Bandini

Mister Cee Reveals Slick Rick Once Fully Stepped to Big Daddy Kane…Strapped (Audio)

DJ Mister Cee is the latest guest on Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast/show. In Part 2 (Part 1 ran earlier this month), The Finisher speaks to his friends and former HOT 97 colleagues in depth about the two figures most closely associated with the Brooklyn, New York... Read more

April 29, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Tupac vs. Kendrick Lamar…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 29, 2015 Fresh

Mannie Fresh Recalls Big Tymin’ With First Check, DMX’s Dog Fancy (Video)

Mannie Fresh may be a lover of flaunting jewels, cars, and even helicopters on some of his album covers and in older videos. However, the New Orleans, Louisiana icon and Bounce music pioneer had some humble beginnings. In a recent interview, he reflected on how the music industry has evolved,... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Agallah Gets A Career Highlight With A Fiery Big Daddy Kane (Audio)

While the EPMD family tree can quickly point to Redman, Das-EFX, DJ Scratch and Keith Murray as successful proteges, there are plenty more. As K-Solo was a verbal varsity "letterman," Craig Mack blossomed under the fold. Later on, in the '90s, "8-Off The Assassin" l/k/a "Agallah" was within the last... Read more

April 29, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Eminem vs. Busta Rhymes…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 28, 2015 Fresh

Dres & Jarobi Plug In, Amp Up & Rock Out (Audio)

Dres (n/k/a Black Sheep Dres) and Jarobi (A Tribe Called Quest) go way back. Before EvitaN (their group together), these two New York City MCs were founders in the Native Tongues movement, bringing knowledge for your mental over grooves for your backside. "Ain't No Day That The Sun Don't Shine"... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Step Into Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals Kitchen & Watch Him Cook (Video)

Less than two months removed from Petestrumentals 2 (June 23), the Mount Vernon, New York living legend lets cameras catch him (dramatically) in action, breaking down some "Cosmic Slop" on the Akai MPC. The song features extensive percussion, and the kind of serious sounds that P.R. has offered Edo G.,... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Oddisee’s The Good Fight Battles To Be Among 2015’s Best (Album Stream)

Today (April 28), Oddisee released his seventh solo studio album, The Good Fight. The Mello Music Group release includes 12 tracks, featuring the Washington, D.C. native's verses, melodies, and production. The Diamond District member follows up 2013's Tangible Dream with an album, that based on its early singles, videos, and... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Sean Price Borrows Kanye West’s Breakthrough Beat and Spits The Truth (Audio)

In a career that's 20 years old, Sean Price has been very calculated with mixtape releases. Three times, the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC has offered up a non-album release, and starting with 2004's Donkey Sean, Jr., (before Monkey Barz) each time they have been a warning shot before an album that's... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Complements His Slow Flow With Lowriders (Video)

Even More Saturday Car Tunes continues to live up to its name. Curren$y releases "Cars," where he and his Jet Life cohorts cruise through the city in the twilight. Spitta spits about his favorite hobby, as the camera catches '60s, '70s and '80s Chevrolet Impalas, and a '76 Buick Regal.... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Rakim is Releasing His First Solo Album in More Than 5 Years (Video)

Montreality, with their original and spirited questions, spoke to Rakim, again (after his grabbing 2012 look). Sitting down with the God MC, a lot is covered in less than 10 minutes. Notably, Rakim confirmed that he is fast at work on his fourth solo studio album. "This is one of... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & Pharoahe Monch’s Latest Collabo Comes To Comic Book Life (Lyric Video)

Although they were running in very different circles in the early 1990s, Ghostface Killah and Pharoahe Monch have some amazing rapport over the last five or so years. The Staten Island and Queens, New York lyricists fill their deliveries with fervor, passion, and lots of unique wordplay. From late 2014's... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Ever Hear The Single From Dr. Dre & E-A-Ski’s Planned Collabo Album? (Audio)

To say things are "good" for Dr. Dre is a brutal understatement. The Compton, California impresario is breathing down the neck of being a billionaire (if he is not already there), he is the subject and producer of a major studio N.W.A. biopic, and he's got arguably Hip-Hop's best MCs... Read more

April 27, 2015 Throwback

De La Soul Defends Kickstarter Album: “This Is Not About Pocketing Money”

Last week, De La Soul released "God It," the Nas-assisted, presumed first single from their upcoming eighth studio album, reportedly called, And The Anonymous Nobody. For Hip-Hop fans, this is a benchmark album before Heads press play, due to the fact it is the largest crowd-funded album in the Rap... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Rakim vs. Mos Def…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up's—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

April 27, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Here Are Your Top 10 MCs + 1

The polls have closed and, after a fiercely competitive and unpredictable Round 4, 10 MCs advance to Round 5 (along with Rakim who had a bye), making a grand total of 11 rappers remaining in the quest to name Hip-Hop’s greatest MC, as determined by you. Since Round 1 began... Read more

April 26, 2015 Fresh

From Groove Theory To Blackstreet, These Retro R&B Blends Welcome Summer (Mix)

In the 1990s, Hip-Hop and R&B flirted with each other in plenty of ways. The decade made an institution out of the cross-genre collaboration, making R&B albums all the more unpredictable, and Hip-Hop albums all the more versatile. Out of the decade, Mary J Blige, Jodeci, and R. Kelly were... Read more

April 26, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Ever See the Time will.i.am Went Back to the Underground in an Epic Battle of the Beats? (Video)

In 2002, things were getting interesting for will.i.am. Early Black Eyed Peas Heads know that while the group had a major label contract and were working with stars, they were up against the ropes at A&M Records. In two albums, Will, apl.de.apl, and Taboo had not found the success that... Read more

April 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: None of These MCs Have Made the Top 10…Yet

Ambrosia For Heads’ Finding The GOAT series, the search for the Greatest Of All Time MC (as determined by you), began in September, 2014 and is soon down to its final 10+1 bye (Rakim, bringing the tally to 11) contestants. The MC who wins by the biggest margin in this... Read more

April 25, 2015 Fresh

Curren$y Colorfully Lives The Good Life In His Latest Single (Video)

Curren$y's Even More Saturday Night Car Tunes keeps making its rounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana veteran takes the Cool & Dre-produced single "Rhymes Like Weight," and hustles the visual—a colorful portrait of his life at the top of the indie Rap scene. Career and fans have been kind to Spitta,... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Andre 3000…Who You Got?

We have reached the final match up in Round 4 of the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim received a bye for the round), things came down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 24, 2015 Throwback

Fashawn’s Touching Single Is A Strong Vignette About Young, Black Fatherhood (Video)

Within Fashawn's The Ecology, "Higher" is one of the everlasting gems. Fashawn looks at fathers—as a parent himself, with some profound insights. The song is personal, heartfelt, and touching. To core fans of the Fresno, California MC, the DJ Exile-produced "Higher" is a deep extension of his Boy Meets World... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Do Remember: De La Soul & Camp Lo’s So Good (Audio)

Since Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Tommy Boy Records has been in on the ground floor of helping out Heads "looking for the perfect beat." Tom Silverman's independent label may have started with Dance music roots, but the label proved to be one of the truly trustworthy imprints, supplying... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

The People Talk to Raekwon About Ice Cream on YouTube. The Chef Talks Back (Video)

It's been a long 20 years, but Raekwon's "Ice Cream" is still cold. The Wu-Tang Clan posse cut celebrating the ethnic diversity of female fans remains a popular draw on YouTube. Chef Rae joins Noisey to respond to some thirsty comments from the video site. Comments range from the deep,... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): KRS-One vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

Twista & Do Or Die Give Fans That Classic Chi City Choppin’ (Audio)

The appeal in a Twista & Do Or Die joint EP lies in the fact that both of these acts have been pioneering voices from Chicago, Illinois. With that effort, these West Side Chi City stars helped define a style, an attitude, and a po' pimp grit that remains integral... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio

King Los May Be A Freestyles & Songwriter Double-Threat (Video)

The freestyle is its own animal. So many of the masters of improvisational rhyme in Hip-Hop have proven to struggle in making thoughtful, lyrically-sharp albums—at least by the people's standards. King Los has everybody in suspense as he takes his strong track record from the freestyle and mixtape circuits to... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Kurupt & Tha Alkaholiks Show Diamond D A West Coast Party (Video)

Celebrating all regions, eras, and styles, Diamond D's The Diam Piece continues to knock on doors, and knock in systems. In an onslaught of visuals, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder heads to sunny California to link with longtime collaborators Tha Alkaholiks, and Kurupt. The video and the song ("We... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 22, 2015 Fresh

Not Stranded On Death Row…Dr. Dre Wins The Chronic’s Digital Rights

Nineteen years ago last month, Dr. Dre left Death Row Records. While artists such as RBX and The D.O.C. had already severed ties with the multi-platinum label, the news was confusing to many, as Dre helped co-found the label. However, due to reported creative differences with label CEO Marion "Suge"... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

De La Soul & Nas Are Hip-Hop Gods & Their Collaboration Is Heavenly (Audio)

De La Soul and Nas have been two of the most dependable sources of Hip-Hop music, with nearly 50 years, combined. Crossing paths in one of 2015's biggest collaborations so far, Posdnous, Dave, Maseo, and Nasir sound incredible together on "God It." Presumably the first 2015 public presentation from De... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Slick Rick’s Great Adventures Cross Paths In Miami With Dynas (Premiere)

Slick Rick does not make many guest appearances—it is part of what makes the storyteller laureate so great. However, MC Ricky D must like South Florida veteran MC Dynas, as he starts the party on "Who U?" The rapped story finds Rick in Miami, Florida, at a gym off of... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

Built 4 Cuban Links…Questlove DJs In Havana With Culture Sharing In Mind

In global news, it was announced today via a spokesperson for The Roots that Questlove has recently returned from two DJ nights in Havana, Cuba. The Roots drummer/producer/DJ appeared on April 16 and 17 at FAC, an old factory in the Vedado section of the capital city. "It’s always been... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

Skills Trump Luck…Vic Mensa Signs To Roc Nation

Vic Mensa is having an incredible last 12 months. Since INNANETTAPE two years ago, the Chicago, Illinois MC/musician has released a hit video single in "Down On My Luck," released two songs with Kanye West, and now, he's signed to one of the music industry's premiere labels. Today (April 21)... Read more

April 21, 2015 News

AZ, DJ Premier & Joe Budden Put It Down For MoSS’s Breakthrough (Audio)

Heads may or may not be up on MoSS, yet... Working closely with DJ Premier and Year Round Records for years, the Toronto, Ontario producer has produced for certified lyrical vets such as Ghostface Killah, Sean Price, and Big Shug. Having also contributed a full project with Eternia (2010's At... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform Crossroads on ESPN’s Sports Nation (Video)

The NBA Playoffs are upon us—and if you didn't know, Blake Griffin rattled the universe and the rim with three monstrous dunks Sunday night (April 19). The Los Angeles Clippers star Center made an example of several San Antonio Spurs in their 107-92 win, arguably none more than Aron Baynes.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

DJ Premier Remixes Lion Babe’s Pharrell-Produced Single (Audio)

From Limp Bizkit to Craig David, Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera, when DJ Premier steps out of Hip-Hop, it's usually significant, and it usually bridges audiences. Premo took the Pharrell-produced "Wonder Woman" for eclectic non-Rap duo Lion Babe, and slowed things down with those hard drums and carefully programmed accents.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 20, 2015 Fresh

Ever Hear Rick Ross’ First Appearance On Wax, Alongside Erick Sermon? (Audio)

A lot went into Rick Ross' career in the lead-up to 2006 platinum single, "Hustlin'." Many Heads know that the Miami, Florida-based MC was one of the strong developing acts at Slip-N-Slide Records (a system responsible for Plies, Pitbull, plus Trina and Trick Daddy). Other Heads know that Ross had... Read more

April 19, 2015 Throwback

Domingo Brings Together Kool G Rap & Canibus for Some Lyrical Sharp Shooting (Audio)

Throughout the last 15-plus years, Kool G Rap and Canibus are never far. For dense lyrics, barbed bars, and overloads of confidence, both are a lot alike. Whether it's Sway & King Tech's This Or That, 'Bis' Mic Club, or Almighty's 2nd Coming LP, they run well together. In 2014,... Read more

April 18, 2015 Audio

Did Black Thought Confirm He’s Working On A Solo Album?

During an exciting week in Hip-Hop music, something really major may have been announced, that many Heads missed. Yesterday (April 16) The Roots' front man Black Thought confirmed that he is currently in the process of recording a solo album. Replying to a fan's tweet, Thought alluded to the upcoming... Read more

April 17, 2015 News

Chris Rivers Is A Chip Off The Legendary Block In 2 New Looks (Video)

One of the most interesting things about the late, great Big Pun is his creative duality. In his early days with Cuban Link and Full-A-Clips, Punisher favored a horror-core style, as heard on early 1990s Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and Geto Boys records. By the late '90s however,... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio, Video

Styles P Grabs Another Dr. Dre Beat, Digging Deep Into 2001 (Audio)

As Jadakiss kicks off the weekend with two Jay Z reworkings, Styles P keeps on keepin' on with Dr. Dre instrumental freestyles. The Ghost has touched The Chronic, Snoop Dogg's Doggystyle, so it's only fitting that he swoops to 2001. Commonly called "Chronic 2001," Dre famously freaked the funk with... Read more

April 17, 2015 News

Jadakiss Jacks Jay Z for Another Beat. What’s His Name? JADA…(Audio)

Kiss the week goodbye, as Jadakiss hits Friday April 17 with not one, but two lyrical scribblings over Jay Z instrumentals. This time, Jada' takes the Swizz Beatz-helmed "Jigga My Nigga (What's My Name)" from the first (platinum-plus) Ruff Ryders compilation, which Jadakiss and The L.O.X. were a key part... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Tupac vs. Scarface…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 17, 2015 Throwback

Redman, Talib Kweli & Wrekonize Celebrate a Night In Paradise (Video)

One of the strongest moments from DJ EFN's amazing Another Time album, is "Paradise." The moment links Redman, Talib Kweli, and ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. All three MCs are known for big body bars, but the record notably takes aim at the nightlife and club crowd, with a surprising smoothness. In the... Read more

April 17, 2015 Video

Jadakiss Takes Jay Z’s Beat and Gets Far From Jiggy With It (Audio)

In the 2010s, Heads may not realize it, but Jadakiss has released some of the coldest music that still carries the Roc-A-Fella Records logo on the back. That said, 'Kiss takes an In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 standout moment from Jay Z and makes it his own. "Where I'm From,"... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio

Just Blaze Re-Examines The Musical Magic In Michael Jackson’s Human Nature (Audio)

2015 has seen Just Blaze shake things up with some instrumentals. The New Jersey producer/DJ really became a go-to sound source for flipping, altering, and reinvigorating certain samples, especially in his tenure with Roc-A-Fella Records. Keeping things in the Def Jam building, Just recently laced Ludacris with a Ludaversal closer... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio, The Bridge

Do Remember: Fu-Schnickens’ Breakdown (Video)

The music industry is filled with plenty of curiosities. One lesser profiled head-scratcher is the fact that the Fu-Schnickens released only two albums, and yet the East Flatbush, Brooklyn trio had a Greatest Hits just four years into a short-lived career. Even more curious, the crew disbanded just after their... Read more

April 16, 2015 Throwback