Fresh Archives

J. Dilla is Being Formally Recognized by The Smithsonian as the National Treasure He Is (Video)

Salute to J. Dilla. While Hip-Hop has long celebrated the late producer/MC as a treasure, he is now also being formally recognized as such on a national level by The Smithsonian Museum. Dilla's beat equipment will be put on display at the Smithsonian's new museum of African American History &... Read more

July 18, 2014 Video

Memories Make The G-Code On Boaz & Scarface’s Hard To Forget It (Audio)

Pittsburgh-meets-Houston as Scarface lends a powerful hand to the Steel City's patient vet Boaz, of the Larimer section. Down with Rostrum Records for years, Bo' has amassed a slow and steady pace to match his hard, street-tested vantage point on the microphone. "Hard To Forget It" finds Brad and Bo'... Read more

July 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joey Bada$$ & Statik Selektah Play An Hour-Long Mix Of Pro Era’s Finest Moments (Audio)

Statik Selektah has been one of the early adopters to the Pro Era sound. The ShowOff CEO and longtime radio (terrestrial and satellite) staple dropped quite a few needles on Joey Bada$$ and his cohorts before labels, big studios, or major features were ever involved. As Joey lends his mic... Read more

July 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Did You Know OJ Simpson was Originally Cast as The Terminator? Here’s an Oral History of the Film 30 Years Later.

The Terminator turns 30 years old this year (on October 26 to be exact). The movie launched the career of director James Cameron, who would go on to direct 2 of the highest grossing films of all-time (Titanic and Avatar) and set Arnold Schwarzenegger up to be one of film's... Read more

July 18, 2014 Fresh

7 Years Ago Today, Blu & Exile Released Below The Heavens & Changed The Game. AFH Celebrates The Back-story & Impact With Exile (Food For Thought Interview)

Seven years ago today, the Hip-Hop faithful was formally introduced to an obscure assemblage of 15 tracks, constructed by an equally arcane Los Angeles rooted duo, Blu & Exile, that over the subsequent years from its unveiling, would prove to be one of the most compelling and dynamic collections of... Read more

July 18, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Jeezy Speaks on His New Album, Jay Z, Freddie Gibbs & More (Video)

Young Jeezy gave an extended interview to Life + Times, as part of Elliott Wilson's The Truth series. Jeezy spoke at length about his upcoming Seen It All album, the deterioration of his relationship with Freddie Gibbs, working with YG and more. He also spoke to MTV about Jay Z... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

Puff Daddy & Ma$e Detail the Making of Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down (Video)

Even though the track liberally sampled Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" (and subsequently Ice Cube's remix of "Check Yo Self"), in 1997 there were few songs that got the party started like Puff Daddy's "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" featuring Ma$e. Complex has released a short documentary about the making of... Read more

July 17, 2014 Throwback

Take an Eye Opening Walk Through the Neighborhood with Common (Audio)

Common's latest release from his upcoming album, Nobody's Smiling, continues his theme of shining a light on the ills of his hometown of Chicago. On "The Neighborhood," Common walks you through the blocks and the picture he paints is far from pretty. Check it out. Related: Common & Big Sean... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio

DJ Quik Performs a Brand New Song On Skee Live (Video)

DJ Quik made an appearance on Skee Live and performed a brand new song. The song is a departure from his G-Funk roots and features a prominent rock guitar. Quik performed the high energy cut with a full band. Check out "That Ni**az Crazy." What do you think of this... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

Beyoncé Leads In 2014 MTV VMA Nominations, But Who’s Going Home A Winner?

This year's 2014 MTV VMA Awards are just around the corner. When the show kicks off in Los Angeles on August 24 at The Forum, fans should be ready to hear a lot from Beyoncé, Eminem, and Iggy Azalea as the trio have been nominated for 7 awards apiece and... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh

Play The Xylaphone With Tinashe & David Andrew Sitek (Audio)

Rising R&B songstress Tinashe mashes up with TV on the Radio's David Sitek for their latest single, "Xylaphone." The cut is hosted by Dr. Pepper's One Of A Kind Recording Session to bring this smooth, humming Electronic single together. Tinashe, who is set to debut her first studio album Aquarius... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jhene Aiko Recalls The Pressures Of A Relationship (Audio)

Jhene Aiko's debut full-length solo, Souled Out, is less than six weeks away. In advance of the August 25 date, the Los Angelino drops off "Pressure," a look at the stresses of a failing relationship. The production, care of The Fisticuffs, has a lot going on, beneath the surface. This... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Stalley Goes Smokey & The Bandit For Feel The Bass (Video)

Stalley represents himself as an Honest Cowboy. The modern cowboys were chronicled in 1977's Burt Reynolds flick, Smokey & The Bandit. Rather than moving cattle, The Bandit and his partner in the big rig were moving cases of Coors beer across the Tex-Arkana line. That film/setting and its black Pontiac... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Time Travel To ’96 & See Kanye West Rapping At Fat Beats In New York (Video)

From the under belly of Hip-Hop history rises an unreleased video of a youthful, 19 year old Kanye West rapping at the grand opening of Fat Beats Record shop in New York City back in August of 1996. The video comes just a few months before the release of fellow... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Roots’ Longtime Manager & Producer Rich Nichols Passes Away

With his name in the liners as far back as Illadelph Halflife, producer Richard Nichols was an integral part of The Roots. Producer, executive, and manager, Nichols was never credited as a member of the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop band, but was highly involved in their studio work and even transition... Read more

July 17, 2014 Fresh

Jeremih, Shlohmo & Chance The Rapper Take You To The End With No More EP (Audio)

Def Jam recording artist Jeremih unveils his most recent collaborative EP, No More, with Los Angeles area Electronic and Hip-Hop producer, Shlohmo. It's been over a year since the duo released their single, "Bo Peep (Do U Right)," and now they are back for more. The EP itself boasts a... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Makes A Spinner On Could It Be I’m Falling In Love (Audio)

Raekwon's love of '70s and '80s Soul/R&B continues in the "Throwback Thursday" thematic series. After working with Rose Royce, Horace Brown, The Isley Brothers and Teena Marie, The Chef chops down some bars over The Spinners' 1973 seductive serenade "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love?" for his fifth installment.... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Drake + Blake Griffin + Chris Brown = 1 Hilarious Skit

Drake hosted the ESPY's and, as part of the gig, participated in some highly entertaining skits. One of the standouts involved him and Blake Griffin in a bitter back and forth where each vied to sabotage the other. The best part? Chris Brown makes a dark and extremely well-executed cameo.... Read more

July 17, 2014 Video

How’s About An Hour-Long Mix Of Some Pete Rock Scorchers Through The Decades? (Audio)

Pete Rock's production career has truly been an enigma. The Mount Vernon, New Yorker has divided his efforts to make high-profile jams for his own outfit (Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth), as well as artists like Nas, Heavy D & The Boyz, and AZ. On the flip-side, P.R. has amassed... Read more

July 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

GQ Represents 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army in The Backroom (Video)

GQ, the Oakland MC and member of 9th Wonder's Jamla Army, is the latest to drop a verse in The Backroom. With 9th on the wheels, GQ steps up and blesses the blue mic. Check it out. Related: GQ Gets A Star-Studded Record With Nipsey Hussle & A Rapper Big... Read more

July 16, 2014 Video

Devin the Dude Hosts Bun B as the First Guest on His New Talk Show (Video)

Taking a page from Snoop's GGN, Devin the Dude has launched his own talk show. His first guest is none other than Bun B. The two chop it up about the origins of UGK (originally 4 members with a different name), Bun's relationship with Drake, Bun's early days of recording... Read more

July 16, 2014 Video

Elzhi & Fashawn Take it Back to the Basics with Some Boom Bap and Scratches (Audio)

Producer Markis Precise laces Elzhi and Fashawn with a scratch hook and some boom bap on "Kiss the Ring," and they go to work. Check it out. Related: Elzhi Drops a Hot Verse in The Backroom. Prepare to Press Rewind (Video)... Read more

July 16, 2014 Audio

RZA & Faulkner Show What It Means To Be A New Yorker (Video)

Even with residences in New Jersey and California as well as extensive travel abroad, RZA is always a New Yorker. The Wu-Tang Clan Abbott helped helm a sound identifiable with the city in the early 1990s, and stayed shining a light on the unheard and under-represented parts of the city... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bas Heads To Paris From JFK To Charles de Gaulle (Video)

When Bas met future label mate J. Cole, he became the first rapper outside of his friends to compliment him on his abilities and went on to sign him as one of the first artists on Dreamville Records. That was in 2009. Bas went on to release a few successful... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Joell Ortiz & B.o.B. Take A Moment To Celebrate Music Of All Kinds On A Heatmakerz Beat (Audio)

Joell Ortiz's third solo album, House Slippers, is a transformation for the Slaughterhouse MC. Now signed to Penalty Records, the Brooklyn artist claims he's made the freest album yet, with a celebration of life's blessings, as well as his recent focus on health and happiness. With that, the artist who... Read more

July 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9 Slows It Down & Cuts The Lights Out Alongside Rock Band Pink Grenade (Audio)

Throughout his extensive 15-plus-year career, Royce Da 5'9 has worked outside the box. The Detroit, Michigan mainstay and Bad Meets Evil co-founder toured and worked with late '90s Pop tart Willa Ford on her hit "I Wanna Be Bad," before eventually working with a pre-stardom Amerie on "Life," as well... Read more

July 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cam’ron & Nicki Minaj Show Why Movin’ On Up Ain’t So Bad (Video)

Less than 24 hours after the audio premiere of "So Bad," featuring Nicki Minaj and Yummy, Killa Cam'ron hits Heads off with the video. Featuring some real estate exchanges between Nicki and Cam, this song shows how both mainstream-embraced lyricists may've started at the bottom, but they're now living large... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Wilds Out On A Pyschedelic Trap Journey In Feel That (Video)

Already with an excellent 2014 narrative-style video under his belt, Vic Mensa keeps the trip going. "Feel That" takes a literal approach, with some aurally-taken meds and a subsequent trip that would make Hunter S. Thompson proud: Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the Best Music Videos of the Year... Read more

July 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Sway Tests Mistah FAB With The 5 Fingers Of Death Freestyle Challenge, How’s He Stand? (Video)

Mistah FAB is one of the meanest freestyle MCs in Hip-Hop. Appearing recently on "Sway In The Morning," it's abundantly clear that fellow Bay Area alum Sway is well aware of Fabby Davis' lyrical capability. Running through some of the stellar guests as of late on the Shade 45 program,... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bumpy Knuckles & Audible Doctor Unleash The Beast (Audio)

Brown Bag AllStars' Audible Doctor once cut his teeth working at Tuff City Records, the legendary label responsible for Queen Latifah, 45 King, Spoonie Gee, and others. That said, the Wisconsin native appreciates his history. One such figure, who continues to write his own legend is Freddie Foxxx, more modernly... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The-Dream Wants To Talk To You About Culture (Video)

A few weeks removed from his incredibly powerful visuals for his single "Black," singer/songwriter The-Dream dives into a story of taking a girl around the world with his latest music video, "Culture." Whether intentional or not, the video itself could be a deeper foundational representation of our culture today as... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Watch Out. Kwamie Liv Is Comin THRU (Audio)

Little is known about the well traveled artist Kwamie Liv, but we do know that Liv hails from Denmark and according to Pigeons & Planes, she has previously settled in Zambia, Turkey, Sweden, South Africa, Kenya, Ireland, and Bangladesh. Today, the beautiful songstress releases the pulsating, Trap infused, radio ready... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chuck D Uses Acronyms & Wordplay To Talk About Race, Radio & Rosenberg (Audio)

Last week, HOT 97 radio host, DJ, and member of the Low Budget Crew, Peter Rosenberg publicly apologized to Public Enemy front-man Chuck D. The words followed a month-long social media debate, which bled its way onto airwaves and interviews, following HOT 97's 2014 Summer Jam. After the Long Island,... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Souls Of Mischief Remind Us All That Word Is Bond (Audio)

The Souls Of Mischief are coming out (There Is Only Now, August 26) to remind Heads that the Oakland, California quartet helped architect so much of what is in vogue right now. Tajai, Opio, Phesto Dee, and A-Plus found the proper balance between smooth and thoughtful in the early '90s,... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cam’ron Is Gearing Up For The 1st Of The Month With 2 Leaks (Audio)

It's only halfway til the beginning of August and Cam'ron is dropping singles heavy in anticipation of the second installment of his 1st Of The Month EP series. Premiered by Funkmaster Flex earlier today, Cam'ron adds Nicki Minaj and fellow female artist Yummy for the light, spirited reprise of his... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fabolous Paints A Picture Of Sacrifices (Video)

Fabolous, the man who jump started his career in '01 with popular singles like "Can't Deny It" and "Young'n (Holla Back)," understands what it takes to make it in the industry. The Def Jam recording artist depicts some of life's struggles in visuals to his cut, "Sacrifices." Falling off his... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Loaded Lux Joins DJ Premier For Bars In The Booth (Video)

Throughout the last 25 years, DJ Premier has thrived when working with battle-tested MCs, ranging from Rah Digga ("Lessons Of Today") to Craig G ("Ready Set Begin") to Canibus ("Golden Terra Of Rap"). So with Battle Rap at arguably its pinnacle since the 1990s, why not go to one of... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Locksmith Reveals He Is Far From Perfect (Video)

Locksmith is still grinding out the visuals from his most recent album, A Thousand Cuts, and this time unveils another for his self-analyzing single, "Imperfect," featuring Jarell Perry. Locksmith is an artist that seems to shine his brightest when speaking from the heart and many times Lock exposes some of... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

20 Years After Illmatic, Represent Gets Official (Video)

Just one day removed from Mass Appeal's release of the behind-the-scenes footage, Nas unveils the first ever official music video for the 20th anniversary Illmatic release, "Represent." The video itself is representative of the 20 years that have passed since his debut album release, utilizing old footage of a much... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Redman & Method Man Explain How They Used To Be (Video)

Redman, who recently confirmed in an interview with MTV News the upcoming release of Red and Method Man's third installment of their album series Blackout! and a solo effort in Muddy Waters 2, unleashes another collab with Meth in the form of the cut, "I Used To Be." Meth and... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Drake Announces His Fourth Studio Album Title…

Kool G Rap's first album sans DJ Polo was notably titled 4,5,6, while Jennifer Lopez's 1999 debut was titled On The 6. Both native New Yorkers, the albums were allusions to MTA Subway system (with G Rap also being a double-meaning for a dice-game). Now Drake, who spent his youth... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh

Wale Brandishes His MMG Loyalty In A New Song, With A Special Outro (Audio)

Late last week, the Maybach Music Group/MMG collective's loyalty was in question, internally. Meek Mill called out Wale for lack of support surrounding his latest release. Hours later, Wale released "The Followers," making it more about music than drama. Gearing up for his own Album About Nothing, Wale drops another... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Copies Wu-Tang Clan’s Million Dollar Idea

With Wu-Tang Clan's sole copy of Wu-Tang: Once Upon A Time In A Shaolin drawing mid-seven figure offers, a new revenue model for cult-championed artists has emerged. In less than four months, another early 1990s Hip-Hop outfit is reportedly following suit. Per a TMZ report, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is planning to... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh

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

As I Look Up at the Sky, Snoop Drops a New Mixtape (Mixtape)

As he's been known to do as of late, Snoop drops a new mixtape seemingly out of nowhere. That's My Work 4 is another project with DJ Drama and The Eastsidaz, and features many of Snoop's past collaborators, including Scoop Deville and Battlecat. Check out the stream and download below.... Read more

July 15, 2014 Mixes

It’s Hard to Stay Calm When You Read This Lyrical Explosion from Busta Rhymes & Eminem (Lyric Video)

Two weeks ago, Busta Rhymes and Eminem unleashed a bombastic lyrical attack. Titled "Calm Down," with its chopped "Jump Around" sample and lyrical gymnastics from Busta and Em, the song is anything but soothing. But, if you want some good old-fashioned, smash-mouth Rap, this is it. The lyric video helps... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Hollow da Don & Joe Budden Square Off On Total Slaughter (Video)

After a few minutes squaring away the sound from the microphones (4:00) the official Total Slaughter battle between Joe Budden and Hollow da Don kicks off on stage at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Joe, the man who began his career as a battle rapper turned record selling artist... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

How Does Kanye West Avoid Snapping on Fans? Watch and Learn (Video)

So, it turns out Kim Kardashian was not Kanye West's entry point into the world of reality TV. TMZ has unearthed some old footage from a Kanye reality show that never made the air. Though the clip is only a couple of minutes long, it shows Kanye giving a hilarious... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Celebrate Illmatic Again With A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of Visuals for Nas’ Represent (Video)

The 20 year anniversary celebration of Nas' Illmatic continues. In addition to the release, Nas has held a contest to choose one lucky fan to collaborate and produce an official music video for his cut, "Represent." Mass Appeal takes you to the set of the music video shoot at YouTube... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Join The Party As Ab-Soul & Schoolboy Q Throw A Hunnid Stax (Video)

Less than a month after the release of his third studio album, These Days, Top Dawg Entertainment's Black Lip Pastor, Ab-Soul releases slick visuals to his bumping single, "Hunnid Stax." Ab gets luxurious as he whips through sunny California in the back seat of a limousine before hopping out and... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video