Fresh Archives

Slaughterhouse Perform an 8-Minute Cypher on Sway in the Morning (Audio)

Slaughterhouse stopped by Sway in the Morning at SXSW and got into a spirited conversation about the importance of knowing and celebrating Hip-Hop history. At the end of the interview, they took it back to the essence, participating in an 8-minute cypher of a capella bars. Check it out. Part... Read more

March 15, 2014 Audio

Jay Electronica Resurfaces On A Highly-Stylized Track That’s A Sharp Reminder Of His Greatness (Audio)

Jay Electronica largely shunned any spotlight in 2013 (well, besides couple of key appearances alongside Kendrick Lamar and Big Sean, as well as Rapsody and Phonte, respectively). However, the Roc Nation artist (or so we still believe) continues to keep fans guessing at every turn. After being seen in Austin,... Read more

March 15, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

RIP Nate Dogg. Here’s a Look Back at the Hip-Hop Hook King Discussing His Career (Video)

Rest in peace to Nate Dogg who passed away 3 years ago on 3/19. Here's a rare look at Hip-Hop hook king discussing his career. Check out the video. Related: Snoop Dogg, Warren G & Nate Dogg – It Ain’t No Fun (Original Version) ft Kurupt... Read more

March 14, 2014 Throwback

Planet Asia Breathes Fresh Fire Into a Classic DJ Premier Beat (Video)

If you get on the Rhyme No More beat DJ Premier laced for Jay Z, you better have BARS. Please believe, Planet Asia has got plenty. Check out how he breathes fresh fire into a classic. Related: Guilty Simpson & Planet Asia Switch Seats With Apollo Brown & Gensu Dean... Read more

March 14, 2014 Video

Prince Has a New Girl in Zooey Deschanel (Audio)

Fans who saw Prince's appearance on Zooey Deschanel's New Girl after the Super Bowl may remember the quick preview of FallInLuv2Nite, their duet together. The pair have released the full song, which you can hear below. With the New Girl appearance and the Arsenio interview, Prince has been in the... Read more

March 14, 2014 Audio

What Does the Newly Independent 50 Cent Sound Like? Hungry…(Audio)

50 Cent is the biggest artist in Hip-Hop in quite some time to go the independent route. After announcing his new album will be called Animal Ambition, 50 releases a new track, and he sounds hungry. Check out Hold On. Related: The First Post-Shady Records Look From 50 Cent Pays... Read more

March 14, 2014 Audio

Isaiah Rashad Makes a Masterful Video with Heavenly Father (Video)

In a very short amount of time, TDE's Isaiah Rashad has generated a serious amount of buzz on the interwebs. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about, his new video, Heavenly Father, is an excellent point of entry. It gives an up close and personal look at Isaiah... Read more

March 13, 2014 Video

James Brown Biopic, Get On Up, In Production, Starring Jill Scott & Produced By Mick Jagger (Video)

Along with Tupac Shakur, N.W.A., and Jimi Hendrix, another musical icon has a biopic in the works. James Brown, The Godfather Of Soul, is the subject of a film, according to "The Today Show" (as shared by egotrip). The film, Get On Up, will star Chadwick Boseman, who played Jackie... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Drops Off An Unreleased Loosie In What Kind Of Love (Audio)

Childish Gambino showed Heads some new sides to his repertoire in Because The Internet. However, you may or may not have heard Donald Glover like this. Unclear when exactly the song is from, "What Kind Of Love" is an artful, informed track incorporating Spoken Word and a subdued Coffee House... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

MF DOOM Remixes His JJ DOOM Joint Bookhead Audio

While his rhymes are beloved, MF DOOM is a highly-accomplished producer. Today, the man often known as just "DOOM" has laced joints for Ghostface Killah, MF Grimm, and even poet-MC Sage Francis, in addition to his own works like the acclaimed, constantly re-pressed classic, Operation Doomsday. Well... although he's more... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Feeling Stressed? ONYX Knows The Time In Whut Whut (Audio)

Like confrontational Rap? ONYX are living, breathing, active masters in the angst-ridden, combative Hip-Hop that emerged in the Horrorcore era, but applies especially in today's stressful times. Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr link with The Snowgoons production outfit (Ill Bill, Sean Price, Slaine) for "Whut Whut." The song fits nicely... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

From Opposite Coasts, Rapper Big Pooh & Roc C Are The New Crew (Audio)

Two artists from the post-Underground Hip-Hop glory years are Rapper Big Pooh and Roc C. Former products of ABB and Stones Throw Records, respectively, this pair has survived the times with style and grace. These independent acts have a new album together, in step with Roc's collaborative LP with Jurassic... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Vince Staples Hits ‘Em With Shyne Coldchain, Vol. 2 Featuring Lots Of No ID Goodness (Mixtape)

Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt affiliate Vince Staples is one of the premiere new artists still okay with flooding the masses with free material. Shyne Coldchain, Vol. 2 arrives, boasting numerous original contributions from No ID (Common, Big Sean, Killer Mike), as well as vocal appearances from Jhene Aiko and... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

The Video For Asher Roth’s Tangerine Girl Will Provoke a Reaction (Video)

Asher Roth's song, Tangerine Girl, crosses boundaries, blending trippy 70's rock with Hip-Hop. The video similarly defies conventions by showing a day in the life of a complex and nuanced character that ends with a bang (literally). Whether it's the rollerskating, office distractions or wild finish, this video will provoke... Read more

March 13, 2014 Video

Sean Price & Crew Hop On A J Dilla Beat For Some Leave Ya Nose Bloody Raps (Audio)

Those J Dilla beats never seem to run on reserve. Random Axe's Sean Price makes another Detroit link when he hops on a leftover Jay Dee beat for "Barbituates." Joined by Sean P's latest right-hand, Queens veteran and former Mobb Deep affiliate Illa Ghee, as well as Labba and Rim,... Read more

March 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Whoo Kid & DJ Skee Drop Off A South By Southwest Mixtape Featuring Casey Veggies, Curren$y & Devin The Dude (Mixtape)

For the second year in a row, G-Unit veteran DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Skee, and DJ MLK spotlight the South By Southwest music week with a thematic mixtape. This year's entry, SXEW (South by East West), features multi-platinum superstars like Lil Wayne and T.I., as well as veterans like Devin... Read more

March 13, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

If You Aren’t Up On YG, This Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Track Will Put Your Attention In A Chokehold (Audio)

Although he's still a relatively new face in Hip-Hop, Kendrick Lamar has fast found the ability to knight other artists into the spotlight. While K.Dot has many pockets of fans, some Heads gravitate towards the Compton MC for his unpredictable flows, honesty, and eloquent wordplay that align him with the... Read more

March 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Snoop Dogg Talks Us Through His Life & Shows Us Why Peace Is The Word (Video)

From That's My Work 3, Snoop Dogg made "Gangstas Don't Live That Long." While it's not quite Snoop Lion status as far as a Reggae-inspired song, the record does extend Snoop's push for peace, which has been building for some years now. The video shows the Rolling 20s Crip from... Read more

March 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Freddie Gibbs Calls Jeezy a “Wannabe JAY-Z” on His Real Diss Record (Audio)

If you ever had any questions about how Freddie Gibbs feels about Young Jeezy since leaving his CTE label, he lays it out in scathing detail in this new Jeezy diss record produced by Madlib. The track is called "Real" and Gibbs holds nothing back, calling Jeezy a wannabe Jay... Read more

March 12, 2014 Audio

Are Method Man & Redman Still The Jewels Of Def Jam? Check Out Their South By Southwest Showcase (Video)

Redman released his first LP (Whut? Thee Album) on Def Jam Records 22 years ago. With Method Man's own Tical debut blessing "the house that Russell and Rick built" 20 years ago this November, the Def Squad/Wu-Tang Clan connection are the elder statesmen of the imprint no longer owned by... Read more

March 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kid Cudi Makes A Soundtrack Song That Calls Back To Man On The Moon I (Audio)

Fast cars and punches might not sound like something that Kid Cudi's music would gel with. However, the new Need For Speed film is met with some Cud that really hones in on speed, uncertainty, and dark journeys that brings Scotty's abstract (as "Hero") to Aaron Paul's two-lane blacktop in... Read more

March 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Talib Kweli Crushes “Get By” with a Live Band on Off the Record (Video)

More than 10 years after its release, Talib Kweli's inspirational anthem Get By remains lyrically, musically and emotionally relevant. Kweli recently participated in the Off the Record series and performed a rousing rendition of his signature song with a live band. Check out the video. Related: Here’s a New Video... Read more

March 12, 2014 Video

Russell Simmons Explains Success Through Meditation, Recalls Some Vivid & Never Before Heard Def Jam Memories (Audio)

With his latest book hitting shelves (Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple), Russell Simmons stops by his former Def Jam Records employee, Combat Jack's show. Beginning at the 16-minute mark, Uncle Rush enters. In the lengthy and coherent interview, Russ speaks about his storied drug days and early era as... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Angel Haze Freaks Many Styles In A Tribe Called Red (Video)

With just one album under her belt, Dirty Gold, Angel Haze is making plenty of noise. The Detroit, Michigan native defies convention, kicking hard bars, and then breaking into catchy bridges and choruses. This is definitely true of "A Tribe Called Red," from the aforementioned LP. The compelling visual plays... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Meek Mill Releases Dreams Worth More Than Money Freestyle (Video)

Meek Mill has a new album coming called Dreams Worth More Than Money and he's released a new freestyle video promoting the project. He drops bully bars for a little over 3 minutes on a tough track. Check it out. Related: Meek Mill Has Got 5 On It With Jadakiss... Read more

March 11, 2014 Video

Memphis Bleek Takes Responsibility For Bringing The Jay Z & Nas Beef To A Clash (Video)

Okay, this is interesting. A lot of Rap beefs start indirectly. It was a Source Awards speech in the case of Death Row vs. Bad Boy. It was an association in the case of 50 Cent vs. Jadakiss and Fat Joe. In the case of Ras Kass vs. Alchemist, it... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Did Mobb Deep Get Infamous By Design On Say Something? (Audio)

Mobb Deep has a challenge ahead of them. Prodigy and Havoc are releasing (April 1st's The Infamous Mobb Deep) some never before heard 1994 and 1995 recordings, of The Infamous era. Arguably Mobb's best stride as far as influencing other acts and connecting with a New York Hip-Hop renaissance worldwide,... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Has A Double Album Coming, Check These Regional Raps In The West (Audio)

Blu does everything differently. Over 10 years past the double-album era in Hip-Hop, when 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, and others were charging upwards of $25 for two discs in one... Blu follows suit. Produced entirely by relative no-name Bombay, Good To Be Home... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist & Budgie Keep Things Pure With Action Bronson, J. Rocc & A$ton Matthews (Audio)

Alchemist & Budgie's The Good Book explores spirituality through Hip-Hop across a few faith groups. Not heavy-handed, the project seemingly uses track-by-track concepts to show a life, tell a story, make a connection. "With My Soul" is the sophomore leak, featuring ALC's go-to as of late in Action Bronson, who... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Check Out This Mix Of De La Soul Samples That Has Even Maseo’s Head Nodding

The Native Tongues are known for positive messages, social consciousness, sense of humor, and of course, sampling. Whether talking about A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, or Jungle Brothers, these acts pulled liberally (and cleverly) from other eras, genres, and movements to make their own. On the sample tip, few... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Frank Ocean & Diplo Link With Some Royalty From The Clash / Gorillaz For Hero (Audio)

Converse has successfully managed to intersect branding and art, and let art win. The shoe-maker from way-back continues to align interesting collaborations in the studio, following last year's jaw-dropper from Andre 3000, LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, and the Gorillaz. Two of the Gorillaz' "musical directors" (as after all, the band... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chance The Rapper Keeps His Acid Style On New Skrillex Song (Audio)

Perhaps quite deliberately, Skrillex unloads his Chance The Rapper-assisted "Coast Is Clear" around the Biggie Smalls celebrations. As The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered on March 9, 1997, the dates surrounding the anniversary are often used to honor, celebrate, and re-discover the late Christopher Wallace. On this song, Chance vocally... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J. Period Honors The Iconic Biggie Smalls With March 9th Revisited (Mixtape)

DJ J. Period is among the absolute best deejays doing it right now. When he's not providing the sounds for the Brooklyn Nets, the longtime affiliate to Zion I, Black Thought, and Common makes conceptual, fully-produced mixtapes (often released in clever formats like t-shirts, zip drives, etc.) that honor the... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Big Boi, A$AP Rocky & Phantogram Have An A-Ha Moment (Audio)

Big Boi's Monday mash-ups from Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors roll on strong. Daddy Fat Sax's standout, stunning collaboration with A$AP Rocky and his Phantogram homies "Lines" meets with early '80s hit "Take On Me" by A-Ha. The bar sing-along favorite is joined by some of Big's best rapping as... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jay Z, Kanye West & Daft Punk Shelved Track Surfaces From Each’s 2013 Sessions (Audio)

Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Jay Z all released albums in 2013. The French Electronic duo's Random Access Memories stole the show at last month's Grammy Awards, while Kanye's Yeezus snagged the consciousness and conversation of Popular music in June. A month later, Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail bogarted... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Oddisee Takes A Trippy Nighttime Ride Through The Back Of His Mind (Video)

Producer/MC Oddisee has succeeded in capturing vibes throughout his 15-year career. That's why he's been sought out by everybody from J. Cole to J-Live to Joey Bada$$ (that's a lot of J's). The member of Diamond District and the Low Budget Crew continues to refine his craft when it comes... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Click’s E-40, B-Legit & The Cutlass Come Together On What We Been Doin (Video)

In the Hip-Hop family tree of relatives, two of the best bloodlined artists are E-40 and B-Legit. The two cousins from Vallejo, California released three albums with The Click (which also included Suga T and D-Shot). Outside of the group, the smooth-talking 40 Water and boisterously aggressive B-Legit made a... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Makes A New Love Ballad Over Some Chipmunk Soul (Audio)

While Drake makes his way, can anybody in Hip-Hop ever really dethrone LL Cool J's status as the Rap-Ballad king? While he never sang, Ladies Love Cool James has been a master since he "needed love" just as much as he "needed a beat." Just about 30 years later, Uncle... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kanye West, Common & Madlib Discuss Stones Throw Records In Part 1 Of Documentary (Video)

Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records is a special imprint. The California-based indie label has been a release house for work ranging from acclaimed J Dilla Instrumental albums (Donuts), MF DOOM comeback collaborations (Madvillainy), debut LPs from NYC legends like Percee P (Perseverance), and a host of small one-offs ranging... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz Digs In The Crates For An Hour-Long Mix Of Breakbeats (Audio)

It's been almost 20 years ago since Showbiz & A.G.'s Show decided to hang up the microphone. While Heads were distraught, the Boogie Down Bronx veteran, and Diggin' In The Crates crew (D.I.T.C.) co-founder maintained his post as a highly-revered producer. Show's worked for Fat Joe, Big L, KRS-One, and... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

This Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought an Eclectic Mix of Gritty Visuals & Old School Memories (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video brought our first look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix, Schoolboy Q revealing that he wanted the world to end in 2012, Game throwing flames at 50 Cent & Suge Knight, Marley Marl reminiscing, and new music videos from Run the Jewels, Smif-n-Wessun, The... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Video

AFH Celebrates Biggie Smalls with a Playlist of His Videos & Some Classic Freestyles (Video)

We continue our all day celebration of The Notorious B.I.G., on the anniversary of his passing, with a playlist of some of his videos as well as clips of classic freestyles with Tupac, Nas, Lil Cease and more. Click play and reminisce on the life and legacy of Biggie Smalls... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Ends the WeekOfKRIT with a Special Announcement. A New Album is Coming (Video)

Throughout the week, Big K.R.I.T. has treated fans to new music each day. He concludes the WeekofKRIT with a special announcement: he has a new album coming later this year. Check out the video trailer below for a taste of one of the album's tracks as well as the title... Read more

March 9, 2014 Video

SZA Serves Up Some Melancholy Retro-Futuristic Electro Funk on Babylon (Video)

SZA, the latest artist in the TDE camp (Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul & Isaiah Rashad), is not a rapper. Instead, she is a sultry singer in the mold of a more soulful Bjork. Her song Babylon is a melancholy brew of futuristic sounding Electro Funk and the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Video

DJ Marley Marl Details What Started the Wars Between BDP & The Juice Crew (Video)

DJ Marley Marl has been speaking about the early days of Hip-Hop, lately. He recently sat down on The Juan Epstein show, as well as with Mister Cee, and spoke on everything from working with artists like Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap and LL Cool J, to how the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Audio, Throwback

On the Anniversary of Biggie’s Death, Here’s a Look at His Final Interview with Sway (Video)

March 9th is an ominous date for the Hip-Hop Nation. Today marks the 17th anniversary of Biggie's death. Rather than lament his passing, we will be celebrating his life and legacy, starting with a look back at his final interview with Sway in March of 1997. Big speaks on being... Read more

March 9, 2014 Throwback

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

The Comedic Genius of Robin Harris is Unsung No More. Watch the Full Episode (Video)

"We BeBe kids. We don't die. We multiply." If those words mean anything to you, you know the genius that was lost with the death of Robin Harris. Whether doing standup or performing in movies like Do the Right Thing, Harlem Nights or House Party, Robin Harris was always a... Read more

March 8, 2014 Video

Here’s a Rare EPK of Gang Starr From 1990 (Video)

As we continue our celebration of Gang Starr on the 20th anniversary of their landmark Hard to Earn album, here's a look at a vintage EPK of the duo from 1990, the era of Step in the Arena. GURU and DJ Premier discuss the mission of Gang Starr and Step... Read more

March 8, 2014 Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Does Not Take the Weekends Off. WeekOfKRIT Continues (Audio)

Just when it seemed WeekOfKRIT was over, Big K.R.I.T. returns with his hardest track of the week. He, Smoke DZA and oft collaborator Big Sant trade bars on the hard-driving Steps. Check it out. Related: Big K.R.I.T.'s Egyptian Cotton is Another Strong New Track (Video)... Read more

March 8, 2014 Audio