Fresh Archives

Try Out To Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Strick’s Sophomore eMC LP (Album Stream)

Veteran Brooklyn MC Masta Ace is branching out with his latest group, The eMC. The collective including late '90s underground Hip-Hop MCs Wordsworth, Punchline (who were previously a group as Punch & Words), along with Milwaukee, Wisconsin MC Strick (f/k/a Stricklin). The group released a 2008 LP on Fat Beats... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Makes His Return, Discussing West Coast Gangsta Culture (Audio)

For almost a decade, Blu has been a musical chameleon. The Los Angeles native's albums sound wildly different, from one to the next, while his evasiveness from the spotlight only adds to the mystique. For Good To Be Home (cover art pictured), Blu may seem like he's returning to form, but... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Isaiah Rashad Speaks About Life’s Struggles in His XXL Freestyle (Video)

Isaiah Rashad's songs have had a common mixture of pleasure and pain. He consistently demonstrates the ability to honestly address life's ups and downs. His XXL Freshman embodies those characteristics as he touches on the daily struggles and his desire to overcome them for himself and his son. Check out... Read more

May 13, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Makes A New Style Of Beats With Bishop Lamont On The Mic (Video)

Just over six months after DJ Quik threatened to hang up his production talents following two stolen MPCs, the Compton veteran is back in the saddle. "Trapped On The Track" perhaps explains why the longtime Profile Records star who worked closely with 2Pac, Eazy-E, and Hi-C is unable to fully... Read more

May 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Curren$y & Le$ Tell Us It’s Over With A Thumping Cardo Beat (Audio)

Curren$y's slow flow, intricate materialism imagery, and ageless whimsicality on the track has made him a independent Hip-Hop star with several major deals. He partners with Le$ for "It's Over With," a simple song about commanding the attention away from spouses that aren't theirs to begin with. However, Cardo's slow,... Read more

May 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Makes A Boxing-Inspired Visual for Winner’s Circle (Video)

At its root, 50 Cent's long-awaited album Animal Ambition sounds inspirational. "Winner's Circle" is an autobiographical song about Fif's unyielding drive to be the best. The record looks at the attributes within, and explains why the man never backs down. The song, featuring singing from Guordan Banks, is written in... Read more

May 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Can It All Be So Simple: RZA & Raekwon Are Clan Brothers Once Again!

This morning (May 12), Wu-Tang Clan's website blog has posted some news that Heads can rejoice about, complete unity within the legendary collective. The site writes, "Breaking news : Raekwon and Rza truce : Raekwon scheduled to hit studio to complete verses for album : A Better Tomorrow, Details coming!" While neither... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh

Solange Knowles Attacks Jay Z in an Elevator and It’s Caught on Film (Video)

UPDATED: With the full unedited video and a statement from The Standard Hotel. TMZ has leaked footage from a surveillance camera in an elevator which caught Solange Knowles physically attacking Jay Z multiple times, as Beyonce stood by. It is unclear what prompted the heated confrontation that occurred after a... Read more

May 12, 2014 Video

This Week’s Best in Hip-Hop Video Featured Redman, Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre & More (Video Playlist)

This was quite the week for Hip-Hop video. We got new videos from Redman, Rapsody, 50 Cent & Jadakiss, Eminem & more, got our first taste of the $5MM Wu-Tang Clan album, saw Kanye West give an aspiring rapper a chance, witnessed Dr. Dre celebrating potentially becoming Hip-Hop's first billionaire... Read more

May 12, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Vic Mensa Releases One of the Best Music Videos of the Year (Video)

Vic Mensa is a machine. With many styles in his repertoire, the Kids These Days MC turned star soloist released two different looks in one day. Accompanying longtime collaborator Donnie Trumpet on the Bluesy Jazz-influenced "Pasadena," Mensa also released the pepped-up Hip-House visual to his "Down On My Luck." Think... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jazmine Sullivan Returns with Another Warning Shot for the Unfaithful (Audio)

Jazmine Sullivan and Meek Mill grew up in the same 215 area code surrounding Philadelphia. Both sensations are known for re-channeling their personal pain into strong, energetic music that resonates with the masses. "Dumb," hosted by Sullivan does just this. She burst onto the scene into 2008 with a strong... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Thought Joins Arinze, Rav. P & Queen Ella on a Hot New Track (Audio)

As The Roots ready their next group release, Black Thought drops a quick but typically excellent feature on a song by artist/producer Arinze. Check out Achievements, which also features Rav. P and Queen Ella. Related: The Roots Announce Their Next Album Is Less Than 6 Weeks Away... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio

Janelle Monae Holds It Down For The Underdogs In Her David Bowie Cover Heroes (Video)

Janelle Monae is always making statements: with music, fashion, lyrics, and more. In her video to "Heroes," the cover of the famed 1977 David Bowie record, Purple Ribbon's secret weapon stands up to bullying. This M*I*A-style video tells a story, and has an upside. Whether the song is about love,... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Stop & Listen To Locksmith’s Bars On Willie Lynch, Get Illuminated (Video)

Locksmith may come across as a new artist, however, the Bay Area MC has been grinding for a handful of calendars. Within the bars of "Willie Lynch," Lock' chronicles his journey, as well as his self-identity. You'll hear about his slept-on album with Original Flavor's Ski Beats, and getting passed... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chicago’s Musical Renaissance Is So Colorful. Donnie Trumpet & Vic Mensa Are Blue For Pasadena (Video)

Chicago has long been a musical crossroads for Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll, and even Hip-Hop. Where East meets West, at Lake Michigan, is both a collection and a tributary of so many things. In Hip-Hop's recent years, this is especially true. Two such artists are Donnie Trumpet and Vic... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chance The Rapper Shows That He’s A Senior Freshman In This XXL Freestyle (Video)

Although Miley Cyrus claimed it, it was actually Chance The Rapper who came into 2013 like a wrecking ball. Chicago's melodic native son countered the city's epidemic violence with proof that youth there are insightful, disenfranchised, and longing for the same acceptance and promise that American youth have always sought,... Read more

May 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Kid Daytona Flexes Supremely On A Harry Fraud Beat (Audio)

Another XXL Freshmen cover/list is announced, and Heads know that it's prime real estate for many artists not included to show and prove, driving the conversation. Bronx, New Yorker The Kid Daytona has been moving and shakin' for more than a few moons now, with ties to Lifted Research Group... Read more

May 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Tyler, The Creator Does His Own Rendition Of A 124 Year-Old Song (Video)

Many enduring Hip-Hop artists have interwoven visual artwork and painting into their total package. A Tribe Called Quest had the celebrated figuresque female silhouette, who appeared on stage this year with Q-Tip and Phife as the "real-life" Bonita Applebum. Snoop Doggy Dogg had the family artwork of Joe Cool, while... Read more

May 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mac Miller’s Music Has Many Faces, He Displays Some New Ones (Mixtape)

Mac Miller seemingly never stops recording music. Now independent, the Pittsburgh native MC/producer maintains his free reign on releasing product. Over the holiday weekend, M.M. unleashed Faces. Largely self-produced 24 tracks feature some predictable collaborations like Vince Staples, ScHoolboy Q, and Sir Michael Rocks, along with some edgy expansions, including Rick... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

For Mother’s Day, Eminem Gifts The Spike Lee-Directed Headlights Video

After some strong anticipation, Eminem released the Spike Lee-directed "Headlights" video for the Mother's Day holiday. Those familiar with the Marshall Mathers LP 2 single know that it's a powerful and personal song that makes some amends with Em's oft-estranged mother. The visual, which is filmed in washed color, unlike Friday's... Read more

May 11, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

The Beat Junkies’ DJ Rhettmatic Shares His Wedding Mixer Series, Of Family-Friendly Funk (Audio)

Friendly by day, DJ Rhettmatic is nothing nice when he's on the wheels of steel. The Southern California DJ is one of the leaders of The Beat Junkies crew (with J Rocc), and somebody who has worked with J Dilla, Ras Kass, and his other crew, The Visionaries for over... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Premieres His Second Album In Less Than Two Months, The Tonite Show (Album Stream)

As 2014 approaches its midpoint, many Heads are championing Freddie Gibbs & Madlib's Piñata as one of the year's best. Gangsta Gibbs linked with the longtime sound of Stones Throw Records and now his own Madlib Invazion imprint to deliver hard-edged reality raps over deeply dusty loops and grooves. As... Read more

May 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Zion I Drops Some Futuristic B-Boy Funk In Masters Of Ceremony (Video)

AmpLive and Zumbi have always been a step ahead. Oakland, California's veteran duo has seemingly looked to the future in finding their pockets of fuzzed out synths, neck-snapping rhythms, and purism MC deliveries. However, their path also has been blazed with Hip-Hop's (and music in general) past in consideration. In... Read more

May 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

After A Def Jam Stint, Big Boi Takes His Solo Deal To L.A. Reid’s Epic Records

Part of OutKast's woes have long said to be legal. In the wake of Arista Records' dissolving, the duo of Andre 3000 and Big Boi were designated to Jive Records, where they released Idlewild back in 2006. Reportedly, since the days at Jive, a label which had largely had stripped... Read more

May 11, 2014 Fresh

A Reunited G-Unit Group At Summer Jam? Young Buck Tells DJ Whoo Kid His Thoughts… (Audio)

50 Cent is gearing up for Animal Ambition next month. Although a Game reunion/armistice still appears premature, many Heads speculated that perhaps Fif will shake his hometown with a G-Unit (post-2005, anyway) reunion on the Summer Jam stage. HOT 97's annual concert-spectacular has become the venue for Hip-Hop to do things... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem & Spike Lee Tease Us By Flicking The Headlights On (Video)

Spike Lee's Hip-Hop videography is arguably one of the greatest in the medium. From Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" to Naughty By Nature's "Hip-Hop Hooray," the head of 40 Acres & A Mule Films / A Spike Lee Joint Production Company has made it plain that he loves the culture.... Read more

May 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

Freddie Gibbs Riles Up With Some Rap Vets In Yukmouth & Trae Tha Truth (Audio)

Gangsta Gibbs may be one of Hip-Hop's strongest continuations of Gangsta Rap in the digital age. Growing up in the streets of Gary, Indiana can shape your message and social viewpoints, but so can growing up on strong doses of Rap-A-Lot Records releases. Since 1986, J. Prince's label was designed... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You Define Dizzy Wright As Only Lighthearted, Check His Dedication To Lost Children (Audio)

Dizzy Wright has amassed a major (independent) fan-base through commanding concerts, connecting with the attitudes of modern youth culture, and seemingly never ceasing to give away music. However, the Las Vegas, Nevada MC has a lot more depth than some Heads may realize. Funk Volume's Wright dedicated a song this... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

“THE FORBES LIST JUST CHANGED.” Dr. Dre Speaks on Becoming the First Billionaire in Hip-Hop (Video)

In a celebratory video that appears to have been recorded last night, Dr. Dre, along with Tyrese, speaks briefly about the Forbes list changing "in a big way." Dre's comments are no doubt related to the Forbes Hip-Hop list which recently, put Diddy atop with $700MM and Dre at #2... Read more

May 9, 2014 Video

Listen Up. Jeezy’s Got Some Things to Get Off His Chest (and Shoulder) (Audio)

Jeezy gets some things off his chest and dusts off his shoulder a bit on his latest release, Me OK. He talks about his journey from being a subject of XXL magazine to Forbes. He also addresses his next album release and suggests it might not be with his long... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

N.O.R.E. Puts His Spin on Believe Me (Audio)

"Where the real Queens at? Shout out Capone-N-Noreaga." Lil Wayne shouted out N.O.R.E. on, Believe Me, his new duet with Drake. N.O.R.E. heard it and ran with it, creating his own version of the Vinylz & Boi-1da track. Check it out. Related: Capone-N-Noreaga Are Back In Business. They Recorded An... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Ready for Some New Slaughterhouse? SayDatThen (Audio)

2 weeks after announcing a new album is coming, Slaughterhouse are back with an incredible new song produced by Nottz. The slow and plodding dark chords and hard drums give Joell, Royce, Crooked and Joe the space to do what they do best. Drop BARS. Ready for the weekend? SayDatThen...... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Is Dr. Dre About to be Hip-Hop’s First Billionaire?

Tonight, reports have hit the web that Apple is in negotiations to buy Beats, owned by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, for $3.2 billion. Given Dr. Dre's recently estimated net worth of $550 million, it is quite possible sale of his equity stake in Beats could make him Hip-Hop's first... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh

Tech N9ne Strangles The Microphone In A New Strange-Stacked Cypher (Video)

Few artists who enjoy the commercial success of Tech N9ne keep the artistry as alive. Strange Music's cofounder opted to present a BET-style cypher, showcasing his label's vast talent. Vets of the Missouri imprint such as Kutt Calhoun and Prozack rock the mic, while relative newcomers like Ces CRU's Godemis... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s Kay Slay’s New Mixtape Featuring Raekwon, Young Buck, ONYX, Jay Rock, Joell Ortiz, Tony Yayo & Many More (Mixtape)

DJ Kay Slay has released his new mixtape, The Last Hip Hop Disciple. The project is STACKED with artists of all styles, including Raekwon, Young Buck, ONYX, Jay Rock, Joell Ortiz, Tony Yayo, Papoose, Jon Connor, Memphis Bleek, Sheek Louch, Vado, Gunplay, Trae tha Truth, Saigon, Chi Ali, Locksmith and... Read more

May 8, 2014 Mixes

Papoose Drops Bars and Bars and Bars on His Backroom Freestyle, After Serving Donald Sterling (Video)

Papoose delivered bars on bars on bars during his Backroom freestyle. He spit 4 straight minutes of choice similes and metaphors and even managed to serve Donald Sterling. Check out the video. Related: DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Me’Shell Ndegeocello Releases a Dramatic Re-Interpretation of Whodini’s Friends (Audio)

Throughout her illustrious 20+ year career, Me'Shell Ndegeocello has been an unconventional artist. From her first single, "If That's Your Boyfriend," through the present, she has been unafraid to tackle seemingly any subject, no matter how taboo. As of late, she has covered music that influenced her, including Prince. Her... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio

You’ve Heard The Blues, But Not Like Michael Jackson & Timbaland’s Blue Gangsta (Audio)

Years before Young Jeezy and Cam'ron, Michael Jackson was making that "gangsta music." The King Of Pop may have had irresistible rhythms and harmonies in his unrivaled stack of solo smash hits, but in many of the videos, Gary, Indiana's own channeled the street movements, whether that was a leather... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Deltron 3030 Is Always On Some Next Ish, Including A Wheelchair Rocketship (Video)

Approaching 25 years of making albums, Del The Funky Homosapien is constantly evolving down his many corridors of music. The Hieroglyphics' most recognizable member was always different, even when he was a charting MC on Elektra Records. However, in 2000, teaming with Dan The Automator, who had already made a... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody’s Betty Shabazz Shows Her Commanding MC Skills All In One Place On A 9th Wonder Nodder (Video)

For some Rapsody fans, this week has been bittersweet. With an acclaimed independent album and a show-stopping mixtape under her belt, many Heads were looking to see Rap's joyful smile grace the upcoming XXL pages for 2014's annual "Freshmen issue." The questions and disappointment from some, when the Kooley High... Read more

May 8, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

Think Redman Has Slowed Down? Think Again. He’s Still Got That FIRE (Video)

Redman is the gift that keeps on giving. After more than 20 years in the game, he's still got that flame when it comes to hot lyrics. Check out his latest video, Dunfiato. Related: Redman Raps From Under A Bridge, Rhyming To The Shaft Soundtrack (Video)... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Trek Past The Snow Capped Mountain & Into The Desert Valley Where Flying Lotus’ Dreams Live (Video)

Trek past the snow capped mountain and walk into the desert valley where strange creatures roam and dreams live. It is within this wondrous other world where you can find Flying Lotus crafting his emotive instrumental orchestrations for our world at home and to the planets beyond. Filmed in New... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)

Common's longtime producer and collaborator No I.D. is the same music executive who put a Def Jam jacket on Logic's shoulders. Perhaps one of the selling points for the Baltimore, Maryland independent juggernaut to ink with the label was related to No I.D.' closeness to the movement with Comm Sense.... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem Will Make History In London This Summer At Wembley (Audio)

Rebuilt in 2007, London's beautifully restored Wembley Stadium has featured countless European football games on the pitch and has also been the center stage for mega artists including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and The Killers, but never before has the venue ever held a concert for a... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh

Torae & Skyzoo Fire Off A Warning Shot With The Barrel Brothers Album Sampler (Audio)

On May 27, Skyzoo & Torae will release their debut collaborative album, Barrel Brothers. After a decade of collaborations, the Brooklyn independent mainstays are teaming with Fokis' Loyalty Digital imprint and Empire Distribution to offer Heads a full glimpse at the chemistry from the vets, who have found success in satellite... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T.’s Sincerity Shines In Mt. Olympus’ Conceptual Visual (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. made a massive statement in "Mt. Olympus." The breakout symphonic single from Krizzle attacked the stigmas that he feels should have been silenced after five acclaimed projects (he refers to them as albums). In a record about doing what most rappers can't do, K.R.I.T. unleashed the video, where... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew surprised Heads today (May 7). The respected New York City veteran producer/MC collective including Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe, and the late Big L have been releasing a series of remixes from their Remix Project. The LP features new mixes... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Revisit J. Rawls Crate Diving Beginnings In Queen City (Audio)

Cincinnati, Ohio producer/MC J. Rawls takes a glance into his early crate digging past in his latest single, "The Rest of My Life." Taking his story back to the Queen City, the Lone Catalysts co-founder relives his early career days of "making jams everyday with Dose One and Holmskillit," and... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

There Is A Pop Superstar Heads Might’ve Missed From The Wu-Tang Clan Once Upon A Time In Shaolin Teaser…

Yesterday (May 6) brought the first listen (by "any civilians" anyway) of the upcoming Wu-Tang Clan album, Wu—Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. Recorded and under lock and key in Marrakesh, Morocco, this one-of-one, open-market auction LP is helmed by longtime Wu affiliate Cilvaringz, who shared just under a minute of... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh

Attention Jay Z: Here’s an Open Letter to You From One of Hip-Hop’s Most Talented Up and Coming Producers (Food for Thought)

Here's an open letter to Jay Z from Cam Osteen, a brilliant young producer who has helped to craft the sound for Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and others. He recently created a track for Hov but was prevented from getting the track to him. Rather than give up, he's... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Food for Thought