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Dr. Dre Is Reportedly Back In The Studio With An Old Friend/West Coast O.G., But Who?

Dr. Dre has worked with plenty of legendary peers behind the boards, and made plenty more. Compton's favorite Doctor has shared the swivel chairs in the studio with the likes of Eminem, Mike Dean, DJ Quik, Warren G, Daz Dillinger, Sam Sneed, Chris "The Glove" Taylor, DJ Pooh, Mel-Man, DJ... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Got Ronald “Mr. Big” Isley’s Blessing When He Made “i” (Video)

Biz Markie might have made it a habit to have All Samples Cleared thanks to Gilbert O'Sullivan, but not all artists from yesterday are pleased with having their music touched. While O.G.'s like Bob James and Donald Byrd not only embraced sampling—they collaborated with Hip-Hop artists, other artists like Syl... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: MC Eiht Vs. Scarface…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

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Tech N9ne Reveals Jay Rock Is Strictly TDE, Says His 1993 Material Deserved Guinness Records (Video)

Jay Rock famously signed with Tech N9ne and Strange Music to release his debut, Follow Me Home. The LP's single, "Hood Gone Love It" was an early mainstream introduction Kendrick Lamar. After reports that that Jay Rock, like Ab-Soul, would be going completely TDE, Tech N9ne confirms them. Saying that... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Lil’ Kim Clarifies Biggie Smalls Writing Her Verses, Wants Credit From Beyonce (Video)

With her new mixtape, Hard Core 2K14 starting some talk and grabbing lots of listens, Lil' Kim has plenty to speak about. The highly-acclaimed female MC soloist, the Notorious K.I.M took her saved seat at The Breakfast Club. There, Kim took the hard questions, and handled them all. In the... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Stream Bishop Nehru & DOOM’s Nehruvian DOOM One Week Early

After more than a year of anticipation, Bishop Nehru's debut studio release, a collaboration album with DOOM (f/k/a MF DOOM), Nehruvian DOOM, is available for full album stream. Pitchfork has posted the effort, which is releasing in one week on the British-based Lex Records. Heads have heard plenty of previews,... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh

Saigon Bursts From Comment Sections To Chillin’ With DJ Premier & Lil Cease (Video)

A product of the Internet-era of Hip-Hop, Saigon has always been an artist for the streets before the servers. In his video for the GSN3: The Troubled Times Of Brian Carenard single, "Nunya," Saigon highlights his haters in the message boards and comments sections, and then laughs about it alongside... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Hear The Rap Attack: Mr. Magic & Marley Marl That Inspired Biggie Smalls (Audio)

Quietly, as Marley Marl became one of Hip-Hop's most pivotal producers and Juice Crew creator, he was doubling as a master of transmitting sounds over tri-state radio. Marl and Mr. Magic were at the control switches at WBLS in New York City. Their "Rap Attack" Show (launched by Mr. Magic... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

J-Live Delivers The Visual To The Deeply Compelling Single, Not Listening (Video)

Back in March, J-Live released one of the most impactful songs in his storied career with "Not Listening." The record audited the state of Hip-Hop, and the present day relationship between MCs and the listeners—and who is really to blame for the disconnect. Now comes the visual: a simple, but... Read more

September 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Thirty Years Later, Miami Vice Remains One of TV’s Most Influential Shows (Food For Thought)

For 111 episodes, "Miami Vice" epitomized the 1980s. Thirty years ago this weekend, September 28, 1984, Sonny Crockett (played by Don Johnson) and Rico Tubbs (played by Philip Michael Thomas) charged through our livingrooms in a Ferrari Daytona Spyder, with guns blazing, and pastels poppin'. After its five-year run on... Read more

September 26, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Ghostface Killah vs. Kurupt…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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... Read more

September 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Grand Puba vs. PMD (Parrish Smith)…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present 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... Read more

September 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Just When He Seems To Covered Every Corner, Asher Roth Breaks New Ground (Video)

Asher Roth's "Pull It" takes the MC (and now singer) in a new direction. A musical chameleon, Roth dabbles with some Trip-Hop, and those always psychedelic undertones. Although, in between the focal point of the song: the chorus, Roth still drops those nimble and pivoting bars that made him a... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Announce Group, Joint Album: PRhyme

Today (September 24), DJ Premier has announced his first group since Gang Starr, the legendary duo that spans more than 25 years back to debut album No More Mr. Nice Guy. This unit will be an extension of a decade-plus of working with Royce Da 5'9". Before Slaughterhouse and around... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh

Theophilus London Voices a Girl Fantasy Over a Moody Track Arranged By Kanye West (Audio)

Theophilus London showed a piece of it early this year, but the Warner Bros. Records-backed rapper/singer now releases the full version "Do Girls." Arranged by Kanye West, this atmospheric, rock and EDM-fusing song speaks to Theo's fantasy of winning over a woman whose preferences lie elsewhere. Do you think Theophilus... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar May Deliver His Finest Freestyle, But Does Big Boy Shine Harder? (Video)

One day after his "i" release, Kendrick Lamar isn't out to give the spotlight up. But if anybody's testing him for it, it's not who you'd expect. On Big Boy's Neighborhood, K-Dot goes truly off the dome through 25 years of instrumentals, ranging from Nas/James Brown, to State Property, to... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Homeboy Sandman, J-Live & Kurious Jorge Run An MC Clinic (Audio)

Elmhurst, Queens' Homeboy Sandman released Hallways, his fifth album, on September 2 via Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records. The loquacious MC teamed with two New Yorkers who blazed his trail that he's followed and adapted with. J-Live and Kurious (f/k/a Kurious Jorge) joined H.B.S on "Enough." The sweet, melodic... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent & Snoop Dogg GET REAL About Rap Crews & Money, With G-Unit Sitting There (Video)

For all the reality TV shows, the Snoop Lion campaign, and the family-friendlier Snoop, there's still reminders of what Heads heard on "Deep Cover" 23 years ago. One of the platforms for this side of Snoop is the GGN. Interviewing all five members of G-Unit, Snoop begins in true G-fashion,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Dr. Dre Estimated To Have Made More Than Next 24 Wealthiest Hip-Hop Stars, Combined

It's Dre Day, and everybody's celebratin'. Following 2013's announcement that Jay Z and Puff Daddy were the Forbes Cash Kings (top earners) of the year, they can watch the throne now. As anticipated, Dr. Dre assumes the pole position—following a year where Apple bought his Beats By Dre Electronics line... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

Nitty Scott, Chris Webby, Smoke DZA & CJ Fly Cypher With Conviction (Video)

One day after the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards' Digital All-Stars Cypher (Emilio Rojas, Andy Mineo, Dreezy, Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, Conceited) premiered, RAW rolling papers' shows another healthy, talented crop of MCs. Nitty Scott, MC, Pro Era's CJ Fly, Chris Webby, and veteran Smoke DZA represent the NY tri-state lovely,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Diamond District Really Has Something In Their March On Washington (Audio)

After sharing their "First Step" towards sophomore album, March On Washington (October 14) a month ago, Oddisee, yU, and X.O are back for more. "Lost Cause" is a very experimental beat from Oddy, with some powerful lyrics on the hopelessness and recklessness in society, this song really leaves marks. With... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Yelawolf Reworks Jimi Hendrix As A Modern Man’s Voodoo Chile (Audio)

Yelawolf's freestyle diggin' in the Classic Rock continues. This time, the pride of Gadsden, Alabama salutes the pride of Seattle, Washington. Catfish Billy goes down to some old Electric Blues, sketching out lyrics about some evil tendencies on the mic, covering the Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1968 Electric Ladyland album single,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pro Era Gets Industrial In Their Incredibly Polished Hail Razor Visual (Video)

CJ Fly, Dessy Hinds, and A La $ole show some Pro Era depth in the complex visual to "Hail Razor." The video features additional bandmates, as they go to an abandoned mill/assembly line to show just how rooted in the grit they are. This from the Scion A/V-backed The Shift... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Brings The Drama (Audio)

On her upcoming Beauty & The Beast EP (October 7), Rapsody is trying new things. After more than five years patiently waiting in the Hip-Hop independent crosswinds, Rap' is downright taking hers by force. The Khrysis-produced "Drama" (which Heads got a glimpse of last week) lives up to its name.... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T’s Cadillactica Gets Its Release Date, And It’s Coming Soon

As anticipated from last week's video series premiere and See Me On Top, Vol. 4 mixtape release, Big K.R.I.T took to video today (September 23) to announce the release date for his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica. The Cinematic/Def Jam Records release, due on November 11, is the follow-up to... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

AZ, Freeway, Havoc & Kids These Days’ Macie Stewart Bolster A-Villa’s Message (Audio)

Chicago's A-Villa is a Closed Sessions producer coming up on the scene. Like anybody behind the boards, he's likely dreamed of big concepts, executed by lyrical giants. That dream is a reality on "Day In The Life." AZ Tha Visualiza, Havoc, Freeway, and Macie Stewart (Kids These Days) punctuate the... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A 30 Year Salute To The Cosby Show From A 30-Something (Food For Thought)

Thirty years ago this past weekend (September 20, 1984 to be exact), "The Cosby Show" premiered in NBC's Thursday night lineup. Followed by "Family Ties," "Cheers," "Night Court" and "Hill Street Blues," the show would join what would prove to be one of the most championed, and most enduring programs... Read more

September 23, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar’s New Single is One Of The Realest Records For The Streets (Audio)

After hinting at it last week, Kendrick Lamar has released what is perceived as the first single of his sophomore major label album. Although it was forecast by some to feature Black Hippy band-mate Jay Rock, "i" is a solo set, produced by Rahki ("Black Boy Fly"). Based around a... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

No Matter How Much You Know About Biggie, You Will Learn Something From This Discussion (Video)

As a part of last week's 20th anniversary coverage of The Notorious B.I.G's Ready To Die album, NPR "Microphone Check" assembled a panel in Brooklyn. Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley were joined by dream hampton (author, The Source), Matty C. (The Source, A&R), Biggie... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Says There Are No Lies On Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt (Video)

After a titillating first chapter, Hip-Hop Wired returns with a second segment of "Off The Record" with DJ Clark Kent. HHW's Aqua Boogie asks Clark about a more obscure cut, in Mad Skillz' (n/k/a Skillz) 1995 single, "Move Ya Body." Interestingly enough, while LL Cool J had hoped to swack... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Foreign Exchange Goes Above The Clouds In Dreams Are Made For Two (Video)

From Love In Flying Colors (released one year ago this week), Foreign Exchange showcases their Carlita Durand assisted single, "Dreams Are Made For Two." As the song has been to the album, the moment is warm, euphonic, and tender. So what better setting than the mountaintops for Phonte and Carlita... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

XXL Magazine Says Farewell To Print Edition

After more than 17 years, XXL magazines will no longer be in book stores and magazine stands. The Harris Publications property, which at one time, was the leading print Hip-Hop publication announced today (September 22) that it will be available exclusively in digital format, at XXLMag.com. The Manhattan-based magazine, which... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh

Jay Electronica Says He’s Sitting On Many Albums Worth Of Music, Elaborates On Drug Use (Video)

The always elusive Jay Electronica hit the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards red carpet leading up to his performance of "Kingdom Remix," alongside Common and Vince Staples. MTV News was able to speak to the Roc Nation artist about the latest developments surrounding his long-awaited Act II: Patents Of Nobility (The Turn)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

TDE Meets G.O.O.D, As Benny Cassette Links With Isaiah Rashad (Audio)

Fans know that Isaiah Rashad seems to release less music than anybody on Top Dawg Entertainment—well, almost anybody. However, when he does, the Volunteer State MC makes it count. This is true on the topical "Virgo Season," alongside G.O.O.D Music producer/writer Benny Cassette. With his own project, Apocalypse, on the... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

E-40 Is The Focal Point Of A New Jam By Ya Boy, Droop-E & Earl Himself (Audio)

Like UGK and Three 6 Mafia, E-40 is a major influence on the artists of today. The slangistical Vallejo vocalist has nearly 30 years in the game, changing his beats with the times, all while being committed to dazzling raps. Re-popularized through the likes of DJ Mustard and YG, Game,... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Digital Stars Of 2014 Show Out In This BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher (Video)

The first of many 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers has hit the web. Curated as a "Digital All-Star" grouping, this includes the Top 15-selling Andy Mineo, veteran Emilio Rojas, Common-cosigned Dreezy, De La Soul-cosigned Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, and Conceited. With the exception of Mineo, who rang bells last year... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

G.O.O.D Music’s Hudson Mohawke Lays Down A Mix Featuring Madlib, Rah Digga & D.I.T.C (Audio)

Hudson Mohawke is one of the plethora of artists in the G.O.O.D Music ensemble. Heads who like "Mercy" and "Blood On The Leaves" are familiar with his handiwork within the fold of hits, however the Glasgow, Scotland producer/DJ has a decade of work in the game, with ties to (other)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J Blige Makes A Song That Brings Chills The Whole Damn Year (Audio)

If there is one constant in Mary J Blige's music throughout her career, it's pain. Whether produced by Puff Daddy, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, or Tricky Stewart, M.J.B's LPs always lead with the heart, which has made her a fixture in music for more than 22 years.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Time Travel Back To 1987 With This Rare Taped DJ Red Alert Radio Show (Mix)

The site Medium is cookin' up some great content. Less than a week after their breakdown at 2Pac's breaking records (literally) at the short-lived Suge Knight-owned Club 662, Medium liberates some ephemeral greatness from 10 years prior. One of the true juggernauts of Hip-Hop radio, DJ Stretch Armstrong (of Stretch... Read more

September 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Who’s Part Of The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers? See The List!

The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards will air on October 14 at 8pm. Hosted by "Uncle" Snoop Dogg, the affair will reportedly include performances by Jay Electronica, Common, T.I., Mike WiLL Made It, and others. The annual music event will also continue the honored tradition of the annual cyphers. While specifics... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Is Flying Lotus The 2014 Equivalent Of Parliament-Funkadelic? Hear The Latest (Audio)

Based on the upcoming work with Kendrick Lamar alone, chances are Flying Lotus' stock is about to skyrocket. The Los Angeles, California native producer/musician/DJ has put in a decade making music that defied genre limitations, and just thrived off that nod factor. This is true of "Coronus, The Terminator." From... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Denitia & Sene Get Electrified On The Catchy side fx (Audio)

Denitia & Sene may have began as a side project of sorts, but this Brooklyn, based-duo may have found their respective knacks. Gearing up for an EP, side fx, the pair let off the title track today. "side fx" is SynthPop, Electro, and Soul all blended together, with some charged... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Your Old Droog Gets The lllest Remix From J-Zone & Sacha Jenkins (Audio)

If anybody's able to remix Your Old Droog, it's J-Zone and Sacha Jenkins. The former, a Queens veteran with productions for Akinyele, R.A. The Rugged Man, and The Juggaknots, hits the drum pads with precision, while O.G. journalist/musician Jenkins (ego trip!, Mass Appeal, The White Mandingos) hits the guitar licks.... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Do Remember: Geto Boys’ Bring It On, The Ultimate Rap-A-Lot Posse Cut (Audio)

Plenty of Hip-Hop groups have seen lineup changes. Ice Cube famously (and rather loudly) exited N.W.A in 1990 to pursue solo interests away from Ruthless Records. After a fast-track to stardom, Young Jeezy departed from Boyz N The Hood to become a Corporate Thug at Def Jam. Cee-Lo, and later... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Dawaun Parker Worked A Lot On Dr. Dre’s Detox. He Says The Concept Is Scrapped (Video)

Within Dr. Dre's inner-circle at Aftermath Entertainment throughout the last 10 years, Dawaun Parker is a key member. The Boston, Massachusetts native who cut his teeth working with artists like T.I. on King would subsequently work alongside guys like Dre, J Dilla, and Eminem on albums by Busta Rhymes, 50... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

ScHoolboy Q Joins Disclosure & Sam Smith To Remix Latch (Audio)

Last year's platinum single "Latch" by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith set the table for further UK Synthpop in 2014. As Sam Smith is currently winning over (and working with) Hip-Hop Heads, Disclosure invited ScHoolboy Q to their party. Groovy Q comes in late on the track to talk to the... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Remember The Knicks’ John Starks? He’s Got A Story To Tell About Biggie Smalls (Video)

From 1990 to 1998, John Starks was a rugged Shooting Guard for the New York Knicks. The same year Starks earned an All-Star nod amidst a New York Knicks push to the top of the Eastern Conference, The Notorious B.I.G released his debut, Ready To Die. By the time Biggie... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Yelawolf Flexes A Very New Sound On His Love Story First Single (Audio)

Yelawolf's hard at work on his third studio solo album, Love Story. In addition to a new look and the motorcycles in lieu of Caprices, the recording for this album has paralleled some personal growth, including an engagement, a return to his Classic Rock roots, and a healthy avoidance of... Read more

September 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Public Enemy Performs One Of Their Earliest, Biggest Hits With The Roots (Video)

While 1988 would be the year Public Enemy's seminal It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, 1987 is integral to the story. That would be the year that the Long Island collective dropped their debut album, Yo! Bum Rush The Show. The album was a homogenous blend... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback