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Bang! Bang! Bang! 50 Cent Rings In The New Year With A New Bully Track (Audio)

As the new year sets in, it's nice to think of the celebration 20 or 10 years ago. In 2004, 50 Cent was at the top of the Rap pyramid, after having dropped Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Ten years later, Fif still wants the top of the pile. At... Read more

January 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Check Out Jay Shells Hitting L.A. With Street Signs Of Lyrics By Ice Cube, DJ Quik, Xzibit & Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Previously, artist Jay Shells canvased the streets of New York at Hip-Hop lyric landmarks with street signs reminding those in the know. These discreet-looking acts of guerilla street art were a hit to Heads in passing, as well as on the Internet. Now Shells hits the streets of L.A., placing... Read more

December 31, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Raekwon Shares His Track With T.I. & The Tragically Murdered Doe B (Audio)

It's eerie how artists can be prophetic of each others' talent, when death is involved. Before Big L's tragic murder in Harlem, he had worked with Jay Z. Before Stack Bundles' death years later, he was actively working with Joe Budden and Max B. Just over the holiday week, Montgomery,... Read more

December 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Audio Push Kicks Ill Freestyles On Tony Touch’s Toca Tuesdays Show (Video)

Audio Push kicks a mean off-the-dome tandem set of verses over a classic Pacewon/Lootpack instrumental, provided by Tony Touch. The pair has way too much fun, as they enter a promising, and likely redefining 2014. The latest Inland Empire addition has been a pleasure to watch evolve. Related: Got BARS?... Read more

December 24, 2013 Fresh, Video

Got BARS? These MC’s Do. Here Are The Best Freestyles of 2013 (Video)

There are few things more satisfying in Hip-Hop than a killer verse. It's why Kendrick Lamar shook up the Internet for 3 weeks (an eternity these days) with his Control verse...and then again with his BET Cypher. We've assembled a collection of the best freestyles (mostly "writtens") of 2013. Check... Read more

December 24, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Top 10 Most Compelling Hip-Hop Photographs Of 2013 (Food For Thought)

The old adage, "a picture's worth a thousand words" often proves to be true. Let's hope so for 2013, which by way of Instagram, Twipic, and some inner-circle released photos, told Heads plenty of stories. From unlikely reunions to time-pieces, to first steps for Hip-Hop kind, what a year... Here... Read more

December 24, 2013 Food for Thought, Fresh

Did Rick Ross & Jay Z Make Their Best Collabo Yet? The Devil Is A Lie (Audio)

For seven years now, Jay Z and Rick Ross have been sharing the booth on various songs, remixes, and posse cuts. Just when 2013 seemed in shut-down mode, the full audio of "The Devil Is A Lie" comes forth. From Rick Ross's upcoming 2014 Mastermind album, he slams his bars... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio, Fresh

A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G (Audio)

Earlier this year, Tim Westwood lost his longtime post at BBC Radio. The London, England-based radio/video personality has been spoofed by Afion Crockett for his enthusiasm and friendly-fire with guests. However, Heads in the know recognize that Tim Westwood's work in Hip-Hop goes back to the '80s. Need proof? UnKut.com... Read more

December 23, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Rest In Peace To Three 6 Mafia’s Lord Infamous

Yesterday (December 21), tragic news hit the media that onetime Three 6 Mafia member, Lord Infamous has passed away. The 40 year-old Horrorcore pioneer is believed to have died in his sleep from a heart attack in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. From the earliest days of Three 6, until... Read more

December 22, 2013 Fresh

Former Stars Of Rap-A-Lot Records Have A Rare, Really Candid Roundtable Interview (Audio)

One of the cool (at the same tragic) things about Rap-A-Lot Records was how the '80s-'90s stars of the label—true of today too—did very little press. While Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were on MTV, BET, and The Box, guys like Ganxsta Nip, Seagram, Menace Clan, The Terrorists, Mad... Read more

December 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Taking A Page From Nas, Rakim Makes An Unauthorized Biography Of Nelson Mandela (Audio)

Almost a decade after Nas made "U.B.R." (the unauthorized biography of Rakim), Rakim raps the life of the late South African President Nelson Mandela. The song is called "Madiba," (Mandela's nickname, in part, meaning "father") and is said to appear on the upcoming film soundtrack, Mandela: The Long Walk To... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Guess Who’s Coming to The Grammy Awards? Kendrick Lamar Will Take the Stage

For some folks, watching the Grammy Awards in their dens, bedrooms and livingrooms is as close to an actual concert as they get all year. Additionally, the annual Winter performance opens up Heads in all different genres to each other's breakthrough artists. How many folks first saw Adele through Grammy's?... Read more

December 19, 2013 Fresh

You Probably Never Heard Asher Roth Like This Before (Audio)

If Queen Latifah can make vocal Jazz albums, and Heavy D can make Reggae albums, the confines of genre should have been eradicated in Hip-Hop years ago. With one solo album under his belt, and an EP with Nottz, Asher Roth has been a "known" artist for just over five... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Clams Casino Releases Another Block Of Instrumentals, Including Beats For MF DOOM & Mac Miller (Mixtape)

Nutley, New Jersey's own, Clams Casino, stayed strong in 2013. Amidst a three, four-year run with joints for A$AP Rocky, Lil B, Mac Miller, and MF DOOM, C.C. stays the course. In keeping with tradition, he released a new Instrumentals download project. Over the years, these have defied genre and... Read more

December 19, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

O.C. Reflects On His Day With A Whole New Flow On A Dreamy Ray West Beat (Audio)

If you listen to O.C.'s 1994 debut album Word...Life you'll get some deeply introspective MC'ing. O is a master at calling back to childhood memories, or analyzing a situation differently after the fact. While he's worked with production kingpins like DJ Premier, Buckwild, and Da Beatminerz, O's beat-selection always puts... Read more

December 18, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Like Pink Floyd? Like George Washington & Ben Franklin Getting It In? Check This (Video)

DJ House Shoes' affiliate DertBeats made a very cool flip of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon hit "Money." The re-imagined beat has that thump, and serves as a true MPC clinic to anybody who studies arrangement. Well, there's a fantastic new video to capture the street vibe of... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Has Moves To Make On A Young Chop Beat, So Deuces (Video)

Young Chop has been a go-to hit-maker for Drill music guys like Chief Keef and Lil' Reese. With Gary, Indiana being just outside of Chicago, Illinois, it's a worthwhile experiment to hear the precise fast-rapping of Freddie Gibbs, never one to show much pity, with the cold, relentless tracks of... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Video

Casey Veggies & Chase N. Cashe Show L.A.’s Lush Surroundings (Video)

Days after the Scion-endorsed audio for "Me & Mine" was released, Casey Veggies and Chase N. Cashe hit the road for the visual. With some light-handed Scion tie-ins, the pair show you a colorful, crisp Hollywood with clever editing, and a complementary vibe to the chilled out track. Related: Ambrosia... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Video

Wale Addresses His Complex Issues on a New, Emotionally-Charged Song (Audio)

A day after addressing his recent issues (and last week's threats) with Complex magazine and their "Top 50 Albums Of 2013" with Peter Rosenberg and Ebro at HOT 97, Wale drops his reactions off to Funkmaster Flex, in song. "Walk N' Live" seemingly speaks to the magazine, referencing "opinions," "judgement,"... Read more

December 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Planet Asia & Gold Chain Military Recreate An MC Lyte Classic (Video)

"Cha Cha Cha"-meets-"Cha, Cha, Chain" as Planet Asia and Killa Kali recreate MC Lyte's 1989 King Of Chill-produced single. Over three years removed from the group's Chain Of Command album, Asia—fresh from successes with 2012's Black Belt Theatre and this year's 360 Waves with his other, other crew, Durag Dynasty.... Read more

December 17, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Slim Thug Let Their Trunks Wave Alongside Boston George (Video)

In the post-UGK era, does anybody make better songs about cars (or for cars) than Big K.R.I.T.? In his glass-house with the bowling-ball swirl, Meridian's finest keeps the anthems going, the bass thumping, and those soulful grooves that jam at red lights and the open road. Slim Thug is another... Read more

December 17, 2013 Fresh, Video

Sean Price & M-Phazes – Land Of The Crooks (Album Stream)

Coalmine Records loves teaming dope MCs with dope producers—whether it's Nottz and Blu, Guilty Simpson and Small Professor, or El Da Sensei and Poland's The Returners, it's all about collaboration in the digi-age. That's the case with late 2013's Sean Price EP with Melbourne, Australia's M-Phazes. M's a longtime Duck... Read more

December 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Snoop Dogg & Terrace Martin Know About Trees… Christmas Trees (Audio)

1996's Christmas was accented beautifully by Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound's "Santa Clause Go Straight To The Ghetto." The Death Row Records video, complete with a '64 Chevrolet Impala sleigh, was a G-Funk addition to the growing Christmas Hip-Hop canon. Seventeen years later, Snoop and his Locke High homie... Read more

December 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Mobb Deep Dusts Off An Infamy Classic For A Mack Wilds Remix With French Montana (Audio)

While everybody is stuck on The Infamous, Hell On Earth, and Murda Muzik, Mobb Deep's fifth album, Infamy remains pretty tight. The last Loud Records effort featured Big Noyd and The Infamous Mobb close, with some of Havoc's best work. One cut that still gets "Burn" is the track of... Read more

December 17, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Wale Addresses Complex Threat, Says Jay Z & Q-Tip Reacted To The News (Video)

After being silent since Friday (December 13), Wale finally addressed his taped phone-call with Complex magazine Associate Editor Insanul Ahmed. The Maybach Music Group verbally threatened the staff of the site and magazine, urging them to notify security in advance. The dispute stemmed from Wale's The Gifted being omitted from... Read more

December 17, 2013 Fresh, Video

Beyonce & Jay Z Send Kim & Kanye Over A Bottle In Drunk In Love (Video)

Perhaps intimate music videos with your significant other is the move in 2013? Less than a month after Kanye West's "Bound 2" video extensively featuring his companion and daughter's mother Kim Kardashian, Beyonce drops her own similar visual. "Drunk In Love" (deliberately following "Crazy In Love"?) features black and white... Read more

December 16, 2013 Fresh, Video

When Rappers Attack: Here’s Why Wale Lost More Than His Cool With Complex (Food For Thought)

You never forget it when public figures lash out. As a sports-obsessed kid, I recall ‘90s NFL Quarterback Jim Everett flipping a table and lunging for Jim Rome after the always-salacious button-pusher (calling him Chrissy, a female tennis player with a similar last name) did just that. Then there was... Read more

December 15, 2013 Food for Thought, Fresh

Nipsey Hussle Admires His Own Hustle From The High Rise With DJ Drama (Video)

In "More Or Less," Nipsey Hussle raps that he's been grinding in the music industry since 2003. It took an honest 10 years for the artist, once signed to Epic Records, to have his banner year. And to think, he did so independently. In the video, Nip looks at his... Read more

December 15, 2013 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Gets Brassy With His Latest Social Experiment (Video)

Chance The Rapper released a different sort of video this weekend. "Social Experiment" is a smoke-break (or a breather for the trippers, as he speaks to) in the biggest year, for one of the year's biggest artists. A jazzy interlude, Chance vibes more than raps on this song complemented by... Read more

December 15, 2013 Fresh, Video

Murs Makes A Christmas Rap Song That May Get You In The Spirit (Audio)

When Murs loves something, he shares it: from the Jacksonville Jaguars, to old cars, to Hip-Hop records from the G-Funk era. A father and husband, Murray also loves Christmas. The MC made a new song, "Christmas Rules Everything Around Me," and it's not a Wu-Tang Clan cover. If you need... Read more

December 14, 2013 Audio, Fresh

DJ Premier Opens Up A Limited Time Online Gang Starr Pop-Up Shop With Rare Goodies

Gang Starr is forever. In the '90s and 2000s, a Gang Starr hoodie was one of the most coveted, respected pieces of Hip-Hop merch out there. If you were at The Ownerz Tour in 2003-2004 with Guru, DJ Premier, Common, Talib Kweli, DJ Dummy, Big Shug, and the others, you... Read more

December 14, 2013 Fresh

Audio Push Call Out Everything In Hip-Hop They Hate While Acting Like Gentlemen (Video)

Once signed to Interscope Records, Audio Push is so much more than their breakthrough single "Teach Me How To Jerk." The Inland Empire, California duo (same city that 40 Glocc and J.J. Fad are from) have bars. That's abundantly clear on "Come As You Are." With outspoken, critical deliveries, Oktane... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Tanya Morgan Kick Rhymes About Life & These Times (Video)

Now just Donwill and Von Pea, Tanya Morgan linked with former Rawkus 50 MC/producer 6th Sense to lace the tracks for Rubber Souls. The duo's 2013 album (and first studio release since Ilyas left the group) deals with many themes. The onetime Little Brother affiliates talk about the way things... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Prince Paul Drops An Alternative Mix To His Project With P-Funk/Talking Heads’ Bernie Worrell (Audio)

Just on the strength of De La Soul's first three albums, Prince Paul makes a case for one of Hip-Hop's greatest producers. That ignores his tremendous contributions to Stetsasonic, Gravediggaz, Handsome Boy Modeling School, as well as a critically-championed solo career, plus joints for 3rd Bass, Dr. Octagon, and Boogie... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Makes Breaks Away From Birdman & Detail On 100 Favors (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been down with YMCMB family for almost three years, courtesy of recordings and touring with Drake. With Jay Rock's early collaborations with Lil Wayne, the whole TDE and Young Money team share some affinities. On Cash Money's first label compilation since 2000's Baller Blockin' Soundtrack, the greatly-expanded... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Native Tongues Fans Rejoice As Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Release Their Collabo (Mixtape)

In the Wilson Pickett midnight hour, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes released—as promised—The Abstract And The Dragon. The collaborative free mixtape with the catchy artwork included some material, as previewed in yesterday's "Butch & Sundance." However, the project also catches up the G.O.O.D. Music artist and the Cash Money Records artist's... Read more

December 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes Are Wild Cowboys As Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid (Audio)

Hours away from The Abstract And The Dragon, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes take on other personas as "Butch & Sundance." Playing off of Robert Redford and Paul Newman's Western flick, the chemistry is evident. This isn't throwback Rap at all, but finds both MC/producers exactly where they are now. Notice... Read more

December 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Rockie Fresh & Casey Veggies Celebrate Life (Video)

Rockie Fresh and Casey Veggies have plenty to celebrate. One is Maybach Music Group's Chicago delegate, attached to a major label, and one of the best incubator movements in present-day Rap. The other, Casey, has become one of the most sought-after feature artists of late. Surely, in addition to his... Read more

December 11, 2013 Fresh, Video

Juicy J & Project Pat Make A Dark Visual For No Heart No Love (Video)

For almost 20 years, Hypnotize Minds' Juicy J and Project Pat have been collaborating. However, as the Three 6 Mafia sound is fully revived in 2013, the handful of joints together as of late has been especially jamming. Juiceman's Stay Trippy opener "No Heart No Love" reminded longtime fans that... Read more

December 11, 2013 Fresh, Video

Flying Lotus Freaks The Funk On A Remix To Kanye West’s Black Skinhead (Audio)

Los Angeles' Flying Lotus is in and out of Hip-Hop. With his celebrated solo albums, the Electronic musician veers into Jazz, House, Disco, and elements all of his own. However, the respected producer can never seem to stay away—producing joints for Mac Miller, Killer Mike, Finale, and Blu. That said,... Read more

December 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Organized Konfusion’s Prince Po Links With Oh No & Roc C To Maul The Track As A Bear (Audio)

Although recently reunited courtesy of Marco Polo, Organized Konfusion's Pharoahe Monch & Prince Po have gone in different directions since slept-on third album, Equinox. While Monch found tremendous solo success with Rawkus Records (despite a devastating Godzilla lawsuit) and was courted by everybody from Eminem to 50 Cent afterwards, Prince... Read more

December 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Sean Price & Roc Marciano Pull On Ski Masks For M-Phazes’ Murdah Type Thinkin (Audio)

While Lil Wayne, Juicy J, and 2 Chainz might monopolize the major label feature budgets, you might not get more bang for your buck on a guest-shot than with Sean Price or Roc Marciano. Both '90s vets bring a vibe, element, (and an audience) to all the songs they appear... Read more

December 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Previews Something Real For DJ Whoo Kid (Video)

Raekwon stopped by DJ Whoo Kid's Shade 45 show. On the spot, the Chef hit a zone and started aggressively rapping bars to "Real Shit Here." While so many artists appear in the moment previewing joints on video, Rae's super convincing in showcasing about a minute of the song that... Read more

December 10, 2013 Fresh, Video

Jay Z & Dame Dash Hang Out Again, Backstage At Staples Center

Earlier this year, Jay Z and Dame Dash were photographed together for the first time in nine years, courtesy of a mutual friend's birthday partner. Two-thirds of Roc-A-Fella Records' founders have a speckled history following the dismantling of the label, and Jay's brief retirement. While Dame publicly questioned Jay's loyalty... Read more

December 10, 2013 Fresh

Pac Div’s Like Shares His Affinity For Brazil’s Sao Paulo (Video)

It's been almost eight years since Pac Div's (as Pacific Division) The Blend Tape. The Palmdale, California trio called back to both the Native Tongues and The Pharcyde movements with humble themes, melodic production, and an Everyman approach. After a recent trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, Like (formerly Likewise) calls... Read more

December 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Dizzy Wright Honors Fans With The Thoughtful No Writers Block, I Like To Rap (Audio)

One of pop culture's growing trends has been artists thanking followers with songs. It's a thin line between a gimmicky pursuit of growing metrics and a cool, interpersonal relationship that was more challenging before social media. Las Vegas' Dizzy Wright reached a new milestone with 300,000 followers on Twitter, and... Read more

December 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Madlib Goes Rock & Roll On Hold The Organ (Audio)

When Hip-Hop producers get their Rock on, the response is strong. Whether it's the early days of Rick Rubin on LPs from LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Run-DMC, or contemporary efforts like Just Blaze's "PSA" and Kanye West's "Takeover" for Jay Z, Just's "Come On, Baby" for Saigon, and... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Lauryn Hill Drops A Lyric Vid To Consumerism (Video)

Lauryn Hill's big on words these days. The New Jersey songstress writes her open letters and corresponds in text with fans, given her resistance to traditional interviews. Now, with her current single "Consumerism," Ms. Hill wants you to really grasp what she's singing. Think this is specially-timed for the holiday... Read more

December 5, 2013 Fresh, Video

Twista & Timbaland Support Attitude On The Fast-Rap Stunt (Audio)

Longtime Timbaland protege Attitude is seemingly stepping out into his solo career. What better way to kick things off with a bang than to get a look from Timbo with a beat and a guest verse, as well as Twista. The VA-to-Chi-Town collaboration features some fast-rapping over one of the... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Redman Drops Sampler To Muddy Waters 2 (Audio)

It's been over three years since Redman revealed he was planning Muddy Waters 2. The sequel to Reggie Noble's 1996 LP (and arguably his best) has been alluded to since. In a new video, Redman says that the project has become a mixtape, and like Nipsey Hussle or Lil' Kim,... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh