News Archives

D12 Reportedly In The Studio With Eminem, Working On First Album In 10 Years

While few things can trump these reports of an Outkast reunion, Eminem and D12 fans got some welcomed news this week. Mark Bass, one half of The Bass Brothers production team that worked with Em and his crew since before the major label days ("Cum On Everybody," "Kim"), told The... Read more

January 23, 2014 Fresh

Astro Drops His 2nd Banger in 2 Days. MCs, Get Your Bars Up. Here’s I Don’t Know (Audio)

Here's another TOUGH new joint from Astro--the 2nd in 2 days. Check out I Don't Know. If you don't know, now you know... Related: Astro Buries The Sound Boys In Brooklyn (Audio) Props on the Spot: DJ Booth... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio

Wale Writes A Letter Explaining Why He’s Not Using Twitter Much, Addresses Listener Criticism

Ms. Lauryn Hill and Lil Wayne are not the only artists writing open letters. From his EveryBlueMoon site, Wale has broken a silence on why the once deeply-active, sometimes-controversial Twitter user has shied away from the social media platform. The Maybach Music Group MC's Twitter account shows that he largely... Read more

January 22, 2014 Fresh

Need Lyricism? Locksmith Has Got You Covered on House of Games (Video)

Locksmith is back with complex wordplay and a video that features a collage of scenes from classic movies. Check out House of Games. Related: Locksmith – The Green Box (Mixtape)... Read more

January 22, 2014 Video

Moe Green Brings Props To His Delivery For His New OutCrowd 110 Group (Video)

Bay Area sensation Moe Green has been steadily building a buzz over the last five years. As a live performer, Moe can command attention with his animation and charisma. Viewers of his new "110" video from his collaborative group with Touchscreen Tell will feel this too. Moe pushes his words... Read more

January 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

GQ & Khrysis Pick Up Where Slick Rick’s Mona Lisa Left Off (Audio)

It was cold how Mona Lisa sang (courtesy of a cut-in Dionne Warwick) to "walk on by." Well, 25 years later Jamla's basketball star-turned-professional MC GQ picks up in that same frame of mind, rappin' on a Khrysis flip of the beat that Heads have known for years. This comes... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mister Cee Opens Up To GQ, Says That Biggie Smalls Would Have Stood By Him

This is a week for the Heads that love to read. Following this week's Kanye West and Steve McQueen conversation in Interview magazine, GQ pulls out the big guns with Mister Cee in a story that's been in the works for almost four months. After the on-air discussion with HOT... Read more

January 22, 2014 Fresh

Tito Lopez Earns The Pound Cake Beat With A Straight Talk Freestyle (Audio)

With so many artists, once in a while they make those real, talking to you tracks every so often, and Heads rejoice. Since 2010, Gulfport, Mississippi's Tito Lopez never seems to step out of that late. From Dr. Dre co-signs and Capitol Records deals, people are recognizing. Overtop the Boi-1da... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Astro Buries The Sound Boys In Brooklyn (Audio)

"I'm reppin' my Brooklyn legends" - Astro Astro is getting sharper by the minute. The Brooklyn, New York MC unveiled "Sound Boy Burial." Not a Smif N Wessun cover at all (the flow is more Reasonable Doubt-era Jay Z, if anything), the record essentially honors all of the above. Over... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Trae Tha Truth Raps As DJ Fresh Reworks Some Familiar Sounds Into Dope Beats (EP Stream)

Trae Tha Truth pumps out music at a rate that rivals only Statik Selektah. The Screwed Up Click alum and ABN (Asshole By Nature) general makes mixtapes, albums and a steady stream of collaborations that have taken him from cult-followed obscurity to a nationally-televised face, courtesy of his Hustle Gang... Read more

January 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jam Master Jay Would Be 49 Years Old This Week. See His Son & DJ Scratch Pay Tribute (Video)

Yesterday (January 21) was Jam Master Jay's birthday. The late DJ/founding member of Run-DMC would have been 49 years old—which is a reminder of just what kind of turntable prodigy he was. In memory of JMJ, his son TJ Mizell (who is a rising sensation behind the wheels of steel... Read more

January 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

Penalty Records Is Back. Guess Who Their First Signing Is…

Penalty Records put out some great Hip-Hop in the 1990s. Whether they know it or not, consumers of Capone-N-Noreaga's The War Report, Lord Finesse's The Awakening, and Crooked Lettaz' Grey Skies supported the New York City label. Neil Levine, a founder of Penalty, has re-launched the brand, now as Penalty... Read more

January 21, 2014 Fresh

Bishop Nehru Follows in the Footsteps of DJ Premier & Creates a Blazing Collabo with Disclosure (Audio)

Last month, DJ Premier did a remix to Disclosure's song Latch that both introduced the UK duo to a completely new audience and showcased a whole new soulful sound for Premier. Now, Disclosure has linked with up and coming MC Bishop Nehru and the results are equally amazing. The song... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

How Do You Make an 80’s Slow Jam Gangsta? Let Nipsey Hussle Show You (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle's grind never stops. The Crenshaw MC just dropped a mixtape last fall and is on tour but he's still dropping jewels for the fans. His latest release is a slow jam called Hotel Suite but don't get it twisted. He still keeps it 100% G. Check it out... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

DJ Brans Blesses Roc Marciano with a Remix That Would Make DJ Premier Proud (Audio)

Last week, Roc Marciano released a joint EP with DJ Brans. The project includes a remix to Marci's Do the Honors that would make DJ Premier proud with its boom bap drums and cuts on the chorus. Check it out below. Related: Action Bronson & Roc Marciano Mix Up Something... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

Crooked I Has Been Beating Up Tracks Harder Than Ever. DJ Mustard’s Is the Latest Victim (Audio)

Crooked I has been on a tear the last 6 months. The Long Beach MC has always been nice on the mic, but he's stepped it up even by his standards. His latest release is a re-take on YG's DJ Mustard-produced My Ni**a. Check it out below. Related: Crooked I... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

50 Cent & Fat Joe on the Same Track?? The Beef is Really Over…Check Out Free Again (Audio)

Shortly after the tragic death of their manager, Hip-Hop mogul Chris Lighty, 50 Cent and Fat Joe came together on the same stage to pay tribute to the man who played such a vital role in their careers. Though the union was peaceful, it was unclear whether the truce was... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

Check Out Schoolboy Q’s New Alchemist-Produced Song & the Artwork for Oxymoron (Audio & Photos)

OXYMORON is just over a month away (February 25th), and it’s taking shape. ScHoolboy Q has released the artwork for the album (pics below) and he teams with Alchemist on the latest release from the project. Q turns up on Alchemist's haunting strings. Check out Break the Bank. Here's the... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio

It Was A Good Day Indeed, Ice Cube Finally Got His Name On A Good Year Blimp (Photos)

While you might never see "the Lakers beat the Supersonics" again, there's still a lot at play in Ice Cube's "It Was A Good Day" 21 years later. From the trip to Fat Burger, to pick-up basketball, to that triste with the girl he forever lusted for, the DJ Pooh-produced... Read more

January 21, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

A Tribe Called Quest’s Phife Dawg Pens A Letter To J Dilla In Song (Audio)

A Tribe Called Quest played a critical role in the career of J Dilla. Back in his days as Jay Dee, it was Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed that gave some early credits and opportunities to the thump-maker from Detroit, Michigan. By virtue of Dilla Dog's work on Beats,... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Reworks A Gary Clark, Jr. Single & It Sounds Amazing (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. and Gary Clark, Jr. have both stepped into the mainstream around the same time. Both major label artists bring cult audiences with them since their Internet-obscure days, and a sound that few could replicate. While people tend to associate K.R.I.T.'s sounds less with guitars as much as pounding... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Curious If Organized Konfusion’s Prince Poetry Still Has It? He & Oh No Get Toxic (Audio)

Although Pharoahe Monch has had a higher profile career than Prince Poetry since Organized Konfusion parted ways, Heads can't say that either MC outshined each other consistently over the group's three albums. While Monch went to Rawkus Records and reinvented himself courtesy of a smash single later hurt by legalities... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kool G Rap Hits That Roots Of Evil Flow On A New Track With Maffew Ragazino (Audio)

Kool G Rap has many styles. From his social consciousness on "Erase Racism," to his dazzling MC bravado on "Men At Work," to those grimy street tales heard on "Thug Love Story." Along the way, Giancana's flow has evolved, as he's staked a claim as one of Hip-Hop's best, dating... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Talib Kweli, Phonte & Elzhi Come Together For Some Fly Wordplay On A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

In 2000s, some of the most elite MCs have come from three crews that run in the same circles. Reflection Eternal's Talib Kweli, Little Brother's Phonte, and Slum Village's Elzhi have all successfully built identities outside of the groups they came up in. Years later, after a bunch of overlapping... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Rob Makes A Stream Of Consciousness Track, Talking To ‘Em (Audio)

Eighteen years after he signed to Bad Boy Records, Black Rob's still very much got it. The charismatic Harlem O.G. has a gift for talking about street ills in a way that people just out for a catchy song can process. Such is the case with "Have A Nice Day."... Read more

January 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s an MLK Day Playlist That Looks at the State of the Nation Through Hip-Hop (Audio & Video)

As we've done on MLK day over the last few years, we've put together a playlist that reflects the increasingly complex state of the nation more than 50 years since Dr. King's march on Washington. There's cause for celebration and reason for lamentation, and everything in between. Here are various... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Video

Should Rappers’ Lyrics Be Used Against Them in Court? Bun B Weighs In (Video)

Part of what makes Bun B the Trill O.G. is his complete, actualized evolution in Hip-Hop. Heads know that a simple listen to the Super Tight album shows that Bun, and his late UGK co-founder and partner Pimp C were some of the coldest MCs out, on shocking subject matter.... Read more

January 20, 2014 Video

Didn’t Understand Yeezus? Kanye’s Got the Answers.

Founded by art icon Andy Warhol, Interview magazine often delves into the conversations two artists can have. The New York-based publication is veering more into Hip-Hop, with Q-Tip, Jay Z, and now Kanye West hitting its extra large, matte-finished pages. Mr. West is the subject of February's cover story. Interviewed... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh

Organized Konfusion To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of Stress: The Extinction Agenda With O.C. & Large Professor

In August of 1994, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Poetry released their second of three albums as Organized Konfusion. The Queens, New Yorkers followed their self-titled 1991 LP with a sophomore joint featuring involvement from Q-Tip, O.C., Buckwild, and a young producer entering the scene named Rockwilder. Within five years the... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Mikkey Halsted & No ID Serve Up Some Raw Salmon Croquettes (Audio)

Chicago, Illinois' Mikey Halsted has been consistently putting out great music for 15 years. A former Cash Money Records artist in waiting, a Virgin Records artist in waiting, and a former rhyme-partner of Rhymefest, Mikkey has a track record paved in almost's. However, if you do some digging, you'll find... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lil Fame’s Fizzy Womack Persona Continues To Flex Production Skills, This Time For Lucky Tatt (Video)

A lot of the big M.O.P. anthems that come to mind are produced by Brownsville O.G. D/R Period as well as DJ Premier. However, closer inspection will quickly inform that the homies from the Hillside of things were one of Hip-Hop's more self-sufficient artists. Lil Fame, Billy Danze, and manager/producer... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jay Z & Beyonce Late Addition To Rock The 2014 Grammy Awards Stages

The Grammy Awards this coming Sunday (January 26) already have an impressive lineup. Kendrick Lamar, Daft Punk, Lorde were already on the books to rock out—with LL Cool J hosting. It appears that husband and wife superstars Jay Z and Beyonce are a late announcement addition to CBS' primetime music... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh

Alchemist & Evidence Open Up The Doors To Their Step Brothers’ Lord Steppington (Album Stream)

One of the more exciting albums under way in 2014 is Alchemist & Evidence's Step Brothers collaborative debut, Lord Steppington. The Rhymesayers Entertainment release features the pair's extended family such as Oh No, Action Bronson, Fashawn, Blu, Styles P, Roc Marciano, Domo Genesis, and Rakka Iriscience. Dropping tomorrow on all... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Danny Brown Serves Lyrical Dope From An Old School Cadillac (Video)

Danny Brown's Old was one of 2013's many polarizing releases in the Rap genre. Detroit, Michigan's Danny has a unique style and delivery that calls some Heads back to early '90s, and makes others cringe. In "Dope Song," Danny gives a visual explanation to vast influences, ranging from The Pharcyde... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Are Some Of The Records That Mean The Most To E-40?

Last week, Pitchfork ran their 5-10-15-20... series with Vallejo, California star E-40. The innovative concept feature looks at the records that shaped an artist through their own upbringing. Earl went in-depth about some of his choices, which included the Reverend Al Green, Miguel, and Stevie Wonder. In addition to three... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Killer Mike & El-P Recruit Blue Sky Black Death For An Official Run The Jewels Remix (Audio)

Killer Mike & El-P's Run The Jewels bullied 2013 year-end lists far and wide. This came after 2012's dominance from both Hip-Hop artists on solo projects, R.A.P. and Cancer4Cure, respectively. Although their official debut group LP, Run The Jewels was released to free stream online long before it was available... Read more

January 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Marco Polo & DJ Revolution Go Crate Digging & Talk Beats, Rhymes & Life (Video)

Marco Polo and DJ Revolution both have strong ties to New York City label, Soulspazm (as well as Duck Down). In 2013, Canadian born Marco released two albums on the Soulspazm: his Newport Authority album, and PA 2: The Director's Cut, both featuring a jaw-dropping lineup of lyricists from the... Read more

January 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Today It All Makes Sense: A Retrospective on the Chicago Hip-Hop Sound (Food For Thought)

Published by: Bandini “This the city of Chicago, the state of confusion The style I'm using is free or at least it would be if my mind was…” – Malik Yusef, “My City” (One Day It’ll All Make Sense) Since the 1990s, Common Sense has always been among my favorite... Read more

January 19, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

Big Boi Speaks (Briefly) on the OutKast Reunion (Video)

Big Boi spoke briefly about the OutKast reunion. It's about to be ON...Check out the video. Related: Outkast Is Playing 40 Concert Dates This Year, Andre 3000 & Big Boi Speak... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

EDO.G, Grap Luva & Rob-O Pay Tribute to Pete Rock & Heavy D in the Video for Living Legend (Video)

G. Dot & Born have assembled Grap Luva (Pete Rock's brother), Rob-O and EDO.G on Living Legend, a song that pays tribute to Pete Rock. In the video, they also pay their respects to Heavy D before launching into visuals filled with vintage footage of Soul Brother #1. Check out... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Drake Takes Over SNL. Here Are 4 Performances (Video)

Drake took over Saturday Night Live last night, assuming duties as both host and musical guest. In between sketches, he took the time to perform Started From the Bottom, Trophies, Hold On, We're Going Home and From Time (with Jhene Aiko). Check out all 4 performances below. Started From the... Read more

January 19, 2014 Video

Kid ‘n’ Play Have Not Lost a (Kick) Step. Check out How They Rocked The Arsenio Hall Show (Video)

Kid 'n' Play crashed the party on The Arsenio Hall Show and performed Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody and Rollin' With Kid 'n' Play. And, just when you think it's going to be a chill performance, the kicks start flying...Check out the video. Related: AFH Old School Video Playlist (Video)... Read more

January 18, 2014 Throwback

Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) & Tokyo Shawn Take it Back to the Real with a True Freestyle Cypher (Video)

When's the last time you saw a good old-fashioned FREESTYLE cypher--not pre-written verses but MCs truly going off the top? Vic Mensa, Mibbs (of Pac Div) and Tokyo Shawn did just that and each had BARS. Check out this video and renew your faith in the art of freestyling. Related:... Read more

January 18, 2014 Video

Spice-1, Kokane, Young Bleed, C-Bo, JT Money & Gangsta Pat Reminisce on Hip-Hop (Audio)

From the South and the West, the '90s and 2000s delivered some excellent artists who thrived without relying on the support of mainstream radio or video. These artists, who may have had hits, cultivated loyal audiences and made albums for their core. Prezident Bejda, a longtime Murder Dog magazine contributor,... Read more

January 18, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Remember the Hilarious Joy Ride with Kevin Hart, Ice Cube & Conan? The Outtakes Are Funnier (Video)

A couple of months ago, Ice Cube and Kevin Hart had their own ride along with Conan O'Brien through the streets of LA. The results were hilarious. Now, they've released the outtakes and, with no filter and no censorship, they are arguably even funnier. Check out the video. Related: What... Read more

January 18, 2014 Video

Jay Z Originally Had More Songs Planned For Reasonable Doubt & A Different Sequence?

Jay Z's 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, has made an immortal impression on Hip-Hop. The Roc-A-Fella Records breakthrough release featured involvement from The Notorious B.I.G., DJ Premier, Ski Beatz, and Mary J. Blige. Now platinum, the album is still considered Jay's best (including by the artist himself), and spawned many... Read more

January 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Snakes, Nipples, Grills & Pills Appear in Pusha T’s New Video for Suicide (Video)

Pusha T and Ab-Liva compromise half of the Re-Up Gang lineup. While Sandman is estranged from the group, and No Malice is busy with his own solo endeavors, Push and Liva connect on Interstate 95 from Philly to Virginia, for "Suicide," one of the colder tracks from My Name Is... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Diamond D Digs in the Crates and Pulls Out a Tough Beat for Big Rec (Audio)

Like D.I.T.C. brethren Lord Finesse and Showbiz, Diamond D is not big on a ton of production of output. The Bronx "best producer on the mic" responsible for Fat Joe's discovery has worked with everybody from Natalie Cole to Aim, but the Atlanta-based O.G. is a Head first. Over the... Read more

January 17, 2014 Audio

Did You Know SWV Hated the Right Here Remix??? The Ladies Tell the Story (Video)

SWV are now stars of a hit TV series but, before that, they were one of the biggest groups of the 90's. The Sisters With Voices, along with TLC and Mary J. Blige, help to usher in a new era of R&B that infused Hip-Hop into the sound. Here's an... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video

Pharrell Speaks on the Essence of Music For Him (Video)

Here's a short clip of Pharrell discussing what he seeks to accomplish with each song he produces, what inspires him in the studio and the essence of music for him. It is a philosophical discussion of emotion. Check out the video. Related: Pharrell Has That Grocery Store Joy In Happy... Read more

January 17, 2014 Video