Def Jam Forward: Respect Our Culture (2LP Etched Vinyl Compilation)

Def Jam Forward: Respect Our Culture is a powerful hip-hop compilation bringing together 13 recordings that explore social justice, racial inequality, identity and the struggle for change. Released on double vinyl in 2021 through Def Jam Recordings, the collection celebrates hip-hop's longstanding role as a platform for protest, political expression and cultural commentary. Featuring influential artists including Public Enemy, Nas, DMX, Jadakiss, Jeezy, Logic and Big Sean, it connects different generations of socially conscious rap.

Few record labels have played a more significant role in hip-hop history than Def Jam. Since its emergence in the 1980s, the label has helped bring rap music to international audiences while supporting artists whose work reflects the realities of their communities. Respect Our Culture continues that tradition, gathering songs that confront injustice, celebrate resilience and encourage listeners to question the world around them.

Side A opens with Why by Jadakiss featuring Anthony Hamilton, a thought-provoking track built around questions about politics, inequality and everyday life. My President by Jeezy featuring Nas follows with a reflection on political change and representation. Public Enemy's legendary Fight the Power remains one of hip-hop's most recognisable protest anthems, combining explosive production with Chuck D's uncompromising delivery. Slippin' by DMX closes the side with a deeply personal account of hardship, survival and perseverance.

Side B brings together further perspectives on contemporary social issues. Bobby Sessions' The Hate You Give addresses systemic injustice, while Logic's America examines political divisions and the challenges facing modern society. FDT by YG featuring Nipsey Hussle delivers an outspoken political statement, and Slick Rick's Behind Bars offers a distinctive storytelling perspective. The side concludes with Glory by Common and John Legend, the Academy Award-winning song from the film Selma, celebrating the civil rights movement and the continuing pursuit of equality.

Side C opens with Talk About It by Fabolous, Jadakiss and Teyana Taylor, followed by Yung Cassius' Condemnation. Nas' Daughters explores fatherhood, responsibility and family relationships through his characteristically thoughtful lyricism. The compilation concludes with One Man Can Change the World by Big Sean featuring Kanye West and John Legend, an uplifting reflection on ambition, family and the possibility of making a positive difference.

Spanning classic hip-hop, contemporary rap and soulful collaborations, Def Jam Forward: Respect Our Culture highlights the diversity of voices and musical approaches that have shaped the genre. From the confrontational energy of Public Enemy to the introspective storytelling of Nas and DMX, the collection demonstrates how hip-hop can entertain, challenge and inspire.

This double-vinyl LP edition features all 13 recordings across three playable sides, with a special etched Def Jam logo on Side D. Released through Def Jam Recordings, the pressing combines an essential selection of message-driven hip-hop with a distinctive collectible presentation.

Supplied brand new and sealed.

Available now from Heathen Records, your independent Australian online record store specialising in new and collectible vinyl.

Details

• Artist: Various Artists
• Title: Def Jam Forward: Respect Our Culture
• Format: Double Vinyl LP (2LP)
• Release Date: 12 February 2021
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap / Conscious Hip-Hop
• Record Label: Def Jam Recordings
• Catalogue Number: B0033101-01
• Barcode: 602435331096
• Special Feature: Etched Def Jam Logo on Side D (No Audio)
• Tracks: 13
• Condition: Brand new and sealed

Tracklist

Side A

• A1 Jadakiss – Why (feat. Anthony Hamilton)
• A2 Jeezy – My President (feat. Nas)
• A3 Public Enemy – Fight the Power
• A4 DMX – Slippin'

Side B

• B1 Bobby Sessions – The Hate You Give
• B2 Logic – America
• B3 YG – FDT (feat. Nipsey Hussle)
• B4 Slick Rick – Behind Bars
• B5 Common & John Legend – Glory

Side C

• C1 Fabolous, Jadakiss & Teyana Taylor – Talk About It
• C2 Yung Cassius – Condemnation
• C3 Nas – Daughters
• C4 Big Sean – One Man Can Change the World (feat. Kanye West & John Legend)

Side D

• Etched Def Jam logo – no audio