Parfit

This Week Brought a Mind-Blowing Freestyle from Lupe Fiasco, Deep Knowledge From Ab-Soul & More (Video)

This week, Lupe Fiasco delivered a freestyle that put him in Sway's top 10 of ALL-TIME. Ab-Soul decoded his Stigmata verse using strictly Jay Z lyrics. Pharoahe Monch flexed his surprisingly strong singing skills. M.O.P. blew out Summer Jam with The Roots. A$AP Mob rocked an off the dome cypher.... Read more

June 7, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Imagine Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy & Marlon Wayans on 1 Stage. Or Just Read About It…

Dave Chappelle is returning to Radio City Music Hall later this month for an 8-night run with several guests, including Erykah Badu, The Roots, DJ Premier, Janelle Monae and more. As part of his prep, he assembled a dream team of comedy for 1 night only in February that included... Read more

June 7, 2014 Fresh

Murs & Mayday Release Yet Another Subversive Video. Here it is…(Video)

Murs & Mayday have been putting out some of the most challenging music and videos of the year. Thus far, each video has addressed a prison theme...of sorts. In "Tabletops," they staged a prison break and "Serge's Song" took a stand against the U.S. prison system. "Here," their latest, deals... Read more

June 6, 2014 Video

Here is an Incredibly Candid Previously Unreleased Conversation Between 2Pac & Sanyika Shakur (Audio)

This is a an amazing find. Here's a previously unreleased 20 minute conversation between Tupac and Sanyika Shakur (pka Monster Kody). They speak about the perils of prison life, the Hughes brothers, Yummy Sandifer, signing to Death Row, his rape case, Pac's desire to help the community and more. This... Read more

June 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

Disclosure Puts a House Spin on Pharrell & Jay Z’s Frontin and It’s a Stone Cold Groove (Audio)

Though 2014 witnessed the death of Frankie Knuckles, the Godfather of House, the year has produced quite the resurgence in the Chicago-born form of soulful dance music. There have been some stellar releases, including Vic Mensa's Down on My Luck, and now Disclosure return with a deep remix of Pharrell... Read more

June 6, 2014 Audio

Ep 2 of The Message Documentary Covers The East/West Coast Beef, The Rise of Southern Hip-Hop, Censorship & More (Video)

Episode 2 of BET's Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, covers the turbulent times in the 90's including the East Coast/West Coast feuds, misogyny in lyrics, corporate attacks on Rap music and more. It also details the rise of Southern Hip-Hop. Guests include Snoop, Uncle Luke, Master P, Juicy J, The Game,... Read more

June 6, 2014 Video

AFH Celebrates 30 Years of Beat Street (Video Playlist)

30 years ago, on June 6, 1984, Orion Pictures released the seminal film, Beat Street. While there had been other movies about Hip-Hop culture (including Wild Style, Style Wars and Breakin'), because Beat Street was backed by a major distribution company and came at the near peak of mainstream recognition... Read more

June 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

Sheek Louch Takes it Back to the Basics with Two Turntables & A Mic (Audio)

Sheek Louch teams up with DJ OP on a throwback track that sounds just like it's named, Two Turntables & a Mic. DJ OP scratches and old school drum loop and Sheek does what he does best. Check it out. Related: The LOX Reminisce on Working with The Notorious B.I.G.... Read more

June 6, 2014 Audio

The Best Hip-Hop in May Included Slaughterhouse, KRS-One, Ghostface, Ab-Soul, Common, Cormega, The Roots & Much More (Audio Playlist)

Before we get too deep into June, here's a look back at some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in May and there was an abundance...You'll hear new music from Slaughterhouse, Cormega, KRS-One, Ab-Soul, Rapsody, Ghostface, Common, Mac Miller, De La Soul, Nitty Scott, MC, The Roots, Blu, Freddie Gibbs,... Read more

June 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Devin the Dude Makes a New Video About One of His Favorite Pastimes (Video)

Over his 2+ decade career, Devin the Dude has been unabashed about his love for the medicinal. His latest video continues the longstanding theme. Check out I'm Just Gettin' Blowed. Related: Here’s Some Soulful New Goodness From Devin the Dude to Get You Lifted (Video)... Read more

June 4, 2014 Video

Nas, RZA & More Discuss The Earliest Days of Hip-Hop in The Message Hip-Hop Documentary (Video)

BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, premieres tonight at 10pm. Part 1 focuses on the early days of Hip-Hop and features Doug E Fresh, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice Cube, DJ Premier, Grand Wizard Theodore, Nas, MC Lyte, Questlove, Russell Simmons, Snoop, RZA, Sway, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar, Eve, Swizz Beatz... Read more

June 4, 2014 Throwback

Mannie Fresh and Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) Release Some New Bounce Just in Time for Summer (Audio)

More than a year after the release of their single, "Black Jesus," Mannie Fresh and Yasiin Bey release another collabo and it's got that BOUNCE. Check out the instantly-catchy "Let's Go." Related: Mannie Fresh Premiers New Mos Def Collaboration, Talks Making Juvenile’s 400 Degreez With NPR (Video)... Read more

June 2, 2014 Audio

Did Drake Just Blow Up Jay Z & Kanye’s Throne? 0 to 100. You Do the Math…(Audio)

Drake just released a new track that is deceptively catchy and lyrical. On first listen to the 2-part song, it's easy to get caught up in the dual personality of the track (a la Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2) and skip over the lyrical content. Upon review, however, what's revealed... Read more

June 2, 2014 Audio

The Roots Bring the Heat to Summer Jam (Video)

With all the talk recently of bringing back New York Hip-Hop, leave it to The Roots to actually do it. During their dynamite set at Hot 97's Summer Jam concert at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, the legendary crew brought out The Lox, Dres from Black Sheep and... Read more

June 1, 2014 Video

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Camp Lo, Ab-Soul, Styles P, Jadakiss, Murs & More (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video brought sneak peeks at upcoming projects from Camp Lo and Yasiin Gaye (the 2nd part of the Mos Def/Marvin Gaye blend mixtape), strong freestyle from Brother Ali and Mayhem Lauren, new music videos from Ab-Soul, Murs & Mayday, Styles P & Jadakiss and more.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

50 Cent – Animal Ambition: The Videos (Video Playlist)

Update: 50 Cent has now released the video for the Animal Ambition title track. The playlist has been updated and you can now watch the videos for the entire album, in full. 50 Cent has quietly put together one of the most strategic and aggressive marketing campaigns in recent memory.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

The Message: The Complete Story of the Evolution of Hip-Hop (Video)

Next week (6/4 at 10pm EST), BET is premiering part 1 of a 4 part documentary on the evolution of Hip-Hop. The film will cover all 40+ years of the Hip-Hop era and will examine how it spread across the country, region-by-region. Participants include Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Kendrick... Read more

May 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Ab-Soul Bears His Cross in Stigmata (Video)

In 1999, Nas released what, at the time, was an extremely controversial video for his song "Hate Me Now." The video depicted Nas being crucified and the airing of a version also featuring Puff Daddy on the cross led to the infamous Champagne bottle altercation between Diddy and Steve Stoute.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Video

Watch Big L & Big Pun in a Never Before Released Cypher (Video)

Yesterday (5/30) would have been Big L's 40th birthday. To celebrate the fallen MC's life and legacy, Complex premiered never before released footage of Big L in the studio dropping a verse AND a previously unreleased cypher that included L, Charlie Hustle and Big Pun. Check out both videos below.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Throwback

Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver Talk Legal Tender Over a Soulful Burner (Audio)

Jet Life brothers, Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver, link on a new record about currency, minus crew leader Curren$y. The result is still the same. They deliver laid back, in the pocket flows over a soulful burner. Check out Legal Tender. Related: Trademark Da Skydiver Doubles As Flamingo Barnes... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

Skyzoo & Torae Get a Rough and Rugged Beat from DJ Premier (Audio)

Skyzoo and Torae's album, Barrel Brothers, hit stores earlier this week. If you're in search of strong lyrics and beats with that BOOM BAP, look no further. Their DJ Premier-produced track, "The Aura," is proof positive. Check it out below and pick up the album here. Related: Skyzoo & Torae’s... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

Brother Ali Goes On The Attack In A Freestyle. But Who’s The Target? (Video)

Brother Ali kicked a dope a capella verse on the Sway in the Morning show as part of a sound check. What seemed like a casual rhyme at first turned into a blistering story about an MC who made it based on lies and biting. The target could be an... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Murs & Mayday Take a Stand Against the American Prison System in Serge’s Song (Video)

Mayday & Murs make a strong statement against the American prison system in Serge's song. The song depicts a conversation between 2 friends, one free and one behind bars. The video shows Murs and Mayday re-enacting the phone call but bookends the visuals with powerful facts about how many more... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

50 Cent Releases the Full Album Stream for Animal Ambition (Audio)

A lot has been written about the resurgence of 50 Cent since he left Interscope and renewed his grind as an independent artist. The reaction has been with good reason. 50 has been putting out some of his best music in years. The album, Animal Ambition, is set to be... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Miguel Reflects on the Simple Things in His Stylish New Visuals (Video)

Miguel has never been one to be put in a box, musically. Whether it's vibing with DJ Premier or conjuring Prince, he's created a very diverse sonic spectrum for himself. His latest, Simple Things from the Girls soundtrack, is a meditative guitar-driven song where he recounts the desire to enjoy... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Resurfaces for a Performance of Babylon with SZA (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been quiet lately. The TDE MC who largely owned 2013 has been holed up in the lab preparing to control 2014...He recently resurfaced, however, in support of his TDE label mate, SZA. Check out the video of their performance of Babylon from her album. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

May 29, 2014 Throwback

50 Cent is a Man of Many Talents. Baseball is NOT One of Them…Worst Pitch Ever? (Video)

50 Cent has been on a tear lately. Over the last couple of months, he's released some of his best music in nearly a decade with the lead up to Animal Ambition and he has provided some incredibly entertaining interviews about G-Unit, why he split with Interscope and more. Recently,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Here’s the Official Mixtape for the 7th Annual Roots Picnic (Mixtape)

The 7th annual Roots Picnic will be held on May 31st in Philadelphia and headlined by Snoop Dogg, backed by The Roots. As has become tradition, they have released a mixtape to accompany the event, featuring many of those who will be performing. This year's edition features The Roots, Snoop,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Audio

Jadakiss & Rocko Join Styles P in the Video for Sour (Video)

Styles P releases the latest video from his Phantom and the Ghost album. Check out Sour featuring Jadakiss and Rocko. Related: Styles P and Chris Rivers Get Gritty In The New York City Streets (Video)... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Rest In Peace To Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou, one of our greatest poets, has passed away at the age of 86. Dr. Angelou was a poet, author, activist and influencer, having inspired everyone from Oprah to Bill Clinton to Common. Our condolences go out to her family, friends and all those she touched.... Read more

May 28, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Jim-E-O Weaves a Tale of Redemption in Word on the Street (Video)

Here's a refreshing take from Jim-E-O, an artist we spotlighted a couple of years ago. In a genre dominated by (often fake) talk from suburban rappers about hustling on the corner, Jim-E-O talks about cleaning up his act and becoming a better man. That's his Word on the Street. Check... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Goes Back to Hollywood LA with a Dynamic Performance (Video)

Vic Mensa renders a dynamic performance of "Hollywood LA," one of the many standout cuts on his Innanet Tape, at Truth Studios in Los Angeles. His dynamic delivery emphasizes the intricate wordplay embedded in the deceptively laid back song. Check out the video. Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Here’s Another Timeless Blend of Marvin Gaye & Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) (Audio & Video)

Earlier this year, Amerigo Gazaway released Inner City Travelin' Man, one of the better projects of the year. The album blended the music and vocals of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), under the collective name of Yasiin Gaye. Gazaway is readying part 2 of the release, Yasiin... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Video

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought Hot Freestyles, Powerful Music Videos & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought 2 killer freestyles from Logic, strong new music videos from Ice-T, CyHi the Prynce, Buckshot & Pro Era, and Schoolboy Q, a mini-doc showing Erykah Badu tracing her roots, The Roots playing their new album with an orchestra, the definitive D'Angelo interview and much more.... Read more

May 26, 2014 Playlists, Video

As Easy as 213: How Warren G Launched the G-Funk Era

Here's a truly amazing piece from Pitchfork on Warren G's impact on the G-Funk era. While Dre's name is often the one most prominently associated with the genre, it quite possibly may not have existed without little stepbrother Warren. Check out the excerpts below and then head to pitchfork for... Read more

May 25, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Some of the Best Freestyles of 2014 (So Far) (Video Playlist)

UPDATED to include fiery verses from Lupe Fiasco, Lecrae, Remy Ma, Vic Mensa, Elzhi and more. The last few weeks have brought some killer freestyles. Here's a video playlist of some of the MCs dropping the heaviest bars so far in 2014. You'll see Logic, Papoose, King Los, Prevail and... Read more

May 25, 2014 Playlists, Video

Fire Up the BBQ and Let This Old School Mix Turn Up the Heat (Audio)

A few years ago, DJ Spinbad put together this short but killer Memorial Day BBQ Mix. Its Old School blends featuring The Jackson 5, Soul II Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Main Source, Nas, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Biggie, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and much more... Read more

May 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Jeru The Damaja Tells the Story of the Making of The Sun Rises in the East (Audio)

Today (5/24), marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jeru The Damaja's album The Sun Rises in the East. Here's a super dope podcast, by Up North Trips, featuring Jeru, himself, narrating the stories behind the making of the album, track by track. Check out the podcast below and... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Throwback

From Yeezus to God Level: New Music From Kanye West (Audio)

Update: Sources have confirmed the track is in fact called "God Level" and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer 88-Keys. Both friends and collaborators, this is not the first time Kanye and 88 have worked together. Most people know 88-Keys for his stellar production on Ye and Jay's "No... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Video

Crooked I Joins Canibus in Wrecking a New Track (Audio)

Lately, there hasn't been a track Crooked I met that he didn't wreck. The trend continues on Canibus' new song, aptly titled Wreck Room, which also features Nino Graye and Flawless the MC. Check it out below. Related: Canibus Proclaims The End Of Days With His Latest Bass Heavy Relaease... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio

Nas & Journey? Sounds Crazy But It Sounds CRAZY. Check This (Mixtape)

There have bend some incredible blend mixtapes over the years from Danger Mouse's Grey Album fusing Jay Z's verses with Beatles music to the Keys Open Doors project which mixed The Clipse with The Doors. Here's another project that was brought to our attention by @djskinnykitchen. Journey with Nas, released... Read more

May 23, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

Can You See Danny Brown in G-Unit? It Almost Happened…(Video)

Danny Brown keeps it as real as it gets in his interviews. His laid-back demeanor and complete "lack of filter" are magnetic and highly-engaging. He sat down for an extended conversation with The Breakfast Club and touched on several things, including being the unofficial "5th member of Black Hippy," choosing... Read more

May 23, 2014 Video

Logic’s Story May Be Even More Compelling Than His Verses. Here’s Why (Video)

Logic has been blistering microphones lately as he makes the rounds in NYC. Many are just starting to understand the talent the MC commands. It turns out, his story is every bit as compelling as his verses. He spoke to Sway about being biracial, growing up in an all Black... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

Ab-Soul & Action Bronson Do Damage On Soulo’s New Track (Audio)

Ab-Soul's new album, These Days, is coming. Soon. As TDE readies the release for next month, here's a new song that features Soulo, Action Bronson and Asaad getting busy on a dark and moody track. Check out Stigmata below. Related: Ab-Soul Breaks Down the Tree of Life on His Latest... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Here’s Yet Another Reason to Pick Up The Roots’ Dope New Album (Audio)

The Roots released their dope new concept album, ...and then you shoot your cousin, earlier in the week. It stands up to their finest work in quality and concept. They have released another single in support of the album. Check out The Dark (Trinity). You can pick up the full... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Ready for Another Ill Freestyle? eMC Abuse Some DJ Premier Tracks (Video)

Here's another ill freestyle session courtesy of Statik Selektah's Showoff Radio. Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Strick (aka eMC) bless the mic over some DJ Premier goodness, off the top...Check out the video.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

GQ is Next Up in 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Audio)

10+ years after the release of Little Brother's debut album, The Listening, 9th Wonder is still making moves behind the boards and behind the scenes. His Jamla Records roster includes artists like Rapsody and one of the most talented producer corps in the game. GQ is another soldier in 9th's... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Erykah Badu Traced Her DNA to Determine Her Ancestry. Here’s What She Found (Video)

Erykah Badu took a DNA test to get a better sense of her full ancestry. OkayPlayer accompanied her on her journey and it yielded some fascinating results. Not only did Ms. Badu come away with a deeper understanding of her roots, she also learned that some of the things that... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

Logic Destroys the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. Did He Even Take a Breath?? (Video)

Logic took on Sway's 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle challenge and did what real MC's do...BODIED IT. Not only did he deliver some crushing off the top lyrics, it almost seemed like he didn't even take a breath. True lyrics of fury. Check it out. Related: Logic Shows Off His... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

Nicki Minaj Releases a Deeply Personal Record for Her First Single (Audio)

In many ways, Nicki Minaj has returned to her 2010 form with the release of Pills N Potions, her first single from the forthcoming album The Pinkprint. Her look is toned down, relative to recent styles, and the single is deeply personal akin to songs like Your Love and Moment... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio