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Ab-Soul Explains That Black Lip Pastor Is Actually Disease-Related, Never Fighting (Video)

Ab-Soul lives like his music. The self-proclaimed "hippiest" of Black Hippy stopped by Power 105's Breakfast Club the week of his These Days... release to discuss some non-musical issues. The Carson, California native confirmed a relationship with fellow guest, model Yaris Sanchez. However, aside from gossip and juicy innuendo, the... Read more

Yasiin Gaye’s Amerigo Gazaway Is The Latest DJ To Honor James Brown (Mixtape)

The same month Amerigo Gazaway released the second volume (or "Side Two," as he called it) to Yasiin Gaye, the Marvin Gaye and Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) mash-up, he's back for more. After two acclaimed volumes on his free downloadable Y.G. series, Amerigo sets his sights on another late Soul/R&B... Read more

Faith Evans & Missy Elliott Combine for Some New Hip-Hop Soul (Audio)

In 2001, Faith Evans and Missy Elliott connected to cook up some dynamic Hip-Hop Soul on the remix to "Burnin' Up." 13 years later, the pair are at it again on Faith's new single, "I Deserve It." The result? Another party-starter...Check it out. Related: Missy Elliott is Working on a... Read more

Blueprint Drops The Visual For One Of 2014’s Most Awakening Rap Songs, Perspective (Video)

If you're not up on Blueprint, now's as good of a time as any to familiarize yourself with the Columbus, Ohio veteran. The front-man for the Greenhouse crew, this MC/producer is also RJD2's partner in Soul Position, and a veteran artist down with the Rhymesayers collective. After conceptual works like... Read more

Blu, MED & Dam-Funk Are Buzzin’ Over Madlib Beats (Video)

Madlib, the producer, MC and DJ who has worked collaboratively in the past with the likes of MF DOOM (Madvillain) and J Dilla (JayLib), stayed close to home to work with MED and Blu to produce most of their 2013 joint project, The Burgundy EP. Just nine months later, The... Read more

Here’s a Side of Kanye West You May Have Never Seen…and It Might Just Be the Most Authentic (Video)

Kanye West is celebrated for fashion, art, braggadocio, rants, Kim and, most importantly, music. What is often overlooked, and possibly the thread through each of these elements, is his formidable intelligence. Kanye recently sat on a panel at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity with Steve Stoute (Tanning of America,... Read more

Buckshot, P-Money & T’Nah Apex Remind That Hip-Hop is a Living Spectrum…and It’s the Sweetest Thing (Video)

There's a lot of chatter about which era is better in Hip-Hop. Truth is, Hip-Hop is and always will be a living, breathing spectrum of the music that is made, one day at a time. There was great Hip-Hop in the 90's. There was TERRIBLE Hip-Hop then too. There is... Read more

Emilio Rojas States What He’s ‘Bout In A Tony Touch Toca Tuesday Freestyle (Video)

With yet another self-released street project, care of Zero Fucks Given, Rochester, New York's Emilio Rojas is counting on a hot Summer. After a recent ShowOff Radio freestyle with Statik Selektah, Ro' joins another highly-respected DJ/producer at satellite radio, care of Tony Touch. Rockin' for Toca Tuesdays (after the "Taino... Read more

Pusha T Kicks His 40 Acres Verse To Silence, Deserving Closer Attention (Video)

Pusha T is among Hip-Hop's most championed present-day lyricists. His solo studio debut, My Name Is My Name was regularly mentioned among 2013's best Rap albums. Strangely, the album has seemingly quieted down a bit since. Performing in studio for REVOLT TV, King Push left the beat behind to showcase... Read more

Trey Songz Jumps The Gun With Brand New Album, Trigga (Album Stream)

The sensual and emotive vocalist Trey Songz, who turns 30 this November, has been keeping busy this year working with the likes of Young Jeezy on "Ordinary," a remix to Mariah Carey's "You're Mine (Eternal)," and 50 Cent on his latest project, Animal Ambition. Now, 2 years removed from Trey... Read more

Locksmith Turns The Key And Sets Himself Free (Video)

Locksmith hits the sun-drenched shores of Southern California and lets his fans take a "peek inside the soul of a loner" in visuals to his latest single featuring Rebecca Noel. The introspective cut falls off of his latest album, A Thousand Cuts, and delves into the trials and tribulations of... Read more

Souls Of Mischief Let Off Their First There Is Now Look & Snoop Dogg’s Down (Audio)

One of 2014's more anticipated albums appears to be Souls Of Mischief's There Is Only Now. Opio, Tajai, A-Plus, and Phesto spent last year celebrating 20 years of 93 'Til Infinity, with a tour, a box set, and a lot of much-deserved attention from the former Jive Records sensations. While... Read more

Two Former Death Row Factions Unite, As Tha Outlawz Re-Link With Snoop Dogg (Video)

In the days following 2Pac's 1996 murder, Tha Outlawz, missing their leader and suffering the additional loss of slain member Khadafi were literally "stranded on Death Row." Label-mates with Snoop Dogg, both parties lost the love with the label that had once been so bountiful and successful at breaking talent.... Read more

Black Sheep’s Dres Claims Skills Ownership Alongside Some Hip-Hop Founding Fathers (Video)

Dres, of Black Sheep, who is now going by "Black Sheep Dres" gives the visual treatment to an all new cut from his solo efforts, "We Can All Share." Dres hosts a crew of cameos from Hip-Hop's Godfather, Kool Herc, as well as MC pioneers Grandmaster Caz (Cold Crush Brothers),... Read more

Angie Martinez Interviewed By Power 105 Team, Talks 2Pac (Video)

Since her recent resignation from her longtime seat at HOT 97, Angie Martinez steps into the other side of the booth and fields questions from her new colleagues, Power 105's DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God, and the rest of the gang. In the interview, Angie discusses her desire for growth... Read more

With 2Pac’s Activism In The Conversation Again, Broadway Cries Holler If Ya Hear Me

While Tupac's music is perennially celebrated, it is his activism that has once again come to the foreground, recently. A month ago, 2Pac's previously-unreleased conversation with Sanyika Shakur (Monster Kody) provided 20 minutes of deep insights, reflections, and admissions from the final year of the iconic "Thug Angel's" life. Over... Read more

These Days… Ab-Soul Is Aiming For Album Of 2014 Status (Album Stream)

Ab-Soul heats years up. Two years and a month after #ControlSystem, the Carson, California MC returns with another independent release given away for free stream, in These Days... The "Black lipped pastor" of Black Hippy bypasses traditional promotional strategies, and lets the lyrics come first. These Days... is an expanded... Read more

Two of 50 Cent’s Animal Ambition Deluxe Edition Songs Are Without Videos. Make That 1… (Video)

Including the bonus cuts, only two 50 Cent Animal Ambition songs are without videos. The ScHoolboy Q-assisted "Flip On You" still lacks a visual, while Fif's "You Know" was audio-only as well...until this morning (June 24). With some Italian machinery and some model mayhem, 50 steps onto the sound-stage to... Read more

M.O.P. Assaults A Soul-Sample Track By Domingo (Audio)

Two of Brooklyn, New York's roughest neighborhoods have been East New York and Brownsville. In the face of NBA teams, celebrity hotspots, and ongoing gentrification, lovers of "old New York," highlight those two locales as being places that still live by their own rules. M.O.P., representatives of the 'Ville, continue... Read more

The Beard Gang Shines, With Cameos By Ed Lover, Kurupt, Action Bronson (Video)

Still without an album in stores, The Beard Gang continues to demand awareness. The Philadelphia collective features gold and platinum-selling artists Malik B and Freeway, as well as self-proclaimed leader, Jakk Frost, and relative newcomer, Tana Da Beast. With allusions to the common facial trait of Philly's Sunni Muslim community,... Read more

Read 2Pac’s 1995 Letter From Prison To Public Enemy’s Chuck D

In September 1995, Tupac Shakur was in New York's Clinton Correctional Facility, with less than a month remaining on a sexual assault conviction, stemming from 1993. Maintaining that he was innocent of the accusations against him, 'Pac rallied in his year leading up to the sentencing, while working hard at... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Delivers One of His Most Aggressive Verses Since Control (Audio)

Since Summer of 2012, Hip-Hop has been knocked off of its axis from two potent MCs. Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul have been at the forefront of injecting thoughtful, researched, culturally-relevant lyrics back into the mainstream conversation, and each has the bravado and self-confidence akin to Rap's brightest moments in history.... Read more

The Lox Release Some New Fighting Music with D-Block Survivors (Audio)

The Lox are out to break some necks with their latest, literally and figuratively. "D-Block Survivors" is fighting music, plain and simple. The boom bap drums and horn sounds grab you by the throat from jump and don't let go. This is the 2nd release in 3 days from Styles,... Read more

Hear The Story Of Q-Tip, With Some A Tribe Called Quest & Last Zulu News (Audio)

The BBC keeps covering Hip-Hop with an elite edge. Benji B of the 1Xtra platform curated an extensive narrative audio mix, telling the Abstract story that is Q-Tip. With the playlist on display for "The Story Of Q-Tip," Benji cues records from the 1980s to set the stage for what... Read more

Battle Rap Meets Bellator on the Road to Total Slaughter (Video)

Eminem and Shady Films are off on their quest to bring battle rapping back to the forefront and to crown the best of the best with the debut episode of "Road To Total Slaughter." 8 MCs have been picked to live together under one roof to prep their lyrical artillery... Read more

Jhene Aiko Releases a New Song To Live & Die For (Audio)

Though Jhene Aiko quotes a bit of 50 Cent in her latest single, the song is irrefutably all hers. As Ms. Aiko prepares for her first performance at the BET Awards on Sunday and her forthcoming debut album, she lets this ethereal mid-tempo track fly. Check out To Live &... Read more

Curren$y Releases Drive In Theatre, 5 Music Shorts In One Exhale (Videos)

Since taking his career into his own hands, Curren$y is a master of surprise. The New Orleans MC with a penchant for herbs and horsepower has released a 5-act, 13-minute short film from his Drive In Theatre. The film's acts are comprised of "MPR," "Stolen," "Intermission," "Stovetop," and "Hi-Top Whites."... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Growth as an Artist and a Person (Video)

Kendrick Lamar celebrated his 27th birthday last week. As part of a recent interview with Devi Dev, he discussed his growth both as an artist and a person since Hip-Hop took the good kid out of the mad city and into the world. He also discussed the new album, the... Read more

Rick Rubin’s 1-Hour Conversation With Zane Lowe Leaves No Question Unanswered (Video)

To some extent, Rick Rubin is something of Hip-Hop's Howard Hughes, and that's not just the beard. The music mogul went from starring (as a hybrid of himself) in Krush Groove to basically shunning press and spotlights throughout the '90s and 2000s. That started to change, especially as far as... Read more

Here’s a Fresh Back in the Day Mix of 90’s R&B. Reminisce to This (Audio)

Here's a fresh back in the day mix of 90's R&B from DJ Max October. It features sounds from Aaliyah, Usher, Xscape, SWV, Brandy, Case, Total, Blackstreet, 702, Lauryn Hill, Monica and more. This one is guaranteed to leave you wanting more. Check it out. Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff &... Read more

Ab-Soul Talks “These Days” On NPR Before Tomorrow’s Release (Audio)

In anticipation of the release of his third album, These Days (6/24), Top Dawg Entertainment’s Ab-Soul sits down with Frannie Kelley and Ali Shaheed Muhammad from NPR’s Microphone Check series to discuss nuances of the album, his career, and his art as a whole. Ab delves into a particularly captivating... Read more

Sadat X Talks Brand Nubian, Biggie, ‘Pac & Jay Z On Juan Epstein (Audio)

Sadat X sits down with Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg to listen to some old Sadat cuts and discuss a wide variety of topics including his influences, early stories surrounding Brand Nubian including his initiation with Grand Puba and Lord Jamar and their subsequent '90s break-up, as well as some... Read more

What’s the Biggest Way the Internet Has Changed Hip-Hop? (Video)

The final installment of BET's 4-part Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, discusses how the digital revolution transformed Hip-Hop. Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, Meek Mill, Mac Miller and many of the Internet's biggest benefactors discuss its impact on their careers and the culture, generally. The episode also features Nas, Wyclef,... Read more

This Week Brought Videos From J. Cole, G-Unit, T.I., Ab-Soul, Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, Common & More (Video)

This week was a strong one for video. New visuals rolled in from Common, Ab-Soul, G-Unit, T.I., Joell Ortiz, Dilated Peoples, The Game and more. There were also throwbacks from J. Cole & Michael Jackson. Additionally, Black Thought tackled the Harry Potter theme and Chris Rock announced a new tour.... Read more

Think Kevin Hart is Funny? Ice Cube Doesn’t. Here’s Why (Video)

Last week, both Ice Cube and Kevin Hart made appearances on Conan. While the 2 may not agree on much, they do share 1 belief: Ice Cube does not think Kevin Hart is funny. Here's a look at each breaking down how and why Cube gives Hart the mean face... Read more

Chris Lighty Speaks on How He Started Violator (Video)

As part of its Hip-Hop documentary, The Message, BET conducted the last ever televised interview with Chris Lighty, prior to his death in 2012. As part of that session, Lighty spoke on how he made the transition from working with Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen at Def Jam/Rush Management to... Read more

Souls of Mischief Are Releasing Their First New Album in More Than 5 Years (Artwork & Tracklist)

2013 was a landmark year for Souls of Mischief, as they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their beloved album, '93 til Infinity. 2014 is shaping up to be another banner year for the group, as they are gearing up to release their first new album in more than 5 years.... Read more

Celebrate A Humble Genius, With A 3-Hour 1989-1999 Large Professor Mix (Audio)

Like many great artists, Large Professor is somewhat of a Hip-Hop recluse. He's never hard to find (especially if you're a Head who regularly attends NYC Rap concerts), but the man also known as "Extra P" is quick to dodge the spotlight, and take long breaks from releasing (or even... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Release Summertime Vol. 5 (Mixtape)

Could a Summer really be a Hip-Hop Summer without DJ Jazzy Jeff and the DJ formerly known as Mick Boogie dropping their signature mixtape? For the fifth straight solstice, the Philly and Ohio natives, respectively, let go of the block party-to-go mix series. This year's includes joints from Parliament-Funkadelic, The... Read more

Here’s “A Lil Sumthin” New from Curren$y (Audio)

For the last several years, Curren$y has gravitated toward beats with dark and brooding chords. Purpdogg serves him just that on "A Lil Sumthin' (Come Up Big On Em), and Curren$y delivers his trademark laid back flow. Check it out. Related: Curren$y & Le$ Roll Out Over a Soulful OutKast... Read more

Mary J Blige Is Trapped In Love, But She’s Packing Up & Moving Out (Video)

Mary J. Blige is trapped and drowning both literally and figuratively in her battle between love and pain through her latest visuals to the track, "Suitcase." Black and white influenced shots that accentuate the video are ironic given the fact that her decision to leave the man who tortures her... Read more

The LOX Are Back On The D-Block (Audio)

Disappointed with the commercial, radio friendly direction of their label, New York City collective The LOX made news in 1999 when their street fueled, “Free The Lox” campaign caused enough stir to push Bad Boy Records to release the hardcore rappers from their unwanted contract. This move opened the doors... Read more

Ab-Soul Sings a Song of Pain & Sorrow on Closure (Video)

Ab-Soul fires another round from the chamber as the release date for his album, These Days, approaches (6/24). On Closure, Soul tries on a new flow that is more singing than rapping. The song and video showcase the pain of a disintegrating relationship. Check it out. Related: Ab-Soul Explains the... Read more

Remember The Times, With Michael Jackson’s Love Never Felt So Good (Video)

With Michael Jackson's Justin Timberlake-assisted Xscape single, "Love Never Felt So Good" gaining some serious momentum on the charts of radio and singles sales, Epic Records hashed together some iconic footage of The King Of Pop at work. Stitching some moments that may spawn a tingle in your memory, MJ's... Read more

DJ Kool Herc & Grandmaster Caz To Throw A Free Bronx Block Party 41 Years Later

Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis don't do many free Rock & Roll shows. The Clash don't play too many Punk shows anymore. However, Hip-Hop Heads are blessed with the opportunity to still see pioneers at work, and for not a single penny. This weekend, Hip-Hop's Godfather, DJ Kool Herc,... Read more

How About Some Unreleased Young, Pepped-Up J Dilla Rapping? (Audio)

J Dilla left behind a seemingly endless supply of unreleased music. Outside of his groups (Slum Village, JayLib), the producer/MC with more than one impresario loved recording. He did it nonstop, and also circulated tailor-made beat-tapes that are still surfacing. As part of Dilla's just-announced, family-endorsed box set, Rolling Stone... Read more

Mac Miller Drops His Original, Unreleased Version Of “The Star Room” (Audio)

On June 18th, a date that marked the one year anniversary of the release of Watching Movies With The Sound Off, Mac Miller unleashed the original version of his introductory track, "The Star Room." Originally produced by Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt, the track boasts soft, ethereal vocals in the style... Read more

Torae & Skyzoo Are The Next To Light Up Sway In The Morning Freestyles (Video)

With their first collaborative LP, Barrel Brothers, now in stores, Skyzoo and Torae stopped by Sway In The Morning. Insisting that true freestyles are all that they know, Sky' and Tor' (who is no stranger to satellite radio) kick cypher-style, back-and-forth bars very much in step with their styles and... Read more

Ab-Soul Explains the Religious Imagery of Stigmata and More (Video)

Ab-Soul recently had a fireside chat with Complex's Insanul Ahmed. Though the clip is only 7 minutes, Soulo covers a lot of ground. He discusses the thinking behind the religious imagery on his forthcoming album, These Days, not being signed to Interscope, his love for Jay-Z and Nas, the mythical... Read more

Marsha Ambrosius Blends Jeru, Sade and Dr. Dre on Stronger. Hearing is Believing (Audio)

Marsha Ambrosius gets a rare appearance from Dr. Dre on her latest single, "Stronger." The track itself completely revamps two classics into one by combining production samples from Jeru The Damaja's "Come Clean" and a reintroduction of Sade's infectious hook from her track, "Love is Stronger Than Pride." The former... Read more