News Archives

Eminem – Berzerk (Prod. Rick Rubin)

After confirming he will be releasing a new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, in November, Eminem releases the first single. It's a return to Slim Shady mode over a heavy sample from Billy Squier's The Stroke. Check out Berzerk.... Read more

August 26, 2013 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on the First Time He Worked With Dr. Dre (Video)

Kendrick Lamar speaks on the first time he met Dr. Dre and gives the behind the scenes story on the recording session for their collabo, Compton. Check out the video. Related: Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Earliest Experiences with Hip-Hop (Video)... Read more

August 26, 2013 Video

Freddie Gibbs – The Real G Money (Video)

A song just over 90 seconds. How many independent MCs do you know that can captivate? Freddie Gibbs is certainly one. Fresh off of ESGN, Gangsta Gibbs gives one of his strongest offerings of late in "The Real G Money." Few artists in the 2010s can walk the fine line... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

League Of Starz – Show Sumn’ ft. Skeme, Problem, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, G. Malone & Bad Lucc

It seems only fitting that the team that’s spearheading the “function music” movement (hybrid of LA’s G-Funk and The Bay’s hyphy), enlisted a roster of homegrown California talent for their latest offering. On their new track “Show Sumn”, production standouts League of Stars put together a bass heavy medley reminiscent... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Daft Punk – Lose Yourself To Dance ft Pharrell & Nile Rodgers (Video)

When the year ends, one of the must-buy albums of 2013 will likely still be Daft Punk's Random Access Memories. The French production/DJ duo has been on my radar since MTV's short-lived "12 Angry Viewers" days (I also remember first seeing Eminem that way). However, thanks to J Dilla and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lyrical Breakdown With Los (Video)

Although many MCs are respected for their lyrical prowess, it’s always interesting being able to discover what goes on inside their head before they spit those bars. In a recent interview with Diddy's Revolt TV, one of Diddy's artists, Los (aka King Los) dropped some knowledge on lyrical styles and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Joey Bada$$ – Killuminati Pt. 2 (Kendrick Lamar Response)

It might have taken a little longer than anticipated, but one of the most vocal artists on Twitter when it came to “Control” has dropped the hashtags and picked up the mic. On the track “Killuminati Pt. 2,” Pro Era captain Joey Bada$$ steps up to the plate with the... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Fat Joe – The Darkside 3 (Mixtape)

In the post-Atlantic Records era, Fat Joe's artistry has been perplexing. While the D.I.T.C. member has always put a song or two on every album to remind the Heads of his roots before becoming a household name, in recent years, he's made some really grimy albums. 2010's The Darkside was... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Eminem Announces “The Marshall Mathers LP 2” (Video)

While Justin Timberlake tore down the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards with his medley of hits, old and new, and reuniting that group we all pretended we didn't like (N*Sync), the biggest story may have happened between the breaks. Beats By Dre announced Eminem's upcoming album, in a very "All... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Black Hippy Thoughts From The Road (Video)

Ab-Soul. Jay Rock. Schoolboy Q. Kendrick Lamar. Although individual success is something they’re all enjoying, the members of Top Dawg Entertainment’s Black Hippy Crew feel what they’re accomplishing as a collective is just as important. All hailing from Southern California, the four members synced up long before the fame and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Drake & Kanye West Perform at the 2013 VMAs in Brooklyn (Video)

Drake and Kanye West each took the stage at the first ever VMAs in Brooklyn. Drake performed Hold On, We're Going Home and Started From the Bottom and Kanye performed Blood on the Leaves. You can check out both performances below. Related: Kanye West Says He and Jay-Z Made Watch... Read more

August 26, 2013 Video

AFH: The Week in Video (8/25/13) (Video Playlist)

This week brought one of the strongest freestyles of the year from Astro, some jewels from Skillz about Kendrick's Control verse, new videos from MC Lyte, Talib Kweli, Robin Thicke and REKS and more. Check out the best of the week in video below. Just hit play and lean back.... Read more

August 25, 2013 Playlists, Video

Sometimes I Rap Fast, Sometimes I Rap Slow: The Evolution Of JAY-Z’s Flow (Food For Thought)

As another NFL season loads up, the sports news cycle is dominated by teams, offenses, depth charts and injury reports. Although not a fan (au contraire), I often marvel at the dynamic strategies of Bill Bellichick, Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots. From season-to-season, the three-time Super Bowl champions... Read more

August 25, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Neek the Exotic – Hello Everybody ft O.C., Sadat X & Satchel Page

Neek the Exotic brings out O.C., Sadat X and Satchel Page on a hot new track. Check out Hello Everybody. Related: Large Professor & Neek the Exotic - Still on the Hustle (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Fredro Starr – Ain’t No Other Kings

Here's another new one from Fredro Starr. Check out Ain't No Other Kings. Related: Fredro Starr – That New York (Audio)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

A$AP Rocky’s New Song From the GTA V Soundtrack

New A$AP Rocky from the GTA V soundtrack which sounds like it's about to be a monster with songs from N.W.A., Ab-Soul, OutKast, MC Eiht and more. Check out R. Cali below. Related: A$AP Rocky – Wild for the Night ft Skrillex (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Snoop Discusses Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse & His Infamous Speech at the Source Awards (Video)

Snoop knows a little something about East Coast/West Coast rivalry. That makes his take on Kendrick Lamar's Control verse a bit more insightful. Check out this video of him discussing The Verse and his infamous speech at The Source Awards that stirred the pot back in the day. Related: Skillz... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Robin Thicke – Give It 2 U ft Kendrick Lamar & 2 Chainz (Video)

What do Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, EDM, Funk, Cheerleaders, Parade Floats and Twerkin' have in common? Robin Thicke's new video for Give It 2 U. The follow up to the summer's biggest song is another smash. Check it out. Related:... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On

Wiz Khalifa sheds his laid back style for a double-time flow on his latest release. Check out Look What I Got On. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look Into My Eyes (Audio)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Raekwon – All About You ft Estelle (Video)

Here's Raekwon's video for his Estelle-assisted All About You. Related: Raekwon – The Montreality Interview (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Fat Joe – Your Honor ft Action Bronson (Video) (Prod. DJ Premier)

Fat Joe + Action Bronson + a DJ Premier track = CRACK. Check out Your Honor. Related: Fat Joe & Chi Ali – Games & Things (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Astro Freestyles on ShowOff Radio

Wow. The kid Astro has BARS. Check out the video of his freestyle on ShowOff Radio. MCs beware...he's coming for the crown. Related: Astro freestyles in The Backroom (Video)... Read more

August 23, 2013 Video

Big Sean breaks down “Hall of Fame” Track By Track (Video)

After dropping the most talked about song in Hip-Hop 11 days ago, Big Sean is back again, but this time he’s giving us a window into the inspiration and concepts for his brand new album. Scheduled for release August 27, the Detroit MC describes his sophomore G.O.O.D./Def Jam effort Hall... Read more

August 23, 2013 Fresh, Video

Moe Green – Still Here

Moe Green has always been effective when he's taken a popular street song using a contemporary, and then rearranged it on his own. Over three years removed from "Going In For The Kill," Green reworks Phil Beaudreau's "Anyway (Interlude)" with producer Atu. The sample was the basis for Casey Veggies'... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Wale – No Pain, No Gain

Wale has many looks, styles and presentations. Since the days of "Nike Boots," my favorite Wale channel is when he seems to close his eyes in the booth, and get bigger than life with the inspirational music. Without ever being corny, Wale's "Ambition," and the aforementioned mixtape cut sound so... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Blitz the Ambassador – BISA ft Nneka & Ty

I've never heard Blitz the Ambassador before but I've long been a fan of Nigerian artist Nneka, so I checked out their collabo. What I found was a very pleasant surprise, a soulful song of quiet revolution. This is an examination of current conditions in many African countries (as well... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio

Slim Thug – Coming Down (Every Town) ft Big K.R.I.T., Z-Ro & Kirko Bangz

Outside of Geto Boys and UGK, I have always used Slim Thug as an illustration to what makes Houston Hip-Hop so unique, and so great. Thugga's not always big on deep thought, but his boisterous vocals, smooth style and regional cadence have accented some truly great music over the last... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Marley Marl on Sway In The Morning (Video)

“Hangin’ pictures on my wall / Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl” Now the term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days, but the world of Hip-Hop as we know it wouldn’t even be close to the same if it weren’t for the man mentioned in the... Read more

August 23, 2013 Throwback

Skillz Speaks on Kendrick’s “Control” Freestyle (Video)

Although the initial tidal wave of Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse seems to be dying down, opinions about what has taken place in Hip-Hop over the past 11-12 days are still surfing through conversations everywhere. In a recent interview with Revolt TV, Skillz (still known to some of the Heads as... Read more

August 23, 2013 Fresh, Video

Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar Hold Down the 2013 Hip Hop Awards (Video)

Salute to Uncle Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar for holding down the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards. Snoop will be taking over for Mike Epps as the new host and Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 14 (yes 14) nominations. Here's a special news break from the Boss Dogg's GGN... Read more

August 23, 2013 Video

Quelle Chris – Old Friend (Video)

When imagery and Hip-Hop are seamlessly meshed together, it’s always a beautiful thing. In the latest offering from filmmaker Mu Gadu, Hip-Hop is the perfect backdrop for visuals that leave room for plenty of interpretation. The soundtrack to this short film is a mash-up of Quelle Chris’ “Old Friend” from... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video

Krizz Kaliko – Scars ft. Tech N9ne

Fresh off the heels of Tech N9ne’s highest-charting album to date, Something Else, Krizz Kaliko hopes to continue the success his label mate achieved with his latest project. Son Of Sam consists of 16 tracks, and judging by the few already released singles, it’s going to be filled with the same... Read more

August 22, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Ka – Peace Akhi (Video)

Ka is straight chess boxin' in his song "Peace Akhi" and the video continues the metaphor. The Night's Gambit remains one of the hardest-hitting, most ear-grabbing albums of the year. The O.G. from the Natural Elements crew with the Brownsville roots. Like all of Ka's video, there's a lost-New York nostalgic... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video

MC Lyte – Cravin’ (Video)

MC Lyte returned to the Hip-Hop game last month with a hot Summer jam called Cravin', and now she's back with the video. Check it out below. Related: Living Legends: MC Lyte (Audio Playlist)... Read more

August 22, 2013 Video

Joey Bada$$ Interviews Buckshot Shorty (Video)

Two generations of Beast Coast lyricists sat down recently at Brooklyn's Coney Island. Heads no doubt hear Buckshot Shorty's influence on Joey Bada$$'s flow. The Pro Era leader recently chopped it up with the Bootcamp leader to discuss the history of Hip-Hop in Brooklyn, lyrical evolution, the pros and cons... Read more

August 22, 2013 Video

Daz Dillinger & WC – Stay Out The Way ft Snoop Dogg (Video)

Daz and WC. It's fitting that these two guys would eventually make an album together. In the late 1990s, Suge Knight notoriously blocked many of his artists from feature appearances on peer projects that weren't on the label (see Warren G's first two albums, "Regulate" aside). Coming from Low Profile... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video

REKS – Revolution is Here (Video)

REKS attacks a boom bap track with aggression on Revolution is Here. Check out the video. Related: REKS – The Molotov (Video)... Read more

August 22, 2013 Video

Rittz – The Backroom Freestyle (Video)

Rittz is the latest to bless The Backroom on 106 & Park with an ill verse and he blazed it. Check out the video. Related: Rittz: Beyond the Booth (Video)... Read more

August 21, 2013 Video

Talib Kweli on Why Hip-Hop Isn’t Talent Based Now (Video)

“I don’t care about bars, I just wanna turn up” As disgusting a statement like that is to Hip-Hop heads, legendary lyricist Talib Kweli states that sadly that’s the truth for the majority of the country right now, if their only source for Hip-Hop is the radio. However, he does... Read more

August 21, 2013 Fresh, Video

Just Blaze X Roofeeo – Back and Forth (Interview)

It’s not very often we see artists take the role of the interviewer, so when Noisey launched their “Back & Forth” series, we got to witness a totally different type of interview take place. In their latest edition, Noisey put together DJ, producer and drummer Roofeeo and legendary Hip-Hop DJ,... Read more

August 21, 2013 Fresh, Video

Ron Rico – Can I ft Rapper Big Pooh, Skyzoo & Tony V

Rapper Big Pooh, Skyzoo and Tony V jump on a soul-tinged track from producer Ron Rico. Check out Can I below. Related: Rapper Big Pooh – Fat Boy Fresh Vol. 3: Happy Birthday, Thomas (Album Stream)... Read more

August 21, 2013 Audio

Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, M.A.A.D. city Album Crosses the 1 Million Sold Mark (Food for Thought)

Salute to Kendrick Lamar. His good kid, M.A.A.D. city album has officially sold more than 1 million copies this week, according to SoundScan. There was a lot of conversation about the album being a classic when it was released. Now that it's been nearly a year since it debuted, would... Read more

August 21, 2013 Food for Thought

DJ Jazzy Jeff – Vinyl Destination, Ep. 17 (Video)

Here's the latest episode of DJ Jazzy Jeff's Vinyl Destination series. In this episode, Jeff and Skillz continue their travels through South Africa. Related: VINYL DESTINATION | EPISODE 17 from DJ Jazzy Jeff on Vimeo.... Read more

August 21, 2013 Video

DJ Spintelect – The Best of Nas (Mixtape)

Here's a mixtape for any Nas fans out there (pretty much all Heads, right?). DJ Spintelect has put together a collection of Nas hits, features, rarities and album cuts all in one dope mix. You can listen to and download The Best of Nas below. Related: Nas Speaks on Kendrick... Read more

August 20, 2013 Mixes

The Underachievers – Leaving Scraps

The Underachievers are back with a surprising new track that draws on a Southern Funk sounding track (reminiscent of UGK and 8Ball & MJG). The Lex Luger-produced beat is a departure from some of their 90's east coast flavored music and it suits them. Check out Leaving Scraps. Related: Astro... Read more

August 20, 2013 Audio

Goodie M.O.B. – Age Against the Machine (Album Stream)

Can't wait to hear Goodie M.O.B.'s new Age Against the Machine album? Say no more. You can listen to a full stream of the album here at amazon.com. The album is in stores on 8/26. Related: Goodie M.O.B. – Special Education ft Janelle Monae (Video)... Read more

August 20, 2013 Audio

Oddisee – Lonely Planet

How should an artist follow up a year that included him winning “Best Hip-Hop/Rap” album by iTunes UK? By releasing a completely instrumental LP of course. Ok, maybe that isn’t the most traditional of routes to take for an artist following one of the biggest years of their career, but... Read more

August 20, 2013 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

King Of The Beat – Looking For The Perfect Beat Trailer & Poster (Video)

There are tons of music documentaries that have come and gone throughout the years, but it seems only a few are aimed directly at us Heads. After watching the trailer for King Of Beats: Looking For The Perfect Beat however, it’s quite evident Hip-Hop heads have a documentary that they definitely... Read more

August 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Talib Kweli – Human Mic (Video)

R.A. The Rugged Man directed this Prisoner Of Conscious video. The treatment to the "Human Mic" single plays with the title, with the Brooklyn, MC oozing words and his kicks his verses. Throughout his career, Kweli has embodied what it means to master the ceremony. And over 15 years removed from... Read more

August 20, 2013 Fresh, Video

Wiz Khalifa – Look Into My Eyes

Now focused on family and albums, Wiz Khalifa's output (at least what he releases) has slowed quite a bit in 2013. Touring, family and a big year for expanding Taylor Gang Records has kept the Steel City MC from churning out songs. "Look Into My Eyes" is a welcomed catch-up.... Read more

August 20, 2013 Audio, Fresh