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Rah Digga Might Be Having Her Best Year Ever, Catch This !llmind Produced Cut (Audio)

Rah Digga's "Thinkin' Out Loud" is some high-grade, uncut stream of consciousness emceeing. As she's done in just about every month in 2014, Digga metaphorically spikes the ball with the mic in her hand. This track covers the lackluster music in the marketplace, police attacking civilians, and more, all while... Read more

Havoc Makes A Charged Solo Cut With Those Hard Mobb Deep Drums (Video)

Havoc uses some hard, natural percussion to reintroduce his solo status in "Dirt Call." Presented in short film format, the visual finds Hav' goin' deep into the basement, flippin' his hat back, and zoning into that Infamy flow. Isn't it great to see and hear Havoc having fun again? This... Read more

Bambu Might Be One Of The Best, Smartest MCs You’re Missing. Hear His New LP (Album Stream)

The Bay area's Bambu is making moves. He's the latest mover and shaker of DJ Muggs' Soul Assassins, a lineage that includes Cypress Hill, Alchemist, Psycho Realm, and others. Bambu is making scorching political commentaries alongside Killer Mike. He's also on the road with Brother Ali, and making songs about... Read more

Saigon Offers A Stripped-Down DJ Premier Remix Of His Big Daddy Kane Collab (Audio)

Following last month's original, DJ Premier-produced version of "One Foot In The Door," Saigon has a remix. Still maintaining the same opening intro, an early 2000s on-the-spot cosign from Jay Z, this mix has an organic, piano-driven beat. This allows Heads to hear the wrath of Kane, and Sai Giddy's... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq Search For The Lost Soul In The World (Audio)

With Cadillactica two weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T.'s Raphael Saadiq-assisted "Soul Food" hits the web. Ray sounds as a crisp as he has in 10 years, and as integral to a Rap song as ever, as Krizzle breaks down the missing soul, from the relationships, to the streets, to... Read more

For A Band As Colorful As Run The Jewels, Of Course There Would Be A Great Art Challenge…

Last week, Run The Jewels released their second album in as many years, both of which were available for free stream. In the case of RTJ2, the Mass Appeal Records retail release was also given away for free, open to the public, whether they opt to financially support or not. What... Read more

Hear the Original Demo for Kanye West’s New Slaves (Audio)

Kanye West's ears have always been far-reaching. For Yeezus, that is an understatement. In making the album, and it's standout "New Slaves," 'Ye looked within his own circle. Benjamin Bronfman, son of former Warner Bros. Records CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr., has been a longtime friend of Mr. West. According to... Read more

The Universal Zulu Nation’s 41st Anniversary Is In November & Your Favorite Artists Are Involved…

On November 6-9, New York City will play host to the Universal Zulu Nation's 41st anniversary. Over the course of seven planned events (with possibly more coming), those involved include Afrika Bambaataa, Black Moon, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Sadat X, Da Beatminerz, Psycho Les, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kool... Read more

Cam’ron, Wiz Khalifa & Smoke DZA Can Touch The Sky Sitting Down (Video)

Following last week's (October 23) "Touch The Sky" release from 1st Of The Month, Vol. 5, Cam'ron, Wiz Khalifa, and Smoke DZA shared the visual. Thematically, all three independent Hip-Hop icons decided to sit this one down. From couches and chairs (Cam's notably being on top of a Harlem high-rise),... Read more

Run The Jewels Makes Blockbuster Night A Double Feature (Audio)

On Friday (October 24) Killer Mike & El-P slammed down RTJ2 for full stream and free download. Available for purchase too, the Mass Appeal Records effort (what up, Nas!) garnered rapid acclaim from Heads who enjoyed Mike's fervor, El's sarcasm, Bigga's charisma, and Producto's futuristic beats. So why not have... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Busta Rhymes vs. Inspectah Deck…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Vic Mensa Says “Post-Racial Society” Is A Lie, Details Traffic Sound (Video)

While performing recently in Canada, Chicago, Illinois' Vic Mensa swung through Montreality. During the signature interview chronicling everything from video games to academic life, fetishes to romantic gestures, Vic opens up about his Traffic album. Around the 3:40 mark, the Save Money star declares that his full-length will be, in... Read more

Jay Rock Explains Where It All Began, And What A Journey… (Video)

TDE's rise began with Jay Rock, who ushered the independent label to major distribution through a Warner Bros. Records deal nearly a decade ago. The Watts MC who was the youngin' around the old heads brought that acquired knowledge, respect, and that wisdom to his music, uncut Gangsta Rap at... Read more

After 15 Years Of Dope Tracks, A Jake One Beat Tape Beckons The Listen (Audio)

In addition to albums with Freeway, Brother Ali, and his own acclaimed White Van Music, Jake One's production discography extends back to the '90s, with heat alongside the likes of G-Unit, Evidence, Ghostface Killah, T.I., and Rick Ross. The veteran Seattle, Washington producer (once represented by Sha Money XL) has... Read more

DJ Premier Unleashes A Gang Starr Tape Of B-Sides, Rarities & Remixes (Mixtape)

Today (October 24), DJ Premier opened up the online Gang Starr merchandise store through his PremierWuzHere website. With an assortment of shirts, hats, hoodies, and more—exclusively set up by the Texan-turned-New Yorker, sharing its proceeds with the family of late partner Guru, Preem got behind the wheels of steel to... Read more

Finding The GOAT: 50 Cent vs. DMX…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Kurtis Blow vs. Kool Moe Dee…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Tragedy Khadafi Remains An Intelligent Hoodlum On Free Thinkers 2 (Audio)

In addition to his integral role with Capone-N-Noreaga, Tragedy Khadafi (p/k/a The Intelligent Hoodlum) was an influential MC to the likes of Nas, Cormega, Mobb Deep, and Nature dating back to Juice Crew days. Signed to a major label, mentored by Marley Marl, blending smooth rhymes with highly-informed lyrics, Trag'... Read more

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

If You Love When Ras Kass Challenges Organized Religion, Check This (Audio)

Ras Kass has challenged organized religion since Soul On Ice. The voracious reader proves that he's up on the sacred texts on "How To Kill God." For an MC once criticized for never getting great beats on his albums, Apollo Brown supplies this Blasphemy banger with an undeniable beat that... Read more

Cam’ron Touches The Sky With Wiz Khalifa & Smoke DZA (Audio)

Cam'ron is one of the most influential MCs of the wave right now. Both Wiz Khalifa and Smoke DZA, who had loose ties to Dipset since battling J.R. Writer in the early 2000s, owe a lot to Killa Cam. The irreverence, the humor, the style of the Harlem, New York... Read more

Raekwon Phone Taps Into Some Faith Evans & Carl Thomas Heat (Audio)

Raekwon's TBT series rolls on, with an early '00s tilt. Chef looks to Faith Evans & Carl Thomas' "Can't Believe," which is not even his first Faith nod. The song notably swacked the basis of the beat to The Firm's "Phone Tap," made by Rae's friends and collaborators Nas, AZ,... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Nelly vs. Ja Rule…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Logic Rocks The Multi-Syllabic Rhyme Scheme In His Backroom Freestyle (Video)

Logic's Under Pressure release date (October 21) has been an all out blitz of content. From free album streams, camera crews meeting his parents in the livingroom, interviews, and everything between, it would not be complete without a freestyle from the proven star of the free-form approach. Hitting the "106... Read more

DJ Vadim Lays Down That Supreme A Tribe Called Quest Megamix (Audio)

DJ Vadim and A Tribe Called Quest are contemporaries of one another. However, the London-raised DJ/producer (born in Russia) came into vogue in the mid-1990s, and 20 years later, his mixes are staples in highlighting the popular, under-the-surface, and downright rare moments from the culture, whether in the '80s or... Read more

Chance The Rapper Is Making A 2014 Album, Rick Rubin & Frank Ocean Are Present…

It's been more than a year since Chance The Rapper released a full-length project. It was this time last year that Heads started the hubub for #AcidRap to be a popular nomination for the best Hip-Hop album/mixtape of 2013. Well, we just learned that 2014 might not be safe, either...... Read more

Go Home With Logic & Meet His Family, Who Collectively Give You The REAL (Video)

Not only is Logic (and Visionary Music Group) giving Heads his Under Pressure album for full stream on its release day (October 21), the Gaithersburg, Maryland MC brings Heads home. The Baltimore reppin' Def Jam artist brought MTV's cameras to his childhood livingroom, where Logic's father and caretaker (along with... Read more

ONYX Attacks For Halloween In The Realest (Video)

Complete with 100 MAD jack o'lanterns, ONYX's "The Realest" is right and exact for the Halloween season. Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr travel to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to mash out and put their hands on folks in this pumped-up Snowgoons production from this year's WakeDaFucUp. Security cameras can't save you from... Read more

Logic Is Under No Pressure To Share His Entire Deluxe LP (Album Stream)

After tremendous anticipation, Logic's Under Pressure studio debut album is upon us. The Visionary Music Group alum teamed with the legendary No I.D. (Common, Kanye West, Jhene Aiko) to make his debut as big as possible, but true to the form he laid out amidst years of strong, grassroots independent... Read more

A-Villa’s Great Lineups Continue, With Action Bronson, Roc Marciano & Willie The Kid (Audio)

Half of the M.A.R.S collective (Roc Marciano and Action Bronson) join yet another Alchemist affiliate, Willie The Kid on "Live From The Villa." The track is the latest three-man all-star lineup by Chicago, Illinois' A-Villa. This track goes extra hard, and certainly cements Villa's rep for making engaging tracks with... Read more

Mac Miller Inks A Deal With Warner Bros. For 8 Figures & Drops Off A Loosie (Audio)

After a January, 2014 amicable-but-high profile exit from the Rostrum Records team that helped bring him to stardom, Mac Miller has officially made his next move. The Most Dope front man has headed to Warner Bros. Records, according to The Fader. The report states that the deal, including housing M.M.'s... Read more

Ab-Soul Reveals His Music Industry Family, Getting Radio Fines To Nardwuar (Video)

One week after Ambrosia For Heads' "search for the GOAT" pitted Ab-Soul against Joe Budden, leave it to Nardwuar to present Soulo with a copy of Joe Budden, the album—something the Carson, California MC is apparently a massive fan of. This interview, Nardwuar's latest within the Black Hippy/Top Dawg Entertainment... Read more

T.I. Releases a Short Gangster Film for King (Video)

After yesterday's (October 20) "King" break-off leak from the just-released Paperwork, T.I. follows with the video. The album opener is textbook Tip, with a charged beat, and that unshakeable street Rap from one of the last decade's emerging superstars of Hip-Hop. The visual suggests that T.I. is still in the... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Mos Def vs. Pharoahe Monch…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

Ice Cube Has Some Furrowed Brow Follow-Up Fun On Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

After Ice Cube's summertime segment for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," why not re-up with some more? With Don Mega and Dr. Dre co-producing the N.W.A biopic, Straight Outta Compton, Cube stopped by, to throw his spin on some festive, particularly corny lines, delivered in an O'Shea Jackson kind of way: Related:... Read more

Tek & Steele Recall Street Origins Smif-n-Wessun, Decepticon Ties, Making Dah Shinin’ (Audio)

Within the Boot Camp Clik, it often feels like Smif-n-Wessun are massively under-sung. Whether it was the fact that General Steele and Tek followed Black Moon's Enta Da Stage with Dah Shinin' (before Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C., and the Clik compilations), or the unfortunate forced name-change (to Cocoa Brovas) and subsequent... Read more

Andre 3000 & Tink Collaboration? Timbaland Gives You 15 Seconds (Video)

A 15-second preview of a yet-untitled, little-known-about song as news. You can count the artists on one hand whose work would justify that as "News." Certainly, 20-year veteran Andre 3000 is one of the few, the proud. Timbaland previews (via Facebook video, no less) a fourth of a minute of... Read more

9th Wonder Says Without Phonte, There Is No Drake (Audio)

During A3C week earlier this month, 9th Wonder served as Reggie Osse's latest guest for a live taping of The Combat Jack Show. Per usual, the conversation spanned the career of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina producer/DJ/sometimes-MC. However, there are certainly some impromptu side discussions and points made that make this... Read more

Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$ & Ransom Hop On Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s Knicks Remix (Audio)

If a few months made you forget how incredible Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Pinata was, this remix of "Knicks" is a reminder with sharp elbows like Charles Oakley. Those 'bows come in the form of a new Gibbs verse (where Gary, Indiana's own doesn't mince words about the Ferguson, Missouri... Read more

Joe Budden Is A Master Of Ex-Rap, His Latest 5-Minute Journal Entry Proves It (Audio)

Longtime Joe Budden fans know that the Jersey City, New Jersey veteran has built a career off of breaking the fourth wall in his raps. From addiction to self-doubt, his paranoia and most open thoughts on Hip-Hop, Joe never holds back. And those who've been listening to the verses long... Read more

Finding The GOAT: Heavy D vs. Trugoy…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

T.I. Is The ‘King’ Of That Straightforward Trap, Peep The Paperwork Intro (Audio)

Besides Nas, is any artist as consistently ferocious on the intro than T.I.? Regardless of where each of the P$C MC's albums have ended up in the consciousness or on the charts, the first track usually sets the tone that has the veteran Tip listener thumping their chest, and the... Read more

CyHi The Prynce, Rapsody & Caskey Light Up This Team Backpack Cypher (Video)

Team Backpack cyphers have become a staple in the Hip-Hop zeitgeist for several years now. The collective's videos have made stars out of fresh-faced artists, and cultivated talent in a format that Heads can respect: the free-form cypher. It's competitive, it's stripped-down, it's pure MC'ing. So how about this? T.B.P... Read more

Boaz Deserves Your Attention, Check Intuition (Album Stream)

Quietly and consistently, Boaz has built a strong career. The Rostrum Records artist (Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, etc.) is nothing like his label-mates/homies new or old, instead, he's got a street-struck grittiness, with an introspection that few artists naturally possess. Intuition lives up to its name, and with D-Block, Fashawn,... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. & DJ Dahi Rev Up The Cadillactica In The Studio Garage (Video)

In the second installment of Big K.R.I.T.'s behind-the-scenes making of Cadillactica series, Krizzle sits in the lab with DJ Dahi (Drake, Freddie Gibbs, ScHoolboy Q) creating the Def Jam sophomore LP's title track. Even through camera speakers, you cannot argue that this thumps... Related: Big K.R.I.T. Previews His Cadillactica Album... Read more

Skyzoo & Torae Hit The Courts To Tell Us Why Their Jerseys Belong In Rafters (Video)

In a digital era, Skyzoo & Torae still believe that Hip-Hop (and all art) should be tangible. Talking about the physical artifacts of their culture (with lots of sports metaphors), "Memorabilia" examines how we honor our stars, which plausibly include these two Brooklynites. Shot in black and white, and featuring... Read more

Funk Volume Turns Up With Fresh, Thoughtful Dizzy Wright & Hopsin Freestyles (Videos)

Funk Volume continues to dig in their foot-hold in the Hip-Hop game. While Hopsin and Dizzy Wright are polar opposites in many ways, they both uphold this time-tested truth: say somethin' when you touch the microphone. Stopping through Tim Westwood's London booth at the BBC, each MC blazes up with... Read more

Do Remember: O.C.’s “Born 2 Live” (Video)

Twenty years ago today (October 18), O.C. released his debut album, Word...Life. On the now-defunct-but-legendary Wild Pitch Records, the Organized Konfusion affiliate (who would later become an integral part of Diggin' In The Crates) made his debut featuring involvement from emerging producer Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Poetry... Read more

Lil Dicky Hits The Backroom With One Of The Smoothest, Fastest, Most Confident Raps Out (Video)

Out of thin air, Philadelphia's Lil Dicky swings through the "106 & Park" Backroom booth where he simply shakes apart the walls with a fast, highly-confident freestyle that is both original and humorous. Like his "No, I will not fix your computer shirt," L.D. (Larry David, as he explains) uses... Read more

Curren$y Is A Drug Store Cowboy, Rallying Up Pescriptions In Audio (Video)

In the late night hour, on those New Orleans streets, Spitta Andretti himself (a/k/a Curren$y) parks in front of an all-night prescription drug store to break down how he kicks these over-the-counter rhymes, that are readily available for free samples, like, say, More Saturday Night Car Tunes. Related: Curren$y’s Releases... Read more