Audio Archives

U Better Recognize OVO, When PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake Come Together (Audio)

This week, October's Very Own PARTYNEXTDOOR announced PARTYNEXTDOOR Two. With the pre-release, the OVO singer offered up two cuts, with one being "Recognize." Teaming once again with Drake, this slow and teased out simple song, which spans over five minutes. Like a vocal jam session, this record employs a few... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ransom & Astro Take You Around The World (Audio)

It's been almost a year since Ransom put out his project, The Proposal, but today the New Jersey artist continues his trend of producing high quality works with his latest cut. Ransom links up with Astro (formerly The Astronomical Kid) to take listeners across the lyrical highway on a journey... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Marsha Ambrosius’ Friends & Lovers Features Dr. Dre & Uncle Charlie Wilson (Album Stream)

Marsha Ambrosious' sophomore solo album, Friends & Lovers is officially upon us. The RCA Records release features but two guests, Marsha's dear friend/onetime mentor, Dr. Dre as well as The Gap Band's "Uncle" Charlie Wilson. Making some of the most heart-felt, and Hip-Hop Head-savvy R&B as of late, Marsh' offers... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Dilated Peoples & Aloe Blacc Have Been Showing Heads The Way For Years (Audio)

Dilated Peoples' comeback/reunion album, Directors Of Photography, is now due on August 12. The trio's departure from the major label system and simultaneous arrival at Rhymesayers Entertainment seemingly changes nothing. Evidence, Rakaa, and DJ Babu are still about a slow-flow underground Hip-Hop beach-side vibe all their own. Teamed with Emanon... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ready for Some New KRS-One? BOOM (Audio)

Domingo drops another gem featuring the Blastmaster KRS-One. The Teacher issues a call to action for Hip-Hop to unite. Check out "Hip-Hop is One," off Domingo's forthcoming Sessions Vol. 1 LP which features music from KRS and Channel Live. Related: Domingo Sets The Table For 3 Legends In KRS-One, Kool... Read more

July 13, 2014 Audio

A VA Bounce Battle Begins With This Timbaland Vs. Neptunes Mix By Five Deez’ Pase Rock (Mixtape)

In the late 1990s, Cincinnati, Ohio was a keystone tributary to the Underground Hip-Hop movement's pinnacle. The River City produced DJ Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal, Mood, Black Star), as well as Anticon co-founder Dose.One and others. Blueprint would relocate to Cincy from nearby Columbus, Ohio, along with Illogic, forming the Greenhouse... Read more

July 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Enjoy Independence Day Again With The Roots (Audio)

It's Independence Day again. The grill is hot, the sun is shining, and the flags are waving. Then like a flash of a firework, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Roots appear, set up, and smash a killer live performance of their single, "Web," all in your backyard. This may not... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear Some Rare, Early ’70s Demo Versions From Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Catch A Fire (Audio)

#126 on Rolling Stone magazine's "Top 500 Greatest Albums Of All-Time," The Wailers' Catch A Fire is a benchmark Reggae album. Released in April of 1973, the album written primarily by Bob Marley, with two penned efforts by Peter Tosh featured a carefully-crafted concoction of hope, seduction, and social chronicle.... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

REKS Teams With Saigon & N.O.R.E. For Some Message Music With Garvey (Audio)

The revolutionary comparisons drive the musical car, as REKS links with Saigon and N.O.R.E. on "Garvey," named after the Jamaican leader of the Black Star Line. N.O.R.E.is in form, Saigon stamps down one of his signature thought-provoking verses, while REKS shows one of his many sides—in a lengthy career that's... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Neptunes’ Chad Hugo Remixes A Bouncy New Joint From Little Dragon (Audio)

Swedish band Little Dragon have been on Heads' radar for some time. If the four albums made by the Electronic/Rock outfit haven't stood on their own, Yukimi Nagano's vocals (with the band's thumping basslines) have been heard alongside Big Boi in videos since before even Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors,... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Casey Veggies Gets a New Track From Hit-Boy and It’s a Banger (Audio)

After releasing one of the better mixtapes of the year in 2013, Casey Veggies returns with some new heat, courtesy of Hit-Boy. This is a departure from some of the more melodic and soulful tracks on Life Changes, but it goes hard. Check out "The Boy." Related: Casey Veggies Shows... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio

Chris Crack Is Cold Blooded With A Body In The Trunk (Audio)

Atmospheric production from Born Ready lays low like a dry ice haze underneath Chris Crack's cold blooded lyricism on his new cut, "Body In The Trunk." The New Deal Crew captain, who recently released his latest project, #JackedTape, announced an upcoming collaboration with Fool's Gold artist Danny Brown just a... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Scarface & Akon Plot Their Exit Plan (Audio)

Scarface, who recently announced that an album with Nas is a 99.99% done deal, is dropping his first since 2008 in the form of his 12th studio album, Deeply Rooted. In addition, the Geto Boys rapper is writing a book of the same name in which he talks about multiple... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Vibes Out Overtop A Teena Marie Classic (Audio)

While Lauryn, Pras, and Wyclef gave Teena Marie's '80s jam "Ooo La La" a classic brush-up back in 1996, another early '90s alum had to carry on tradition. Raekwon's recent rhyming over yesteryear's R&B hits continues, as he flexes his mandible on Teena's 1988 #1 R&B chart-topper. The results are... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ Releases New Song, Talks with Joe Budden & Jalen Rose About Total Slaughter (Video)

The Slaughterhouse crew stays on the grind, together and solo. Even as they are gearing up for the release of their new album, Joe Budden is preparing to battle Hollow Da Don on Saturday and Joell Ortiz is readying a new solo album. Now, Royce Da 5'9" has announced he'll... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Cyhi The Prince References an OutKast Classic on the Remix to Goodnight (Audio)

Cyhi The Prynce flips up OutKast's SpottieOttieDopaliscious on the remix to Goodnight and brings in Scotty ATL for the assist. Check it out. Related: Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Link On CyHi The Prynce’s Huey Remix (Audio)... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Ever Heard of Bob Power? He’s Worked on Some of the Best Hip-Hop & Soul Albums Ever. Here’s His Story (Audio)

For more than 30 years, Bob Power has been one of the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul. The producer, engineer and composer has worked with many of the most respected and influential artists during that time period, including A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Stetsasonic,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

King Chip Makes A Song About Nothing, With Substance (Audio)

Onetime Kid Cudi protege King Chip (f/k/a Chip Tha Ripper) has been working with production outfit Blended Babies recently. The team known for helping Asher Roth find a new, psych-friendly sound fits nicely with the Cleveland, Ohio MC who combines some cold street slang with some youthful counterculture beyond the... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Cozz Is Still Hustling After Signing With J. Cole (Audio)

South Central MC Cozz, who just a few weeks ago signed with J. Cole's Dreamville, drops his latest single, "Knock The Hustle." Producer Que drops the melodic, saxophone laden instrumentals for Cozz's storyboard lyricism about working towards his dreams. Just a few days ago, Cozz jumped to Number 2 on... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Elle Varner & A$AP Ferg Team Up For A Feel Good Summer Jam (Audio)

Introduced by the sample famously featured on Kanye West's "We Don't Care," the production for "Don't Wanna Dance" opens up with popping, "feel good" samples and Elle Varner's soulful R&B vocals that will ironically urge listeners to shake their feet. Enter A$AP Ferg for the perfect audible juxtaposition and a... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pro Era Uncovers Unreleased Music From The Late Capital STEEZ (Audio)

Retro samples from MF Doom's "?" and retro flows from the late Capital STEEZ and Jakk Tha Rhymer, who began their rapping careers as the group 3rd Kind in 2009, hit the airwaves in the form of the track, "Shooting Stars." STEEZ's bars have been cleaned up for the single,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

After Some Harsh Words From Meek Mill, Wale Releases an Introspective New Song (Audio)

After some harsh words from MMG label mate Meek Mill on Twitter, Wale releases a new song. Meek accused Wale of not supporting his new album sufficiently. Wale's response, which took the high road, was that he shows support in different ways and doesn't "fit the mold" of Rap stereotypes.... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

The Party Continues Late Into The Night For Tittsworth, Q-Tip & Theophilus London (Audio)

Bouncing, feet shuffling instrumentals from Tittsworth set the stage for his latest single, "After The Dance." Reminiscent of another feel good, Q-Tip assisted dance cut, "Thank You," Q and Theophilus London hit the dance floor to spit about late night escapades with the ladies and get propped up by Alison... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Verbally & Sonically Chin-Checks All Those Out To Block Him Alongside Yo Gotti (Audio)

DJ Infamous is making some noise lately. The veteran mixmaster links up two of Southern Rap's brightest stars, veterans paying dues that are quickly embraced as new artists in the mainstream. Big K.R.I.T. laces the beat and holds down "Somethin Right." With double-timing flow in Krizzle's second verse, the track... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Step Into Sounds That Rest Between Cloud 9 & The Pearly Gates With SZA’s Moodring (Audio)

SZA, the Top Dawg Entertainement songstress, delivers her imaginative soundscape, "Moodring," to the masses with producer Felix Snow's floating, ethereal Electronic samples and SZA's hazy, emotive vocals. Look out for this single and more on Kitty Cash's upcoming Love The Free Vol. II mixtape, dropping July 22nd. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Talks Chicago Music, Culture, & The “Heat” That Inspired Him & Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)

Days before the release of his 10th studio album, Nobody's Smiling, Common delivers an insightful interview with Combat Jack discussing the inspiration behind his upcoming album (2:45) and the significance of the cover (8:00), Chicago's musical "heat" (11:45), his first encounter with racism (27:30), his experiences with Rev. Jeremiah Wright... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Talks To The New Crop Of MCs With Chuck D Chiming In, Take Heed (Audio)

One week after "Bish Wha?," Rah Digga locks in on her strong return to form. The North Jersey native is a proud product of never conforming to male-standards of how an MC should look, sound, or act. Outside of gender, Digga's stood for a less than popular style of Rap—that... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Usher & Nicki Minaj Interpolate A S.O.S. Band Classic On Another Pharrell Time Machine (Audio)

Pharrell's production over the last 18 months has been interesting. The N*E*R*D front-man drew very close to Marvin Gaye's 1977 wallflower-directed "Got To Give It Up" on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," causing Thicke—who added a stylized delivery, to get some criticism from some purists. Now, Pharrell cooks up Usher's latest... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common & Big Sean Show Off Their Diamonds (Audio)

Following the unveiling of "Speak My Piece" last week (June 30), Common's Nobody's Smiling campaign continues. Teaming with longtime collaborator and onetime G.O.O.D. Music brother (and now Def Jam brother), Big Sean, on "Diamonds," Common's perceived agenda of reaching a new, younger generation with his latest album feels successful, when... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Camp Lo’s Ski Beatz Reunion Has Some Back To The Future Feel To It (Audio)

While they publicly previewed some samplings previously, Camp Lo's reunion with producer Ski Beatz is underway. Today, the Nature Sounds Records artists unveiled the first full, finished glimpse of their upcoming album. "Cold Retarded" features an antiquated expression that Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante helped make famous. However, the sound... Read more

July 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

No Track is Safe From G-Unit. These Beats Ain’t Loyal…(Audio)

These days, no track is safe from being jacked by G-Unit. Their latest release is over Chris Brown's ubiquitous current hit. They leave the hook in tact and take over the verses. These beats ain't loyal...Check it out. Related: G-Unit Borrows YG’s DJ Mustard-Produced Hit Beat (Audio)... Read more

July 5, 2014 Audio

Grab A Plate, Your Old Droog Serves Up Some Free Turkey (Audio)

Over a month since the release of his project,Your Old Droog EP, Your Old Droog drops the funky, EL RTNC assisted production "Free Turkey." The relatively unknown Brooklyn MC took a spin through the rumor mill when he initially hit the scene with hoards of people suggesting that Your Old... Read more

July 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Sheep Dres Releases a Song for His Bride on Their Wedding Day (Audio)

Congratulations to Black Sheep Dres and his bride. Dres met his wife to be 12 years ago and is tying the knot on their anniversary, today (7/4). To commemorate the occasion, he has released a touching song dedicated to the love of his life. Check out "It's On You." Related:... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio

DJ 7L & Frank The Butcher Salute The Artists Sampled On Bad Boy Records Hits (Mixtape)

From Craig Mack to Total, The Notorious B.I.G. to Black Rob, Ma$e to 112, part of what's made Bad Boy Records so catchy in the mainstream has been the label's fearlessness when it's come to sampling. While skeptics may've criticized some of the more obvious recreations at the pinnacle of... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Disclosure Gives Usher’s Good Kisser a Deep House Remix (Audio)

Adding to the growing collection of deep house gems dropping this year, Disclosure serves up Usher's "Good Kisser" with a club-friendly remix. Check it out. Related: Disclosure Puts a House Spin on Pharrell & Jay Z’s Frontin and It’s a Stone Cold Groove (Audio)... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Borrows YG’s DJ Mustard-Produced Hit Beat (Audio)

G-Unit's jackin'-for-beats continues into the holiday weekend. 50 Cent and his cohorts, which now seems to permanently include Kidd Kidd, hop on YG's Drake-assisted My Krazy Life hit, "Who Do You Love?" Keeping the DJ Mustard-produced-song's structure in tact, the quintet brags it up like the old days, and make... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Nas, Rick Ross & Schoolboy Q Join Wiz Khalifa on the Remix to We Dem Boyz (Audio)

Wiz Khalifa switches up "We Dem Boyz" for the remix. He slows it down, injects more melody and adds Nas, Rick Ross and Schoolboy Q. The end result has a different feel but is just as hot. Check it out. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On (Video)... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio

J Dilla’s Music Lives On In Latest Slum Village Cut, We On (Audio)

It's been 8 years since tragedy struck the Hip-Hop world and Detroit based group Slum Village when music producer extraordinaire, J Dilla, passed away as a victim to lupus. Despite his passing, Dilla's music continues to live on in the community, and today Slum Village drops another Dilla soundscape with... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Takes A Swing At An Isley Brothers Classic (Audio)

Raekwon spits a few bars over The Isley Brother's highly recognizable "Footsteps In The Dark." How does this stack up against Ice Cube's classic version, "It Was A Good Day?" Related: Raekwon Gets Open Over Another Hot 90′s R&B Joint. Stop Trippin’ (Audio)... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

June brought some of the best Hip-Hop of the year, so far. We got new music from G-Unit, Common, Marsha Ambrosius & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar, Souls of Mischief, Cormega, Mac Miller & Pete Rock, Black Thought, The Lox, Buckshot, Yasiin Bey & Mannie Fresh, Black Milk, Ice... Read more

July 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Playlists

Black Thought, Action Bronson & Royce Da 5’9 Link On A Statik Selektah Joint (Audio)

Hailing from three different decades of Hip-Hop, Black Thought, Royce Da 5'9, and Action Bronson sound great together. The Roots, Slaughterhouse, and The Outdoorsmen all share a reputation for hard-hitting, rewind-worthy lyrics, which is exactly what producer/host Statik Selektah hoped for when he assembled "The Imperial." Boastful bars shine, as... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Link On CyHi The Prynce’s Huey Remix (Audio)

Soulful vocal samples snare your eardrum as the Black Hystori Project production lays the landscape for the latest CyHi The Prynce cut "Huey (Remix)." The G.O.O.D. Music recording artist laces up his crafty lyricism with Slaughterhouse's Royce Da 5'9" and Joell Ortiz for the remix that initially featured Chicago artist... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Is Not Playing Around. She Hops On A Dipset-Style Beat & Cleans House (Audio)

When it comes to making Rap tracks about Rap, Rah Digga is one of the best. On "Bish Whaaa," she points out that the former affiliate of both Flipmode Squad and The Outsidaz is a 20-year veteran of verbally kicking down doors. With what sounds like a track straight out... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pete Rock Talks Marley Marl, “T.R.O.Y.” & James Brown On NPR (Audio)

Growing up in a large, musically adept Jamaican family, Pete Rock has been groomed to become "passionately in love with music" from his earliest beginnings. The man who's known for creating "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", sits down with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley of... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

The LOX Channel A Fellow Yonkers Legend Alongside Sevyn Streeter (Audio)

The LOX deliver a quintessential cut today (July 2). Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch join buzzing songwriter/soloist Sevyn Streeter for "Remember." With Sevyn harping on Mary J. Blige's "You Remind Me" riffs, the trio recalls the wild late '90s, from late-night Tunnel runs, sidewalk hustling, and the unwavering fight... Read more

July 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raphael Saadiq Honors Bobby Womack With A Touching Tribute Song (Audio)

For over 25 years, Raphael Saadiq has been a true master at honoring the natural lineage of great '60s and '70s Soul and R&B music. The Bay area native has made albums that seem anachronistic at times, like time capsules from the Motown and Essex record label days, with sweet... Read more

July 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

After Plenty Rappers Have Sampled The White Stripes, Jack White Covers Kanye West (Audio)

From Apathy to Jermaine Dupri, Hip-Hop artists have been sampling/covering Jack White and his The White Stripes band for over a decade. These days, Jack White collaborates with Hip-Hop artists, including Black Milk. At a recent tour date in Dublin, Ireland promoting sophomore solo LP, Lazaretto, White covered Kanye West's... Read more

July 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

M.K. Assante Draws Inspiration from Maya Angelou & J. Dilla on My Victory (Audio)

Author, scholar, poet and MC, M.K. Assante, draws inspiration from Maya Angelou and J. Dilla on "My Victory." M.K. sprinkles in his heady verses, accompanied by some words of wisdom from Dr. Angelou and a killer beat from Dilla. Check it out. Related: M.K. Asante Recruits Talib Kweli, Ras Kass... Read more

July 1, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Is Movin’ That Dope, Putting Out Music Like It’s The Early 2000s (Audio)

If you're a Young Buck Head, you'll love G-Unit's latest mixtape track. Hopping on Future's "Move That Dope" instrumental (produced by Mike WiLL Made It), Buck sounds like he did 10 years ago, with a crisp vocal delivery, syncopated flow, and most of all, a strong dose of Cashville confidence.... Read more

July 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You Liked Don’t Quit Your Day Job, You’ll Love Consequence’s New One With Audible Doctor (Audio)

Since becoming a reality TV star (care of "Love & Hip-Hop: New York), Consequence's again made a play for the mainstream. Still, before he was a G.O.O.D. Music hopeful in the mid-2000s, Cons was a A Tribe Called Quest affiliate known for a unique flow, and hard truths. Those skills,... Read more

July 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh