Parfit

Vic Mensa Kicks the Ill Freestyle with Help From a Human Beat Box (Video)

When's the last time you saw somebody kick a freestyle accompanied by a human beat box? Vic Mensa stopped by Prince Paul's All Purpose Show and, after an insightful interview, dropped some off the top bars with a human beat box version of Biggie's 10 Crack Commandments. Check out the... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Witness the Future of Music Videos with Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk (Video)

Remember the "WTF moment" you had the first time you saw a video that broke through artistically (like The Pharcyde's Drop)? Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk have released a video that feels like a similar type of game-changer. "97.92" uses a panoramic camera to mind-bending effect. But, enough words. See... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Nas’ Illmatic Gets an Infectious Injection of Pure Soul (Mixtape)

Just when you thought the Nas Illmatic tributes were over, Cookin' Soul pulls you right back in...The production team has created a completely re-imagined version of some of the album's key tracks using some of the most soulful beats you will ever hear. This is a MONSTER. No matter how... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Mixes

Too Short and Rocko Take it Back to the Freaky Tales Sound on Sucka (Audio)

Early in his career, during the Life is...Too Short and Freaky Tales days, Too Short's sound was based on simple drums and simple bass lines. Rocko's song, Sucka, draws on that "back in the day" sound and he invited Short Dog along for the party. Check it out. Related: The... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio

Gary Clark, Jr. Releases a Mixtape ft Big K.R.I.T., Talib Kweli, Bilal & More (Mixtape)

Gary Clark, Jr. has released one of the more interesting projects of the year. The Grammy-winning blues guitarist put together a mixtape featuring Talib Kweli, Big K.R.I.T., Bilal, Robert Glasper and more. It features remixes to his 2012 album of the same name, and adds a few new cuts. You... Read more

April 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

Evidence & AWAR Drop Heavy Bars on a Vibe Out Track and Everything’s Awesome (Audio)

Quietly, Evidence has made some of the most consistently good music of anyone in the game. Each of the Dilated Peoples albums was strong, and Ev's 2011 solo project, Cats & Dogs, was one of the best of the year. His recent Lord Steppington collabo LP with Alchemist also did... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio

Danny Brown Gives One of the Realest Interviews Ever on the Perils of Drinking Syrup (Video)

Over the years, syrup (or lean) has been glamorized in Hip-Hop. Danny Brown recently sat down with Tim Westwood and gave one of the realest interviews ever on the negative effects of drinking the concoction. Though he is smiling throughout, the details he gives about the ill effects of the... Read more

April 30, 2014 Video

Think Hip-Hop Has Grown Too Materialistic? Questlove Does Too. Here’s Why.

The Roots' Questlove is writing a 6-part series for vulture.com called "How Hip-Hop Failed Black America." The title alone let's you know that this is not light reading. Brother Question examines the culture he (and we) love from multiple angles: political, social, philosophical. In the 2nd part, he looks at... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh

People Know Pharrell Cried When Talking to Oprah. Here’s Why (Video)

Leave it to Sway to build on an interview done by OPRAH. Watch how he gets Pharrell Williams to open up about why he cried during the Oprah interview, working with the world's biggest artists and more. Check out the video. Here's the Oprah moment: Related: Pharrell Speaks on His... Read more

April 30, 2014 Video

Here’s a Mind-Blowingly Comprehensive Oral History of Rawkus Records

Here's a mind-blowingly comprehensive oral history of Rawkus Records, one of the last great Hip-Hop record labels, put together by MySpace. The piece features contributions from DJ Premier, DJ Spinna, El-P, Evil Dee, Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip and many, many more. Check out an excerpt and link to... Read more

April 30, 2014 Throwback

Think Country Rappers Aren’t Lyrical? Big K.R.I.T. Ends That Discussion with Mt Olympus (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. has just released arguably his most lyrical record to date...and that's saying a lot. As if he's putting all rappers from the country on his back, K.R.I.T. steps to the mic and delivers a blistering display of wordplay. This record could not be more fitting after a weekend... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio

GoldLink Shows Once Again That Sex Sells (Mixtape)

Today, GoldLink released an incredibly sexually-charged video. So much so that we're not going to post it (but you can find a link here). We did watch though. Why? Because sex sells and that's why services like free meet and fuck are popular for people looking to date. And, while... Read more

April 29, 2014 Mixes

DJ Khaled Releases His Single with Jay Z, Rick Ross, Meek Mill…Does It Live Up to the Hype (Audio)

Earlier today, DJ Khaled was featured in an interview where he went on a bit of a "tirade" about owning the summer with his anthems for the last 8 years, when asked if he could do it again. Khaled said he his streak would continue because he has Jay Z... Read more

April 28, 2014 Audio

8 Rappers Discuss the Impact of OutKast’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik

The celebration of OutKast's debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, continues. MySpace gathered reflections from B.o.B., Gangsta Boo, Trae the Truth, Big K.R.I.T., Rittz, David Banner, Bubba Sparxx and Freddie Gibbs about the impact of OutKast and the album, track by track. Check out the intro to the article below, along with a... Read more

April 27, 2014 Fresh

Da Brat Jumps on Iggy Azalea’s Fancy Track and Flexes (Audio)

It's been 20 years since Da Brat's debut with Funkdafied, but make no mistake, she can still get the party started. She jumps on Iggy Azalea's Fancy track and smokes that joint like she's trying to prove a point...Check it out. Related: Da Brat Makes a Strong Return on Trae... Read more

April 26, 2014 Audio

Salute to OutKast for 20 Years of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (Video)

Salute to OutKast on the 20th anniversary of their classic debut Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Here's a look back at their appearance on Yo! MTV Raps from that storied era. Fab 5 Freddy joins Big Boi, Andre and Organized Noize (the production collective behind the album) in Atlanta at the famed Dungeon studio.... Read more

April 26, 2014 Throwback

The Week in Hip-Hop Video (4/26/14) (Video Playlist)

This week in Hip-Hop video was fueled by the ultimate "tell 'em why you mad" video from Scarface, a vintage Dave Chappelle throwback and the RZA's response to Raekwon's recent criticisms. It also featured words from Chuck D, dope new videos from Rapsody, Locksmith, Jon Connor, Pharrell, Killer Mike, Schoolboy... Read more

April 26, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Meek Mill & Rick Ross Release a Hard Hitting Record for the Streets (Video)

Meek Mill and Rick Ross don't cover any new ground substantively on Off the Corner, but as is the case with many of their prior collabos, the record bangs. This is from Meek Mill's upcoming Dreams Worth More Than Money project. Check out the video. Related: Meek Mill Releases Dreams... Read more

April 25, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on the Status of His New Album & Music From Black Hippy (Video)

MTV caught up with Kendrick Lamar on the red carpet for The Amazing Spider Man 2 premiere. Kendrick spoke on the status of his new album, forthcoming music from Black Hippy and more. Check out the video. Related: SZA Offers Up The Dreamy & Thoughtful Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Babylon (Audio)... Read more

April 25, 2014 Video

Detroit is in the Building. Slum Village Link with Black Milk on a Burner (Audio)

Slum Village and Black Milk have created a tough new Detroit collaboration. Black Milk supplies the beat and a verse and Slum Village do what they do. This is how to start a weekend...Check out We on the Go. Related: Black Milk Gives Herb Alpert A Hit Of Tronic For... Read more

April 25, 2014 Audio

Dave Chappelle Clowns With Boot Camp Clik Back In The Day (Video)

Duck Down has released some vintage footage of Dave Chappelle with Boot Camp Clik from what looks like the mid-90's. Dave provides some impromptu comedic commentary on the Clik's smoking preferences and clowns the Clik in the process. Check out the video. Related: When’s the Last Time You Saw a... Read more

April 24, 2014 Throwback

Logic Flexes His Double-Time Flow with an Assist from Big Sean (Audio)

Logic and Big Sean share XXL Freshmen and Def Jam ties and now they team up in verse. Logic flexes a double-time flow while Sean lets the track breathe. Both styles work over the atmospheric track. Check out Alright. Related: Logic Explains Where He Spent His Advance On While You... Read more

April 23, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Super Ill Concept Mixtape of Ghostface Killah’s Best Storytelling Songs (Mixtape)

Trackstar the DJ (in conjunction with UpNorthTrips and TheSmokingSection) has put together a "concept mixtape" showcasing the storytelling ability of Ghostface Killah. The project, Ghost Stories: Ghostface Killah's Storytelling Raps, features some of Ghost's most choice narration. The beats are on point too...This is a great concept. We hope to... Read more

April 23, 2014 Throwback

J-Live Spreads Good Cheer & Soul, City to City with Tanya Morgan (Audio)

J-Live releases some soulful feel good music with Tanya Morgan and Sam London on City to City. The teacher turned MC keeps kicking knowledge after almost 20 years of honing his craft. Check it out and enjoy the warm vibes. Related: J-Live Smashes Every Cliche in Hip-Hop in 1 Verse... Read more

April 23, 2014 Audio

RZA Responds to Raekwon’s Heated Comments with Class & Respect. Get This Knowledge (Video)

Last week, Rolling Stone released an interview with Raekwon where he had some incredibly sharp and heated words toward RZA, including Rae saying he was "on strike" from the Wu. Now, RZA has responded and he does so with class and dignity. This is a lesson in constructiveness from the... Read more

April 22, 2014 Video

Jon Connor Gest on Kanye West’s Black Skinhead Beat and Wrecks It (Video)

As he leads up to his Aftermath debut, Jon Connor is on a mission. He uses the phrase "best in the world" relentlessly, as if he is trying to speak it into existence. Connor has not earned that title yet...but, he is one of the hungriest MCs to hit the... Read more

April 22, 2014 Video

Rapsody Explains the Concept of Her Thank You Very Much Video (Video)

Rapsody has been a special artist to us for a number of years. In addition to being one of the illest lyricists out, she also gave us one of our first interviews when we were just getting started. Her talent is only matched by her humility and authenticity. Recently, Rapsody... Read more

April 21, 2014 Video

N.O.R.E., Styles P and Raekwon Release Their Inner Lion (Audio)

N.O.R.E., Styles P and Raekwon release their inner Lion on a jazzy throwback track. Check it out. Related: N.O.R.E. and Busta Rhymes Go In on a Classic Hip-Hop Break Beat. Check Out Manners (Audio)... Read more

April 20, 2014 Audio

Nas Discusses His First Trip to the Studio in 1989 (Video)

Here's a look at a 20-year old Nas (1994) discussing his first trip to the recording studio in 1989, with his pops, Olu Dara. He also speaks on meeting Large Professor and MC Serch, and the impact they had on his career. The celebration of 20 years of Illmatic continues...Check... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Public Enemy’s Chuck D Discusses Being 1 of the 1st Internet Rap Artists (Video)

Public Enemy are often cited as being lyrical and sonic pioneers. However, their trend-setting career moves are sometimes overlooked. Chuck D speaks to HardKnock TV about the group being one of the first major label Rap acts to go independent and embrace the Internet as the distribution platform of the... Read more

April 19, 2014 Video

Daz Dillinger Reunites Snoop Dogg & Devin the Dude on His Latest Track (Audio)

Daz Dillinger reunites Snoop Dogg and Devin the Dude on his latest track. Check out Blow'd. Related: Daz Dillinger Keeps it Real Witcha (Audio)... Read more

April 19, 2014 Audio

Ab-Soul Breaks Down the Tree of Life on His Latest Release (Audio)

Ab-Soul teams with producer Curtiss King on his latest release. Soulo explores several tree-related metaphors (money trees, medicinal trees...) on Tree of Life. Check it out. Related: TDE Plans to Release New Albums From Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Black Hippy & Kendrick Lamar in 2014... Read more

April 19, 2014 Audio

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Words From Nas During the Illmatic Era, Raw and Uncut (Video)

Today (4/19) is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nas' Illmatic. As part of our celebration of this landmark date for Hip-Hop, here's an amazing extended look at Nas in the Illmatic era. In this candid interview, young Nas talks about the Hip-Hop legacy of Queensbridge, how he connected... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

The Week in Video Featured 50 Cent Detailing Why G-Unit Split, Drake Being Fake, Illmatic Celebrations & More (Video)

The week in video featured 50 Cent calling out members of G-Unit by name and explaining the demise of the crew, Drake in disguise on the street clowning himself, Jhene Aiko living out the ultimate revenge fantasy against a cheating ex, an Illmatic documentary featuring Nas and Kendrick Lamar, killer... Read more

April 18, 2014 Playlists, Video

Daz Dillinger Keeps it Real Witcha (Audio)

Daz Dillinger is releasing a new solo album next week. Here's the latest single. Check out Real Witcha featuring Z-Ro. Related: Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)... Read more

April 18, 2014 Audio

Raekwon ‘On Strike’ From Wu-Tang, Blasts RZA for ‘Mediocre’ Music

It seems Raekwon's frustrations with RZA have reached a boiling point. After directing some sharp words toward RZA in December, Rae recently sat down with Rolling Stone and had some scathing criticism of his Wu brother. See below for some quotes and head to Rolling Stone for the full article.... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh

KRS-One Salutes His City and the Pioneers of Hip-Hop (Audio)

KRS-One and Frank Sinatra? Why not? The Blastmaster makes a tribute to his city and the pioneers of Hip-Hop on NY, NY. Check it out. Related: KRS-One Does Not Want You to Miss 1 Word of This True School Rap (Video)... Read more

April 17, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Dark New Track from Mobb Deep. You Know the Outcome (Audio)

Here's a new song from Mobb Deep off DJ Whoo Kid's upcoming mixtape, The Elevation, Vol. 2. Check out The Outcome. Related: Here’s an Alternate Take of Mobb Deep’s Eye For an Eye Featuring Nas, Rae & Ghost (Audio)... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio

Jon Connor Releases a Video for His Lyrical Assault on Kanye West’s Bound 2 Track (Video)

Jon Connor released a hot mixtape last month filled with him spitting lyrical flames over Kanye West beats. Here's his video for his version of Bound 2. It's a love story but no one is topless on a motorcylce in this one...Check it out. Related: Jon Connor Sets His Sights... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

The Forbes 5 (Hip-Hop): Diddy Remains Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artist; Dr. Dre Moves Past Jay Z

Forbes released its annual list of Hip-Hop's wealthiest artists a day after tax day...Diddy remains at the top of the list with an estimated worth of $700 Million. After taking financial hits at both Ruthless and Death Row, Dr. Dre is now securely in charge of his fortune, passing Jay... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh

Want to Make a Music Video with Nas? Here’s How (Video)

Nas has partnered with Mass Appeal and Maker Studios to make a new video for Illmatic's Represent, and they are looking for ideas from YOU. If your idea is selected, you will have the opportunity to work with Nas and acclaimed director, Jason Goldwatch, to bring the video to life.... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

There’s Another Invisible Bully on the Block. Styles P Gets Deep (Video)

As Styles P's Phantom and the Ghost LP draws near, he releases his latest video. Check out Go Deep. Related: Styles P Recruits Rocko and His Lox Brother Jadakiss on Sour (Audio)... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Suge Knight Expands on Why He Believes Game & Kendrick Lamar Have “Slave” Record Deals (Video)

In February, Suge Knight started a controversy by saying artists like Game and Kendrick Lamar were "slaves" to their record companies. Now, he expands on those comments, explaining his aim was not to disrespect those artists but to call out their record company, specifically Interscope and Jimmy Iovine. Of course,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

50 Cent Explains in Detail What Went Wrong With G-Unit, Name by Name (Video)

50 Cent dropped by Hot 97 and had an intelligent and supremely engaging conversation. A good part of it focused on the disintegration of G-Unit, which Fif explained member by member. He also spoke on Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Al Sharpton and more. Shots were fired. Multiple times. This is... Read more

April 15, 2014 Video

Here’s a Funked Up House Remix of D’Angelo’s Spanish Joint That Will Get You Moving (Prod. Kero One) (Audio)

It's been too long since we had new music from D'Angelo. WAY too long...So, we'll take what we can get. Here's a funked up house remix of D's already funky Spanish Joint, by Kero One. This remix preserves the essence of the original but still gives it a new life.... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Statik Selektah Flips a Vintage Janet Jackson Track for Wais P (Audio)

Statik Selektah dug in the crates for some vintage Janet Jackson on his latest track for Wais P. And, based on the lyrics, Wais P would definitely be calling Janet "Ms. Jackson"...Check out Nasty. Related: Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Here’s the Stream of Nas’ Illmatic XX with Some Choice Bonus Tracks (Audio)

You've heard Nas' Illmatic, but not like this...Here's the stream of Illmatic XX, with some choice bonus tracks. It features songs from the original classic, as well as remixes of Halftime & It Ain't Hard to Tell. Check it out below. The full version of Illmatic XX hit stores today,... Read more

April 15, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)

Here's a new solo joint from Daz Dillinger. Check out Overtime featuring Mitchy Slick & A-Lexxus. Related: Snoop Dogg & Daz Make A Touching Uncle June Bugg Tribute With Years Of Footage (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Dizzy Wright Shares His Unique State of Mind on His New EP. Check out the Stream (Audio)

Funk Volume artist and 2013 XXL Freshman, Dizzy Wright, is back with a new project. State of Mind features Dizzy's trademark mix of self-empowering lyrics ("my healthy mind, that's what gon' help me over") and party-starting beats. He manages to spread positivity without being preachy; uplifting while remaining down to... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio