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Joell Ortiz Shows His Childhood Alongside B.o.B In Music Saved My Life (Video)

Joell Ortiz' House Slippers look are in full fashion. For "Music Saved My Life," Ortiz and B.o.B rap from the present day, with massive joy on their faces. Inner-twined in the video, Heads can see dramatic flashbacks to a chubby juvenile Joell, and the pain and hardship that prompts his... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yelawolf Keeps Diggin’ In Rock Crates, Freestyling On A Doors Deep Cut (Audio)

Following last week's (September 2) freestyle over Pink Floyd's hit "Money" and another over Primus, Yelawolf keeps the Rock & Roll throwbacks coming, freestyling over The Doors' "Alabama Song." The deeper cut comes as a fitting choice for the Gadsden, Alabama native. On it, he talks extra slick, and engages... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bishop Lamont Invites DJ Quik & Quik’s Son To His Party (Audio)

Bishop Lamont's The Reformation is coming. The album—thee album, a first studio effort from the Carson, California MC once billed as a Dr. Dre protege. For "B-I-T-C-H," the MC who was reportedly managed by Dame Dash for a brief stint in the 2000s links with another Compton, Cali super-producer. DJ... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A$AP Rocky Thrives On An Official Sam Smith Remix (Audio)

Sam Smith is killin' it in 2014. The 22 year-old British singer has dazzled fans of all kinds with his In The Lonely Hour debut. However, for the remix to "I'm Not The Only One," he looks to Harlem's resident star A$AP Rocky. Rocky, who's typically cool and hard to... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joell Ortiz Interviews Himself On A New House Slippers Look (Audio)

Back on one of Slaughterhouse's breakthrough songs, "Move On," Joell Ortiz set things off, knowing just what he thought media reporters cared most about concerning his career. After a hiatus from solo works, the Bushwick, Brooklyn MC tries his hand at that tactic again. "Q&A" addresses the things Heads may... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Dizzy Wright Looks At Headlines With Questions, He Needs Answers (Video)

After "State Of Mind" diverted its visual focus to the murder of Michael Brown, Dizzy Wright's latest video, "I Need Answers" pushes harder. The video follows police officers, with Dizzy (rapping in the church and also behind bars) speaking up for Black men being targeted, arrested, and murdered. Power, evocative... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

MC Lyte & Common Make A Powerful Concept Song Dedicated To Men (Audio)

In a week when discussions surrounding men-and-women's relations are especially strong, MC Lyte and Common are right and on time with "Dear John." Lyte, who has so successfully externalized in songs throughout the last 25 years, speaks to men with empathy and compassion, understanding the pressures faced, and the roles... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Cypress Hill’s Next Album Will Return To DJ Muggs Production

Sometimes it's weird when legendary groups stop using their internal, amazing production. This has happened with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan (RZA), Black Moon (DJ Evil Dee/Da Beatminerz), and Jedi Mind Tricks (Stoupe), among many others. One group that's not about that life anymore is reportedly Cypress Hill. The three-man... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh

After An Intermission, The Incomparable Shakespeare Makes A Grand Return (Audio)

It's been a quiet six-month stretch for Brooklyn's The Incomparable Shakespeare. That changed this morning (September 9) with "High Stakes Remainz," a three-pronged instrumental and freestyle. Here, T.I.S breaks into a trifecta of Ahmad Jamal, De La Soul and Gang Starr. Within, Shakespeare kicks some wisdom with confidence about some... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Sir Michael Rocks Hits The Kill Switch In This Over The Top Visual (Video)

With Sir Michael Rocks' studio debut, Banco, hitting the Top 200, the Chicago native keeps pushing the LP featuring involvement from Too Short, Twista, DJ Mustard, and Mac Miller. Next up is the video to "Kill Switch." Within, Mikey Rocks seemingly plays on Illuminati iconography and hallucinogenic artwork. The beat... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

4 Out Of 5 G-Unit Members Freestyle On One Of Dr. Dre’s Finest Beats (Audio)

It appears as though G-Unit is on a bit of a freestyle tour. After some East Coast stops last week, the veteran, onetime platinum crew stopped through with the L.A. Leakers. While 50 Cent opted out, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Kidd Kidd flexed their vocal muscles over... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jim Jones Releases the Stream for We Own the Night Pt. 2 (Album Stream)

Jim Jones has released the stream for his 9-song album, We Own the Night, Pt. 2. The project features guest verses from Jadakiss, Yo Gotti, Hell Rell, Cam'ron and more. Jim and Cam haven't had the smoothest road, but over 15 years later, the Dipset stars are still being diplomatic... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

From CNN Headlines To NFL Storylines, Rapsody Uses It In This Freestyle (Audio)

Some artists have a nonchalant way of showing just how well-read they are. Today, Rapsody dropped a freestyle, "I'm A Beast" overtop the "Hoover Street" instrumental. Here, the Jamla flagship artist showcases her ties to the issues, ranging from the murder of Michael Brown to Tony Romo's missteps at quarterback... Read more

September 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Edo G & Chuck D Slam Lyrics Over A Chirped Up Rock Sample (Video)

Edo G's After All These Years album is sizing up. Going from Roxbury to Long Island, the O.G. slams a track alongside Chuck D of Public Enemy. "Fight" induces such an attitude, with a '70s Rock vocal sample (Ten Wheel Drive & Genya Ravan's "Ain't Gonna Happen," which was used... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

20 Amazing Hip-Hop Projects From 2014, So Far (Videos)

2014 is entering its fourth quarter. As a whole, the year has seen some amazing musical developments in Hip-Hop. Mainstream artists like Common, The Roots, and Rick Ross (coincidentally, all Def Jam Records acts) have made statement albums, adding to respected and evolved catalogs. Veterans such as Cormega, Pharoahe Monch,... Read more

September 8, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Showcases Some Storytelling On The Ills Of Street Life (Video)

In the '80s reign of Def Jam Records, LL Cool J was credited for many things: a ferocious delivery, the ability to engage both sexes as fans, and of course, this ability to put together stellar albums. However, storytelling was more label-mate Slick Rick's gift, not something regularly associated with... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Elle Varner & A$AP Ferg Stylishly Play The Wall In Don’t Wanna Dance (Video)

Released in early July, Elle Varner's A$AP Ferg collaboration "Don't Wanna Dance" served as the latest burden of proof that Ferg has tremendous crossover appeal. For the visual, the club works at the predicted setting. There, Elle and Ferg are wallflowers who still have the most fun, sending their message... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Wale Is Weaving All Recent Controversy Into Album About Nothing (Video)

When Wale announced The Album About Nothing, many Heads likely thought of the MC's "Seinfeld"-inspired mixtapes, and thought it a progression back into the pocket that made him a star before his album. However, in an album trailer Album About Nothing may only be a title. In this three-minute vignette,... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beat-Master Paul Nice Makes An Ill Sade Blend With 3 Turntables (Audio)

Heads need to be up on Paul Nice. The Upstate New York veteran producer cut his teeth in Hip-Hop making breakbeat/battle-break records a la 45 King and DJ Rectangle. In the nearly 25 years since, Paul has accrued production credits with the likes of Biz Markie, Masta Ace, Cali Agents,... Read more

September 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Sauce Money Makes His Return With O.G. Producer E-A-Ski (Audio)

One of Jay Z's oldest right-hand-men is none other than Sauce Money. Another Marcy Projects representative, Sauce notably passed on Roc-A-Fella Records offers (possibly/inadvertently giving Memphis Bleek the rock) in lieu of his own deal, first with Dennis Scott's Atlantic Records-backed imprint, and later, Priority Records. While the onetime mid-'90s... Read more

September 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J Blige Crosses Paths With Disclosure For Pepped-Up Right Now (Audio)

From Mary J.'s upcoming release, The London Sessions, the Yonkers, New York songstress finds a peppy track produced by Disclosure. "Right Now" is stamped with Mary's signature all-knowing reflection on a painful relationship. However this one, with its whimsical sound, laughs last. Right now, as it were, Mary continues to... Read more

September 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ghostface Killah Recalls Recording The Purple Tape During A Mix (Audio)

Getting Ghostface Killah to sit down and give a proper interview is no easy feat. The folks at Red Bull Music Academy succeeded though, getting him to sit through their Fireside Chat series. The Staten Island, New York MC gets incredibly open about his youth, poverty, and the famed Stapleton... Read more

September 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

R.I.P. To Joan Rivers. Remember Her Partying With The Beastie Boys? (Video)

This week, pop culture lost an icon in Joan Rivers. Known for self-deprecating humor, as well as a fearless comedic critique of her peers, the 81 year-old Brooklyn, New Yorker died yesterday (September 4) after complications from a heart attack and subsequent coma. In the late 1980s, Rivers hosted a... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Snoop Dogg & Pharrell Have An Unreleased Song. Here’s a Snippet (Video)

Sometimes unreleased music deserves to be unreleased. Following Snoop Dogg's high-profile exodus from Death Row Records in 1998, the label released more than a few packaged albums that—while they had their moments—weren't up to snuff with Tha Doggfather and Doggystyle. These days, it appears that the S-N-double O-P might be... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bad Nuze Brings Rapper Big Pooh & CyHi The Prynce Together On Fight (Audio)

California-meets-Georgia-meets-Virginia. Emerging act Bad Nuze linked with Rapper Big Pooh (Little Brother) as well as G.O.O.D Music's CyHi The Prynce on "Fight (Remix)." Using recent events, the three artists discuss the fight necessary to push ahead. Pooh seems to address the gossip mill, saying "don't ask me about my Brothers,"... Read more

September 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kool Keith Has His Own Private Dancers In The Flow (Video Exclusive)

Leave it to Kool Keith to reach the weekend with a whimsical note. The Bronx, New York legendary lyricist premieres his latest single "The Flow" with Ambrosia For Heads. A purveyor of the burlesque and red light district antics long before his Spankmaster album, K.K. hits the club to watch... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

G-Unit With A Live Band? Watch ‘Em. Plus, Check Out A 13-Minute Freestyle (Videos)

Following the G-Unit group's first retail release since 2008 (The Beauty Of Independence), the quintet is hard at work. For "Watch Me," the Queens-to-Nashville-to-New Orleans troop hits a warehouse to join a live building. The group continues to charm cameras, delivering bars with precision: If that's not enough, the clique... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mac Miller Draws The Masses In With Diablo (Video)

In the realm of 2014, Mac Miller's Faces is one of the supreme releases, a free mixtape at that. Within the look, "Diablo" is especially moving. Mac, who's in the midst of a creative, cerebral surge since relocating to California and embracing his mid-twenties, can still draw major crowds. "Diablo"... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Curren$y Is Hittin’ Switches With The Pumps & Dumps In Fo (Video)

Still knockin', the Drive In Theatre release from Curren$y gets a bit literal. The New Orleans MC hits the drive-in a la "Gin & Juice," as the moviegoers appear in various '60s Chevrolet lowriders. With his "Fo" verses, Spitta gets a bit philosophical (even if it's mostly about cars), as... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pharcyde’s Slimkid3 & DJ Nu-Mark Get Artful For I Know, Didn’t I (Video)

Gearing up for next week's (September 9) release of Slimkid3 & Nu-Mark's self-titled full-length, the Los Angeles veterans released the cinematic visual for "I Know, Didn't I." Sunny seaside images, playful post-production, and some smooth silhouettes color the way for Tre Harbison's lyrics and Nu-Mark's melodic, organic production. Slimkid3 has... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Fashawn & Exile Bring Out The Boom Bap For C.O.B’s Niqle Nut (Video)

Fresno breakout Fashawn has been getting a little retro lately. The MC links with his longtime producer battery brother Exile for "Niqle Niqle Nine." Not Royce Da 5'9's "nick-name," Niqle is one of several artists in the Circle Of Bosses collective that's closely associated with another Slaughterhouse MC: Crooked I.... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Lecrae May Be An Anomaly, But He Is an Open Book (Album Stream)

Lecrae's seventh studio album, Anomaly will release next week (September 9). The Reach Records star has delivered his mainstream-friendly brand of Christian Hip-Hop to the masses, and right up the charts in the last five years. His latest effort builds on that foundation, with involvement from Strange Fruit Project's S1... Read more

September 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Nominees Announced

The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards will air Tuesday, October 14 at 8pm EST. Leading up to the annual affair, the network has announced its categories and nominees. Hip-Hop elite, including Drake (leading all nominees), Kanye West, Eminem, and Jay Z are prominently nominated, while stars of the last year including... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh

Your Old Droog Steals The Show On Stage & With This Freestyle (Video)

Less than 15 hours after Your Old Droog's Webster Hall coming out party, DJ Eclipse unveiled this video of the Coney Island, Brooklyn MC freestyling on The Rap Is Outta Control Show. What's the best sonic canvas for Droog to throw verbal paint? The timeless instrumental from Mad Lion's "Take... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Do Remember: Mystic’s The Life (Video)

Thirteen years after its release, Mystic's Cuts For Luck And Scars For Freedom continues to be a stone in the sand of the fast-paced 2000s. The only album released by the Bay area MC/songstress, this album has been reissued twice since its June, 2001 release by Good Vibe Records (at... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

2000s Southern Rappers Square Off, As Mike Jones Will Battle Bone Crusher

Battle Rap continues to attract onetime major label stars. Following Joe Budden's challenging Hollow Da Don in July, and leading up to Keith Murray's competition against Fredro Starr later this month, two more established acts are entering the proverbial "Rap ring." Mike Jones, the breakout star of 2005's Houston Hip-Hop... Read more

September 4, 2014 Fresh

Raekwon Flips Birds As They Appear On This Close To You Cover (Audio)

Do these Raekwon #TBT's keep getting more interesting or what? This week, The Chef heats up Gwen Guthrie's (Rest In Peace) 1986 cover of "(They Long To Be) Close To You." With that signature mid-'80s studio percussion and some flinty vocals, this rendition sounds like it could be a Lex... Read more

September 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Redman Freestyles From The Streets Of Amsterdam At Midnight (Video)

Some things just make sense. For instance: Redman wandering the streets of Amsterdam in the middle of the night, kickin' raps, after he takes some rips. The master of the Gilla House throws high fives and meanders traffic circles as he kicks a pepped-up flow ["Outspoken"] freestyle reppin' his crew,... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Joins Jeezy’s Holy Ghost For A Power-Packed Remix (Audio)

Yesterday (September 2) Jeezy released his Seen It All: The Autobiography album. One of the standouts from the Def Jam/CTE Records release is "Holy Ghost." With a cold Trap beat from Don Cannon, Jeezy immortalizes his Rolls Royce, while speaking to some of his cohorts who caught cases. Keeping the... Read more

September 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Discuss LL Cool J & T La Rock’s Impact (Video)

Def Jam Records is finishing its thirtieth year strong. The label worked with Noisey to gather thoughts from its founders in a four-part series. In the first vignette, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit side-by-side on a couch to discuss the label's earliest days. The guys who started the imprint... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Boaz is For Real. Just Listen to His Mathematics (Audio)

While first Wiz Khalifa, and later, Mac Miller ascended to international stardom, Rostrum Records' Boaz patiently waited. The quiet MC spoke loud on his records, showing another side of Pittsburgh than where Taylors walk, or where Most Dope lurks. On "Mathematics," from Real Name, No Gimmicks (September 4), Bo' makes... Read more

September 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Suge Knight May Know Who Shot Him, But He Says “It’s Not Important”

Now released from the hospital following last month's shooting, Marion "Suge" Knight was interviewed publicly for the first time by the outlet who broke the August 24 incident: TMZ. The Compton, California native discussed the event that led public response ranging from Chris Brown to Katt Williams. However, if you... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh

Locksmith Uses an Elaborate Metaphor To Show His Take On Things (Video)

Locksmith's A Thousand Cuts continues to bleed its way into the Hip-Hop stream of consciousness. The Richmond, California MC extends his string of visuals with "Jaded." The highly-autobiographical joint is set in an abandoned, roofless structure, with Lock' telling his story in 360. Given the onetime E-A-Ski (and Ski Beatz)... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

M.O.P. Wears 2 Crowns In The County Of Kings In 187 (Video)

Following the release of "187," complete with DJ Premier scratches, a Tears For Fears loop, and an homage to "Ugly People Be Quiet," the Mash Out Posse unleashes their visual. M.O.P.'s Billy Danze and Lil Fame travel across Brooklyn, New York—from Dumbo to Atlantic Yards to their native Brownsville to... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Tap Dances Along Boys Noize & Chilly Gonzalez (Audio)

Boys Noize has been making just that for years. The German DJ and French DJ Chilly Gonzalez have formed a smooth side project in Octave Minds. The pair welcomes in Chance The Rapper for "Tap Dance." Sounding like an #AcidRap holdover, this song allows Chance's careful lyricism to sparkle on... Read more

September 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

It’s A Pizza Party When Action Bronson Salutes Dani’s In Queens (Video)

In the fourth installment of Action Bronson & VICE's "Fuck, That's Delicious," Bam Bam enjoys the fruits of New York City's food scene. The former professional chef visits his aunt on a precise, and pain-staking method in making baklava from scratch. Then, the Queens MC takes a sheet of the... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar & Flying Lotus Cannot Be Caught Creatively (Audio)

It's been widely reported that Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus are hard at work. For each Southern California artist's respective projects, the two prodigies are collaborating and finding a pocket that's allegedly led to more than just casual "one-off's." While the two are believed to have dabbled before, this is... Read more

September 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

It’s A Slaughterhouse Affair On Joell Ortiz’ My Brother’s Keeper (Audio)

Two weeks from today (September 16), Joell Ortiz will release his third solo album, House Slippers via his new home, Penalty Records. The Brooklyn, New York native reached out to onetime Diplomats/Cam'ron producers The Heatmakerz as well as !llmind for production/executive production. The new sound on the album is coupled... Read more

September 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharcyde’s Slimkid3 & Jurassic 5’s Nu-Mark Lay Down A 45-Min Mix (Audio)

Delicious Vinyl Records gave Hip-Hop Heads classic singles (and in some cases, albums) from the likes of Tone-Loc, Young MC, Masta Ace Incorporated, Jay Dee, and The Pharcyde. Still strong, the label started by (the other, other) Rick Ross in Downtown Los Angeles set it sights on a new project... Read more

September 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Timeless Truth Capture Summertime In New York City (Video)

Timeless Truth are recently and frequently credited with being part of the movement that's bringing New York City Hip-Hop to its perch in the mid-1990s. Not singles driven, these borough artists are seemingly set on greater artistic shine than radio airplay—more O.C. than DMX. In order to get there though,... Read more

September 2, 2014 Fresh, Video