Bandini

Alicia Keys Sings To The Skies & Calls For Love In These Troubling Times (Video)

Alicia Keys has absorbed much of the recent pain, surrounding the murders of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, the protests, the court rulings, and the growing discussions. At the piano, Miss Keys produced an answer to the difficult question of "what next?" The singer-songwriter urges people in the struggle, together... Read more

December 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common & John Legend Honor The Civil Rights Movement Of The ’60s & Today (Audio)

Need some chicken noodle soup for the soul today? This may be it... Old G.O.O.D. Music brothers Common and John Legend come together for "Glory." Holding 2014's Ferguson protestors up alongside Rosa Parks' Birmingham, Alabama bus incident and subsequent boycott (59 years ago this week), this uplifting song is about... Read more

December 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bizzy Bone Is The Next Star Battle Rap Contestant

Battling, in the traditional, structured setting, has become popular for established, highly-prominent artists. Earlier this year, Def Squad's Keith Murray was planned to battle ONYX's Fredro Starr. Slaughterhouse's Joe Budden took on Hollow Da Don this past summer, taking what many considered to be a major L. The next contestant... Read more

December 4, 2014 Fresh

Mobb Deep Finishes Out 2014 Stronger Than The Last Several Years (Video)

After a rocky chapter in the 2010s, Mobb Deep's 2014 has been more illustrious than infamous—and that's great. Prodigy and Havoc celebrated their past with a stellar deluxe edition packaging of The Infamous Mobb Deep, unearthing some studio gems that Heads never got to own. With Havoc's cocking back his... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Masta Ace vs. Bumpy Knuckles…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Mary J. Blige Connects Her Soaring Single With Domestic Abuse (Video)

With The London Sessions now released, Mary J. Blige released the actual dramatic video for "Whole Damn Year." The visual is a jarring look at overlapping abuse and pain, affecting women of various ages. Bringing 1994's My Life in focus with its 20th anniversary just days ago, even with an... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Does Inspectah Deck Know His Wu-Tang History Better Than RZA? (Video)

After MTV News asked RZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna about some of the re-purposed Wu-Tang Clan logos over the years, Rob Markman and his team gave the squadron a little bit of a quiz. The questions range between the order of the solo discography, to how many... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yes-Men & Soft Rap Lovers Are Poked Fun At Featuring PRhyme, Miguel & Lady Of Rage (Video)

Funny Or Die linking with PRhyme doesn't seem too expected. Still, the online video channel knows their Hip-Hop, and in celebration of the new self-titled album by DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9", and Adrian Younge, they rolled to the studio. Specifically, Funny Or Die appears to be tongue-in-cheek making fun... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier Mixes Up A Special Set For Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary (Audio)

In his career, neither DJ Premier nor his group Gang Starr were ever signed to Def Jam Records. However, the HeadQCourterz Studios producer has worked with an arsenal of Def Jam's talent over the years, ranging from Jay Z and Method Man, Ludacris to Kanye West, to Teflon and WC.... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Astro Equates Boxing To Rapping & He Wants A Title (Video)

Brooklyn, New York's Astro seemingly makes everything a sport. The young MC with the viral video past has been a DIY juggernaut in taking on Hip-Hop in the digital age, and he's winning. But for the Astronomical Kid, it's far from where he wants to be. "Champion" locks in on... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Skillz Shuts Down The Competition With A Freestyle WHILE DJ’ing (Video)

Most Heads know that Skillz is a microphone monster. But did you know that the Virginia native is a sharp DJ too? After years of rolling with DJ Jazzy Jeff on the road, the onetime Rawkus Records artist returns to Sway In The Morning for a second straight day. After... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Gemstones Is No Longer In Lupe Fiasco’s Shadow In Tells A Gripping Story (Video)

Between 2006's Food & Liquor and 2007's The Cool, Lupe Fiasco appeared to have one of the most exciting rosters for fledgling talent at 1st & 15th. Between Gemstones (originally as "Gemini") and Matthew Santos on vocals, and Soundtrakk plus Chris & Drop teased ears with unique, grabbing beats. Sadly,... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

J-Live Releases Two In One, Filled With Warmth & Light (Videos)

J-Live's Around The Sun is an album worthy of revolutions in your CD player, turntable, or simply in your MP3 player/streaming cloud. The Brooklyn, New Yorker remains devoted to cohesive projects, with strong commentary on social issues, in addition to life issues Heads all go through. For a compelling visual,... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Terrace Martin Flips SZA & Chance The Rapper’s Child’s Play On Its Head (Audio)

Terrace Martin remixes are more than just half-baked re-purposed hits. Instead, the Locke High alum breaks out his arsenal of instruments, and bends a song's form, feel, and genre. An affiliate of the Top Dawg Entertainment family, the onetime Snoop Dogg protege undresses SZA's "Child's Play" single, which features Chance... Read more

December 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Shady XV Is Expected To Debut At #1, Nobody’s Happier Than Crooked I (Audio)

Even with Eminem's backing of Slaughterhouse, Crooked I has never enjoyed a #1 album. The Long Beach, California MC veteran is a long way from those mid-2000s pitfalls he suffered while stranded on Death Row. However, if skills equated to sales, Kxng Crooked would have been #1's, with plaques covering... Read more

December 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big Pooh Is In The Zone, Is He Hinting At A New LP As He Drops Off Hotness? (Audio)

Was anybody paying attention to Twitter or Tumblr the last few days? Rapper Big Pooh was/is in Detroit, Michigan. While Pooh and Slum Village's T3 are tight homies, that's not why. In between the tweets, it could be hinted that the Little Brother alum is the next subject to sit... Read more

December 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pusha T Aims To Stand Out In Rap Monument, Watch Him Lay The Verse (Video)

Noisey's assembly of "Rap Monument" could be one of the more exciting ideas on Hip-Hop's horizon. With more than 30 rappers from all walks of the industry, all corners of the Rap map, and many sub-genres within the umbrella term, this single track stands to be an exciting time capsule... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels’ Blitzing Single Hits The Eyes As Hard As The Ears (Video)

Run The Jewels' RTJ2 could be heard on the horizons before it arrived in October. The free Mass Appeal Records album (also available for purchase) rung in from the mountains with cacophonous second single, "Oh My Darling Don't Cry." Killer Mike and El-P's decimation of "F-boys" got real with dazzling... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Diamond D vs. Dr. Dre…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Action Bronson & Danny Brown Bring The Bad News On An Alchemist Jam (Audio)

Traditionally, Action Bronson favors retro-styled production, whether it's the dusty loops of Tommy Mas or the hazy '60s psychedelia of Party Supplies. Close affiliate and Rare Chandeliers collaborator Alchemist has a style all of his own, but has provided sounds somewhere in the middle. For the GTA V game, which... Read more

December 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Wu-Tang Clan Members React To Logo Copycats & Tributes (Video)

The "W" has taken on a life of its own over the last 21 years. Wu-Tang Clan's logo design has become not only a legal trademark, but a brand unto itself. From traditional goods like shirts, posters, skullies to mouse-pads, custom-painted Volkswagen Beetles, and a bevy of tattoos, this logo... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Common vs. stic.man…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh

Fabolous Sets His Sights On Christmas Day For Digital-Only Album

Now a Roc Nation artist, Fabolous is reportedly departing from his S.O.U.L Tape style of the last few years. The Brooklyn, New Yorker, still backed by Desert Storm/Def Jam gave short notice today that he will release The Young O.G. on December 25. This Christmas day concept was first exercised... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh

A 1997 Eminem Freestyle Surfaces, With Some Slick Slim Shady Rawness (Audio)

Seventeen years ago this month, Eminem was not a diamond, platinum, or gold-selling artist. He was not down with Dr. Dre. Eminem did not have a gated home in Detroit, or a radio platform. Instead, Eminem was just Marshall Mathers, a fast-talking MC with quick wit, sticking similes, and a... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Killer Mike Stands Up For Rap Lyrics, Pens An Op-Ed For USA Today

If Hip-Hop in 2014 needs a "Man of the year," Killer Mike is steadily beckoning nominations. Less than one week after a powerful, heartfelt reaction to a court decision to not indict Ferguson, Missouri Police Department Officer Darren Wilson for the murder of teenager Michael Brown, Killer Mike is taking... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh

Skillz Is A Supafriendz Alum & Freestyle Legend, So Sway Had To Put Him On The Spot (Video)

Back in those days when he was From Where???, (Mad) Skillz belonged to the Supafriendz, a Virginia massive including Danja Mowf, Lonnie B, and Kalonji The Immortal. This posse got some of its biggest exposure thanks to the aforementioned 1996 album, and a few compilations and singles. However, freestyle enthusiasts... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Black Milk, Large Professor, Nottz & Diamond D Are Remixing A 2014 LP, But Which? (Audio)

True remixes are a rarity these days. Remember the days when The Beatnuts might remix PMD, Diamond D might remix Outkast, or Marley Marl remix DJ Pooh? It's a little different in 2014. However, when Black Milk spins his take on an Oddisee-produced track, it's worth noting, and absolutely worth... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hus Kingpin & Median Channel The Warriors & Nas At Once, Still Comin’ Original (Audio)

Now based in Los Angeles, California, Hus Kingpin brings the shivery East Coast sound with him. On "The World Is Yours," the New Yorker travels back to a treacherous 212/718/917 sound, with vivid images, cold slang, and sharp accounts of street maneuvers. After Hus' Treach assist last month, this joint... Read more

December 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Q-Tip Welcomes Lil Wayne To The Universal Zulu Nation

Throughout his lengthy career, Lil Wayne has claimed allegiance to the Hot Boys, the Cash Money Billionaires, and Rich Gang, but did you know that he is also down with the Universal Zulu Nation? According to Lil Wayne friend and collaborator Q-Tip, Weezy F. is down with the New York... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh

Phat Kat, Elzhi & Guilty Simpson Unite To Show It Really Is Detroit Vs. Everybody (Video)

In the wake of Eminem, Big Sean, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5'9," Trick-Trick and Dej Loaf's "Detroit vs. Everybody," other MCs from the cold D want in. Three artists who worked closely with the bulk of the new class, Phat Kat, Elzhi, and Guilty Simpson team up for "All Madden."... Read more

November 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah Is Back On His R&B Ish Thanks To Jagged Edge, But No Holds Barred (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's most polarizing album is undoubtedly 2009's Ghostdini: Wizard Of Poetry In The Emerald City. The LP not only marked Ghost's final dance after nearly a decade with Def Jam Records, it also is largely considered his R&B album. The album featured Dennis Cole's talents in singing form in... Read more

November 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Makes A Trippy Track That Seems Inspired By De La Soul (Audio)

Although he represents a coast across the country from Amityville, Long Island, Blu is definitely a De La Soul disciple. Johnson Barnes' vulnerability, his love of far-reaching concepts, interludes and skits are surely inspired by Posdnuos, Maseo, and Dave (as well as Prince Paul). A lover of Jazz, Funk, and... Read more

November 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J. Blige’s My Life Shows That Soul Reigns Supreme, 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Twenty years ago today (November 29, 1994), Mary J. Blige released her sophomore album, My Life. More than two years removed from MJB's breakthrough Pop success surrounding What's The 411?, the Yonkers, New Yorker made maintained her undeniable vocal skills, but changed directions in making her sophomore LP. With hits... Read more

November 29, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Pusha T vs. Joell Ortiz…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 28, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Eve vs. Cam’ron…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 27, 2014 Fresh

Your Old Droog Manhandles Sway’s 5 Fingers Of Death + Gives Rare Interview (Video)

Your Old Droog is not just nice on records. The MC appeared this week on Sway In The Morning, and dazzled fans with charm, whether in a freestyle or simply telling his story. Sway Calloway, Heather B and team asked Droog about the Nas comparisons, his dues paid in the... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Marley Marl Remembers Giving Nas Some Key Demo Pointers, Talks Sample Revenue Loophole (Video)

Marley Marl might just be Hip-Hop's greatest producer. The Queens, New York legend is not easily accessible these days, so when he appeared in Tokyo, Japan before a live, engaged audience, it's "kind of like a big deal." Red Bull Music Academy/ego trip!'s "Chairman" Jeff Mao sat down with the... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Wu-Tang Clan Is Right On Time With The A Better Tomorrow Title Cut (Audio)

After a weary week, Wu-Tang Clan unloads their title song from A Better Tomorrow (December 2). While the album may have been met with some skepticism thus far, "A Better Tomorrow" certainly feels to be on a deeper level than much of what Heads have heard from the Wu clique... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

You KNOW Bumpy Knuckles Got Bars In DJ Premier’s Studio Booth (Video)

Still waters run deep. Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Premier crossed paths back in 1997, when they recorded a pair of songs with O.C. for Jewelz. The energy stuck, as Bumpy earned the coveted spot on appearing on Gang Starr's seminal LP, 1998's Moment Of Truth. On "The Militia," the artist also known... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raekwon Slices Off A Piece Of The New Dej Loaf Single In A Freestyle (Audio)

Chef Raekwon is far from resigned in giving Heads some mid-week freestyle looks. While it was '70s, '80s, and '90s Pop-R&B earlier in the calendar, Rae' is now about the hot street records from new voices. After he and Ghostface Killah gave Troy Ave the nod, Shallah takes aim at... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Killer Mike vs. Cee-Lo Green…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh

Jon Stewart Looks Back At Premiering The Roots On TV In 1995 (Video)

In the last 15 years, Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show" has been a destination for some Hip-Hop-savvy performances. Sitting down with another TV host Head, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Stewart looked across the set at The Roots. Casually, Stewart (who is promoting the new film he co-produced, Rose Water) recalled giving... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Your Old Droog Makes An Ode To His Guitar Playing & Studio Gear (Audio)

From Wyclef Jean to Lil Wayne to B.o.B., plenty of top rappers play guitar these days. You might not know it, but Your Old Droog is keen on the strings too. "48th Street" honors the days of hittin' Sam Ash, Guitar Center, and all the bygone Manhattan music shops (Manny's... Read more

November 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

In The Midst Of It All, Wu-Tang Clan Looks Tight Together, Performing Live (Video)

In the last few weeks, a good bit has been going on with the Wu-Tang Clan leading up to A Better Tomorrow (December 2). After an old manager of sorts leaked some information, RZA and Cappadonna confirmed that the group has a tiered salary structure and pay scale, whereby Inspectah... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Surfs In With His First Album Single (Album)

Just over a month ago, details broke surrounding what is perceived to be Chance The Rapper's first album, Surf. Although no release dates have been confirmed, the Chicago, Illinois MC has been actively working with his Social Experiment homies. For the first look from Surf (according to The Fader), "Sunday... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get A Deeper Look At A Joint From M.O.P.’s New EP With Cuts By DJ Premier (Audio)

M.O.P.'s new EP, Street Certified is now available. Within the Nature Sounds-released effort, executive produced by DJ Premier is "Heistmasters (Still At It)." The cut is produced by DJ Skizz (Your Old Droog, O.C., Roc Marciano), with Preem on the cuts. Within, Billy Danze and Lil Fame kick some classic... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Bring Adrian Younge’s Role In PRhyme To Focus (Video)

In the studio, the same HeadQCourterz that's said to be closing, DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" plug away at the PRhyme album (December 9). In the second installment of "Raiders Of The Lost Art," Bun B narrates, while Preem and Nickel explain the role of third member, Adrian Younge.... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Premier’s HeadQCourterz / D&D Studios To Become Luxury Apartments?

For 30 years, D&D Studios has been a destination recording studio in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Encased above 320 37th Street, the lab has been a longtime home to Gang Starr's DJ Premier, who co-owns the studio today, re-named HeadQCourterz in honor of Gang Starr's slain friend. A report... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: GZA vs. Cormega…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

November 25, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Chris Rock Says Pootie Tang Is His Junior M.A.F.I.A. LP, Debates PM Dawn’s & J Dilla’s Impact (Audio)

If you enjoyed Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan naming their Top 5 MCs in honor of the film, Top 5, you'll love this. Chris Rock, joined by Questlove, swung through Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast. There, the four Heads engage in a casual, very free-flowing discussion about... Read more

November 25, 2014 Audio, Fresh