Audio Archives

Earl Sweatshirt Delivers 2 Soulful Cuts for 1 with Quest/Power (Audio)

Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt cannot be put in a box. He's capable of delivering shock rap over sparse beats, laid back flows over old soul, and everything in between. On his latest, "Quest/Power," he delivers two tracks in one, indulging his soulful side. Check it out. Related: Freddie Gibbs &... Read more

February 15, 2015 Audio

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio Knows Something About Making Futuristic Jeep Music (Audio)

Of all the members of Souls Of Mischief, it often seems like Opio keeps the lowest profile. The Oakland, California veteran may play the background, but he's laid down some critical verses for Souls as well as the Hieroglyphics releases. With a handful of projects, Ope' showcases a 2015 cut,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

The Militia Is Coming…Hear 3 Snippets Of Big Shug’s Next Album, All Produced By DJ Premier (Audio)

Gang Starr Heads know all about Big Shug. A member of the Gang Starr Foundation, the Boston, Massachusetts-based MC would appear on all of Guru & DJ Premier's albums from Hard To Earn through The Ownerz. Hard-nosed, fly, and wise, Shug paid dues in the wings for years, before becoming... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

Pharoahe Monch Delivers Some Valentine’s Day Love with a Compilation Album (Audio Stream)

Pharoahe Monch has delivered a Hip-Hop Valentine's Day present in the form of a compilation album. Lost in Translation is a 12-song project featuring all-star contributions from Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Will.I.Am, Justin Timberlake, Phonte and more. According to Pharoahe's Bandcamp page, ""Lost In Translation" is a collection of previously... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

88-Keys Has Helped Shape Sounds For Q-Tip, Kanye West & Black Star, Here’s His Story (Audio)

Whether he's breaking ground with artists like Theophilus London with "Can't Stop," putting heat down for Jay Z & Kanye West's Watch The Throne album or helping architect songs that remain heavy in conversation after more than 15 years (see: Black Star "Thieves In The Night") 88-Keys' production credits make him... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio, Fresh

Whet Your Appetite With A Tiny Sampling Of Nas & Timbaland’s Latest Creation (Audio)

Dating back to 1998's Tim's Bio: Life From The Basement album, Timbaland and Nas have worked together nearly a half-dozen times. The Queens, New York MC extraordinaire called upon the Virginia producer/rapper for his Nastradamus single, "You Owe Me," in addition to work together alongside everybody ranging from Jay Z... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

If You’re Reading This Its Not Too Late To Stream Drake’s Newest Mixtape (Audio)

In addition to last night's (February 12) iTunes release of Drake's If You're Reading This Its Too Late mixtape, October's Very Own has now offered a stream of the project. Although there are no features, the Cash Money Records-backed work includes production from Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Partynextdoor, Travi$ Scott,... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

CyHi The Prynce Calls For Revolution & Points Out Fake Revolutionary Motives (Audio)

Gearing up for The Black Hystori Project 2, CyHi The Prynce is beyond fed up. The Atlanta, Georgia G.O.O.D. Music artist looks around at the Hip-Hop industry, and cries foul. From self-proclaimed gangsters eager to be interviewed on mainstream radio, to claiming to change lives only to spend seven figures... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Report Live From Across 110th Street (Audio)

"Harlem Knights" is the latest preview glimpse from Cannibal Ox's sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin (March 3). Not unlike 2001's "Stress Rap," the song is all about images, especially surrounding the uncovered sections of Uptown. Vordul kicks things off with one of his finer verses, before Vast pushes through... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson Joins Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk and SMASHES It (Audio)

How does Action Bronson sound on a funk track? Kinda incredible...Mark Ronson was a guest DJ on NYC's Hot 97 and, during the course of his set, played a remix version of his number one song "Uptown Funk," featuring Bruno Mars. To great surprise, the remix featured Bronson on an... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Mick Jenkins Has Nothing But Time, But No Time For The B.S. (Audio)

Mick Jenkins seems to capture the Windy City essence so well in his music. "Time," on paper, is just a compilation track (Chicago Sight n' Sound). However, the Cinematic Entertainment MC makes a deep record that's not about how he manages his time in a thirst-stricken industry, in a violent... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

J-Live Finds The Smoothest Way To Say That He’s Out Of Eff’s To Give (Audio)

Like Eminem's first Aftermath Entertainment single, J-Live "just don't give a fuck." The Brooklyn, New York triple-threat released a new track today saying as much. However, in the case of Justice Allah, the track is about all the judges, perhaps in his personal life or in his musical life. He's... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

RZA Fires Up The Production Boards For Snoh Aalegra & It’s Funky (Audio)

Throughout the years, RZA produced tracks for a host of female crooners. In addition to the famed first mix of Method Man & Mary J Blige's "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By" single, Bobby Digital laced cuts for Tekitha and Blue Raspberry, the two in-house... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

GZA & Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello Rock Out Amidst The Dark Matter (Audio)

The Wu-Tang Clan's GZA has been working on his seventh solo album for a few years, and has now released the first single from the upcoming Dark Matter album. The song, "The Mexican", is a remake of Babe Ruth's 1972 song of the same name, and features Rage Against The... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

David Banner, N.O.R.E., Jon Connor & Sizzla Are Warriors Within DJ EFN’s All-Star Arsenal (Audio Premiere)

Less than a month away from his Another Time superstar-stacked album, DJ EFN premieres "Warrior" with Ambrosia For Heads. The song links longtime EFN affiliate N.O.R.E. together with another former Penalty Records star in David Banner, as well as Flint, Michigan Aftermath Entertainment MC Jon Connor. Jamaican Reggae star Sizzla... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

The Beat Junkies Honor J Dilla With A Scorching 2015 Remembrance Mix (Audio)

One of the subtleties that makes Dilla Day (February 10) so special in recent years is majorly due to The Beat Junkies and DJ J. Rocc. The Los Angeles, California DJ, who was the third—often uncredited—member of JayLib, finds new and innovative ways to praise his friend, collaborator, and Stones... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Deliver Tone’s Rap and a Bundle of Goodness (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's blatant disregard for convention has made him a true Hip-Hop original. Since his Enter To Wu-Tang flows, which stood apart from all others on the track, Dennis Coles proved he wasn't the typical rapper. Playing with a hot hand, he blesses "Tone's Rap" (as premiered at 2DopeBoyz) with... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

Joell Ortiz Drops Fiery Verses in Between Compliments From Kanye West (Audio)

During an appearance on NYC's Hot 97 in 2011, Kanye West spoke on what artists he liked at the time and one name was front and center: JOELL ORTIZ. Ye, spoke extensively about Ortiz's talent, elaborating on the Slaughterhouse member's rhyme technique and even referencing specific lines. Years later, Joell... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Emerges With A Potent Commentary On Being Black In 2015 (Audio)

With "i" winning two Grammy Awards last night (February 8), Kendrick Lamar advances the conversation with the second song from his sophomore major label album. "The Blacker The Berry," is a dense, inward look at being Black in 2015. The song pulls no punches about hatred in the world, both... Read more

February 9, 2015 Audio

Pro Era’s Kirk Knight Gets Rowdy On His First Album Single (Audio)

With Joey Bada$$ making maneuvers on the charts, Heads can expect the Pro Era team to be ramping up retail production. Kirk Knight, who's been a star within the circle, might just be next. Although details are extremely slim surrounding Kirk's album—including so much as a title, the Brooklyn, New... Read more

February 9, 2015 Audio

Ras Kass Joins His Twin Sons, Davincci & SKAM2? For A Nonstop Bar Salute To J Dilla (Audio)

In honor of J Dilla's annual birthday weekends celebration(s), Ras Kass is one artist who joined in on the tributes. Running in some of the same circles back in the late '90s and 2000s, emerging MC Davincci laced "Dilla," a sharp-tongued salute to James Yancey with one of his bouncing... Read more

February 8, 2015 Audio

Planet Asia Keeps The Free Goodies Coming, Alongside DirtyDiggs (FreEP)

For the second time in 10 weeks, Planet Asia gives his faithful another free EP of music. This time, one-half of the Cali Agents teams with regular collaborator DirtyDiggs for 2010 A.D. The four-track effort is sparse beats, textured deliveries, and that sharp Fresno, California insight. Is Planet Asia one... Read more

February 7, 2015 Audio

CyHi The Prynce Takes A Slice Of Jodeci & Leaves The Microphone Feenin’ (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce has many styles, but the constant aggressive flow. He takes a slice of Jodeci's "Forever My Lady," lets the vibe build, then slides in to deliver a syncopated flow akin to those heard on 2014's Black Hystori Project. So much conviction, as he takes the concept of... Read more

February 7, 2015 Audio

Missy Elliott Says She’s Spending Grammy Weekend In The Studio With Timberland, Praises Katy Perry (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's more interview-reclusive stars is Missy Elliott. While the last decade has afforded little new music from the Portsmouth, Virginia MC/producer, understanding why is even harder to gather, with the Atlantic Records artist shunning most press, despite her supremely approachable (miss)demeanor. Deeply connected to Heather B, as well... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

Prince Paul Throws Together An Ill Mix Of Ice Cube, Screwball, GZA & Young MC (Audio)

Part of what makes "The Devastating" Prince Paul great is his imagination. The Stetsasonic alum, and mastermind behind many hits for De La Soul, Gravediggaz, and Handsome Boy Modeling School sees no boundaries in music—whether he was sampling Children's records, implementing intricate skits, or making Hip-Hoperas with Chubb Rock, Michael... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

Remembering Bob Marley On His 70th Birthday, From Punk Rock To “Exodus” (Audio)

Bob Marley is being remembered all over the world on what would have been his 70th birthday today (February 6). To celebrate the occasion, Red Bull Music Academy Radio hosted an interview with one of the most qualified people to discuss Bob Marley's legacy: Vivien Goldman. Vivien is an accomplished... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

Problem Waves The Compton Flag Bigtime In 2015 (Audio)

Along with YG and Kendrick Lamar, Problem has been one of the 2010's laureates of the Compton class. With Hub City again living up to its reputation for the unpredictable, Problem makes "Compton." The record takes the eerie vocal from Eazy E's "Real Muthaphukkin' G'z," and flips it for 22... Read more

February 5, 2015 Audio

Slum Village Wax A Futuristic Sound For E(I)GO, Announce Next Album Guests (Audio)

Hitting the road as of this coming Dilla Weekend, Slum Village is feeling themselves. T3, Illa J, and Young RJ welcome Rosewood 2055 for "E(I)GO." The song all about swingin' some elbows at the haters is slowed down, keeping the brass involved, with that signature flow. Since 2005's self-titled LP,... Read more

February 5, 2015 Audio

Did DJ Mustard Just Give Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney’s Single The Boost It Needed? (Audio)

Despite all of its star-power, "FourFiveSecond," Rihanna's single, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney hasn't really been the sort of impact Heads may be used to from a RiRi opening look. Especially given that Unapologetic was three years ago, this is big stuff. Moreover, the single pushes Rihanna's booming vocals,... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio

Zion I Announce They Are Splitting, But Make Final Project Available (EP Stream)

Oakland, California duo Zion I has nearly 20 years in the books, dating back to 1998's "Inner Light." However, Zumbi (a/k/a MC Zion) and Amp Live have announced that they are officially, and amicably splitting. The news comes with the group living in different cities for several years now, and... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio, News

Action Bronson & Alchemist Release a Certified BANGER with Big League Chew (Audio)

Action Bronson and Alchemist have a special chemistry together. It was on full display in the hot box with Cypress Hill's B-Real in a hilarious interview last month. More often, however, their magic comes in the form of bangin' tracks. Earlier today, Action Bronson released a new episode of his... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Rapper Big Pooh Says the Shooting of Unarmed People of Color Must Stop (Audio)

More than two months ago, Ambrosia For Heads gathered some intel that Rapper Big Pooh might be crossing paths with Apollo Brown for a project called Words Paint Pictures. It's 2015, and not gloating or anything, but we were right. The artwork and March 24 EP release date were confirmed... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of January 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

The beginning of the year often brings a smorgasbord of new music, and this past January was no exception. Here's a playlist of some of the best tracks released, including music from Joey Bada$$, Lupe Fiasco, Action Bronson, Big Daddy Kane, Grand Puba, The Diplomats, Scarface, Eightball & MJG, Master... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Madonna & Nas Unveil Their Collaboration About Coming Up In The Big Apple (Audio)

Throughout her career, Madonna has had a curious relationship with Hip-Hop. She included Big Daddy Kane in her sex coffee table book. Madonna was sampled by Jay Z and Ab-Soul in the last 15 years. Also, she recorded a yet-unreleased, but confirmed song with Tupac Shakur before his 1996 death.... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Freeway & Sheek Louch Join Forces with Rap P on Another One (Audio)

Freeway and Sheek Louch form a State Property and D-Block union on Rap P's "Another One." The song, a Shroom production fueled by a 70's soul sample, is high energy and each MC matches the tempo with a spirited flow. Freezer and Sheek are no strangers to one another, having... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio

Mr. Cheeks Sounds Great On A Statik Selektah-Produced Cut (Audio)

The last decade has been a quieter one for Mr. Cheeks. Since his days with The Lost Boyz, the Queens, New Yorker certainly scored solo success, making party music rooted in vibes. However, when the LBFam front man hits the mic, he's still got it in full—evident in his appearances... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio

MF DOOM Helps Cannibal Ox Make Proper Re-Entry (Audio)

Eleven years ago, MF DOOM linked with Cannibal Ox's Vast Aire for his breakthrough solo, Look Mom...No Hands, through "Da Supafriendz." In 2015, the Masked Villain reunites with the emphatic lyricist on Can Ox's sophomore LP, Blade Of The Ronin. This early glimpse from the March LP seems to capture... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio

Shuko Recruits Saigon, R.A. The Rugged Man & Vinnie Paz On New Track (Audio)

German producer Shuko is getting ready to release his debut album, For The Love Of It (January 30), and has unveiled a new track, "Change Gonna Come" off the album featuring Saigon, Vinnie Paz, R.A. The Rugged Man and Carolyn D'Elia. Shuko has worked with all of the aforementioned artists... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

DJ Quik Admits Losing Passion In Music-Making Since Tupac & Notorious B.I.G. Deaths (Audio)

DJ Quik is the latest guest for NPR Hip-Hop's Microphone Check interview series. In a week that's brought tragedy and suspicion to former members of Quik's circle, the iconic producer/DJ/MC opens up, with NPR's Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley. The interview is as in-depth as... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

Big Sean, Drake & Kanye West Bless the Mic Over a Rugged Beat (Audio)

Big Sean, Drake and Kanye West have come together on one track for the first time in almost four years, on the remix to Big Sean's "Blessings." The song is from Sean's forthcoming album, Dark Sky Paradise. The three artists last worked together Kanye West's "All of the Lights (Remix)"... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

yU Gets A Mind-Melting Beat From Nottz & Gets To Storytellin’ (Audio)

In an era when the compilation seems obsolete, Mello Music Group is focused on fighting the great fight. Following Phonte and Oddisee's deeply-compelling "Requiem," the upcoming Persona (March 10) sheds another captivating track. Diamond District's yU, who has released a series of strong solo albums with Mello, combines with fellow... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″, O.C., REKS & Your Old Droog On A Track Together? On A Buckwild Beat No Less! (Audio)

One week after bringing Killer Mike and Crooked I (Kxng Crooked) together on a stick of audio dynamite, the powder kegs are far from depleted. "Revolutionary Ride Music" is orchestrated by EFN, who bridged generations of MCs by combining Royce Da 5'9", O.C., REKS, and Your Old Droog. If that... Read more

January 28, 2015 Audio

Tech N9ne Drops The First Single From Special Effects Album (Audio)

The first single from Tech N9ne's upcoming album, Special Effects (May 5) is here. The song is called "Aw Yeah (interVENTion)," and features Tech "venting" to God about all the injustice happening in the world. This marks the first time ever Tech has used the first track on an album... Read more

January 28, 2015 Audio

Jodeci Capture Their Glory & Still Lean Forward In Every Moment (Audio)

Being reunited may feel so good. Now, however, Jodeci is faced with delivering new sounds to a generation that they helped make (possibly in the literal sense, with their Quiet Storm omnipresence). K-Ci, JoJo, DeVante and Mr. Dalvin pay close attention to their legacy and patchwork of '90s sounds in... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Emilio Rojas & Joell Ortiz Make a Deeply Personal Record About Overcoming Struggles (Audio)

Emilio Rojas has released a very personal record, with some assistance from Joell Ortiz. "Nada" finds Rojas talking about the obstacles he faced when he had nothing and the determination it took to overcome those circumstances. Specifically, he addresses the sacrifices made by his mother, working double shifts with three... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Talks 2014 Forest Hills Drive & Being The Voice Of A Generation On Combat Jack (Audio)

Considered one of 2014's Men of The Year according to AFH, J. Cole hops into 2015 continuing promotion for his critically acclaimed project, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, on The Combat Jack Show. In between talks of his socially conscious album, the 29 year old MC dives deep into discussions of... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Blacks Out Over a Red Hot Kaytranada Beat (Audio)

Vic Mensa and Kaytranada are no strangers. The two worked together on last year's "Wimme Nah" release by Mensa and have now reunited on "Drive Me Crazy." Like their first effort, "Drive Me Crazy" is a trapped out beat injected with melody and Vic flexing a ferocious flow. Kaytranada is... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Unleashes A Captivating Ecology Single, With A Release Date Too (Audio)

Over five years removed from Boy Meets World, Fashawn solo product may feel estranged from record store shelves, but the Fresno, California MC has been anything but stagnant. Ranging from charting joint efforts with Murs to two Alchemist-assisted mixtapes, to a host of videos, singles, and Grizzly City projects, Fash'... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Kenn Starr’s Comeback LP Features Some Scorching Black Milk & Kev Brown Sounds (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (January 27), DMV music scene veteran Kenn Starr will release his sophomore album, Square One. As the title suggests, the LP is a return to form for one of Oddisee's earliest collaborators, and a member of the Low Budget crew that includes Oddy, Kev Brown, Peter Rosenberg, and Sean... Read more

January 26, 2015 Audio

Cee Lo Green Releases a New Album of Singing Over TV Show Themes (Album Stream)

From his days with Goodie Mob to his collaborations with Danger Mouse, Cee Lo Green has always been an artist to push creative boundaries. For his latest project, he's decided to record a collection of songs sung over the theme songs for random television shows. The result is a soulful... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio