Audio Archives

Ayatollah Releases A New LP Featuring George Duke Tributes & Wu-Tang Clan Members (Album Stream)

From Mos Def to Ghostface Killah to R.A. The Rugged Man, producer Ayatollah has been cooking up beats for well over 15 years. A descendant of the Rawkus Records era, 'Tollah found a home in Nature Sounds Records (J Dilla, Blu, Havoc), where he released several instrumental LPs. This week,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Funked Up House Remix of D’Angelo’s Spanish Joint That Will Get You Moving (Prod. Kero One) (Audio)

It's been too long since we had new music from D'Angelo. WAY too long...So, we'll take what we can get. Here's a funked up house remix of D's already funky Spanish Joint, by Kero One. This remix preserves the essence of the original but still gives it a new life.... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Statik Selektah Flips a Vintage Janet Jackson Track for Wais P (Audio)

Statik Selektah dug in the crates for some vintage Janet Jackson on his latest track for Wais P. And, based on the lyrics, Wais P would definitely be calling Janet "Ms. Jackson"...Check out Nasty. Related: Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)

Here's a new solo joint from Daz Dillinger. Check out Overtime featuring Mitchy Slick & A-Lexxus. Related: Snoop Dogg & Daz Make A Touching Uncle June Bugg Tribute With Years Of Footage (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Logic Explains Where He Spent His Advance On While You Wait (Audio)

For the second time in a week, Logic opens up the oven to show off some heat. Like the last, "Now," the Baltimore, Maryland MC linked with Swiff-D, who's on the charts as we speak, thanks to some work on ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. Logic uses "While You Wait" to speak... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist Remixes A D.I.T.C. Gem From A.G. & O.C. (Audio)

It's been 15 years since D.I.T.C.'s (Diggin' In The Crates) one and only album. Released on Tommy Boy Records, the self-titled LP (often called "World Class" by some Heads) featured all members of the crew including Big L, Showbiz, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C., A.G., Buckwild, and Diamond D. After... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Dizzy Wright Shares His Unique State of Mind on His New EP. Check out the Stream (Audio)

Funk Volume artist and 2013 XXL Freshman, Dizzy Wright, is back with a new project. State of Mind features Dizzy's trademark mix of self-empowering lyrics ("my healthy mind, that's what gon' help me over") and party-starting beats. He manages to spread positivity without being preachy; uplifting while remaining down to... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Scarface Talks Weight Loss, Depression & Rick Ross Being Underrated With Combat Jack (Audio)

Just like in his raps, Scarface tends to give it to you raw in an interview. The only catch is, you have to catch him first. Not always big (read: trusting) on interviews, the Houston, Texas Hip-Hop legend, and core member of The Geto Boys has never minced his words... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jon Connor Sets His Sights On The Notorious B.I.G.’s Beats For #BestInTheWorld, Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

Last month, Jon Connor launched his #BestInTheWorld campaign paying tribute to another Midwestern MC in a Kanye West-inspired tape. Flint, Michigan's newest Rap hopeful continues the theme, turning his aim on The Notorious B.I.G.'s catalog. Overtop beats made by DJ Premier, Easy Mo Bee, and of course Puffy's Hitmen, #ConnorSeason... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

50 Cent Is Still A Hustler. He Tells You How On A Jake One Beat (Audio)

50 Cent will uncage his Animal Ambition on June 1st now. Always calculated, always marketing, Fif will have likely shared a bulk of the LP by then. Today, care of DJ Enuff, Curtis dropped off "Hustler," produced by longtime collaborator Jake One. It's a straightforward 50 Cent track that will... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Think You’ve Got Bars? Try Tackling Apollo Brown’s Cigarette Burns Instrumentals (Free EP)

Last week, Detroit, Michigan-based producer Apollo Brown got one of his biggest looks in his lengthy career, care of a Chance The Rapper single, "The Writer." After working with O.C., Guilty Simpson, and his group, The Left, Apollo is known to release plenty of instrumental projects with his label, Mello... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Ever Heard Roc Marciano’s Early Gems With Pete Rock & Large Professor? Listen To The U.N.’s U.N. Or U Out (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (April 15th), Fat Beats Records is re-releasing The U.N.'s one and only album R U.N. R U Out? Roc Marciano's early group (with Mike Raw, Dino Brave and Laku) was backed by none other than Carson Daly (hard to imagine, right?), and put in the studio with O.G.'s like... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharoahe Monch Is One Of Hip-Hop’s Most Consistent Album-Makers. How’s P.T.S.D. Stack Up? (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (April 15th), Pharoahe Monch will release his fourth studio solo album, P.T.S.D. Early intel says that it's the Organized Konfusion's most intimate, most vulnerable, and thus, most personal album to date (with some classic P.Monch cockiness too). Featuring involvement Black Thought, Quelle Chris, Talib Kweli, and others, the W.A.R.... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

DJ Kay Slay Brings The Outlawz & ONYX Together on My Brother’s Keeper (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay brings together ONYX and 2Pac's Outlawz on My Brother's Keeper. This is from Kay Slay's upcoming album, The Last Hip Hop Disciple. Check it out. Related: ONYX - Whut Whut (Video)... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio

Here’s a New Mixtape of OutKast Rarities & Remixes from MICK (Boogie) (Mixtape)

MICK (formerly known as Mick Boogie) has put out countless classic mixtapes over the years, and he's just added another to his collection. In honor of OutKast's Coachella reunion, MICK has released Greetings Eartling: OutKast Rarities & Remixes. Check out MICK's words on the project, the full stream and download... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz Beat (Audio)

Last year, DJ Skizz's BQE album celebrated some New York Hip-Hop history, with members of The Juice Crew, D.I.T.C., M.O.P., and The Firm all on the same 2013 LP. This year, the NYC-based producer is already hitting the ground running. "That Dope" is made by Shabaam Sahdeeq. The MC was... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Killer Mike & Alchemist Give The Boondocks A New Charged Anthem (Audio)

Next week, "The Boondocks" is dropping their mixtape to season 4. Regular Adult Swim collaborator (R.A.P. was released on Williams Street's label, after all) Killer Mike teamed with Alchemist to give a show-inspired anthem in "The Boonies." The song may be based on something besides the streets of Adamsville, but... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

David Banner Tells The Story Of Congolese Freedom Fighter Patrice Lumumba Alongside SA-ROC On The Who?

David Banner is a force to be reckoned with. The Mississippi veteran MC/producer infuses much of his music with information, passion, and a fiery delivery. Such is the case on "Who Am I?," a Bob James-sampling track that tells the story of Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first democratically-elected Prime Minister who,... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Lady of Rage Rocks Rough and Stuff with DJ Premier (Audio)

DJ Premier has launched a brand new site, Premier Wuz Here, where you can find some of the many gems he has bestowed upon the culture. One such jewel is a song he did with the Lady of Rage, which has a title that sums it up perfectly. Check out... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio

Raekwon Flaunts His Verbal Jewels Over A Sweet Dionne Warwick Sample (Audio)

If you're a fan of those O.G. player tracks, where a prominent MC rocks confidently over gliding samples, then Raekwon's got just what you wanted today. "The Living Room," finds The Chef chopping down bossy bars about living the good life with some sweet '60s Soul underneath. Throughout this young... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

You Think You’ve Heard All The Versions Of Nas’ It Ain’t To Tell? Think Again (Audio)

Next week's release of Illmatic XX, a compilation re-releasing Nas' 1994 debut album with some additional freestyles, remixes, and songs recorded during the 1992-1994 sessions which missed the initial Columbia/Sony/RuffHouse release is gearing up. Some Heads, who had bootlegs, mixtapes, and a savvy Internet finger may claim they've heard everything.... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

One Of 2Pac’s Most Hip-Hop-Minded Songs Gets A Nice New Cookin’ Soul Remix (Audio)

Sometimes Tupac Shakur's Hip-Hop contributions are underplayed. Sure, 'Pac was a new kind of superstar rapper at the time of his death in late 1996, but Heads can forget that the native New Yorker was a B-boy too. Although One Nation never released the album as 'Pac intended, the group's... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Bas Represents J. Cole Well on Charles de Gaulle to JFK (Audio)

J. Cole has been making moves behind the scenes lately, having secured a distribution deal with Interscope for his Dreamville Records. Dreamville artist Bas' album will hit stores on 4/29 and, based on his latest release, sounds like it will represent Cole quite well. Check out Charles de Gaulle to... Read more

April 9, 2014 Audio

Chance The Rapper Teams With Apollo Brown, And The Results Are Explosive (Audio)

Chance The Rapper's growing movement has been mostly with in-house producers (Nate Fox Blended Babies), give or a take a few looks from the likes of Jake One or BrandUn Deshay. However, in a rather surprising move, C.T.R. let loose a joint he made with Detroit, Michigan-based Apollo Brown. Apollo... Read more

April 9, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Pharoahe Monch & Black Thought Show There’s No Sleeping on Them with Rapid Eye Movement (Audio)

Pharoahe Monch and Black Thought are among some of the most underrated MCs in the game but here's a notice to STOP SLEEPING. The pair get on a magnificent track, off Pharoahe's forthcoming Post Traumatic Stress Disorder album, and catch wreck on Rapid Eye Movement. Straight fire. Check it out.... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio

Here’s the First Release From the Forthcoming Michael Jackson Album (Audio)

Here's the first release from the forthcoming Michael Jackson album. Check out the title track, Xscape, produced by Rodney Jerkins. Related: Michael Jackson’s Archives Are Going To Be Produced By Which Hip-Hop Super-Producer? (Video)... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio

Logic Releases a Quick Reminder That He Rips Mics (Audio)

After being named a XXL Freshman last year, Logic had a relatively quiet year. His scarcity of product over the last several months, however, has not been due to a lack of skills. He returns with a strong reminder that he can stand toe to toe with the best of... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio

Future Provides the Melody & Kanye West Brings the Verse on I Won (Audio)

Over the last few years, Future has become the featured guest du jour, having lent his vocals to seemingly everyone from Pusha T to Rihanna. As the release date for his new album draws near, the Dungeon Family progeny releases a track with a high-profile guest of his own: Kanye... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio

Nas Strolls Down Memory Lane, Talking The Legendary Producers Who Backed Him Early, With Zane Lowe

Illmatic XX has Nas really looking in his rearview. The sometimes reclusive Queensbridge MC is completely open in looking at the formation of his most celebrated album. Zane Lowe, who is getting unrivaled access to guys like Eminem, Jay Z, and Kanye West, sits down with Nasir on his audio... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody Paints Her Numbers On The Boards With Some Attitude (Audio)

This month, Pusha T's "Numbers On The Boards" has its first birthday. That doesn't mean that the grimy instrumental created by DJ Don Cannon and Kanye West doesn't still attract MCs from elsewhere to mold it to them. Such is the case with Rapsody. She barely stops for air as... Read more

April 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Statik Selektah Lays Down A Great Scratch-Chorus For 1982’s Sucker Free (Audio)

Statik Selektah and Termanology appear to be ramping up another 1982 project. Statik laces a really grabbing scratch-chorus (showing his emulation of onetime mentor DJ Premier), on a faster-pace track called "Sucker Free." Term talks about handing out buck 50's (not meaning six quarters), while his own protege Ea$y Money... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fat Joe Interpolates A Little Classic Queen Latifah Alongside Rick Ross & French Montana (Audio)

Back in 2010, Fat Joe took an unmistakable Soul II Soul vocal riff, and made it into a grimy summertime anthem alongside Young Jeezy for his first Darkside LP. While the faces have changed, the D.I.T.C. member-turned-global superstar has done it again. Interpolating Queen Latifah's catchy 1993 chorus from "Just... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Roots Premiere A New Song That Speaks To Everyman (Audio)

Although The Roots worked with Elvis Costello in 2013, it's been some months since the Heads were treated to a completely Roots Crew jam. That changed today with "When The People Cheer." While the record might sound entertainment-specific in the title, it's some great Everyman Rap that furthers the tradition... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

SZA Offers Up The Dreamy & Thoughtful Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Babylon (Audio)

In less than 12 hours, (the opening ticks of April 8th), TDE's songstress SZA will deliver her Z EP. With a nice sampling already in the marketplace, fans were treated to "Babylon" today. The track features star label-mate Kendrick Lamar with some incredibly dense, personal-feeling rhymes, while SZA's cloudy vocals... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Freeway & Girl Talk Invite Jadakiss On Board For Hardcore, I Can Hear Sweat (Audio)

Tomorrow, Freeway & Girl Talk will release Broken Ankles, the free-EP. The Philly-Pittsburgh connect showed off their raucous video for the Waka Flocka Flame-assisted "Show You How" last week, before turning to "I Can Hear Sweat" this week. This track features the same strong energy, and attitude as the first,... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ras Kass & Mista Lawnge’s White Crows Kick Something R.E.A.L. Over A New Wave Sample (Audio)

After their first song back in February, the HRSMN x Black Sheep connection strengthens. Ras Kass & Mista Lawnge's The Black Crows are back with "Something R.E.A.L." The lyric-driven track features a sampled chorus from Boy George's original group, which Heads might not expect. But it comes out nicely. After... Read more

April 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in March 2014 (Audio)

As we ease our way into April, here's a playlist of the best Hip-Hop to drop in March. You'll hear new music from Jay Z, Jay Electronica, Wu-Tang Clan, Crooked I, The Lox, Mobb Deep, Jon Connor, Devin the Dude, Big K.R.I.T., Nitty Scott, MC, Kendrick Lamar, YG, 50 Cent,... Read more

April 6, 2014 Audio, Playlists

Da Beatminerz In The House! DJ Evil Dee’s Tribute Mix For Frankie Knuckles (Audio)

DJ Evil Dee stays on the mix (c'mon, and kick it!). One of the living legends of Bushwick, Brooklyn and Hip-Hop production has been making mixtapes for over 25 years. Although Evil Dee (and brother Mr. Walt) are best known for grimy, bass-driven Hip-Hop beats (especially with his group, Black... Read more

April 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s an Alternate Take of Mobb Deep’s Eye For an Eye Featuring Nas, Rae & Ghost (Audio)

Think you've heard Mobb Deep's Eye for an Eye? Think again...Here's an alternate mix that sports a different track, different verses from Havoc, Prodigy and Raekwon, and some bars from Ghostface Killah. Though it has different elements, it has all the grit and grime of the original. This is from... Read more

April 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Throwback

Here’s an Amazing Mix of Music from the Legendary Roots Crew from Qool DJ Marv (Audio)

Here's an amazing mix of music from The Legendary Roots Crew courtesy of Qool DJ Marv. Marv got his start in Philly around the same time The Roots were coming up. With his impeccable ear and seamless blends, there are few more qualified to document the sounds of the venerable... Read more

April 5, 2014 Audio

Cam’ron Gets Down and Dirty with His Girlfriend JuJu on Devil (Audio)

Cam'ron and his better half, JuJu, get down and dirty on a flip of an 80's soundtrack gem. The Devil is in the details... Related: Smoke DZA and Cam’ron Resurrect the Ghost of Dipset (Audio)... Read more

April 5, 2014 Audio

Snoop Dogg & Daz Dillinger Pay Tribute to Snoop’s Late Uncle (Audio)

Rest in peace to Snoop Dogg's Uncle Junebug who passed away earlier this week. He and Daz Dillinger honor him with a soulful and moving tribute. Check out We'll Miss U (Uncle Junebug). Related: Snoop Dogg Talks Us Through His Life & Shows Us Why Peace Is The Word (Video)... Read more

April 4, 2014 Audio

Fashawn & Exile Make Some Fight Music, For The Bradley Vs. Pacquiao Fight (Audio)

On 2009's Boy Meets World, Fashawn rhymed quite a bit about gettin' picked on in his younger days, over DJ Exile production. As the Fresno, California MC got older and was taken under the wings of older Heads, he started fighting back, and a few harassers got punched in the... Read more

April 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Papoose Links With DJ Premier Again, This Time On Current Events (Audio)

Papoose has been in the Rap game for over 16 years. From how people get their music to "what's beef," the Brooklyn MC has watched a lot change. He talks about what sees as it pertains to the now, while DJ Premier pieces together one of the best scratch-choruses heard... Read more

April 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

KRS-One Kicks Some Hard Rhymes Overtop A Guitar Loop. It’s True School (Audio)

DJ Jean Maron has worked with an assortment of New York Hip-Hop legends. Maron's 2010 Run-MPC LP with M-Dot included M.O.P., Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, and Craig G. Almost four years later, Maron links with KRS-One. On "True School," Blastmasta has that Teacha's fervor as he expounds on why... Read more

April 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s Another Amazing Mos Def & Marvin Gaye Mashup. It Gets No Better (Audio)

In February, Amerigo Gazaway released an amazing project blending the soulful sounds of Marvin Gaye with the artful rhymes of Yasiin Bey (primarily when he was known as Mos Def). That compilation was called Yasiin Gaye – The Departure: Side 1, leaving hope for a Side 2...Well, the wait is... Read more

April 3, 2014 Audio

Jay Electronica Laces The New Royales with Some Choice Verses on Minutes of Moog (Audio)

After a long hiatus, Jay Electronica is back with a 2nd song in as many weeks. Last week, he and Jay Z set the internet on fire with their We Made It freestlye. Now, Jay Elec lends some laid back verses to The New Royales' Minutes of Moog. This is... Read more

April 3, 2014 Audio

SZA Delivers A Tune In Sweet November That Sounds Like An Early ’70s Time Capsule (Audio)

Top Dawg Entertainment's SZA is something special. While some of her material sounds especially futuristic, other moments, like today's "Sweet November" sound like holdover sessions from the late '60s or early '70s. This Z EP inclusion is the latter style, sounding like a catchy love ballad that might sound fine... Read more

April 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

24 Hours After Draft Day, Drake’s Got A Slowed Down, Melodic Days In The East (Audio)

Late Tuesday/early Wednesday Drake let some bars off with the talk of the proverbial town in "Draft Day." Drizzy drops two songs in as many days now with "Days In The East." The song explores cross-town love, and its affect on perspective. PartyNextDoor produced this sung track, with some thumping... Read more

April 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Janelle Monae Covers The David Bowie Classic & She Does It Justice (Audio)

Just two weeks after Miguel (with Wale) tackled the Elton John classic "Bennie & The Jets," another British musical icon with decades of hits gets covered. Janelle Monae revisited David Bowie's transcending 1977 hit "Heroes" for the upcoming Rio 2 film soundtrack. While The Wallflowers and Oasis have both covered... Read more

April 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh