Top Shelf 1988 Is Now Available!!!

Undoubtedly, 1988 was one of Hip-Hop’s most important and influential years, as its voice and reach grew exponentially and its cultural impact still reverberates to this day.

Around the same time a small studio/hang-out-spot existed on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where a pseudo artist-colony of Hip Hop began to take shape. Top Shelf 1988 Studio was a sanctuary of sorts, a safe haven away from the prying eyes of label execs and their minions, rappers could take a chance with their lyrics and sound. This studio had the presence of forward thinking producers stretching the creative boundaries of Hip-Hop production in 1988. The free atmosphere and dope beats drew the best in the game, as well as the top up-and-comers to lay down classic tracks.

History was in the making until one unfortunate and violent incident. On the weekend of August 6th & 7th 1988 a riot took place on the outskirts of Tompkins Square Park. These hot summer nights were filled with smoldering clashes between police and demonstrators. When the smoke cleared the following Monday, August 8th, the producers returned to their studio to find much of their equipment was looted during the melee. More importantly, the masters were gone as well. Shortly thereafter the studio closed its doors; and along with it a little-known chapter in Hip-Hop history.

For three decades the content of the missing tapes was never heard…Until now!

After over 30-years of intrigue and mystery, we finally get to hear those recordings. And there are not only the two Biz Markie & Masta Ace tracks we posted in November, but a collection of 13 joints. You’ll be surprised by the roster. Top Shelf 1988 is now available at all digital retailers via Rostrum Records.

Watch Big Daddy Kane discussing what makes him top shelf below. Album tracklist and pics from the NYC release party are available after a jump (Continue Reading).

Top Shelf 1988 Tracklist

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. Dres (of Black Sheep)
11. Smooth B (of Nice & Smooth)
12. Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel
13. Chubb Rock