Audio Archives

Smoke DZA & Pete Rock Release The Full Stream For “Don’t Smoke Rock” & It’s Crack (Audio)

Don’t Smoke Rock, the long-awaited album by legendary producer Pete Rock and Harlem’s own Smoke DZA, released on Babygrande Records, is finally here — and not since DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9” linked for their PRhyme project has such a dope multigenerational collaboration occurred. Incidentally, Royce joins Jadakiss, Styles... Read more

December 1, 2016 Audio

Havoc Reminds He’s 1 Of Hip-Hop’s Best Double Threats With A Tough Beat & Verse For Cormega (Audio)

Queens, New York meets the Queen’s country on this collaboration between Queensbridge veterans Cormega and Havoc and British MC Giggs. “Ironic” is the latest reminder that while Havoc is beloved for his Mobb Deep beats, dating back to Juvenile Hell, he was first introduced as a rapper—and a really good... Read more

December 1, 2016 Audio

Prodigy & DaVillins Have A Simple Message On A Dope Beat: Fall Back (Audio)

There’s something so right about the juxtaposition of gully rhymes paired with smooth, jazzy beats. On “FOH PT 2,” Sean Price protégés DaVillins enlist Prodigy to kick “rugged raps” about “pumpin’ packs” over a cool, laid-back upright bass line and dusty break-beat driven track. In doing so, MCs Rim and... Read more

December 1, 2016 Audio

Trademark Da Skydiver & Young Roddy Take Flight. Hear Their Album Early. (Audio)

Throughout the 2010s, Trademark Da Skydiver and Young Roddy have put in consistent work—often on the same tracks. The two New Orleans, Louisiana representatives helped fuel Curren$y's Jetlife crew for many years—appearing on every song on both volumes of Jet World Order as well as Spitta's Top 10 The Stoned Immaculate... Read more

December 1, 2016 Audio, Exclusive

Run The Jewels 3 Is Coming In January. Here’s The Artwork, Tracklist & A New Single (Audio)

In October, Run The Jewels, the duo of Killer Mike and El-P, confirmed that their third eponymous albums was in the works, and kicked it off with the blistering single, "Talk To Me." At the time, no other details about the album or its release were revealed, but "Talk To... Read more

December 1, 2016 Audio

Bumpy Knuckles Salutes ’70s & Early ’80s Rap Pioneers On A Nottz Track (Audio)

Bumpy Knuckles (aka Freddie Foxxx) released his first music in 1986. At the time, "Freddie C." was part of the Supreme Force. In that year, Hip-Hop and Rap music were transitioning. Run-D.M.C., Fat Boys, Whodini, and the Beastie Boys had stepped out bringing the album format and music videos to... Read more

November 30, 2016 Audio

Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers Say What They Feel And Some Might Get Hurt (Audio)

Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers, and Whispers have a close working relationship. These three New York City MCs share an affinity for hard-nosed, in-your-face raps that combine wit, arrogance, and a ton of swagger on the microphone. Teaming with a producer each work with often (Domingo), they go as hard as... Read more

November 30, 2016 Audio

Statik Selektah Remixes Some Older Dave East That Shows The Talent Nas Saw (Audio)

Today, Dave East is an MC who is cosigned by Nas, backed by Mass Appeal, and working with a who's who of Hip-Hop. In 2014, the Harlem, New Yorker was simply talented, hungry, and looking to kick in the industry door. At that time, he released video single "Stretched Out"... Read more

November 30, 2016 Audio

Atmosphere’s Slug Breaks Down The Real Meaning Of “Lucy Ford.” (Audio)

In year 2000, Minneapolis, Minnesota Hip-Hop duo Atmosphere released two seminal EPs, Ford One and Ford Two. Produced by group member Ant, as well as Anticon's Jel, Moodswing 9, and others, these Rhymesayers Entertainment releases (later released together as Lucy Ford: The Atmosphere EPs) helped pivot a Midwest Underground Hip-Hop... Read more

November 29, 2016 Audio

Evil Dee & Joell Ortiz Give Ras Kass’ “Etc.” An East Coast KNOCK (Audio)

Earlier this year, Ras Kass celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Soul On Ice. The LP broke new ground by combining a deep dive into philosophy, religion and politics with true West Coast Gangsta Rap. Sadly, many of its themes of police brutality, racial oppression and divisiveness among... Read more

November 25, 2016 Audio

J Dilla & Madlib’s Unreleased Collab From 2002 Brings Da Rawkus (Audio)

For Hip-Hop fans, there are few record catalogs more revered than that of Stones Throw. The label, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, is the home to such artists as MF DOOM, Aloe Blacc, Dam Funk, J Rocc, Oh No and, of course, label founder, Peanut Butter Wolf. The record... Read more

November 25, 2016 Audio

These Four Emerging MCs Show Real Talent On “Counterfeit” (Audio)

Chicago arts collective 119 delivers the second single off their upcoming Countdown 2 Midnight compilation, featuring Chi-Town wordsmiths Saba, Noname (formerly Noname Gypsy) and Phoelix alongside Brooklyn’s own Chelsea Reject. Contrary to the song’s title, on “Counterfeit,” all lyricists drop genuine, poetic bars riddled with poignant insight over dark, bass-heavy... Read more

November 23, 2016 Audio

A Prince Song Recorded During “1999” Sessions Is On Another Level (Audio)

Seventeen years before the rest of our calendars said so, Prince made 1999 a thing. This 1982 album would be the Artist's second-most successful in the United States (only behind Purple Rain, which followed). In addition to its cathartic title track, the album featured hits such as "Little Red Corvette"... Read more

November 22, 2016 Audio

Domingo Enlists Legends Like Big Daddy Kane To Showcase Tomorrow’s Brightest MCs (Audio)

If you’re a fan of hard-hitting street anthems, you may be familiar with veteran Brooklyn, New York producer Domingo's work. His impressive list of collaborators includes Hip-Hop royalty like Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and Sean Price. He has also worked with a plethora of other accomplished lyricists like... Read more

November 22, 2016 Audio

Rick Ross Raps On His First Pete Rock Track & Smokes It (Audio)

On Rick Ross's most recent album, 2015's Black Market, he notably recruited DJ Premier for some scratches. In '16, Rozay works with another legendary DJ/producer, blessing a Pete Rock track, from P.R. and Smoke DZA's Don't Smoke Rock collaborative LP (December 2). "Black Superhero Car" is reminiscent of Wale, Jadakiss,... Read more

November 22, 2016 Audio

Eminem Gives Infinite Respect To His Earliest Music With A Documentary & A Remix (Video)

While Eminem's 1999 and 2000 mainstream takeover is often associated with the production of Dr. Dre, much more of The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP is credited to another act behind the boards. The Bass Brothers, Mark and Jeff—had been with Em' since his career took shape.... Read more

November 18, 2016 Audio, Video

Donald Glover Is Making Full Fledged Funk. And There’s Nothing Childish About It (Audio)

Last Thursday (November 10), Childish Gambino unveiled the first look from upcoming album, ...Awaken, My Love (December 2). "Me and Your Mama" set aside the raps for a record that had more in common with Parliament or Lenny Kravitz than any Rap contemporary. Singing, screaming, and embedding himself in a... Read more

November 17, 2016 Audio

Nas, Dave East, & Lin-Manuel Miranda Rhyme Their Way Out of Struggle (Audio)

After taking the world of theater by storm, Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton excelled at the Grammys, the Tonys, and even the Pulitzer Prize ceremony, making it one of the most successful pop-culture phenomenons in history. And, speaking of history, its brilliant use of Hip-Hop to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton... Read more

November 17, 2016 Audio

The Cool Kids & Their Rhymes Really Connect On This Slapper (Audio)

With the reunion in place, The Cool Kids are back to being, well, cool. Their latest single "Connect 4" presents Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks as the forward-sounding, fashion-forward duo with lush dreams and slick lines. Notably, this track blends the two individual styles that the members built on... Read more

November 17, 2016 Audio

Rapsody Releases Her New “Crown” EP. Listen Here (Audio)

Just one day after dropping an ambitious double-header with the release of not one, but two singles, Rapsody's Crown EP has arrived. Yesterday (November 15), the Jamla rapper shared two jewels with Heads, first the Ambrosia for Heads-premiered "Mad" and then the Ab-Soul-assisted "2AM." But today (November 16), fans no... Read more

November 16, 2016 Audio

Termanology & Kxng Crooked Bring Out The Best In Each Other. Let’s Go! (Audio)

For lovers of lyrics, wordplay, and flow, one of 2016's must-listen-to Hip-Hop albums is Statik Kxng. Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I) and Statik Selektah made a 10-song EP that is some of the finest work from either. Termanology, Statik's 1982 band-mate made the lone guest appearance on "Let's Go." Now,... Read more

November 16, 2016 Audio

Rapsody Takes 3 Beats & An Ab-Soul Verse To Shine At 2am (Audio)

Rapsody and Ab-Soul have great collaborative history that dates back nearly five years. Soulo was one of the higher profile guests from The Idea of Beautiful, appearing on "NonFiction." With Rap's close ties to T.D.E., the pair come back together at "2 a.m." Released just hours after "Mad," this dynamic... Read more

November 16, 2016 Audio

Rapsody Is Going For The Crown & She Doesn’t Care Who’s Mad (Audio)

Rapsody is in a whole new atmosphere since she last checked in with Beauty and the Beast. Rap' now carries a Grammy award, thanks to her appearance on Kendrick Lamar's T.P.A.B. In addition to mentor 9th Wonder, she is also now backed by Jay Z's Roc Nation. She's been to... Read more

November 15, 2016 Audio

AZ’s 40 Seconds Of Bars Are Better Than Most Albums These Days (Audio)

AZ is like a special ops soldier. He is low key, stealth and, when he's deployed, it's for maximum impact. It's been a relatively quiet year for the Brooklyn, MC, save for a few select drops, such as his guest turn on A$AP Twelvyy's "Motivation." In September, however, it appeared... Read more

November 14, 2016 Audio

Pusha T & Gucci Mane Join Common To Voice What Makes Black America Great…Again (Audio)

Throughout his career, Common has at times been—at least on paper—a left field featured guest. He appeared on albums like T.I.'s King when the Grand Hustle founder was the monarch of Trap. He made one of several Gil Scott Heron homages on The Game's "Angel" two years after, showing an... Read more

November 14, 2016 Audio

Snoop Dogg DJs A 2 Hour Tribute Mix For 20 Years Of “Tha Doggfather”

This weekend, Snoop Dogg's sophomore album Tha Doggfather celebrated its 20th anniversary. The LP was significant in Snoop's career in that it was his first foray without mentor Dr. Dre behind the boards, and it would be his final Death Row Records release while still at the then reigning label.... Read more

November 13, 2016 Audio, Mixes

Ras Kass Sees Lady Liberty Getting Grabbed & Names Those Who Let It Happen (Audio)

For more than 20 years, Ras Kass has been one of Hip-Hop's most steadfast critics of what he perceives as lies and corruption fed to the people. The Carson, California representative has called out organized religion, school-taught history, and the old guard music industry. In a week that has many... Read more

November 12, 2016 Audio

A Tribe Called Quest Release Their Final Album. Listen Here (Audio)

After a flurry of excitement that kicked off in August and exponentially intensified a couple of weeks ago, A Tribe Called Quest have released their final album. We Got It From Here...Thank You For Your Service is ATCQ's first new album in 18 years, and their first featuring each of... Read more

November 11, 2016 Audio

Rapsody Brings A Fiery Message Of Strength & Resilience Right On Time (Audio)

Two days after an election that stunned people on both sides, many are still reeling as they try to process a Presidency held by Donald Trump, after running a campaign rooted in racism, xenophobia and sexism. To some there is a belief that America is going to return to its... Read more

November 10, 2016 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Termanology Started Out At The Bottom. Now They’re Top Shottas (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ and Termanology remind listeners why they’re some of the “realest top shottas” when it comes to this generation’s true school spitters on the latest release off Term’s upcoming More Politics LP. Both MCs wax poetic about some of their personal struggles. Over a melancholy horn section, jazzy piano... Read more

November 10, 2016 Audio

Pete Rock & Smoke DZA Look To Create Milestones With Jadakiss & Styles P (Audio)

On December 2, Pete Rock and Smoke DZA will release Don't Smoke Rock, a collaborative project that's been in the works for some time. The relationship began in 2014, when the legendary producer contributed to the Harlem rapper's Dream.ZONE.Achieve and two years later, Heads are being treated to an entire LP of... Read more

November 10, 2016 Audio

Childish Gambino Funks Up Expectations Going Into His New Album (Audio)

Childish Gambino (a/k/a Donald Glover) is a hard artist to pin down or put into any box. He acts, he does stand-up, he DJs, he writes and produces acclaimed shows—most recently evident in Atlanta. However, the breakthrough of Gambino, for many, came by way of music. Thanks to the aforementioned... Read more

November 10, 2016 Audio

Run The Jewels Will Not Concede. Their New Song Says It All (Audio)

Less than 24 hours after the 2016 US Presidential Election was called, Run The Jewels appears to punctuate the air of a partly astonished nation. "2100" featuring close affiliate Boots has a message of frustration with the same System that Killer Mike and El-P have rebelled against (as a unit)... Read more

November 9, 2016 Audio

Wu-Tang Meets D.I.T.C. Two Legendary Crews Ain’t Nuthin’ To Mash Up (Audio)

Ever go Diggin’ In The Crates for some Wu-Tang? On this ambitious mashup of two legendary New York crews who both emerged at the onset of the 1990s, Memory Man shows us what would happen if you took members of the Wu-Tang Clan and D.I.T.C. and threw their styles in... Read more

November 8, 2016 Audio, Throwback

There Was Scary Good Hip-Hop In October. Here’s Some Of The Best (Audio)

October was a scary month for a number of reasons. Of course, itended with Halloween, but it also featured some of the most low rent politics the country has ever seen, with even the FBI getting into the action. What's even more frightening, amongst all the jockeying for position, there... Read more

November 7, 2016 Audio

DJ Clue Reveals How He May Have Chosen Biggie’s 2 Most Successful Singles (Audio)

DJ Clue was a pivotal figure in bringing Hip-Hop mixtapes from street culture to the charts. The Queens, New York native began in the mid-1990s, and helped pioneer the idea of exclusives. Records by Wu-Tang Clan, Jay Z, and The Notorious B.I.G. would appear on the mixmaster's unauthorized cassettes and... Read more

November 7, 2016 Audio

Sha Stimuli Says Sticks & Stones Break Bones But People Are Dying Over Words (Audio)

It's been four years since Brooklyn, New York's Sha Stimuli has released his most recent project, the 2012 EP The Present. Expected to drop a new album titled Lazarus later this year, it seems the MC is using his hiatus as a point of inspiration; much like Lazarus was brought... Read more

November 7, 2016 Audio

Alchemist & Curren$y Recruit Major Producers As Accomplices For “Heist” Remix (Audio)

In February of this year, Curren$y and Alchemist masterminded The Carrollton Heist. The New Orleans, Louisiana MC and Venice, California-based produced offered 12 tracks featuring Action Bronson, Styles P, and Spitta's onetime mentor Lil Wayne. Curren$y & Alchemist Re-Up On A New Mixtape Featuring Action Bronson & Styles P As... Read more

November 6, 2016 Audio

The Intelligent Hoodlum Had Felonious Flows On This 1989 Demo (Audio)

Although Tragedy Khadafi hasn’t released a new album since Pre Magnum Opus almost two years ago, an unreleased 1989 gem from the Queensbridge veteran has surfaced. Even before he was known as the Intelligent Hoodlum (and released the A&M Records LP of the same name), Trag' went by several other... Read more

November 5, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Method Man Drops One Of His Few Verses Of 2016 & It’s Straight Gutter (Audio)

2016 has been relatively quiet for Method Man, but his involvement with the soundtrack of Netflix's Luke Cage has tied him to one of the most successful television shows of the year, a reminder that with a pedigree like his, no time away from the game is enough to erase... Read more

November 4, 2016 Audio

Black Thought, Busta Rhymes & Joell Ortiz Rise & Take Their Shot At Greatness (Audio)

Over the last year, the Broadway musical Hamilton has gone from critical darling to global phenomenon. The play, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, re-wrote the rules for theater, bringing Hip-Hop to the fore, and tossing historical conventions, using a multicultural cast to portray the country's White founding fathers. The Roots Confirm... Read more

November 4, 2016 Audio

Talib Kweli Is A Boss. He Showcases The Artists On His Self-Owned Record Label (Audio)

As he was ramping up his own career, Talib Kweli made critical appearances on compilations, 12" singles, and albums by the likes of Pharoahe Monch, The Roots, and others. The Brooklyn, New Yorker knew that careers didn't happen overnight—especially those that last for many, many days. Since his late '90s,... Read more

November 1, 2016 Audio

Inspectah Deck’s Rhymes Still Hit Like A Fistful Of Peril (Audio)

If it's not broken, then why fix it? Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck and New England Hip-Hop veterans 7L & Esoteric added new chapters to their decorated careers in 2013 when they formed Czarface. The comic book-inspired outfit defended Hip-Hop's honor with hard rhymes, hard beats, and a lot of stylish... Read more

November 1, 2016 Audio

Trick Or Treat: Lloyd Banks Has Some Ear Candy In A Sweet New Mixtape (Audio)

Just over one month since releasing the All Or Nothin': Live It Up EP, Lloyd Banks returns with more free music. The Queens, New York veteran punctuated Halloween (October 31) with his Halloween Havoc 3: Four Days Of Fury mixtape. 50 Cent's longtime right hand stands on his own two... Read more

October 31, 2016 Audio

Big Sean Wants All The Attention On His Lyrics, NOT His Life (Audio)

Big Sean has become a pop culture juggernaut of the 2010s. The Detroit, Michigan delegate for G.O.O.D. Music has seemingly always made clever Hip-Hop music that appeases lyric lovers and vibe seekers at once. However, Sean's personal life has started to eclipse the art—who he's dating, who he may be... Read more

October 31, 2016 Audio

Pete Rock & Smoke DZA Release The 1st Single From Their Joint Album & It’s Limitless (Audio)

A year to the day since Ambrosia for Heads reported that Pete Rock would be producing Smoke DZA's new album in its entirety, the two have emerged on this Halloween with the first single from the much-awaited joint LP. Don't Smoke Rock is the aptly hybridized title for the project,... Read more

October 31, 2016 Audio

The Weeknd Takes A Sample DOOM & Biggie Rocked And Freaks It For The Club (Audio)

For lovers of samples, Isaac Hayes sophomore album Hot Buttered Soul is a must-own album. Released during 1969 on Enterprise/Stax Records (where Ike was a major writer and producer), this album was a Top 10 on the charts, and went to #1, even before Hayes gave "John Shaft" his theme... Read more

October 31, 2016 Audio, Fresh, The Bridge

Meek Mill Breaks His Silence On Drake, Game & Beans. He Has A LOT To Say. (Audio)

Last week, Meek Mill released mixtape DC4. The fourth installment of the Dreamchasers series, which began in 2011, finds the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC in a completely different spot than when he began. In the years since, Meek has two gold solo albums, two platinum singles, and his own roster of... Read more

October 31, 2016 Audio

Ghostface Killah & Vinnie Paz Spit Bone Crushing Rhymes On Their New Collabo (Audio)

This weekend, veteran Jedi Mind Tricks frontman Vinnie Paz released his third solo album, The Cornerstone of the Corner Store. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC has worked with Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Inspectah Deck during his decorated career. This time, the member of Army Of The Pharaohs and Heavy Metal Kings... Read more

October 30, 2016 Audio

A New Mix Celebrates The 20th Anniversary Of Ghostface Killah’s Ironman Album (Audio)

Today (October 29), marks the 25th anniversary of Ghostface Killah's landmark solo debut album, Ironman. To celebrate the anniversary, Up North Trips and Its Overture have put together a new mix, spotted on Ego Trip, to commemorate the LP. In addition to featuring much from Ironman, the mix expands to... Read more

October 29, 2016 Audio