Jacob Koertge

Mike D Of The Beastie Boys Talks The Making Of Sabotage With Spike Jonze & More (Video)

Continuing his conversation with Vanity Fair and following his thoughts on the Tupac and Biggie Smalls feud, Mike D of the Beastie Boys dives into the evolution of Hip-Hop from the 80's into the 90's including the influence of The Arsenio Hall Show, Grunge music, and marijuana culture. He later... Read more

July 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

Warren G Reads Love Letters From President Warren G Harding (Video)

A quintessential example of the West Coast's G-Funk era, California's own Warren G hits the stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live to regulate a few lines from love letters written by a completely different Warren G altogether. No, Warren G isn't creating an alter ego a la Flying Lotus and Captain... Read more

July 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

Discover The Origins Of ONYX Straight From The Source (Audio)

One of the first groups to show the East Coast exactly what wilin' out means was the fearsome foursome known as ONYX. Formed in 1988, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Sonny Seeza, and Big DS would go on to create their critically acclaimed, Def Jam released, debut album, Bacdafucup in '93... Read more

July 31, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson, Schoolboy Q, Vic Mensa & More Blow The Roof Off Peter Palooza III (Video)

Blow out the candles with Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg as the radio personality kicks it behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop for his third birthday bash aptly titled Peter Palooza III. After snapping a few quick pictures with the likes of Chris Rivers, Retch, and... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Who Has Rap’s Biggest Vocabulary On The Hip-Hop Flow Chart?

Remember the intricate infographic that data scientist and Hip-Hop enthusiast Matt Daniels compiled displaying the artists with the biggest vocabularies in the game? Including the likes of the statistically most lyrical wordsmith, Aesop Rock, as well as the Wu-Tang Clan, Drake, Eminem, and Jay-Z, Daniels broke down over 75 artists'... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh

GQ Calls Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy The Best Album Of The 21st Century

GQ recently revealed their 21 best albums of the 21st Century that includes some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and R&B. The man at the top of their list may be no surprise, but the album of choice could be. Selecting Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh

Janelle Monáe Turns Into The Electric Lady (Video)

Earlier this year in an interview with Fuse TV, the soulful Janelle Monáe revealed that she is working on a conceptual project titled, Eephus, and it seems that she plans on taking notes from Beyoncé and releasing it unannounced. "I'm working on a new, cool creative project called 'Eephus'," she... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Your Old Droog Has No Message For You (Audio)

Whether or not you believe that Your Old Droog is Nas, fans will be able to finally unmask the true identity of the relatively unknown MC at Webster Hall in New York City on September 3 with Rast RFC and Timeless Truth. That is, unless he actually shows up in... Read more

July 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mike D Speaks on the Evolution of Violence in Hip-Hop Fueled by the Death Row vs. Bad Boy Feud (Video)

In a recent sit down with Vanity Fair Magazine, Mike D of The Beastie Boys discusses how the Death Row versus Bad Boy feud changed the course of Hip-Hop for all artists, including himself, as they had to learn to navigate in a culture of escalating violence. In part one... Read more

July 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Taylor Bennett Goes Off On A Classic Dr. Dre Beat In Chi-raq Dreamin (Video)

Brother to Chance The Rapper, Taylor Bennett, hits the the booth in Los Angeles' Truth Studios for a lyrical assault from his single "Chi-raq Dreamin" that respectfully takes on production from Dr. Dre and Eminem's definitive 2000 release, "Forgot About Dre." Bennett is tactically precise with his bars and brings... Read more

July 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

REKS, N.O.R.E. & Saigon Pay Homage To Marcus Garvey (Video)

REKS and producer Hazardis Soundz, two weeks removed from the release of their joint album, Eyes Watching God, drop visuals for the single, "Garvey." The title is dedicated to the late Jamaican political leader Marcus Garvey, a prophet in the eyes of the Rastafari, and the track itself opens with... Read more

July 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nicki Minaj Morphs Into Sugilite On Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe (Video)

Cartoon Network has had it's fair share of history with Hip-Hop in it's recent past. Back in 2011, an episode titled "Rap It Up" in the series, Regular Show, featured an animated version of Tyler, the Creator, Childish Gambino, and MC Lyte as a part of a fictional group, CrewCrew,... Read more

July 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Discovers His Third Great Grandmother: Pocahontas

Like Erykah Badu before him, Nas inks up his time slot on PBS' television series, Finding Your Roots, in which the New York born artist traces back his family lineage far beyond the reaches of his own personal discoveries. The host of the show and Harvard professor, Dr. Henry Louis... Read more

July 28, 2014 Fresh

Remember Kanye Rapping At 19? Here’s The Extended Version (Video)

DJ Eclipse recently took some old VHS footage of Kanye West rapping at the young age of 19 and reformatted it for the entire world wide web to see. Now we can revisit the grand opening of Fat Beats and pay respect to its 20 year anniversary once again as... Read more

July 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Is In The Building. Best Pay Attention (Audio)

There never is enough time in the day, especially for a person like Big K.R.I.T., who spends his hours on a lifelong journey to follow his dream as a musician. The latest single from Big K.R.I.T., "Pay Attention," chronicles the life of a man on a mission who realizes he... Read more

July 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

2 Chainz Remakes Michael Jackson’s Thriller Video for Freebase (Video)

On December 2, 1983, arguably one of the most recognized videos of all time was released in the form of the 13 minute music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It was MTV's first ever world premiere and it set a precedent for a future that would change the forefront for... Read more

July 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Leather Corduroys Drop The DaMn Funk With Her (Audio)

As if Chicago wasn't already teeming with enough skilled artists, Kami de Chukwu and Joey Purp are making strides of their own as burgeoning members of the Vic Mensa associated Save Money team. Last April the duo's exploratory project, Porno Music Vol. 2 was leaked earlier than they expected on... Read more

July 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chance The Rapper Was In The Booth With Wyclef Jean, J. Cole, James Blake & More (Audio)

Chance The Rapper, who just yesterday released the sensually charged visuals to his single, "I Am Very, Very Lonely," sits down in an interview with DJ Semtex to discuss his most recent performance in London at The Forum and other festivals and shows worldwide (0:30), working with the young, up... Read more

July 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common & Big Sean Put The Diamonds On Display (Video)

Common and Big Sean are no strangers to one another. Having previously worked together on cuts like Big Sean's "Switch Up," the rappers decide to match up again for Common's No I.D.-produced, "Diamonds." Just three days removed from Common's release of his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, the Chicago artist... Read more

July 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

Punch & Jay Rock Reveal The State Of A Project Mentality (Audio)

It has already been an extremely huge year for T.D.E. and one that has included the release of brand new projects from everybody in the camp. Schoolboy Q, Isaiah Rashad, Ab-Soul, and SZA have already released their work while many are waiting in the wings for upcoming albums from Jay... Read more

July 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Stalley Gives the Summer Some On One For The $ (Audio)

The summer is halfway gone, but it's still heating up. In just a few days, DJ S.WHiT of SiriusXM and DJ Base of SKEE Music will add fuel to the fire with the release their collaborative mixtape Give The Summer Some and today they leak a teaser track with Stalley... Read more

July 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cookin Soul Introduces Action Bronson To Charles Bronson (Audio)

Grammy Award winning producers Cookin Soul have delivered a completely fresh and simultaneously old rehashing of Action Bronson's single "Get Off My P.P." Action released the song over four years ago as part of his mini two tracked project Bon Appetit, and as the original video proves, he has definitely... Read more

July 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cormega Knows If It’s Not Bringing In Dollars, It’s Not Making Sense In The Industry (Video)

What makes dollars doesn't always make sense. Cormega, who was introduced to the culture as a part of the Nas constructed super group The Firm, takes his time to eloquently explain his beliefs about the money grubbing customs of the "Industry" that take away from the art and instead focus... Read more

July 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Apollo Brown Makes A Beat On The Spot In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Apollo Brown, the Detroit native who grew up in a family that listened to the Seals and Crofts far before he was spinning J Dilla, hits The Record Graveyard in his hometown and randomly selects three vinyls to sample for an improvised beat on Mass Appeal's series Rhythm Roulette. On... Read more

July 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson & Meyhem Lauren Kick A Freestyle At Peter Rosenberg’s Birthday Bash (Video)

In celebration of Peter Rosenberg's day of birth, Action Bronson and Meyhem Lauren hit the stage at Best Buy Theater for some never before heard bars over Mobb Deep's Alchemist produced single, "The Realest." With some decent footage behind it, fans get to hear some stellar lyricism that was once... Read more

July 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

After Over 20 Years The Dilated Peoples Are Still Finding Focus (Video)

Dilated Peoples, comprised of DJ Babu, Rakaa, and Evidence, formed together in 1992 and have gone through some turmoil between themselves and their mainstream label affiliation with Capitol Records throughout their 20 plus years in Hip-Hop. But the group has grown since those days and without the struggle, we may... Read more

July 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Freeway & The Jacka Bake Some Cherry Pie With Freddie Gibbs & Jynx (Video)

Last April, Freeway finished his Broken Ankles project with Girl Talk and The Jacka recently wrapped up work on One Hunnid with Messy Marv and Blanco. Needless to say, the two have been quite busy this year. After last year's release of their previous collaborative mixtape, Write My Wrongs, the... Read more

July 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Golden Age Stories From Black Sheep Dres Receive A Comedic Twist (Video)

The free form style of improv in the comedic world could easily be compared to the off the top freestyles of Hip-Hop. Both art forms are blended together when Black Sheep Dres hits the stage in New York City in a far different capacity than many are used to, telling... Read more

July 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get Your Hips Moving With Slimkid3 & DJ Nu-Mark In Bom Bom Fiya (Video)

Two artists bred straight out of what many consider Hip-Hop's Golden Era, Jurassic 5's DJ Nu-Mark and Slimkid3 of The Pharcyde have been working closely in preparation of the release of their second collaborative effort aptly titled, Slimkid3 & DJ Nu-Mark. Set to release the double vinyl LP on Delicious... Read more

July 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Preview A$AP Rocky’s Rise To Fame In Upcoming Documentary SVDDXNLY (Video)

It's clear now why A$AP Rocky and the rest of the Mob decided on their acronym, "Always Strive and Prosper," as the young Harlem based artistic collective have done nothing but that since their entrance into the limelight a few short years ago. Unbeknownst to Rocky at the time, a... Read more

July 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

See The Dark Side Of Twista In Devil’s Angel (Audio)

In a day where Common debuted his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, fellow Chicago artist Twista rings some bells of his own with the cut, "Devil's Angel." Twista is literally mounting the back of something sinister with his upcoming album, Dark Horse, and the track itself by delivering his quintessential... Read more

July 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Find Out What Tracks Inspire Black Hippy’s Ab-Soul (Audio)

Ab-Soul, who recently released his third studio album These Days, sits down with Red Bull Music Academy for almost an hour for their Headphone Highlights series to discuss the tracks that inspired him to embark on a career in music. Taking the listener on an audible journey through cuts from... Read more

July 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Listen To Common & No ID Discuss Nobody’s Smiling However You Like (Video)

After over two decades in the game, Common releases his tenth studio album, Nobody's Smiling, to the masses today. Already receiving quite a positive buzz within the community, the Chicago themed project features exclusive production from longtime friend No ID as well as numerous artists including Jhene Aiko, Big Sean,... Read more

July 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

Murs and ¡Mayday! Hit The Church In A Brand New Get Up (Video)

Murs and ¡Mayday! have already released a slew of videos from their recently released collaborative project, Mursday, and the trio continues that trend today with the unveiling of their visuals to the cut, "Brand New Get Up." Fully dressed in traditional garb and pounding pulls from the whiskey bottle, the... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nipsey Hussle & Kobe Bryant Speak At Trayvon Martin’s Peace Walk & Peace Talk (Video)

In the wake of the tragedy of Trayvon Martin's death over two years ago, the family of the young man hosted a "Peace Walk & Peace Talk" in Los Angeles through the Trayvon Martin Foundation that was created in memory of their son. The event itself was graced with the... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

YG Has A Krazy Life, But Today He’s Bicken Back Being Bool (Video)

YG's music is representative of that bump you feel in the bass when your speakers are on full blast and the young artist's West Coast sounds continue that trend by taking over the club scene with hit makers like the Billboard charting monster cut, "My Nigga," and the piano spotted,... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Estelle Won’t Accept Defeat. She’s A Conquerer (Video)

Estelle, who is anticipating the release of her upcoming album True Romance November 4, takes her latest visuals to the TV screen as she premieres the video to her single, "Conqueror," on VH1 earlier this morning. The London born songstress, rapper, and producer utilizes her powerful vocals for the uplifting,... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

View The Evolution Of Cormega In Mega Philosophy (Album Stream)

In merely a few hours, New York's own Cormega will officially release his LP, Mega Philosophy, to the masses July 22. Take a listen to MARS (Dream Team), featuring AZ, Redman and Styles P, below. The 11 track project itself, which is streaming for free on DJBooth, is entirely produced... Read more

July 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Never Skips A Beat On Sway’s 5 Fingers of Death (Video)

Common stops by the Shade 45 Studio to kick it with Sway Calloway and his team for the third year anniversary of their top of the morning radio syndicate. In this episode, Sway gets Common's take on a few popular entertainment news stories, talks about his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling... Read more

July 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

B.o.B. Is Best Seen In Threes (Video)

B.o.B. drops three videos from his recently released mixtape, No Genre Pt. 2 via MTV. His video for "The Nation" features Atlanta's 16 year old up and comer Jake Lambo and follows the wordsmiths through the sunlit city streets of Boston. After you watch their East Coast takeover, be sure... Read more

July 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

A Candid Look At Hip-Hop From Around The World In B+’s Ghostnotes (Video)

Brian "B+" Cross, who is the talented, Dublin born photographer known for his work on a myriad of album covers, recently previewed his series Ghostnotes at the Unsung Heroes of the American West event last April. The snapshots take a candid look back at some of Hip-Hop's biggest names around... Read more

July 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beyoncé Leads In 2014 MTV VMA Nominations, But Who’s Going Home A Winner?

This year's 2014 MTV VMA Awards are just around the corner. When the show kicks off in Los Angeles on August 24 at The Forum, fans should be ready to hear a lot from Beyoncé, Eminem, and Iggy Azalea as the trio have been nominated for 7 awards apiece and... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh

Play The Xylaphone With Tinashe & David Andrew Sitek (Audio)

Rising R&B songstress Tinashe mashes up with TV on the Radio's David Sitek for their latest single, "Xylaphone." The cut is hosted by Dr. Pepper's One Of A Kind Recording Session to bring this smooth, humming Electronic single together. Tinashe, who is set to debut her first studio album Aquarius... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Time Travel To ’96 & See Kanye West Rapping At Fat Beats In New York (Video)

From the under belly of Hip-Hop history rises an unreleased video of a youthful, 19 year old Kanye West rapping at the grand opening of Fat Beats Record shop in New York City back in August of 1996. The video comes just a few months before the release of fellow... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jeremih, Shlohmo & Chance The Rapper Take You To The End With No More EP (Audio)

Def Jam recording artist Jeremih unveils his most recent collaborative EP, No More, with Los Angeles area Electronic and Hip-Hop producer, Shlohmo. It's been over a year since the duo released their single, "Bo Peep (Do U Right)," and now they are back for more. The EP itself boasts a... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bas Heads To Paris From JFK To Charles de Gaulle (Video)

When Bas met future label mate J. Cole, he became the first rapper outside of his friends to compliment him on his abilities and went on to sign him as one of the first artists on Dreamville Records. That was in 2009. Bas went on to release a few successful... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

The-Dream Wants To Talk To You About Culture (Video)

A few weeks removed from his incredibly powerful visuals for his single "Black," singer/songwriter The-Dream dives into a story of taking a girl around the world with his latest music video, "Culture." Whether intentional or not, the video itself could be a deeper foundational representation of our culture today as... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Watch Out. Kwamie Liv Is Comin THRU (Audio)

Little is known about the well traveled artist Kwamie Liv, but we do know that Liv hails from Denmark and according to Pigeons & Planes, she has previously settled in Zambia, Turkey, Sweden, South Africa, Kenya, Ireland, and Bangladesh. Today, the beautiful songstress releases the pulsating, Trap infused, radio ready... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cam’ron Is Gearing Up For The 1st Of The Month With 2 Leaks (Audio)

It's only halfway til the beginning of August and Cam'ron is dropping singles heavy in anticipation of the second installment of his 1st Of The Month EP series. Premiered by Funkmaster Flex earlier today, Cam'ron adds Nicki Minaj and fellow female artist Yummy for the light, spirited reprise of his... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fabolous Paints A Picture Of Sacrifices (Video)

Fabolous, the man who jump started his career in '01 with popular singles like "Can't Deny It" and "Young'n (Holla Back)," understands what it takes to make it in the industry. The Def Jam recording artist depicts some of life's struggles in visuals to his cut, "Sacrifices." Falling off his... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video