Fresh Archives

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

Raekwon Over Simple Kicks & Snares Alongside Chase & Status? Yes Please (Audio)

While Raekwon is believed to be currently on hiatus from Wu-Tang Clan's A Better Tomorrow sessions, Staten Island's favorite Chef has not ceased working. Rae hopped on Chase & Status' second coming of "Gangsta Boogie." The smooth G-joint from the veteran British EDM tandem was first released in 2013, but... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get A Closer Listen To The Sidewalk Rapper Kanye West Complimented (Audio)

Even Heads immune to daily paparazzi rundowns and celebrity gossip sites seemed to direct some interest to yesterday's (May 5) video footage of Kanye West listening to a street rapper deliver seemingly-endless bars while 'Ye walked the New York streets with spouse, Kim Kardashian. Headed home after a long night... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The 50 Cent & Jadakiss Unification Comes To Living Color With An Irregular Heartbeat (Video)

Nobody can say they're surprised that 50 Cent followed the audio release of "Irregular Heartbeat" with a video in less than 24 hours. However, after Styles P missed out on the "Chase The Paper" visual, Heads will be happy to see that Jadakiss appeared in the video after a decade... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

2014 XXL Freshman Jon Connor Takes Off Waving His Aftermath Flag With Mr. Porter (Audio)

It's a huge week for Flint, Michigan MC Jon Connor. The Aftermath artist just became the first artist from Flint to ever cover XXL magazine, and he's doing so with some pretty esteemed company care of 2014's Freshmen Class list. On a high, J.C. links with D12 member/Aftermath core soundsmith... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Open Auction Wu-Tang Clan Album Is Under Vaulted Lock & Key, But You Can Get A Taste (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan has announced two albums coming down the pipeline. One, said to be called A Better Tomorrow, is the subject of a rift between RZA and Raekwon that might leave the Chef out of Wu's studio kitchen for the first time in 21 years. The other, already completed recording,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

How Did Lorde Signify the Death of “Black Cool?” Questlove Has the Answers…

Questlove is in the middle of a 6-part essay series for Vulture called "How Hip-Hop Failed Black America." The first 2 parts were dense, challenging, and deeply thought-provoking. The 3rd installment, titled "What Happens When Black Loses Its Cool?," is no less engaging and philosophical. Quest attempts to define and... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh

T.I. & DJ Toomp Are Back To Making Trunk-Rattling Trap (Audio)

Does anybody make trunks rattle quite like DJ Toomp? A product of the Miami Bass movement of the late '80s and early '90s, Toomp found mainstream success in developing a sound that fit so snugly with T.I.'s cocky lyrics about never backing down. The pair, like Common and No I.D.,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin (eMC) Make It Slap Like Charlie Murphy (Video)

eMC, the collective of Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin, are stricly about those bars. There is no sing-songy hook or R&B loop on their song, Charlie Murphy. They just drop hot verses over sparse chords and drums that slap (like the song's namesake). Check out the video. Related: Masta... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Beard Gang Got Bars In The Booth As DJ Premier Invites Jakk Frost To The Lab (Video)

At the conclusion of 2013, DJ Premier shared his annual list of things he found particularly dope. In the past, this list has been album-driven. For '13, Preem's list was about songs. Some Heads were shocked, perhaps illuminated to see West Philadelphia MC veteran Jakk Frost at the top of... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get Some NYC Pasta & Milk Shakes With Action Bronson (Video)

Besides the stage-tosses and body-slams, Action Bronson's recent global touring including some amazingly picturesque stops. The Queens, New Yorker went diving in Australian waters, whilst kicking it with Alchemist and some of his homies in the food industry. In the premiere episode of "Fuck, That's Delicious," A.B. shares some footage... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Plants Some Roses In Your Brain With A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Rapsody's ill linguistics are constantly elevating. In less than two minutes, Rap' takes a fresh Khrysis beat, and shows out on it. "Roses" follows the concept/substance-driven "Thank You" from late last month, showing some of the many sides of one of Hip-Hop's sharpest pens and performers. Related: Rapsody Thanks Some... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Recruits Jadakiss for His Grimiest Track Yet From Animal Ambition (Audio)

To say 50 Cent has had a renaissance with his Animal Ambition project would be quite the understatement. More accurately, 50 has made some of his finest music in years. The album quite possibly might be his best since Get Rich or Die Tryin'. His latest release finds Fif in... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April Including Scarface, The Roots, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & More (Audio Playlist)

April brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music featuring Scarface, KRS-One, The Roots, 50 Cent, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & Marvin Gaye, Pharoahe Monch, Big L & Fat Joe, Da Brat, Daz Dillinger, Slum Village & Black Milk, Rapsody, Chance the Rapper, Mobb Deep and much more.... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

How Does Kanye West Treat An Aspiring Street-Rapper Who Runs Up On Him With Bars? (Video)

Legend has it that Kanye West signed Big Sean to G.O.O.D. Music after a chance meeting in an elevator at a Detroit, Michigan radio station. On the spot, Big Sean saw his chance to be "finally famous" and bombarded 'Ye with some signature bars that did the unthinkable. History was... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

XXL Reveals Its 2014 Freshman Class (Video)

XXL has revealed its 2014 Freshman Class. Past years have generated TONS of controversy and this year's likely will follow suit. Take a look at the class below and weigh in on who your favorite MCs are from the list, as well as who you think got left off that... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Wood Harris Stars in the Short Film for Rick Ross’ Thug Cry (Video)

Wood Harris (The Wire, Paid in Full, Above the Rim) stars in the short film for Rick Ross' Thug Cry. The video stays true to the sonic tone of Ross' turn on the sample that anchored the Souls of Mischief's timeless '93 til Infinity. Check it out. Related: Rick Ross... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Bun B Talks Everything From Blowfly To Food Trucks With Nardwuar (Video)

Nardwuar The Human Serviette stops by The Venue in Vancouver to talk the early years and feed Bun B a heaping plate of old school Hip-Hop memorabilia including classic records, a fan-made Pimp C shirt, and even a Blow Fly bobble head. In typical Nardwuar fashion, the two discuss a... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Passport Gift Knows How To Turn Listeners On, Alongside Crooked I, Tito Lopez & Skyzoo (Video)

Passport Gift is absolutely one to watch. The New York MC has not made a big deal of letting the world know who he is off the mic. Instead, the lyricist goes with the old fashioned tactic: show and prove. With a fast, ferocious flow (something that Brooklyn is suddenly... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Discover Which MC Lyricist Reigns Supreme As Hip-Hop’s Top Wordsmith (Infographic)

Matt Daniels, designer, coder, and data scientist at Undercurrent in New York, has just compiled the first 35,000 lyrics from 85 of the most well respected, sought after MC talents in the industry into one of the greatest user friendly infographics for Heads in some time, to discover who reigns... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Talks Young Jeezy, Tech N9ne, & The Clippers And Drops A Vicious New Track (Video)

Freddie Gibbs hits the East Coast to sit down with DJ Envy and Power 105's The Breakfast Club to speak on a multitude of topics including his new album, being an independent artist, the state of street Rap, and his current tour with Tech N9ne. The Gary, Indiana product also... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah & Cormega Hit Mics Like Ted Koppel, With Glorified Excellence (Audio)

Queens, New York's DJ J-Love is a rhyming mixmaster who goes way, way back in the tape game. When he wasn't A&R'ing, rapping, and making popular mixtape series, J-Love was behind the decks for Ghostface Killah and Cormega on the road in the 2000s, and still. Who better then, to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Longing For Chipmunk Soul? Mr. Flash, Action Bronson, Cities Aviv & Oh No Have Your Fix (Audio)

Mr. Flash, an artist signed to the increasingly recognized Ed Banger Records, is a French DJ/producer. Just like some choice moments from the album Kanye West recorded in France, Flash re-popularizes "chipmunk soul," the pitch-altered vocal sampling style made mainstream by RZA, 'Ye, and Just Blaze. "Number One" employs one... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More (Video)

The Drama King has been a nonstop content supplier lately. The Harlem, New York graffiti writer-turned-DJ-turned-radio personality let go of a visual from recent audio single "Enter The Cypher," featuring Termanology, Papoose, Chris Rivers, and William Young. As was the case with another recent Slay and Pap' collabo, the visual... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beats May Change, But Ma$e’s Trademark Vocal Style Is Forever. Check The New Song Nothing (Audio)

In his latest press run, 50 Cent criticized Puff Daddy's post-G-Unit valuation of Ma$e. According to Fif, the onetime multi-platinum Bad Boy Records star was not worth the seven figure check Diddy was seeking to clear the label and recording rights of his former Harlem protege. Ma$e has yet to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Usher Raises The Bar In His New Single All About Lockin’ Lips (Video)

In August, Usher will celebrate 20 years since his self-titled debut set the way for a career in music, film, television, and philanthropy. Along the way, Ush' has constantly evolved sonically, making Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even some traditional Soul music. It's hard to pin down his latest single, "Good... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Michael Jackson’s Chicago Features Some Wavy Timbaland Production (Audio)

Michael Jackon's Xscape is on its way. The late King Of Pop's posthumous album is largely being helmed by Timbaland, who is a student of M.J.'s production and dance floor sensibilities. Tim channels Mike nicely on "Chicago," which has some cool production effects, and a catchy chorus. In life and... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Buckwild Puts An Epic Spin On Big L’s Casualties Of A Dice Game (Audio)

D.I.T.C. were one of the dopest yet most unheralded crews of the 90's. The clique, which consisted of Showbiz & AG, Diamond D, Big L, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C. and Buckwild, influenced the sound of an entire coast and generation in that era and for decades to come. They... Read more

May 3, 2014 Audio

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Featured Scarface, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, The Roots & More (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video featured Scarface discussing how he avoided having a massive heart attack, Kendrick Lamar performing California Love, Danny Brown speaking about the disturbing side effects of sipping lean, new music videos from The Roots, Styles P, J. Cole, and much more. Check out the video... Read more

May 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

50 Cent to Diddy: “Ma$e Ain’t Worth $2MM with $2MM in His Pocket” (Video)

Part 2 of 50 Cent's extended interview with Funkmaster Flex is even more revealing than part 1. 50 touches on several controversial topics, including commentating on the Jay Z/Drake beef, Tony Yayo skipping bail, ghostwriting for LL Cool J and tense business negotiations with Diddy regarding Ma$e. Flex interrupts 50.... Read more

May 3, 2014 Video

Lord Finesse Cuts Up The Breaks & Rare Grooves For An Impromptu Hour-Long Mix (Audio)

Lord Finesse is one of Hip-Hop's great triple threats. The Bronx, New Yorker came into the game as an esteemed MC, battling Percee P in famous footage, and coaching a young Big L on how to be cocky and relatable at the same time. Then, as part of D.I.T.C., "The... Read more

May 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Problem Serves Up Some of That New West Coast G-Funk with 2 New Releases (Audio)

Problem had a big year last year and he did it with a slew of releases that drew on the sounds of his Cali Hip-Hop forefathers from 2 decades prior. He's back with 2 new songs that showcase his own brand of that Gangsta Funk. Check out Realest Ni**as in... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden Names His Favorite Battle Rappers, Speaks on Upcoming Battle with Hollow Da Don (Audio)

There was a big reaction when Eminem announced he would launch his new battle rap league with Joe Budden facing off against Hollow Da Don. Though he has not battled on stage before, Budden has a longstanding relationship with the art of battle rap, both as a fan and through... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio

J. Cole and Bas Are Celebrating in Their Latest Video (Video)

Despite the low brow title, Bas & J. Cole's collabo from Bas' Last Winter project is aspirational at its core. Cole's hook of "Free your mind and everything will follow" underscores the song's overall message of not letting life's circumstances hold you down. Despite the fact that Bas' mixtape is... Read more

May 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Styles P and Chris Rivers Get Gritty In The New York City Streets (Video)

G.I. and DPTV Films have joined forces to direct the crisp visuals for the Styles P cut "Same Scriptures." The camera pans between studio sessions and dice games in the city, all while Styles and Big Pun's son Chris Rivers chop it up about their jagged upbringing over Dyce Payne... Read more

May 2, 2014 Video

Make Way To The Dance-floor, Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake’s Love Never Felt So Good Arrives (Audio)

Tupac's posthumous singles made Heads feel. Biggie's posthumous singles made Heads nod. Michael Jackson's posthumous "Love Never Felt So Good" has that irresistible dance-floor feel that MJ created so many times over in his life, that makes Heads grab a partner. Assisted by Justin Timberlake, the production speaks well to... Read more

May 2, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Covers 2Pac and Rocks It. THIS IS CALIFORNIA LOVE (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has been consistent in his praise for 2Pac as one of his favorite artists. At the iHeartRadio Awards, he paid homage to Pac and Dr. Dre with a rousing rendition of California Love (and some m.A.A.d. City), backed by a live band. This is the ultimate symbol that... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Murs and ¡Mayday! Take Action In Their Own Version of Prison Break (Video)

If you've ever needed to break out of prison, it's highly recommended that you take ¡Mursday! with you. In their video for Tabletops, Murs and ¡Mayday! are slaving away in classic orange jumpsuits before they escape their rock smashing fate. Hyperactive horns and a popping bass line from Strange Music... Read more

May 1, 2014 Fresh

The Roots Have Made a Visually-Arresting Claymation Lyric Video for When the People Cheer (Video)

The Roots continue pushing boundaries with their music and videos. Their latest milestone is a visually-arresting lyric video for When the People Cheer that employs striking colors and claymation as part of the imagery. Check it out. Related: The Roots Open Up A New Chamber With Raheem DeVaughn on Tomorrow... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Canibus Proclaims The End Of Days With His Latest Bass Heavy Relaease (Audio)

It's been over 15 years since Canibus dropped his debut project Can-I-Bus. The Four Horsemen affiliate who began as an internet savvy, battle rapping emcee has furthered his interest in the political realm and touches on the current state of our world with this hard hitting track. The grittiness you... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vic Mensa Kicks the Ill Freestyle with Help From a Human Beat Box (Video)

When's the last time you saw somebody kick a freestyle accompanied by a human beat box? Vic Mensa stopped by Prince Paul's All Purpose Show and, after an insightful interview, dropped some off the top bars with a human beat box version of Biggie's 10 Crack Commandments. Check out the... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Witness the Future of Music Videos with Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk (Video)

Remember the "WTF moment" you had the first time you saw a video that broke through artistically (like The Pharcyde's Drop)? Flatbush Zombies & Trash Talk have released a video that feels like a similar type of game-changer. "97.92" uses a panoramic camera to mind-bending effect. But, enough words. See... Read more

May 1, 2014 Video

Nas’ Illmatic Gets an Infectious Injection of Pure Soul (Mixtape)

Just when you thought the Nas Illmatic tributes were over, Cookin' Soul pulls you right back in...The production team has created a completely re-imagined version of some of the album's key tracks using some of the most soulful beats you will ever hear. This is a MONSTER. No matter how... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Mixes

Too Short and Rocko Take it Back to the Freaky Tales Sound on Sucka (Audio)

Early in his career, during the Life is...Too Short and Freaky Tales days, Too Short's sound was based on simple drums and simple bass lines. Rocko's song, Sucka, draws on that "back in the day" sound and he invited Short Dog along for the party. Check it out. Related: The... Read more

May 1, 2014 Audio

Scarface Explains The Deeply Rooted Reasons He Lost All That Weight (Video)

Scarface looks almost as young as he did on those early Geto Boys album covers, which are over 25 years old. The leader of Facemob admits that he weighed almost 300 pounds recently, causing doctors to warn him that he was dangerously close to being in the heart attack danger... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Gary Clark, Jr. Releases a Mixtape ft Big K.R.I.T., Talib Kweli, Bilal & More (Mixtape)

Gary Clark, Jr. has released one of the more interesting projects of the year. The Grammy-winning blues guitarist put together a mixtape featuring Talib Kweli, Big K.R.I.T., Bilal, Robert Glasper and more. It features remixes to his 2012 album of the same name, and adds a few new cuts. You... Read more

April 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

Evidence & AWAR Drop Heavy Bars on a Vibe Out Track and Everything’s Awesome (Audio)

Quietly, Evidence has made some of the most consistently good music of anyone in the game. Each of the Dilated Peoples albums was strong, and Ev's 2011 solo project, Cats & Dogs, was one of the best of the year. His recent Lord Steppington collabo LP with Alchemist also did... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio

Chance The Rapper Sings A Simple Song All About Isolation (Audio)

Chance The Rapper releases a song on the anniversary of his Acid Rap mixtape. "I Am Very Very Lonely," is straightforward in its title. Instead of Rap, the song feels more like a moody jam session for Chance. The subject matter, a blue reflection about loneliness and isolation, is something... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Opens Up About His Interscope Records Fallout With Funkmaster Flex (Video)

50 Cent has stripped down everything to rebuild. Whether it's seemingly parting ways with G-Unit's Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo to go for 'dolo again, exiting Interscope Records rather abruptly (and to some extent, over a three-year exodus), and settling beefs with The LOX and Fat Joe, while turning down... Read more

April 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kurupt, ScHoolboy Q, Bad Lucc & Problem Show Out For Salva On A Bouncy Track (Audio)

Getting to Salva is pretty easy. The producer recruited O.G. Kurupt, as well as white-hot West Coast spitters ScHoolboy Q, Bad Lucc, and Problem for "Drop That Bitch." The song samples an Eazy-E lyric most Heads are familiar with. The unique, bouncy production style stands apart from what's been in... Read more

April 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh