Parfit

Vic Mensa Blacks Out Over a Red Hot Kaytranada Beat (Audio)

Vic Mensa and Kaytranada are no strangers. The two worked together on last year's "Wimme Nah" release by Mensa and have now reunited on "Drive Me Crazy." Like their first effort, "Drive Me Crazy" is a trapped out beat injected with melody and Vic flexing a ferocious flow. Kaytranada is... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Perform Daytona 500 at Vice’s 20th Anniversary Party (Video)

It's been a big couple of days for Wu-Tang Clan fans. Yesterday (1/25), Ghostface Killah celebrated the 15th anniversary of his Supreme Clientele album and, over the weekend, Raekwon and Ghostface premiered the trailer for The Purple Tape Files, a forthcoming documentary on the making of The Chef's Only Built... Read more

January 26, 2015 Video

KRS-One Says Hip-Hop is a Culture with Pre-Historic Roots (Video)

This is sure to be polarizing. KRS-One has been one of the staunchest advocates of Hip-Hop culture for the last few decades. Over the years, the former Boogie Down Productions MC has written a book called The Gospel of Hip-Hop and founded the Temple of Hip-Hop, whose mission is to... Read more

January 26, 2015 Video

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Premiere the Trailer for a Documentary on The Purple Tape (Video)

Nas' Illmatic was not the only Hip-Hop classic worthy of a documentary. Over the weekend at The Sundance Film Festival, a trailer was premiered for The Purple Tape Files, a forthcoming film about the making of Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx..., guest starring Ghostface Killah as Tony Starks. The... Read more

January 26, 2015 Throwback

Here’s a Short Film on the Making of 50 Cent & Eminem’s Patiently Waiting (Video)

This one slipped through the cracks...If you didn't catch it when it hit the web last month, Complex's short film on the making of 50 Cent & Eminem's "Patiently Waiting," is well worth 15 minutes of your time. The song from Get Rich or Die Tryin', which featured menacing production... Read more

January 25, 2015 Video

Cee Lo Green Releases a New Album of Singing Over TV Show Themes (Album Stream)

From his days with Goodie Mob to his collaborations with Danger Mouse, Cee Lo Green has always been an artist to push creative boundaries. For his latest project, he's decided to record a collection of songs sung over the theme songs for random television shows. The result is a soulful... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio

Want to Hear Snippets of Run the Jewels’ Remix Project? Cat Got Your Tongue? (Video)

Is there any musical act bolder than Run the Jewels? In just two short years, the lethal combination of El-P and Killer Mike, has established itself as one of the most innovative, risk-taking and hard-hitting musical acts...in any genre. Their music is dark and aggressive, without sacrificing melody. Their lyrics... Read more

January 25, 2015 Video

Ever See These Big L, O.C. and Lord Finesse Freestyles? Get Down with D.I.T.C. (Video)

D.I.T.C. The name stood for Diggin' in the Crates, in part because of the membership of acclaimed producers like Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, but make no mistake, the crew was also about those BARS. Here's a look back at some vintage interviews of Big L and Lord Finesse, two... Read more

January 24, 2015 Throwback

Yelawolf Performs an Acoustic Version of Til It’s Gone with Travis Barker (Video)

Yelawolf went on a blues rock tear last year with a series of freestyle releases over songs by Pink Floyd, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix. The sound spilled over into his song Til It's Gone from his forthcoming Love Story album. He recently performed an acoustic version of the song... Read more

January 24, 2015 Video

An Animated Action Bronson Guest Stars on Lucas Bros. Moving Co. (Video)

Action Bronson and Questlove made guest appearances last night on FXX's animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Co. The show is built around Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers who are NYC-based stand up comedians. The pair run a moving company in the series. In the most recent episode, Bronson plays... Read more

January 23, 2015 TV

Ever Heard This LL Cool J Freestyle From the 80’s? He’s in Ripper Mode (Audio)

From the moment he walked into the scene in Krush Groove and yelled "BOX," LL Cool J established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most magnetic and fearsome MCs. Before the love songs and the radio appeal, there was Jack the Ripper who was nothing but a microphone destroyer. Here's a... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Happy Birthday to DJ Jazzy Jeff. Celebrate with This Amazing Mix (Mixtape)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable DJ Jazzy Jeff who turned the tender young age of 50 today (1/22). If you've ever had the privilege of attending a set spun by Jeff, you know NOBODY goes harder or digs deeper in the crates than him. So, on his birthday, what better... Read more

January 22, 2015 Mixes

Starz Unveils the Trailer for Season 2 of Power and It’s Looking Strong (Video)

Starz's original series Power took many by surprise when it premiered last year. The show, which is executive produced by Curtis "50 Cent" and stars Omari Hardwick (Being Mary Jane), Naturi Naughton (Notorious), 50 and others, was a fresh new take on the proverbial crime boss who is trying to... Read more

January 22, 2015 TV

Fat Joe & Troy Ave Flow Release the Ultra Soulful How U Luv That (Audio)

After more than 20 years in the game, Fat Joe continues to keep himself relevant while staying true to the flow he cultivated in the early 90's. The Bronx MC and Terror Squad leader links up with Brooklyn's Troy Ave on an ultra soulful track in "How U Luv That."... Read more

January 21, 2015 Audio

Scarface Gets Deep on a Hard Track with Roosh Williams (Audio)

Houston MC Roosh Williams has been percolating for a while but he seems poised for a break out year in 2015. After releasing a creative Mortal Kombat-themed video for his song, "Unorthodox," he returns with a hard track featuring none other than the big homie from H-Town, Scarface. This is... Read more

January 20, 2015 Audio

Ever Heard This Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown Freestyle From 1997? It’s Firm Business (Audio)

Back in 1997 when Nas, AZ and Foxy Brown announced they were forming a super group called The Firm and their album would be released on Dr. Dre's then new label Aftermath Entertainment, Heads went crazy with anticipation for the project. Though they would only release one album, which for... Read more

January 17, 2015 Throwback

Frank Ocean Sings a Beautiful Version of At Your Best on Aaliyah’s Birthday (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. The talented and beautiful singer and actor would have been 36 years old yesterday (1/16). To celebrate her lasting legacy, Frank Ocean has released an amazing cover of "At Your Best." The song, which was originally written and performed by the Isley Brothers in 1976 as... Read more

January 17, 2015 Audio

It’s Official. Jay Z is Under Attack by Funkmaster Flex AND Dipset (Audio)

Funkmaster Flex set the Internet on fire today with his ten minute tirade against Jay Z and his web site Life + Times. The site's request for an interview with Flex opened up an old wound and the veteran DJ did not mince words about how he felt. Part of... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Kurupt Takes Stalley’s Always Into Something All the Way West Coast (Audio)

Stalley's "Always Into Something," featuring Ty Dolla $ign, was already heavily West Coast in sound and title. Kurupt the Kingpin and Casey Veggies jump on the remix of the song and take it all the way Left. The remix is part of the LA Leakers 2015 Draft Picks mixtape which... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Here’s the Story of How KRS-One & Scott La Rock Met…Comic Book Style

Here's something incredibly dope for fans of Comics, Hip-Hop or both. Ed Piskor, renowned cartoonist and author of the Hip-Hop Family Tree graphic novel, has released the account of how KRS-One and Scott La Rock met, in the form of a comic. The story was assembled from several of KRS-One's... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Tupac’s Life and Legacy Will Be Celebrated with an Exhibit at The Grammy Museum

With more than 40 years of existence, Hip-Hop has undeniably earned its place in the history books. As such, several institutions have started to honor the culture. Last year, The Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture carved out a place for J. Dilla's production equipment and it also... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Funkmaster Flex Drops Some Nuclear Bombs on Jay Z. Says He Can Ruin Him (Audio)

Whoa. Funkmaster Flex fears no man. Last night, he went completely nuclear on Life + Times and, seemingly, its owner...Jay Z. Flex referenced several issues that had him upset. He felt disrespected by an interview of him by Life + Times a few years ago, ostensibly about his mobile app,... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Action Bronson Show Why They’re 2 of Hip-Hop’s Most Promising MCs (Audio)

Thus far, Joey Bada$$'s forthcoming and long-anticipated album, B4 Da $$, sounds like it will be more than worth the wait. Joey has released multiple burners from the LP, which will hit stores on January 20th, showcasing his versatile range. Records like "Christ Conscious" feature Joey tapping into his Boot... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Stacy Barthe & Common Show How Beautiful Music Makes Us Live for Today (Audio)

Stacy Barthe is a supremely talented vocalist and songwriter. While she might not be a household name (yet), she has written songs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears and Katie Perry. She's also worked with the likes of Melanie Fiona, Akon... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog Gets the Paper with a Killer Beastie Boys Sample (Audio)

If 2014 was Your Old Droog's coming out party, 2015 looks to be the year where he proves to all the naysayers that he's here to stay. His latest song, "Get the Paper" produced by El RTNC, is an ode to the Beastie Boys which features a groove Dr. Dre... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ice Cube vs. Too Short…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in 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

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Warren G Hilariously Explains Regulate for Funny or Die, Line by Line (Video)

As part of its Rap Chronicles series, Funny or Die caught up with Warren G to have him decode "Regulate," his G-Funk classic with Nate Dogg. Despite fellow 213 member Snoop's admonition, the "G Child" told the game for free, to great satisfaction. In a little over two minutes, he... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Spotlight: Salomon Faye Brings “Luv” To Hip Hop & Gets It In Return (Video)

Salomon Faye may be under the radar for now, but given the quality and originality of tracks like "Luv," he's going to have a hard time staying undetected. For those that feel the passion of spoken word and the fire of hot metaphorical bars, Salomon Faye delivers both in this... Read more

January 15, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Rips the Mic So Hard He Loses His Headphones on This Freestyle (Video)

"I'm gonna keep it official today. Yo, this boy Action Broson is the nicest in the game right now." That was Funkmaster Flex's response after Action Bronson ripped a freestyle so hard that he lost his headphones halfway through. Technical difficulties didn't stop the action man, though. He did the... Read more

January 15, 2015 Video

2 Chainz Eloquently Argues the Merits of Legalizing Marijuana on CNN (Video)

Many may not know that before his Rap career, 2 Chainz finished number two in his high school class and attended college. The resilient MC has a strong command of the language both on and off the mic. He donned his debate hat on CNN recently and had a substantive... Read more

January 14, 2015 Video

Slick Rick Performs Children’s Story with Nas at His 50th Birthday Party (Video)

This is classic. Slick Rick celebrated his 50th birthday (1/14) early at NYC's Brooklyn Bowl last night. As part of the festivities, he performed "Children's Story." Rick, being one of Hip-Hop's greatest storytellers, got a special assist. Nas, another master of the narrative, served as The Ruler's hype man. The... Read more

January 10, 2015 Throwback

KRS-One Decodes His Most Classic Lines. You Must Learn… (Audio)

Shawn Setaro, former Editor-in-Chief of Rap Genius, has been opening up his vaults of classic interviews on his theciphershow.com site. One such gem is an amazing conversation with KRS-One. Kris breaks down the stories behind many of his most famous lyrics, and also provides colorful insights on never before discussed... Read more

January 10, 2015 Throwback

YG Talks Fist Fights with DJ Mustard, Grammys Snub and More (Video)

YG and DJ Mustard are like brothers. Sometimes, brothers knuckle up...YG dropped by HOT 97 in NYC and discussed their recent, quite public altercation, as well as several they've had in private. He explained it's all in the family. The Compton MC also discussed how he feels about fans replacing... Read more

January 10, 2015 Video

Master P Addresses the Rumors about Signing Lil Wayne to No Limit Records (Video)

Master P's recent collaboration with Lil Wayne on "Power" set the Internet on fire. The song featuring the two legendary MCs who helped put the South on the map was historic in its own right. However, given Lil Wayne's very public dissatisfaction with Cash Records as of late, their working... Read more

January 10, 2015 Video

See Some Rare, HQ & Vintage Footage Of The Funky 4 + 1 Rockin’ (Video)

One of the many things in Hip Hop today that takes a track to the next level is the artist video. It provides the MC or group with exposure of not only the voice and production, but gives the audience a face to put along with it. We often take... Read more

January 9, 2015 Fresh, Throwback

Ghostface Performs Love Don’t Live Here No More on The Tonight Show (Video)

Ghostface Killah took the stage on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon and performed a version of "Love Don't Live Here No More" that was oh so soulful. Instead of The Roots, he was backed by a band called The Revelations who more than held it down. Kandance Springs supplied... Read more

January 9, 2015 Video

Terrence Howard & Taraji P. Henson Reunite for Empire…Buckle Up (Full Episode Stream)

Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson are back together again on screen in Fox's new series, Empire, and the show looks to be a wild ride. The duo, who worked together in Hustle & Flow and co-hosted several Soul Train Awards, play an estranged couple waging war over control of... Read more

January 8, 2015 TV, Video

Kendrick Lamar Speaks About His Grammy Loss & The Price of Fame with Raw Honesty

Kendrick Lamar graces the cover of the latest edition of XXL. Rather than do an interview or a standard profile piece, the publication allowed Kendrick to convey his thoughts in his words and his words, only. There were no questions and presumably no edits; just Kendrick raw and unfiltered. The... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh

MC Lyte Provides Perspective On Education, What Government Needs To Do (Video)

You know MC Lyte's background as a legendary voice in Hip Hop, but she's also been an avid proponent with mentoring and community activism for the youth as well. Where opportunities for youth to extend their education have been difficult, Lyte has used her Hip Hop Sisters Foundation to give... Read more

January 7, 2015 Fresh, Video

Dipset Release the First Single From Their Reunion Mixtape (Audio)

Last week, Dipset announced they would be releasing their first joint project, as a full unit, in five years. Wasting no time, they drop their first single, courtesy of Funkmaster Flex. Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana flex their flows over a familiar old Soul sample. Check out "Have My... Read more

January 6, 2015 Audio

DMX is Returning with a New Album…And It’s Coming Next Week

DMX has announced he's releasing his eighth studio album and it's coming next week (January 13th). After starting off at a torrid pace, releasing his first three albums in three months, X's output has slowed a bit over the years, with his last album, Undisputed, coming over two years ago.... Read more

January 6, 2015 Fresh

Listen to Over 170 of the Best Hip-Hop Songs of 2014 in One Playlist (Audio)

2014 was an incredibly diverse year for Hip-Hop, musically and thematically. Many of the sounds that have dominated airwaves and web streams remained, but something returned that had been missing from the culture for quite some time: the voice of the people. In a year that saw more unrest in... Read more

January 5, 2015 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

It’s a New Year and Young Buck is Having His Cake and Eating it Too (Video)

"Y'all don't know how hard it is to keep 50 calm...Imagine a soldier talking to the Don, saying "That's enough cuz. The war is won...'" Young Buck goes in over Drake's "Pound Cake" beat and commands it like a warrior rising up the ranks. There's a lot of real talk... Read more

January 4, 2015 Video

Master P Releases His Power No Limit/Young Money Collabo with Lil Wayne (Audio)

Master P shook up the Hip-Hop world last week when he announced he and Lil Wayne were working on a song together, representing a No Limit and Cash Money/Young Money collaboration of the highest order. Today (1/4), he releases the song, which is their first ever collaboration. It's aptly-titled "Power."... Read more

January 4, 2015 Audio

RIP Stuart Scott. The Hip-Hop Nation Has Lost Its Sports Anchor Icon (Video)

Tragically, Stuart Scott, longtime ESPN sports anchor, died this morning at the age of 49, after a long battle with cancer. Scott re-defined broadcast sports journalism with his fusion of consummate professionalism with swagger, trademark catchphrases and an ethos that embodied the Hip-Hop generation. We send our deepest condolences to... Read more

January 4, 2015 Video

Start the New Year with Some Old School Videos (Playlist)

Should old acquaintance be forgot...never that. Today, we ring in the new year with some Old School. Here's a video playlist featuring Nas, Common, OutKast, The Roots, Black Moon, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, The Beatnuts, a rare performance by The Notorious B.I.G. & Method Man and more. Check it... Read more

January 3, 2015 Playlists, Throwback

Kanye West Ends 2014 with a Moving Collaboration with Paul McCartney (Audio)

Kanye West closes down 2014 and opens the new year with a beautiful track dedicated to his daughter, North "Nori" West. The song, titled "Only One," features West singing from the heart over keys played by the legendary Sir Paul McCartney. Check it out. Click here to purchase "Only One."... Read more

January 1, 2015 Audio

Nipsey Hussle Releases a New Mixtape Right Under the Wire. Get Your Mailbox Money (Mixtape)

Nipsey Hussle ends the year with a bang. He drops off his new Mailbox Money mixtape right under the wire. While he offered copies of his last mixtape, Crenshaw, for sale at $100 a pop (100 of which were purchased by Jay Z), he ups the ante with this one.... Read more

December 31, 2014 Mixes

Amerigo Gazaway Does It Again with an Amazing New De La Soul + Fela Kuti Blend (Audio)

Over the years, producer/DJ Amerigo Gazaway has put together some amazing blend projects. His 2012 Bizarre Tribe mix combining the sounds of A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde was one of the year's best, as was this year's Yasiin Gaye project fusing music from Yasiin Bey and Marvin Gaye.... Read more

December 31, 2014 Audio

AFH:14 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2014 (Food For Thought)

2014 was a special year in Hip-Hop music. Rather than a usual suspect front-running in spotlight, this was a democratic crop of albums—where new artists made cohesive introductory works, veterans advanced their skillsets and redefined their reputations, and underground MCs challenged the mainstream. There were artists who released multiple works,... Read more

December 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought