by Tupac himself.
PJ Harvey has essentially become the cornerstone of his monthly vinyl rundown with her regular rereleases. Her latest project to get the reissue treatment is White Chalk, her well-received seventh album from 2007. Also shared was a collection of demos, which were previously unreleased and are also available on CD and digital formats.
Last year, Dave Chappelle famously released 8:46, the title of which references how long Derek Chauvin had his knee of George Floyd’s neck before his death. Now the comedian is extending his special’s reach with a new Third Man Records reissue, which is pressed in a color edition that is limited, appropriately, to just 846 copies.
Alicia Keys — Songs In A Minor (20th Anniversary Reissue)
RCA Records/Legacy Recordings
Alicia Keys came blazing out of the gate with her 2001 debut album Songs In A Minor. Now the chart-topping, multi-platinum release has gotten a fresh reissue that includes some enticing goodies. Most excitingly, there’s a pair of previously unreleased bonus tracks from the original album recording sessions: “Foolish Heart” and “Crazy (Mi Corazon).” Additionally, there’s also “Fallin’ – Ali Soundtrack Version” and “I Won’t (Crazy World),” the latter of which was previously available on the 10th Anniversary Physical Deluxe edition, meaning this is the first time it’s available to stream.
Lady Gaga had one of 2020’s defining pop albums with Chromatica, and now she has come out with the ultimate edition of the album for diehard fans. This one is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and comes with a trifold embossed jacket, a new 28-page booklet, and a 40-page fanzine.
Although Rod Stewart had a No. 1 album early in his career, he needed a boost after 1974’s Smiler, which was a relative chart flop in the US. He followed that by signing with Warner Bros. Records and busted out a quartet of prosperous albums, three of which were top-two on the charts: Atlantic Crossing (1975), A Night On The Town (1976), Footloose & Fancy Free (1977), and Blondes Have More Fun (1978). Those four pivotal records have been compiled on this new box set, which also features studio outtakes from each of them. Stewart himself says of the collection, “It’s extraordinary for me to look back on this era of my career. I think fans will enjoy experiencing these songs on vinyl. I know I did.”
Ludacris — Word Of Mouf (Vinyl Me, Please Reissue)
Vinyl Me, Please
Ludacris remains a pop-culture force today, and that was especially true when he released 2001’s Word Of Mouf, which features hits like “Area Codes” and “Move B*tch.” In celebration of the record’s 20th anniversary, it has gotten a slick new reissue via Vinyl Me, Please, which is pressed on “orange galaxy” vinyl and has a gorgeous overall presentation.
Sharon Van Etten came up with a great way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her album Epic: Re-release it alongside a version of the album covered by other artists. Participating in the project are folks like Courtney Barnett, Justin Vernon, Fiona Apple, and others. Van Etten says of the reissue, “Epic represents a crossroads for me as an artist. Going from intern to artist at Ba Da Bing, from solo folk singer to playing with a band for the first time and beginning to play shows on tour where people showed up. I am in awe of the artists who wanted to participate in celebrating my anniversary and reissue, from young inspiring musicians, to artists who took me under their wing, who I met on tour, and to artists I’ve looked up to since I was a teenager. Each one of these artists continue to influence my writing and provide a sense of camaraderie during this new era of sharing music.”
The Avalanches — Since I Left You (20th Anniversary Reissue)
Astralwerks
June was a big month for 20th anniversaries, because here’s another one. This time, it’s Since I Left You from The Avalanches, and it features a handful of bonus tracks, including new mixes from Black Dice, Leon Vynehall, Sinkane, Carl Craig, and MF Doom. The Doom contribution is previously unheard vocals on “Tonight May Have To Last Me All My Life (MF Doom Remix),” which adds to the icon’s posthumous legacy. The box set collection that houses this anniversary set is essential for fans of the project.
Fans who tuned into Tyler The Creator’s new album Call Me If You Get Lost may have noticed that, as opposed to the more tender sentiments expressed on his last two collections, this project featured much more materialistic subject matter than usual (I consider this a good thing). According to TMZ, this newfound ballerific intent isn’t just confined to the lyrics on the new album, as Tyler’s new chain based on his nickname from the album set him back half a million dollars.
It’s a tiny, multicolored bellhop — yes, Tyler chooses to have people call him one of those hotel guys who carry your bags, which… actually makes sense, considering how much he loves bags — covered in yellow, pink, red, and green gems, including diamonds and sapphires. Per TMZ, it contains 23,515 hand-set stones comprising 186 carats in diamonds and 60 carats in sapphires, while the little suitcases actually open and close. It was designed by jeweler Alex Moss, with whom Tyler worked on the piece for around seven months. The idea was sparked then, with around four of those months dedicated to actually acquiring the stones (I would love to see a movie about this, a la Uncut Gems).
Though he’s in doubt that this check will ever come his way, television mogul Robert L. Johnson claims that the “new rendition” of reparations sweeping across the country is a mere ploy, coming in the form of education rather than spreading the wealth around and making up for decades upon decades of unjust.
According to Johnson’s interview with Vice, these reparations come in countless forms: critical race theory being taught at numerous campuses, the housing program in Evanston, every corporation under the sun making donations in light of the murder of George Floyd, and so much more. In light of this, he says “That’s what’s happening to the reparations—it’s been cut up into small pieces of things that look and feel like, ‘We want to end systemic racism, we want to end police brutality and shootings and to provide financing to Black small business owners,’”.
Steve Grayson/WireImage
The BET owner pins what’s going on at the moment as “placebo paternalism,” meaning it’s only meant to look good and hope to make you feel good. To quote Johnson, he says, “Reparations had two components: The first was atonement, and the other was monetary,” “With no doubt whatsoever, it was supposed to come from the government representing the people of the country. It was reimbursement, or recompense if you will, for the harm.”
He goes on to say that whatever the country is currently doing as form of repayment is merely an attempt to fix the racist foundation that the States lie upon. On the other hand, how he and anyone in their right mind view reparations is as follows: “Reparations would require the entire country to … admit that the result of slavery has been 200 years of systemic racism and for that reason Black folks have been denied $13-15 trillion of wealth.”
Of course, Johnson is far from the first to mention this, as countlesscelebrities and citizens have voiced their opinions as well. In the meantime, the state of California is ramping up their one-of-a-kind slavery reparation task force, and people can only hope nothing but good arises from it.
Though he’s in doubt that this check will ever come his way, television mogul Robert L. Johnson claims that the “new rendition” of reparations sweeping across the country is a mere ploy, coming in the form of education rather than spreading the wealth around and making up for decades upon decades of unjust.
According to Johnson’s interview with Vice, these reparations come in countless forms: critical race theory being taught at numerous campuses, the housing program in Evanston, every corporation under the sun making donations in light of the murder of George Floyd, and so much more. In light of this, he says “That’s what’s happening to the reparations—it’s been cut up into small pieces of things that look and feel like, ‘We want to end systemic racism, we want to end police brutality and shootings and to provide financing to Black small business owners,’”.
Steve Grayson/WireImage
The BET owner pins what’s going on at the moment as “placebo paternalism,” meaning it’s only meant to look good and hope to make you feel good. To quote Johnson, he says, “Reparations had two components: The first was atonement, and the other was monetary,” “With no doubt whatsoever, it was supposed to come from the government representing the people of the country. It was reimbursement, or recompense if you will, for the harm.”
He goes on to say that whatever the country is currently doing as form of repayment is merely an attempt to fix the racist foundation that the States lie upon. On the other hand, how he and anyone in their right mind view reparations is as follows: “Reparations would require the entire country to … admit that the result of slavery has been 200 years of systemic racism and for that reason Black folks have been denied $13-15 trillion of wealth.”
Of course, Johnson is far from the first to mention this, as countlesscelebrities and citizens have voiced their opinions as well. In the meantime, the state of California is ramping up their one-of-a-kind slavery reparation task force, and people can only hope nothing but good arises from it.
Though he’s in doubt that this check will ever come his way, television mogul Robert L. Johnson claims that the “new rendition” of reparations sweeping across the country is a mere ploy, coming in the form of education rather than spreading the wealth around and making up for decades upon decades of unjust.
According to Johnson’s interview with Vice, these reparations come in countless forms: critical race theory being taught at numerous campuses, the housing program in Evanston, every corporation under the sun making donations in light of the murder of George Floyd, and so much more. In light of this, he says “That’s what’s happening to the reparations—it’s been cut up into small pieces of things that look and feel like, ‘We want to end systemic racism, we want to end police brutality and shootings and to provide financing to Black small business owners,’”.
Steve Grayson/WireImage
The BET owner pins what’s going on at the moment as “placebo paternalism,” meaning it’s only meant to look good and hope to make you feel good. To quote Johnson, he says, “Reparations had two components: The first was atonement, and the other was monetary,” “With no doubt whatsoever, it was supposed to come from the government representing the people of the country. It was reimbursement, or recompense if you will, for the harm.”
He goes on to say that whatever the country is currently doing as form of repayment is merely an attempt to fix the racist foundation that the States lie upon. On the other hand, how he and anyone in their right mind view reparations is as follows: “Reparations would require the entire country to … admit that the result of slavery has been 200 years of systemic racism and for that reason Black folks have been denied $13-15 trillion of wealth.”
Of course, Johnson is far from the first to mention this, as countlesscelebrities and citizens have voiced their opinions as well. In the meantime, the state of California is ramping up their one-of-a-kind slavery reparation task force, and people can only hope nothing but good arises from it.
Over the past year, countless Britney Spears fans have been hitting the streets of Los Angeles to protest the beloved pop star’s conservatorship. After eagle-eyed fans thought that they saw secret distress signals in her social media posts, they started the “Free Britney” movement, which eventually inspired Hulu’s Framing Britney Spears documentary. Although Britney initially undermined her situation by saying that she was “extremely happy” and “totally fine,” the “…Baby One More Time” singer recently revealed that she is “traumatized” from her conservatorship.
Many fans have made Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, the villain in the situation, but according to TMZ, Jamie is unwilling to take responsibility for Britney’s unhappiness with the conservatorship. In addition to claiming that “he has been cut off from communicating with her,” Jamie reportedly attests that he has not made any personal decisions on behalf of Britney for the past two years.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears has decided to point the finger at Britney’s current personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, who Jamie apparently believes was appointed during a time when Britney did not have the mental capacity to make decisions about her medical treatment.
Rich Fury/Getty Images
Legal docs reportedly reveal that “Ms. Montgomery has been fully in charge of Ms. Spears day-to-day personal care and medical treatment, and Ms. Montgomery has made all decisions related to those matters.” Still, Jamie Spears reportedly believes that Britney’s allegations should be taken extremely seriously by the court, so he is advocating for an investigation into the integrity of the conservatorship.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears’ lawyer echoes his concerns, saying, “It is not acceptable for Conservators or the Court to do nothing in response to Ms. Spear’s testimony.”
Over the past year, countless Britney Spears fans have been hitting the streets of Los Angeles to protest the beloved pop star’s conservatorship. After eagle-eyed fans thought that they saw secret distress signals in her social media posts, they started the “Free Britney” movement, which eventually inspired Hulu’s Framing Britney Spears documentary. Although Britney initially undermined her situation by saying that she was “extremely happy” and “totally fine,” the “…Baby One More Time” singer recently revealed that she is “traumatized” from her conservatorship.
Many fans have made Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, the villain in the situation, but according to TMZ, Jamie is unwilling to take responsibility for Britney’s unhappiness with the conservatorship. In addition to claiming that “he has been cut off from communicating with her,” Jamie reportedly attests that he has not made any personal decisions on behalf of Britney for the past two years.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears has decided to point the finger at Britney’s current personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, who Jamie apparently believes was appointed during a time when Britney did not have the mental capacity to make decisions about her medical treatment.
Rich Fury/Getty Images
Legal docs reportedly reveal that “Ms. Montgomery has been fully in charge of Ms. Spears day-to-day personal care and medical treatment, and Ms. Montgomery has made all decisions related to those matters.” Still, Jamie Spears reportedly believes that Britney’s allegations should be taken extremely seriously by the court, so he is advocating for an investigation into the integrity of the conservatorship.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears’ lawyer echoes his concerns, saying, “It is not acceptable for Conservators or the Court to do nothing in response to Ms. Spear’s testimony.”
Over the past year, countless Britney Spears fans have been hitting the streets of Los Angeles to protest the beloved pop star’s conservatorship. After eagle-eyed fans thought that they saw secret distress signals in her social media posts, they started the “Free Britney” movement, which eventually inspired Hulu’s Framing Britney Spears documentary. Although Britney initially undermined her situation by saying that she was “extremely happy” and “totally fine,” the “…Baby One More Time” singer recently revealed that she is “traumatized” from her conservatorship.
Many fans have made Britney’s father, Jamie Spears, the villain in the situation, but according to TMZ, Jamie is unwilling to take responsibility for Britney’s unhappiness with the conservatorship. In addition to claiming that “he has been cut off from communicating with her,” Jamie reportedly attests that he has not made any personal decisions on behalf of Britney for the past two years.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears has decided to point the finger at Britney’s current personal conservator, Jodi Montgomery, who Jamie apparently believes was appointed during a time when Britney did not have the mental capacity to make decisions about her medical treatment.
Rich Fury/Getty Images
Legal docs reportedly reveal that “Ms. Montgomery has been fully in charge of Ms. Spears day-to-day personal care and medical treatment, and Ms. Montgomery has made all decisions related to those matters.” Still, Jamie Spears reportedly believes that Britney’s allegations should be taken extremely seriously by the court, so he is advocating for an investigation into the integrity of the conservatorship.
According to TMZ, Jamie Spears’ lawyer echoes his concerns, saying, “It is not acceptable for Conservators or the Court to do nothing in response to Ms. Spear’s testimony.”
Steve Grayson/WireImage 