Audio Archives

Did Drake Just Blow Up Jay Z & Kanye’s Throne? 0 to 100. You Do the Math…(Audio)

Drake just released a new track that is deceptively catchy and lyrical. On first listen to the 2-part song, it's easy to get caught up in the dual personality of the track (a la Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2) and skip over the lyrical content. Upon review, however, what's revealed... Read more

June 2, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Releases Their First Song With Young Buck Since 2008 On A Hit-Boy Beat (Audio)

Strategy much? Less than 24 hours after the 2014 Summer Jam onstage reunion, G-Unit entrusts DJ Enuff with their first song (in three years as G-Unit / in six years, with Young Buck). Buck Marley kicks things off with a verse on the quartet's snatching of Hit-Boy's "Know What I'm... Read more

June 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver Talk Legal Tender Over a Soulful Burner (Audio)

Jet Life brothers, Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver, link on a new record about currency, minus crew leader Curren$y. The result is still the same. They deliver laid back, in the pocket flows over a soulful burner. Check out Legal Tender. Related: Trademark Da Skydiver Doubles As Flamingo Barnes... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

Pack Your Bags And Take Off With Mary J. Blige (Audio)

It's been quite some time since Mary J. Blige has released a studio, non-holiday album. At 43 years young, the talented songstress unpacks her latest single, "Suitcase," since her three year long vacation. Upbeat piano keys and club ready electronic production lay the foundation for Ms. Blige to take control... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Heaven Can’t Wait For Common On Kingdom (Audio)

Soothing church house vocals give Common the keys to the "Kingdom" for his latest single. Produced by fellow Chicagoan and frequent collaborator, No I.D., the angelic piece is blessed by Common's new perspective in death as he stands in front of the pearly gates as "Chicago's prodigal son." The track's... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Skyzoo & Torae Get a Rough and Rugged Beat from DJ Premier (Audio)

Skyzoo and Torae's album, Barrel Brothers, hit stores earlier this week. If you're in search of strong lyrics and beats with that BOOM BAP, look no further. Their DJ Premier-produced track, "The Aura," is proof positive. Check it out below and pick up the album here. Related: Skyzoo & Torae’s... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

50 Cent Releases the Full Album Stream for Animal Ambition (Audio)

A lot has been written about the resurgence of 50 Cent since he left Interscope and renewed his grind as an independent artist. The reaction has been with good reason. 50 has been putting out some of his best music in years. The album, Animal Ambition, is set to be... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Rocko & Nas Share A Love For The Hustle (Audio)

One may say that a key component to the "Hustle" of living is the ability to continue to move forward even during tough, dire situations. Atlanta, Georgia veteran rapper Rocko links up with Nas to relive life's struggles over production from Fatboi that emotes the progression of an '80s montage... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kool G Rap & DJ Premier Make Another Joint, Courtesy Of Spe$h. Scratch Chorus Lovers Rejoice (Audio)

Since "First Nigga" back in the Rawkus Records era, DJ Premier has been one of the masters in showcasing Kool G Rap's genius. The former partner of DJ Polo came in the game destroying the silence over beats by Marley Marl, Large Professor, and Dr. Butcher, but these days, Giancana... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Can’t Be Pinned Down Ever. Just Hear Him Alongside Dreezy On No Good (Audio)

When it comes to songs about intimate relationships, Common's usually thought of as rhyming about the upside. While "I Used To Love H.E.R." was a metaphoric breakup with Hip-Hop, "The Light" and "I Want You" are remembered as seductive approaches of harmonious love. On Dreezy's "No Good," Common speaks from... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples & Bad Rabbits Get Made And Go Back To The Future (Audio)

Vince Staples' impressive output continues. This time, the Earl Sweatshirt protege meshes with band Bad Rabbits for Converse's upcoming CONS EP Vol. 2 project. The result is a groovy, Electro-Funk backdrop with Vince rapping some autobiographical truths, and a crescendo chorus. Is Vince ready for the proper retail album on... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s the Official Mixtape for the 7th Annual Roots Picnic (Mixtape)

The 7th annual Roots Picnic will be held on May 31st in Philadelphia and headlined by Snoop Dogg, backed by The Roots. As has become tradition, they have released a mixtape to accompany the event, featuring many of those who will be performing. This year's edition features The Roots, Snoop,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Audio

Here’s Another Timeless Blend of Marvin Gaye & Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) (Audio & Video)

Earlier this year, Amerigo Gazaway released Inner City Travelin' Man, one of the better projects of the year. The album blended the music and vocals of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), under the collective name of Yasiin Gaye. Gazaway is readying part 2 of the release, Yasiin... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Video

BADBADNOTGOOD Is The One Degree That Separates Ghostface Killah & Danny Brown In New Track (Audio)

The juxtaposition of Ghostface Killah's deep, gritty, guttural vocals and Danny Brown's high-pitched tones are the perfect combination to accentuate the storytellers' raw, uninhibited lyrics that float over seemingly simple, pacing production from Toronto Jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD. "Six Degrees" may apply to the differing-but-similar styles between 'Face and D.B., and... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era Call For The Shift (EP Stream)

Through Scion A/V, Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era clique surprised Heads with a five-song EP, The Shift. Released today (May 27), this release includes Joey, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly and the rest of the gang. As the group shies away from formal releases, how do you think this holds... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mayhem Lauren & Buckwild Build Some Silk Pyramids In Stereo (Album Stream)

A day early, Mayhem Lauren's studio debut album, Silk Pyramids is available for free audio stream. The album is a joint effort with Bronx, New York producer/D.I.T.C. member Buckwild. Lauren is previously known for his Outdoorsmen work and touring alongside Action Bronson. He began recording album known as Self-Induced Illness... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Skyzoo & Torae’s Barrel Brothers Has Plenty Of Ammo (Album Stream)

After a sampler, a mixtape, and two singles, Torae & Skyzoo's Barrel Brothers album is available for free, full stream a day before it releases to the public. DJ Premier (who twice helped bring these two together in the collective consciousness), Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, !llmind, Oh No, and Sean... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

It’s A Bronx Thing When Two Giants In The Mental, Kool Keith & A.G. Rock Out (Audio)

In the early 1990s, two of the finest, most innovative MCs in Hip-Hop were Kool Keith and A.G. From respected outfits Ultramagnetic MC's and Showbiz & A.G., respectively, these men found frontier rhyme patterns and regularly traced their verses back to Hip-Hop's origins. Such is the case for "Eldorado." Both... Read more

May 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fire Up the BBQ and Let This Old School Mix Turn Up the Heat (Audio)

A few years ago, DJ Spinbad put together this short but killer Memorial Day BBQ Mix. Its Old School blends featuring The Jackson 5, Soul II Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Main Source, Nas, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Biggie, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and much more... Read more

May 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Jeru The Damaja Tells the Story of the Making of The Sun Rises in the East (Audio)

Today (5/24), marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jeru The Damaja's album The Sun Rises in the East. Here's a super dope podcast, by Up North Trips, featuring Jeru, himself, narrating the stories behind the making of the album, track by track. Check out the podcast below and... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Throwback

From Yeezus to God Level: New Music From Kanye West (Audio)

Update: Sources have confirmed the track is in fact called "God Level" and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer 88-Keys. Both friends and collaborators, this is not the first time Kanye and 88 have worked together. Most people know 88-Keys for his stellar production on Ye and Jay's "No... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Video

Crooked I Joins Canibus in Wrecking a New Track (Audio)

Lately, there hasn't been a track Crooked I met that he didn't wreck. The trend continues on Canibus' new song, aptly titled Wreck Room, which also features Nino Graye and Flawless the MC. Check it out below. Related: Canibus Proclaims The End Of Days With His Latest Bass Heavy Relaease... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio

Barrel Brothers Collide With Random Axe In All In Together (Audio)

All In Together Now was one of the pre-Wu-Tang names for the beginnings of the Wu-Tang Clan. Two established cliques made in the spirit of super-groups, Barrel Brothers (Torae & Skyzoo) and Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson & Black Milk) cross paths on "All In Together." As expected, the... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Discover The Art Of Chill With Nitty Scott, MC (Mixtape)

Nitty Scott, MC unleashes her latest mixtape, The Art Of Chill. From the smooth, Electronic samples of "Apex" to the powerful, horn laden cut, "U.F.O.," this 15 track project is great way to kick off the long weekend. The Brooklyn, New York-based artist is definitely well on her way to... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Domingo Sets The Table For 3 Legends In KRS-One, Kool G Rap & Greg Nice (Audio)

In the late 1980s, the notion of KRS-One and Kool G Rap on the same track was unheard of. In the midst of "The Bridge Wars," KRS-One was in the middle of a war of the boroughs, championing The Bronx against Queens' Marley Marl and MC Shan, surrounding the birthplace... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

D-Nice Recalls The Day Of Scott La Rock’s Murder, Reveals That After BDP, He Battled Homelessness (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's most resilient figures is D-Nice. The Human TR-808 came into vogue as an MC, down with KRS-One, Scott La Rock, and Boogie Down Productions. Rolling with one of the late '80s most ferocious Hip-Hop outfits, D-Nice became B.D.P.'s most prominent off-shoot, signing a solo deal with Jive... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

J Dilla’s Sought-After Collaboration With Supa Dave West Comes To The Light (Audio)

Not even at the halfway mark, 2014 has been especially big in unreleased J Dilla/Jay Dee music. The Slum Village co-founder's unheard gems continue to surface, this time by way of a collaboration with "Supa" Dave West. The De La Soul, Talib Kweli, and E-40 producer had a particular knock... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Give Some Wrek-ognition To New Tracks From Kap Kallous, ¡Mayday! & Murs (Audio)

Spirited, emotive instrumentals captivate listeners with an experimental single from ¡Mayday! and Murs that strays away from the stereotypical. "Here" boasts introspective lyrics from Murs, Bernz, and Wrekonize that may be a deeper look into their past, addressing the artists' attempt to find their place in life and in music.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ab-Soul & Action Bronson Do Damage On Soulo’s New Track (Audio)

Ab-Soul's new album, These Days, is coming. Soon. As TDE readies the release for next month, here's a new song that features Soulo, Action Bronson and Asaad getting busy on a dark and moody track. Check out Stigmata below. Related: Ab-Soul Breaks Down the Tree of Life on His Latest... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Here’s Yet Another Reason to Pick Up The Roots’ Dope New Album (Audio)

The Roots released their dope new concept album, ...and then you shoot your cousin, earlier in the week. It stands up to their finest work in quality and concept. They have released another single in support of the album. Check out The Dark (Trinity). You can pick up the full... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

GQ is Next Up in 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Audio)

10+ years after the release of Little Brother's debut album, The Listening, 9th Wonder is still making moves behind the boards and behind the scenes. His Jamla Records roster includes artists like Rapsody and one of the most talented producer corps in the game. GQ is another soldier in 9th's... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

KRS-One Returns Alongside Domingo, Chris Rivers, Bamboo & R.A. The Rugged Man (Audio)

From the raw streets of East New York, Domingo is a veteran producer known for sharing an updated boom-bap sound with the likes of KRS-One, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, and Canibus. A frequent worker on major label and independent LPs, Domingo has also released an assortment of his own... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Earliest Mentor, DJ Mister Cee Laid Down A Biggie Birthday Mix (Audio)

Before Puff Daddy, before Heavy D, before even Easy Mo Bee, it was DJ Mister Cee who took musical interest in a young Christopher Wallace. Mister Cee was a Brooklyn big-shot back in 1992, known as a fixture for DJ'ing and producing for Big Daddy Kane and others, as part... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Marvelous Mag & Smoovth Ship Off Their Message In A Bottle Dedicated To The Late J Dilla (Audio)

Velvety, relaxing, Jazz-laden production from veteran producer J. Rawls (Black Star, Lone Catalysts) lays the soundscape for Marvelous Mag and Smoovth to take over their latest track dedicated to the late J Dilla. Be sure to "Enjoy Yourself" with Marvelous Mag's latest mixtape, Ocean Front, that washed to shore yesterday.... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Nicki Minaj Releases a Deeply Personal Record for Her First Single (Audio)

In many ways, Nicki Minaj has returned to her 2010 form with the release of Pills N Potions, her first single from the forthcoming album The Pinkprint. Her look is toned down, relative to recent styles, and the single is deeply personal akin to songs like Your Love and Moment... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio

Black Sheep’s Dres Says We Can All Share (Audio)

In what appears to be a revival of Tommy Boy Records, Black Sheep front man Dres begins a new solo venture. The mentor to Chi-Ali and Jarobi's evitaN partner released "We Can All Share" via NahRight. The song shows the 25-year veteran and Native Tongues member has only gained ground... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Stream Terrace Martin’s New LP ft Snoop, Kendrick Lamar & More (Audio)

Terrace Martin has released 3ChordFold Pulse, which features new material from Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Robert Glasper and more. This project showcases Martin's jazz chops even more than the incredibly soulful original 3ChordFold project. Check out the full stream below.... Read more

May 20, 2014 Audio

Nitty Scott, MC Takes Flight on U.F.O. (Audio)

Nitty Scott, MC gets busy on a new track with a thumping beat and muted horns. Her new project, The Art of Chill, releases on Friday. Until then, check out U.F.O. (Unfiltered Offering). Related: Nitty Scott, MC’s Second Art Of Chill Single Is Produced By Ski Beatz (Audio)... Read more

May 20, 2014 Audio

Two Dedicated Artists, Mariah Carey & Nas Cook Up A Little Heat (Audio)

Mariah Carey and Nas have worked together before on the sultry remix to the track, "Make It Last Forever." Now, the mesmerizing songstress and the Queensbridge artist cook up yet another spicy dish to make you sweat with, "Dedicated." The tantalizingly smooth production from Hit-Boy perfectly accentuates Carey's incredibly sharp... Read more

May 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Roc Marciano Fits Snugly On A Cold To The Bone Apollo Brown Beat (Audio)

Mello Music Group's Apollo Brown lines up with regular label affiliate Roc Marciano for "Lonely & Cold." The bonus cut from Thirty Eight lives up to its name as the Detroit, Michigan mainstay producer/member of The Left links with the U.N. veteran, in his latest in a series of top-shelf feature spots.... Read more

May 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Travel Back To A Different NYC Hip-Hop Climate In Rast RFC’s Across West 3rd Street (Mixtape)

Heads may not know of Rast RFC immediately. However, the Downtown swinger's name means much more in the graffiti world than immediately to most Rap listeners. A member of the RFC crew, Rast represents that late '90s, early 2000s-era New York City youth that made panel vans cringe in horror,... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

J. Rawls & Masta Ace Bemoan The Bills That We All Get (Audio)

As we collectively approach a new first of the month, leave it to Lone Catalysts' J. Rawls & The eMC's Masta Ace to make a funky explanation about how those "Bills" run our lives. Ace, who regularly externalizes his rhymes when he's being self-deprecating, waxes some Everyman poetic. Rawls laces... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Feel The Wrath Of Bodega Bamz & Raekwon’s Lyrical Assault (Audio)

Just a few short days after Raekwon and Bodega Bamz dropped their infectious Scram Jones-produced track, the New York-bred artists release another winner sporting heavy bass lines, a captivating vocal loop, and an anthemic hook to accentuate Rae and Bamz' lyrical carnage. Catch this and more on Bamz's upcoming collaborative... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cormega Calls Out The Industry Over A Smooth Large Professor Beat (Audio)

If anybody can be skeptical of record industry tactics, it's Queens veteran Cormega. "'Mega Montana" famously turned down a management offer from Steve Stoute, costing him a founder's spot in The Firm. When Nas, AZ, and Foxy Brown inked a mid-90s deal with Interscope/Aftermath, Cormega was abruptly replaced by The... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Join Lupe Fiasco On A Mission To Fight Cancer (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco has been well known for his spirited involvement in humanitarian ideologies. For instance, his 2011 project, L.A.S.E.R.S., called for the "end of the glamorization of negativity in media" and for "the invisible walls that separate by wealth, race & class to be torn down." In a similar light,... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

T.I. Might Be About The Money, But He’s Still Got His Skills In Making Great Rap Music (Audio)

Few Rap stars have the ability to find the kind of balance that T.I. does. The ATL trap veteran is able to seemingly always appease his core audience, while growing the circle through catchy production, out of genre guest-work, and Euro-Dance samples. Gearing up for Paperwork, Tip continues what he... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Look Back To An Ill 1998 Future Flavas Freestyle From The Last Days Of A Tribe Called Quest (Audio)

Heads may remember the late '90s, early 2000s HOT 97 "Future Flavas" radio show hosted by Marley Marl and Pete Rock. In the glory days of underground Hip-Hop, this show bridged the gap between old school and emerging greats, with two legends on the boards, transmitting to the tri-state. This... Read more

May 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Here’s a Mix of Some of the Brilliant British Soul From the 80’s & 90’s (Audio)

It's been called Acid Jazz, British Soul and other names. Whatever the description, it was fresh. Here's a mix of the many artists from the 80's and 90's who brought the funk from across the pond. You'll hear music from Soul II Soul, Loose Ends, Jamiroquai, Terrence Trent D'Arby, Incognito,... Read more

May 18, 2014 Audio

Cormega’s Releases Raekwon-Assisted Honorable, Mega Philosophy Album To Be Produced Entirely By Large Professor (Audio)

With the release of "Honorable" (embedded below), it's been confirmed that Cormega's upcoming album, Mega Philosophy, will release on July 22. The Queens MC, and former late '90s Def Jam Records hopeful confirmed the news this week, with sites including Ambrosia For Heads. Black Rob, Nature, AZ, Redman, Styles P, Raekwon,... Read more

May 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Skyzoo & Torae Release a Mix From The Barrel Brothers’ Chamber (Audio)

Skyzoo & Torae, The Barrel Brothers, are releasing their joint album on 5/27. Until then, they've released a mix stacked full of some of the heat they've fired off previously. Check out Pre-Loaded: The Best of The Barrel Brothers, mixed by DJ E-Holla, below. Related: Here's a Sampler From The... Read more

May 17, 2014 Audio