Bandini

De La Soul Confirm Pete Rock, Snoop Dogg, Usher, & Others As Upcoming Album Guests

UPDATE: In their latest update to funders of the upcoming album reportedly titled And The Anonymous Nobody, De La Soul has confirmed additional guests. "We've recruited more amazing talents and we're happy to announce that we now have Usher, Pete Rock, Roc Marciano, Estelle and Snoop Dogg on the album,"... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

Heartbreak Of Late: How Katrina, Taylor & A Tragic Loss Shaped Kanye West

In the last 15 years, has an artist used the medium of music videos as profoundly and as dynamically as Kanye West? At last night's (August 30) 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Mr. West received the honorary Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, placing him in the company of not only... Read more

August 31, 2015 Food for Thought, Video

Trap Or Deity: Jeezy Presents His Godly Self-Image (Audio)

Nas had God's Son. Kanye West had Yeezus. Jeezy (f/k/a Young Jeezy) is entering his own God campaign. The Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC announced an album today (August 31). The LP, planned for November 13 release, is introduced through a single of the same name. The Grammy nominated rapper's eighth... Read more

August 31, 2015 Audio

Scarface Says He Dislikes All Geto Boys LPs & Rap-A-Lot Tried to Ruin His Career

Scarface is gearing up to release Deeply Rooted on September 4. In a career that spans nearly 30 years, it will only be the third time Brad Jordan is releasing a studio release outside of Rap-A-Lot Records (2002's The Fix, 2006's One Hunnid with Tha Product). However, the Houston, Texas... Read more

August 29, 2015 News

Master P Says He Saved Snoop Dogg’s Life, Wants Tyler Perry To Direct Biopic (Video)

To a skeptic, Master P's upcoming biopic King Of The South may appear to too closely follow the success of Straight Outta Compton. With No Limit built upon much of the Ruthless model, and TRU following N.W.A., one could argue that the New Orleans, Louisiana rapper/mogul/actor is simply pulling a... Read more

August 29, 2015 Video

The Man Who Gave Dr. Dre His 1st Big Break Talks N.W.A.’s Origins (Video)

Few artists in Hip-Hop have forged three different labels into dynasties. Dr. Dre's artistic craftsmanship established Ruthless Records, Death Row Records, and Aftermath Entertainment as premiere imprints in their respective eras. While Andre Young presently maintains Aftermath, he was the onetime president and co-founder of Death Row, yet he had... Read more

August 29, 2015 Video

When Big K.R.I.T. & 8Ball Come Together, Trunks Rattle (Audio)

Fresh off of yesterday's "86" birthday party, Big K.R.I.T. returns with another car tune. Teaming with one of his leading inspirations and ongoing collaborators in 8Ball, Krizzle also welcomes Scotty ATL to "Grippin' Grain." South Carolina's DJ Scream orchestrates the track, produced by UGK close affiliate Cory Mo. The resulting... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Kev Brown’s Take On Jay Z’s Black Album Was An Unauthorized Remix That Surely Is Official (Album Stream)

Upon its November, 2003 release, Jay Z's The Black Album beckoned an onslaught of remixes. Ironically, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records LP is heralded for its star-studded production (Kanye West, Eminem, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, DJ Quik, etc.). Still, in his ever-innovative foresight, Jay encouraged the masses of... Read more

August 27, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Heat Up Another Collaboration In Easy Bake (Audio)

Jay Rock's sophomore studio album, 90059, is allegedly planned to release in the next 10 days. Top Dawg Entertainment's restless 2015 continues. Unlike so many crews and movements, often times, TDE releases' most exciting collaborations are in-house. While J.R. and Kendrick Lamar have worked together a number of times, the... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Bishop Nehru Celebrates His Birthday With 4 Songs Including A Visual (Audio/Video)

Bishop Nehru has accomplished a ton in just a teen-aged life. Turning 19 today (August 26), the Mass Appeal/Lex Records MC celebrated in a way that aligns with his tireless work ethic. The Spring Valley, New York native released four new songs, one of which already receives a standalone video.... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio, Video

A$AP Rocky Looks At The Ill Fate Of Fame & Extreme Decadence (Video)

A$AP Rocky's "Everyday" has been a major vehicle for At. Long. Last. A$AP. The RCA/Polo Grounds MC used a new sound than that of his first studio LP to examine that glamorous and thin-line lifestyle that influences so much of his music, art, and fashion. With none other than Rod... Read more

August 26, 2015 Video

Ras Kass’ Lyrics Burn Like Acid In This Psychedelic Side Project Single (Audio)

Ras Kass stays busy. Beyond the Carson, California MC's sprawling independent catalog, he has a host of side projects, including HRSMN (with Kurupt, Killah Priest, and Canibus), White Crows (with Mista Lawnge), and Golden State Warriors (with Saafir and Xzibit). Heads can now add another Razzy Kazzy vehicle to the... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

N.W.A. Were Not the Only Ones to Say Eff The Police. J Dilla Did Too…

The life and career of J Dilla (a/k/a Jay Dee) has become something of a legend. The Detroit, Michigan producer/MC made an indelible impact on music in a 10-year run between Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1 and Donuts. With a thumping sound, a steadfast lyrical bravado, and a penchant for looking beyond... Read more

August 26, 2015 Throwback

“Straight Outta Compton” Lands N.W.A. On Top 40 Charts…27 Years Later

Both of N.W.A.'s two studio full-length albums carry platinum plaques. 1988's Straight Outta Compton and 1991's Ni**az4Life have this distinction, as does 1990 EP 100 Miles & Runnin', while 1987's N.W.A. & The Posse, and two separate greatest hits volumes are gold. With their sophomore LP boasting a #1 on... Read more

August 26, 2015 News

Dallas Penn & Rafi Kam Get A Food Desert Instead Of Dessert In A Visit To East New York (Video)

On Gang Starr's "Speak Ya Clout," Group Home's Lil Dap urged his crew to meet him at Broadway Junction. The Brooklyn, New York train intersection in East New York is a commonplace stop for many metropolitan commuters, but hardly a destination for foodies. The off-beat New York City bloggers, culturists,... Read more

August 25, 2015 Lifestyle, Video

Yelawolf Lashes Out Against Burning Of Confederate Flag & Cites Others in Hip-Hop Who’ve Worn It

Throughout his career, Yelawolf has celebrated his Southern roots. The Gadsden, Alabama MC/singer made songs that embraced his heritage in patriotism, such as "Made In The U.S.A." and "Back To Bama." The Shady/Ghet-O-Vision/Interscope Records artist has never been above embracing less than glamorous lifestyle qualities, heard in "Slumerican Shitizen." On... Read more

August 25, 2015 News

Gangrene Show Their Far-Reaching ’70s Film Inspiration For The New LP (Video)

As producers, Oh No and Alchemist dig deep. The two California natives appreciate getting a bit dusty to find just the right elements to orchestrate their gritty arrangements. Teaming together for a third studio LP as Gangrene, the pair did the same, thematically. In 1972, a burgeoning broadcast journalist named... Read more

August 25, 2015 Video

Twista Chops Out A Nimble Freestyle With A Conscious Message (Audio)

Twista's catalog is deep. Although the Chicago, Illinois Hip-Hop pioneer is frequently thought of for his "Slow Jamz" and dazzling lyrical displays, the Speedknot Mobsta'-turned-GMG leader has also never shied from strong substance in his sprawling archives of music. Fresh off his tandem Withdrawal EP with Do Or Die, Twista... Read more

August 25, 2015 Audio

DJ Quik Goes Back In His Bag Of Funk Grooves For Game’s Documentary 2 (Audio)

A decade ago, when Game (as The Game) hit the mainstream with The Documentary, he worked with a dream team of guest MCs, singers, and producers. Brandishing Compton like early 1990s, Jayceon Taylor did not work with DJ Quik on the LP, despite the fact that the CPT pioneer was... Read more

August 24, 2015 Audio

Method Man & Redman Bring That Straight Gutta Chemistry To Life (Video)

One of the center pieces of Method Man's just-released Meth Lab project is "Straight Gutta." The Redman-assisted song continues two decades of raspy-voiced, "elevated" chemistry between Red & Meth, beyond their own highly-established brand. Joined by Meth's longtime protege Streetlife, as well as his latest act Hanz On, the four... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video

If A$AP Rocky Were A Super Hero, He’d Be Powerful & Pretty At Once (Video)

Hip-Hop's comic fascination continues, care of the illustrated Complex series. These vignettes ask artists what kind of super hero they would be, and creates the descriptions. After Raekwon's good-doing servant of the people, A$AP Rocky presents his own visions of heroism. Called "The Joker," Rocky's super-powers would not be unlike... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video

DJ Priority Remixes 7 Ghostface Killah Classics on “Iron Cinema” (EP Stream)

Out of Paterson, New Jersey, DJ Priority maintains an on-air residency at KJAMZ 105.3FM. A clear fan of Ghostface Killah and Wu-Tang Clan, Priority takes seven G.F.K. tracks (one of which hails from a Raekwon album), and lays down his own production sensibilities. Those beats are hard, crisp, and seek... Read more

August 22, 2015 Audio

Scarface’s Deeply Rooted Single Steer Gets A Dramatic Treatment (Video)

Scarface's "Steer" is both soulful and topical. In a first person narrative, the record looks at a particular circumstance that may be different than meets the eye. Although specific in the verse and video, perhaps it is designed to be universal. For the video, that subjective circumstance is exactly the... Read more

August 21, 2015 Video

Funk Volume Wagers $500,000 On Hopsin, Dizzy Wright & Jarren Benton Battling Any Label (Video)

California-based independent label Funk Volume is presently home to a roster of MCs that includes Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, and SwizZz. The label, launched by Hop' and Damien "Dame" Ritter has challenged the charts through a series of releases, also while steadily touring and releasing mixtapes, videos, contests, and... Read more

August 20, 2015 News

Jamla’s Army Rolls Deep With Add-2 & Rapsody Ripping Up A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Chicago, Illinois MC Add-2 is wrapping up his sophomore release with 9th Wonder's Jamla Records. Prey For The Poor (September 4). This go-round features one of the newer additions to the Army, alongside its resident flagship artist, Rapsody. "Rewind" finds the "It's OK" cast, complete with Khrysis' soulful production, back... Read more

August 20, 2015 Audio

Jungle Brothers Are Often The Forgotten Tongues Who Helped Teach The Native Lingo (Video)

For a collective that never made an album, and rarely performed under their decided moniker, the Native Tongues' relevancy has never waned. Despite the fact that A Tribe Called Quest has exclusively (and sporadically) been a touring group since The Love Movement, De La Soul existed without formal releases for... Read more

August 20, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Russell Poole, Lead Investigator Of The Notorious B.I.G. Murder, Has Died

The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 murder remains unsolved. One of the Los Angeles Police Department sergeant detectives who worked the hardest to change that, Russell Poole, has died. According to The Los Angeles Times, the former detective died Wednesday (August 19), while meeting with detectives at the L.A. Sheriff's Department. Although... Read more

August 20, 2015 News

First Division & DJ Premier Put It Down For The Culture In Front Of Its Monuments (Video Premiere)

Early this summer, Canadian Hip-Hop duo First Division shared their latest single, "This Iz Tha Time." Produced by DJ Premier, the moment was a call to our arms in the Hip-Hop spirit of showing and proving. In the video from the September 25 Soulspazm Records/Spaghetti Bender Music album Overworked &... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Mike Epps Got Jokes. This Time Ghostface Killah’s Action Bronson Rant Is The Target (Video)

Hip-Hop is becoming more and popular fodder for the elite comedians. Aziz Ansari's Kanye West stories are the stuff of legends. Dave Chappelle's show skits involving GZA, Q-Tip, and spoofing Lil Jon have endured for more than a decade after they aired. Hannibal Buress puts Funkmaster Flex imitations and "The... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Did You Know The Carlton Dance Was Completely Improv? The Man Explains

In the last week, grumblings hit the media that Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment production company is in talks to re-boot "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air." While Smith's title character, who shared his real-life name helped define a 1990s cool, confidence, and charm, many of the shows laughs are credited to... Read more

August 19, 2015 TV

Scarface & Ice-T Trade The Very Bars That Define Their Success Stories (Audio)

In the last 24 hours, Scarface released his John Legend-assisted "God." Right on time, Ice-T's Final Level Podcast returns after a multi-month hiatus, and Brad Jordan in the guest chair. The segmented podcast features the Original Gangsta, Mick Benzo, and guests talking about politics, video games, television, movies, and music.... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Points Out That One of His Major Features Was On the Wrong Part of the Beat (Video)

Beyond his extensive solo, Black Star, Idle Warship, and Reflection Eternal catalog, Talib Kweli's career has been decorated with poignant feature appearances. The Brooklyn, New York MC appeared on notable releases such as UGK's #1-charting Underground Kingz and Pharoahe Monch's critically-acclaimed P.T.S.D. However, Kweli garnered a Grammy Award for his... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

D12 Is Still Dirty, With Dozens & Dozens Of Punchlines In A New Freestyle (Video)

In early 2014, it was reported that D12 was back in the lab with Eminem for the first time in a decade. Later in the year, on Shady XV, the Dirty Dozen was back on "Bane," less Marshall Mathers (and Fuzz Scoota). Regardless of Em's involvement, and with the massive vacancy... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

Dave Chappelle Announces 16 US Tour Dates For Fall

UPDATE: Two days following the 13 dates Dave Chappelle announced, the comedian has added three days in New York City. In a residency at the Gramercy Theater, where he did the same in 2014, Dave will perform on September 28, 29, and 30. All three of those dates will feature... Read more

August 19, 2015 News

Scarface & John Legend Question Faith & Prayer In Troubling Times (Audio)

Throughout Scarface's career, in solo and group works, religion and God have been issues he regularly touches upon. From the ominous imagery of hits "Mind Playin' Tricks On Me" and "A Minute To Pray And A Second To Die," to the Kelly Price-assisted "Heaven" a decade later, Scarface's relationship with... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Joell Ortiz Joins Awkword, Wordsworth & More on the NYC Remix to “Go!” (Audio)

Veteran New York City MC Awkword has released a remix to his lyrics-driven single "Go!." A single from Awk's 2014 charity-album, World View, the original featured Atmosphere's Slug, Joell Ortiz, Maya Azucena, and a beat by Domingo. On this stylized go-round, an Audible Doctor (Brown Bag AllStars) remix emphasizes the... Read more

August 18, 2015 Audio

Styles P’s Energy Freestyle Comes To Living Color (Video)

Back in late March, Styles P was amidst a rampage of weekly freestyles, sometimes releasing in bursts. One of those snatched Drake's "Energy" instrumental (produced by Boi-1da), and waxed two minutes of warning shots against all suitors. In high Summer, S.P. The Ghost gets his rooftop on and his bucket-hat... Read more

August 18, 2015 Video

Cam’ron Raps. He Acts. He Can Also Run A Human Resources Department (Video)

Frequently, major companies make the news for questionable practices regarding employee rights. Human Resource departments are put in place to enforce best ethical relations in making a work space, both internally and externally—with everybody's rights respected. Larry Wilmore's "The Nightly Show" opted to make light of recent reports of a... Read more

August 18, 2015 TV, TV/Film, Video

Wu-Tang Affiliate Hell Razah The Subject Of Upcoming Documentary

Since the mid-1990s, Hell Razah (a/k/a Heaven Razah) has been a prominent figure within the Wu-Tang family tree. A founding member of the Sunz Of Man, Razah—alongside Killah Priest, Shabazz the Disciple, Prodigal Sunn, and 60-Second Assassin would eventually tackle the Billboard Top 20 through 1998's The Last Shall Be... Read more

August 18, 2015 News, TV/Film

This Streaming Music Mix Is A 52 Song Pick-You-Up (Playlist)

Lots of great music has been releasing as of late. Whether YG's G-Funk revival "Twist My Fingers," Lil Dicky and Snoop Dogg's job interview-in-rhyme, or Drake's surgical Meek Mill reply "Back To Back," there is plenty of diversity, tangibility, and value in music in 2015. Artists are steadily moving their... Read more

August 17, 2015 Playlists

Following Near Fatal Accident, Tracy Morgan Will Return To Host SNL

It has been more than one year since actor/comedian Tracy Morgan was nearly killed on the New Jersey Turnpike. On June 7, 2014, a six-car accident left comedian James McNair dead, and Morgan (along with other passengers) severely injured. Morgan, who was in a coma for nearly two weeks, suffered... Read more

August 17, 2015 TV

Oddisee Produced Finale’s Odds & Ends In Its Entirely (Album Stream)

After more than six years between albums, Detroit, Michigan MC Finale just released Odds & Ends. The MC who previously boasted production by Flying Lotus and J Dilla, extends his working relationship with Oddisee. Following 2009's A Pipe Dream and A Promise, the 3-1-3 MC and the DMV producer (who... Read more

August 17, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Says Eff The Money & Then Proves It. He Gives Away Free LP. (Album Stream)

August 15 UPDATE: Talib Kweli has also offered an official album stream of F**k The Money: Earlier today (August 14), Talib Kweli offered a powerful indictment on greed and materialism. The Reflection Eternal/Black Star co-founder release "(Eff) The Money," a Cassper Noyvet-assisted track that showed that signature fire inside the... Read more

August 14, 2015 Fresh

JAY-Z Had A Diss Reply Ready For Tupac In 1996. He Even Performed It.

When Nas and Jay Z were entrenched in one of Hip-Hop's most famous battles and beefs, it is Tupac Shakur's words that open up one of the crossfire's most scathing attacks, Nas' "Ether." It was an unusual move for one rival of Tupac to use the slain rapper in his... Read more

August 14, 2015 Throwback

One Week From His Album Release Method Man Leaks More Heat From The Meth Lab (Audio)

It is one week (August 21) until Method Man releases The Meth Lab on Tommy Boy Entertainment. The Wu-Tang co-founder teams with several of his Clansmen on the upcoming project, as well as Cory Gunz, Uncle Murda, and Mack Wilds. However, a key ingredient to The Meth Lab is the... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio

Warren G Recalls Trying To Mediate Tupac & Biggie, An Untold Feud Behind Regulate (Audio)

In honor of his just-released Regulate…G Funk Era Pt. 2 EP, Warren G took the guest seat on the Combat Jack Show. The Long Beach, California MC/producer/DJ tells the show several times, that he is planning a book. This interview, (later featuring actor R. Marcus Taylor ("Suge Knight" in Straight... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio

Prince Paul Slices Into A Stack Of Wax By Camp Lo, Inspectah Deck & Big L (Mix)

It's been since April that the devastating Prince Paul gave Heads another latest installment of It's Not The Size Of Your Mix, It's How You Use It. The free-form mix series by the Stetsasonic/Gravediggaz member returns, with #4. Clocking just under 40 minutes, this version finds the onetime Tommy Boy... Read more

August 13, 2015 Mixes

Kendrick Lamar Interviews N.W.A. & Asks All The Right Questions (Video)

It is fitting that N.W.A.'s first full-length interview in conjunction with Straight Outta Compton be conducted by none other than Kendrick Lamar. On behalf of Billboard, Lamar sits down for an intimate conversation with Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and DJ Yella. Nearly 30 minutes, this interview transcends a... Read more

August 13, 2015 Video

Special Ed’s I Got It Made Remains Ahead Of Its Time In Flow & Style (Video)

One of the forefathers in Brooklyn, Hip-Hop is Special Ed. More than five years before he joined the inaugural lineup of the Crooklyn Dodgers, the Flatbush native Edward Archer made one of Hip-Hop's most enduring opening verses in "I Got It Made." Part of Ed's 1989 debut album, Youngest In... Read more

August 13, 2015 Do Remember, Video

Mick Jenkins’ Wave[s] Continues To Hydrate Minds After The Water[s] (EP Stream)

One year to the day after The Water[s], Chicago, Illinois MC Mick Jenkins returns to the shore with The Wave[s]. The Cinematic Entertainment artist follows his acclaimed breakthrough with 29 minutes, and nine tracks. Production duties include Sacramento, California veteran Lee Bannon (Joey Bada$$, Souls Of Mischief) and Montreal, Quebec's... Read more

August 13, 2015 Audio