Fresh Archives

Everything That’s Great About The ’80s Comes To New Life In R.A. The Rugged Man’s Ill New Visual (Video)

Coming up in the mid-1980s New York City Hip-Hop era, R.A. The Rugged Man traveled from Long Island to Brooklyn to experience his favorite MCs. The friend of The Notorious B.I.G. and longtime collaborator of Havoc and Sadat X loved Hip-Hop's history, and collected tapes and studied flows. The 20-plus-year... Read more

June 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

T.I. & Young Thug Play With Colors In The Self-Directed About The Money (Video)

T.I.'s Paper Work single "About The Money" appears intended to show the Grand Hustle rapper's mojo, aside from his bank accounts. Thus, for the video on the Young Thug-assisted song, Tip keeps things simple. The toys are kept at home, as the pair rock on a soundstage, and let the... Read more

June 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

As Predicted, The Mid-2000s G-Unit Reunites As 50 Cent & Young Buck Make Peace

After months of speculation, 50 Cent's co-headlining Summer Jam set yesterday (June 1) included a career benchmark. The Queens, New York superstar reunited with his multi-platinum G-Unit group at East Rutherford, New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. The group's most famous, Beg For Mercy lineup of 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo,... Read more

June 2, 2014 Fresh

The Roots Bring the Heat to Summer Jam (Video)

With all the talk recently of bringing back New York Hip-Hop, leave it to The Roots to actually do it. During their dynamite set at Hot 97's Summer Jam concert at the Met Life Stadium in New Jersey, the legendary crew brought out The Lox, Dres from Black Sheep and... Read more

June 1, 2014 Video

Digga, The Producer Responsible For Cam’ron’s Earliest Hits & Children Of The Corn, Plays Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Although Cam'ron's music is commonly associated with the Roc-A-Fella Records-era sounds of Just Blaze, Kanye West, and The Heatmakerz, he came into vogue under the musical guidance of Darrell "Digga" Branch. The fellow Harlem native was the sound-source for Children Of The Corn, an early '90s group which included Big... Read more

June 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Watch The Full Premiere Episode Of 50 Cent’s Starz Drama, “Power” (Video)

Lining up perfectly with Animal Ambition's June 6 release, 50 Cent's first executive produced premium cable show, "Power" will air next week. In a draw to attract out-of-market viewers to the Starz program, the premiere episode is available online, in full. Starz describes the show as follows: "James 'Ghost' St.... Read more

June 1, 2014 Fresh, TV, Video

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Camp Lo, Ab-Soul, Styles P, Jadakiss, Murs & More (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video brought sneak peeks at upcoming projects from Camp Lo and Yasiin Gaye (the 2nd part of the Mos Def/Marvin Gaye blend mixtape), strong freestyle from Brother Ali and Mayhem Lauren, new music videos from Ab-Soul, Murs & Mayday, Styles P & Jadakiss and more.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

50 Cent – Animal Ambition: The Videos (Video Playlist)

Update: 50 Cent has now released the video for the Animal Ambition title track. The playlist has been updated and you can now watch the videos for the entire album, in full. 50 Cent has quietly put together one of the most strategic and aggressive marketing campaigns in recent memory.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Playlists, Video

The Message: The Complete Story of the Evolution of Hip-Hop (Video)

Next week (6/4 at 10pm EST), BET is premiering part 1 of a 4 part documentary on the evolution of Hip-Hop. The film will cover all 40+ years of the Hip-Hop era and will examine how it spread across the country, region-by-region. Participants include Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Kendrick... Read more

May 31, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Ab-Soul Bears His Cross in Stigmata (Video)

In 1999, Nas released what, at the time, was an extremely controversial video for his song "Hate Me Now." The video depicted Nas being crucified and the airing of a version also featuring Puff Daddy on the cross led to the infamous Champagne bottle altercation between Diddy and Steve Stoute.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Video

Watch Big L & Big Pun in a Never Before Released Cypher (Video)

Yesterday (5/30) would have been Big L's 40th birthday. To celebrate the fallen MC's life and legacy, Complex premiered never before released footage of Big L in the studio dropping a verse AND a previously unreleased cypher that included L, Charlie Hustle and Big Pun. Check out both videos below.... Read more

May 31, 2014 Throwback

Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver Talk Legal Tender Over a Soulful Burner (Audio)

Jet Life brothers, Young Roddy & Trademark Da Skydiver, link on a new record about currency, minus crew leader Curren$y. The result is still the same. They deliver laid back, in the pocket flows over a soulful burner. Check out Legal Tender. Related: Trademark Da Skydiver Doubles As Flamingo Barnes... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

Pack Your Bags And Take Off With Mary J. Blige (Audio)

It's been quite some time since Mary J. Blige has released a studio, non-holiday album. At 43 years young, the talented songstress unpacks her latest single, "Suitcase," since her three year long vacation. Upbeat piano keys and club ready electronic production lay the foundation for Ms. Blige to take control... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Heaven Can’t Wait For Common On Kingdom (Audio)

Soothing church house vocals give Common the keys to the "Kingdom" for his latest single. Produced by fellow Chicagoan and frequent collaborator, No I.D., the angelic piece is blessed by Common's new perspective in death as he stands in front of the pearly gates as "Chicago's prodigal son." The track's... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Skyzoo & Torae Get a Rough and Rugged Beat from DJ Premier (Audio)

Skyzoo and Torae's album, Barrel Brothers, hit stores earlier this week. If you're in search of strong lyrics and beats with that BOOM BAP, look no further. Their DJ Premier-produced track, "The Aura," is proof positive. Check it out below and pick up the album here. Related: Skyzoo & Torae’s... Read more

May 30, 2014 Audio

Brother Ali Goes On The Attack In A Freestyle. But Who’s The Target? (Video)

Brother Ali kicked a dope a capella verse on the Sway in the Morning show as part of a sound check. What seemed like a casual rhyme at first turned into a blistering story about an MC who made it based on lies and biting. The target could be an... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Murs & Mayday Take a Stand Against the American Prison System in Serge’s Song (Video)

Mayday & Murs make a strong statement against the American prison system in Serge's song. The song depicts a conversation between 2 friends, one free and one behind bars. The video shows Murs and Mayday re-enacting the phone call but bookends the visuals with powerful facts about how many more... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

50 Cent Releases the Full Album Stream for Animal Ambition (Audio)

A lot has been written about the resurgence of 50 Cent since he left Interscope and renewed his grind as an independent artist. The reaction has been with good reason. 50 has been putting out some of his best music in years. The album, Animal Ambition, is set to be... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Chance The Rapper Covers A Children’s TV Show Theme Song (Video)

Chance The Rapper has this keen ability to harness some deep seeded, fantastical energy into his music that penetrates your heart and soul, and gives you goosebumps in the best way possible. Now, there is one more reason to love the approachable Chicago artist. At a recent performance at Sasquatch... Read more

May 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mannie Fresh Premiers New Mos Def Collaboration, Talks Making Juvenile’s 400 Degreez With NPR (Video)

Veteran Bounce producer and DJ Mannie Fresh sits down with NPR Hip-Hop to discuss a myriad of topics including his work with Cash Money Records, Lil Wayne's career, working with Mos Def, and the lack of diversity on the Hip-Hop horizon. Along the way, the Big Tymers co-founder also premiered... Read more

May 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Enter Mayhem Lauren’s New York State Of Mind Through A Freestyle (Video)

Mayhem Lauren fuels up with "Danny's House of Pizza" before unleashing his New York peppered bars for Statik Selektah and the crew at Shade 45. The Queens rapper continues to push his New York state of mind with strong work on his recently released project, Silk Pyramids, which features production... Read more

May 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rocko & Nas Share A Love For The Hustle (Audio)

One may say that a key component to the "Hustle" of living is the ability to continue to move forward even during tough, dire situations. Atlanta, Georgia veteran rapper Rocko links up with Nas to relive life's struggles over production from Fatboi that emotes the progression of an '80s montage... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kool G Rap & DJ Premier Make Another Joint, Courtesy Of Spe$h. Scratch Chorus Lovers Rejoice (Audio)

Since "First Nigga" back in the Rawkus Records era, DJ Premier has been one of the masters in showcasing Kool G Rap's genius. The former partner of DJ Polo came in the game destroying the silence over beats by Marley Marl, Large Professor, and Dr. Butcher, but these days, Giancana... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Can’t Be Pinned Down Ever. Just Hear Him Alongside Dreezy On No Good (Audio)

When it comes to songs about intimate relationships, Common's usually thought of as rhyming about the upside. While "I Used To Love H.E.R." was a metaphoric breakup with Hip-Hop, "The Light" and "I Want You" are remembered as seductive approaches of harmonious love. On Dreezy's "No Good," Common speaks from... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples & Bad Rabbits Get Made And Go Back To The Future (Audio)

Vince Staples' impressive output continues. This time, the Earl Sweatshirt protege meshes with band Bad Rabbits for Converse's upcoming CONS EP Vol. 2 project. The result is a groovy, Electro-Funk backdrop with Vince rapping some autobiographical truths, and a crescendo chorus. Is Vince ready for the proper retail album on... Read more

May 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Miguel Reflects on the Simple Things in His Stylish New Visuals (Video)

Miguel has never been one to be put in a box, musically. Whether it's vibing with DJ Premier or conjuring Prince, he's created a very diverse sonic spectrum for himself. His latest, Simple Things from the Girls soundtrack, is a meditative guitar-driven song where he recounts the desire to enjoy... Read more

May 29, 2014 Video

Kanye West Explains How J Dilla Influenced Yeezus (Video)

Back in 2005, during the launch of Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music, 'Ye inked a deal with one of his influences, Common. During the making of Comm's Be LP, two producers worked on the album: Kanye and J Dilla. The gold-certified, Grammy-nominated album would eventually feature two Jay Dee production, and... Read more

May 29, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Resurfaces for a Performance of Babylon with SZA (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been quiet lately. The TDE MC who largely owned 2013 has been holed up in the lab preparing to control 2014...He recently resurfaced, however, in support of his TDE label mate, SZA. Check out the video of their performance of Babylon from her album. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

May 29, 2014 Throwback

10 Years Later, Dave Chappelle Brings His Block Party Indoors, And Who’s He Sharing The Stage With?

A decade ago, Dave Chappelle famously held his "Block Party" in Brooklyn, New York. Held for free at a secret location, the event was the subject of a Michel Gondry-directed film. The Ohio comedian/actor curated a concert, sharing the stage with an extremely rare reunited Fugees performance, in addition to... Read more

May 28, 2014 Fresh

Beats Music x Apple Deal Is Confirmed. Dr. Dre To Become Apple Executive

After three weeks of speculation, Dr. Dre is believed to have officially become Hip-Hop's first billionaire. Today (May 28), USA Today confirmed the Beats Electronics (previously Beats By Dre) buyout by Apple for a reported $3 billion. The latter company's CEO, Tim Cook declared, "This [deal] is about music and... Read more

May 28, 2014 Fresh

50 Cent is a Man of Many Talents. Baseball is NOT One of Them…Worst Pitch Ever? (Video)

50 Cent has been on a tear lately. Over the last couple of months, he's released some of his best music in nearly a decade with the lead up to Animal Ambition and he has provided some incredibly entertaining interviews about G-Unit, why he split with Interscope and more. Recently,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Here’s the Official Mixtape for the 7th Annual Roots Picnic (Mixtape)

The 7th annual Roots Picnic will be held on May 31st in Philadelphia and headlined by Snoop Dogg, backed by The Roots. As has become tradition, they have released a mixtape to accompany the event, featuring many of those who will be performing. This year's edition features The Roots, Snoop,... Read more

May 28, 2014 Audio

Jadakiss & Rocko Join Styles P in the Video for Sour (Video)

Styles P releases the latest video from his Phantom and the Ghost album. Check out Sour featuring Jadakiss and Rocko. Related: Styles P and Chris Rivers Get Gritty In The New York City Streets (Video)... Read more

May 28, 2014 Video

Big REC Chops Up His Unstoppable Bars Over A Diamond D Beat (Video)

From Fat Joe to Illegal to Big L, Diamond D knows how to give an MC the soundscapes for lasting impact. The D.I.T.C. co-founder's latest protege, Big REC, has a style unlike those typically associated with the Bronx O.G., and co-founder of Ultimate Force. "Unstoppable" shows REC trying his hand... Read more

May 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rest In Peace To Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou, one of our greatest poets, has passed away at the age of 86. Dr. Angelou was a poet, author, activist and influencer, having inspired everyone from Oprah to Bill Clinton to Common. Our condolences go out to her family, friends and all those she touched.... Read more

May 28, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Jim-E-O Weaves a Tale of Redemption in Word on the Street (Video)

Here's a refreshing take from Jim-E-O, an artist we spotlighted a couple of years ago. In a genre dominated by (often fake) talk from suburban rappers about hustling on the corner, Jim-E-O talks about cleaning up his act and becoming a better man. That's his Word on the Street. Check... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Goes Back to Hollywood LA with a Dynamic Performance (Video)

Vic Mensa renders a dynamic performance of "Hollywood LA," one of the many standout cuts on his Innanet Tape, at Truth Studios in Los Angeles. His dynamic delivery emphasizes the intricate wordplay embedded in the deceptively laid back song. Check out the video. Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Here’s Another Timeless Blend of Marvin Gaye & Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) (Audio & Video)

Earlier this year, Amerigo Gazaway released Inner City Travelin' Man, one of the better projects of the year. The album blended the music and vocals of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), under the collective name of Yasiin Gaye. Gazaway is readying part 2 of the release, Yasiin... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Video

Camp Lo & Ski Beatz Confirm A Reunion Album, Preview Some Joints From The Studio (Video)

For over three albums, Bronx duo Camp Lo closely worked with Ski Beatz. Ski, who hailed from Original Flavor, was also working closely with Jay Z and Roc-A-Fella Records at the time of 1996's Uptown Saturday Night album. Ski, Geechie Suede, and Sonny Cheeba have worked together again, into the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

BADBADNOTGOOD Is The One Degree That Separates Ghostface Killah & Danny Brown In New Track (Audio)

The juxtaposition of Ghostface Killah's deep, gritty, guttural vocals and Danny Brown's high-pitched tones are the perfect combination to accentuate the storytellers' raw, uninhibited lyrics that float over seemingly simple, pacing production from Toronto Jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD. "Six Degrees" may apply to the differing-but-similar styles between 'Face and D.B., and... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era Call For The Shift (EP Stream)

Through Scion A/V, Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era clique surprised Heads with a five-song EP, The Shift. Released today (May 27), this release includes Joey, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly and the rest of the gang. As the group shies away from formal releases, how do you think this holds... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mayhem Lauren & Buckwild Build Some Silk Pyramids In Stereo (Album Stream)

A day early, Mayhem Lauren's studio debut album, Silk Pyramids is available for free audio stream. The album is a joint effort with Bronx, New York producer/D.I.T.C. member Buckwild. Lauren is previously known for his Outdoorsmen work and touring alongside Action Bronson. He began recording album known as Self-Induced Illness... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get To Know Jarren Benton Through His 2014 XXL Freestyle (Video)

Although he's hardly a new MC, Heads are just getting to know Jarren Benton. The Atlanta, Georgia-based MC is down with Funk Volume (Hopsin, Dizzy Wright), as well as R.A. The Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz, and other bully-mouth MCs from the Northeast. He's already got a Top 200 debut album... Read more

May 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rest In Peace Father Shaheed, Of Poor Righteous Teachers

A news story from HipHopDX.com has quoted Public Enemy's Facebook account as confirming Father Shaheed dead. The Trenton, New Jersey native was a founding member of P.R.T., and a DJ/producer of the crew also including Wise Intelligent, Culture Freedom, and Mike Peart. Per P.E.'s reports, Shaheed died following a motorcycle... Read more

May 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Skyzoo & Torae’s Barrel Brothers Has Plenty Of Ammo (Album Stream)

After a sampler, a mixtape, and two singles, Torae & Skyzoo's Barrel Brothers album is available for free, full stream a day before it releases to the public. DJ Premier (who twice helped bring these two together in the collective consciousness), Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, !llmind, Oh No, and Sean... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought Hot Freestyles, Powerful Music Videos & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought 2 killer freestyles from Logic, strong new music videos from Ice-T, CyHi the Prynce, Buckshot & Pro Era, and Schoolboy Q, a mini-doc showing Erykah Badu tracing her roots, The Roots playing their new album with an orchestra, the definitive D'Angelo interview and much more.... Read more

May 26, 2014 Playlists, Video

It’s A Bronx Thing When Two Giants In The Mental, Kool Keith & A.G. Rock Out (Audio)

In the early 1990s, two of the finest, most innovative MCs in Hip-Hop were Kool Keith and A.G. From respected outfits Ultramagnetic MC's and Showbiz & A.G., respectively, these men found frontier rhyme patterns and regularly traced their verses back to Hip-Hop's origins. Such is the case for "Eldorado." Both... Read more

May 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace Explains Transitioning From Masta Ace Inc. To The eMC, Making Slaughtahouse (Video)

Masta Ace's career spans three highly-respected crews. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC came up alongside Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, MC Shan, and the rest of Marley Marl's Juice Crew. However, between 1990's Take A Look Around and 1993, The Juice Crew was largely dissolved, due to financial disputes and... Read more

May 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

As Easy as 213: How Warren G Launched the G-Funk Era

Here's a truly amazing piece from Pitchfork on Warren G's impact on the G-Funk era. While Dre's name is often the one most prominently associated with the genre, it quite possibly may not have existed without little stepbrother Warren. Check out the excerpts below and then head to pitchfork for... Read more

May 25, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Some of the Best Freestyles of 2014 (So Far) (Video Playlist)

UPDATED to include fiery verses from Lupe Fiasco, Lecrae, Remy Ma, Vic Mensa, Elzhi and more. The last few weeks have brought some killer freestyles. Here's a video playlist of some of the MCs dropping the heaviest bars so far in 2014. You'll see Logic, Papoose, King Los, Prevail and... Read more

May 25, 2014 Playlists, Video