Fresh Archives

Ice-T Is The Next ’80s Hip-Hop O.G. To Lend His Talents To A Talk Show?

This year has seen 3rd Bass' MC Serch move from Hip-Hop music to radio to talk-show television. The Rockaway, Queens native has already had some compelling moments on his show. Now it seems that Ice-T, who like Serch, has some experience with television, is now going to try out a... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Isaiah Rashad Breaks Down Tranquility & Shows That Every Single Line Has Meaning (Video)

One of the retail gems of the year so far is Isaiah Rashad's EP, Cilvia Demo. Digital-only, the Top Dawg Entertainment release was a real getting-to-know opportunity to the Chattanooga MC who combines his environment with an other-worldly ability to see the bigger picture. If you doubt that statement, watch... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

James Blake Takes A Stab At Remixing Kendrick Lamar’s m.A.A.d city (Audio)

For an album cut that Heads celebrated in 2012, "m.A.A.d city" has come into the spotlight in February of 2014. After Imagine Dragons live-mashed-up the MC Eiht-assisted joint at the Grammy Awards, James Blake is reworking the partial-title track from K-Dot's platinum major label debut. After performing with Drake at... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cee-Lo & Goodie Mob Honor Amy With A Visual (Video)

One of the standout cuts from Goodie Mob's 2013 (full) reunion album, Age Against The Machine was "Amy." The song, about Cee-Lo's first interracial sexual experience, was among several songs in the last calendar that addressed the issue. The video taps right into the subject matter, as you may have... Read more

February 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Keith Murray Is Trying Out A New Style While Still Reppin’ Def Squad. What Do You Think? (Audio)

Central Islip's finest, Keith Murray, is one versatile MC. Since the days of "Get Lifted" and "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World," the Def Squad MC had an edgy delivery that combined extensive vocabulary, unique cadence, and an unwavering flow. What's more, even though Keith Murray was tearin' the... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punch & Stricklin Make A Complex Metaphoric EMC Joint (Audio)

Masta Ace is a true master of metaphor. Since his days as the "music man" in the Juice Crew, the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC has evolved into an artist that critics and fans could never pin down—introspective one minute, braggy the next, Jeep music here, and sweet Soul there. When Ace... Read more

February 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joell Ortiz Has Got BARS…But You Knew That (Audio)

Joell Ortiz is back with a new solo release. He lyrically flexes over the Nautilus beat that has borne countless Hip-Hop classics. Check out Bars. Related: Joell Ortiz Breaks His Silence, Bodying Pusha T & Kendrick Lamar’s Nosetalgia Instrumental (Audio)... Read more

February 23, 2014 Audio

Wayne Brady Shamed 95% of MCs with His True Feestyle on Sway in the Morning (Video)

If you didn't know Wayne Brady was versatile before his legendary Chappelle Show appearance, it was clear after he destroyed all preconceived notions about him in one short ride with Dave. It's been clear he could sing, dance, host...but did you know he could freestylye? The BET Honors host dropped... Read more

February 23, 2014 Video

AZ Goes in on OC’s Timeless “Time’s Up.” Practice Makes Perfect (Audio)

AZ links with DJ Doo Wop to do damage over OC's timeless Time's Up track. The only thing wrong with this is it definitely leaves you wanting more. Check out Practice. Related: AZ & DJ Doo Wop Make An Homage To The Late ’70s Hip-Hop Park Jams (Audio)... Read more

February 23, 2014 Audio

Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake Add a New Chapter to Their History of Rap Series (Video)

After tackling the Evolution of Hip-Hop Dance with Will Smith and editing together a piece with Brian Williams "rapping" Rapper's Delight, Jimmy Fallon capped off his Tonight Show debut week with part 5 of his History of Rap series with Justin Timberlake. The 2 performed a medley with music from... Read more

February 23, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q Invites You Into His World in the Video for Break the Bank (Video)

Schoolboy Q has released an incredibly powerful video for Break the Bank. The song features ominous piano chords and razor-sharp lyrics about Q's grind to make a better life for himself and his daughter, by hook or by crook. The video plays like a day in Q's life and the... Read more

February 21, 2014 Video

ONYX Brings Worlds Together, Courtesy Of A$AP Ferg & Sean Price On This Defiantly New York Track (Audio)

Last year, A$AP Ferg recruited ONYX for his major label debut, Trap Lord. Sticky Fingaz and company shined on the album, bridging the generations... and showing how not giving a f**k never really ages. The favor is returned now, as ONYX get Ferg, and an early '90s Rap contemporary for... Read more

February 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a True Old School Playlist. You will find nothing post-1988 here (Audio Playlist)

If names like Whodini, The Fat Boys, Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J, Ice-T, 2 Live Crew, Schoolly D, Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane and Run-DMC mean something to you, this should move you. Press play, sit back and nod your head. Related: Big Daddy Kane vs. Rakim:... Read more

February 21, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

The First Post-Shady Records Look From 50 Cent Pays Its Respects At The Funeral (Video)

When 50 Cent released the audio to "The Funeral" last year, he was still a Shady/Interscope Records, or so Heads speculated. After this week's announcement that Fif was headed to Caroline/Capitol Records, he's fast-acted in dropping the video to "The Funeral." Is this the creative direction 50 was butting heads... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

9th Wonder Prepares For His Hip-Hop Fellowship At Harvard, Kendrick Lamar & DJ Premier Speak On It (Video)

In addition to the Nasir Jones Hip-Hop Fellowship at Harvard, 9th Wonder is currently a fellow at the Ivy League university. He will spend three years working on a research project at Harvard’s W.E.B. Dubois Institute. 9th, who has taught for years at North Carolina Central University (alongside Kid, from... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Inspectah Deck Makes An Inspirational Song That’s Street At The Same Time (Audio)

Inspectah Deck had an impressive comeback season in 2013. The Wu-Tang Clan's Bronx delegate found nice breath of freshness teaming with 7L & Esoteric for CZARFACE. However, in his solo pursuits, Rebel INS gained some own focus and momentum. Lending his talents to United Kingdom producer Dr. G, Deck made... Read more

February 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pharrell Unveils GIRL Tracklist, The Guests May Surprise You, Or Maybe Not

Pharrell dropped a cinderblock on the month of March this week, when he announced his sophomore solo album, G I R L, with just over two weeks until release date. The Neptune with the 400-gallon hat repped hard in 2013, and at the Grammy Awards in conjunction with the year.... Read more

February 21, 2014 Fresh

Jimmy Fallon Remixes Nightly News to Create Rapper’s Delight…Brilliance Follows (Video)

Plain and simple, Jimmy Fallon (likely with some help from The Roots) is killing the game with his Hip-Hop spoofs. After setting the web on fire with his "Evolution of Hip-Hop Dance" skit with Will Smith, his latest is an expertly edited mix of Nightly News anchor Brian Williams (and... Read more

February 21, 2014 Video

Cyhi The Prynce Has Been Attacking the Mic with a Grudge. Here’s Another Assault (Video)

After a brief hiatus, there's no doubt Cyhi The Prynce is back and with a vengeance. For the last 3 weeks, the talented MC has been attacking beats with full on aggression. After dropping Napoleon and Coretta, he follows up with another song titled after a historical figure. Check out... Read more

February 21, 2014 Video

Here’s a New Video From Talib Kweli. Repping Indie Hip-Hop 1 Verse at a Time (Video)

Talib Kweli recently completely self-released his Gravitas album, but the indie grind has not slowed him down. Kweli's skills are as sharp as they've ever been, as is evidenced on Rare Portraits. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli Speaks on Nelson Mandela, Favorite “Hood” Film Classics & More (Video)... Read more

February 21, 2014 Video

Kanye West To Headline 2014 Bonnaroo, Joining Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean & Chance The Rapper

If you're the type of Head to check out one festival each concert season, Hip-Hop is making it hard on you. Following OutKast's announcement of headlining both Coachella and OVO Fest, now it appears that Kanye West is throwing his movement into the festival mix. 'Ye has been announced to... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh

Esoteric Puts The Things Most Important To Him In Wonder Why (Video)

In 2013, one of the most ferocious lyrical displays was 7L & Esoteric's joint album with Inspectah Deck, CZARFACE. With a sequel already in the works, Eso made a second album in '13, Machete Mode, alongside another New England-based talent, Stu Bangas. Stu's produced joints for Sean Price, Jedi Mind... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

After Over A Decade With Shady/Interscope Records, 50 Cent & G-Unit Leave

Interscope Records and its IGA affiliates A&M and Geffen, is one of the major arms of the Universal Music Group. It's hard to believe that this label that Heads now associate with big sales, big stars, and big egos was once a fledgling indie, back in the days when 2Pac... Read more

February 20, 2014 Fresh

Talib Kweli Speaks on Nelson Mandela, Favorite “Hood” Film Classics & More (Video)

Talib Kweli is the latest MC to answer The Questions from OkayPlayer. The supremely thoughtful MC spoke on the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the influence of Amiri Baraka, his favorite "hood" movies and more. This is one of the best of The Questions series, so far. Check out the video.... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Vado, Schoolboy Q and Vic Mensa Freestyle on RapFix Live (Video)

Schoolboy Q, Vic Mensa and Vado stopped by RapFix Live and dropped some a capella verses. Check out the video of their cypher. Related: Here's the Full Version of ScHoolboy Q & Raekwon’s Blind Threats Collaboration (Audio)... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Magic Johnson Gives the Ultimate Assist by Speaking on HIV Treatment & Prevention (Video)

It's been more than 22 years since Magic Johnson publicly announced that he was HIV positive and instantly changed the discussion around the medical condition. To this day, Magic continues to educate on both HIV treatment and prevention. He recently sat down with Sway to discuss his health, his son... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

Here’s a Look at Day 1 of Questlove’s First Day on The Tonight Show (Video)

The Legendary Roots Crew made the move with Jimmy Fallon and is now the house band for The Tonight Show. Here's an inside look at Questlove's day 1 on the show. Check it out. Related: Here’s a (mostly) video playlist celebrating the nearly 20-year career of The Legendary Roots Crew... Read more

February 20, 2014 Video

How Does Vic Mensa’s SAVEMONEY Crew Fit Into Chiraq? They Don’t (Video)

As part of VICE/Noisey's Chiraq series, covering the Chicago Hip-Hop scene, they spent a day with Vic Mensa and his SAVEMONEY crew, as they went on a quest to bail out fellow SAVEMONEY member Joey Purp. During the episode, Vic spoke on the Chiraq scene and how while SAVEMONEY does... Read more

February 19, 2014 Video

Roc Marciano & Freeway Flow Over a Super Grimy Beat on Didn’t Know (Video)

Roc Marciano, Freeway and Knowledge the Pirate recently linked to put out a super grimy collabo called "Didn't Know." The trio have released the video and it's a reminder of just how hard this joint KNOCKS. Check it out. Related: With Temperatures Dropping, Kool G Rap, Cormega, Roc Marciano &... Read more

February 19, 2014 Video

With Help From Diddy, Rick Ross Releases the Biggie-Inspired “Nobody” (Audio)

Last week, we wrote about Rick Ross' listening session for Mastermind, which included a track called Nobody that was a re-take on The Notorious B.I.G.'s You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You). The track features a hook from French Montana and ferocious ad libs from Puff, similar to the ones he... Read more

February 19, 2014 Audio

ScHoolboy Q & Raekwon’s Blind Threats Collaboration Comes Out In High Quality (Audio)

Yesterday, Ambrosia For Heads shared some thoughts after hearing ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON in Los Angeles at an early listening session. One of the highlights was this cut, "Blind Threats," which Q envisioned to feature Raekwon or Cappadonna. Before he had a chance to check for the other Staten Island MC,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Suge Knight Talks About D.O.C., DJ Yella, Kendrick Lamar & Game, But What’s He Saying? (Video)

So many interviews with Marion "Suge" Knight are predictable. The Compton, California native will usually find a way to spill controversy into any statement he makes, likely focusing on defaming targets ranging from former partners like Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, to longtime foe Diddy. Enter Arsenio Hall, a longtime... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rakim, Q-Tip, Erykah Badu & Brian Eno Are Among Those Who Discuss Creativity In This Red Bull Music Academy Documentary (Video)

The Red Bull Music Academy may be one of the all-time best examples of arts and entertainment sponsorships. The energy drink's dedication to music education far surpasses most of what Heads see, but simply treating people like Rakim, Mannie Fresh, and El-P as the artistic luminaries they are on video,... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, TV/Film, Video

Pharrell Is The Latest Household Name To Go The Surprise Album Route (Video)

As he's done many times before, with many different sounds and styles, Pharrell Williams really hit his stride in 2013. From work with Daft Punk, Robin Thicke, 2 Chainz, and Nelly, you couldn't seem to listen to a radio spot (on any station) without hearing The Neptunes' front-man. Well, outside... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raheem DeVaughn Gently Channels Marvin Gaye On A Powerful Black History Homage With Rhymefest (Video)

Raheem DeVaughn's place in Hip-Hop has been forged, even though he's a singer. The Maryland native makes real-life music, and always seems to develop song chemistry with whatever collaborators he's linked with. On "Final Call (Saviour's Day)," 'Heem teams up with Rhymefest (who has slowed his output down in the... Read more

February 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Think Ross & Jeezy Phoned in the Verses for War Ready? Think Again. The Reunion is Real (Video)

Rick Ross and Young Jeezy shook things up when their collabo, War Ready, dropped. For anyone who thought the 2 simply phoned in their verses and posed for an obligatory Instagram shot, think again. The reunion appears to go deeper than rap. The 2 also linked for an extended video... Read more

February 19, 2014 Video

OutKast Will Share The Stage With Drake At 5th Annual OVO Fest

Big Boi and Andre 3000 are filling up their dance-card lately. One of Hip-Hop's most beloved, and well-respected artists of all-time are breaking hiatus with a Coachella date, a series of dates to follow, additional festivals, and possibly (if you're asking Queen Latifah), more music. Daddy Fat Sax and 3... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh

Bun B & Prodigy Link With Remy Banks & Charlie RED Over A Hitmen-Certified Beat (Audio)

Puffy's Hitmen were one of Hip-Hop's few examples of a hit factory. Mirrored after the producers, songwriters, and session musicians that drove the hit singles for labels like Motown, Stax, and Atco Records, this is something that's expensive and time-consuming. In other words, you'd better have a studio with many... Read more

February 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Enjoy Some Killa Cam Antics? Watch Cam’ron Kick A Guy In The Crotch For A Price (Video)

File this along with your Action Bronson stage tossing, bodyslams, and other violent ejections. Cam'ron, who may be Bam Bam's label-mate in the Warner Bros/Atlantic Records family tree, is usually known to be a cool-tempered dude. While Dipset was not above acting rowdy, Cam's not the type to be seen... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

ScHoolboy Q Comes Clean on OXYMORON (Album Review)

UPDATE: Click here to stream the album via iTunes Last night (2/17), ScHoolboy Q held a listening session for part of his highly-anticipated OXYMORON album, and AFH was in the building. Compared to other listening sessions, it was a laid-back affair that perfectly suited Q’s personality. There were about 150... Read more

February 18, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought

If You Had Issues Downloading De La Soul’s Free Catalog 25 Hour Giveaway, Plug 2 Has Something To Say (Audio)

Did De La Soul truly anticipate the groundswell reaction to their late week announcement of plans to give away the bulk of their long Internet-shy catalog for free? Possibly not, but who could have, when Posdnous, Dave, and DJ Maseo's works drove Internet discussion and prompted a premature 25th anniversary... Read more

February 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

What Five-Figure Piece Of Memorabilia Did A Record Buyer Find Inside An Album Sleeve? (Video)

Heads who collect records know that you can find some pretty interesting stuff when you dig. Besides the racks of wax, a lot of older albums can be secret hideaways for things: love letters, journals, rolling papers, stickers, and the old cryptic messages some people like to put in the... Read more

February 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jimmy Fallon Revisits the Evolution of Hip-Hop Dance with The Fresh Prince (Video)

Similar to his History of Rap Sessions with Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon has taken a stroll down memory lane to revisit the history of Hip-Hop dance. This time, his partner in crime was The Fresh Prince (aka Will Smith) and the 2 did not disappoint. It's amazing how effortless this... Read more

February 18, 2014 Video

The Week in Video Featured Kanye Uncut, Words by Rakim, Redman’s Release & More (Video Playlist)

Last week was a strong one in Hip-Hop video programming. We got a spectacular short film on Rakim, a hilarious promo from Redman, a behind the scenes look at how Ice Cube got his name on the Goodyear blimp, an uncut speech from Kanye West, music videos from Phife, Mac... Read more

February 17, 2014 Playlists, Video

Some Music For The Couples In Dizzy Wright’s Latest Visual (Video)

Dizzy Wright is one of the more honest new artists out. The Las Vegas native left home at a young age, and as he went full throttle into Rap, he's discovered truths many of us seem to grasp at older ages. In "The Perception," Wright seems to tackle fame, growth,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson Says That He Pays His Bills From Monthly Sales Of Indie Albums & Talks Wearing Shorts Year-Round (Audio)

When he's not body-slamming security guards and (playfully) tossing little people offstage, Action Bronson is a helluva rapper. For longtime fans of the Queens, New Yorker who Heads first heard on J-Love mixtapes, 2013's Saaab Stories was a bit of a misnomer. While Harry Fraud's Surf School sound is hot,... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Like Bully Bars? Reef The Lost Cauze, Masta Ace & Jaysaun Got Somethin’ For Ya (Audio)

Reef The Lost Cauze never seems to stop working, and that's a great thing. The MC who went to the same high school at Will Smith (at a later era) linked with Masta Ace and Special Teamz' Jaysaun for "Power Moves." Over a hard, brassy beat the three take mics... Read more

February 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & June Would Make Pimp C Proud In Their Own Big Pimpin’ (Video)

Although it's clearly not a cover song, June and Big K.R.I.T. clearly considered Jay Z's Volume 3 smash single "Big Pimpin'," which put the faces and voices of UGK's Pimp C and Bun B in front of many new listeners. Raised on the Slab music, Krizzle and June made their... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Memphis Bleek Gets Really Up Close & Personal In It’s For Me (Video)

In addition to some killer beats from the likes of Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz and 9th Wonder, Memphis Bleek's albums have always had some really personal moments. Although known for the big Jay Z assists at times, and Roc-A-Fella Records posse cuts in others, Marcy Projects' youngest breakthrough artist in... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Need Some Inspiration? Watch This Hour-Long Documentary On Public Enemy & The Bomb Squad (Video)

There will never be enough documentaries and books on Public Enemy, and the music they've made. Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Professor Griff, Terminator X (and later, DJ Lord), as well as The Bomb Squad changed Hip-Hop lyrically, musically, and in concert. ego trip's "Night At The Movies" hipped AFH to... Read more

February 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback