Fresh Archives

Take A Trip To Queensbridge With Nas’ Brother Jungle, Who Talks Illmatic Cover & Ill Will (Video)

From the original Illmatic release by Nas to this week's Illmatic XX retrospective, the artist is forever tied to the Queensbridge Houses that inspired much of the album. VIBE goes into QB (something that many media outlets might not be so keen on), care of Mikey Fresh, who gets a... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Buckwild Makes Beats That Make Rappers Shine. Check What He Does For Mayhem Lauren (Audio)

D.I.T.C.'s Buckwild sometimes feels like the lowest-profile producer within the clique. True, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz often get more name-checked recognition from MCs and aspiring producers, but it seems that Buckwild is the most prolific, especially within the last 15 years. The Bronx producer, who created Kurupt Money... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Want to Make a Music Video with Nas? Here’s How (Video)

Nas has partnered with Mass Appeal and Maker Studios to make a new video for Illmatic's Represent, and they are looking for ideas from YOU. If your idea is selected, you will have the opportunity to work with Nas and acclaimed director, Jason Goldwatch, to bring the video to life.... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

There’s Another Invisible Bully on the Block. Styles P Gets Deep (Video)

As Styles P's Phantom and the Ghost LP draws near, he releases his latest video. Check out Go Deep. Related: Styles P Recruits Rocko and His Lox Brother Jadakiss on Sour (Audio)... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Remember Those Raw Jay Dee Verses? Here’s One You Haven’t Heard On J Dilla’s Give Em What They Want (Audio)

With Slum Village, and on his 2001 solo debut, Welcome 2 Detroit, J Dilla (as Jay Dee) was a cold cat. You can see why Dilla got along so well with Phat Kat and Guilty Simpson when it came to talking about accessorizing his truck, or enjoying carnal pleasures without... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Termanology & REKS Bow At The Alter Of Mecca (Video)

Based on the number of projects each artist does, you can tell that both Termanology and REKS simply cannot get enough Hip-Hop. They love releasing their own work, studying others, and talking about it in their verses, social media, and interviews. Statik Selektah's star Showoff disciples (although to be fair,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Suge Knight Expands on Why He Believes Game & Kendrick Lamar Have “Slave” Record Deals (Video)

In February, Suge Knight started a controversy by saying artists like Game and Kendrick Lamar were "slaves" to their record companies. Now, he expands on those comments, explaining his aim was not to disrespect those artists but to call out their record company, specifically Interscope and Jimmy Iovine. Of course,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Swiff D Offers Up A Batch Of Instrumentals That Will Take You Back To Simpler Times (Album Stream)

Swiff D has been making a lot of moves over the last decade. Closely associated with Pac Div, this producer has had major placements on Talib Kweli's Eardrum, Jadakiss' The Last Kiss, and most recently, ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. Yesterday (April 15th), Heads were treated to Swiff's latest Logic collaboration, while... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ayatollah Releases A New LP Featuring George Duke Tributes & Wu-Tang Clan Members (Album Stream)

From Mos Def to Ghostface Killah to R.A. The Rugged Man, producer Ayatollah has been cooking up beats for well over 15 years. A descendant of the Rawkus Records era, 'Tollah found a home in Nature Sounds Records (J Dilla, Blu, Havoc), where he released several instrumental LPs. This week,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Explains in Detail What Went Wrong With G-Unit, Name by Name (Video)

50 Cent dropped by Hot 97 and had an intelligent and supremely engaging conversation. A good part of it focused on the disintegration of G-Unit, which Fif explained member by member. He also spoke on Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Al Sharpton and more. Shots were fired. Multiple times. This is... Read more

April 15, 2014 Video

To All The Strong Freestyles In 2014, Locksmith’s Latest May Take Your Seat (Video)

From E-40 to Tajai to Del to Brotha Lynch Hung, the Bay area has some amazing lyricists in Hip-Hop history. Locksmith hopes to further that trend. Once a protege of Spice 1/Ice Cube producer E-A-Ski, Locksmith has worked extensively with Ski Beatz and others in a cross-coast movement that puts... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s a Funked Up House Remix of D’Angelo’s Spanish Joint That Will Get You Moving (Prod. Kero One) (Audio)

It's been too long since we had new music from D'Angelo. WAY too long...So, we'll take what we can get. Here's a funked up house remix of D's already funky Spanish Joint, by Kero One. This remix preserves the essence of the original but still gives it a new life.... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Raekwon & Jay Electronica To Headline 2014 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

With past lineups including headliners such as EPMD, KRS-One, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes, the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival has became a staple in the New York City summer scene. Artists including Kanye West, Group Home, Das EFX, Grand Puba, Greg Nice, and Kendrick Lamar have also performed over the years. As... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh

Statik Selektah Flips a Vintage Janet Jackson Track for Wais P (Audio)

Statik Selektah dug in the crates for some vintage Janet Jackson on his latest track for Wais P. And, based on the lyrics, Wais P would definitely be calling Janet "Ms. Jackson"...Check out Nasty. Related: Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s the Stream of Nas’ Illmatic XX with Some Choice Bonus Tracks (Audio)

You've heard Nas' Illmatic, but not like this...Here's the stream of Illmatic XX, with some choice bonus tracks. It features songs from the original classic, as well as remixes of Halftime & It Ain't Hard to Tell. Check it out below. The full version of Illmatic XX hit stores today,... Read more

April 15, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)

Here's a new solo joint from Daz Dillinger. Check out Overtime featuring Mitchy Slick & A-Lexxus. Related: Snoop Dogg & Daz Make A Touching Uncle June Bugg Tribute With Years Of Footage (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Logic Explains Where He Spent His Advance On While You Wait (Audio)

For the second time in a week, Logic opens up the oven to show off some heat. Like the last, "Now," the Baltimore, Maryland MC linked with Swiff-D, who's on the charts as we speak, thanks to some work on ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. Logic uses "While You Wait" to speak... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist Remixes A D.I.T.C. Gem From A.G. & O.C. (Audio)

It's been 15 years since D.I.T.C.'s (Diggin' In The Crates) one and only album. Released on Tommy Boy Records, the self-titled LP (often called "World Class" by some Heads) featured all members of the crew including Big L, Showbiz, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C., A.G., Buckwild, and Diamond D. After... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Dres Goes In For DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth. How Does The Black Sheep / evitaN O.G. Do? (Video)

Late last year, DJ Premier launched his Bars In The Booth series. Kicking things off with Papoose, the spot pairs MCs of all sorts with a Premo instrumental in the studio, seemingly on the spot. Next up, Premo goes to a peer in Dres. The former front-man of The Black... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Dizzy Wright Shares His Unique State of Mind on His New EP. Check out the Stream (Audio)

Funk Volume artist and 2013 XXL Freshman, Dizzy Wright, is back with a new project. State of Mind features Dizzy's trademark mix of self-empowering lyrics ("my healthy mind, that's what gon' help me over") and party-starting beats. He manages to spread positivity without being preachy; uplifting while remaining down to... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Scarface Talks Weight Loss, Depression & Rick Ross Being Underrated With Combat Jack (Audio)

Just like in his raps, Scarface tends to give it to you raw in an interview. The only catch is, you have to catch him first. Not always big (read: trusting) on interviews, the Houston, Texas Hip-Hop legend, and core member of The Geto Boys has never minced his words... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Gets Film Noir As A Hustler (Video)

Like clockwork, 50 Cent dropped the video to yesterday's (April 14th) "Hustler." The Jake One-produced Animal Ambition cut gets a 1950s Film Noir inspired visual, complete with suits, cigars, hats, and of course, femme fatales. Related: Joe Supplies a Trademark Hook to 50 Cent on Big Rich Town (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Right As Pharoahe Monch Readies P.T.S.D., Prince Po Releases A Video With Organized Konfusion & O.C. (Video)

Tomorrow, Pharoahe Monch will release his fourth solo album, P.T.S.D. Earlier todays, fans were (and still are) treated to an early listen. However, quite cleverly, Prince Po released the video to "Smash" from his own 2014 LP, Animal Serum, produced and starring by Oh No. The two members of Organized... Read more

April 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Lox Get in Goon Mode in the Video for Talk About It (Video)

The Lox release the latest video from their EP, The Trinity. Check out Talk About It. Related: Here’s Mobb Deep’s First Ever Full Collaboration with The Lox (Audio)... Read more

April 14, 2014 Video

Jon Connor Sets His Sights On The Notorious B.I.G.’s Beats For #BestInTheWorld, Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

Last month, Jon Connor launched his #BestInTheWorld campaign paying tribute to another Midwestern MC in a Kanye West-inspired tape. Flint, Michigan's newest Rap hopeful continues the theme, turning his aim on The Notorious B.I.G.'s catalog. Overtop beats made by DJ Premier, Easy Mo Bee, and of course Puffy's Hitmen, #ConnorSeason... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

50 Cent Is Still A Hustler. He Tells You How On A Jake One Beat (Audio)

50 Cent will uncage his Animal Ambition on June 1st now. Always calculated, always marketing, Fif will have likely shared a bulk of the LP by then. Today, care of DJ Enuff, Curtis dropped off "Hustler," produced by longtime collaborator Jake One. It's a straightforward 50 Cent track that will... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Think You’ve Got Bars? Try Tackling Apollo Brown’s Cigarette Burns Instrumentals (Free EP)

Last week, Detroit, Michigan-based producer Apollo Brown got one of his biggest looks in his lengthy career, care of a Chance The Rapper single, "The Writer." After working with O.C., Guilty Simpson, and his group, The Left, Apollo is known to release plenty of instrumental projects with his label, Mello... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Ever Heard Roc Marciano’s Early Gems With Pete Rock & Large Professor? Listen To The U.N.’s U.N. Or U Out (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (April 15th), Fat Beats Records is re-releasing The U.N.'s one and only album R U.N. R U Out? Roc Marciano's early group (with Mike Raw, Dino Brave and Laku) was backed by none other than Carson Daly (hard to imagine, right?), and put in the studio with O.G.'s like... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharoahe Monch Is One Of Hip-Hop’s Most Consistent Album-Makers. How’s P.T.S.D. Stack Up? (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (April 15th), Pharoahe Monch will release his fourth studio solo album, P.T.S.D. Early intel says that it's the Organized Konfusion's most intimate, most vulnerable, and thus, most personal album to date (with some classic P.Monch cockiness too). Featuring involvement Black Thought, Quelle Chris, Talib Kweli, and others, the W.A.R.... Read more

April 14, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

SZA Makes You Feel The Warm Winds In This Hazy Visual (Video)

SZA's kind of an impressionistic singer. Rather than be about a crisp delivery and concrete images, the TDE songstress (with tons of talent) is all about vibe, mood, and feeling. Her songwriting is very poetic and abstract, while her delivery is evocative, while being open-ended. "Warm Winded" is no exception,... Read more

April 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jhene Aiko Clears Out The Closet For The Comfort Inn Ending Freestyle (Video)

Jhene Aiko's name is suddenly appearing everywhere. Kim Kardashian is now posting videos putting Aiko's jams on the tabloid shows, while her new material, solo and collaborative, is climbing the charts. Jhene shows that she's a great actress, and her music comes from the heart in the stream of conscious-inspired... Read more

April 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Childish Gambino Has Some Artful Fun In Sweatpants (Video)

Childish Gambino made a video for "Sweatpants," from his acclaimed because the Internet album. The video, which can seemingly be interpreted a number of ways, uses lots of tracking shots, a cool 24-hour diner location, clever editing, and some Groundhog Day-esque repetition to make the song with some of Donald... Read more

April 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pharrell Speaks on His Musical Beginnings, Remaining Humble, Being Called an “Oreo” and More (Video)

Pharrell Williams provided an in-depth interview to CBS and spoke candidly about several issues. He talked about his struggles as a student, his disappointment with his first solo album, being called an "Oreo" when growing up, music transcending race and more. He addresses each question with wisdom, complexity and humility.... Read more

April 13, 2014 Video

Nas Performs at Coachella. Watch the Full Set (Video)

Less than a week away from the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, Nas hit the stage at Coachella and provided a reminder of why he has been relevant in Hip-Hop for more than 2 decades. Check out his full set below. Related: Executive Producer Noah Uman Speaks on the Making of... Read more

April 13, 2014 Video

Watch Pharrell Perform at Coachella (Video)

Pharrell stepped from behind the boards to center stage at Coachella last night, performing a cross-section of his plethora of hits. He was also joined by Nelly, Busta Rhymes, Puff Daddy, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg and more. Check out the full set below. Part 1 Part 2 Related: Pharrell is... Read more

April 13, 2014 Video

DJ Kay Slay Brings The Outlawz & ONYX Together on My Brother’s Keeper (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay brings together ONYX and 2Pac's Outlawz on My Brother's Keeper. This is from Kay Slay's upcoming album, The Last Hip Hop Disciple. Check it out. Related: ONYX - Whut Whut (Video)... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio

Here’s a New Mixtape of OutKast Rarities & Remixes from MICK (Boogie) (Mixtape)

MICK (formerly known as Mick Boogie) has put out countless classic mixtapes over the years, and he's just added another to his collection. In honor of OutKast's Coachella reunion, MICK has released Greetings Eartling: OutKast Rarities & Remixes. Check out MICK's words on the project, the full stream and download... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Memory Lane: Noah Uman & Making Nas’ Illmatic XX & The Hip-Hop Reissue (Food For Thought Interview)

With some competition, in the 12 month radius of its release alone, Nas' Illmatic is commonly argued as Hip-Hop's greatest album. The debut from the Queensbridge MC was made in a place and time where the genre of Rap and the album format was changing shape. Surrounded by a council... Read more

April 12, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz Beat (Audio)

Last year, DJ Skizz's BQE album celebrated some New York Hip-Hop history, with members of The Juice Crew, D.I.T.C., M.O.P., and The Firm all on the same 2013 LP. This year, the NYC-based producer is already hitting the ground running. "That Dope" is made by Shabaam Sahdeeq. The MC was... Read more

April 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Outkast Reunites On The Coachella Stage After A Decade Concert Absence (Video)

So you didn't have the money, or maybe the time, or maybe even the energy for Coachella. In the digital age, you can still dive in without paying 10 bills for water, or getting your shoes scuffed up. Outkast took the stage Friday night (April 11). The reunion of Big... Read more

April 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

“I Think He Planned It”: Get The Inside Scoop On Canibus’ LL Cool J-Inspired Microphone Tattoo (Video)

Canibus has one of the most famous Hip-Hop tattoos. 'Bis, following an interesting exchange with his Queens idol LL Cool J, decided to copy the Def Jam superstar's bicep ink: a microphone. Moreover, Canibus got "Rip the Jacker" also inked, a clear diss to the "Jack The Ripper" '80s mainstay.... Read more

April 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Watch Big Boi Bust A 1993 Verse Back In High School (Video)

By 1993, OutKast had already made their debut appearance on the Organized Noize remix to TLC's "What About Your Friends." However, Big Boi was still slammin' lockers in high school, Tri-Cities High School to be exact. Daddy Fat Sax was still just a kiddie when this video was made of... Read more

April 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

A Feature Length Nas Documentary is Coming to Theaters. Here’s a Look at the Trailer (Video)

In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Illmatic, a feature-length documentary is coming to theaters. The film will document not only the album and its impact, but also Nas' journey to Illmatic. Check out the trailer for Time is Illmatic. Related: Here’s an Amazing Mini-Documentary on Illmatic, Featuring Nas, Kendrick... Read more

April 11, 2014 Throwback

REWIND: What’s the First Music You Bought with Your Own Money? (Video)

What's the first music you bought with your own money? We asked Big Daddy Kane, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kendrick Lamar, 9th Wonder, Rapsody, Fashawn, Stic Man, Skillz, Murs and more. Their answers might surprise you...Watch what they had to say and weigh in with what music you first bought. Related:... Read more

April 11, 2014 Video

Drake is Fake. Real Talk. Here’s Why (Video)

Whether you love or hate Drake, this video is a must see. After the announcement he would be the 2014 ESPY Awards host, he took to the streets as part of an elaborate prank concocted by Jimmy Kimmel. Drake donned a disguise and asked several people what they thought of... Read more

April 11, 2014 Video

DJ Premier Tells the Story of How He Became a DJ (Video)

Salute to DJ Premier who was honored by Serato today for his contribution to DJ culture. As part of the tribute, they've put together a phenomenal video of Premier discussing what led him to be a DJ, how Gang Starr came to be, his early days as a producer, his... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

Smoke DZA Flows Over Music from Dr. Dre, Aaliyah & 112 on The 5 Fingers of Death (Video)

Smoke DZA stopped by The Sway in the Morning show to tackle the 5 Fingers of Death freestyle challenge and passed with flying colors. The Harlem MC went off the top over 5 beats, including music from Dr. Dre, Aaliyah and 112. Riiiight...Check it out. Related: Did You Know Smoke... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

Here’s an Amazing Mini-Documentary on Illmatic, Featuring Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne & More (Video)

There have been several amazing pieces of content surrounding the 20th anniversary of Illmatic. This is one of the best of them. Google Play has put together a mini-documentary about Nas and his magnum opus, featuring insightful commentary from Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Peter Rosenberg, among... Read more

April 10, 2014 Video

Killer Mike & Alchemist Give The Boondocks A New Charged Anthem (Audio)

Next week, "The Boondocks" is dropping their mixtape to season 4. Regular Adult Swim collaborator (R.A.P. was released on Williams Street's label, after all) Killer Mike teamed with Alchemist to give a show-inspired anthem in "The Boonies." The song may be based on something besides the streets of Adamsville, but... Read more

April 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh