Parfit

Need to Explain Sampling To Somebody In 3 Ear-Bending Minutes? Watch This (Video)

Heads love samples, from Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" in Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock" to Twin Sister's "Meet The Frownies" in Kendrick Lamar's "The Recipe." The folks at Eclectic Method made a three-minute reel that traces the chronology of sampling through the years, stopping in some pretty... Read more

January 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Macklemore & Kendrick Lamar: How Hip-Hop (Not The Grammy’s) Turned Sunday Into a Fail (Food For Thought)

The day after the Grammy Awards, the conversation about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ win for Best Rap Album over Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d. city (G.K.M.C) grew from a buzz to a roar. Social media platforms and the web, generally, were on fire. The frenzy was fueled in part by... Read more

January 29, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

The Lox Are Back With Some Boom Bap and a KRS-One Hook (Audio)

After dropping a surprise EP in December, The Lox reunion continues. Here's their latest, Boom Bap. Related: The Lox Give Sway In The Morning A Mini Concert & An In-Depth Interview (Video)... Read more

January 28, 2014 Audio

UMG is Re-Releasing Several Classic Hip-Hop Albums on Vinyl. Which is Your Favorite?

During last night's 53rd Grammy Awards, show host LL Cool J took a moment to acknowledge Def Jam Records, a label he helped build through his 1985 debut, Radio (and over a dozen Def Jam albums to follow). That LP, which includes "I Need Love" (a song LL also referenced... Read more

January 27, 2014 Fresh

Yelawolf Celebrates His Wheels on His Latest Single, Box Chevy V (Audio)

Pimp C, E-40, King T, and now Yelawolf. Gearheads and Rides subscribers must love the kind of Hip-Hop that gives as much attention to automobilia as these guys. For his third major label go'round, Yelawolf is back to pay great homage to his "Box Chevy" those same late '70s-early '90s... Read more

January 27, 2014 Audio

On the Eve of His EP Release Here Are a New Song and Video From Isaiah Rashad (Audio & Video)

One of the voices poised to break out in 2014 is Top Dawg Entertainment's Isaiah Rashad. The Chattanooga, Tennessee MC is not big on churning out product like some of his contemporaries, instead, the introspective rapper aims to make every dart stick. Today, on the eve of his Clivia Demo... Read more

January 27, 2014 Audio, Video

Macklemore Tells Kendrick Lamar He Got Robbed By Not Winning Best Rap Album. See the Texts (Photos)

Did the 56th Grammy Awards leave the Head in you feeling some kind of way? Especially if you're a Kendrick Lamar fan, watching Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' four awards sweep early in the night, talk of the town performance, and Daft Punk's Random Access Memories taking the Album Of The... Read more

January 27, 2014 Fresh

Chuck D Talks About the Early Days of Public Enemy & the Need to Preserve Hip-Hop With Arsenio (Video)

Chuck D sat down with Arsenio and spoke about the first time he ever met Flavor Flav, what it meant to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the need to preserve Hip-Hop culture and more. Check out the videos below. Related: Chuck D and DMC over... Read more

January 25, 2014 Throwback

Mary J Blige Brings Her Soul to Disclosure’s Retro Futuristic Dance Jam. Try Not to Move (Video)

Breakthrough artists Disclosure have linked with Mary J Blige on an infectious dance track that is simultaneously retro and futuristic. The funky house-influenced jam makes it hard not to move. Check out the video for F For You. Related: Bishop Nehru Follows in the Footsteps of DJ Premier & Creates... Read more

January 25, 2014 Video

Biz Markie Performs Just a Friend With a Live Band on Arsenio (Video)

Biz Markie performed his timeless song Just a Friend with a live band on the Arsenio show. Sounds so good...in a Biz Mark kinda way. Check out the video. Related: A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G... Read more

January 24, 2014 Throwback

2 of Amerikkka’s Most Wanted: Ice Cube Speaks on the Richard Sherman “Controversy” (Video)

Who better to speak on the actions of Richard Sherman, a perceived angry Black man from LA, than Ice Cube who, back in the day, was seen as Amerikkka's angriest Black man from LA? There has been a lot of controversy about the Seattle Seahawks' Cornerback's interview after the NFC... Read more

January 24, 2014 Video

Game & Young Buck Release a Song Together. Is a G-Unit Reunion Out of the Question in 2014? (Audio)

In 2013, the world saw the pictures of former G-Unit members Young Buck and Game together in the studio. There were all smiles and daps, but did any music ever come of it? With Outkast back at it, and 50 Cent and Fat Joe sharing mics, the conversation quickly changed.... Read more

January 23, 2014 Audio

Murs Making Trap Music?? Release All Expectations Before Playing This Mixtape (Mixtape)

Murs has not remained relevant for nearly 20 years by playing it safe. The self-proclamied "backpack rapper" has released a daring project that may leave some scratching their Heads. He's collaborated with producer Curti$$ King who specializes in Trap music. Together, the 2 have fused Murs' rhyme style with the... Read more

January 23, 2014 Mixes

Rick Ross & Wale Remix Lorde’s Royals. Did Anyone Tell Them What the Song Was About? (Audio)

Lorde's single Royals was one of the biggest records of 2013. The song takes aim at the the rampant materialism prevalent in pop culture, particularly Hip-Hop (though the artist is a fan of the music), and says people are over it. Ironically, Rick Ross and Wale have remixed the song... Read more

January 23, 2014 Audio

Astro Drops His 2nd Banger in 2 Days. MCs, Get Your Bars Up. Here’s I Don’t Know (Audio)

Here's another TOUGH new joint from Astro--the 2nd in 2 days. Check out I Don't Know. If you don't know, now you know... Related: Astro Buries The Sound Boys In Brooklyn (Audio) Props on the Spot: DJ Booth... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio

Need Lyricism? Locksmith Has Got You Covered on House of Games (Video)

Locksmith is back with complex wordplay and a video that features a collage of scenes from classic movies. Check out House of Games. Related: Locksmith – The Green Box (Mixtape)... Read more

January 22, 2014 Video

Bishop Nehru Follows in the Footsteps of DJ Premier & Creates a Blazing Collabo with Disclosure (Audio)

Last month, DJ Premier did a remix to Disclosure's song Latch that both introduced the UK duo to a completely new audience and showcased a whole new soulful sound for Premier. Now, Disclosure has linked with up and coming MC Bishop Nehru and the results are equally amazing. The song... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

How Do You Make an 80’s Slow Jam Gangsta? Let Nipsey Hussle Show You (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle's grind never stops. The Crenshaw MC just dropped a mixtape last fall and is on tour but he's still dropping jewels for the fans. His latest release is a slow jam called Hotel Suite but don't get it twisted. He still keeps it 100% G. Check it out... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

DJ Brans Blesses Roc Marciano with a Remix That Would Make DJ Premier Proud (Audio)

Last week, Roc Marciano released a joint EP with DJ Brans. The project includes a remix to Marci's Do the Honors that would make DJ Premier proud with its boom bap drums and cuts on the chorus. Check it out below. Related: Action Bronson & Roc Marciano Mix Up Something... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

Crooked I Has Been Beating Up Tracks Harder Than Ever. DJ Mustard’s Is the Latest Victim (Audio)

Crooked I has been on a tear the last 6 months. The Long Beach MC has always been nice on the mic, but he's stepped it up even by his standards. His latest release is a re-take on YG's DJ Mustard-produced My Ni**a. Check it out below. Related: Crooked I... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

50 Cent & Fat Joe on the Same Track?? The Beef is Really Over…Check Out Free Again (Audio)

Shortly after the tragic death of their manager, Hip-Hop mogul Chris Lighty, 50 Cent and Fat Joe came together on the same stage to pay tribute to the man who played such a vital role in their careers. Though the union was peaceful, it was unclear whether the truce was... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

Check Out Schoolboy Q’s New Alchemist-Produced Song & the Artwork for Oxymoron (Audio & Photos)

OXYMORON is just over a month away (February 25th), and it’s taking shape. ScHoolboy Q has released the artwork for the album (pics below) and he teams with Alchemist on the latest release from the project. Q turns up on Alchemist's haunting strings. Check out Break the Bank. Here's the... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

Here’s an MLK Day Playlist That Looks at the State of the Nation Through Hip-Hop (Audio & Video)

As we've done on MLK day over the last few years, we've put together a playlist that reflects the increasingly complex state of the nation more than 50 years since Dr. King's march on Washington. There's cause for celebration and reason for lamentation, and everything in between. Here are various... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Video

Should Rappers’ Lyrics Be Used Against Them in Court? Bun B Weighs In (Video)

Part of what makes Bun B the Trill O.G. is his complete, actualized evolution in Hip-Hop. Heads know that a simple listen to the Super Tight album shows that Bun, and his late UGK co-founder and partner Pimp C were some of the coldest MCs out, on shocking subject matter.... Read more

January 20, 2014 Video

Didn’t Understand Yeezus? Kanye’s Got the Answers.

Founded by art icon Andy Warhol, Interview magazine often delves into the conversations two artists can have. The New York-based publication is veering more into Hip-Hop, with Q-Tip, Jay Z, and now Kanye West hitting its extra large, matte-finished pages. Mr. West is the subject of February's cover story. Interviewed... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh

Today It All Makes Sense: A Retrospective on the Chicago Hip-Hop Sound (Food For Thought)

Published by: Bandini “This the city of Chicago, the state of confusion The style I'm using is free or at least it would be if my mind was…” – Malik Yusef, “My City” (One Day It’ll All Make Sense) Since the 1990s, Common Sense has always been among my favorite... Read more

January 19, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

Big Boi Speaks (Briefly) on the OutKast Reunion (Video)

Big Boi spoke briefly about the OutKast reunion. It's about to be ON...Check out the video. Related: Outkast Is Playing 40 Concert Dates This Year, Andre 3000 & Big Boi Speak... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

EDO.G, Grap Luva & Rob-O Pay Tribute to Pete Rock & Heavy D in the Video for Living Legend (Video)

G. Dot & Born have assembled Grap Luva (Pete Rock's brother), Rob-O and EDO.G on Living Legend, a song that pays tribute to Pete Rock. In the video, they also pay their respects to Heavy D before launching into visuals filled with vintage footage of Soul Brother #1. Check out... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Drake Takes Over SNL. Here Are 4 Performances (Video)

Drake took over Saturday Night Live last night, assuming duties as both host and musical guest. In between sketches, he took the time to perform Started From the Bottom, Trophies, Hold On, We're Going Home and From Time (with Jhene Aiko). Check out all 4 performances below. Started From the... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Kid ‘n’ Play Have Not Lost a (Kick) Step. Check out How They Rocked The Arsenio Hall Show (Video)

Kid 'n' Play crashed the party on The Arsenio Hall Show and performed Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody and Rollin' With Kid 'n' Play. And, just when you think it's going to be a chill performance, the kicks start flying...Check out the video. Related: AFH Old School Video Playlist (Video)... Read more

January 18, 2014 Throwback

Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) & Tokyo Shawn Take it Back to the Real with a True Freestyle Cypher (Video)

When's the last time you saw a good old-fashioned FREESTYLE cypher--not pre-written verses but MCs truly going off the top? Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) and Tokyo Shawn did just that and each had BARS. Check out this video and renew your faith in the art of freestyling. Related:... Read more

January 18, 2014 Video

Remember the Hilarious Joy Ride with Kevin Hart, Ice Cube & Conan? The Outtakes Are Funnier (Video)

A couple of months ago, Ice Cube and Kevin Hart had their own ride along with Conan O'Brien through the streets of LA. The results were hilarious. Now, they've released the outtakes and, with no filter and no censorship, they are arguably even funnier. Check out the video. Related: What... Read more

January 18, 2014 Video

Snakes, Nipples, Grills & Pills Appear in Pusha T’s New Video for Suicide (Video)

Pusha T and Ab-Liva compromise half of the Re-Up Gang lineup. While Sandman is estranged from the group, and No Malice is busy with his own solo endeavors, Push and Liva connect on Interstate 95 from Philly to Virginia, for "Suicide," one of the colder tracks from My Name Is... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Diamond D Digs in the Crates and Pulls Out a Tough Beat for Big Rec (Audio)

Like D.I.T.C. brethren Lord Finesse and Showbiz, Diamond D is not big on a ton of production of output. The Bronx "best producer on the mic" responsible for Fat Joe's discovery has worked with everybody from Natalie Cole to Aim, but the Atlanta-based O.G. is a Head first. Over the... Read more

January 17, 2014 Audio

Did You Know SWV Hated the Right Here Remix??? The Ladies Tell the Story (Video)

SWV are now stars of a hit TV series but, before that, they were one of the biggest groups of the 90's. The Sisters With Voices, along with TLC and Mary J. Blige, help to usher in a new era of R&B that infused Hip-Hop into the sound. Here's an... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Pharrell Speaks on the Essence of Music For Him (Video)

Here's a short clip of Pharrell discussing what he seeks to accomplish with each song he produces, what inspires him in the studio and the essence of music for him. It is a philosophical discussion of emotion. Check out the video. Related: Pharrell Has That Grocery Store Joy In Happy... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Who Are the 3 Greatest MCs of All Time? Ice Cube Names His AND He Says He and Dre Are Working on the NWA Film (Video)

Ice Cube sat down for an extended interview with Sway. He discussed his new film with Kevin Hart, the forward progress of the NWA film he and Dr. Dre are working on and who he believes are the 3 greatest MCs of all time. After all that, he kicks a... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q’s Man of the Year Video is Safe For Work…Barely (Video)

Instead of featuring his TDE crew or guest artists, Schoolboy Q surrounds himself with ladies in his new video for Man of the Year...lots of them. Q's approach is reinforcement of the title of his song and likely his declaration that 2014 will indeed be his. Check out the video.... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Rick Ross Releases a Video for His Bound 2 Freestyle. No, He is Not Naked on a Motorcycle (Video)

At the top of the year, Rick Ross dropped a buttery freestyle over Kanye West's Bound 2. Now, he follows up with a video for the song and, no, he is not naked on a motorcycle...The video does bear some striking similarities to Childish Gambino's visuals for 3005 though. Check... Read more

January 16, 2014 Video

Smoke DZA Puts Record Labels on Blast on His New Song Black Independence (Audio)

Smoke DZA details the pitfalls of being signed to a record label and celebrates his Black Independence on his latest release. Related: Curren$y & Smoke DZA Release The Stage EP (Prod. Harry Fraud) (Mixtape)... Read more

January 16, 2014 Audio

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. Here’s Mister Cee’s Baby Girl Bday Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. Here's a mix by Mister Cee celebrating her life and music. Related: Aaliyah Video Tribute (Playlist)... Read more

January 16, 2014 Audio, Throwback

You Got the Juice Now…Here is the Most Definitive Piece Ever Written on The Making of Juice.

"Tupac, Fist Fights and the Making of Juice" is an amazing oral history which features inside commentary from many of the film's key contributors. MySpace interviewed Ernest Dickerson (the film's director and co-writer), Omar Epps (Q), Treach, key producers, the actors who played Raheem and Steel, as well as soundtrack... Read more

January 16, 2014 Fresh

If You’re a Fan of Artists Like Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Chic and Luther Vandross, Something Amazing is Coming (Video)

DJ Cassidy, DJ to the stars and even the Obamas, has put together a labor of love project that celebrates the music of the late 70's and early 80's. He has recruited many of the original players on classics like Rock With You, Le Freak and Never Too Much by... Read more

January 15, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Says He Was Once Scared To Say He’s From Compton. Here’s Why (Video)

Like he does in his verses, Kendrick Lamar can do a lot in two minutes of video. In a new Pepsi-sponsored series leading up the Grammy Awards, "Day In The Life." While on the Yeezus Tour, K-Dot runs people through his tireless schedule, as he explains that most of his... Read more

January 15, 2014 Video

DJ Kay Slay Unifies Members Of Wu-Tang Clan, LOX, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga & M.O.P. To Honor The ’90s (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay has a deep network, in and out of New York City. From his appearance in Style Wars to his longtime Thursday night show on HOT 97, the Uptown DJ has fought to keep his city rugged. That quest is ongoing on "90s Flow," which features Ghostface Killah,... Read more

January 15, 2014 Audio

Stream Zion I’s New EP The Masters of Ceremony (Audio)

One of Oakland's most unheralded groups is Zion I. In 2000, they released the sonic tour de force, Mind Over Matter, and they've been representing quality underground Hip-Hop ever since. Now, the duo of AmpLive and MC Zumbi is back with a new EP that you can stream in its... Read more

January 14, 2014 Audio

TDE’s Isaiah Rashad Releases a Dark and Brooding New Song Named After Master P’s Late Brother (Audio)

From Shot U Down to Ronnie Drake, TDE's Isaiah Rashad his demonstrated a taste for dark and brooding beats accompanied by pensive and deceptively-layered lyrics. His latest song, RIP Kevin Miller, is no exception. The song, which is named after Master P's brother, is part aspirational and part cautionary tale.... Read more

January 14, 2014 Audio

Jam Master Jay’s Son Carries On Tradition, Deejaying On A NYC Subway Train (Video)

Over a decade since the tragic murder of Run-DMC's DJ, JMJ's son is carrying on tradition. TJ Mizell recently hopped on a New York City MTA train (from the Essex Avenue stop on the J to Marcy Ave. for those playing at home), with turntables and a camera in tow.... Read more

January 14, 2014 Video

Here’s an Incredible Interview of Queen Latifah by Howard Stern…Oh, and She Says OutKast is Working on a New Album (Audio)

Queen Latifah sat down with Howard Stern for an hour+ long video and there is little ground they didn't cover-- Latifah's family life, her music and acting careers, her new talk show, past drug use...and, ever so briefly, Latifah, who used to manage OutKast, casually mentioned that the duo is... Read more

January 14, 2014 Audio

Nipsey Hussle Freaks a Soulful Track with Aggression on His Latest Release, Count Up That Loot (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle remains true to his name by staying steady on the grind. Mere months after releasing his Crenshaw mixtape, he's back with another song. On Count Up That Loot, Nipsey attacks the track with the same fervor with which he hustles. Check it out. Related: Nipsey Hussle Salutes His... Read more

January 14, 2014 Audio