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Sean Price & Crew Hop On A J Dilla Beat For Some Leave Ya Nose Bloody Raps (Audio)

Those J Dilla beats never seem to run on reserve. Random Axe's Sean Price makes another Detroit link when he hops on a leftover Jay Dee beat for "Barbituates." Joined by Sean P's latest right-hand, Queens veteran and former Mobb Deep affiliate Illa Ghee, as well as Labba and Rim,... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Whoo Kid & DJ Skee Drop Off A South By Southwest Mixtape Featuring Casey Veggies, Curren$y & Devin The Dude (Mixtape)

For the second year in a row, G-Unit veteran DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Skee, and DJ MLK spotlight the South By Southwest music week with a thematic mixtape. This year's entry, SXEW (South by East West), features multi-platinum superstars like Lil Wayne and T.I., as well as veterans like Devin... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

If You Aren’t Up On YG, This Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Track Will Put Your Attention In A Chokehold (Audio)

Although he's still a relatively new face in Hip-Hop, Kendrick Lamar has fast found the ability to knight other artists into the spotlight. While K.Dot has many pockets of fans, some Heads gravitate towards the Compton MC for his unpredictable flows, honesty, and eloquent wordplay that align him with the... Read more

March 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Snoop Dogg Talks Us Through His Life & Shows Us Why Peace Is The Word (Video)

From That's My Work 3, Snoop Dogg made "Gangstas Don't Live That Long." While it's not quite Snoop Lion status as far as a Reggae-inspired song, the record does extend Snoop's push for peace, which has been building for some years now. The video shows the Rolling 20s Crip from... Read more

March 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Are Method Man & Redman Still The Jewels Of Def Jam? Check Out Their South By Southwest Showcase (Video)

Redman released his first LP (Whut? Thee Album) on Def Jam Records 22 years ago. With Method Man's own Tical debut blessing "the house that Russell and Rick built" 20 years ago this November, the Def Squad/Wu-Tang Clan connection are the elder statesmen of the imprint no longer owned by... Read more

March 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kid Cudi Makes A Soundtrack Song That Calls Back To Man On The Moon I (Audio)

Fast cars and punches might not sound like something that Kid Cudi's music would gel with. However, the new Need For Speed film is met with some Cud that really hones in on speed, uncertainty, and dark journeys that brings Scotty's abstract (as "Hero") to Aaron Paul's two-lane blacktop in... Read more

March 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Russell Simmons Explains Success Through Meditation, Recalls Some Vivid & Never Before Heard Def Jam Memories (Audio)

With his latest book hitting shelves (Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple), Russell Simmons stops by his former Def Jam Records employee, Combat Jack's show. Beginning at the 16-minute mark, Uncle Rush enters. In the lengthy and coherent interview, Russ speaks about his storied drug days and early era as... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Angel Haze Freaks Many Styles In A Tribe Called Red (Video)

With just one album under her belt, Dirty Gold, Angel Haze is making plenty of noise. The Detroit, Michigan native defies convention, kicking hard bars, and then breaking into catchy bridges and choruses. This is definitely true of "A Tribe Called Red," from the aforementioned LP. The compelling visual plays... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Memphis Bleek Takes Responsibility For Bringing The Jay Z & Nas Beef To A Clash (Video)

Okay, this is interesting. A lot of Rap beefs start indirectly. It was a Source Awards speech in the case of Death Row vs. Bad Boy. It was an association in the case of 50 Cent vs. Jadakiss and Fat Joe. In the case of Ras Kass vs. Alchemist, it... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Did Mobb Deep Get Infamous By Design On Say Something? (Audio)

Mobb Deep has a challenge ahead of them. Prodigy and Havoc are releasing (April 1st's The Infamous Mobb Deep) some never before heard 1994 and 1995 recordings, of The Infamous era. Arguably Mobb's best stride as far as influencing other acts and connecting with a New York Hip-Hop renaissance worldwide,... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Has A Double Album Coming, Check These Regional Raps In The West (Audio)

Blu does everything differently. Over 10 years past the double-album era in Hip-Hop, when 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, and others were charging upwards of $25 for two discs in one... Blu follows suit. Produced entirely by relative no-name Bombay, Good To Be Home... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist & Budgie Keep Things Pure With Action Bronson, J. Rocc & A$ton Matthews (Audio)

Alchemist & Budgie's The Good Book explores spirituality through Hip-Hop across a few faith groups. Not heavy-handed, the project seemingly uses track-by-track concepts to show a life, tell a story, make a connection. "With My Soul" is the sophomore leak, featuring ALC's go-to as of late in Action Bronson, who... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Check Out This Mix Of De La Soul Samples That Has Even Maseo’s Head Nodding

The Native Tongues are known for positive messages, social consciousness, sense of humor, and of course, sampling. Whether talking about A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, or Jungle Brothers, these acts pulled liberally (and cleverly) from other eras, genres, and movements to make their own. On the sample tip, few... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Frank Ocean & Diplo Link With Some Royalty From The Clash / Gorillaz For Hero (Audio)

Converse has successfully managed to intersect branding and art, and let art win. The shoe-maker from way-back continues to align interesting collaborations in the studio, following last year's jaw-dropper from Andre 3000, LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, and the Gorillaz. Two of the Gorillaz' "musical directors" (as after all, the band... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chance The Rapper Keeps His Acid Style On New Skrillex Song (Audio)

Perhaps quite deliberately, Skrillex unloads his Chance The Rapper-assisted "Coast Is Clear" around the Biggie Smalls celebrations. As The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered on March 9, 1997, the dates surrounding the anniversary are often used to honor, celebrate, and re-discover the late Christopher Wallace. On this song, Chance vocally... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J. Period Honors The Iconic Biggie Smalls With March 9th Revisited (Mixtape)

DJ J. Period is among the absolute best deejays doing it right now. When he's not providing the sounds for the Brooklyn Nets, the longtime affiliate to Zion I, Black Thought, and Common makes conceptual, fully-produced mixtapes (often released in clever formats like t-shirts, zip drives, etc.) that honor the... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Big Boi, A$AP Rocky & Phantogram Have An A-Ha Moment (Audio)

Big Boi's Monday mash-ups from Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors roll on strong. Daddy Fat Sax's standout, stunning collaboration with A$AP Rocky and his Phantogram homies "Lines" meets with early '80s hit "Take On Me" by A-Ha. The bar sing-along favorite is joined by some of Big's best rapping as... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jay Z, Kanye West & Daft Punk Shelved Track Surfaces From Each’s 2013 Sessions (Audio)

Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Jay Z all released albums in 2013. The French Electronic duo's Random Access Memories stole the show at last month's Grammy Awards, while Kanye's Yeezus snagged the consciousness and conversation of Popular music in June. A month later, Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail bogarted... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Oddisee Takes A Trippy Nighttime Ride Through The Back Of His Mind (Video)

Producer/MC Oddisee has succeeded in capturing vibes throughout his 15-year career. That's why he's been sought out by everybody from J. Cole to J-Live to Joey Bada$$ (that's a lot of J's). The member of Diamond District and the Low Budget Crew continues to refine his craft when it comes... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Click’s E-40, B-Legit & The Cutlass Come Together On What We Been Doin (Video)

In the Hip-Hop family tree of relatives, two of the best bloodlined artists are E-40 and B-Legit. The two cousins from Vallejo, California released three albums with The Click (which also included Suga T and D-Shot). Outside of the group, the smooth-talking 40 Water and boisterously aggressive B-Legit made a... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Makes A New Love Ballad Over Some Chipmunk Soul (Audio)

While Drake makes his way, can anybody in Hip-Hop ever really dethrone LL Cool J's status as the Rap-Ballad king? While he never sang, Ladies Love Cool James has been a master since he "needed love" just as much as he "needed a beat." Just about 30 years later, Uncle... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kanye West, Common & Madlib Discuss Stones Throw Records In Part 1 Of Documentary (Video)

Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records is a special imprint. The California-based indie label has been a release house for work ranging from acclaimed J Dilla Instrumental albums (Donuts), MF DOOM comeback collaborations (Madvillainy), debut LPs from NYC legends like Percee P (Perseverance), and a host of small one-offs ranging... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz Digs In The Crates For An Hour-Long Mix Of Breakbeats (Audio)

It's been almost 20 years ago since Showbiz & A.G.'s Show decided to hang up the microphone. While Heads were distraught, the Boogie Down Bronx veteran, and Diggin' In The Crates crew (D.I.T.C.) co-founder maintained his post as a highly-revered producer. Show's worked for Fat Joe, Big L, KRS-One, and... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Prodigy Confirms Mobb Deep’s First Ever Full-Out Collaboration With The LOX (Video)

Prodigy sat in on Sway In The Morning this week. Sway, Reef, Heather B, and DJ Wonder played some joints they brought to the table for some listener A&R. To kick things off is the Tragedy Khadafi & JuJu (of The Beatnuts) track ("Thriller"). Those who know their Queens history... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Black Star Isn’t The Only Squad Busting Raps In Vans. Murs & Jabee Keep It Moving (Video)

Remember the Black Star "Definition" video? Everybody from Common to El-P to Pharoahe Monch hopped in the van driven by DJ Hi-Tek while Talib Kweli and the Mighty Mos Def kicked rhymes influenced by Boogie Down Productions as well as Hip-Hop perceived threats in 1998. Over 15 years later, Murs... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Opens His Cadillac Doors To Pick Up A$AP Ferg In This Unlikely Collaboration (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. gets into a wavy, ATLiens-inspired transportation anthem in "Lac Lac." The song, inspired by Krizzle's penchant for Sevilles, Fleetwoods, and El Dorado's—flagship models of the Cadillac family of cars, has that percussion that complements any leisurely drive with the windows down. As a guest, K.R.I.T. looked outside of... Read more

March 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Sauce Money Talks Jay Z’s “Disgusting” Flow, Ghostwriting & Why He Didn’t Sign To Roc-A-Fella (Audio)

It's easy to confuse Sauce Money as a Jay Z protege. After all, many Heads may have heard Sauce by way of Roc-A-Fella Records releases, as well as Jay's support of Middle Finger U. However, those who listened to Big Daddy Kane & DJ Premier's famed "Show & Prove" know... Read more

March 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You’ve Never Heard Nas’ 1993 Freestyle On The Stretch & Bobbito Show, You Must (Audio)

In 1993, Nas was in a weird space. It would be over a year before he would release the groundbreaking Illmatic debut. However, Nasty Nas was making a name through New York City performances, and a series of Large Professor collaborations, from 1991's "Live At The BBQ" on down to... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Raheem Devaughn Offers Up 12 Songs, Including Remixes & Covers In The King Of Loveland (Mixtape)

In the world of R&B mixtapes, Raheem DeVaughn is definitely king, balancing retail releases with years of freebies for his many fans. He's also King Of Loveland, as the most recent tape is called. This effort features remixes, a couple covers from the likes of Janelle Monae, plus label-mates R.... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Blu Says “Made It To 2012 Just To See Romney Lose” As Part Of A New Cold Verse (Audio)

Blu takes long hiatuses in his career. However, when he comes back around, he usually returns in a major way. Such is the case when Johnson Barnes appears alongside frequent collaborator L'Orange on "Need You." Blu seemingly kicks the ol' Rap/lover metaphor, but he's got some ill fervor to his... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Cassidy Goes From A-List Party Rocker To Song-Maker In Robin Thicke & Jessie J Visual (Video)

Part of the Roc Nation Management arm, DJ Cassidy's unique ear for playing sophisticated records that can get celebrities to let their guard down has made him a top entity for events and gatherings. Like many DJs, that ear for talent has led Cass to try an' hit the studio... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ice-T Cosigns Papoose In A Modernized 6 In The Mornin’, Featuring Jadakiss & Jim Jones (Video)

Papoose knows his Hip-Hop. Whether with Jive Records or with Empire Distribution, Nacerima Dream used its big budget to enlist some skilled producers and MCs to work with the Brooklyn sensation on his proper debut. Over a year later, Heads are still seeing Pap's pride as he pushes the album.... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Smif-n-Wessun Attack Street Violence & Police Brutality In Shots In The Dark (Video)

Tek and General Steele have always been Voice Of The People artists in Hip-Hop. With street violence an undoing epidemic, the intelligent-thug MCs from the Boot Camp Clik tackle the police brutality going on worldwide, as well as the unnecessary violence in "Shots In The Dark," an evocative black and... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Killer Mike & El-P Made The Perfect Visual Companion To Run The Jewels’ Title Track (Video)

When Heads pressed play on Killer Mike & El-P's Run The Jewels album (by the newly-formed group of the same name) last year, things got a lil' heavy. Hard raps, hazy beats, big bass, and an energy that lived up to the title of an album demanding somebody to hand... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

De La Soul Reunites With J Dilla’s Producerial Essence On A Dope New Song (Audio)

When De La Soul releases ANY new song, it's usually a stop-the-presses moment for the Heads. However, learning that Amityville, Long Island's finest hopped on an unheard J Dilla track to make a song praising the late Jay Dee and his mom, Ma Dukes, is especially incredible. With the radio... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist Gets Together With Prodigy, Roc Marciano & Budgie & Looks To The Afterlife (Audio)

From Alchemist's Southern California lab, he's built quite an incredible lyrical ensemble. Guys like Roc Marciano, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, Fashawn, and Planet Asia are frequent passers through, in addition to ALC's longtime core collaborators Prodigy, Dilated Peoples, and Big Twin. Some of those worlds collided in style,... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lupe Fiasco Rocks Out With Ab-Soul On Thorns & Horns (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco and Ab-Soul have a few traits in common. One is a healthy distrust of secret societies, and another is a fearlessness in speaking their mind. In the title alone, Heads can gather that "Thorns & Horns" deals with d'evils of things. Both freak some linguistics, having fun with... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Homeboy Sandman’s Range Is Growing Further. Just Look At Bad Meaning Good (Video)

Comparisons can get us all into trouble. However, as Homeboy Sandman continues to do amazing work on record and on stage, when will Heads see the fact that the Queens, New Yorker is as close as any independent artist on veering into Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) versatility. He raps, fast,... Read more

March 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Smoke DZA & Ab-Soul Hop On A DJ Dahi-Produced Cloud For Hearses (Audio)

For nearly a decade, Smoke DZA's been around when movements start. From the last days of Dipset and Purple City, to the recent Harry Fraud wave, to Black Hippy, DZA's positioned himself as every rapper's willing collaborator, and the results can be quite pleasing. Such is true of "Hearses," with... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big Boi, Ludacris & T.I.’s In The A Gets A Trippy Musical Facelift (Audio & Video)

The Big Boi's Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors mash-up Mondays continue. This time, they took the aggressive 2012 Atlanta-posse cut "In The A" and meshed it with a tab of Kito & Reija Lee’s trippy "Run For Cover." Strangely, it works (it's called "King Shit", so it should)... with the... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Kicks Off WeekOfKRIT With His New Agenda, Alongside Rick Ross (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. does big things. Meridian, Mississippi's own has impressed his label, working with Ludacris, The Roots, and Big Boi...all fellow Def Jam Records stars. However, just in time for Mastermind, Krizzle kicks off "Week Of KRIT" with "New Agenda," featuring none other than Rick Ross. In production, format, and... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A Rare 1994 Remix Surfaces From O.C.’s Word…Life Album By DJ Eclipse (Audio)

O.C.'s 1994 debut album, Word...Life, is among one of the albums that makes the year so special in the Hip-Hop memory. Known then as a longtime affiliate of Organized Konfusion, O stepped to the front with some help from Buckwild on the boards, Lord Finesse filling in, Roc Raida on... Read more

March 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Does Pharrell Have His Next Major Hit In The Brand New Justin Timberlake Assist? (Audio)

Pharrell's timeless ear for Dance music is on fire like never before. While the Virginia native has long dominated radio with his percussion-driven jams, 2013 saw Skateboard P bring Disco back, in a number of facets with a series of artists ranging from Daft Punk to Robin Thicke to Nelly.... Read more

February 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem’s Breakthrough, Hurricane Katrina Covered In Part 4 Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

The final of four parts of Steve Stoute's The Tanning Of America divides its time looking at the emergence of rapper-backed super-brands like Rocawear, Sean John, and Beats By Dre headphones. Additionally, staying close to the Dr. Dre wheelhouse, the hour-long installment focuses on the rise to uber-stardom by Eminem... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

A$AP Rocky Goes Back to the EDM Well When In Distress (Audio)

A$AP Rocky loves to operate around the perimeters of Hip-Hop. Harlem's latest major label representative returns to the charged percussion EDM sound many heard on his Wild for the Night Skrillex-produced song on his new cut, "In Distress." Featuring Gesaffelstein, the song traces how to manage stress in the dog-eat-dog... Read more

February 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Just Blaze Praises The Super Freak Pied Piper Rick James In This Dope Animated Video Series

Just Blaze gave the music of the late Rick James new life in 2006, when he made comeback track "Kingdom Come" for Jay-Z. Using elements of Rick's "Super Freak," which were already the basis of MC Hammer's smash hit, "U Can't Touch This," Jay had a red carpet re-entrance to... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

B-Real & Demrick Unite All The Great Weed Smoking MCs In Angels Come Calling (Video)

B-Real, Demrick and Xzibit formed the Serial Killers recently. The super-group carries with it one Likwit MC as well as the "Hits From The Bong" co-creator. With all sorts of substance-users in tact, two-thirds of the group made a thoughtful track, "Angels Come Calling." For the video, B-Real and the... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

MF DOOM & Bishop Nehru Are Caught In The Studio. The Masked Villain Speaks On Nehruvian Doom EP (Video)

MF DOOM interviews and video appearances are rare as can be. However, the 25-year Rap veteran found it worthy to welcome some London-based cameras to discuss what he's doing with Bishop Nehru. This says a lot, as DOOM was around for the burgeoning careers of The Beatnuts, Cage, Scienz Of... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rick Ross & Diddy’s 2014 Version Of You’re Nobody Til Somebody Kills You Arrives In Living Color (Video)

Throughout the week, in interviews and in teasers attached to other Mastermind videos, Rick Ross and Diddy have alluded to "Nobody." The song, pulling from Rick Ross' early 2013 drive-by shooting attack in South Florida, is built around The Notorious B.I.G.'s eerie "You're Nobody (Til' Somebody Kills You)." With French... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Out Of Seemingly Thin & Smoky Air, Snoop Dogg Releases That’s My Work 3 (Mixtape)

Snoop Dogg isn't big on warning shots. Tha Doggfather already hit fans today (February 27) with a rare glimpse at what his world sounds like when it combines with Madlib the Loopdigga. Then, just hours later, he drops off That's My Work 3. The third installment in the mixtape series... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Mixes