Today in Hip-Hop: Happy Record Store Day

On this day, April 20, in hip-hop history…

2013: Today is Record Store Day. It’s an annual holiday that highlights the independent record store. Every year, artists and labels will share exclusive vinyls and special releases available at selected stores across the globe. Both old and new crate diggers are about to have a field day with a bunch of rare items that will be up for grabs. The full list of releases in the U.S. can be found here, but we’ve combed through a few selections that most people will be excited about.

Some of these are region specific, while others are very limited edition. Still, you should remember to start shopping early to pick up these gems.

The Beat Junkies: Picture Disc Collection
Label: Fat Beats Records
The picture disc vinyl contain songs that come from Beat Junkie-related projects, ranging from Babu’s “Duck Season” series, The Visionaries’ albums, & even D-Styles’ prolific solo debut “Phantasmagoria”. This picture disc is truly for the vinyl aficionados and bonafide fans of the Beat Junkies.

Atmosphere: Demosexual
Label: Rhymesayers Entertainemnt
Two unreleased tracks on transparent purple 7" in clear plastic PVC jacket, with custom printed labels, and hand-numbered.

Blu: Thelonious King
Label: Nature Sounds
This new limited- edition 7” vinyl single features three artists who’ll be releasing highly anticipated projects this year.

Black Milk: Synth or Soul
Label: Computer Ugly
After spending much of 2012 in the studio, Black Milk returns in top form with Synth or Soul, a vinyl-only EP release prepared especially for Record Store Day.

GZA: Liquid Swords Chess Box
Label: Get On Down
GZA's Liquid Swords album w/ bonus material packaged in a 12x12 box that doubles as a Chess Set.

The Notorious B.I.G.: Ready to Die 2 x 12" LP (white vinyl)
Label: Rhino
Gatefold jacket with original artwork. Numbered. Out of print for at least a decade.

Public Enemy: Public Enemy: Planet Earth--The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Greatest Rap Hits
Label: Eastlink
Public Enemy's greatest hits on picture disc vinyl! All of their classics, digitally re-recorded and mastered for vinyl. Limited Edition