Bandini

Do Remember: Sadat X & Brand Nubian’s Lump Lump Remix (Audio)

It took more than seven years for Sadat X to release a solo album. While Grand Puba briefly left Brand Nubian to pursue solo interests in the mid-1990s (to some great success), Datty X, Lord Jamar, and DJ Alamo stayed the course of their Elektra Records outfit, stressing that it... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Inspectah Deck & Big K.R.I.T On The Same Track? True & Groovin’ (Audio)

Some collaborations work better on paper. Others, however, might sound cacophonous in theory, but work incredibly well. In creating his "Colosseum," A-Villa amassed Wu-Tang Clan swordsman Inspectah Deck, Big K.R.I.T., and Termanology—three MCs that arguably represent different corners of the "dope Hip-Hop" carryall. Krizzle kicks things off with a sharp... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: MC Lyte vs. MCA…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

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Choosey & Fashawn Got Mind Over Matter Over A Likewise Beat (Audio)

Exile's camp produces a potent collaboration from Choosey and Fashawn. The two MCs look at some inconsistencies and head scratchers in their lives with a smooth shrug in "Matters." Like (a/k/a Likewise) of Pac Div supplies the quirky beat. This song is one of the many moments from Choosey that... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson’s Got Replies To Your Comments On Easy Rider (Video)

In the wake of late August's "Easy Rider" video by Action Bronson, Bam Bam sat down for Noisey to react to the YouTube commenters on the single's Easy Rider-inspired visual of the same name. From some classic humility, to addressing "the fat white guy era of Rap," to deeper points... Read more

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Stevie Wonder, Pharrell & Sam Smith Cover A Beach Boys Classic (Video)

The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is one of the most heartfelt Pop songs of the last 50 years. So much so that Statik Selektah wove in elements in his jut-grabbing collaboration from De La Soul's Posdnuos and UGK's Bun B. Stevie Wonder, a true Beach Boys contemporary who joined... Read more

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Boaz Travels The West Coast With Murs, Crooked I & Fashawn To Remix Like This (Audio)

Boaz's !llmind-produced "Like This" is the Pittsburgh MC's door opener to afar. The Rostrum Records artist hits the West Coast for the first remix to find a diverse trio of highly-talented, street-respected MCs in Mid City, Los Angeles' Murs, Fresno's Fashawn, and Long Beach's Crooked I. The three MCs team... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J. Blige’s London Sessions Come To Life In Right Now (Video)

Mary J Blige's upcoming The London Sessions is said to find the Yonkers, New Yorker in a new element, chasing a new sound. "Right Now" was an early glimpse of the fruits of that journey, a song written by Sam Smith and produced by Disclosure. With a new look to... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

For Jin, Looking Back Is Complicated In This Reflective Single With Hollis (Audio)

Following a mainstream hiatus, Jin (formerly of Ruff Ryders Entertainment) is back on the scene. Tried and true in the early 2000s Battle Rap culture, the MC known for knocking down one of Hip-Hop's racial barriers has depth to him too. "Complicated," featuring Macklemore's homie Hollis, is Jin revisiting the... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chris Rivers Adds To His 2014 Heatwave Of Tracks (Video)

Chris Rivers' Wonderland Of Misery 2 mixtape continues to extend to new believers in the MC previously known as "Baby Pun." His own man, the Bronx MC continues with a "Dear Summer" ode to the beach, bikinis, and warming up the microphone with "Heatwave." With the Martha & The Vandellas... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cuttin’ & Scratchin’ With Cassette Tapes? Here’s How… (Video)

One of the best things about vinyl in the pre-Serato age is that it can be maneuvered. Whether you're of Rob Swift or Roc Raida (R.I.P) skill, or your a bedroom DJ looking to learn how to make your first zigga-zigga's, vinyl is hands-on and tempting to any technician. In... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pharrell Embraces The Autumn With A Gust Of Wind (Video)

Pharrell's bigger-than-life presentation of G I R L continues with "Gust Of Wind." The latest single from the blockbuster album includes autumnal nymphs, choreography—and you guessed it, another leather full-brimmed hat in the visual. This LP anticipates year-round play... Related: T.I. and Pharrell Say Don’t Do Business Until Your Paperwork... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Got Drama For Days (Video)

When she wants to dramatize her verses, Rapsody literally goes underground. Jamla's current flagship artist tells the tale of Beauty & The Beast with the latest visual to her just-released EP. With her team surrounding her, the Kooley High alum spins the yarns on why she's among the best, and... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Biz Markie vs. Erick Sermon…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

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Sha Stimuli Works His Magic In The 106 & Park Backroom (Video)

Brooklyn, New York veteran Sha Stimuli made one of the biggest stops of his career at The Backroom in BET's "106 & Park." Lord Digga's brother, a onetime Jermaine Dupri protege at Virgin/EMI Records uses a fragmented style, hitting various themes (candy bars, '80s television, networks) to discuss the sugar-coated... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Keith Murray Talks His Career, With Crooked I & Wale Joining Sway’s Party (Video)

Keith Murray can be a movie. Just like he is on his heralded Jive (and later, Def Jam) Records albums, the Central Islip MC is animated as ever. On a recent Sway In The Morning episode (also featuring Crooked I), the Def Squad MC opines on the greatest Rap record... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pen & Pixel: See The Illustrators That Changed The Face Of Southern Rap In The ’90s (Video)

In the 1990s, if you were a Southern Rap Head, chances are, you bought an album with artwork designed by Pen & Pixel. From No Limit to Cash Money, Suave House to Priority Records, this team of digital artists executed the grandiose visions of the artists looking to make their... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Want To Feel Some 1970s New York City Seediness? Hit The Terminal Bar (Video)

Whether you're listening to Ultramagnetic MC's, Mr. MFE, or Beastie Boys, MCs love "that old New York," but should they really? Released more than a year ago, this 20+ minute documentary on one of the grimiest Midtown Manhattan bars flexes some realness on just how "do or die" Times Square... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: The D.O.C. vs. Redman…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

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Hid The Vocal Version Of 3005 & Now It’s Found (Audio)

When Childish Gambino titled his latest album because the internet., it presumably was topical, tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation, and just a memorable name. However, Donald Glover truly has fun with the medium—and we're past talking about the Wu Name Generator that made him the name Heads all now know. "3005" is indeed... Read more

October 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear A Rare Masta Ace Track From 1987 (Audio)

For more than 25 years, Masta Ace has been a "Music Man." Back in 1988, Brownsville, Brooklyn's master storyteller appeared on the archetypal posse cut, Marley Marl's "The Symphony," alongside his Juice Crew cohorts. However, the would-be star of Masta Ace Inc. and The EMC was cutting records in Marley's... Read more

October 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

It’s A Double Feature, As Curren$y Releases 7 More Saturday Night Car Tunes (Free EP)

Following late August's Saturday Night Car Tunes, Curren$y releases More Saturday Night Car Tunes. The major label veteran lives up to his reputation for ceaseless production with a handful of Cardo-produced joints, including a Wiz Khalifa feature, as well as one by Wiz's former label-mate Mac Miller. Download Mixtape Think... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Zion I, Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice & Deuce Eclipse Get It In (Video)

Zion I pulls out all of the stops for "Get Urs." The Oakland-formed duo of MC Zumbi and Amplive link with Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Mr. Lif (The Perceptionists), Opio (Souls Of Mischief), Deuce Eclipse, and Kev Choice for this stellar (and hella colorful) concept video. It's straight bars, and... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get To Know TDE’s SZA On A Deeper Level In This Intimate Mini-Doc (Video)

It might seem that on the surface that SZA might not fit in with the members of Black Hippy, or Isaiah Rashad on Top Dawg Entertainment. However, in this "Where I'm From" nine-minute mini-documentary on Life+Times, it's abundant that the Saint Louis, Missouri songstress is shy and reserved, much like... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

When Diamond D Releases A New LP, It’s Kind Of A Big Deal. Check The Diam Piece (Album Stream)

This past week, Diamond D released his sixth solo album (fourth studio), The Diam Piece. The Empire-distributed LP from one of the keystones of the Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C) family features Pete Rock, Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Tha Alkaholiks, Kurupt, Rapsody, Pharaohe Monch, Fat Joe and Freddie Foxxx, among... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Young Masters At Work: Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody Rare 1986 Marley Marl Remix (Audio)

Although it was not released until July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full was made extensively throughout 1986 and early 1987. While production credits went to the group, Heads know that Marley Marl—who used his home for many sessions, was a producer on many of... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Lecrae & The Roots Tear It Down Like It’s Nuthin’ (Video)

Lecrae's "Nuthin'" is one of the talking points from Anomaly. The Reach Records star with a #1 album isn't holding his tongue about his Rap peers on the single, but he's trying to bring messages back—whatever they may be. Joining The Roots onstage for "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,"... Read more

October 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cormega Makes Yet Another Industry Remix, With Inspectah Deck, Roc Marciano & Brand Nubian (Audio)

After a show-stopping original version, Cormega remixed his Mega Philosophy single "Industry" with Juice Crew alumni Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Masta Ace in late July. For early October, Cory does it again. The third mix of "Industry" includes two-thirds of Brand Nubian in Sadat X and Lord Jamar,... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Raekwon vs. Black Thought…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

October 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Joe Budden vs. Ab-Soul…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

October 2, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: A Great Day In Harlem (Hip-Hop Version, 1998)

This week, the esteemed veteran music and culture journalist Michael A. Gonzalez penned a piece for Red Bull Music Academy about September 29, 1998. The day, deemed by XXL magazine "The Greatest Day In Hip-Hop History," was built around a tribute to Art Kane's 1958 photograph, "A Great Day In... Read more

October 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Thurz Makes A Soulful Song Over A Disco Sound Audio

This is something cool and different! Thurz, who says he's "stuck between Worldstar and NPR," makes "Right Now," one of the most original songs of the moment. The song salutes single moms in the first verse, before bringing the spotlight to himself for filling a void in the cultural commentary.... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody & 9th Wonder Are Knocking Down Conventions Like Godzilla (Audio)

Rapsody is in her zone! The Jamla MC hops on yet another 9th Wonder beat and has a wordplay extravaganza on "Godzilla." The Beauty & The Beast joint is a strong statement about how only God is illa' and the rest of the MC crop best step aside for one... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Ice-T vs. Grand Master Melle Mel…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

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Cut Chemist Dusts Off Afrika Bambaataa’s Rarest ’70s & ’80s Personal Records (Audio)

With lots of recent attention devoted to Afrika Bambaataa's records (stored at Cornell University's archives), Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, and the film, Scratch) and DJ Shadow are currently taking these exact records on the road, creating shows with natural elements that helped make Hip-Hop. If you aren't able to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

RZA Says Wu-Tang Clan’s A Better Tomorrow Album Due In November

According to a new interview with Billboard, RZA says that Wu-Tang Clan's first studio album in more than seven years will be for sale next month. The Abbott of the Wu told Billboard's Eric K. Arnold that A Better Tomorrow will release on November 28, which is the retail holiday... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Explains Being Sharper In 2010 vs. 2014, Less Likelihood Of Country Cousins (Audio)

With his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica (premiered last night, September 30) just over five weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on The Combat Jack Show. Making his 2014 stop on the audio program, Krizzle really opened up on everything from his skills, to emotions, to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson Chases Alligators & Chews On Chicken Down On The Bayou (Video)

From juicy Pastrami brisket, to true southern fried chicken, and true natural swamp green aphrodisiacs, Action Bronson (and partner, Big Body Bes) live good while visiting New Orleans, Louisiana. They avoid the tourist spots in search of the real N'awlins, and that's just what is captured on film. For VICE's... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Prince & Kendrick Lamar Share The Stage, Collaborate On Obscure Album Cut (Video)

It's only 30 seconds, but it's pretty electric. Yahoo! Video secured footage of Prince & Kendrick Lamar on stage together in the former's native Minneapolis, Minnesota. Live from Paisley Park, K-Dot and The Artist unveiled what they have in the cannon, possibly... Rolling Stone reports that the collaboration is of... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Blow Your Speakers With Bachir’s Bomb Squad Cassette Mix (Mixtape)

With Chuck D and Public Enemy (deservingly) in the headlines regularly again—for a litany of reasons, let's take a sec to look back. When it comes to the production collective known as The Bomb Squad (Hank & Keith Shocklee, Eric "Vietnam" Sadler, the oft-uncredited Johnny Juice, G-Wiz, and Chuck D)... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Redman Does His Take On An Old DJ Quik Joint, And It Slaps! (Video)

Redman's mentor, Erick Sermon has long been a DJ Quik fan and collaborator. So Reggie Noble nods to David Blake, and borrows his "Pacific Coast Remix" track from 2005 Trauma, and slides so nicely into that Gangsta Funk. It's cool that Red' went into the bag and hopped on a... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Hassaan Mackey Channels Early Mos Def In This 2-Song Moment With Kev Brown (Video)

Hassaan Mackey is not yet a widely-known name, though he deserves it. Several years ago, in his Daily Bread tandem (with Apollo Brown), Mackey made one of the brightest jewels in the Mello Music Group catalog. Now linking with onetime DJ Jazzy Jeff/A Touch Of Jazz protege Kev Brown, Hassaan... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Edo G & King Magnetic Visit The Zoo Over A 9th Wonder Groove (Video)

Edo G (f/k/a Ed O.G.) has been a guiding light to two generations of MCs for his ability to kick family-conscious tracks, as well as skillfully make traditional Hip-Hop. Additionally, like his contemporaries Kool G Rap and Tragedy Khadafi, Roxbury's finest has also been a beacon for hardcore, fact-filled Rap... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: CL Smooth vs. Posdnuos…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

September 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

DJ Quik Releases 1 of His Best Tracks in Years. G-Funk Lives at the Pet Sematary (Audio)

From his Bangin' On Wax tapes beginnings to the Death Row Records years to his Twitter account, DJ Quik doesn't hold back. The Compton, California triple-threat loves to pop his collar and pop a little talk. "Pet Sematary" is the latest vehicle. Built around some jazzy G-Funk, with some live... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Pumps Her Fist At The Establishment Like Angela Davis (Audio)

Rah Digga is not playing any games in 2014. The latest microphone seizure comes as "Angela Davis." Over a sparse guitar loop, a la Just Blaze x Jay Z in the Roc-A-Fella pinnacle, Digga is cold as can be. She compares herself to the political and Civil Rights activist Angela... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamond D Seamlessly Teams With Elzhi, Talib Kweli & Skyzoo (Audio)

Diamond D laces the track from his just-released Diam Piece album. Although he doesn't rhyme on it, Diamond can surely relate to watching fickle fans, unprepared media, and pauper promoters that aren't treating art and the artists the way they ought to. Each MC takes the theme a little differently,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Yelawolf Gives It His All Til It’s Gone (Lyric Video)

Yelawolf is making career statement with his Love Story single, "Til It's Gone." A strong change in production, a breakthrough in Yela's singing, and a different energy to his music, the effort may be the Gadsden, Alabama MC's biggest crack at the mainstream. However, longtime fans ought to see that... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Homeboy Sandman Makes Great Visuals, But This May Be The Best (Video)

Like his verses, Homeboy Sandman is almost always animated in the video medium. He's rapped on MTA subways, played with motion and color. However, in "Refugee," H.B.S hits faraway locales to meet some strange strangers in this amazing polished narrative video that nods to the 1990s efforts from Skee-Lo, Fatlip,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chris Rivers Tears Down Another Track With A Cold Lyrical Display (Video)

Not just in his bloodline, Chris Rivers is out to walk the path and stand in the circle with the lyrical giants. He draws strong connections to other great MCs, including The Notorious B.I.G in Wonderland Of Misery 2's "Askin." Surrounded by his homies, in front of mural images of... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video