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Common Speaks On Why He’s Not A Conscious Rapper. He’s a Human MC (Video)

In the skit following "The 6th Sense," Common made light of his public image. The Chicago, Illinois MC made a song that fought for Hip-Hop's preservation. Moments after, he made light of the way he appeared to some—as a deeply conscious, lighthearted poet. The same artist who had been involved... Read more

October 10, 2016 Video

Dr. Dre Reportedly Threatens Legal Action To Prevent The Michel’le Biopic From Airing

On October 15, Lifetime is scheduled to air made-for-TV film Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le. The biographical film is centered around Michel'le, who was a late 1980s and early 1990s R&B star on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. Later on, Michel'le moved with producer Dr. Dre, The D.O.C., and their manager... Read more

October 9, 2016 News

Lil Fame Mashes Out Alongside Termanology & Demands Respect On His Name (Video)

Besides his work with M.O.P. partner Billy Danze, one of Lil Fame's closest musical affiliates is Termanology. Several years back, the two MCs released a joint album in Fizzyology, which boasted some DJ Premier production, and appearances by Busta Rhymes, Styles P, and Bun B, among others. That bond is... Read more

October 9, 2016 Video

Anderson .Paak & Knxwledge’s NxWorries Group Makes Soul With Swagger (Audio)

As far as meaningful albums are concerned, 2016 arguably began with Anderson .Paak's Malibu. One of the year's tallest bodies of work will be followed with an additional release from the Southern California MC/singer/drummer/producer who has since signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. While he's label-mates with Eminem, Kendrick Lamar,... Read more

October 8, 2016 Audio

Scarface’s Love For Guitar Playing Runs Deep. He Explains While Jamming (Video)

Scarface is many things. He's a legendary MC. He is a Geto Boy. He is a DJ, a producer, an author, a successful record label executive, and an avid golfer. However, the Houston, Texas icon is also a longtime guitar player. Raised on records by KISS, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Kennedys,... Read more

October 8, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Speaks The Truth. He’s Out To Put Meek Mill To Sleep. (Audio)

Rap disses seem to come in bursts these days. Before Meek Mill addresses Beanie Sigel's midweek attack "I'm Coming," his opponent has gotten even closer on "Good Night." With Sigel's new, softer spoken delivery (following a 2014 shooting), Beans is out to deliver a career lullaby to the fellow Philly... Read more

October 7, 2016 Audio

The LOX & Termanology Have Dreams Like Biggie, But Keep It Grimy (Audio )

The LOX were present in the last days of Biggie Smalls. Before he left the world mourning his personality, rhyme skills, and giving heart, Christopher Wallace helped clear a path for Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch to succeed. At the time, they were his hopeful label-mates at Bad Boy... Read more

October 7, 2016 Audio

Common Reveals The Title And Featured Artists On His Next Album (Video)

In the last 25 years, Common's discography is speckled with a number of award-winning, thematic, and cult-championed albums. The MC has evolved from a beer-drinking, slick-talking rhymer into a reflective lyrical poet, to a hit-maker, and cultural symbol of self and external love. It has been more than two years... Read more

October 3, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Reveals How Texts & Photos Led To Violent Beef With Meek Mill (Audio)

Following a documented altercation this past weekend, Beanie Sigel has broken his silence. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania hit-maker appeared on the latest episode of the Taxstone Podcast. There, the former Roc-A-Fella Records star broke down his changing position in the beef between The Game and Meek Mill, and why he feels... Read more

September 28, 2016 Audio

The Weeknd Is A Shooting Star. He Embraces It In A Daft Punk Assisted Single (Video)

The Weeknd is a comet in the sky. From mixtapes to albums, this two-time Grammy Award winner has captivated Pop music without compromising his own trippy take on R&B. On November 25, the Canadian singer will release his third album, Starboy. The follow-up to last year's #1 Beauty Behind The... Read more

September 28, 2016 Video

The New Edition Story Pulls No Punches. This Clip With BBD Throws Them.

To say that New Edition has a cinematic history is an understatement. The Boston, Massachusetts group has had a few high profile personnel shifts, reunions, and plenty of hits in its several carnations. Starting in the late 1970s, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivens, and Ricky Bell formed a singing group on... Read more

September 27, 2016 TV/Film, Video

The Game Disses Meek Mill & Beanie Sigel In Their Own Backyard (Video)

When The Game was at war with former mentor and boss 50 Cent, he was not above the heavy-handed antics. In one mid-2000s DVD, the Compton, California rapper trespassed on 50's Connecticut mansion grounds, and filmed the whole thing (posted below). Game was apparently showing his former G-Unit leader that... Read more

September 27, 2016 Video

Beanie Sigel Allegedly Attacked For Saying He Wrote Lyrics For Meek Mill’s Game Diss Record (Video)

Just over one week ago, Beanie Sigel made his way into the beef between The Game and Meek Mill. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania veteran appeared alongside Meek and Dream Chasers affiliate Omelly's in their their reply to Game's "92 Bars" diss, rapping over Young. M.A.'s "Ooouuu." Beanie Sigel spit just a handful... Read more

September 26, 2016 Video

Plenty MCs Have Made Artistic & Personal Comeback Songs. Slaine’s Is Different. (Video)

Slaine released his comeback EP this weekend, Slaine Is Dead. Recorded amidst a fight for sobriety and other personal improvements, the veteran Boston, Massachusetts MC and actor heard about his absence. The La Coka Nostra member released the video for the title track—set in a graveyard. Up against the wall... Read more

September 25, 2016 Video

Da Brat Claims She & JD Are The 2016 EPMD. So Wat ‘Cha Sayin’? (Audio)

Da Brat and her mentor Jermaine Dupri are hard at work on the first collaborative mixtape of their career. The two So So Def Records MCs who have worked together for more than 22 years will title the work Business As Usual. Referencing EPMD in that act alone is not... Read more

September 25, 2016 Audio

Tupac Approved The Artwork For Makaveli’s Don Killuminati A Day Before He Was Shot (Audio)

Twenty years ago this month, Tupac Shakur was confirmed dead seven days after a Las Vegas, Nevada drive-by shooting. At the time, Shakur had released one of the biggest albums of 1996 care of double LP All Eyez On Me. However, the Death Row Records artist had recently completed an... Read more

September 24, 2016 Audio

Chuck D Explains How Public Enemy #1 Was Made & Got Them Signed To Def Jam

Public Enemy has a litany of power-packed jams. 1987's "Public Enemy #1" is one of the singles that showcased the Long Island, New York collective as something different—in vocals, production, and command. Appearing in "Once Upon A Rhyme" for B-Real TV, Chuck D gives his Prophets Of Rage band-mate's platform... Read more

September 24, 2016 Video

Murda Mook Smothers The Mic In This Head-Hunting 9 Minute Freestyle (Video)

Murda Mook can downright destroy microphones when asked. The Harlem, New Yorker and onetime Ruff Ryders member is nice with the ring of Battle Rap. However, without an opponent, the MC that's worked with Sean Price and LL Cool J is simply a standout lyricist. Appearing alongside Funkmaster Flex at... Read more

September 23, 2016 Video

The LOX Blaze A Path For D-Block’s Snyp Life With Pete Rock & Beatnuts Jams (Audio)

Throughout their careers, The LOX—collectively and individually—have had an ear for great beats. Songs like Jadakiss' Alchemist-produced "We Gonna Make It," Styles P's Ayatollah-laced "The Life," and the trio's DJ Premier-conducted "Recognize" have defined their aesthetic. Sheek Louch, Jada', and Holiday Styles have never lost sight of that purest Hip-Hop... Read more

September 22, 2016 Audio

Joey Purp & Chance The Rapper Make A Def Jam Like Back In The Day (Video)

Chicago, Illinois artist Joey Purp is having a banner year in 2016. His iiiDrops project is the latest in a series of Windy City freebies that balances substance, swagger, and a lot of originality. He releases one of the effort's standouts as a visual, the Chance The Rapper-assisted "Girls." While... Read more

September 21, 2016 Video

“8 Mile” Director Curtis Hanson Has Passed Away. Eminem Reflects In Statement.

The director of Eminem's semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile has died. Curtis Hanson, who orchestrated the acting on the 2002 film, was 71 years old. He died of natural causes in his Los Angeles, California residence yesterday (September 20) according to the Los Angeles Times. Beyond the Battle Rap film, Hanson... Read more

September 21, 2016 News, TV/Film

Diamond D Puts His Rap Skills Back In Front Alongside D.I.T.C. Brother A.G. (Audio)

Diamond D once proclaimed he was "the best producer on the mic." Even in his own D.I.T.C. crew, the Bronx, New York native is brothers with producing/rapping double-threats like Lord Finesse and Showbiz. While Show ceased rapping on Showbiz & A.G.'s Runaway Slave album, Finesse has also scaled back his rhyming to... Read more

September 21, 2016 Audio

D4L’s Shawty Lo Killed In Atlanta Car Crash

UPDATE: Police in Fulton County have determined that Shawty Lo's fatal car accident was not a hit-and-run collision as first reported. Instead, authorities have stated their investigation led them to believe the man born Carlos Walker lost control of his vehicle at an exit ramp, leaving the road. The report... Read more

September 21, 2016 News

The Game Blasts Meek Mill, Beanie Sigel & Sean Kingston On The Hardest Diss Record In Years (Audio)

On Sunday night (September 18), Meek Mill responded to The Game. Completing the first round of disses, Meek's "Ooouuu" featured Dream Chasers protege Omelly, as well as a symbolic appearance from another former Game collaborator, Beanie Sigel. Game wastes no time bringing out a new attack, and "Pest Control" is... Read more

September 20, 2016 Audio

The Roots Use Ghostface Killah’s Music To Signal Hillary Clinton Is “Mighty Healthy” (Video)

Throughout their tenure on "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon" (and previously, "Late Night..."), The Roots have had fun with their musical post. Band leader Questlove, Black Thought, Tuba Gooding, Jr., Captain Kirk Douglas and the rest of the crew have jammed with some incredible musicians, partook in more than... Read more

September 20, 2016 TV, TV/Film, Video

AZ Vows “Doe Or Die 2” Will Be His Final Album & It’s Coming This Year (Audio)

It has been more than seven years since Brooklyn, New York MC AZ has released an official album. In 2010, the co-founder of The Firm dropped a special 15th anniversary homage to his debut Doe Or Die. In that time, the Quiet Money lyricist has vowed that like peers Nas,... Read more

September 19, 2016 Audio, News

Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt & Danny Brown Get Real On A Black Milk Beat (Audio)

More than three years ago, A$AP Rocky called the "1Train" to the platform. The moment unified many of the most exciting new artists of the 2010s, on one track, out to do lyrical damage. Taking some of that same crop of talent, Danny Brown—who appeared on the cut, does it... Read more

September 19, 2016 Audio

Meek Mill Replies To The Game’s Diss & He Has Beanie Sigel Riding With Him (Audio)

Last week (September 16), The Game declared beef with former collaborator Meek Mill. The Compton, California veteran rapper made his position clear on "92 Bars," a controversial inclusion on upcoming album 1992. In the same song, Game name-checked a number of Hip-Hop artists, including Beanie Sigel, while vowing plans to... Read more

September 19, 2016 Audio, News

What’s Your Zodiac Sign? These Mixes Are Astrologically Awesome.

At some of the earliest Hip-Hop parties, it was not uncommon for a party-rocking MC to get some crowd reaction by asking questions. In New York City, there were famously the gauges to see what borough was representing the loudest. There have been tricks like DJ Cash Money & Marvelous... Read more

September 17, 2016 Mixes

DMX Joins Puff Daddy & Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour For Remaining Dates

With at least more than eight US concert dates remaining, Puff Daddy has upped the ante on his Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour. The label's founder and CEO added DMX to the list of headliners this week. Besides Puff, the artists on the tour include Ma$e, The LOX, Faith Evans,... Read more

September 17, 2016 Fresh

Rapper Big Pooh Is Still Putting Nottz Beats On Smash (Audio)

Last year, Rapper Big Pooh released Home Sweet Home with fellow Virginia native Nottz. Pooh and Nottz go back, a decade back, in the form of Little Brother's "Life Of The Party." The two have made plenty more music since. Together, Pooh and Nottz Raw pave a way for Jamaica... Read more

September 17, 2016 Audio

Nas Auditioned For A Lead In “Paid In Full” According To Dame Dash (Video)

In the early 2000s, Roc-A-Fella Records was fast expanding its film division. The label, founded by Jay Z, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke was also entrenched in one of the most exciting Rap battles of the last 15 years, thanks to Jay's beefing on wax with Nas. In... Read more

September 17, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Force MD’s Member Trisco Pearson Has Passed Away

1980s and 1990s group Force M.D.'s (f/k/a Force M.C.'s) were at the frontier of bridging Hip-Hop with R&B and New Jack Swing. The popular New York City outfit which has included a number of members since its 1981 Rap inception would find greater success with hits such as 1985's "Tender... Read more

September 17, 2016 News

Never Scared To Face Off: Bone Crusher To Battle Pastor Troy (Video)

Last year, fans from many different corners of Hip-Hop looked on as ONYX's Fredro Starr defeated Keith Murray in a Brooklyn, New York Rap battle. The two 1990s MCs (who both remain actively recording today) squared off in a wild, at times uncomfortable competition. The same promotions company responsible for... Read more

September 16, 2016 News, Video

The Game’s Meek Mill Diss Is Not Playin’. He Warns Kendrick & Drake Are Next (Audio)

Throughout The Game's career, the Compton, California MC has thrived on conflict. He's beefed on wax with former mentor 50 Cent for years, until recently making amends. Game has thrown shots at Jay Z for much of his tenure too, never eliciting a true reply by name. Further, the rapper... Read more

September 16, 2016 Audio, News

Bokeem Woodbine Reveals Tupac Was Fed Up With Record Labels Profiting On Beef

Tuesday's September 13th date marked 20 years since the death of Tupac Shakur. In addition to his circle that included Madonna, M.C. Hammer, and actor Mickey Rourke, The Rap superstar had many burgeoning famous people around him in the last year of his life. Keyshia Cole, Rashida Jones, and Kxng... Read more

September 15, 2016 News

Fabolous Wants To Release His Joint Album With Jadakiss Before The End Of The Year (Video)

Throughout the years, Fabolous and Jadakiss have had a close working relationship. Two veteran acts at Def Jam Records, these New York City MCs have appeared together on songs like DJ Khaled's "Don't Ever Play Yourself," Jeezy's "OJ," and Uncle Murda's "Right Now (Remix)." Both close associates of Allen Iverson,... Read more

September 15, 2016 Video

EPMD Knew They Had Customers In ’88. In 2016, People Are Still Buying In (Audio)

In the ears of many, EPMD's debut Strictly Business is a 1980s Hip-Hop masterpiece. Erick Sermon and Parrish "PMD" Smith merged to exude a style, sound, and attitude in the genre that has withstood nearly 28 years since. Released on Fresh/Sleeping Bag Records, the independent album from the Long Island, New... Read more

September 15, 2016 Do Remember

Joe Budden’s New Single Reminds He’s A Real Spitter By Law (Audio)

In just over one month (October 21), Joe Budden will vent like never before in the form of Rage & The Machine. Produced entirely by AraabMuzik, Joe's fourth official solo album sounds like what he recently described as “a chiseled, aged, wise veteran just barring [listeners] to death.” With rhymes... Read more

September 15, 2016 Audio

Are Kanye West & Kid Cudi Really Beefing Over Drake? (Video)

In the last decade, Kid Cudi was one of G.O.O.D. Music's breakout success stories. The Cleveland, Ohio MC/singer made his debut on Kanye West's 2008 808's & Heartbreak album, before making way for his gold-certified Man On The Moon: The End Of Day first album (released seven years ago, yesterday).... Read more

September 15, 2016 News

9th Wonder Makes A Powerful Case For Tolerance Between Generations In Hip-Hop

In recent weeks, there have been several incidents, primarily on social media, that suggest a generational divide within Hip-Hop. Three of the biggest breakout stars of the last year ran into isolated incidents, and collided with some of Rap's veterans. Beyond simply music, age played a factor in the conflicts... Read more

September 14, 2016 Food for Thought

Snoop Dogg Is Finally Being Recognized For The Hip-Hop Legend He Is

In April of 1992, Snoop Dogg burst onto the Rap scene thanks to the title single from the Deep Cover soundtrack. The Long Beach, California MC with the smooth flow, seemingly effortless delivery, and calm demeanor in tight circumstances became an instant sensation. After playing a crucial role on Dr. Dre's... Read more

September 14, 2016 News

Is Steve Gunna Ready Or Not? (Video)

Steve Gunna is a hungry MC trying to put food on the table with his bars. He wants his video "L.O.S.T." to be found on your playlist. Is it Ready OR Not? You decide. Bronx, New York (by way of Jamaica) MC Steve Gunna released "L.O.S.T." in 2015. The song... Read more

September 13, 2016 Ready Or Not, Video

Jermaine Dupri Asserts He Put Funk In Hip-Hop Before Dr. Dre’s Chronic (Audio)

The relationship between Jermaine Dupri and West Coast Hip-Hop, especially Dr. Dre is an interesting one. The So So Def Records founder gained strong notoriety in early 1992 when he produced quadruple platinum album Totally Krossed Out for new Atlanta, Georgia Rap duo Kris Kross. That LP, released through RuffHouse/Columbia... Read more

September 13, 2016 Audio

Tupac’s Latest All Eyez On Me Trailer Shows A Fast Life At Full Speed (Video)

Today (September 13) marks exactly 20 years since the death of Tupac Shakur. As his theatrical biopic gears up for screenings, an expanded, second trailer to All Eyez On Me releases. In the film, Heads can see the portrayals of important figures to Shakur's life including his mother Afeni Shakur,... Read more

September 13, 2016 TV/Film, Video

Members Of Das EFX & Organized Konfusion Led A Sick Cypher. This Is The Remix (Audio)

Two of the most heralded New York City Hip-Hop acts introduced at the top of the 1990s were Das EFX and Organized Konfusion. Das, a duo of Skoob and Dray, made platinum noise when they launched with 1992's Dead Serious. Produced by EPMD, and fixtures of the Hit Squad, these... Read more

September 12, 2016 Audio

Da Brat & Jermaine Dupri Reignite Their Chemistry On A Def Timbaland Beat (Audio)

Not too many early 1990s producer/MC batteries have stayed as devoted as Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat. It has been more than 13 years since the platinum Chicago, Illinois native rapper made an album. But never in that time was her relationship with JD in question. As the So So... Read more

September 11, 2016 Audio

Outkast, Goodie Mob & Killer Mike Prove Its Still Family In The Dungeon (Video)

Last night (September 10), Atlanta, Georgia played host to the One Musicfest at Lakewood Amphitheater. As announced leading up to the event, the concert included a Dungeon Family reunion including Outkast, Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, and others. From those three entities, only Khujo Goodie was not in attendance. However the... Read more

September 11, 2016 Video

A DOOM Remix By Radiohead’s Thom Yorke Has A Newly-Released Alternate Version (Audio)

The evasive villain DOOM (a/k/a MF DOOM) has lots of industry friends. He pops up with Ghostface Killah, Jay Electronica, Atmosphere, and De La Soul. However, folks beyond the confines of Hip-Hop are also fans of the MC. One prominent supporter and peer is Radiohead's Thom Yorke. Back on 2009's... Read more

September 10, 2016 Audio

Nas’ Album Is Done & The Video Is MAJOR

DJ Khaled's latest album is a three-ring circus of Rap excitement. Major Key has Jay Z throwing subliminal shots in the directions of those testing his prowess. The #1 release has Drake re-popularizing an Akinyele street single just as he did for Rappin' 4-Tay a few years back. However, for... Read more

September 9, 2016 Video