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Catch Animated O.C., A.G. & Roc Marciano In DJ Skizz’s Dope Visual (Video)

Last year, veteran New York City radio DJ Skizz released B.Q.E., a compilation-style LP, featuring a plethora of NYC lyricists. This underground favorite continues to make noise a year later, as Skizz and Soulspazm Records continue the looks. For the D.I.T.C./The U.N.-look "Light Years," a Futprnts Workshop-produced animation features portraits... Read more

Instead Of Going Home, Majid Jordan Are Going To A Place Like This (Video)

Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman are OVO Sound record producing and performing artists who, when together, simply refer to themselves as Majid Jordan. The duo most well known for producing fellow Canadian Drake's 2013 mega hit, "Hold On, We're Going Home," revel in simplicity again, not just in name,... Read more

Step Into Sounds That Rest Between Cloud 9 & The Pearly Gates With SZA’s Moodring (Audio)

SZA, the Top Dawg Entertainement songstress, delivers her imaginative soundscape, "Moodring," to the masses with producer Felix Snow's floating, ethereal Electronic samples and SZA's hazy, emotive vocals. Look out for this single and more on Kitty Cash's upcoming Love The Free Vol. II mixtape, dropping July 22nd. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

Common Talks Chicago Music, Culture, & The “Heat” That Inspired Him & Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)

Days before the release of his 10th studio album, Nobody's Smiling, Common delivers an insightful interview with Combat Jack discussing the inspiration behind his upcoming album (2:45) and the significance of the cover (8:00), Chicago's musical "heat" (11:45), his first encounter with racism (27:30), his experiences with Rev. Jeremiah Wright... Read more

Rah Digga Talks To The New Crop Of MCs With Chuck D Chiming In, Take Heed (Audio)

One week after "Bish Wha?," Rah Digga locks in on her strong return to form. The North Jersey native is a proud product of never conforming to male-standards of how an MC should look, sound, or act. Outside of gender, Digga's stood for a less than popular style of Rap—that... Read more

Statik Selektah & Termanology’s Protege Ea$y Money Gets A DJ Premier-Produced Single (Video)

DJ Premier's connection to ShowOff Records runs deep. While Statik Selektah has been on the boards for some recent Premo greatness (see: Fat Joe's "(Thank God For) That White"), the Gang Starr giant has returned the favor, producing some scorchers for REKS and Termanology. A longtime ST.Records product, Term's right-hand... Read more

You Will Not Look at Puppets the Same After Seeing Jazmine Sullivan’s Visuals for Dumb (Video)

After returning with "Dumb," another power anthem for women who have been wronged, Jazmine Sullivan follows up with the video. The visuals employ puppets in all sorts of compromising positions, providing comic relief but also reinforcing the message that there are a lot of dummies out there...literally. Check it out.... Read more

Cormega Breaks Down Themes Of Mega Philosophy, Solidifying Legacy, & Addresses Flow (Food For Thought Interview)

In Phoebe Hoban's biography, Basquiat: A Quick Killing In Art, the New York painter is remembered, at the pinnacle of his fame, hiring stretch limousines, and riding around Manhattan self-medicating and watching cartoons—alone in the back. He yearned for the world around him, but only could experience it on his... Read more

B.o.B. Makes A ’60s-Inspired Visual About Overcoming The Haterz (Video)

B.o.B. came into the mainstream nearly seven years ago with an anthem called "Haterz." The mixtape number became a Southern sensation which helped garnet the Decatur MC/producer/singer attention from T.I., and in turn, Atlantic Records. Hardly an abrasive voice, Bobby Ray had a unique approach to dealing with those trying... Read more

Usher & Nicki Minaj Interpolate A S.O.S. Band Classic On Another Pharrell Time Machine (Audio)

Pharrell's production over the last 18 months has been interesting. The N*E*R*D front-man drew very close to Marvin Gaye's 1977 wallflower-directed "Got To Give It Up" on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," causing Thicke—who added a stylized delivery, to get some criticism from some purists. Now, Pharrell cooks up Usher's latest... Read more

Common & Big Sean Show Off Their Diamonds (Audio)

Following the unveiling of "Speak My Piece" last week (June 30), Common's Nobody's Smiling campaign continues. Teaming with longtime collaborator and onetime G.O.O.D. Music brother (and now Def Jam brother), Big Sean, on "Diamonds," Common's perceived agenda of reaching a new, younger generation with his latest album feels successful, when... Read more

Ja Rule Claims He Beat Down 50 Cent When They Fought Years Ago (Video)

During a recent stop at NYC's Hot 97 in promotion of his new book, "Unruly," Ja Rule spoke about a physical altercation he and 50 Cent had years ago. He claims that, contrary to statements made by 50 Cent at the time, he actually beat 50 down and told him... Read more

Ka Continues Making That Elite Headphone-Rap Style Lyricism (Video)

After three celebrated independent, self-released full-lengths, Ka recently hit Heads off with 1200 B.C., an EP in the same vain. "Still Heir" is more of the close-talking, wisdom-drenched Rap the Brownsville MC is known for, dating back to his Natural Elements days. Preservation, who is one of Yasiin Bey's (Mos... Read more

MF DOOM & Bishop Nehru Drop Some Dopeness In The Darkness (Video)

Out of sheer "Darkness," NehruvianDOOM arrives. The collaborative project between emerging voice Bishop Nehru and 25-year Hip-Hop veteran MF DOOM (who mostly goes by DOOM these days, though not exclusively) is growing closer. With DOOM presumably on the boards (if you can call the four-track-style adopted by the longtime KMD... Read more

Salute to Spike Lee for 25 Years of Do The Right Thing (Video)

Last week (6/30) marked the 25th anniversary of Spike Lee's landmark film, Do The Right Thing. Here's a look at the Brooklyn filmmaker discussing the film and its impact, 25 years later, with the Huffington Post's Marc Lamont Hill. When the film was released in 1989, film critic Roger Ebert... Read more

Peter Rosenberg Apologizes To Chuck D (Video)

Throughout June, Public Enemy's Chuck D and HOT 97's Peter Rosenberg had a debate-possibly perceived as a war of words on social media. The Hip-Hop legend—who has long run an online radio platform, RapStation.com, called out the New York City station's 2014 Summer Jam event, in regards to the station's... Read more

T Rex Battles Marv Won & Aye Verb Takes On Big T In Round One On The Road To Total Slaughter (Video)

Contestants on Shady Film's series The Road To Total Slaughter head into Brooklyn to Slaughter Studios to battle in the first round of the competition to earn a spot at the Total Slaughter main event on July 12. In the third episode, Aye Verb takes on Big T and which... Read more

Camp Lo’s Ski Beatz Reunion Has Some Back To The Future Feel To It (Audio)

While they publicly previewed some samplings previously, Camp Lo's reunion with producer Ski Beatz is underway. Today, the Nature Sounds Records artists unveiled the first full, finished glimpse of their upcoming album. "Cold Retarded" features an antiquated expression that Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante helped make famous. However, the sound... Read more

Wu-Tang Clan Breaks Down Their Film Connections, Early RZA & GZA Singles (Videos)

Nardwuar's infinite pursuit of interviews continues. The Human Serviette catches the Wu-Tang Clan backstage in Vancouver, British Columbia for a Q&A that RZA admits he greatly evaded. Perhaps Heads can see why in the final third of the interview. However, for the first 10 minutes, Nardwuar goes in on Kung-Fu... Read more

This Week Brought Visuals From Redman, Souls of Mischief, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000 & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music videos from Redman, Souls of Michief & Snoop, Ras Kass, Blu and The-Dream; a look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix; freestyles from Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun); interviews with Joe Budden discussing Battle Rap and Big K.R.I.T. & Common... Read more

20+ Years Later, Redman is Still Dropping Bombs. Brick City Stand Up (Video)

Think Redman has lost a step after more than 20 years in the game? Don't bet on it. Brick City's finest releases a new video for his latest release, which is packed with enough double entendres to make your head spin (or at least press rewind a few times). Check... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. Speaks About His Upcoming Album Cadillactica and More (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. ended his Week of KRIT in March, when he dropped 6 new songs in as many days, with an announcement for a new album titled Cadillactica. He recently sat down in Seattle and discussed the album in detail, including the title, the sound, working with other producers and... Read more

No Track is Safe From G-Unit. These Beats Ain’t Loyal…(Audio)

These days, no track is safe from being jacked by G-Unit. Their latest release is over Chris Brown's ubiquitous current hit. They leave the hook in tact and take over the verses. These beats ain't loyal...Check it out. Related: G-Unit Borrows YG’s DJ Mustard-Produced Hit Beat (Audio)... Read more

Grab A Plate, Your Old Droog Serves Up Some Free Turkey (Audio)

Over a month since the release of his project,Your Old Droog EP, Your Old Droog drops the funky, EL RTNC assisted production "Free Turkey." The relatively unknown Brooklyn MC took a spin through the rumor mill when he initially hit the scene with hoards of people suggesting that Your Old... Read more

Black Sheep Dres Releases a Song for His Bride on Their Wedding Day (Audio)

Congratulations to Black Sheep Dres and his bride. Dres met his wife to be 12 years ago and is tying the knot on their anniversary, today (7/4). To commemorate the occasion, he has released a touching song dedicated to the love of his life. Check out "It's On You." Related:... Read more

DJ 7L & Frank The Butcher Salute The Artists Sampled On Bad Boy Records Hits (Mixtape)

From Craig Mack to Total, The Notorious B.I.G. to Black Rob, Ma$e to 112, part of what's made Bad Boy Records so catchy in the mainstream has been the label's fearlessness when it's come to sampling. While skeptics may've criticized some of the more obvious recreations at the pinnacle of... Read more

Disclosure Gives Usher’s Good Kisser a Deep House Remix (Audio)

Adding to the growing collection of deep house gems dropping this year, Disclosure serves up Usher's "Good Kisser" with a club-friendly remix. Check it out. Related: Disclosure Puts a House Spin on Pharrell & Jay Z’s Frontin and It’s a Stone Cold Groove (Audio)... Read more

G-Unit Borrows YG’s DJ Mustard-Produced Hit Beat (Audio)

G-Unit's jackin'-for-beats continues into the holiday weekend. 50 Cent and his cohorts, which now seems to permanently include Kidd Kidd, hop on YG's Drake-assisted My Krazy Life hit, "Who Do You Love?" Keeping the DJ Mustard-produced-song's structure in tact, the quintet brags it up like the old days, and make... Read more

Nas, Rick Ross & Schoolboy Q Join Wiz Khalifa on the Remix to We Dem Boyz (Audio)

Wiz Khalifa switches up "We Dem Boyz" for the remix. He slows it down, injects more melody and adds Nas, Rick Ross and Schoolboy Q. The end result has a different feel but is just as hot. Check it out. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On (Video)... Read more

Here’s a Look at the First Trailer for Andre 3000’s Turn as Jimi Hendrix (Video)

All is By My Side, the film featuring Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix, hits theaters on 9/26. Here's a look at the first official trailer for the film. Check out the video. Related: How Will Andre 3000 Fare as Jimi Hendrix? Watch This 1st Look and Weigh In (Video)... Read more

Sit In On a Park Bench Cypher With Apollo Brown & Friends (Video)

Take a walk through the park in New York City and grab a seat next to Apollo Brown's friends Ras Kass, Cav, and fellow Mello Music Group affiliates yU the 78er and Has-Lo as the MC's conduct a good old-fashioned cypher over organ peppered production from Apollo's track, "Cellophane," off... Read more

T-Pain Documents a Complex Relationship on Love Suicide (Video)

Despite Jay Z's infamous declaration in 2009, T-Pain is back with a vengeance, autotune and all. After getting the party started with "Up Down," he returns with a signature song about complex relationships. Check out the video for "Love Suicide." Related: You heard the “G-Mix” for Wiz Khalifa’s Black &... Read more

Joe Budden Talks His Battle Rap Past & Preparation For Total Slaughter (Video)

Joe Budden chops it up as part of Life + Times' The Truth series, in his stomping grounds of New Jersey. The artist who began his career as the battle rapper who went on to join Eminem's Shady Records and the Hip-Hop foursome Slaughterhouse discusses his past with battle rap... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Attempts To Karaoke Eminem, Jay Z & 50 Cent on XXL (Video)

For those of us who have had those moments after a cocktail or two in which we've gotten the gusto to step up to an empty microphone in front of a cohort of friends and other intoxicated strangers to belt out our favorite tune, this is for you. Despite the... Read more

Is Joe Budden Risking His Career by Battling Hollow Da Don? (Video)

On July 12, Joe Budden will step out of the booth and into battle with Hollow Da Don. Though Budden is undoubtedly one of the more skilled MCs in the game, is he risking his career with this battle? Just as great ballers (MJ, Kobe, LeBron) eventually stop participating in... Read more

J Dilla’s Music Lives On In Latest Slum Village Cut, We On (Audio)

It's been 8 years since tragedy struck the Hip-Hop world and Detroit based group Slum Village when music producer extraordinaire, J Dilla, passed away as a victim to lupus. Despite his passing, Dilla's music continues to live on in the community, and today Slum Village drops another Dilla soundscape with... Read more

Raekwon Takes A Swing At An Isley Brothers Classic (Audio)

Raekwon spits a few bars over The Isley Brother's highly recognizable "Footsteps In The Dark." How does this stack up against Ice Cube's classic version, "It Was A Good Day?" Related: Raekwon Gets Open Over Another Hot 90′s R&B Joint. Stop Trippin’ (Audio)... Read more

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in June 2014 (Audio Playlist)

June brought some of the best Hip-Hop of the year, so far. We got new music from G-Unit, Common, Marsha Ambrosius & Dr. Dre, Ab-Soul & Kendrick Lamar, Souls of Mischief, Cormega, Mac Miller & Pete Rock, Black Thought, The Lox, Buckshot, Yasiin Bey & Mannie Fresh, Black Milk, Ice... Read more

Black Thought, Action Bronson & Royce Da 5’9 Link On A Statik Selektah Joint (Audio)

Hailing from three different decades of Hip-Hop, Black Thought, Royce Da 5'9, and Action Bronson sound great together. The Roots, Slaughterhouse, and The Outdoorsmen all share a reputation for hard-hitting, rewind-worthy lyrics, which is exactly what producer/host Statik Selektah hoped for when he assembled "The Imperial." Boastful bars shine, as... Read more

Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Link On CyHi The Prynce’s Huey Remix (Audio)

Soulful vocal samples snare your eardrum as the Black Hystori Project production lays the landscape for the latest CyHi The Prynce cut "Huey (Remix)." The G.O.O.D. Music recording artist laces up his crafty lyricism with Slaughterhouse's Royce Da 5'9" and Joell Ortiz for the remix that initially featured Chicago artist... Read more

Rah Digga Is Not Playing Around. She Hops On A Dipset-Style Beat & Cleans House (Audio)

When it comes to making Rap tracks about Rap, Rah Digga is one of the best. On "Bish Whaaa," she points out that the former affiliate of both Flipmode Squad and The Outsidaz is a 20-year veteran of verbally kicking down doors. With what sounds like a track straight out... Read more

Pete Rock Talks Marley Marl, “T.R.O.Y.” & James Brown On NPR (Audio)

Growing up in a large, musically adept Jamaican family, Pete Rock has been groomed to become "passionately in love with music" from his earliest beginnings. The man who's known for creating "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)", sits down with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley of... Read more

The LOX Channel A Fellow Yonkers Legend Alongside Sevyn Streeter (Audio)

The LOX deliver a quintessential cut today (July 2). Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch join buzzing songwriter/soloist Sevyn Streeter for "Remember." With Sevyn harping on Mary J. Blige's "You Remind Me" riffs, the trio recalls the wild late '90s, from late-night Tunnel runs, sidewalk hustling, and the unwavering fight... Read more

The-Dream Shows Real, Active Change In His Powerful Visual For Black (Video)

After April's lyric video, The-Dream shows that he had some truly massive plans for "Black." The song, a message of Black empowerment, uses modern illustrations for racism (the violence in Chicago, materialistic stereotypes, Tommy Hilfiger's racist remarks) as well as iconic mentions of Marvin Gaye, Malcolm X, and Dr. Martin... Read more

Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun) Goes 0 to 100 on a Tony Touch Freestyle (Video)

Chris Rivers got his shot at a Toca Tuesday Freestyle, and Tony Touch hit him with the 0 to 100 track. Baby Pun got busy, flexing his flow that is oh so reminiscent of his Pops. Check out the video. Related: Styles P & Chris Rivers Have Trust Issues, But... Read more

Raphael Saadiq Honors Bobby Womack With A Touching Tribute Song (Audio)

For over 25 years, Raphael Saadiq has been a true master at honoring the natural lineage of great '60s and '70s Soul and R&B music. The Bay area native has made albums that seem anachronistic at times, like time capsules from the Motown and Essex record label days, with sweet... Read more

After Bringing Disco Back To Mainstream, Nile Rodgers Drops His First Solo Song In 10 Years (Lyric Video)

With high profile work alongside Daft Punk and Pharrell, Avicii, and even Disclosure, Nile Rodgers is one of the latest '70s icons enjoying a massive resurgence. However, the Chic front-man has been reviving his Disco/Funk sound through assisting others more than hoarding the attention. It's been a decade since Nile... Read more

After Plenty Rappers Have Sampled The White Stripes, Jack White Covers Kanye West (Audio)

From Apathy to Jermaine Dupri, Hip-Hop artists have been sampling/covering Jack White and his The White Stripes band for over a decade. These days, Jack White collaborates with Hip-Hop artists, including Black Milk. At a recent tour date in Dublin, Ireland promoting sophomore solo LP, Lazaretto, White covered Kanye West's... Read more

Lecrae Calls Out Misleading Messages Over A Classic Sample On It’s Nuthin (Video)

Lecrae has long stood against the status-quo. A leader in the mainstream Christian Hip-Hop movement, the Reach Records MC is hard at work on his seventh studio LP, Anomaly. "Nuthin" finds Lecrae skating down a sidewalk, in reverse." Meanwhile, the song kicks awareness about the hypocrites and mixed messages in... Read more

Ras Kass & Viva Toast To Success & Celebrate (Video)

Ras Kass, one quarter of the Hip-Hop collective The HRSMN, links up with Genevieve “Viva” Goings for the celebratory visuals to the single, "Salud." Kass takes shots of Campeón and dons a style comparable to an affluent gentleman of the early 1900's as he gambles and parties his way to... Read more