Parfit

Newcomers A.Dd+’s song Slow Tempo is pretty ill. It’s got a jazzy, Freestyle Fellowship feel to it.

The flow and tempo of the track change up throughout to keep it interesting but it stays on point. Click here to download. Here's some of that Freestyle Fellowship for you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6zH6uMyU9c... Read more

March 9, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

Wiz Khalifa has been on a bit of a pop tip recently. The Race takes it back to that cool, laid back soulful flow that he had on Kush & OJ.

Click here to download.... Read more

March 8, 2011 Audio

Reks keeps dropping hot ish. This time it’s the video for Cigarettes ft Lil Fame from the mighty M.O.P. and Attica Barz.

Reks graced us with the free stream to his album. If you liked it, click here to buy it. Support good music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upaiw6VMRYs&feature=player_embedded... Read more

March 8, 2011 Video

The Kid Daytona shows some love to the West Coast by spitting on one of Dr. Dre’s classic Chronic beats.

And he brought Freddie Gibbs to keep it Gangsta. Check out the video for Bang! Here's that Chronic intro track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uZxhtavYyw... Read more

March 8, 2011 The Bridge, Video

Pharoahe Monch had a strong return with the song Clap a few months ago. Here’s the video.

It's not your everyday visual though. Pharoahe laces us with a 10-min short film. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VG_iDZbSZ3I&feature=player_embedded#at=205... Read more

March 8, 2011 Video

Need some new Jay Electronica in your life?

Not yet...but here's a behind the scenes video that gives you a taste of the vibe of the album. Sounds special. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dORsV0pG5hY&feature=player_embedded... Read more

March 8, 2011 Video

I really dug this Naledge joint Make It Happen when it dropped last year.

The video is just as laid back and cool as the track. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/19368123 Click here to download.... Read more

March 7, 2011 Video

Kooley High are retro in name, sound and visuals. They actually spend some time in a record store in their video for All Day…

And they're an integrated collective--black, white, male, female. Kinda dope. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/20546466... Read more

March 7, 2011 Video

There have been some clips floating around for a DJ set where DJ Premier and Pete Rock went head to head…Now you can see the whole thing.

This one is 2 hours long, but it's a music lover's dream. It features everything from old soul classics to MJ joint to classic hip-hop. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/20735183... Read more

March 7, 2011 Video

Ever see Rhyme & Reason? After nearly 15 years it still stands as one of the best films ever on hip-hop. Watch the whole movie here.

It takes a comprehensive look at hip-hop THE CULTURE through the words of some of the best rappers to advance it: Nas, Biggie, Pac, KRS-One, Q-Tip, RZA, Ice-T, MC Eiht, Pharcyde, Lauryn Hill, Dr. Dre...It doesn't stop.... Read more

March 6, 2011 TV/Film, Video

How dope has The Roots being on Jimmy Fallon been for live hip-hop on TV?? Lupe Fiasco is the latest beneficiary.

Check out his performance of The Show Goes On.... Read more

March 5, 2011 Video

Planet Asia has been putting in work for more than a decade but dude has never gotten his deserved props.

He, Zion I and Rascoe have always repped hard for the Cali underground. He's back with another banger--the soulful Boiler Makers. Respect. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWYfsCt6nic&feature=player_embedded Planet Asia was also featured on one of my favorite joints of 2000, Critical. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l3EHv6r38k... Read more

March 5, 2011 The Bridge, Video

Speaking of Ghostface, here’s a New World (Au)der for his album Apollo Kids where we re-arrange the tracks for your listening pleasure.

NEW WORLD (AU)DER: GHOSTFACE KILLAH "APOLLO KIDS" If this cat doesn't go down as one of the all time greats when its all said and done, then all future hip hop folklore will indeed be flawed. Ghostface's Apollo Kids is full of SURPRISING features, which I've seen leave a bad... Read more

March 5, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought

Action Bronson reminds me a lot of Ghostface Killah…in a good way.

The song is called Barry Horowitz. Peep his voice, flow and subject matter. The resemblance is kinda bugged, but the track is hot. Click here to download.... Read more

March 5, 2011 Audio

Phil Ade was a big oversight on the 2011 XXL Freshman list. Check out his video for Break Me Off.

This is the latest installment of #philadefriday. The track is a monster too. It chops up N.E.R.D.'s Love Bomb quite nicely. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BOKgUBr6Ik&feature=player_embedded#at=169 Here's N.E.R.D.'s Love Bomb. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XshKOJHr1yE... Read more

March 5, 2011 The Bridge, Video

Complex has been killing the game with their compilations, lately. This week it’s their ranking of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop magazine covers of all time.

In the past, it was the 25 best Kanye West verses of 2010 and DJ Premier's breakdown of 38 of his classic cuts. Whether you agree or not with their picks and rankings, it's great food for thought and a cool stroll down memory lane. Here's an example of... Read more

March 4, 2011 Food for Thought

XV’s All For Me ft Cyhi Da Prynce, Vado & Erin Christine is a good way to bounce into your weekend.

Check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNffdPRbKkU... Read more

March 4, 2011 Video

Pusha T jumps on the Put It Down track. His version is Cook It Down.

Boi-1da can't be mad at having Bun B, Drake and Pusha spit on his track. Click here to download.... Read more

March 4, 2011 Audio

I got a story to tell…This week’s playlist is dedicated to the art of storytelling in rhymes. Many have witty punch lines, but a rare few have the ability to tell a full and engaging story over 48 bars and 3 hooks. You know the names: Nas, Biggie, Slick Rick, Eminem, KRS-One, Ice Cube, Snoop, Lupe, Kanye…Press play, sit back and here’s a little story…

Not just a bunch of rhymes dedicated to a theme, but true narratives...... Read more

March 3, 2011 Audio, Playlists

Kendrick Lamar got his XXL Freshman shine on yesterday. Today, it’s Yelawolf’s turn.

Check out his a capella flow on celluloid.... Read more

March 3, 2011 Video

Here’s a nice track from a producer named Side Effekt. No words, just cool beats.

If you spit, you might wanna get on this. It's called The Essence. Click here to download.... Read more

March 3, 2011 Audio

Lil Wayne’s 6’7′ video riffs on the movie Inception. It’s pretty cool visually.

Also, if you missed it, here's a pretty cool interpretation of the movie.... Read more

March 3, 2011 Video

Reks has been MURDERING new tracks by legends like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, The Alchemist and more lately.

His new album also features tracks from other hot cats like Statik Selektah, Hi-Tek and Nottz. Now you can preview the whole album. Click here to buy Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme. Reks 'Rhythmatic Eternal King Supreme' by Brick Records... Read more

March 3, 2011 Audio

Pharoahe Monch, Styles P and Phonte…get ready for Black Hand Side.

This is vintage--hot track #2 from Pharoahe Monch's upcoming W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) album. Don't get TOO excited about Phonte though. He's singing, not rapping but he sounds good. Click here to download.... Read more

March 3, 2011 Audio

Didn’t mean to leave Dom Kennedy off that list of new West Coast G’s…

Check out this behind the scenes video of him at the Key Club in LA. It's worth it just for the James Brown soundtrack accompanying it. http://vimeo.com/20543445 Speaking of the Godfather of Soul, here are some more classics of his that have shaped the sound of hip-hop. At 55 seconds:... Read more

March 2, 2011 The Bridge

Kendrick Lamar is definitely one of my favorites of the 2011 Freshmen.

He, Terrace Martin, TiRon and Chuwee are part of a new generation of West Coast MCs that are worthy of taking the torch from the OGs. Check out this video from XXL where Kendrick spits some a capella fire.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Video

Lil Wayne kinda kills his verse on Kelly Rowland’s new song Motivation.

The vibe has a sexy "Lollipop" feel to it. The verse starts at 2:58, but the track is worth a listen. Click here to download.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Audio

Sir Michael Rocks drops a heat rock. This one is the remix to BatPhone ft Smoke DZA.

See what I mean about The Cool Kids being on their grind? Check it out. Click here to download.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Audio

The Cool Kids have been GRINDING lately. Here’s a new video for Free Throws.

Check it out.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Video

Kidz in the Hall drop their latest Brain Candy edition. The song is called Dream On ft Smoke DZA and Curt@!n$.

As usual, it's solid. Click here to download and here for the video teaser.... Read more

March 2, 2011 Audio

Trademark Da Skydiver and Young Roddy riff on Erykah Badu’s Window Seat track with Pilot Seats.

It's a good look, especially if you like Ms. Badu's version. Curren$y's JETS crew is starting to come up. Click here to download. The original and remix versions of Window Seat were 2 of the doper videos from last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hVp47f5YZg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmIOSRmplsc... Read more

March 2, 2011 Audio, The Bridge, Video

Terrace Martin and Big Snoop Dogg come with that West Coast G-Funk–2011 style.

This is the best #puffpuffpasstuesdays release...BY FAR. Check out Keep Going. Click here to download. Everybody knows Snoop's classics from the 90's but he's quietly had some bangers in the 00's too...like this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zzh4dnjk0R4... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

It seems Saigon has more great stories to tell. Check out this bonus cut from the album called On My Way.

Click here to download.... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio

Need some more Sir Michael Rocks? Check him out with Curren$y and Tabi Bonney.

The track is called Fly Out (pt. tres). Pure flame. Click here to download.... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio

Speaking of solo joints, here’s some new heat from Rapper Big Pooh.

Phonte and 9th Wonder have been getting a fair amount of shine as of late. It's good to see the big man back in the game too. The song is called Freebasin'. Click here to download. If you missed this early Phonte and 9th Wonder jam (their first) it is... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio

Here’s another Cool Kids side project. This time it’s Sir Michael Rocks on the solo tip.

Check out the video for Coochie Crook: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrZy9KXLrZQ&feature=player_embedded#at=115 If you missed them, here are some of those other projects.... Read more

March 1, 2011 Video

Chuwee has been super solid in 2011. My Place is no exception.

He kicks dope rhymes over a vintage Teddy Pendergrass track. What's not to like? Click here to download. And if you missed them, click here for those other Chuwee joints. Here's the Teddy track: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDkcpQJZbik... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

My Hu$$le by Dee Goodz is a cool hybrid. He spits over one of Aaliyah’s best tracks using Jay-Z’s flow from Can’t Knock The Hustle.

The track also features Casey Veggies and Young Scolla. Check it out. Click here to download. Here are the Aaliyah and Jay-Z joints: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5AAcgtMjUI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96sFW-3vGv4... Read more

March 1, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

New Bun B video for his song Gladiator off Trill O.G. Nuff said…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn5pbLR9gKU&feature=player_embedded... Read more

February 28, 2011 Video

DaVinci took Kanye’s Blame Game beat and made it his own.

It's a very different take on the track but very cool. Check out the video. http://vimeo.com/20461421 Here's the original. The sample starts at 1:40. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFXJw7n-fU&feature=player_embedded... Read more

February 28, 2011 Video

Sha Stimuli keeps it on the conscious tip with Wake Up & Go, his tribute to the natural beauty of black women.

Check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqrmBByBapo&feature=player_embedded The spirit of this song kinda reminds me of these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzDMHcxFGbE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTR-9VuwVjo And on the neosoul tip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mq86e4Fhja0... Read more

February 28, 2011 The Bridge, Video

9th Wonder’s new group Actual Proof dropped a really dope project called The Talented Tenth on MLK’s birthday.

Here's a video from the project called The X Factor. It's good to hear diversity in hip-hop again. http://vimeo.com/20426709 If you missed the album, click here.... Read more

February 28, 2011 Video

The life and times of Shawn Carter…flow-wise. Check out this video of Jay-Z breaking down the evolution of his rhyme-style.

Jay-Z fans have no doubt heard the evolution of his style over the years. While he would often display several styles over the course of an album, he tended to have dominant styles that manifested themselves more than others over certain eras. When he started he primarily had the same... Read more

February 28, 2011 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Big K.R.I.T. was definitely deserving of the XXL Freshman look. He’s just beginning.

Here's the first leak from his upcoming album Returnof4eva. The song is called Dreamin'. It's more everyday struggle, reality rap. Click here to download. Here's what K.R.I.T. had to say about Dreamin': This is the 1st leak of my new Album “Returnof4eva” (artwork by Eric Bailey) The song is called... Read more

February 28, 2011 Audio

Raekwon and Nas go IN on Rich & Black.

Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang is sounding like it's going to be the Chef's best album since Only Built For Cuban Linx (the first one...). Click here to download.... Read more

February 28, 2011 Audio

Mos Def and Kanye West freestyling over Dilla beats?! Does it get any better?

This happened at a Lupe Fiasco show at Blue Note. Dudes just kicking real ish and rocking a party, taking hip-hop back to its essence. 7 min of dopeness. Click here to download. I wasn't there but I imagine the energy was something like this (without the bboys): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOzd5THVKk4 Click... Read more

February 28, 2011 Audio, The Bridge

King Mez and Khrysis have been dropping some hot joints lately. Here’s the whole mixtape, The King’s Khrysis.

Technically, it's a FreEP...whatever you call it, it's definitely worth the space on your hard drive. There's even a song with the mighty Phonte. Listen to the whole album and download below: Download Mixtape... Read more

February 28, 2011 Audio, Mixes

You’ve heard Wiz Khalifa’s Roll Up. Here’s a sneak preview of the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miQHEBW57bE... Read more

February 27, 2011 Video

There’s been a lot of chatter about the XXL Freshman class of 2011 but what about the alumni?

One of the most enigmatic of those chosen by XXL as one of its 2009 freshmen is Charles Hamilton. Omar Akil takes a look at the talented Mr. Hamilton and let's the man speak for himself (through his lyrics). Check it out: I'm not sure what to make of the... Read more

February 27, 2011 Food for Thought

De La Soul fans know that the Art Official Intelligence series is one of the best in hip-hop.

The talented trio have announced they´re dropping a 3rd in the series this summer. Check out what they had to say about it: De La Soul Interview from PEDESTRIAN.TV on Vimeo. In case you haven´t heard the first 2 in a while, here is a mini-playlist with a couple of... Read more

February 26, 2011 Audio, Playlists, Video