PUT THIS IN YOUR DEN for Inspired Flight’s signature blend of eclectic styles, made up of melodic synths, rhythmic beats, soothing vocals, and killer features. Like The Stars, But Even More is the acclaimed sophomore album by the downtempo hip hop outfit from Southern California. After thirteen long years, OpenOptics and 9 Theory returned with another record simply too masterful to categorize. Combining intricate instrumentation with electronic elements, perfectly placed scratches, and otherworldly effects, this album is the group’s strongest release to date.

Never afraid to collaborate with friends and longtime inspirations, the guys brought on a slew of incredible MCs and vocalists, such as Talib Kweli, Sophie Barker, Kiyoshi, Dawn Mitschele, and Ashley Mazanec. Additional guests include Torii Wolf (Dennite’s should be familiar with Soft Realms, the perfect bass-heavy downtempo album with 9 Theory) and mainstays Eligh & Scarub of Living Legends. Another highlight is the song “How Quickly Forgotten,” featuring one of the final verses from one of the greatest MCs and hip hop voices of all time, Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab.

The Bright Souls Variant: Gatefold, 2 LP on the deep space inspired purple/black fade. Limited to 100 copies.

The Next Phase Variant: Deluxe edition with interactive slipcase, gatefold. LP1 is on a stormy cloud purple ripple (inspired by noctilucent clouds, the highest clouds in Earth’s atmosphere) and LP2 is on a cosmic space blast (inspired by Gamma-Ray Bursts and Supernovae). Limited to 140 copies.

So Crazy Variant: Our ultimate variant features Den of Wax’s second “diorama” vinyl, expertly crafted by Romanus, and features the two cover characters traveling through the cosmos. Originally limited to 60 copies, we have 30 in production (with the hope to release the other 30 later this year). Note: this variant is a preorder, expected to ship early this summer.

As fans of Inspired Flight from the very beginning, working with both OpenOptics and 9 Theory has been truly an honor, and we’re ecstatic to finally get this album onto vinyl. Easily our most ambitious project to date, more than two years of work has gone into the production of these pieces of audible art.

Both crews of Inspired Flight and Den of Wax know it was worth the wait, and we are hyped to see your reactions when you get this crazy release in hand. So much care went into the development of this one – from the complex, layered tunes to the insane packaging – the musical and physical elements seamlessly blend into one tangible listening experience.

Limited to only 300 copies, this first pressing is something you don’t want to miss.