For a glorious ten-year period from 1995 to 2005, hip-hop music received a much-needed shot in the arm from a generation of determined and wildly creative rappers and producers. They rallied against the increasingly formulaic and shallow world of mainstream rap, as well as a music industry unwilling to listen. By releasing music on their own terms as independent artists-many adopting the mantra of being 'independent as fuck' as a mission statement-these hungry creatives reclaimed their artistic freedom and wore it as a badge of honour. Most importantly, they also made a lot of excellent hip-hop. What emerged was a vibrant underground music scene that stretched from New York to Los Angeles, with influence reaching across the world. Independent as F**: Underground Hip-hop from 1995-2005 looks back at this golden era, celebrating the most important artists, record labels, 12' records, and albums, along with the stories behind them, while also shining a light on those who have since been forgotten. Lovingly researched and curated, this book is the ultimate guide to a special time in music history, one that continues to inspire each new wave of hip-hop artists decades later.

“Earth, Our Planet?”: A call for environmental awareness. This time, Pedro Vian - the founder of Modern Obscure Music - presents his fourth solo album (following his 2020release, "Ibillorca"). "Earth, Our Planet?" promises to immerse us in a moving odyssey, crossing the boundaries of musical genres to provoke an urgent meditation on the protection of our planet. On this occasion Vian has composed the album influenced by the myth of the eternal return, the compositions are long and repetitive, generating
states of pure
trance.

Pedro Vian, singular for his fusion of genres and styles, ventures into even more complex territories in "Earth, Our Planet?". From the first listen, it is evident that this work treads the line of convention and breaks the boundaries of electronic and experimental music with artistic dexterity. The album weaves together texture, hypnotic rhythms and melody. Each track reveals his distinctive ability to create immersive landscapes, guiding the listener into deep emotional introspection. This is not just music; it is a transformative experience. The beauty of this album lies not only in the musical vision. The album features high-calibre collaborations that add layers of creativity and elegance. Trumpeter Pierre Bastien, whose early productions left an indelible mark on Aphex Twin's Reflex label, infuses "A Day in Rotterdam" with a unique emotional resonance. Violinist, Asia, renowned for her avant-garde approach and ability to conjure unique landscapes, elevates the album's opening tracks "Urobóros" and "Les Tambours Subterraniens". Their skill and sensitivity intertwine perfectly
with Vian's artistic vision. In addition, Italian producer Daniele Mana, with whom Pedro Vian collaborated closely on his previous album "Cascades", known for his experimental approach and talent for creating extraterrestrial atmospheres also contributes to "Les Tambours Subterraniens". His artistic perspective adds more complexity and texture to the piece, pushing the boundaries of contemporary electronic music. There is also a collaboration with Raül Refree, an artist with whom Vian worked with last year, presenting
“Font De la Vera Pau”, an album that The Guardian defined as 'a wonderful piece of electroacoustic music, a captivating mix of strings and analogue synth drones which sometimes flirts with Alice Coltrane-ish spiritual jazz'.

With "Earth, Our Planet?", Pedro Vian not only offers up some of his best work to date, but it is also a call to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. As a part of a planet where environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, he urges us to protect and preserve our world as an extension of ourselves. This extensive work is a statement, Vian addresses the
notion that too often we prioritise immediate needs over the well-being of the planet. It highlights the fact that we often consider the Earth as a possession when, in reality, we are but a part of it.

TRACK LISTING

1. Uróboros
2. Les Tambours Suterraniens Feat. Mana
3. Satan’s Voice
4. Lucid Dreams
5. Un Storia Infinita
6. The Limit Of Nothing feat. Raul Refree
7. A Day In Rotterdam Feat. Pierre Bastien
8. Your Face Shines More Than The Sun
9. Hipódromo
10. Crema Lent

"Krishnanda" is an album in the truest sense of the word – a spiritual, psychedelic Brazilian masterpiece from start to finish – celebrated by everyone from Seu Jorge and Kassin to Floating Points, Madlib and DJ Nuts. These days, originals change hands for thousands of squids, so it's about time that this classic was lovingly re-issued with heavy sleeve and on heavy weight vinyl. Pedro dos Santos, born in Rio in 1919, was a percussionist virtuoso, composer and inventor of instruments that apparently included oddities such as the "Tamba" (electrified bamboo drum) and the mouth berimbau whistle. He was given the nickname Pedro 'Sorongo' after the rhythm he invented, and as the music takes hold, you'll hear that trademark sway throughout 'Krishnanda'. In the same vein as Verocai and his self-titled LP, "Krishnanda" was Pedro's chance to shine with his own, and only, solo recording, and the Brazilian grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Musically, the album touches folk, samba, Afro-Brazilian and psychedelia, while lyrically we hear a depth and diversity to match the spread of the sounds; themes including morality, perception, existence and ego all enter into Pedro's musical world. Despite the genius of the record and the influence that it had on musicians at the time of release, it disappeared into obscurity. Mr Bongo first discovered the record around 2003, through their friend Julio Dui. Around that time Brazilian funk and bossa was the flavour of the day, so didn't catch our ear immediately, however it continued improve with age and now they consider it to be one of the best albums ever made, regardless of genre or origin.

TRACK LISTING

1. Ritual Negro
2. Agua Viva
3. Um Só
4. Sem Sombra
5. Savana
6. Advertencia
7. Quem Sou Eu?
8. Flor De Lotus
9. Dentro Da Selva
10. Desengano Da VistaDual
11. Arabindu

Fresh off the triumph of Mush's 2006 re-release of his self-titled debut (where he took the 2003 Melodic version back to the studio for a sonic overhaul), London's mighty Pedro returns with "You, Me & Everyone". While comparisons to artists like Four Tet and Minotaur Shock have been natural on his past releases, Pedro approaches this latest set of compositions in a way that continues to establish his unique take on folk and jazz based electronica. Free-jazz horn blasts ring out with new vigor, drums hit a bit harder, and Pedro continues to forge new elements into his song craft, even raising the ghosts of Liquid Liquid and A Certain Ratio on a track or two. "Me, You & Everyone" will surely be the album that secures Pedro a position among the game's elite.