Parfit

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Say No Matter How Hard Things Get, Never Quit (Video)

Lil Herb's "Fight or Flight Remix" featuring Common and Chance the Rapper is at times bleak, but the overriding message is, no matter how bad things have been or might get, never quit and never give in. The video captures these themes with both images of destruction and those of... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Here Are the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers. Who Had the Best Verse (Video)

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards featured a variety of artists and different styles. From up and comers to grizzled veterans, each had something to prove. Many also had something meaningful to say, with references to the killing of Mike Brown and the protests in Ferguson manifesting throughout several verses.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

The Family of Mike Brown Joins Common Onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (Video)

In a moment that was truly bigger than Hip-Hop (or any other form of music), the parents of Mike Brown, who was gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO, took the stage during the BET Hip Hop Awards at the conclusion of Common's performance of his "Kingdom Remix" with Vince... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Gets His Grown Man on in the Video for Pay Attention (Video)

From the beginning, Big K.R.I.T.'s song "Pay Attention," featuring Rico Love, announced a new chapter for the Mississippi MC. K.R.I.T. allowed Jim Jonsin to take the production reins as he got into grown and sexy mode. The video for the song also reflects K.R.I.T.'s evolution. Rather than take a trip... Read more

October 14, 2014 Video

PRhyme (DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9″) Release the Artwork and Tracklist for Their New EP

DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" shook up the Hip-Hop world last month when they announced they were forming a group called PRhyme, Premier's first since Gang Starr. After releasing a teaser and a single, they now reveal the artwork and tracklist. The project will feature production from Preemo, samples... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh

Jay Rock Releases His First Solo Song in Nearly a Year. Be Warned (Audio)

Make no mistake, though he has been relatively quiet compared to his Black Hippy brethren over the last few years, Jay Rock is still a Top Dawg. He marks his return with "Parental Advisory," his first solo release in nearly a year. Far from shying away from the West Coast... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio

Capone-N-Noreaga Bring the Gods Back with Sadat X (Video)

Capone-N-Noreaga link with Sadat X to drop some "grown man bars" on "Bringing the Gods Back." The track hails from CNN's forthcoming new album and finds each veteran MC in top form as they dice up the bombastic track. Check out the video. Related: Capone, Noreaga, Cormega & Nature Form... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

Talib Kweli & Res Give a Rousing Live Rendition of Party Robot with Bajah (Video)

Talib Kweli recently played at the Brooklyn Bowl and, from the looks of it, he pulled out all the stops. Joined on stage by Res, Bajah and a huge live band, he did an incredible live version of Party Robot from his joint Idle Warship project of the same name... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

Tsu Surf vs Hitman Holla: Who Took This Battle? (Video)

At this year's Summer Madness, Smack/URL's "Super Bowl of MC Battling," Tsu Surf and Hitman Holla went head to head in another chapter of their ongoing rivalry. Now, the match has been released in its entirety. Take a look and weigh in on who you think won this battle. Related:... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

The WOW Recruit Prodigy & Rick Gonzales for Some Grimy Wordplay (Audio)

Prodigy and his label signee Rick Gonzales (aka Realm Reality) join The WOW for some "nightmare Rap" over a no nonsense beat. The ominous violin and live drums pair nicely with each MC's steely flow. Check out "Untitled Melody." Related: Your Old Droog & Prodigy Welcome September As Hoodie Weather... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio

Watch a Highlight Reel of Some of Eminem’s Greatest Battles (Video)

Though Eminem's 8 Mile movie was fictional, it aligned very closely with several elements in Marshall Mathers' real life, including showcasing that he started as BATTLE RAP BEAST. The battle scenes in the film have been replayed countless times, but there is also real footage of Em's battles that have... Read more

October 12, 2014 Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Keeps it Gangsta in His Responses to Fans About Thuggin’ (Video)

Freddie Gibbs is the latest to participate in Noisey's "The People vs..." series. Gangsta Gibbs read through actual comments from users about his "Thuggin'" video on YouTube. Gibbs was both funny and thoughtful in his responses. He also gives a very interesting take when asked how he justifies releasing records... Read more

October 12, 2014 Video

Curren$y’s Releases His 2nd Mixtape in a Week with Jet Life’s World Wide Hustlers (Mixtape)

Curren$y stays on his mixtape grind with his second release in a week. World Wide Hustlers features, Spitta, fellow Jet Life members Young Roddy, Corner Boy, Le$ and T.Y., as well as Smoke DZA, Freddie Gibbs and more. The project contains some original soulful beats as well as some old... Read more

October 12, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Cookin’ Soul Remixes Nipsey Hussle & Dom Kennedy with Some Classic Jodeci (Audio)

The production duo Cookin' Soul Has lived up to its name with an inspired remix of Nipsey Hussle's "Don't Forget Us," featuring Dom Kennedy. They chop up a Jodeci classic something lovely and concoct a soulful sonic landscape for Nipsey and Dom to get busy. This is feel good music.... Read more

October 11, 2014 Audio

LL Cool J is in Ripper Mode With Raekwon & Murda Mook on I’m Nice (Video)

LL Cool J's "I'm Nice," featuring Raekwon, Murda Mook and Ron Browz was a return to form for the 30-year veteran. LL is in full Jack the Ripper mode as he, Rae and Mook take turns lacing the grimy cut. Check out the video. Related: LL Cool J Showcases Some... Read more

October 11, 2014 Video

Things Go Horribly Wrong in Childish Gambino’s Video for Telegraph Ave (Oakland) (Video)

Childish Gambino and Jhene Aiko are co-stars once again in the video for "Telegraph Ave ("Oakland" by Lloyd)." What starts off as a romantic trip ends up as a horror story...literally. This one has one of the most unexpected endings in a video so far this year. Check it out.... Read more

October 11, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Releases the Lyric Video for i (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's new single "i" took the internet by storm and by surprise. The track, with its Isley Brothers-fueled sample, was a sonic departure from Kendrick's previous material. When you dig deeper however, the song was fully consistent with K. Dot's often complex message of struggle and, ultimately, redemption. Now,... Read more

October 10, 2014 Video

Boaz Releases the Video for His Red Hot Collabo with Jadakiss & Styles P (Video)

Last month, Boaz released "Rootin' 4 the Villain," his joint effort with Styles P and Jadakiss. It takes a lot of courage for an up and coming MC to get on a track with 2/3 of The Lox but Boaz more than holds his own. All three MCs go hard... Read more

October 10, 2014 Video

Can’t Wait to Hear DJ Quik’s New Album? Here’s the Full Stream (Audio)

DJ Quik's album The Midnight Life will be in stores on 10/14. The album, Quik's 9th solo, is full of the rich Funk and Soul his fans have come to love over the last couple of decades. And, with features from El Debarge, Suga Free, Dom Kennedy, Mack 10, Joi... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Jack Troy Ave for His (Musical) Money (Audio)

The track for Troy Ave's "All About the Money" BANGS. So much so, G-Unit (minus 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks) had to jack him for the beat and put their own spin on it. Check out "All About the Drug Money." Also, you can catch part 2 of their extended... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Speaks on His Entire Career Project by Project (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on the CRWN series with Elliott Wilson. K.R.I.T. spoke for an hour, covering his entire career, project by project. K.R.I.T. was in a good place--often joking with the crowd and ever philosophical about his career. He went in-depth about the ups and downs he's... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Logic’s Under Pressure Video Feels Like a Real-Life Game of Call of Duty (Video)

Logic has released his first video for his upcoming album debut, Under Pressure. The video for the title track is shot from the first-person perspective and looks and feels like a real-life game of Call of Duty. With its intense and ultra-graphic violence, this is not for the squeamish. Related:... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Here’s a Beautiful Look at the Making of the Nas Film Time is Illmatic (Video)

Time is Illmatic, the documentary about Nas, Illmatic and the Hip-Hop landscape of that era, opened up this year's Tribeca Film Festival and hit select theaters last week. The film was a 10-year labor of love by filmmakers One-9 and Erik Parker. Here's a gorgeously shot short about the making... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Andy Mineo Drops Lyrics of Faith and Fury in The Backroom Freestyle (Video)

"Only sure thing in life is your death. I pray these rappers know that dude who's hanging on their neck." Andy Mineo is the latest to drop a verse in The Backroom on 106 & Park and he BODIED IT...with lyrics of substance and his message of faith. If you... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Says He “Masterminded” 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me Album (Video)

The West Coast OG DJ Quik sat down with Sway for one of Quik's longest interviews in recent memory. Quik touched on a host of topics including the first time he met Suge Knight, his history with Death Row Records (including witnessing some of the infamous beatdowns of artists), why... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Raekwon Takes on the O’Jay’s Backstabbers for Throwback Thursday (Audio)

For his latest Throwback Thursdays release, Raekwon takes on The O'Jays' "Backstabbers." Rae attacks the soulful classic with aggression, speeding up to near double-time to stay in the pocket. Check it out. Related: Raekwon Flows Over Some Vintage Amerie For This Throwback Thursday (Audio)... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio

DJ Green Lantern Makes a Soulful EDM Remix of Wu-Tang Clan’s C.R.E.A.M. (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan and EDM? Sounds nuts, right? DJ Green Lantern takes their classic, C.R.E.A.M., and remixes it to the fullest. He preserves the soulfulness of the original sample (in some ways heightening it) and sprinkles in key soundbites from the hook and verses. The similarity stops there, though. He also... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

G-Unit is Real and Uncut in This Extended Interview (Video)

XXL conducted an interview with G-Unit in 50 Cent's home in Connecticut. They chose the location because in 2008, it was there that the Unit was together for the last time before an extended, acrimonious and well-documented split. In this interview, 50, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck and Kidd... Read more

October 8, 2014 Video

Jadakiss Says He Knew He Made It When Biggie Co-Signed Him (Video)

Jadakiss recently guested on ESPN's Highly Questionable. The Lox MC spoke about a host of things including DMX's scary driving, partying with the Knicks (but partying harder with their opponents...), and knowing he had made it as an MC when he got the co-sign from The Notorious B.I.G. Check out... Read more

October 8, 2014 Video

Kool G. Rap & Guilty Simpson Play Chess Never Checkers Over Some Boom Bap (Audio)

Sometimes the best Hip-Hop involves little more than some fire lyrics over a hard beat. That's exactly what "Chess Never Checkers" provides. Kool G. Rap and Guilty Simpson lay down dense and grimy verses over a BOOM BAP beat and intermittent minimalist chords. If you want that rough and raw... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden & Crooked I Represent for the Crew on Devil in My House (Audio)

Joe Budden and Crooked I may make up one half of Slaughterhouse, but the fractions stop there. Each is a formidable MC unto himself and both stand on their own. Together? They create an East Coast/West Coast tandem that can go toe to toe with any other Rap twosome. On... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Redman Shows How He Rocks on a Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick Classic (Audio)

After taking the Internet by storm last week with a blistering verse over a DJ Quik track, Redman rocks out over Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick's classic, "The Show" (with a few other choice samples). Check out "Rockin' Wit Marley Marl." Related: Redman Does His Take On An Old... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Need Some 80’s R&B? This Mix Will Rub You the Right Way (Audio)

The DJ collective The Rub (DJ Eleven & DJ Ayres) have been rocking parties in NYC and all over the world for years. Known for their incredibly painstaking series of mixes of the best Hip-Hop year-by-year from 1979 - 2009, they also throw down something heavy with R&B classics. Their... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Termanology, Chris Rivers & Inspectah Deck Load Up the Lyrical Chambers as The War Begins (Audio)

Termanology gets an Alchemist-flavored track from producer Billy Loman as Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, H Blanco and Term' proceed to go to work. This is a record for the headphones, not the radio, as these 4 lyricists do verbal combat on "The War Begins." Check it out. Related: Termanology &... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

T.I. and Pharrell Say Don’t Do Business Until Your Paperwork is Straight (Audio)

T.I. gets autobiographical on "Paperwork," his soulful reunion with oft-collaborator Pharrell. Tip talks about the challenges he faced before breaking through--doubters, blockers and just plain haters. All the while, Pharrell cautions against dealing with people before they've been vetted, on the hook. Check it out. Related: T.I. Pens The New... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

What Happened to Wu-Tang Clan’s Remix With Drake? The Wu Speaks (Video)

During the lead up to the release of Drake's Nothing Was the Same album, one of the things that had Head's most excited was the prospect of a collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan on Drake's song "Wu-Tang Forever." Despite confirmation from members of the Wu that the remix was official and... Read more

October 6, 2014 Video

G-Unit Keeps It Raw and Real About Just How Cold People Can Be on Changes (Video)

The warm and soulful track for G-Unit's "Changes" is in stark contrast to the icy lyrics. 50, Kidd Kidd, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo keep it raw and real about past betrayals and just how cold the game can be. The video finds the Unit suited and booted... Read more

October 4, 2014 Video

Need Some OutKast & Goodie Mob in Your Life? Here’s an Awesome Mix (Audio)

Here's a dope mix of Dungeon Family goodness from DJ Jedi 1200. The set hones in on music from OutKast and Goodie Mob, with a focus on some of the more downtempo and soulful cuts from each. Press play and let it ride. Outkast/Goodie Mob Mix by Jedi1200 on Mixcloud... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Performs His Single i For the First Time (Video)

Kendrick Lamar performed his new single "i" for the first time, at We Day Toronto. K. Dot gave an energetic rendition of the song with a live band. The footage was amateur but gives a good sense of the experience. Check out the video. Related: Flying Lotus Releases a Stunning... Read more

October 4, 2014 Video

Andre 3000 Discusses Playing Jimi Hendrix with David Letterman (Video)

Andre 3000 appeared on Late Show with David Letterman to discuss his role as Jimi Hendrix in the biopic, All is By My Side. For a good portion of the interview, Letterman quizzed Andre as if he actually was Hendrix and Andre took it in stride. He shared some compelling... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Lifetime’s Aaliyah Biopic Premieres in November. Here’s the Trailer (Video)

After some fits and starts with casting the lead role, Lifetime's biopic on Aaliyah is complete and ready to premiere next month on 11/15. The film, which originally starred Zendaya, now features Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah. Check out the trailer for Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. Related: Happy Birthday to... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

RZA, Raekwon & Ghostface Speak on How They Worked Out Their Differences (Video)

Last Winter, Wu-Tang Clan, specifically Raekwon and RZA, had some very public disagreements. Raekwon in particular lobbed some very vitriolic words toward RZA about the status of Wu-Tang Clan's new music and his concerns about how the Wu brand was being represented. Rae even went as far as to say... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Cozz & J. Cole Say You Can’t Knock Tha Hustle (Audio)

Much as J. Cole's mentor and label head Jay Z said emphatically on 1996's Reasonable Doubt, Cole and his mentee/label signee Cozz join forces to remind Heads you "Can't Knock Tha Hustle" on the remix to Cozz's track. Cole and Cozz unite over a smokey, jazz-flavored beat to speak on... Read more

October 3, 2014 Audio

Can Mac Miller Make a Dope Beat Using 3 Random Records? Watch and See (Video)

Over the last couple of years, Mac Miller has grown tremendously both as an artist and as a producer. Both his Watching Movies with the Sound Off album and his Faces mixtape were some of the best projects of their respective years and were rich in complex lyrics and beats.... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Rick Ross Gets the Assist From R. Kelly on Keep Doin’ That (Audio)

Rick Ross releases a new song from his forthcoming Hood Billionaire album. "Keep Doin' That" sports a tough beat and a guest turn from R. Kelly. Check it out (with tags for now). Related: Stalley Slows It Down for One More Shot With Rick Ross & August Alsina (Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Diamond District’s First Step is a Return to the Boom BAP (Video)

Diamond District, the collective of yU, Oddisee and Uptown XO, release their visuals for "First Step." The Oddisee-laced track is a return to the Boom Bap with some trunk-rumbling keys. Check out the video. Related: Diamond District Really Has Something In Their March On Washington (Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Nas Opens Up About His Life With Angie Martinez; Says New Music Possible Coming Today (Video)

Nas has always been an open book through his art, narrating not only for himself but for the streets. However, he typically has been a little less forthcoming in interviews. Yesterday, he sat down with Angie Martinez and the two had an intimate conversation amongst friends. Nas opened up about... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Snoop Dogg & Flavor Flav Show Their School Spirit on Bishop Gorman Move Them Chains (Audio)

Can you imagine your father and his friend recording a fight song for your school when you were in high school? No? What if those guys were Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav...That's exactly what Snoop did for his son's Bishop Gorman High School football team. Though neither OG MC drops... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Childish Gambino Releases the Stream to His New STN MTN Mixtape (Audio)

Never one to be confined by conventions, Childish Gambino releases the stream to his latest project. "STN MTN/KAUAI" is one-part free DJ Drama-hosted mixtape and one-part digital retail EP. Here's how Gambino explains it: "It’s a Gangsta Grillz mixtape that goes into an EP. The Gangsta Grillz mixtape is a... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio, Mixes