VA Strange Hip Hop (2008)

‘Shapes: Pyramids’ is the latest in Tru Thoughts’ series of essential label compilations put together by A&R, label founder and renowned DJ Robert Luis. After 22 years of independently releasing music, the ‘Shapes’ LPs continue to encompass the best of our wide-ranging and international roster; including established Tru Thoughts acts such as Anchorsong, The Seshen, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, J-Felix, Rhi and Flowdan and newer signings including Hemai, MELONYX, Anushka, Crafty 893 and Tiawa. Featuring the finest of Tru Thoughts’ recent releases and inspired remixes alongside exclusive unreleased offerings, ‘Shapes: Pyramids’ is released digitally on 3rd September.

Much of the power of the civil rights movement came with its speeches, but the movement lived just as actively through music. Whether it was blues, folk, gospel, jazz, or R&B, and whether the artist was part of the cause or simply feeling the same yearnings, the music of the civil rights movement provided focus, unity, strength, and power. Time Life's three-disc box set, Let Freedom Sing! Music of the Civil Rights Movement, not only appeared at an auspicious moment in civil rights history – early 2009, when the United States inaugurated its first black president – but it easily ranks as the most thorough look at the music that came to be identified with civil rights.

‘Tru Thoughts 2022’ is the latest instalment from our annual compilation series. Curated by A&R, DJ and co-founder Robert Luis, the 32-track digital comp celebrates the best of the wide-ranging, diverse, and international roster. Selections span from Neo-Soul, Alternative Pop, Jazz and Contemporary Classical to Grime, Broken Beat, DnB and Electronica.