Bandini

Styles P Gets Funkdafied & Fired Up Thanks To Cookin’ Soul On The Boards (Audio)

Whether it's with The Roots, with Rick Ross, or Raekwon, is there a beat—or type of beat that Styles P cannot destroy? The LOX O.G. brings his D-Block protege Blazin on board for "True & Living." Here, thanks to Spanish production duo Cookin' Soul (OJaYzis, Freddie Gibbs), S.P. The Ghost... Read more

March 31, 2015 Audio

Willie The Kid Is An Old Soul As He Brings A 2013 Alchemist Collab To Life (Video)

It's been a long time comin', but Willie The Kid continues to deliver great music to the masses, even if some are still sleeping. One person who is not, is Drake—who back in 2012 championed Willie and Willie's O.G. brother (and longtime Wu-Tang Clan affiliate) La The Darkman. Alchemist is... Read more

March 31, 2015 Video

Itzsoweezee! De La Soul Hits Their $110,000 Kickstarter Goal & Then Some…

Less than 48 hours after De La Soul launched a Kickstarter campaign to record, manufacture, and release their yet-to-be-titled eighth studio album, they have seemingly hit their goal. Asking for $110,000, Posdnous, Dave (f/k/a Trugoy), and Maseo have reached more than $188,000 at time of publication. This ensures that the... Read more

March 31, 2015 News

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big K.R.I.T. vs. Action Bronson…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 31, 2015 Fresh

Alright, Stop What You’re Doing…The Muppets Do the Humpty Dance (Video)

Digital Underground have proudly boasted "No Nose Job" in their funky Hip-Hop run since the late 1980s. If there's somebody who can say the same, it's Gonzo from The Muppets franchise. Kermit The Frog's slippery sidekick has a few things in common with the D.U. For starters, both are all... Read more

March 31, 2015 Throwback

Ras Kass Meets DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth With Those Classic Snaps & Punchlines (Video)

Since the very beginning, Ras Kass has had no fear with his verses. The Southern California MC loves a good joke at a peer's expense, whether it's Lil' Kim, Seal, or even Prince, and it's what's made the confident and cocky lyricist so punchy. Those good ol' jabs are at... Read more

March 31, 2015 Video

Wale Goes Back To His Nike Boots Roots (Video)

It's hard to believe it was seven years ago that Wale burst on the scene with "Nike Boots." Released in 2007 and distributed in '08, the powerful moment that mixed substance and style was the ultimate vehicle that made the MC from the DMV catch the ear of Mark Ronson,... Read more

March 30, 2015 Video

Rhymefest Made A Film About Finding His Homeless Father. Watch The Trailer (Video)

The Academy Award-winning and Grammy Award-winning Rhymefest has a lot going for him. Che Smith isn't rushing back into the lab to make another album. With the hot hand, 'Fest is instead opening up into his compelling story. At the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival, Rhymefest will premiere In My Father's... Read more

March 30, 2015 Lifestyle, TV/Film, Video

eMC Aviate & Elevate In Their Aerospace-Inspired New Visual (Video)

Masta Ace has two videos in one day. Following his Diamond D-laced "Ace Of Diamonds" video single, Brownsville Brooklyn MC extraordinaire joins Wordsworth and Stricklin for The eMC's "Fly Thoughts" visual. Taking the idiomatic expression quite literally, the NYC-Milwaukee trio takes to the skies, the airfields, and the cabin to... Read more

March 30, 2015 Video

Masta Ace Hits The Pocket With Diamond D, Cutting In Some Classic Footage (Video)

Masta Ace and Diamond D are two the greatest Hip-Hop contributions from 1989. As Masta Ace hit with "Letter To Better," Raheem dropped "I'm The King," produced by the would-be Bronx O.G. For one of 2014's sweetest long-players, The Diam Piece, these longtime collaborators linked up again for "Ace Of... Read more

March 30, 2015 Video

De La Soul Are Sampling Themselves On A New Album. But They Need Your Support (Video)

Whoa... so out of the blue, De La Soul have announced that they have a new album in the charm—their first in 11 years (see: The Grind Date). This time though, Heads don't have to wait on Tommy Boy Records, Mathew Knowles' Sanctuary Records, or even on three icons to... Read more

March 30, 2015 News, Video

Pete Rock Signals More Petestrumentals & Unleashes A 20 Year Old Groove (Audio)

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 14 years since Pete Rock released Petestrumentals. Following Jay Dee's (p/k/a J Dilla) Welcome To Detroit, Soul Brother Pete laced BBE (Barely Breaking Even) Records' Beat Generation series (Marley Marl and will.i.am were among those who would follow). Pete struck the Hip-Hop/R&B charts... Read more

March 30, 2015 Audio, News

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): DMX vs. Joe Budden…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 30, 2015 Fresh

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Eminem vs. Talib Kweli…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 27, 2015 Fresh

Tech N9ne Takes A Venting Session & Translates It To A Monster MC Moment (Video)

Despite the make-up, the merchandise, and all the trimmings of self-made wealth, Tech N9ne is a minimalist. His new single "Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)" does not have a catchy beat at all. The song does not have a high concept, a catchy chorus, or a broad purpose. Instead, the Strange Music... Read more

March 27, 2015 Video

Ludacris’ Personal Revelations Come To Life With The Roots’ Support (Video)

Ludacris truly seems to have something special with Ludaversal (March 31). The DTP founder's most honest, most vulnerable, and most courageous album to date comes at a time when Heads may not be expecting it from him. After all, Luda' seemingly has it all already, after 15 years running things—different... Read more

March 27, 2015 Video

Styles P Snatches Drake’s Beat For An Energetic Freestyle (Audio)

Drake's given everybody "Energy" on If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Styles P has energy to give, and he takes the Boi-1da-produced beat, and gives a 90 second verbal massage. With emphasized bars and that signature cadence, S.P. The Ghost has really dazzled late March with a series of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Rediscover Madlib’s Yesterdays’ New Quintet Thanks To Stones Throw (Audio)

Madlib. Quasimoto. The Loop Digga. The man born Otis Jackson, Jr. has many names, identities, and personas. Back in the early 2000s, one of Madlib quietly emerged with one of his most illusive groups, Yesterday's New Quintet. A consummate sampler, Madlib began experimenting with a Fender Rhodes keyboard. As Stones... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Dr. Dre Says Straight Outta Compton Will Clarify N.W.A.’s Perceived Misogyny (Video)

Among N.W.A.'s legendary tracks are "Just Don't Bite It," "Findum, Fuckum & Flee," and the interlude, "To Kill A Hooker." Nearly 25 years after the group famously disbanded, Dr. Dre says that the perceived misogyny behind the lyrics and music by himself, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Audio Two’s Milk Dee Is Still Top Billin’, With Sean Price & Murda Mook (Audio)

Not only is Audio Two's 1987 "Top Billin'" a Rap/Hip-Hop classic, Milk Dee and Gizmo's moment in the sun remains an early and critical representation of Brooklyn, New York. From Big Daddy Kane to Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G. to Foxy Brown, top billin' is a style, an attitude, and... Read more

March 26, 2015 The Bridge

Joey Bada$$ Goes To Town With A Freestyle Over Dre & Premier Beats (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ seemingly never is too fatigued for a freestyle. The Brooklyn, New Yorker who emerged from hallway cyphers and throwback-minded Rap activities is true to form. Stopping through the L.A. Leakers radio show, the hosts throw down some plates of production from the era Joey pulls from. Nimbly, he... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Wale & Jerry Seinfeld Chat About Nothing…Or The Significance Of White Sneakers (Video)

After acclaimed mixtapes, Wale's first "Seinfeld"-inspired LP, Album About Nothing is less than one week away (March 31). The comedian behind the hit 1990s NBC sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld, has been in Wale's corner the last year, after the two met way back. In concept, "album about nothing" pulls from the... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Did You Know DJ Premier & Large Professor Share A Birthday? DJ Eclipse Does (Mix)

While DJ Premier remixed plenty of classic artists spanning three decades and nearly every genre, when it came to Gang Starr, remixes weren't typically the move—especially by another beat-maker. There were some exceptions however, and one trusted person who remixed one particular rare a la carte 1992 single ("Gotta Get... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: DJ Yella & Kokane – 4 Tha E (Eazy-E Tribute) (Video)

Today (March 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Eric "Eazy-E" Wright. The founder of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records left a crater on the face of modern music as we know it. The Compton, California native not only made the SoCal city a household name 25 years before... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): LL Cool J vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Is Off To The Library Of Congress

Every year, the Library Of Congress Archives deems select works of art worthy of immortal preservation. Musically, these elite few are the albums, songs, scores, and compositions worthy of timeless consideration, analysis, and curation. Just 17 years old, Lauryn Hill's solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill now carries this... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

G-Unit With The Roots? Why Hasn’t This Happened Before? (Video)

For the last 15 years—and pretty much always—G-Unit and The Roots have been across the room from each other in Hip-Hop. While 50 Cent and Questlove are two of the more outspoken voices in the genre, the Philadelphia Grammy Award-winning band and the Queens, New York multi-platinum collective are really... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Kurupt’s In A Foul Mood. He, J. Wells & Roscoe Make A Groove About It (Audio)

Sometimes MCs benefit from having a chip on their shoulder. Nearly 15 years ago, Kurupt took his frustrations with people trying to holler at his girl (then Foxy Brown), feeling neglected as a West Coast artist, and not feelin' the 2Pac imitations, and made "Callin' Out Names." While the song... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Hit-Boy Is Not Your Average Producer/MC. His Lessons From Early Kanye Show (Video)

Fifteen years ago, Kanye West came into Hip-Hop producing for MCs who had very different surroundings and inspiration than him (Beanie Sigel, Jay Z, Dilated Peoples). By the time it came to record his own music, the same quality sounds were there, but 'Ye's message and story stood apart in... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Ludacris Says Don’t Get It Confused, He Keeps It Realer Than Most Rappers (Video)

Although Heads are only learning it weeks before the album, Ludaversal (March 31) appears to be Ludacris' stripped down album. Like the 22 year-old "daily driver" Acura on the album cover, Ludacris seems to be all about being himself on his ninth Def Jam Records effort. Yesterday (March 24), Heads... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Method Man vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 25, 2015 Fresh

Tink Reworks A Biggie Favorite With A Timbaland Beat & Big Budget Visual (Video)

Tink has been an eye and ear-grabbing sensation in R&B/Pop for nearly a year. Timbaland's singing pupils rival, if not eclipse some of his Rap proteges over the last 20 years. Tink is a bit of both, delivering an amalgam of genres, attitudes, and styles in one dynamic musical package.... Read more

March 25, 2015 The Bridge, Video

Action Bronson & Earl Sweatshirt Are The Talk Of Rap. Alchemist Got ‘Em Together (Audio)

This week saw the release of Action Bronson's Mr. Wonderful and Earl Sweatshirt's I Don't Like Shit: I Don't Go Outside. Joined by last week's To Pimp A Butterfly album by Kendrick Lamar, and March will be a hard month to top for 2015 Hip-Hop. Rather notably, all of these... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Sean Price Has Fun With Words. Check The Intricacy Of His Latest Verbal Scribble (Audio)

Sean Price, for 20 years deep in the game being arguably the sharpest lyricist within Boot Camp Clik, isn't somebody who loves grand explanations. After all, 10 years ago, the Heltah Skeltah MC made an incredible comeback with a straightforward, deadpan, and self-deprecating LP in Monkey Barz. While there were... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

The LOX Tear Down a Classic Gap Band Beat (Audio)

In seemingly any situation, The LOX show up. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch give emerging MC/producer Duane DaRock all the right moves on Da Resume, Vol. 2 mixtape cut "That Money." The song, which basically lifts a timeless bassline from Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band has that blend-tape... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big Daddy Kane vs. Kool G Rap…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Michel’le Says Suge Knight Protected Her, After Dr. Dre Broke Her Nose (Video)

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Eazy-E-'s tragic death (March 26, 1995). With Ruthless Records on the minds of many Heads, the consideration ramps up. Michel'le was an R&B star on a Hip-Hop more than a decade before that become a standard. Her multi-platinum self-titled 1989 LP was a... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Talks Visual Cookbook & Menu, How His Mom Laced Alchemist (Video)

Just one day old, Action Bronson's major label full-length debut Mr. Wonderful appears to be met with early praise. Speaking on the HOT 97 Morning Show on release day (March 23), Action Bronson, joined by friend/collaborator Alchemist expounded on the VICE/Atlantic Records album's culinary component. Bronson revealed that three highly-touted... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Ludacris Deploys A Slow Flow To Talk About The Smoke & Mirrors Of The Rap Game (Audio)

Ludacris' ninth solo LP, Ludaversal (March 31) is one week away. Within the album, the Rap mainstay has one song that reflects on his journey, and the stresses that come with a sustainable career in the industry. Listening to a superstar whine might not be appealing or original in theory,... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

yU & Slimkat’s 1978ers Get Celestial While Tracking The Distance In Far (Video)

Diamond District is a heralded group with two celebrated studio albums, and a remix effort that excites as much as any in the last few calendars. However, outside the group, Oddisee, X.O., and yU beautifully exercise their individually. For the last of the three, yU, he regularly channels a Spoken... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 23, 2015 Throwback

RZA Has Some Controversial Views On Sample Lawsuits In 2015. Do You Agree?

Since even before 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), RZA has been a producer who liked to sample. From Janet Jackson to Al Green, Mary Poppins to The Electric Prunes, The Abbott's crates go deep, and unpredictable. However, after nearly 25 years of writing and composing music sold at retail,... Read more

March 22, 2015 News

The Cold Crush Brothers Defined MC’ing As We Know It. Hear Them Rock A 1982 Set (Audio)

The Cold Crush Brothers (a/k/a The Cold Crush IV) are an iconic Hip-Hop group. In the era leading up to first 12" singles, and later, full-length albums, founder DJ Tony Tone, Almighty Kay Gee, Dot-A-Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Supreme Easy A.D., Whipper Whip, DJ Charlie Chase, and other members in and... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Kool G Rap & Mic Geronimo Support Nutso On A Hardcore Queens Cut (Audio)

Kool G Rap may have the Midas touch of cosigns. From Nas to Papoose, Large Professor to MF Grimm, the Kool Genius has an ear for fellow lyricists on the come-up. Fellow Queens, New Yorker Nutso is far from new, having worked with G, along with Trae Tha Truth, Psycho... Read more

March 22, 2015 Audio

Snoop Dogg Developing New HBO Series With Makers Of Menace II Society & Boondocks

In the last 15 years, Snoop Dogg has launched two television series: the 2002-2003 MTV-spawned "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle" and the 2007-2008 two-season go for E!, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood." Neither show made it past 18 episodes, respectively. However, the Long Beach, California Hip-Hop icon is not done. According to The... Read more

March 21, 2015 News, TV

From Beats To Rhymes, Breakin’ To Graffiti, The Latino Contribution To Hip-Hop Is Explored (Audio)

One of the more anticipated pieces of Hip-Hop coverage over the last week was Latino USA's (an NPR-backed podcast show) "A Latino History Of Hip-Hop." As promised by video trailer, part 1 premiered yesterday (March 20), with part 2 reportedly coming online by late April. Producers Daisy Rosario and Marlon... Read more

March 21, 2015 Audio, Food for Thought, Fresh

The Fresh Prince Might Enjoy This Prank Call Into C-SPAN Live (Video)

Since 1979, C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) has been a channel that many TV-goers may surf right over on their way to reality TV, prime-time drama, sports, and other remote destinations. However, the Washington D.C. based network is a media mainstay, covering U.S. Congress and other major political and social... Read more

March 20, 2015 Fresh

Styles P Calls In A Ghost Attack With 2 New Freestyles (Audio)

For the second consecutive weekend, Styles P refuses to go quietly. Following last week's "Still Bangin' Freestyle," the Yonkers, New York blesses some industry beats with his street-tested wisdom. Dropping two Friday efforts, "Ghost Pills" adds the D-Block touch to Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions." "Bad Ass Ghost" is a... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 20, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson Really Is Mr. Wonderful To Plenty. What Can He Do For You? (Video)

More often, people are talking about "life coaches." Motivating, encouraging, at times, assertive, these people help their fellow human navigate the tricky waters of life, and come out happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. In this parody promo for Mr. Wonderful (March 23), one such life coach is none other than... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video