Parfit

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of October 2014 (Audio)

October yielded some of the hardest Hip-Hop of the year. Whether it was seasonal, Mercury in retrograde or something in the water, MCs brought their A-games. Here's a playlist of some of the best music of the month. You'll hear tracks from Redman, Big K.R.I.T., Logic, The Lox, Rah Digga,... Read more

November 2, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Prince Turns on the Funk Then Rocks Out on Saturday Night Live (Video)

Saturday Night Live now belongs to Prince. He took the SNL performance stage last night and held it hostage for 8+ minutes amidst a storm of unrelenting funk and rock. Accompanied by his group 3rdEyeGirl, Prince broke a 40-year SNL tradition by playing one monster set instead of two separate... Read more

November 2, 2014 Video

Harry Potter Raps Blackalicious With The Roots? Yeah…(Video)

So...it appears Daniel Radcliffe, star of the Harry Potter film franchise, has got the Gift of Gab. The British thespian guested on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and, to show his knack for memorizing complicated lyrics, performed "Alphabet Aerobics" by Blackalicious. Backed by The Roots, Radcliffe breathlessly did Blackalicious'... Read more

November 1, 2014 Video

A.G., Sadat X & Neek the Exotic Abuse this Throwback Jazz Sample (Audio)

DJ JS-1 assembles A.G., Sadat X and Neek the Exotic on a 90's-flavored jazz loop, as they run down tales from back in the day. Check out "Sample Abusers." Related: Finding The GOAT: Kool G Rap vs. Sadat X…Who You Got?... Read more

November 1, 2014 Audio

Here’s an Incredible Curtis Mayfield Tribute Mix (Audio)

The latest edition of Stussy's Guest Artist Series clothing line is an ode to the late, great Curtis Mayfield. To commemorate the launch of the line, the clothier has released a super fly mix of some of Mayfield's soulful catalog compiled by dj/producer/artist Muro. Aside from James Brown and Parliament/Funkadelic,... Read more

November 1, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Happy Birthday to Pharoahe Monch. Here’s a Celebratory Mix of His Music (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Pharoahe Monch who turned 42 on Halloween. To celebrate the date, OkayPlayer commissioned DJ Raydar Ellis to put together a mix of Monch's music. Ellis dug deep in the crates pulling out gems from Pharoahe's solo career, his days with Organized Konfusion, featured appearances and more. Check... Read more

November 1, 2014 Audio

Scarface Takes A Long, Honest Look Back At The Diary 20 Years Later

Twenty years ago, Scarface released his third solo album, The Diary. A five-mic album in The Source, the Rap-A-Lot Records effort is cemented as one of the benchmarks in Brad Jordan's extensive, near 30-year career. With a platinum plaque and two charting singles, the effort had popularity, despite incredibly dark... Read more

November 1, 2014 Throwback

Jeezy Brings Out Jay Z for a Charged Performance of Seen it All (Video)

Jeezy performed at this year's Power 105 Powerhouse concert in Brooklyn, and during "Seen It All," brought out fellow collaborator, Jay Z. Check out professional quality footage of Jay's verse below. Related: Jeezy & T.I. Hint That Their Joint Album Is Finally Coming… (Video)... Read more

November 1, 2014 Video

Ludacris Recruits Miguel on the Soulful Good Lovin’ (Audio)

Having provided key features for Miguel, J. Cole and more, Miguel is proving to be one of Hip-Hop's most valuable hook men. He lends his velvety vocals to Ludacris on the ultra-soulful "Good Lovin'," one of Luda's strongest tracks in years. Check it out. Related: Behind The Music: Ludacris (Video)... Read more

November 1, 2014 Audio

Is Joe Budden the Most Fearless MC Alive? Listen to This Autobiographical Track (Audio)

Joe Budden is fearless on the microphone. Along with having formidable skills, there is seemingly no topic he's afraid to address. In his new song "Alive," from his forthcoming Some Love Lost album, he touches on everything from substance abuse to his complicated relationship with fans to his rejected marriage... Read more

October 31, 2014 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Performs i After an Intro From Kevin Hart (Video)

If you've caught any of the NBA games this week, you've undoubtedly heard at least a snippet of Kendrick Lamar's single "i." Representing the theme song for the NBA's premiere week, Kendrick took the stage in Cleveland for the Cavs home opener to performer the Isley Brothers-powered single live, after... Read more

October 31, 2014 Video

Mike Tyson as a Crime Fighter? Watch His Animated Debut (Video)

Adult Swim premiered their new animated series Mike Tyson Mysteries earlier in the week and they've made the full episode available online. Iron Mike fights crime, Scooby Doo-style. Check out the video and a description of the series below. Here's Adult Swim's description of Mike Tyson Mysteries. In Mike Tyson... Read more

October 30, 2014 Video

Here’s Previously Unreleased Poetry From 17-Year Old Tupac Shakur

Leila Steinberg, the first manager of Tupac Shakur, has shared some never before released hand-written poetry from Tupac when he was 17-years old. The poems, "Things That Make Hearts Break," "Cupid's Smile II" and "A Love Unspoken" were published via Citizens of Humanity and offer an early glimpse into the... Read more

October 30, 2014 Throwback

Rest in Peace to the Legendary Jam Master Jay. Here’s a Tribute Mix (Audio)

Jam Master Jay, legendary DJ for Run-D.M.C., was tragically taken from us twelve years ago today (10/30/02). There's not much to say about Jay that hasn't already been covered, so we decided to let the music do the talking. Here's a Run-D.M.C. tribute megamix that goes hard. Check it out.... Read more

October 30, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Joe Budden Shifts Gears and Releases a Song That’s All About Those BARS (Audio)

"Still in my prime but this ain't Nickel or Primo..." Joe Budden takes a break from love-related songs and releases one that's all about those BARS--there's no hook, just lyrics. In fact, Joey says: "I Might Need More Than 16 Tho." Check it out. Related: Joe Budden Opens Up About... Read more

October 29, 2014 Audio

Faith Evans, The First Lady of Hip-Hop, is Back for a Good Time (Video)

Faith Evans, the First Lady of Hip-Hop, is making a return and it sounds so good...Her latest single, "Good Time," is a party-starter with big harmonies, a verse from Problem and tons of Soul. The video showcases the celebratory feeling of just living in the moment. Check it out. Related:... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Laces Bishop Lamont With a Hypnotic Track That’s So Addictive (Audio)

One of DJ Quik's most radical and enduring tracks was "Addictive" by Truth Hurts. It caught your attention with the mystical chanting in the beginning and, once the rolling drums commenced, it was wrap. The iconic producer/MC returns to that drum pattern on Bishop Lamont's aptly-titled "Hypnotize You." The meditative... Read more

October 29, 2014 Audio

Joell Ortiz Has the Questions…and the Answers About Why He’s Real Rap (Video)

On his song "Q&A," Joell Ortiz has a very intense conversation...with himself. He addresses his motivations for rapping, his belief that he is underrated, how and why he lost weight and more. The visuals find him in multiple settings, donning several personas as he underscores the themes highlighted in the... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

Ice Cube Does Magic Tricks for Elmo and It’s ASTOUNDING (Video)

In 1988, would you have ever believed that Ice Cube, Amerikkka's Most Wanted, himself, would ever be on Sesame Street?? Times have definitely changed...Check out this video of Cube doing magic tricks for Elmo. It's guaranteed you will find it ASTOUNDING. Related: Ice Cube Has Some Furrowed Brow Follow-Up Fun... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

Did You Know Big Daddy Kane Produced Nearly All of His 1st Album? Kane Speaks (Audio)

Here's another incredibly dope interview from the archives of Shawn Setaro, former Editor-In-Chief of Rap Genius and current curator of TheCipherShow.com. Early last year, he had a super in-depth interview with Big Daddy Kane--so deep, in fact, that Kane openly said no one had ever asked him some of the... Read more

October 26, 2014 Throwback

Rick Ross & R. Kelly Keep Doin’ That Luxe Life Music (Video)

Earlier this month, Rick Ross dropped off the club banger "Keep Doin' That," featuring a velvety hook from R. Kelly. The two unite in the video which features cameos from Jeezy, T.I. and more. With Ross and Kellz, the theme is simple--it's all about that luxe life. Check out the... Read more

October 26, 2014 Video

Logic Does an Off The Top Freestyle Over Seven Minutes of Funk (Video)

Logic hit the Sway in the Morning show to discuss his new album, Under Pressure (easily one of the best of the year). While the album had hit number 1 overall on iTunes that day, Logic said his concern was not with short term success but with creating an album... Read more

October 25, 2014 Video

Planet Asia Makes a Short Horror Film for the Visuals to Mystique (Video)

Try not to nod your head to the vibrations emanating from the speakers on Planet Asia and Tzarizm's "Mystique." As P.A.'s laser lyrics start nearly a capella, it's almost impossible not to move once the beat kicks in. For the video, they take it up a level. Just in time... Read more

October 25, 2014 Video

Alchemist Digs in the Vault for Some Unreleased Mobb Deep Music (Audio)

Drake is not the only one celebrating his birthday this weekend by releasing new music. Alchemist turned 37 today and dug in his vaults to unearth this previously unreleased Mobb Deep gem. Check out "Biology." Related: It’s No Dream… Mobb Deep & The LOX Are Living Lush (Video)... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

New Music From KRS-One? That’s a Blessing (Audio)

Here's a new track from KRS-One, Cutty Ranks and Brooklyn MC/Producer, Grand Surgeon. Check out "The Blessings." Related: Ready for Some New KRS-One? BOOM (Audio)... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

Drake Celebrates His Birthday By Releasing 3 New Songs (Audio)

Drake has been celebrating his 28th birthday this weekend (10/24) and he's bringing his fans in on the party by releasing three brand new songs--one turn up, one mid-tempo and one ballad. The tracks are provided by longtime collaborators Boi-1da and 40. Check out "6 God," "How Bout Now" and... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

Ever See This Cypher with Big Pun, DMX, Mos Def, Canibus, John Forte & Mic Geronimo? (Video)

Some moments are worth re-living...Like this cypher between Big Pun, DMX, Mos Def, Canibus, John Forte and Mic Geronimo. Back in the day, the 6 skilled MCs were at a table sharing a true Hip-Hop moment and decided to have a friendly cypher. Onlookers included Toure, Irv Gotti and others... Read more

October 25, 2014 Throwback

Can You Imagine Finding Rakim’s Lost Rhyme Book?? The God MC Speaks (Audio)

Here's a fantastic interview of Rakim by Shawn Setaro from earlier in the year. Setaro, former Editor in Chief of Rap Genius, has a podcast series called The Cipher, and he approaches the conversations with the intellect and depth of a true student of the game. He questions Rakim about... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean Pay Tribute to Haile Selassie (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean pay tribute to Ethiopian leader and Rastafari hero, Haile Selassie. Check it out. Related: Lupe Fiasco is Feeling Lost In The Atlantic Ocean (Audio)... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio

Run the Jewels Album Has Leaked. Listen to It Then Support Real Hip-Hop (Audio Stream & Download)

The gift and the curse...The digital era has provided unfettered access to music. You can have anything ever recorded--anything--with just a few clicks. For fans, this is the golden age. There has been no better time. For artists, it's a mixed bag. On the one hand the direct connection with... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

M.O.P. and Busta Rhymes Bring the Ruckus in Broad Daylight (Audio)

Who talks tougher on wax than M.O.P and Busta Rhymes? The three hard-spittin' MCs link on a slow and deliberate track and commence to beat it up. Check out "Broad Daylight." Related: M.O.P. Wears 2 Crowns In The County Of Kings In 187 (Video)... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio

LL Cool J Wants to Tell Tha World He’s Back In a Great Way (Audio)

LL Cool J continues his return to Hip-Hop with another strong release. "Tell Tha World" is a song of hope and encouragement. Both the soulful track and L's words make this feel good music. Check it out. Related: LL Cool J is in Ripper Mode With Raekwon & Murda Mook... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio

9th Wonder, Talib Kweli & Pharoahe Monch Join Forces to Distribute Independent Hip-Hop (Video)

You think Hip-Hop is dead? 9th Wonder, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch don't. The three like-minded guardians of the culture have come together to form an independent company to distribute Hip-Hop artists who they believe represent the ethos of the music they (and we) have come to love. The company... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″ Release Their 1st Video as PRhyme (Video)

A few weeks ago, DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9" released a teaser video that set the Internet on FIRE. Days later, they would reveal that Premier has teamed with Royce to form his first group since Gang Starr. Now, they release the entire version of that visual which turns... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q Discusses His Scariest Moment as a Gang Banger on Highly Questionable (Video)

Schoolboy Q is a master of juxtaposition. In his music, the Black Hippy heavy often will say the rawest and darkest things in the most serene and detached ways (check "Hoover St" for example). Q exhibited this contrast on ESPN's Highly Questionable where he ranged from tongue in cheek humor... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Styles P Goes Back to Phantom and the Ghost For His Latest Visual (Video)

Styles P shows off the versatility of his flow on "Smoke All Day" from his Phantom and the Ghost album. Usually at home with a steely flow over grimy beats, this one finds Ghost rapping over a soulful and melodic track...right in the pocket. Check out the video. Related: Finding... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Chris Rock Leads an All-Star Comedy Cast in Top Five. Watch the Trailer (Video)

By the looks of the trailer, Top Five may be Chris Rock's funniest movie in years. And, with an all-star comedy cast that includes Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, Cedric the Entertainer, J.B. Smoove, Romany Malco, Jay Pharoah and Whoopi Goldberg, it's no wonder. Rosario Dawson rounds out the roster. Jay... Read more

October 20, 2014 Video

Ja Rule Details Why His Super Group With DMX & JAY-Z Fell Apart (Video)

JUNE 2, 2021 UPDATE: While the original interview has been scrubbed from the Internet, here is a recent discussion of Ja Rule addressing Murder Incorporated: ORIGINAL OCTOBER 19, 2014 STORY: Ja Rule performed during the Def Jam 30th Anniversary celebration at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last week. After, he... Read more

October 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Stalley Releases the Official Video for Always Into Something (Video)

Stalley's "Always Into Something" has a distinct West Coast vibe, both with the N.W.A. reminiscent title and the hard-hitting sonics. So, it's no surprise that the visuals for the song, also featuring Ty Dolla $ign, have followed suit. In a scene reminiscent of Boyz N The Hood, Stalley shows what... Read more

October 19, 2014 Video

Ever Catch This Rare Method Man & Redman Freestyle From 1998? (Audio)

Some things never get old...such as off the top verses (and a couple writtens) from Redman and Method Man. Here's a rare cypher from back in the day (circa 1998) featuring Tical, the Funk Doctor Spock and Mr. Loose (who's also quite nice) on WNYU. The verses start at the... Read more

October 18, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Surock & Blu Go Off on a G-Funk Banger. Get Your Broccoli (Audio)

This is a welcome surprise. Surock teams up with Blu on a heavy G-Funk-influenced banger. "Broccoli" is a reference to another green celebrated back in the day by Dr. Dre and the sticky funk is the perfect soundtrack. Check it out. Related: Love Lives After Armageddon With L’Orange & Blu’s... Read more

October 18, 2014 Audio

Project Pat Links with Rick Ross and His Brother Juicy J on His Latest (Audio)

Project Pat links with younger brother Juicy J and Rick Ross on the hard-hitting track "Imma Get Me Sum." The track is from Pat's upcoming Cheez N Dope 3 release. Check it out. Related: Rick Ross Gets the Assist From R. Kelly on Keep Doin’ That (Audio)... Read more

October 18, 2014 Audio

Boaz Links with Termanology, Oddisee & Vinny Radio on Like This Remix (Audio)

Boaz is official. His album Intuition will be released on Tuesday and it is packed with bangers. His latest single is a remix to "Like This." The East Coast version features Oddisee, Termanology and Vinny Radio. Check it out. Related: Boaz Releases the Video for His Red Hot Collabo with... Read more

October 18, 2014 Audio

Rick Rubin Returns to the Dorm Room Where Def Jam Was Founded for the First Time in 30 Years (Video)

In a year of tributes to Def Jam, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, this might just be the best. Rolling Stone followed Rick Rubin to the NYU dorm room where he started the legendary record label and had not returned to since. Rather than just interviewing Rubin, RS used the journey... Read more

October 17, 2014 Throwback

Don’t Know Boaz? Listen to This Stone Cold Groove with Mac Miller (Audio)

Pittsburgh's Boaz has put together one of the strongest collections of songs so far this year. Having released cuts with Scarface, Styles P, Jadakiss, Murs, Fashawn and Crooked I, as well as his own hot solos, he now teams with hometown partner in rhyme, Mac Miller. Backed by a soulful... Read more

October 16, 2014 Audio

What Goes Through the Minds of Run the Jewels When They Record? Watch and See (Video)

There is nothing serene about the music from Run the Jewels. Killer Mike & El-P have been consistently putting out some of the darkest, hardest and most politically-charged music in Hip-Hop for the last few years. So, would you believe a lot of this material was conceived and recorded in... Read more

October 16, 2014 Video

Vince Staples Has Got That Fire (Video)

Vince Staples has had a big year. After a very prominent feature on Common's single "Kingdom," the up and coming Long Beach MC recently shared the stage with Comm and Jay Electronica at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Now, capitalizing on his growing heat, Staples brings that "Fire" with his... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Joe Budden Teams with Ransom on Make a Deal (Audio)

Joe Budden releases another track from his SomeLove series leading up to the release of his Some Love Lost album (11/4). "Make a Deal" is another dark and brooding track from Budden where he and Ransom recount what they would discuss with God if they had the opportunity. Check it... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio

After Smashing the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher Snow Tha Product Releases a New Song (Audio)

For those who were not familiar with Snow Tha Product before her rapid-fire, bilingual Cypher in last night's BET Hip Hop Awards, she made a big impression. For others, she brought the ruckus as expected. Following up on her performance, Snow releases a moody new single with Ty Dolla $ign.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio

Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo & Queen Latifah Perform I Wanna Be Down Remix (Video)

Nearly 20 years after the release of one of Hip-Hop's finest remixes, Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Queen Latifah reunited at the BET Hip Hop Awards for a sizzling performance of "I Wanna Be Down." You could feel the excitement in the building mounting as each MC took the visually... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video