Audio Archives

Dave East Is A Standout New Artist. With Nas, Pusha T & LOX, He Has an Army With Him (Mixtape)

Even before he was co-signed by Nas and Mass Appeal Records, Spanish Harlem's Dave East showed tremendous promise. An insightful street MC, Dave combines 2015's appreciation for grit with the present-day demand for intellectual verses. In an era when New York City is fast changing, East is a product of... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio, Mixes

The LOX & Faith Evans Are Still “Family” Over An S.O.S. Band Homage (Audio)

The LOX and producer Duane DaRock appear to have a formula. The New York City veteran Rap trio and the budding beat-maker travel back to the early '80s flavor for some proven musical framework. In March, the quartet channeled Gap Band in "That Money." In Fall, it's S.O.S. Band's "Just... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Drops 2 New Freestyles & Blacks Out with Jarren Benton (Audio)

It's Friday, which means Chris Rivers has once again dropped off some freestyles as part of what is now a months-long lead-up to his forthcoming M.C. (Medicated Consumption). The Bronx MC, fka Baby Pun, has thus far unleashed freestyles over tracks by Black Moon, Brand Nubian, the Clipse, Dilated Peoples,... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

The Game is Not Playing. Here’s Another Hit Featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, & will.i.am (Audio)

By now, the news of the Game's forthcoming double-disc release, The Documentary 2, is standard fare for Heads. The anticipation for the Compton MC's seventh album will serve as the follow-up to his 2005 debut, and the anniversary's timing has once again brought the Los Angeles neighborhood into the forefront... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Illa J’s Latest is an Exercise in Musical Exploration…& It Works (Album Stream)

Today marks the release date for Illa J's self-titled album, his latest solo effort and the first since his 2008 debut, Yancey Boys. That album introduced him to Heads as a gifted MC and sometimes singer, one who is eager both to celebrate his family legacy but also cultivate a... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

The Game & Kendrick Lamar Put In Work Over a Flip of an Erykah Badu Classic (Audio)

As the October 9 release of The Game's The Documentary 2 album approaches, the excitement for the project is mounting. The Compton MC has released several songs showcasing the forthcoming double album's diversity, including tracks with Skrillex, Diddy, Drake, DJ Quik and more. One of the most anticipated songs from... Read more

October 1, 2015 Audio

DJ Premier Introduces A D.I.T.C. MC…With Scratches of DMX & Grand Puba on the Hook (Audio)

Over the last 25-plus years, DJ Premier may be one of Hip-Hop's most meaningful introducers of new artists. From Nas to Mobb Deep, Jeru The Damaja to Royce Da 5'9", Preemo's music finds the greatness in many MCs. Fisher is the latest D.I.T.C.-backed artist. Showbiz and company have yet another... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Here Are 2 Hours of Madlib & Pete Rock Sets as Curated by J. Rocc (Audio)

Beat Junkies co-founder J. Rocc is the host of a radio program called "Adventures in Stereo" which takes place weekly Sunday nights on KPFK Public Radio. Each week's episode carries special guests and themes and provides listeners with two hours of ear candy. Past shows include Sean Price and Roy... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Chance The Rapper & Kyle Re-jog The Memory Of Haters In The Rear-View (Audio)

The old adage "laugh now, cry later" is a driving force in Hip-Hop, just as it was a tattoo on Tupac Shakur's pectoral. Many artists' greatest motivation is those who doubted, rejected, and disrespected them in the past. For Ventura, California native MC Kyle, this is true. Just on the... Read more

September 29, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Was Critical to Soundbombing. He & 9th Wonder Are Making Their Own Compilation.

In establishing Rawkus Records mission, vision, and range, Talib Kweli was highly integral to celebrated compilation series like Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge. A decade after breaking from Rawkus, Talib teamed with former label-mate Pharoahe Monch as well as 9th Wonder to form Indie 500. The Hip-Hop triumvirate aims to really... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio, News

Kanye Once Told Freddie Gibbs He Was Mediocre. Now He’s Rhyming With Yasiin Gaye (Audio)

Golden Rules continues to have the golden touch. Paul White and Eric Biddines' late summer album is still making its rounds with those in the know, and those hearing the potent production and Southern drawl. One of the Lex Records release standouts is "Never Die," featuring Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio

Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces, Thundercat Join Forces & Enlist George Clinton (Audio)

In what may be Hip-Hop's newest and most exciting triad, three individually incredible artists have formed a singular unit to form a three-headed hybrid that incorporates multiple genres and aesthetics into WOKE. Featuring producer and DJ Flying Lotus, experimental Hip-Hop duo Shabazz Palaces, and Psychedelic Funk multi-instrumentalist Thundercat, WOKE has... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy. He’s Celebrating With Gold Bottles (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy who turns 37 tomorrow (9/28). He celebrates early with the release of "Gold Bottles," the latest in his Sunday Service series. Jeezy is releasing new music each Sunday until the November 13 release of his forthcoming album Church in the Streets. "Gold Bottles" is produced... Read more

September 27, 2015 Audio

Apollo Brown Takes Producer Compilations To A Whole New Level In Grandeur (Album Stream)

Apollo Brown stays incredibly busy. The Detroit, Michigan producer does tandem albums with MCs, he releases instrumental LPs, and the Mello Music Group mainstay works in groups like Ugly Heroes, The Left, and others. For the first time since 2010's The Reset, Apollo returns to straight compilation work. Grandeur, released... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Mac Miller Drops Heavy Bars Over Preemo, Kanye & Timbaland in a Big Boy Freestyle (Video)

Currently celebrating the release of his major-label debut GO:OD AM, Pittsburgh's Mac Miller is making the promotional rounds on stage and in the booth. Gearing up for a North American tour, Miller stopped by Big Boy's morning show at 92.3 REAL in Los Angeles and hopped on the mic for... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

The Game Takes Biggie’s Kick in the Door Beat & Adds Some Bang, With a Co-Sign From Puff Daddy (Audio)

The Game is on one right now. His double album follow up to his debut LP The Documentary will be released in 2 weeks, with part 1 hitting stores on October 9 and part 2 following the week after. Earlier this week, he set the web on fire with his... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Team Up to Set the Dance Floor on Fire (Audio)

Both Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott are making their way back to the spotlight after some times away. They worked together twice in the 2000s, but the R&B-Pop superstar and the Hip-Hop mainstay have both appeared to have been less than interested in the musical space in the 2010s. "BURNITUP!"... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Funkadelic & Kendrick Lamar Release the Funk Jam of the Year. Just Try Not to Move (Audio)

Besides his appearance on "Wesley's Theory," it is clear that George Clinton (and Parliament, Funkadelic) are major inspirations in To Pimp A Butterfly. The New Jersey native's ability to balance heavy subject matter with the need to groove is something that the Compton, California MC is out to do. Previously,... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Here’s A Gorgeous Mash-Up Of J Dilla, Common, Dwele & Bobby Caldwell (Audio)

Common's enduring love song, "The Light," turned 15 years old earlier this year. The track, which was produced by J Dilla, features a prominent sample of Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes," from his 1980 Cat in the Hat album. The song also was covered by Dwele in 2008 on his... Read more

September 24, 2015 Audio

Freddie Gibbs Throws Fast Flow On A Charged Apollo Brown Beat (Audio)

Moving closer to September 25's Grandeur, Apollo Brown and Mello Music Group share another glimpse from the LP. "Who's That" incorporates Detroit, Michigan, Gary, Indiana, and Brownsville Brooklyn, New York—thanks to Apollo, Freddie Gibbs, and Maffew Ragazino, Sr. Brown chops a moving loop that has a dusty, Caribbean feel to... Read more

September 24, 2015 Audio

Some Sean Price Eloquence Over A Soul Sample Is Shared By Statik Selektah (Audio)

Sean Price was an MC with many friends. Industry-wide, the artist formerly known as Ruck maintained bonds with the like of LOX, Sadat X, Ill Bill, and Skyzoo. This of course goes beyond Rockness Monstah (Heltah Skeltah), Boot Camp Clik, Random Axe, or close associates Ruste Juxx and Illa Ghee.... Read more

September 23, 2015 Audio

The Game’s Flow is Anything But Short on ‘El Chapo’ (Audio)

Translated as "small in stature" in English, the words "el chapo" conjure up an image of a swaggering Mexican drug lord rather than a diminutive personality, and for good reason. Earlier this year, the real-life El Chapo - a longtime kingpin in the world of Latin American cartels born Joaquín... Read more

September 23, 2015 Audio

Big Boi & Phantogram Are Going for the Gold on Latest Single (Audio)

Just two days away from the release of their collaborative project, OutKast's Big Boi and Electric-Rock outfit Phantogram have been on a tear, releasing their third single in two weeks. Big Grams - the name of their trio as well as the title of their forthcoming EP - has already... Read more

September 23, 2015 Audio

Madlib, DOOM, Blu & MED Knock the Door Down on a Groovy New Song (Audio)

Like a villain in the night, the masked MC named DOOM has resurfaced with 2 new tracks in as many weeks. After reprising his role as part of DOOMSTARKS with Ghostface Killah on the Adult Swim-released "Lively Hood," DOOM re-teams with another esteemed partner in Madlib. Blu, MED and Madlib... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli & 9th Wonder Recruit Problem & Bad Lucc For A Message Of Perseverance (Audio)

Almost a year ago, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, and 9th Wonder announced an independent music conglomerate, Indie 500. All parties have been incredibly busy since, with an emphasis on activism—including a free concert in St. Louis, Missouri one year after Michael Brown's murder Ferguson. Today (September 22) Talib and 9th... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Logic Returns to Make It Crystal Clear He’s a Microphone Savior (Audio)

After several years of grinding on the underground circuit, Logic had a breakout year in 2014. The Gaithersburg, Maryland MC had several of the year's best freestyles, earned a high profile slot in the Hip Hop Awards Cyphers and released his first album, Under Pressure, which debuted at #4 on... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Murs Makes the Best of Things & Releases One of the Most Positive Songs of the Year (Audio)

It seems no matter which way we turn, we're often surrounded by negativity. Whether it's work, the news, social media or everyday life, sometimes the bright side seems far away. Enter Murs. The veteran MC has consistently made nourishing music, whether it was songs that shone a light on the... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Rick Ross Tells a Mournful Tale About Young Lives Lost to Violence (Audio)

Less than a month after releasing his free Black Dollar album, Rick Ross continues to make new music. As with songs on that project, like "Foreclosures," as well as select other verses in Ross' older repertoire, like "Thug Cry" and "Poor Decisions," he shifts out of "bawse" mode and shows... Read more

September 22, 2015 Audio

Blu Teams With Lords Of The Underground’s Hit-Makers For A Funky Jam (Audio)

From Madlib to 9th Wonder, Mainframe to DJ Exile, Edan to Flying Lotus, Blu has made his travels musically, teaming with a litany of producers. This time, the Los Angeles, California native links with New Jersey's K-Def. Not exactly a household name producer, the onetime DJ Marley Marl protege has... Read more

September 21, 2015 Audio

D.M.C. Says Hip-Hop on the Radio is Waging Genocide on Young People (Audio)

Run-D.M.C. made Rap's first platinum album. Thanks to "My Adidas," the Queens, New York trio became some of the culture's first brand ambassadors. Teaming with Aerosmith for "Walk This Way," the Profile Records act helped mash Hip-Hop with Rock & Roll on a mainstream level. However, when Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels... Read more

September 20, 2015 Audio

Blackalicious Is Back In Form! Catch The Duo’s First LP In 10 Years (Album Stream)

For more than 20 years, Sacramento, California's Blackalicious has made captivating Hip-Hop music. Pioneers within the West Coast Underground movement, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel joined forces with DJ Shadow, Lateef The Truthspeaker, Jazzbo, Mac B. Dog, 8th Wonder, author Jeff Chang, and Lyrics Born to forge the Soulsides... Read more

September 18, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Says ALL Lives Matter in This Blistering New Freestyle (Audio)

Chris Rivers has released another freestyle, as he's done every week in recent memory as an extended, long-form way to celebrate the October release of his forthcoming project, M.C. (Medicated Consumption). This time around he opts for an Alchemist-produced classic from the Dilated Peoples, 2001's "Worst Comes to Worst." He's... Read more

September 18, 2015 Audio

Nas & Dave East Celebrate Their Inevitable Rise to the Top on ‘Forbes List’ (Audio)

It takes a billionaire's mentality to achieve the unachievable, and for countless aspiring artists who hope to one day rise above the mediocre, there is perhaps no better gauge of "making it" than being listed alongside tycoons and moguls on Forbes magazine's list of the wealthiest in the world. Earlier... Read more

September 18, 2015 Audio

Pastors & Politicians Won’t Want You to Hear Ras Kass’ Latest (Audio)

October 16 signals Breakfast At Banky’s, Ras Kass and Jack Splash's Semi Hendrix collaborative debut. The Mello Music Group LP seems to pick up where 2014's Blasphemy (Ras' pairing with Apollo Brown) left off. "Jesus Pressed Mute" is Razzy's latest indictment on government and organized religion. The Carson, California veteran... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

A Violinist & Violist Are Combining Hip-Hop & Classical in Amazing Ways (Audio)

Throughout history, musical worlds have always collided as cultures and influences blend together to form new and exciting sounds. Now, with the digital era, the bridging of worlds has become far more frequent, and the resulting amalgamations continue to impress with ingenuity and creativity abounding. Violinist Kevin Sylvester and violist... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

Sheek Louch & Pusha T Keep It Hardcore… In Rap & In Life. (Audio)

Sheek Louch and Pusha T have weathered the industry storms. Two products of the 1990s, these MCs with East Coast and Down South audiences have stayed consistent to the craft of MC'ing, while always speaking to the streets that made them. This duality may be the key to longevity, while... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

Joe Budden Raps an Open Letter to Eminem That’s As Raw and Real As It Gets (Audio & Video)

Renowned for its bar-power, Shady Records has also become a label that has changed career paths. After its booming beginnings (D12, 50 Cent), Eminem's label appeared confused in part of the late 2000s, unsure if it was trying to breed skills-based Rap, or commercial juggernauts. For much of the decade,... Read more

September 17, 2015 Audio

LL Cool J Returns With a Strong Verse on the Smooth Tip (Audio)

The last five years of LL Cool J's music career have been, in large part, a search. The MC icon and self-proclaimed "GOAT" has tried Country collaborations, he's tried mash-up boom-bap, and he's further delved with a R&B sound. With 2013's Authentic coming as the lowest charting album since LL's... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio

Anderson .Paak Is On A Tear. He Transitions From Dr. Dre To Asher Roth Seamlessly (Audio)

Dr. Dre's Compton formally introduces a number of new artists with an array of talents. Along with longtime independent artist King Mez and Dallas, Texas' Justus, Anderson .Paak may be the biggest standout. With a versatile ability to rap, sing, and play multiple instruments, Anderson—who hails from the same Oxnard,... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio

Regardless Of When It’s From, Unreleased Jay Electronica Songs Stay Fresh (Audio)

Since Dr. Dre released an album in 2015, what is taking the place of Detox? Compton can still be referred to by that, as many Heads debated (heatedly) whether the Aftermath Entertainment founder would release an LP by any title. With that out of the way (and on the charts),... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio

Imagine A World With UGK & B.B. King Collaborating. The Thrill Is Trill. (Audio/Video)

In the world of mash-up mixes, Amerigo Gazaway is one of the premier visionaries as of late. The Nashville, Tennessee based-DJ/producer looks beyond the quirky, the niche, or the party staples to draw connections out of time, space, and genre for artists. Amerigo displayed greatness in 2014's Yasiin Gaye merging... Read more

September 16, 2015 Audio, Video

Kendrick Lamar Pretends to Be a Female Admirer on a Prank Call to Jay Rock (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar is a man of many voices. He can go from a high-pitched whisper to a fierce growl in an instant, as showcased on a number of songs. Recently, he put this talent to use in playing a prank on his label-mate and friend, Jay Rock. During one of... Read more

September 15, 2015 Audio

Spotlight: Ace Cosgrove Aims to Feed the Uninspired with New Project (Album Stream)

24-year-old Ace Cosgrove is a Maryland MC for whom 2014 was a watershed year. Two of last year's releases, Simple Criticism and UsVsRobots, introduced him to a wide swath of Heads, thanks in part to acclaim from a handful of highly respected outlets. Today (September 15), the young spitter releases... Read more

September 15, 2015 Audio

Sean Price & Grand Puba Do Some Bar Bullying on the Newly-Released “We Don’t Play” (Audio)

Next month (October 9), QNC will release their debut album, The Habit Of A Lifetime (And How To Kick It). The Attic Records release is a collaboration between Curt Cazal (of 1980s Hip-Hop group JVC Force) and Q-Ball (D&D Crew) and veteran English producer Aim. Previously, Aim has released a... Read more

September 15, 2015 Audio

Masta Ace Remembers Feeling Ostracized By His Native Brooklyn…& Other Personal Stories (Audio)

Masta Ace's nearly 30-year career as a tremendously gifted MC has hit its rough patches along the way, but as his fans around the world are well aware, his resiliency and tenacity have allowed for his name to be continuously mentioned in conversations about great - even if underrated -... Read more

September 15, 2015 Audio

DOOM & Ghostface (DOOMSTARKS) Release a Tribute to New York That’s as Grimy as It Gets (Audio)

For the last several weeks, Adult Swim has been releasing a series of singles that match the edginess and counter-cultural themes of its vaunted series. Songs have spanned multiple genres and artists, including Skrillex, Sia and Danny Brown, and forthcoming tracks will feature Flying Lotus, Run the Jewels, and more.... Read more

September 14, 2015 Audio

Sadat X & El Da Sensei Form New Group. Here’s A 9th Wonder-Produced Introduction (Audio Premiere)

For more than 20 years, MCs Sadat X and El Da Sensei have run in the same circles. A product of Brand Nubian and The Artifacts, respectively, these East Coast lyricists have flipped words with flare to stand out amongst their band-mates and peers. Ambrosia For Heads is pleased to... Read more

September 14, 2015 Audio

‘GO:OD AM’ Aims to Wake Up Anybody Still Sleeping on Mac Miller (Album Stream)

Since breaking onto the Hip-Hop scene with the mixtape K.I.D.S. in 2010, Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller has dealt with his share of detractors, many relegating him to the genres of "frat boy" or "pop rap," but his fans have maintained their strident loyalty and his latest album is proof that... Read more

September 14, 2015 Audio

Jay Rock Refuses To Compromise. Even His Freestyles Are Hard-Body (Audio)

Throughout the weekend, many Hip-Hop Heads are making visits to the 90059 zip code, listening to Jay Rock's sophomore solo album. The breakthrough Top Dawg Entertainment artist for nearly a decade swings through L.A. Leakers. Not often recognized as much as onetime pupil Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul in the freestyle... Read more

September 13, 2015 Audio

J-Live Says Biters & Posers Won’t Feel This But Hip-Hop Junkies Will. Can You Dig It? (Audio)

As a completely independent artist, J-Live stays quite busy. The Brooklyn, New York native follows this month's "You're The One" with a new album on the way. How Much Is Water is coming October 23 on Justice's Mortier Music imprint. "Feel This" is the first delivery, a song that serves... Read more

September 11, 2015 Audio