It helped shape a whole generation of music makers during its golden years, but Stones Throw Records is still far from being a remnant of the past and continues to define rap music as it evolves. With this new release by Knxwledge, 1988, the label follows its roots in underground rap with beat-making, sampling and off-beat instrumentals. Just like fellow producer Madlib, Knxwledge is extremely prolific and has never shied away from releasing long series of EP’s with different designs and themes, such as his infamous Hexual Sealings and Wrap Taypes series. However, 1988 is indeed an album. Knxwledge remixes and plays around with soul music as his musical base, as he usually does, but this time he also ventures into new territory by adding interludes full of strange noises (with [reality]) and ominous jazz (theykome&go). Tasty stuff. © Brice Miclet/Qobuz