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If You Define Dizzy Wright As Only Lighthearted, Check His Dedication To Lost Children (Audio)

Dizzy Wright has amassed a major (independent) fan-base through commanding concerts, connecting with the attitudes of modern youth culture, and seemingly never ceasing to give away music. However, the Las Vegas, Nevada MC has a lot more depth than some Heads may realize. Funk Volume's Wright dedicated a song this... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Tech N9ne Strangles The Microphone In A New Strange-Stacked Cypher (Video)

Few artists who enjoy the commercial success of Tech N9ne keep the artistry as alive. Strange Music's cofounder opted to present a BET-style cypher, showcasing his label's vast talent. Vets of the Missouri imprint such as Kutt Calhoun and Prozack rock the mic, while relative newcomers like Ces CRU's Godemis... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

You’ve Heard The Blues, But Not Like Michael Jackson & Timbaland’s Blue Gangsta (Audio)

Years before Young Jeezy and Cam'ron, Michael Jackson was making that "gangsta music." The King Of Pop may have had irresistible rhythms and harmonies in his unrivaled stack of solo smash hits, but in many of the videos, Gary, Indiana's own channeled the street movements, whether that was a leather... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Deltron 3030 Is Always On Some Next Ish, Including A Wheelchair Rocketship (Video)

Approaching 25 years of making albums, Del The Funky Homosapien is constantly evolving down his many corridors of music. The Hieroglyphics' most recognizable member was always different, even when he was a charting MC on Elektra Records. However, in 2000, teaming with Dan The Automator, who had already made a... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody’s Betty Shabazz Shows Her Commanding MC Skills All In One Place On A 9th Wonder Nodder (Video)

For some Rapsody fans, this week has been bittersweet. With an acclaimed independent album and a show-stopping mixtape under her belt, many Heads were looking to see Rap's joyful smile grace the upcoming XXL pages for 2014's annual "Freshmen issue." The questions and disappointment from some, when the Kooley High... Read more

May 8, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)

Common's longtime producer and collaborator No I.D. is the same music executive who put a Def Jam jacket on Logic's shoulders. Perhaps one of the selling points for the Baltimore, Maryland independent juggernaut to ink with the label was related to No I.D.' closeness to the movement with Comm Sense.... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Torae & Skyzoo Fire Off A Warning Shot With The Barrel Brothers Album Sampler (Audio)

On May 27, Skyzoo & Torae will release their debut collaborative album, Barrel Brothers. After a decade of collaborations, the Brooklyn independent mainstays are teaming with Fokis' Loyalty Digital imprint and Empire Distribution to offer Heads a full glimpse at the chemistry from the vets, who have found success in satellite... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T.’s Sincerity Shines In Mt. Olympus’ Conceptual Visual (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. made a massive statement in "Mt. Olympus." The breakout symphonic single from Krizzle attacked the stigmas that he feels should have been silenced after five acclaimed projects (he refers to them as albums). In a record about doing what most rappers can't do, K.R.I.T. unleashed the video, where... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew surprised Heads today (May 7). The respected New York City veteran producer/MC collective including Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe, and the late Big L have been releasing a series of remixes from their Remix Project. The LP features new mixes... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

There Is A Pop Superstar Heads Might’ve Missed From The Wu-Tang Clan Once Upon A Time In Shaolin Teaser…

Yesterday (May 6) brought the first listen (by "any civilians" anyway) of the upcoming Wu-Tang Clan album, Wu—Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. Recorded and under lock and key in Marrakesh, Morocco, this one-of-one, open-market auction LP is helmed by longtime Wu affiliate Cilvaringz, who shared just under a minute of... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh

Raekwon Over Simple Kicks & Snares Alongside Chase & Status? Yes Please (Audio)

While Raekwon is believed to be currently on hiatus from Wu-Tang Clan's A Better Tomorrow sessions, Staten Island's favorite Chef has not ceased working. Rae hopped on Chase & Status' second coming of "Gangsta Boogie." The smooth G-joint from the veteran British EDM tandem was first released in 2013, but... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get A Closer Listen To The Sidewalk Rapper Kanye West Complimented (Audio)

Even Heads immune to daily paparazzi rundowns and celebrity gossip sites seemed to direct some interest to yesterday's (May 5) video footage of Kanye West listening to a street rapper deliver seemingly-endless bars while 'Ye walked the New York streets with spouse, Kim Kardashian. Headed home after a long night... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The 50 Cent & Jadakiss Unification Comes To Living Color With An Irregular Heartbeat (Video)

Nobody can say they're surprised that 50 Cent followed the audio release of "Irregular Heartbeat" with a video in less than 24 hours. However, after Styles P missed out on the "Chase The Paper" visual, Heads will be happy to see that Jadakiss appeared in the video after a decade... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

2014 XXL Freshman Jon Connor Takes Off Waving His Aftermath Flag With Mr. Porter (Audio)

It's a huge week for Flint, Michigan MC Jon Connor. The Aftermath artist just became the first artist from Flint to ever cover XXL magazine, and he's doing so with some pretty esteemed company care of 2014's Freshmen Class list. On a high, J.C. links with D12 member/Aftermath core soundsmith... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Open Auction Wu-Tang Clan Album Is Under Vaulted Lock & Key, But You Can Get A Taste (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan has announced two albums coming down the pipeline. One, said to be called A Better Tomorrow, is the subject of a rift between RZA and Raekwon that might leave the Chef out of Wu's studio kitchen for the first time in 21 years. The other, already completed recording,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

T.I. & DJ Toomp Are Back To Making Trunk-Rattling Trap (Audio)

Does anybody make trunks rattle quite like DJ Toomp? A product of the Miami Bass movement of the late '80s and early '90s, Toomp found mainstream success in developing a sound that fit so snugly with T.I.'s cocky lyrics about never backing down. The pair, like Common and No I.D.,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Beard Gang Got Bars In The Booth As DJ Premier Invites Jakk Frost To The Lab (Video)

At the conclusion of 2013, DJ Premier shared his annual list of things he found particularly dope. In the past, this list has been album-driven. For '13, Preem's list was about songs. Some Heads were shocked, perhaps illuminated to see West Philadelphia MC veteran Jakk Frost at the top of... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get Some NYC Pasta & Milk Shakes With Action Bronson (Video)

Besides the stage-tosses and body-slams, Action Bronson's recent global touring including some amazingly picturesque stops. The Queens, New Yorker went diving in Australian waters, whilst kicking it with Alchemist and some of his homies in the food industry. In the premiere episode of "Fuck, That's Delicious," A.B. shares some footage... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Plants Some Roses In Your Brain With A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Rapsody's ill linguistics are constantly elevating. In less than two minutes, Rap' takes a fresh Khrysis beat, and shows out on it. "Roses" follows the concept/substance-driven "Thank You" from late last month, showing some of the many sides of one of Hip-Hop's sharpest pens and performers. Related: Rapsody Thanks Some... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How Does Kanye West Treat An Aspiring Street-Rapper Who Runs Up On Him With Bars? (Video)

Legend has it that Kanye West signed Big Sean to G.O.O.D. Music after a chance meeting in an elevator at a Detroit, Michigan radio station. On the spot, Big Sean saw his chance to be "finally famous" and bombarded 'Ye with some signature bars that did the unthinkable. History was... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Passport Gift Knows How To Turn Listeners On, Alongside Crooked I, Tito Lopez & Skyzoo (Video)

Passport Gift is absolutely one to watch. The New York MC has not made a big deal of letting the world know who he is off the mic. Instead, the lyricist goes with the old fashioned tactic: show and prove. With a fast, ferocious flow (something that Brooklyn is suddenly... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah & Cormega Hit Mics Like Ted Koppel, With Glorified Excellence (Audio)

Queens, New York's DJ J-Love is a rhyming mixmaster who goes way, way back in the tape game. When he wasn't A&R'ing, rapping, and making popular mixtape series, J-Love was behind the decks for Ghostface Killah and Cormega on the road in the 2000s, and still. Who better then, to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Longing For Chipmunk Soul? Mr. Flash, Action Bronson, Cities Aviv & Oh No Have Your Fix (Audio)

Mr. Flash, an artist signed to the increasingly recognized Ed Banger Records, is a French DJ/producer. Just like some choice moments from the album Kanye West recorded in France, Flash re-popularizes "chipmunk soul," the pitch-altered vocal sampling style made mainstream by RZA, 'Ye, and Just Blaze. "Number One" employs one... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More (Video)

The Drama King has been a nonstop content supplier lately. The Harlem, New York graffiti writer-turned-DJ-turned-radio personality let go of a visual from recent audio single "Enter The Cypher," featuring Termanology, Papoose, Chris Rivers, and William Young. As was the case with another recent Slay and Pap' collabo, the visual... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beats May Change, But Ma$e’s Trademark Vocal Style Is Forever. Check The New Song Nothing (Audio)

In his latest press run, 50 Cent criticized Puff Daddy's post-G-Unit valuation of Ma$e. According to Fif, the onetime multi-platinum Bad Boy Records star was not worth the seven figure check Diddy was seeking to clear the label and recording rights of his former Harlem protege. Ma$e has yet to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Usher Raises The Bar In His New Single All About Lockin’ Lips (Video)

In August, Usher will celebrate 20 years since his self-titled debut set the way for a career in music, film, television, and philanthropy. Along the way, Ush' has constantly evolved sonically, making Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even some traditional Soul music. It's hard to pin down his latest single, "Good... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Michael Jackson’s Chicago Features Some Wavy Timbaland Production (Audio)

Michael Jackon's Xscape is on its way. The late King Of Pop's posthumous album is largely being helmed by Timbaland, who is a student of M.J.'s production and dance floor sensibilities. Tim channels Mike nicely on "Chicago," which has some cool production effects, and a catchy chorus. In life and... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lord Finesse Cuts Up The Breaks & Rare Grooves For An Impromptu Hour-Long Mix (Audio)

Lord Finesse is one of Hip-Hop's great triple threats. The Bronx, New Yorker came into the game as an esteemed MC, battling Percee P in famous footage, and coaching a young Big L on how to be cocky and relatable at the same time. Then, as part of D.I.T.C., "The... Read more

May 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Make Way To The Dance-floor, Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake’s Love Never Felt So Good Arrives (Audio)

Tupac's posthumous singles made Heads feel. Biggie's posthumous singles made Heads nod. Michael Jackson's posthumous "Love Never Felt So Good" has that irresistible dance-floor feel that MJ created so many times over in his life, that makes Heads grab a partner. Assisted by Justin Timberlake, the production speaks well to... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Scarface Explains The Deeply Rooted Reasons He Lost All That Weight (Video)

Scarface looks almost as young as he did on those early Geto Boys album covers, which are over 25 years old. The leader of Facemob admits that he weighed almost 300 pounds recently, causing doctors to warn him that he was dangerously close to being in the heart attack danger... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Sings A Simple Song All About Isolation (Audio)

Chance The Rapper releases a song on the anniversary of his Acid Rap mixtape. "I Am Very Very Lonely," is straightforward in its title. Instead of Rap, the song feels more like a moody jam session for Chance. The subject matter, a blue reflection about loneliness and isolation, is something... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Opens Up About His Interscope Records Fallout With Funkmaster Flex (Video)

50 Cent has stripped down everything to rebuild. Whether it's seemingly parting ways with G-Unit's Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo to go for 'dolo again, exiting Interscope Records rather abruptly (and to some extent, over a three-year exodus), and settling beefs with The LOX and Fat Joe, while turning down... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kurupt, ScHoolboy Q, Bad Lucc & Problem Show Out For Salva On A Bouncy Track (Audio)

Getting to Salva is pretty easy. The producer recruited O.G. Kurupt, as well as white-hot West Coast spitters ScHoolboy Q, Bad Lucc, and Problem for "Drop That Bitch." The song samples an Eazy-E lyric most Heads are familiar with. The unique, bouncy production style stands apart from what's been in... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Slaughterhouse Signals That The Third Album Is Closer Than We Think

The four members of Slaughterhouse tried something new today, digitally-speaking. Crooked I, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, and Royce Da 5'9 all simultaneously reset their Twitter avatars to what is presumed to be the third Slaughterhouse LP. This will be their second album with Shady Records, following their 2009 indie debut... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh

Skyzoo & Torae Take You To Some Public Houses And Rep That Cross-Stitched “NY” (Video)

Torae & Skyzoo's highly-anticipated Barrel Brothers project is on the horizon. After a preview of the audio last week, "Blue Yankee Fitted" arrives in video form, following the Brooklyn pair through a day in the life, filled with symbolism of an 80s-baby's New York upbringing. The !llmind drums smash, as... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mobb Deep & Big Noyd Come Back Together On A Rich Soundscape (Audio)

Outside of their new Infamous Mobb Deep album, M-O-B-B has been sitting on a cut for the Heads. Produced by, and released through DJ Jean Maron (who is just on a roll lately), "Itinerary" unites Prodigy and Havoc with their original protege, Big Noyd. With a smooth, oft-messed with sample... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

In A Genre Where “Nobody’s Smilin’,” Pharrell Has Another Happy-Go-Lucky Record (Audio)

Have you found yourself in the car, seeking through stations, getting Pharrell's "Happy" on every spin of the roulette wheel? It feels like for more than two months, this Head has. Well, it wasn't a one-off. At a time when there are certainly sad albums, break-up albums, and mourning albums,... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joell Ortiz, Sheek Louch & Sauce Money Rep New York Overtop James Brown For DJ Kay Slay (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay aligns a strong trio to rep their hometown. The Drama King gathers Sheek Louch, Joell Ortiz and Sauce Money, making a rare appearance, on NYC Shine. Why do you think Kay Slay is so passionate about these ongoing NYC Hip-Hop songs? Related: Joell Ortiz Has Got BARS…But... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Some Recent Headlines About Race & Class Made The-Dream Pen An All-Encompassing Message, Black (Video)

Following the Donald Sterling leaked phone call, along with ongoing crises in the Ukraine, as well as President Nelson Mandela's death, The-Dream felt compelled to make a song. "Black," and its found-footage video, is all about pride in self. However, as the lyrics and images may suggest, this record goes... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

M.O.P. Still Makes That Bang-Your-Head-Against-A-Wall Music (Audio)

After over 20 years, the Mash Out Posse is still rugged, and never smooth. Billy Danze and Lil Fame linked DJ Jean Maron, who's making some dope cuts with the likes of KRS-One as of late, for "You Can't Hide." Using a sample Heads may know from the '70s (and... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Days After We Lose A Hip-House Pioneer, Vic Mensa Makes A Heartfelt Club Track (Audio)

In the last 48 hours, it was announced that DJ EZ Rock had died. The Harlem native, and musical partner of Rob Base was a prominent, gold-certified part of the late '80s "Hip-House" movement, whereby the genres of Hip-Hop and House music collided for a series of hit singles, albums,... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Wyclef Jean & Troy Ave Make A Strong Statement About Gun Violence (Video)

Wyclef Jean is a seemingly unafraid artist. The Fugees' cofounder envisioned Whitney Houston and Kenny Rogers (and Pharoahe Monch) on a cut together. He's covered Pink Floyd on a Hip-Hop album, and he's made a series of autobiographical songs from his perspective as an American immigrant. 'Clef keeps the courage... Read more

April 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

NBA Bans L.A. Clippers Owner Donald Sterling For Life, Hip-Hop Artists React

Earlier today, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced a lifetime ban sanctioned against 30-plus-year owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, Donald Sterling. The streamed and televised press conference took place following a week where racist remarks from Sterling during a phone-called were leaked to website TMZ.com. Additionally, Sterling will be forced... Read more

April 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bink Remixes Big L & Fat Joe’s Historic D.I.T.C. Moment Together (Audio)

Philadelphia native producer Bink is known for producing joints for nearly 20 years, including Jay Z's "Blueprint (Momma Loves Me)," Mr. Cheeks' "Lights, Camera, Action," and Kanye West's "Devil In A New Dress." The onetime Roc-A-Fella affiliate now takes a hand at D.I.T.C.'s "Da Enemy." The late '90s track was... Read more

April 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Cormega & Sadat X Come Together Nicely With That Everlasting Fire (Audio)

Two giants in the mental: Sadat X and Cormega link up for "Fire." The jazzier track, led by Lanelle Tyler has a cooled-out '70s feel that was re-popularized in the mid-'90s, around the time 'Mega was making a name, and Datty X was trying his hand at solo LPs. The... Read more

April 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapper Big Pooh & Roc C Pick Up Some Hitchhikers, Who Get To Party With The Crew (Video)

Today, Little Brother alum Rapper Big Pooh and former Stones Throw Records artist Roc C are unleashing their first LP together, Trouble In The Neighborhood. The Virginia x California collaborative album (available in physical and digital) features MED, Alchemist, T3 of Slum Village, and Infamous Mobb's Big Twinz, in addition... Read more

April 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

50 Cent & Kidd Kidd Rock In A Snowstorm To Show You How Cold Their Single Is (Video)

No surprise here, but hours after "Everytime I Come Around" audio hit cyberspace, 50 Cent and Kidd Kidd's single gets the visual. The sideshow of spinning Fif's latest luxury car around the parking lot is here, as it was in last week's new video, but this time Fif and K.K.... Read more

April 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Creep To Styles P’s Phantom And The Ghost (Album Stream)

Today (April 29), Styles P releases his eighth solo album, Phantom And The Ghost. The Yonkers, New York veteran lyricist and former Interscope Records star (in addition to his LOX deal with Bad Boy) is also making history, partnering with NMC (New Music Cartel) for the digital LP. Twelve years... Read more

April 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Out Of Thin Air, The U.M.C.’s Are Back, And Sound Fresh As Ever (Audio)

While a lot of the Wild Pitch Records alumni are continuously spreading the message (Large Professor, DJ Premier, O.C., The Coup, Kool Keith, etc.), it's been a while since The U.M.C.'s were discussed. The duo released hit single "Blue Cheese" back in the early '90s, over two Wild Pitch LPs,... Read more

April 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem Announces Shady Records Battle Rap League, As Joe Budden Will Take On Hollow Da Don (Video)

Eminem helped take the competition of Battle Rap and make it mainstream almost 15 years ago with his semi-autographical film 8 Mile. As Battle Rap's popularity has grown, it often appears to live in the underground (rather proudly) as names like Loaded Lux, Hollow Da Don, and even Jae Millz... Read more

April 28, 2014 Fresh, Video