Parfit

Outkast Turned Down a Super Bowl Performance & It’s Ms. Jackson Who’s Sorry

Big Boi was a guest this week on ESPN's The Dan Le Batard Show. As he's done in the past, he made predictions about this week's NFL match ups but, in between the sports talk, he made a revelation about something that could have changed Super Bowl history. Halfway through... Read more

November 5, 2015 News

Your Old Droog Shows Why He Looks Back to Move Hip-Hop Forward (Video)

Over the last year, Your Old Droog has carved out a lane that is reminiscent of 90s-era New York Hip-Hop, but which is distinctly contemporary. Droog's cadence is influenced by predecessors like Kool G Rap and Nas, but his subject matter and wry sense of humor have allowed him to... Read more

November 1, 2015 Video

These Pictures Show Where Iconic Hip-Hop Album Covers Were Photographed

Earlier this year, Mass Appeal put together an amazing gallery of pictures that showed the locations where some of the most iconic album covers in Hip-Hop were photographed. That collection showed the real-life settings for the artwork for Nas' Illmatic, Ice Cube's Amerikkka's Most Wanted, LL Cool J's Bad and... Read more

November 1, 2015 Fresh

As Law Enforcer Violence Against Black Citizens Escalates, Talib Kweli Asks Which Side Are You On? (Video)

It's been nearly three years since Trayvon Martin was killed by George Zimmerman. Since then attacks on Black citizens by law enforcement officers (or, in Zimmerman's case, those fancying themselves as such) have continued, seemingly without cessation. The latest such incident happened just this week, when footage of a South... Read more

October 29, 2015 Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Rapsody Slice Up a 9th Wonder Beat With That Guillotine Flow (Audio)

Two of Hip-Hop's top lyricists in Big. K.R.I.T. and Rapsody have linked again to paint a precise picture over a 9th Wonder canvas. This is not Rap and K.R.I.T.'s first rodeo together, as the pair linked on Rapsody's She Got Game gem, "Lonely Thoughts," also featuring Chance The Rapper. As... Read more

October 26, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear This 1996 Nas & Cormega Cypher? (Audio)

Nas and Cormega have been linked for more than 20 years, ever since Nasir shouted out Mega on Illmatic's "One Love" in 1994. Although the two would go on to have a rift that was eventually resolved, their microphone alchemy was always undeniable. This was, perhaps, never more apparent than... Read more

October 24, 2015 Throwback

Ty Dolla $ign is a Great Songwriter. He Joins Forces With Babyface, One of the Best Ever, on Solid (Video)

Ty Dolla $ign has quickly shown himself to be one of the most talented songwriters of his class. In addition to writing smashes for Kanye West, Chris Brown, Trey Songz, YG and Wiz Khalifa. He's also dominated the charts with his own hits like the ubiquitous "Paranoid." But, how does... Read more

October 23, 2015 Video

Chris Rivers Has That Medicine for Heads That Have Been Hurting From Wack Hip-Hop (Mixtape)

2015 has been the year that Chris Rivers has stepped out of the shadow of being Big Pun's son and shown the world he shines on his own. For the last few months, Rivers has owned Fridays with a series of blistering freestyles and videos. While many of his weekly... Read more

October 23, 2015 Mixes

Hit-Boy & James Fauntleroy Flip Shanice’s Smile Into a Frown (Video)

Back in 1991, Shanice released "I Love Your Smile" one of the happiest songs released until..."Happy." The song was instantly catchy and, inculcated by its title, put a smile on even the maddest of faces. Now, reigning beatmaker Hit-Boy (Kanye West, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce) has released a song... Read more

October 23, 2015 Audio

Adele Makes Her Triumphant Return With a Powerful New Video Co-Starring Mack Wilds

By the end of 2011 and well into 2012, it was nearly impossible to escape Adele. The powerhouse UK singer had permeated pop culture in a way that seemed impossible in the days of infinite distractions and niches. However, her no frills demeanor, painfully honest songs and deeply penetrating voice... Read more

October 23, 2015 Video

The Weeknd & Eminem Use Virtual Reality to Show Just How Explosive Their Remix Is (Video)

Earlier this month, a remix of The Weeknd's smash "The Hills" surfaced with a verse from Eminem. That version was quickly pulled and all that remained were sped up, slowed down and otherwise altered versions. Now, The Weekend has dropped the official release, and he's upped the ante by making... Read more

October 20, 2015 Video

Planet Asia Wages War Against Major Record Companies & Spares No Hostages (Video)

Planet Asia has been a West Coast Hip-Hop staple for the better part of 20 years. Although the Fresno, California veteran was once signed to the major label, Interscope Records, he did not release an album while with the company and, instead, has earned his stripes as an independent artist.... Read more

October 19, 2015 Video

Big Daddy Kane Celebrates Macklemore For Working With Hip-Hop’s Pioneers (Video)

One of the more polarizing occurrences in Hip-Hop this year has been Macklemore's song "Downtown." Since his massive ascension in 2012, the Seattle MC has had both passionate supporters and vitriolic haters, with little in between. The divide was only heightened when Macklemore won the 2014 Grammy Award for Best... Read more

October 19, 2015 Video

The Game & Scarface Make a Record So Real About Tupac It Hurts (Audio)

On Friday (10/16), The Game released The Documentary 2.5, the second installment of the sequel to his debut album. Far from leftovers, the album stands as one of Game's best bodies of work in his career. With contributions from Nas, DJ Quik, Busta Rymes, Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q and more,... Read more

October 18, 2015 Audio

Eddie Murphy Explains Why He Refused to Mock Bill Cosby on SNL 40 (Video)

Earlier in the year, Saturday Night Live celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary on air with a multi-hour mega special. The episode featured performances by Kanye West, a who's who list of celebrity appearances and the return of many of SNL's most successful alumni. For many, one of the most anticipated... Read more

October 14, 2015 News

Logic Reflects On How Far He’s Come With Gratitude in a Dazzling Lyrical Display (Audio)

In an era that has de-emphasized lyricism in favor of big tracks and even bigger hooks, Logic is an outlier. The Gaithersburg, Maryland MC has distinguished himself with rapid-fire, complex wordplay that often also includes an autobiographical message. Despite his boyish looks, he's endured unthinkable hardships from watching his father... Read more

October 14, 2015 Audio

Yasiin Bey & Robert Glasper Perform De La Soul’s Stakes Is High (Video)

Concert-going Heads know, rarely are two Yasiin Bey shows the same. The MC formerly known as mighty Mos Def can do Hip-Hop sets, singing sets, and often weave in Dancehall to his live show—and that's when he's not playing support to Gorillaz, doing Black Star dates, or trying his hand... Read more

October 13, 2015 Video

A Tribe Called Quest Release a Groovy Remix to Bonita Applebum Produced By Pharrell (Audio)

Although "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo" was the first single from A Tribe Called Quest's seminal album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, for many, it was "Bonita Applebum," the second release from the LP, that announced Tribe's arrival. The lush RAMP (Roy Ayers Music Project)... Read more

October 13, 2015 Audio

Game Over! Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q & Game Bang On Wax Like Their Lives Depend On It (Audio)

For the last few years, many have said there has been a resurgence in West Coast Hip-Hop. They have attributed the renaissance to artists like Y.G., Problem, Nipsey Hussle and the 4-man Black Hippy tandem of Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. While those artists have certainly been... Read more

October 11, 2015 Audio

Keith Murray Apologizes For His Poor Battle Against Fredro Starr & Says He Was on Meds (Video)

Earlier this week, Keith Murray and Fredro Starr battled at Brooklyn, New York’s Milk River. The battle was over a year in the making, having already been postponed once. When the event finally did take place, fans were incensed by what they viewed as a completely one-sided performance, in favor... Read more

October 11, 2015 Video

Redman, Keith Murray & Erick Sermon Have a Hip Hop Awards Cypher

The BET Hip Hop Awards are taking place tonight (10/9) in Atlanta, and will air on Tuesday, October 13 at 8pm. This year's event is once again being hosted by Uncle Snoop Dogg, and Scarface will be presented the "I Am Hip Hop" Award, honoring his 25-year legacy. As always,... Read more

October 9, 2015 Video

Talib Kweli & Rapsody Raise Fists Not Arms on “Every Ghetto” (Audio)

Earlier this week, Talib Kweli premiered a new song on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, that featured Rapsody and a production by Hi-Tek. "Every Ghetto" is loud and proud and carries a message of strength, frustration and revolution. Now, they have released the studio-recorded version and its themes are... Read more

October 9, 2015 Audio

Jadakiss & Swizz Beatz’s Chemistry Is Scary Like Jason (Audio)

For more than 15 years, Jadakiss and Swizz Beatz have had an undeniable sonic chemistry. The 2 first linked on N.O.R.E.'s 1998 headbanger, "Banned From TV," and their alliance has been solidified over the years with staples like The LOX's riotous anthem, "Wild Out." Despite the alchemy they've generated, they... Read more

October 9, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Is Performing Several Dates With Jay Rock and a Full Band (Video)

Over the last few years, Kendrick Lamar has been on the road performing as much as any artist in Hip-Hop. In 2013, alone, the Compton MC did well over 100 tour dates. Generally, K. Dot has toured with a DJ and occasionally a small accompaniment, saving his performances with a... Read more

October 9, 2015 News

Eminem Says Tupac “Was a Superstar in Every Aspect of the Word,” In a Moving Tribute

Since he was teenager, Eminem has felt a special bond with Tupac. The young Marshall Mathers grew up idolizing the immortalized MC and, years later as a well-established artist and producer, Em would have the opportunity to produce an album full of Tupac material. Thus, it was fitting that Paper... Read more

October 8, 2015 News

The Game’s New Album May Be The Most Star-Studded Ever. Here’s The Tracklist for The Documentary 2.5

After months of anticipation, The Game is releasing The Documentary 2, the sequel to his heralded debut album, tonight at midnight (EST). As reported earlier, however, this will just be the first in a 1-2 punch combination. The Game also will release The Documentary 2.5 exactly a week later. With... Read more

October 8, 2015 News

Long Before KRS-One Stepped to PM Dawn, Melle Mel Bumrushed Him On Stage (Video)

Last night, TV and radio personality Sway was a guest for the second time on FOX's series Empire, and he made an inside reference for Hip-Hop Heads, regarding KRS-One and PM Dawn. Fans of KRS undoubtedly recognized Sway's passing comment as a nod to an infamous incident in 1993 when... Read more

October 8, 2015 Video

10 Things You May Not Know About Redman. This Quiz Will Stump Even His Biggest Fan.

As Redman's infamous episode of Cribs revealed, he is a man that has nothing to hide. Reggie Noble is who he is, take it or leave it. However, that does not mean there isn't plenty to learn about one of the most consistent MCs in Hip-Hop for the last 25... Read more

October 7, 2015 Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & Raury Deliver Some Forbidden Knowledge & Issue a Wake Up Call (Audio)

Over the last few months, Raury has quietly been breaking down barriers in Hip-Hop. He has re-defined the notion of what Southern Rap is "supposed" to sound like and he's embedded his music with deeper thoughts than those typically purveyed on mainstream radio. Whether political or personal, his moves have... Read more

October 7, 2015 Audio

The Music of Bun B, Pimp C and B.B. King Comes Together in a Mashup From Kingz (Audio)

Last month, Amerigo Gazaway, the producer behind the amazing Yasiin Gaye project which blended the sounds of Yasiin Bey (fka Mos Def) and Marvin Gaye, announced that his newest mashup LP would feature the songs of UGK and B.B. King. Like Yasiin Gaye, B.B. & The Underground Kingz: The Trill... Read more

October 7, 2015 Audio

The DJ Premier & DOOM Collaboration Is Almost Here & Black Thought Is Joining the PRhyme Party

DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9" and Adrian Younge's PRhyme collaboration is the gift that keeps on giving. The album, which featured vocals by Royce and production by Preemo, using samples of Younge's music, was released to critical acclaim near the end of 2014. It featured guest verses from Common, Jay... Read more

October 7, 2015 News

Kendrick Lamar Says He Would Not Be Here Today If It Was Not For Eazy-E

Over the years, much has been made of Kendrick Lamar's affinity for Tupac Shakur. The Compton MC often has discussed the impact seeing Dr. Dre and Pac filming the video for "California Love" had on him as a young child, and he even constructed an intricate "conversation" between Tupac and... Read more

October 6, 2015 News

Clubhouse Is As Soulful As Mac Miller Has Ever Sounded. There’s Something in the Water (Video)

Throughout his 8-year career, Mac Miller has consistently shown himself to take risks. Whether it was radically re-inventing his sound and image or taking on billionaires and presidential hopefuls, Miller has been unafraid. His sonic spectrum has moved from pop, to psychedelic and now the needle has settled into a... Read more

October 6, 2015 Video

Joey Bada$$ & Dessy Hinds Drop an Ill Bomb on a 2K15 LL Cool J Throwback (Audio)

By September of 2000, LL Cool J was approaching the end of what would be a nearly 20-year run of Hip-Hop dominance. The 32-year old Cool J asserted his reign on the throne with the release of the album G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All-Time). The album would become LL's first and... Read more

October 6, 2015 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″ & Logic Rain 7 Minutes of Lyrical Armageddon Over DJ Premier’s Magic (Audio)

In July, PRhyme, the collective of DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9" and Adrian Younge, released a new track titled "Mode" that was included on the soundtrack for the Forest Whitaker and Jake Gyllenhaal led boxing film, Southpaw. The song featured Logic and was a 2 minute and 49 second lyrical... Read more

October 6, 2015 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of September 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

As the Fall set in, the hot Hip-Hop continued to flow. September brought not one, but two songs from the elusive DOOM, one of LL Cool J's strongest verses in years, a power collabo between Nas and Scarface, an unreleased track from Jay Electronica, Redman's release from his forthcoming album... Read more

October 5, 2015 Mixes

Michael Bivins Discusses New Edition’s 30-Year History and Their Upcoming Film (Video)

In 1982, New Edition won a talent show in their hometown of Boston, MA that would lead to a 30+ year career that spawned spinoffs and birthed a new generation of boy groups. In many ways Michael Bivins would prove to be the group's nucleus, as their business leader. He... Read more

October 4, 2015 Video

Anderson .Paak Details the Joy DJ Premier & Dr. Dre Had Working Together (Video)

When Dr. Dre released Compton, his first solo album since 1999, one of the songs that generated the most excitement was "Animals." The track featured Dre and Anderson .Paak on the vocals and they were backed by a production that was anchored by DJ Premier and fine tuned by Dre.... Read more

October 4, 2015 Video

10 Things You May Not Know About Rawkus Records (Audio)

Though it kept a lower profile than companies like Def Jam and Bad Boy, in the late 90s and early 00s, there were few, if any record labels, that carried the flag for Hip-Hop more proudly than Rawkus Records. For many, the company introduced Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Eminem, El-P's... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

The Game & Kendrick Lamar Put In Work Over a Flip of an Erykah Badu Classic (Audio)

As the October 9 release of The Game's The Documentary 2 album approaches, the excitement for the project is mounting. The Compton MC has released several songs showcasing the forthcoming double album's diversity, including tracks with Skrillex, Diddy, Drake, DJ Quik and more. One of the most anticipated songs from... Read more

October 1, 2015 Audio

Big KRIT Discusses Having to Choose Between Eating & Paying His Phone Bill (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. now has 2 major record label album releases and several years of touring under his belt, which has afforded him a life of financial stability. Just 6 years ago, however, his circumstances were radically different. In an interview on ESPN's Highly Questionable, the Meridian, MS MC talked about... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

Rubble Kings: The Mixtape Features The Sounds That Laid the Foundation for Hip-Hop (Audio)

This Summer, the documentary Rubble Kings took audiences deep inside the world of the gangs that ruled New York City from the late 1960s to the mid-70s. The film follows the story of Ghetto Brothers gang leader Benjy Melendez, and the critical role he played in negotiating a truce that... Read more

October 1, 2015 Mixes

TIDAL is Raising the Ante by Bringing Prince, Beyonce & Jay Z Together in an All-Star Concert

Despite persistent rumors that streaming music service TIDAL is struggling in the face of stiff competition from YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify, the Jay Z-owned platform is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its recent milestone of reaching one million paying subscribers. On October 20, 2015, TIDAL will host... Read more

September 30, 2015 News

Narcos Supplies the Raw Power & Grit of the Purest Form of Hip-Hop (Video)

Since Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's seminal 1982 song, "The Message," Hip-Hop, in its purest form has been a window into worlds otherwise unseen. It was that raw and uncut reporting that catapulted acts like N.W.A. and Public Enemy, with their commentary on their respective worlds, as well as... Read more

September 29, 2015 TV

The Game Says Doctor’s Advocate Was Better Than The Documentary (Video)

The Game was in New York City last week and he stopped by The Breakfast Club to promote the forthcoming release of his highly-anticipated album, The Documentary 2. Without an ounce of pretense, Game kept it 100 about anything and everything DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlemagne Tha God threw... Read more

September 28, 2015 Video

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy. He’s Celebrating With Gold Bottles (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy who turns 37 tomorrow (9/28). He celebrates early with the release of "Gold Bottles," the latest in his Sunday Service series. Jeezy is releasing new music each Sunday until the November 13 release of his forthcoming album Church in the Streets. "Gold Bottles" is produced... Read more

September 27, 2015 Audio

Run the Jewels’ Meow the Jewels Is Now Available for Free Download (Mixtape)

Last year, Run the Jewels' highly-anticipated album, Run the Jewels 2, was leaked on the internet. Not ones to cry over spilt milk, the duo of Killer Mike & El-P embraced it as a sign of the times and took charge. Rather than try to back the train back into... Read more

September 26, 2015 Mixes

Anderson .Paak Continues to Show What Dr. Dre & DJ Premier Already Knew. He’s a True Talent (Video)

Anderson .Paak has had an unbelievable year. The Los Angeles artist shared billing with Dr. Dre on 6 of the Compton album's 16 tracks, and he had already been working with DJ Premier, prior to that. Today (9/25), he releases The Anderson .Paak EP with the production outfit Blended Babies.... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Some Very Respected People Think This 17-Year Old MC Is The Future of Hip-Hop. Meet A-F-R-O (Video)

A storm is coming, and his name is A-F-R-O. Last year, the 17-year old MC won a Rap competition judged by R.A. The Rugged, Talib Kweli, Murs, Jean Grae, Vinnie Paz, Locksmith, Rittz and more. The MC born Jamal Gutierrez was so impressive, R.A. took him under his wing. Though... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

The Game Takes Biggie’s Kick in the Door Beat & Adds Some Bang, With a Co-Sign From Puff Daddy (Audio)

The Game is on one right now. His double album follow up to his debut LP The Documentary will be released in 2 weeks, with part 1 hitting stores on October 9 and part 2 following the week after. Earlier this week, he set the web on fire with his... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio