News Archives

Want to Hear Snippets of Run the Jewels’ Remix Project? Cat Got Your Tongue? (Video)

Is there any musical act bolder than Run the Jewels? In just two short years, the lethal combination of El-P and Killer Mike, has established itself as one of the most innovative, risk-taking and hard-hitting musical acts...in any genre. Their music is dark and aggressive, without sacrificing melody. Their lyrics... Read more

January 25, 2015 Video

The Beatles’ Paul McCartney To Co-Produce Kanye West’s Seventh LP? An Insider Says So…

Thirteen months since Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were slated to produce "the bulk" of Kanye West's seventh solo album, a follow-up to 2013's Yeezus, a new iconic name enters the fold. Paul McCartney, of The Beatles, Wings, and nothing short of a legendary solo career is the latest name attributed... Read more

January 25, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah’s Supreme Clientele Turns 15 Years Old & Remains Mighty Healthy

Fifteen years ago today (January 25, 2000), Ghostface Killah hit the 21st century off with a would-be classic album, in his sophomore, Supreme Clientele. The sophomore release from the Staten Island, New Yorker and Wu-Tang Clan co-founder remains in strong debate as G.F.K.'s finest work. The Epic/Razor Sharp Records effort... Read more

January 25, 2015 Throwback

Ever See These Big L, O.C. and Lord Finesse Freestyles? Get Down with D.I.T.C. (Video)

D.I.T.C. The name stood for Diggin' in the Crates, in part because of the membership of acclaimed producers like Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, but make no mistake, the crew was also about those BARS. Here's a look back at some vintage interviews of Big L and Lord Finesse, two... Read more

January 24, 2015 Throwback

Yelawolf Performs an Acoustic Version of Til It’s Gone with Travis Barker (Video)

Yelawolf went on a blues rock tear last year with a series of freestyle releases over songs by Pink Floyd, The Doors and Jimi Hendrix. The sound spilled over into his song Til It's Gone from his forthcoming Love Story album. He recently performed an acoustic version of the song... Read more

January 24, 2015 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Made Mind Control For Outkast, Talks Guests He Wanted For Cadillactica (Video)

Hip-Hop always loves a good what-if. Sitting down with Southern Rap mixtape mainstay DJ Smallz, Big K.R.I.T. feels comfortable enough to share some of the what-if's surrounding his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica. For starters, the E-40 & Wiz Khalifa-assisted "Mind Control" was made with another duo in mind. Having... Read more

January 24, 2015 Video

Detroit Vs. Everybody: How One City Staged a Hip-Hop Takeover (Editorial)

Detroit, Michigan is historically, a fighter’s city. The sharp elbows of the Bad Boy-era Pistons, the unbreakable spirit of the autoworkers through the decline of the industry’s bountifulness, and the cold, harsh conditions of everyday life make for the Great Lakes State to be rugged, never smooth. In the context... Read more

January 24, 2015 Food for Thought

Pharcyde, Jurassic 5 & D.I.T.C. Forces Unite In This Animation (Video)

Slimkid3 (Tre Harbison) and DJ Nu-Mark released a jewel of an LP last year, on the Delicious Vinyl label no less. Among the highlights within the self-titled effort is "King," alongside Diamond D and K-Natural. For the video, the quartet (hailing from legendary crews including The Pharcyde, Jurassic 5, and... Read more

January 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Tupac vs. Big Boi…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 23, 2015 Fresh

An Animated Action Bronson Guest Stars on Lucas Bros. Moving Co. (Video)

Action Bronson and Questlove made guest appearances last night on FXX's animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Co. The show is built around Kenny and Keith Lucas, twin brothers who are NYC-based stand up comedians. The pair run a moving company in the series. In the most recent episode, Bronson plays... Read more

January 23, 2015 TV

Eminem, Royce Da 5’9″, Big Sean & Danny Brown Claim Detroit Vs. Everybody (Video)

After all the hype behind the "Detroit Vs. Everybody" movement and the Shady XV album, Eminem has gotten together with Royce Da 5'9", Big Sean, Danny Brown, DeJ Loaf, and Trick Trick to release a music video for the song. Similar to the "Shady XV Cypher", the video features each... Read more

January 23, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & DOOM’s Single Turns Into a Grindhouse Movie Visual (Video)

Fans of Ghostface Killah and DOOM are typically lovers of deep references, and retro style. Even when the MCs crossed paths a decade ago on DangerDOOM's "The Mask," the song and the album were littered with 1960s and 1970s sonic cues, samples, and images from a childhood that Dennis Coles,... Read more

January 23, 2015 Video

Hip-Hop’s Fashion Innovation The Subject Of A New Documentary Film By Sacha Jenkins (Trailer)

From the Cold Crush Brothers to A$AP Rocky, Hip-Hop culture has always been fashion-forward. From sneakers with fat laces (or no laces at all), to eyeglasses frames, jewelry, bluejeans, tailored suits, sports apparel, sunglasses, flannel shirts, ski goggles, beanies, bubble-goose jackets, skullies, and leather duffel bags, there are legions of... Read more

January 23, 2015 Throwback

Lupe Fiasco Says He Will Never Do Interviews After This. It’s a Great One (Video)

Earlier this week Lupe Fiasco released his fifth (and reported final) album on Atlantic Records, Tetsuo & Youth, and has been making his media rounds to promote the album. In this interview on Sway In The Morning, he dropped a bomb saying that he will no longer be doing any... Read more

January 23, 2015 Fresh, Video

Ever Heard This LL Cool J Freestyle From the 80’s? He’s in Ripper Mode (Audio)

From the moment he walked into the scene in Krush Groove and yelled "BOX," LL Cool J established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most magnetic and fearsome MCs. Before the love songs and the radio appeal, there was Jack the Ripper who was nothing but a microphone destroyer. Here's a... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: The Roots – Silent Treatment (Video)

In the last week, The Roots' sophomore album Do You Want More?!!!??! turned 20 years old. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania band's first foray with the Top 200 and the charts altogether, D.Y.W.M. was recorded throughout 1993 and 1994, following the collective's debut, Organix. On some early editions, the DGC (Geffen Records)... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Pete Rock & Slum Village Announce A Bunch Of 2015 Tour Dates Together

Collaborators since 2000's Fantastic, Vol. 2, Pete Rock and Slum Village are going on the road together. The influential Mount Vernon, New York MC/producer/DJ joined by T3, Illa J, and Young RJ have announced more than 25 United States dates, beginning February 7, with an appearance (both acts) at Dilla... Read more

January 22, 2015 Fresh

Lupe Fiasco “Delivers” On Late Night With Seth Meyers (Video)

Grammy Award winning artist Lupe Fiasco hit the stage for Seth Meyers' Late Night on NBC to perform his latest single, "Deliver," to a live studio audience. Lupe, who despite his waxing and waning relationship with Atlantic Records, was able to digitally release his long awaited album, Tetsuo & Youth,... Read more

January 22, 2015 Fresh, Video

Happy Birthday to DJ Jazzy Jeff. Celebrate with This Amazing Mix (Mixtape)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable DJ Jazzy Jeff who turned the tender young age of 50 today (1/22). If you've ever had the privilege of attending a set spun by Jeff, you know NOBODY goes harder or digs deeper in the crates than him. So, on his birthday, what better... Read more

January 22, 2015 Mixes

Starz Unveils the Trailer for Season 2 of Power and It’s Looking Strong (Video)

Starz's original series Power took many by surprise when it premiered last year. The show, which is executive produced by Curtis "50 Cent" and stars Omari Hardwick (Being Mary Jane), Naturi Naughton (Notorious), 50 and others, was a fresh new take on the proverbial crime boss who is trying to... Read more

January 22, 2015 TV

Joey Bada$$ Breaks Down Malia Obama Situation On Sway In The Morning (Video)

B4.Da.$$ season is in full effect as Joey Bada$$ makes his rounds at all the major radio stations and talk shows. This time, Joey stopped by Sway In The Morning for an interview where he gave his perspective on some publicity thrown his way and broke down some lyrics from... Read more

January 22, 2015 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MCA vs. Slick Rick…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 22, 2015 Throwback

Jhene Aiko Shows Off Her Many Personalities In “Spotless Mind” (Video)

The Grammy-nominated Jhene Aiko has just released a new music video for her Souled Out single, "Spotless Mind." While the song is about her wandering on her own through life, constantly changing, the video shows her with a love interest (her real-life child's father O'Ryan) who just can't keep up,... Read more

January 22, 2015 Fresh, Video

Lewis Parker, Eastkoast, El Da Sensei & Shabaam Sahdeeq Make A Joint Worthy Of Soundbombing (Audio)

Yesterday (January 20), Joey Bada$$' B4.Da.$$ hit shelves and digital outlets as a callback to the lyrical, free-form, expressionist Hip-Hop from the East Coast of the late 1990s. Not a throwback exactly, Brooklyn's Bada$$ studied the O.G.'s, listened to the tapes, and aimed to show the grassroots take on Hip-Hop,... Read more

January 21, 2015 Audio

Fat Joe & Troy Ave Flow Release the Ultra Soulful How U Luv That (Audio)

After more than 20 years in the game, Fat Joe continues to keep himself relevant while staying true to the flow he cultivated in the early 90's. The Bronx MC and Terror Squad leader links up with Brooklyn's Troy Ave on an ultra soulful track in "How U Luv That."... Read more

January 21, 2015 Audio

Run-DMC’s King Of Rock Turns 30 Years Old & Remains Great

Run-DMC's sophomore album, King Of Rock, reached record store stands 30 years ago today (January 21, 1985). Released on the Profile label, the effort from the Hollis, Queens trio barely missed the Billboard Top 50, but remained a highlight within the group's discography. Following the self-titled LP's boom-bap style, Run,... Read more

January 21, 2015 Throwback

Phat Kat & Elzhi Keep The Chemistry Strong, Over A Flip Beat (Lyric Video)

Less than two months removed from their own "Detroit vs. Everybody" rendition, "All Madden" Phat Kat and Elzhi are back in action. Australian producer Flip brought the D-boys together for "Without Warning." A lyric video does the moment and the energy proud, with color, images, and style. Flip's LP, Reflections... Read more

January 21, 2015 Video

Delorean Is Swishahouse Certified, Alongside Slim Thug, Paul Wall & Lil KeKe (Video)

Houston's Delorean has been one to watch for some time now. He's lyrical, but true to his region's slang, style, and aesthetic. One of his true coming out moments is the "Picture Me Swangin' Remix." Here, Del' links with some H-Town royalty, including Screwed Up Click alum Lil KeKe, as... Read more

January 21, 2015 Video

Rhymesayers Is An Indie Juggernaut. 20 Years Deep, Atmosphere Looks Back (Video)

Today, Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Rhymesayers Entertainment has not only become a tall-standing music beacon within the Twin Cities, the label has recruited notable outsiders such as MF DOOM, Freeway, Jake One, Aesop Rock, Abstract Rude and Blueprint for releases. These days, RSE—like Strange Music, Rostrum, or TDE, knows how to rock... Read more

January 21, 2015 Video

Killer Mike & Crooked I Run Their Mouths Eloquently For DJ EFN’s Album (Audio)

DJ EFN is a Miami music scene mainstay. From his work with N.O.R.E. to his legendary underground tapes, EFN gets Hip-Hop on a global level. This is evident from EFN's Crazy Hood platform too. "If U Run" is the critical first look from March 3's Another Time. The LP spans... Read more

January 21, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kanye West vs. Ja Rule…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 21, 2015 Fresh

Blu, Skyzoo & Kool G Rap Get Remixed By Large Professor, Diamond D & More (Album Stream)

Coalmine Records loves a remix. The Brooklyn, New York-based independent label mined their catalog, including joints from Blu, Heltah Skeltah, El Da Sensei, Guilty Simpson, Kool G Rap, Royce Da 5'9", Skillz, and more, and issued up some new remixes. The handiwork on the flips comes from the heralded likes... Read more

January 21, 2015 Audio

Chali 2na Shoots, Directs & Edits A New Visual With The Same Old Dazzling Flow (Video)

While he is a Los Angeles Hip-Hop mainstay, Chali 2na hails from the streets of Chicago, Illinois. You can hear that in "Stand Up," where the Jurassic 5/Ozomatli MC uses a pinball-like delivery of compound rhymes to state his place in Rap. The beat and the flow takes a shape-shift... Read more

January 21, 2015 Video

Run The Jewels Get All The Way REAL With This Amazing Teen Love Advice (Video)

On their two albums, Run The Jewels are arrogant, violent, uncompromising, and domineering. Oh yeah, they're thoughtful, informed, and socially responsible too. But part of what makes this group great is that, they have no pressure, concern, or fear to be anything other than themselves. R.T.J. can be gentle, sensitive,... Read more

January 20, 2015 Video

Red Pill Goes To Work While Oddisee Goes Diggin’ (Audio)

Red Pill is moving fast with a battery in his back. After a few years of payin' dues (or as he says on "Smile," 10,000 hours), the Lansing, Michigan MC and Ugly Heroes member may have found the perfect home at Mello Music Group. Fresh off of speaking up about... Read more

January 20, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Returns With Sophomore LP, MF DOOM & The Artifacts Are Involved

Nearly 15 years removed from The Cold Vein, New York City underground Hip-Hop heroes Cannibal Ox have announced their return. Vast Aire and Vordul Mega announced today (January 20), that Blade Of The Ronin will commemorate their return, March 3, 2015. The release will come from the artists' own IGC... Read more

January 20, 2015 Fresh

Set The Winter To Music, With An Intricate Batch Of Khrysis Instrumentals (Mixtape)

For more than a decade, Khrysis got joints. Whether with the Away Team, Soul Council, or just showin' out with his Jamla squad, Khry' supplies beats that are big on nod factor. Highlights span Add-2 & Khrysis' "Death Of Chicago," Sean Price's "Onion Head," and Little Brother's "After The Party,"... Read more

January 20, 2015 Mixes

Scarface Gets Deep on a Hard Track with Roosh Williams (Audio)

Houston MC Roosh Williams has been percolating for a while but he seems poised for a break out year in 2015. After releasing a creative Mortal Kombat-themed video for his song, "Unorthodox," he returns with a hard track featuring none other than the big homie from H-Town, Scarface. This is... Read more

January 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Drake vs. Big Sean…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 20, 2015 Fresh

R.A. The Rugged Man Makes An Artful & Powerful Indictment Against The Media (Video)

Back in 2013, Long Island, New York Hip-Hop veteran R.A. The Rugged Man released a monster in Legends Never Die. The Nature Sounds release garnered due praise, and one of the dense moments within was the track "Media Midgets." Produced by 20-plus-year collaborator Buckwild (D.I.T.C.) and mixed by super-engineer Chris... Read more

January 20, 2015 Video

On His 20th Birthday & B4.Da.$$ Release Date, Joey Bada$$ Reflects In Song (Audio)

In just 20 years on Earth, Joey Bada$$ has accomplished a ton. That being said, January 20, 2015 may be the biggest day in his life to date. Hours ago, the Brooklyn, New York released his debut album, B4.Da.$$, and turned 20 years old at the same time. The benchmark... Read more

January 20, 2015 Audio

Crooked I & King Tech Are Masters At Their Crafts…But Graffiti Isn’t One Of Them (Video)

King Tech is one of the true masters of Hip-Hop radio, thanks to his and Sway's Wake Up Show, which lives on today. Along the way, Tech has produced albums, coordinated freestyles, and shined the light on legends, while giving way to emerging voices including Eminem, Tech N9ne, and Crooked... Read more

January 20, 2015 Video

DJ Premier Crosses The Ocean To Make A Rowdy Cut For England’s Four Owls (Audio)

From Craig David to the Brand New Heavies, DJ Premier has been one of the Hip-Hop mainstays who has been open with overseas collaboration. The Gang Starr producer/DJ seemingly sees no boundaries in Hip-Hop, and has been particularly open to making joints with artists from the United Kingdom. That quality... Read more

January 20, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Is Taking A Big Step This Week. He’s Ready, With A Freestyle (Video)

Today (January 20) welcomes Joey Bada$$' debut, B4.Da.$$ to the marketplace and music shop shelves. Backed by Sony Red, the Cinematic/Pro Era release includes production contributions from DJ Premier, The Roots, and Statik Selektah, among others. The moment also capsules a five-year rise to prominence, since the Brooklyn, New Yorker... Read more

January 20, 2015 Video

Killer Mike Looks At Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In A Different, Timeless Light

In his latest journalistic pursuit, Killer Mike reflected on the life and holiday memorial surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing at Okayplayer, Mike applied Dr. King's message to 2015, and urged the followers of the Civil Rights martyr and his own fans to raise their level of action. An... Read more

January 19, 2015 Fresh

Eazy-E & Bone Thugs-N-Harmony 1994 Interview Surfaces…Glimpse The O.G.’s (Video)

In many ways, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was Eazy-E's final act of greatness. The Compton Gangsta Rap mogul looked to Ohio to find a quintet that sounded like nothing else in the space. Krazyie, Layzie, Wish, Bizzy, and Flesh-N-Bone combined G-Funk with Gospel with Midwest choppin' to provide a style that stood... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

It’s An Aftermath Party…Dr. Dre & Black Hippy Come Out For Game’s 10th Anniversary

Game has had a curious relationship with the label who helped bring him to stardom—and that doesn't mean G-Unit. Only one of Game's albums was an official Aftermath Entertainment release—the 2005 major label debut that turned 10 years old yesterday: The Documentary. While Jayceon Taylor has remained a flagship act... Read more

January 19, 2015 Video

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Owes A Lot Of Thanks To Stevie Wonder, Read Why…

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is a lot to remember and think about in the first place. One of the items, is making the holiday in the first place. Following Dr. King's 1968 assassination, one of the millions of people whose world was rocked was... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Nas vs. Big L…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

What If The Wire Was Set In Gentrified Brooklyn? Kevin Hart Illustrates… (Video)

HBO's "The Wire" awakened a multitude of viewers to the grittiness of Baltimore, Maryland's underbelly. The hit show magnificently highlighted the total characterization of the drug trade, from corner-boys, to kingpins, henchman, to police officers, media, government, and transporters. David Simon's crime drama has been off the air for almost... Read more

January 18, 2015 TV