Audio Archives

Curren$y & Le$ Roll Out Over a Soulful OutKast Track (Audio)

Curren$y and Le$ put their spin on OutKast's Ova Da Wudz track, and they added a little Warren G and Snoop. Check out The Roll Out. Related: Curren$y & Le$ Tell Us It’s Over With A Thumping Cardo Beat (Audio)... Read more

May 17, 2014 Audio

Blu’s Homecoming Is A Few Days Early (Album Stream)

Blu's Good To Be Home is scheduled to release on May 20. However, one of Johnson Barnes' longtime label affiliates, Nature Sounds, blessed the Heads with an early listen to Disc 1 and Disc 2 of the LP boasting full production by Bombay. Veteran MC guests from the likes of... Read more

May 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Links with Bodega Bamz & SpankJusBizness on a Super Catchy Sram Jones Track (Audio)

Scram Jones combines sped up vocals and a crazy soulful loop on an instantly catch track for Raekwon, Bodega Bamz & SpankJusBizness. Check out Gamble. Related: Can It All Be So Simple: RZA & Raekwon Announce a Truce... Read more

May 15, 2014 Audio

Is Mayhem Lauren The Next Great Artist Of The Future To Break Through On A Buckwild Beat? (Audio)

If you've seen a 2010-2012 Action Bronson show, you've probably witnessed Mayhem Lauren. The Lefrak City, Queens MC has a longstanding history with Bam-Bam Bronson as two members of The Outdoorsmen. Mayhem's solo career is building strongly lately, and the veteran bully-mouth lyricist has a whole project coming later this... Read more

May 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

RZA Releases A Full Stream To A 4-Track EP Featuring Rockie Fresh, Tinashe & Others (Audio)

Amidst two Wu-Tang Clan albums, RZA refuses to slow down. The Abbott partnered with Dr. Pepper and Complex to make a four-song EP, Only One Place To Get It. The streaming, free downloadable EP finds RZA working with artists outside of the traditional Wu wheelhouse, including Maybach Music Group's Rockie... Read more

May 14, 2014 Audio

Cue Up This New Madlib Instrumental to Get Your Soul Fix (Audio)

Madlib has released an incredibly soulful instrumental gem from the soundtrack to Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, the documentary on Stones Throw Records. Check out Cue 06 below. Related: Watch The Drummer Get Wicked! Madlib Makes A Beat On The Drums, Turntables & Pads (Video)... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio

Chris Brown’s Loyal Gets a Remix with The Lox and a Dash of Biggie (Audio)

Chris Brown's Loyal record has been all over the radio but it recently got the remix treatment from producer Ted Smooth. The new version plays like a Bad Boy reunion, with The Lox adding verses over the new track, which Heads will recognize as the instrumental for Biggie's I Got... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio

The Roots Let Heads Listen Early To …And Then You Shoot Your Cousin In Its Entirety (Album Stream)

Between Masta Ace's crew, J-Live, and now The Roots' latest album, today (May 13) is a day for the books in terms of album streams. Out of nowhere, ?uestlove, Black Thought, Tuba Gooding, Jr. and the rest of The Roots crew liberated their latest in-house LP (due May 20), ...And Then... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Drops A Sun-Sational Sixth Album, Including AFH Favorite Not Listening (Album Stream)

Brooklyn, New Yorker J-Live has released Around The Sun. The former Payday/7Heads Records MC's sixth album features a lot of images and solstice themes, as well as Homeboy Sandman, Boog Brown, and Tanya Morgan. Twelve tracks long, this $8 album is available from Justice's Bandcamp page. After "Not Listening" became one... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get The Story Of Lord Finesse Discovering Big L In A Record Store (Audio)

D.I.T.C.'s history is the kind of tales that legends are made of. From Diamond D discovering a young Fat Joe in the Bronx, "in Forest, across from Morris," and putting him on Ultimate Force's demo, to Afrika Bambaataa's right-hand-man DJ Jazzy Jay taking Lord Finesse, Diamond, and Showbiz under his... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Try Out To Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Strick’s Sophomore eMC LP (Album Stream)

Veteran Brooklyn MC Masta Ace is branching out with his latest group, The eMC. The collective including late '90s underground Hip-Hop MCs Wordsworth, Punchline (who were previously a group as Punch & Words), along with Milwaukee, Wisconsin MC Strick (f/k/a Stricklin). The group released a 2008 LP on Fat Beats... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Makes His Return, Discussing West Coast Gangsta Culture (Audio)

For almost a decade, Blu has been a musical chameleon. The Los Angeles native's albums sound wildly different, from one to the next, while his evasiveness from the spotlight only adds to the mystique. For Good To Be Home (cover art pictured), Blu may seem like he's returning to form, but... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Curren$y & Le$ Tell Us It’s Over With A Thumping Cardo Beat (Audio)

Curren$y's slow flow, intricate materialism imagery, and ageless whimsicality on the track has made him a independent Hip-Hop star with several major deals. He partners with Le$ for "It's Over With," a simple song about commanding the attention away from spouses that aren't theirs to begin with. However, Cardo's slow,... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jazmine Sullivan Returns with Another Warning Shot for the Unfaithful (Audio)

Jazmine Sullivan and Meek Mill grew up in the same 215 area code surrounding Philadelphia. Both sensations are known for re-channeling their personal pain into strong, energetic music that resonates with the masses. "Dumb," hosted by Sullivan does just this. She burst onto the scene into 2008 with a strong... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Thought Joins Arinze, Rav. P & Queen Ella on a Hot New Track (Audio)

As The Roots ready their next group release, Black Thought drops a quick but typically excellent feature on a song by artist/producer Arinze. Check out Achievements, which also features Rav. P and Queen Ella. Related: The Roots Announce Their Next Album Is Less Than 6 Weeks Away... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio

The Kid Daytona Flexes Supremely On A Harry Fraud Beat (Audio)

Another XXL Freshmen cover/list is announced, and Heads know that it's prime real estate for many artists not included to show and prove, driving the conversation. Bronx, New Yorker The Kid Daytona has been moving and shakin' for more than a few moons now, with ties to Lifted Research Group... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mac Miller’s Music Has Many Faces, He Displays Some New Ones (Mixtape)

Mac Miller seemingly never stops recording music. Now independent, the Pittsburgh native MC/producer maintains his free reign on releasing product. Over the holiday weekend, M.M. unleashed Faces. Largely self-produced 24 tracks feature some predictable collaborations like Vince Staples, ScHoolboy Q, and Sir Michael Rocks, along with some edgy expansions, including Rick... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

The Beat Junkies’ DJ Rhettmatic Shares His Wedding Mixer Series, Of Family-Friendly Funk (Audio)

Friendly by day, DJ Rhettmatic is nothing nice when he's on the wheels of steel. The Southern California DJ is one of the leaders of The Beat Junkies crew (with J Rocc), and somebody who has worked with J Dilla, Ras Kass, and his other crew, The Visionaries for over... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Premieres His Second Album In Less Than Two Months, The Tonite Show (Album Stream)

As 2014 approaches its midpoint, many Heads are championing Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Piñata as one of the year's best. Gangsta Gibbs linked with the longtime sound of Stones Throw Records and now his own Madlib Invazion imprint to deliver hard-edged reality raps over deeply dusty loops and grooves. As... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A Reunited G-Unit Group At Summer Jam? Young Buck Tells DJ Whoo Kid His Thoughts… (Audio)

50 Cent is gearing up for Animal Ambition next month. Although a Game reunion/armistice still appears premature, many Heads speculated that perhaps Fif will shake his hometown with a G-Unit (post-2005, anyway) reunion on the Summer Jam stage. HOT 97's annual concert-spectacular has become the venue for Hip-Hop to do things... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Riles Up With Some Rap Vets In Yukmouth & Trae Tha Truth (Audio)

Gangsta Gibbs may be one of Hip-Hop's strongest continuations of Gangsta Rap in the digital age. Growing up in the streets of Gary, Indiana can shape your message and social viewpoints, but so can growing up on strong doses of Rap-A-Lot Records releases. Since 1986, J. Prince's label was designed... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You Define Dizzy Wright As Only Lighthearted, Check His Dedication To Lost Children (Audio)

Dizzy Wright has amassed a major (independent) fan-base through commanding concerts, connecting with the attitudes of modern youth culture, and seemingly never ceasing to give away music. However, the Las Vegas, Nevada MC has a lot more depth than some Heads may realize. Funk Volume's Wright dedicated a song this... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Listen Up. Jeezy’s Got Some Things to Get Off His Chest (and Shoulder) (Audio)

Jeezy gets some things off his chest and dusts off his shoulder a bit on his latest release, Me OK. He talks about his journey from being a subject of XXL magazine to Forbes. He also addresses his next album release and suggests it might not be with his long... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

N.O.R.E. Puts His Spin on Believe Me (Audio)

"Where the real Queens at? Shout out Capone-N-Noreaga." Lil Wayne shouted out N.O.R.E. on, Believe Me, his new duet with Drake. N.O.R.E. heard it and ran with it, creating his own version of the Vinylz & Boi-1da track. Check it out. Related: Capone-N-Noreaga Are Back In Business. They Recorded An... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Ready for Some New Slaughterhouse? SayDatThen (Audio)

2 weeks after announcing a new album is coming, Slaughterhouse are back with an incredible new song produced by Nottz. The slow and plodding dark chords and hard drums give Joell, Royce, Crooked and Joe the space to do what they do best. Drop BARS. Ready for the weekend? SayDatThen...... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Me’Shell Ndegeocello Releases a Dramatic Re-Interpretation of Whodini’s Friends (Audio)

Throughout her illustrious 20+ year career, Me'Shell Ndegeocello has been an unconventional artist. From her first single, "If That's Your Boyfriend," through the present, she has been unafraid to tackle seemingly any subject, no matter how taboo. As of late, she has covered music that influenced her, including Prince. Her... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio

You’ve Heard The Blues, But Not Like Michael Jackson & Timbaland’s Blue Gangsta (Audio)

Years before Young Jeezy and Cam'ron, Michael Jackson was making that "gangsta music." The King Of Pop may have had irresistible rhythms and harmonies in his unrivaled stack of solo smash hits, but in many of the videos, Gary, Indiana's own channeled the street movements, whether that was a leather... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)

Common's longtime producer and collaborator No I.D. is the same music executive who put a Def Jam jacket on Logic's shoulders. Perhaps one of the selling points for the Baltimore, Maryland independent juggernaut to ink with the label was related to No I.D.' closeness to the movement with Comm Sense.... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Torae & Skyzoo Fire Off A Warning Shot With The Barrel Brothers Album Sampler (Audio)

On May 27, Skyzoo & Torae will release their debut collaborative album, Barrel Brothers. After a decade of collaborations, the Brooklyn independent mainstays are teaming with Fokis' Loyalty Digital imprint and Empire Distribution to offer Heads a full glimpse at the chemistry from the vets, who have found success in satellite... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew surprised Heads today (May 7). The respected New York City veteran producer/MC collective including Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe, and the late Big L have been releasing a series of remixes from their Remix Project. The LP features new mixes... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Revisit J. Rawls Crate Diving Beginnings In Queen City (Audio)

Cincinnati, Ohio producer/MC J. Rawls takes a glance into his early crate digging past in his latest single, "The Rest of My Life." Taking his story back to the Queen City, the Lone Catalysts co-founder relives his early career days of "making jams everyday with Dose One and Holmskillit," and... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Attention Jay Z: Here’s an Open Letter to You From One of Hip-Hop’s Most Talented Up and Coming Producers (Food for Thought)

Here's an open letter to Jay Z from Cam Osteen, a brilliant young producer who has helped to craft the sound for Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and others. He recently created a track for Hov but was prevented from getting the track to him. Rather than give up, he's... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Food for Thought

Raekwon Over Simple Kicks & Snares Alongside Chase & Status? Yes Please (Audio)

While Raekwon is believed to be currently on hiatus from Wu-Tang Clan's A Better Tomorrow sessions, Staten Island's favorite Chef has not ceased working. Rae hopped on Chase & Status' second coming of "Gangsta Boogie." The smooth G-joint from the veteran British EDM tandem was first released in 2013, but... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get A Closer Listen To The Sidewalk Rapper Kanye West Complimented (Audio)

Even Heads immune to daily paparazzi rundowns and celebrity gossip sites seemed to direct some interest to yesterday's (May 5) video footage of Kanye West listening to a street rapper deliver seemingly-endless bars while 'Ye walked the New York streets with spouse, Kim Kardashian. Headed home after a long night... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

2014 XXL Freshman Jon Connor Takes Off Waving His Aftermath Flag With Mr. Porter (Audio)

It's a huge week for Flint, Michigan MC Jon Connor. The Aftermath artist just became the first artist from Flint to ever cover XXL magazine, and he's doing so with some pretty esteemed company care of 2014's Freshmen Class list. On a high, J.C. links with D12 member/Aftermath core soundsmith... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

T.I. & DJ Toomp Are Back To Making Trunk-Rattling Trap (Audio)

Does anybody make trunks rattle quite like DJ Toomp? A product of the Miami Bass movement of the late '80s and early '90s, Toomp found mainstream success in developing a sound that fit so snugly with T.I.'s cocky lyrics about never backing down. The pair, like Common and No I.D.,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody Plants Some Roses In Your Brain With A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Rapsody's ill linguistics are constantly elevating. In less than two minutes, Rap' takes a fresh Khrysis beat, and shows out on it. "Roses" follows the concept/substance-driven "Thank You" from late last month, showing some of the many sides of one of Hip-Hop's sharpest pens and performers. Related: Rapsody Thanks Some... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Recruits Jadakiss for His Grimiest Track Yet From Animal Ambition (Audio)

To say 50 Cent has had a renaissance with his Animal Ambition project would be quite the understatement. More accurately, 50 has made some of his finest music in years. The album quite possibly might be his best since Get Rich or Die Tryin'. His latest release finds Fif in... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April Including Scarface, The Roots, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & More (Audio Playlist)

April brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music featuring Scarface, KRS-One, The Roots, 50 Cent, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & Marvin Gaye, Pharoahe Monch, Big L & Fat Joe, Da Brat, Daz Dillinger, Slum Village & Black Milk, Rapsody, Chance the Rapper, Mobb Deep and much more.... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Freddie Gibbs Talks Young Jeezy, Tech N9ne, & The Clippers And Drops A Vicious New Track (Video)

Freddie Gibbs hits the East Coast to sit down with DJ Envy and Power 105's The Breakfast Club to speak on a multitude of topics including his new album, being an independent artist, the state of street Rap, and his current tour with Tech N9ne. The Gary, Indiana product also... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah & Cormega Hit Mics Like Ted Koppel, With Glorified Excellence (Audio)

Queens, New York's DJ J-Love is a rhyming mixmaster who goes way, way back in the tape game. When he wasn't A&R'ing, rapping, and making popular mixtape series, J-Love was behind the decks for Ghostface Killah and Cormega on the road in the 2000s, and still. Who better then, to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Longing For Chipmunk Soul? Mr. Flash, Action Bronson, Cities Aviv & Oh No Have Your Fix (Audio)

Mr. Flash, an artist signed to the increasingly recognized Ed Banger Records, is a French DJ/producer. Just like some choice moments from the album Kanye West recorded in France, Flash re-popularizes "chipmunk soul," the pitch-altered vocal sampling style made mainstream by RZA, 'Ye, and Just Blaze. "Number One" employs one... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Beats May Change, But Ma$e’s Trademark Vocal Style Is Forever. Check The New Song Nothing (Audio)

In his latest press run, 50 Cent criticized Puff Daddy's post-G-Unit valuation of Ma$e. According to Fif, the onetime multi-platinum Bad Boy Records star was not worth the seven figure check Diddy was seeking to clear the label and recording rights of his former Harlem protege. Ma$e has yet to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Michael Jackson’s Chicago Features Some Wavy Timbaland Production (Audio)

Michael Jackon's Xscape is on its way. The late King Of Pop's posthumous album is largely being helmed by Timbaland, who is a student of M.J.'s production and dance floor sensibilities. Tim channels Mike nicely on "Chicago," which has some cool production effects, and a catchy chorus. In life and... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Buckwild Puts An Epic Spin On Big L’s Casualties Of A Dice Game (Audio)

D.I.T.C. were one of the dopest yet most unheralded crews of the 90's. The clique, which consisted of Showbiz & AG, Diamond D, Big L, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C. and Buckwild, influenced the sound of an entire coast and generation in that era and for decades to come. They... Read more

May 3, 2014 Audio

Lord Finesse Cuts Up The Breaks & Rare Grooves For An Impromptu Hour-Long Mix (Audio)

Lord Finesse is one of Hip-Hop's great triple threats. The Bronx, New Yorker came into the game as an esteemed MC, battling Percee P in famous footage, and coaching a young Big L on how to be cocky and relatable at the same time. Then, as part of D.I.T.C., "The... Read more

May 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Problem Serves Up Some of That New West Coast G-Funk with 2 New Releases (Audio)

Problem had a big year last year and he did it with a slew of releases that drew on the sounds of his Cali Hip-Hop forefathers from 2 decades prior. He's back with 2 new songs that showcase his own brand of that Gangsta Funk. Check out Realest Ni**as in... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden Names His Favorite Battle Rappers, Speaks on Upcoming Battle with Hollow Da Don (Audio)

There was a big reaction when Eminem announced he would launch his new battle rap league with Joe Budden facing off against Hollow Da Don. Though he has not battled on stage before, Budden has a longstanding relationship with the art of battle rap, both as a fan and through... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio

Make Way To The Dance-floor, Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake’s Love Never Felt So Good Arrives (Audio)

Tupac's posthumous singles made Heads feel. Biggie's posthumous singles made Heads nod. Michael Jackson's posthumous "Love Never Felt So Good" has that irresistible dance-floor feel that MJ created so many times over in his life, that makes Heads grab a partner. Assisted by Justin Timberlake, the production speaks well to... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Canibus Proclaims The End Of Days With His Latest Bass Heavy Relaease (Audio)

It's been over 15 years since Canibus dropped his debut project Can-I-Bus. The Four Horsemen affiliate who began as an internet savvy, battle rapping emcee has furthered his interest in the political realm and touches on the current state of our world with this hard hitting track. The grittiness you... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh