Bandini

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kendrick Lamar vs. Royce Da 5’9″…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 17, 2015 Fresh

Yelawolf Continues His Blues Rock Romp with Whiskey in a Bottle (Audio)

Yelawolf's sound continues to evolve. "Whiskey In A Bottle," his official new single, employs the hard percussion Heads heard in Yela's work with Travis Barker and the bluesy rock for which the MC has had a taste as of late, but the Gadsden, Alabama MC maintains his prickly flow, chip... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Flip Flips Ill Beats With Elzhi, Edo. G, A.G. & Guilty Simpson Flipping Bars (Album Stream)

Australian producer Flip is the latest beat-maker from "down under" to distribute dope sounds with a plethora of his influences. On the just-released Ill Adrenaline Records (Neek The Exotic, The Legion, Confidence) effort Reflections. Included are respected vets such as A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Phat Kat, Kev Brown, Edo. G,... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Fashawn & Exile Add Busta Rhymes To Their Sound, Getting Trunks To Rattle (Audio)

Between Boy Meets World and The Ecology (February 24), Fashawn experimented with an array of sounds and styles. The Black Bart Simpson came from a place where not just introspective or personal raps were the method. With DJ Exile still right beside him, The Ecology embraces this dichotomy. "Out The... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MF DOOM vs. Elzhi…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 16, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson Gives a Nod to Slick Rick Before a Journey Down the Rabbit Hole (Audio)

One of the Mr. Wonderful (March 24) moments Heads will hear next month is "Terry." While the jazzy arrangement isn't what Bronson records typically employ, the verses appeal to the breakthrough 2011 sound from the Queens, New Yorker. Sexual details, BMW references, and some menu mentions make this cut simple... Read more

February 16, 2015 Audio

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Big L with This Lord Sear Tribute Mix (Audio)

Big L Rest in Peace...Sixteen years ago today (February 15, 1999), the world lost a true lyricist in Lamont "Big L" Coleman. The Harlem, New York native, with just a lone album under his belt, was in the process of what many Heads believe, was a push to the top,... Read more

February 15, 2015 Throwback

Raz Simone Runs Up That Hill With Some Of The Realest Bars You’ll Hear This Week (Video)

Raz Simone keeps rising. That idea inspires his latest video, "Macklemore & Chief Keef." Shot in a rocky desert in the magic hour, it's Raz's raps that are sharper than the landscapes, as he talks about the plight of the Internet artist looking for buzz and accolades in 2015. The... Read more

February 15, 2015 Video

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio Knows Something About Making Futuristic Jeep Music (Audio)

Of all the members of Souls Of Mischief, it often seems like Opio keeps the lowest profile. The Oakland, California veteran may play the background, but he's laid down some critical verses for Souls as well as the Hieroglyphics releases. With a handful of projects, Ope' showcases a 2015 cut,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

The Militia Is Coming…Hear 3 Snippets Of Big Shug’s Next Album, All Produced By DJ Premier (Audio)

Gang Starr Heads know all about Big Shug. A member of the Gang Starr Foundation, the Boston, Massachusetts-based MC would appear on all of Guru & DJ Premier's albums from Hard To Earn through The Ownerz. Hard-nosed, fly, and wise, Shug paid dues in the wings for years, before becoming... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

If You Love The Vid To The Furious 5’s The Message, F.Stokes Is Worth Your Time (Video)

F.Stokes is one of the best kept secrets of Hip-Hop right now. This Madison, Wisconsin native (who has spent a ton of time in Chicago) has a live show where he literally convinces showgoers to sit on the (dirty) floor sometimes. He is energetic, insightful, and original, with an array... Read more

February 14, 2015 The Bridge

CyHi The Prynce Offers A Second Semester Of Black Hystori Teaching (Mixtape)

Approximately 350 days later, CyHi The Prynce follows up his Kanye West-executive produced Black Hystori Project with a second volume. Eleven tracks deep, Black Hystori Project Vol. 2 (a/k/a BHP2: N.A.A.C.P.) maintains the theme of the first free installment. This one welcomes even more notable sound-providers to the fold though,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Mixes

Whet Your Appetite With A Tiny Sampling Of Nas & Timbaland’s Latest Creation (Audio)

Dating back to 1998's Tim's Bio: Life From The Basement album, Timbaland and Nas have worked together nearly a half-dozen times. The Queens, New York MC extraordinaire called upon the Virginia producer/rapper for his Nastradamus single, "You Owe Me," in addition to work together alongside everybody ranging from Jay Z... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

Random New Yorkers Recite Raunchy Sean Price Lyrics for Valentine’s Day (Video)

It's been 10 years since Heltah Skeltah's Ruck redefined himself with Monkey Barz. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC went for broke (quite literally, as he tells it), and made a low-budget album that Heads loved. With production by 9th Wonder, Khrysis, "8-Off" Agallah, and others Monkey Barz may have missed the... Read more

February 13, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Rakim vs. Kool Moe Dee…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 13, 2015 Throwback

Puff Daddy & Snoop Dogg Symbolically Use 1995 Source Awards Footage To Put BEEF To Bed (Video)

In an evening that saw a surprise Drake mixtape, and two star-studded Kanye West events in Manhattan, Puff Daddy and Snoop Dogg may have scored the most historical moment, as far as Hip-Hop is concerned. At Madison Square Garden, the two veteran MCs, producers, and record executives co-headlined a New... Read more

February 13, 2015 News

Ras Kass Explains Why He Wrote How To Kill God. It’s Not What You Think.

One of the more celebrated independent Hip-Hop albums of 2014 was Ras Kass & Apollo Brown's Blasphemy. The Mello Music Group release returned Ras Kass to the studio album format, and—after work with O.C., Guilty Simpson, and The Left, gave Brown a West Coast collaborative full-length. Part of Blasphemy's charm... Read more

February 13, 2015 Fresh

An Upcoming Documentary Captures The Essence Of The Bronx In 1979 (Video)

A new documentary is on the horizons, exploring the year of 1979 within the setting of the Bronx, New York. In a borough that was literally burning, with buildings crumbling, Hip-Hop was burgeoning in a major way. Thanks to the controversial (within Hip-Hop purists and pioneers) hit "Rapper's Delight" by... Read more

February 13, 2015 TV/Film

If You’re Reading This Its Not Too Late To Stream Drake’s Newest Mixtape (Audio)

In addition to last night's (February 12) iTunes release of Drake's If You're Reading This Its Too Late mixtape, October's Very Own has now offered a stream of the project. Although there are no features, the Cash Money Records-backed work includes production from Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Partynextdoor, Travi$ Scott,... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

Drake Upstages Everybody With The Ultimate Sneak Attack Move

Despite all the major fanfare transpiring in Manhattan tonight with NBA All Star activities and the march to Fashion Week, Drake (who was in attendance at Roc City Classic) may be out for the gusto. Just as he did more than five years ago, Drizzy delivered a mixtape, cleverly titled... Read more

February 12, 2015 News

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): DMX vs. Fabolous…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 12, 2015 Fresh

CyHi The Prynce Calls For Revolution & Points Out Fake Revolutionary Motives (Audio)

Gearing up for The Black Hystori Project 2, CyHi The Prynce is beyond fed up. The Atlanta, Georgia G.O.O.D. Music artist looks around at the Hip-Hop industry, and cries foul. From self-proclaimed gangsters eager to be interviewed on mainstream radio, to claiming to change lives only to spend seven figures... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Report Live From Across 110th Street (Audio)

"Harlem Knights" is the latest preview glimpse from Cannibal Ox's sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin (March 3). Not unlike 2001's "Stress Rap," the song is all about images, especially surrounding the uncovered sections of Uptown. Vordul kicks things off with one of his finer verses, before Vast pushes through... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Busts Colorful Raps From The Paint Shop (Video)

Curren$y is on a tear lately. The N'awlins veteran loves reminding Heads about his love of cars, and taking old schools (and foreigns) and customizing them with style. From his forthcoming Pilot Talk 3, Spitta taxis "Cargo Planes" in video form. The visual, with lots of cool colored light fills... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Zion I & Planet Asia’s Critical (Audio)

February brought some saddening news to many Heads. Zion I, the veteran duo of Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and partner Amp Live are parting ways. The split is amicable, and seems more related to creative directions and geography than anything. However, the Oakland, California group stems out of the 1990s,... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

Mick Jenkins Has Nothing But Time, But No Time For The B.S. (Audio)

Mick Jenkins seems to capture the Windy City essence so well in his music. "Time," on paper, is just a compilation track (Chicago Sight n' Sound). However, the Cinematic Entertainment MC makes a deep record that's not about how he manages his time in a thirst-stricken industry, in a violent... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

David Banner’s Pen Literally Burns The Page In The Symbol-Driven Evil Knievel (Video)

David Banner has been championed by many for more than 15 years. The Jackson, Mississippi veteran MC/producer may be hitting some of his finest strides in the last five. Since late 2010's Death Of A Pop Star (with 9th Wonder), the Crooked Lettaz alum maintains his fervor and passionate deliveries,... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

J-Live Finds The Smoothest Way To Say That He’s Out Of Eff’s To Give (Audio)

Like Eminem's first Aftermath Entertainment single, J-Live "just don't give a fuck." The Brooklyn, New York triple-threat released a new track today saying as much. However, in the case of Justice Allah, the track is about all the judges, perhaps in his personal life or in his musical life. He's... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

RZA Fires Up The Production Boards For Snoh Aalegra & It’s Funky (Audio)

Throughout the years, RZA produced tracks for a host of female crooners. In addition to the famed first mix of Method Man & Mary J Blige's "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By" single, Bobby Digital laced cuts for Tekitha and Blue Raspberry, the two in-house... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$’s J Dilla & The Roots-Produced Cut Gets A DMX-Inspired Visual (Video)

With the Dilla Day spirit on high, Joey Bada$$ unleashes the visual for "Like Me." This is his B4.Da.$$ showpiece, boasting production by The Roots and a posthumous J Dilla credit. With the just-released video, it's especially interesting that Badman quite obviously presents his take on DMX's 1998 breakthrough video... Read more

February 11, 2015 The Bridge

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kool G Rap vs. Ras Kass…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 11, 2015 Fresh

The Beat Junkies Honor J Dilla With A Scorching 2015 Remembrance Mix (Audio)

One of the subtleties that makes Dilla Day (February 10) so special in recent years is majorly due to The Beat Junkies and DJ J. Rocc. The Los Angeles, California DJ, who was the third—often uncredited—member of JayLib, finds new and innovative ways to praise his friend, collaborator, and Stones... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

J Dilla, Common & James Poyser Caught On Questlove’s Camera, Working In The Studio (Video)

One of the definitive albums of J Dilla's career was not his own, but rather, Common's Like Water For Chocolate. Comm's first LP out of the No I.D. and Dug Infinite pocket welcomed Jay Dee, Questlove, D'Angelo, James Poyser and the Soulquarians to the mix, along with DJ Premier and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Deliver Tone’s Rap and a Bundle of Goodness (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's blatant disregard for convention has made him a true Hip-Hop original. Since his Enter To Wu-Tang flows, which stood apart from all others on the track, Dennis Coles proved he wasn't the typical rapper. Playing with a hot hand, he blesses "Tone's Rap" (as premiered at 2DopeBoyz) with... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

Jarren Benton & Hopsin Welcome Locksmith To Their Lyrical Lair (Video)

Jarren Benton's just-released digital EP, Slow Motion is nothing to sleep on. "Killin' My Soul" pairs Jarren with Hopsin, who co-founded the label Benton found success on. The tandem welcomes Northern California's Locksmith to the equation. In the polished visual, all three MCs show that place that they write and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

Sadat X, General Steele & Channel Live’s Hakim Green Light Up A Roundtable Freestyle (Video)

With his Never Left album in stores (and available for snippet-stream), Sadat X is on an award tour. The Brand Nubian co-founder was a guest on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesday show. However, Derek was far from alone. Smif-n-Wessun's General Steele and Channel Live's Hakim Green were in on a roundtable... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

9 Years Since J Dilla Left Us, Frank Nitt & Slum Village Have A Timely Message (Video)

Nine years to the day since James Yancey left us, Frank-N-Dank's Frank Nitt (f/k/a Frank Nitti) drops the visual for a tie-in song. "Money On Mind," joined by his Yancey Boys cohort Illa J (Dilla's brother) as well as Jay Dee's Slum Village cofounder, T3, the record looks at how... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

Follow Fashawn Home To Fresno, California As He Stakes His Claim (Video)

Two Tuesdays away from Fashawn's sophomore studio solo LP, The Ecology (February 24), the Fresno, California MC brings the cameras home. From the streets of the Central Valley, Fash' hops on his skateboard and hits the streets for "Guess Who's Back," showing that he's the same low-profile lyrical visionary from... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Lil’ Kim vs. Ghostface Killah…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 10, 2015 Fresh

Lord Finesse Freaks The SP-1200 & Offers 5-Minutes Of Delightful Instrumental Snippets (Audio)

Lord Finesse is a giant behind the boards. The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy knew it. Dr. Dre knows it. From 2001 to Ready To Die to Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous to Word...Life, the Bronx, New York legend has production credits on classic albums, not to mention his own three acclaimed releases. The... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Emerges With A Potent Commentary On Being Black In 2015 (Audio)

With "i" winning two Grammy Awards last night (February 8), Kendrick Lamar advances the conversation with the second song from his sophomore major label album. "The Blacker The Berry," is a dense, inward look at being Black in 2015. The song pulls no punches about hatred in the world, both... Read more

February 9, 2015 Audio

It’s A Backroads Drag Race For Yelawolf’s Down (Video)

In the Ghet-O-Vision days, cars added a ton to Yelawolf's videos. Now with the added value of Shady Records backing, ain't nothin' changed. For "Down," the Shady XV single, a lifted '70s K-series Chevrolet pick-up truck and a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle (as seen in other Yela' videos) lead the charge... Read more

February 9, 2015 Video

Pro Era’s Kirk Knight Gets Rowdy On His First Album Single (Audio)

With Joey Bada$$ making maneuvers on the charts, Heads can expect the Pro Era team to be ramping up retail production. Kirk Knight, who's been a star within the circle, might just be next. Although details are extremely slim surrounding Kirk's album—including so much as a title, the Brooklyn, New... Read more

February 9, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Links with Dance Music Sensation Kiesza on Teach Me (Lyric Video)

Often times, an album's bonus cut is its rawest, most on the fringe inclusion—something that either the label or the artist was unsure about, for whatever reason. In the case of Joey Bada$$' chart-grabbing B4.Da.$$ debut, "Teach Me" was quite the opposite. The Kiesza-assisted song is among Joey's most Pop-leaning... Read more

February 9, 2015 Video

Method Man Is In The Zone With The Ill Cadence In This 1995 Freestyle Relic (Audio)

Back in 1995, Method Man was having a banner year. His solo debut, Tical, grabbed a Top 3 debut, topping the Rap/R&B charts. The late 1994 Def Jam release made the Staten Island MC a premier grab into the following year, making guest appearances on single with Shaquille O'Neal, as... Read more

February 9, 2015 Throwback

Eminem’s Marshall Mathers 2 LP Crowned Rap Album Of The Year, Take A Closer Look

At last night's (February 8) 57th Grammy Awards, Eminem's Marshall Mathers 2 LP grabbed "Rap Album Of The Year" honors. This is the fifth time Em has received these honors, in a career that has witnessed seven studio albums (not including Infinite). The Detroit, Michigan superstar MC/producer was not on... Read more

February 9, 2015 News

Kanye West Warns The Grammy’s That If True Artistry Isn’t Honored, He & Others Will Withdraw (Video)

Last night (February 8), the 57th annual Grammy Awards were held at Los Angeles, California's Staples Center. Kanye West was among performers, as well as nominees. The Def Jam Records superstar joined Rihanna and Paul McCartney on stage to perform "FourFiveSeconds," following a touching delivery of his "Only One" earlier... Read more

February 9, 2015 News

The Polished Trailer For “Straight Outta Compton” Features Dr. Dre, N.W.A. & Lots Of Subtleties (Video)

While Compton's Kendrick Lamar won big in the evening, during the 57th Grammy Awards, Heads did not see Dr. Dre or Ice Cube in the audience, or on stage. However, the Hip-Hop legends whose fates are forever tied starred in a lengthy trailer for Straight Outta Compton, the upcoming N.W.A.... Read more

February 9, 2015 TV/Film

A Hungry Rapper Steps To Kanye West Looking For A Deal & Might Get A Job (Video)

Last May, on the streets of New York, an aspiring rapper pushed through the masses and tried to rap for Kanye West on the sidewalk, with entourage in tow, headed home for the night. To the surprise of many, 'Ye not only listened, he complimented the assertive hopeful. Nearly a... Read more

February 8, 2015 Video