Fresh Archives

Is Bronze Nazareth & Willie The Kid’s Living Daylights The Best Wu-Tang Off-Shoot In A Decade? (Album Stream)

Outside of the nine original Wu-Tang Clan members, and even including tour mate/unofficial tenth member Cappadonna, there have been some powerful albums. The Sunz Of Man's debut, The Last Shall Be The First, and break-out solo star Killah Priest's Heavy Mental debut rang some serious bells in the late '90s.... Read more

February 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How Deep Did J Dilla’s Crates Go? Deep As The Abyss & House Shoes Reminds You (Audio)

From Daft Punk to Steve Miller Band to Aretha Franklin, J Dilla's ears were scanning through a lot of music when it came time to craft his own compositions. That's why, even in his death, Heads are still finding stashes of Dilla's vinyl collection in storage units, stores, and elsewhere.... Read more

February 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

This Portrait Of Rakim Will Give You Goosebumps With Hip-Hop Pride (Video)

The lyrical giants of Hip-Hop's mid-'80s aren't the type of guys to always appreciate a camera up in their world. KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim (as well as Kool G Rap, Kool Keith, Ice Cube, and Scarface) are big on their privacy. Rakim's not a Twitter guy, and he's never... Read more

February 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Isaiah Rashad Reveals What His Life Would Have Been Had He Not Signed With TDE (Video)

Unlike so many of his contemporaries, Isaiah Rashad is not an artist looking for interviews and ways to constantly tell his story, off the mic. Instead, the Chattanooga, Tennessee native quietly signed with the biggest new label in Hip-Hop (Top Dawg Entertainment) and focused on his craft and product. Fresh... Read more

February 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Vado Puts On The Fedora For Sinatra, With Production By Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, Plus Heatmakerz (Mixtape)

Despite a burning buzz, Vado's never been big on charging fans for music. Now backed by DJ Khaled's We The Best imprint, the Diplomats' second-generation artist comes forth with Sinatra. The project, an EP, is free to listeners, despite high production values from multi-platinum producers like Scott Storch, Cool &... Read more

February 11, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Ice Cube Says He’s Reverting Back To The Old Days On Sic Them Youngins On ‘Em (Video)

Approaching the release of Everythang's Corrupt on May 13th, Ice Cube unloads some more new music. "Sic Them Youngins On 'Em" sports a new, sped-up flow by Cube. Moreover, on this song, Cube says a few really curious things, from "trying to go ham on Porky Pig" in a way... Read more

February 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Week in Video Brought Stage Tossing By Action Bronson, a Tech N9ne/Kendrick Lamar Collabo & More (Video)

The past week in video played like a pro wrestling tour for Action Bronson. The big man had 3 on stage "altercations" that led to pushing, shaving and stage tossing. The week also brought an Isaiah Rashad documentary, new music videos from Tech N9ne & Kendrick Lamar, Yo Gotti &... Read more

February 10, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Kevin Hart Discusses His First Sex Scene, Drops a Freestyle and More with Sway (Video)

Kevin Hart dropped by the Sway in the Morning show to discuss many of the the recent developments in his career, including the 6 movies he has coming out between now and 2015, doing his first sex scene, Sway's Kanye interview, Chocolate Droppa's career and more. He even dropped a... Read more

February 10, 2014 Video

‘Ye Speaks: Kanye West Remembers The College Dropout 10 Years Later

Kanye West doesn't really seem like the type of artist who enjoys looking back at his past songs with reminiscent nostalgia. However, today he released a statement via Def Jam Records, honoring his debut album, which turns 10 years old today: "Ten years ago today we finally released what had... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh

Crooked I May Be Rapping Around Top Dollar Toys, But It’s Beatboxing & Bars (Video)

Crooked I is one of those artists who clearly enjoys life's finer things, but those close listeners to his bars over the years know that he grew up dirt poor, and relived struggled throughout the high's and low's of his extensive career. From last year's Apex Predator, Crook tells all... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Mac Miller Freaks A Classic Jazz Piano Loop For Some Stream Of Consciousness (Audio)

Mac Miller, now fully independent, has been really vibing out and defying convention. Larry Fisherman (Mac's behind-the-boards alter-ego) looped and altered some Duke Ellington & John Coltrane for "Diablo." On what appears to be a stream of consciousness cut, Most Dope's most dope speaks out against superficial parties, stresses, and... Read more

February 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

More Marvin Gaye & Mos Def Mash-Ups, This Time Tackling A Complicated Thing Called Love (Audio)

After the strong reaction to "Inner City Travelin' Man" last week, the Yasiin Gaye (Mos Def + Marvin Gaye) blend, another track is unveiled. This time it's (Marvin's deeply personal) "Anna's Love," a combination of Marvin's "Anna's Song" (from Here, My Dear), and Yasiin Bey's "Love." Besides urban living and... Read more

February 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big Boi Gets All Mixed Up With B.o.B., Third World & Wavves (Audio & Video)

Big Boi's mash-up's continue, as anticipated in the weekly series. The Outkast MC has tapped into Phantogram, Blue Oyster Cult, Big K.R.I.T., Sade, and UGK, and now he goes runs to the Wavves for an Electronic raw sound, while running a line into Third World, for some Reggae in "Run... Read more

February 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lauryn Hill Covers A Beatles Classic With Grace & Style (Video)

If you were near a television or radio in the last week, you relived Beatlemania. It's been 50 years since The Beatles, Liverpool, England's Fab 4, rocked American audiences, and shaped music as we know it ever since. In the midst of it all, Miss Lauryn Hill hit David Letterman's... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Shut ‘Em Down: DMX & George Zimmerman Boxing Match Canceled After Protest

Last week, it was announced that acquitted murderer George Zimmerman would battle rapper/actor DMX in the boxing ring for a three-round, refereed fight. X immediately hyped the event, forecasting that he would not only beat up the former Florida resident, but would urinate on the man responsible for the death... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh

Action Bronson Stage-Tossing Continues. This Time With A Little Person (Video)

Great Hip-Hop artists have stage-show conventions. Public Enemy has the SW1s. Method Man has a reputation for climbing to the top of speaker towers to deliver his verses. Common freestyles, usually incorporating street names and venues local to whatever city he's in. Jay-Z has Memphis Bleek. Is Action Bronson the... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ask Edo G About His Skills, He’ll Tell You Of Course I’m Fresh (Video)

For a guy approaching 25 years in Hip-Hop, Edo G (aka Ed O.G.) has a gift for balancing style and substance. On "Of Course I'm Fresh," produced by Confidence, you get a veteran who raps about his skills, but mixes in some views on life, labor, and what grown men... Read more

February 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Joins Tech N9ne & MAYDAY in the Video for Fragile (Video)

Tech N9ne has released the video for his brooding single, Fragile, which features Kendrick Lamar, MAYDAY and Kendall Morgan. Check it out. Related: ¡MAYDAY! & Tech N9ne Kick It With Kimbo Slice In Last Man Standing (Video)... Read more

February 9, 2014 Video

Here’s a Soulful New Track From Joey Bada$$ (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ gets his mack on during his soulful new track Pantie Raid Pt. II. Check it out. Related: Think Hip-Hop is Dead? Audio Push and Joey Bada$$ Beg to Differ…Tis the Season (Video)... Read more

February 9, 2014 Audio

Deeper Than Rap: How George Zimmerman is Using DMX to Boost His Image & Defile Hip-Hop.

It was easy to get caught up in the raw emotion when it was announced DMX would be fighting George Zimmerman in a 3-round "boxing" match. Stepping back, however, if this "fight" takes place, it will be a travesty on many levels. Not only will it make a mockery of... Read more

February 8, 2014 Fresh

Pharoahe Monch & Sway Have a Heavyweight Hip-Hop Convo & Monch Performs (Video)

Pharoahe Monch has been in the game a long time. Long enough, in fact, to help put Eminem on. The Hip-Hop Heavyweight sat down with Sway to discuss his career, being a record label owner, staying inspired, his new album and more. Pharoahe also performs a killer version of his... Read more

February 8, 2014 Video

Want To See The Roots Of Big Pun? Check Out This Slept-On Documentary Featuring DMX & Redman (Video)

Because his time in the spotlight was so brief, there's often times a lot left out in the representation of Big Pun in the mainstream media. He's a Bronx, New Yorker, a protege of Fat Joe, who is the first Latin solo Hip-Hop artist to go platinum, and his Capital... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Forget a Beef. Rick Ross and Jeezy are War Ready (Audio)

The ramp up to Rick Ross' Mastermind release is on full tilt. Ross and Jeezy have put aside the differences that led to their skirmish at the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards, and have come together to create some real fightin' music. Check out War Ready. Related: Rick Ross &... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio

It’s Official. The Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Joint Album Has a Release Date and the Tracklist is STRONG (Artwork)

After teasing us for years with songs here and there, Freddie Gibbs and Madlib have released the artwork and tracklist for their forthcoming joint album and they have set a retail date. The album, Pinata, will feature guest verses from Raekwon, Danny Brown, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt, Scarface, Mac Miller and... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh

Before the Madness: Here’s a Previously Unseen Look at “College Dropout-Era” Kanye West (Video)

Earlier this week, Billboard Associate Editor Erika Ramirez made a monster of a story, when she created The Oral History Of Kanye West's College Dropout. 'Ye's debut album, which turns 10 years old soon, featured involvement from Talib Kweli, Freeway, and Consequence, who contributed, as well as Jay Z, Mos... Read more

February 7, 2014 Video

RIP Big Pun. Here’s Mister Cee’s 2014 Tribute Mix (Audio)

Today marks the 14th anniversary of the day Big Pun passed away. Here's a new tribute mix celebrating the life and legacy of the big man, courtesy of Mister Cee. Check out the stream and download below. Related: Here’s a Rare Demo Version of Big Pun’s Still Not a Player... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

What Would Michael Jackson Sound Like On A J Dilla Beat? J Rocc Got The Answers (Audio)

Years ago, J Rocc, the third member of JayLib, and Dilla's label-mate at Stones Throw Records made "Dill Jackson." The mash-up mixes meshed the worlds of Michael Jackson with Jay Dee. It's not designed to rock a party, or be cute. Rather, The Beat Junkies member took two artists who... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How’s About Some New Slum Village Over An Unreleased Jay Dee Beat? J Dilla Forever! (Audio)

In honor of 40 years to the day since J Dilla's birth, the donutty treats just keep coming. Slum Village, which presently includes group co-founder T3, as well as (J Dilla's younger brother) Illa J and Young RJ teamed with some unreleased material, in the way of beats and rhymes,... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio

The Indie Rap Titans Form Like Voltron. Murs Signs With Tech N9ne’s Strange Music (Video)

This afternoon (February 7th), Murs announced that he's inked a new deal with Tech N9ne's Strange Music imprint. It makes sense in a lot of ways, as both of these artists rock the sales charts and fill out venues, despite limited (read: scarce video and radio support). Highly respected among... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Is Theophilus London One Of The Most Original Hip-Hop Artists Of The Moment? Take A Look (Audio)

Some Heads aren't sure what quite to make of Theophilus London. This is an artist who isn't quite a MC, isn't quite a singer, but fits uniquely in the changing landscape of what a rapper might be in 2014. He's a fashion icon (it is New York City Fashion Week... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rick Ross & Diddy Bring Some Star Power To Mastermind. Did You Really Expect Any Different From This Tracklist?

Less than two days after Diddy's co-executive producer role (with DJ Khaled) was announced to Rick Ross' sixth solo album, Mastermind, Heads find out just what that means. With the tracklist to the Def Jam/Slip-N-Slide/Maybach Music Group album, you see the guests. Known for attracting veteran superstar peers since his... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh

Happy 40th Birthday to J. Dilla. To Celebrate Here’s J Rocc’s Mind-Blowing 120+ Song Set of Mixes (Audio)

In the last year of his life, J Dilla was getting the mainstream recognition he so deeply deserved. Donuts dropped. He was making thumpers for Common, who was his roommate in L.A. at the time. Dilla deftly balanced major label acceptance with underground royalty, and things seemed to be on... Read more

February 7, 2014 Throwback

Missy Elliott is Working on a Comeback Album (Video)

Missy Elliott is working on her first new album since 2006. The supa dupa fly rapper/singer/writer/producer is also working on an album with Faith Evans. After her red hot cameo on J. Cole's Nobody's Perfect, it's clear misdemeanor has not lost a step. Check out what she had to say... Read more

February 6, 2014 Video

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley. Here’s a Mix Celebrating His Life & Legacy (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley who would have celebrated his 69th birthday today. Here's a tribute mix from Mister Cee celebrating the life and legacy of one of the world's biggest icons. It includes music from Marley, as well as name checks from some of the Hip-Hop artists he's influenced.... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Stephen Marley & Black Thought Make Some Timeless Music Together (Audio)

In a move reminiscent of what brother Damien did with Nas, Stephen Marley has teamed with one of the most respected rappers in the game on his latest release. Black Thought joins Marley on the timeless and beautiful Thorn or a Rose. Check it out. Related: The Roots – Ain’t... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Kid ‘n’ Play Are Back with Some New Funny Business (Video)

After making surprise appearances on Arsenio and the high profile Radio Shack Super Bowl commercial, Kid 'n' Play are back with what feels like a pilot for a new TV show. Along the lines of their House Party franchise, the former Select Records stars employ their trademark self deprecating humor.... Read more

February 6, 2014 Video

SPOTLIGHT: SneakerBoxChock Makes A Powerful Opening Statement In Elephants (Audio)

If one of Hip-Hop's great roles is to educate each other on what's going on, Heads should take a close listen to Camden, New Jersey's SneakerBoxChock. Also known simply as Chock, this MC does not mince his words at all. Speaking from real life experience, the artist just over the... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diddy To Executive Produce Rick Ross’ Mastermind Album (Video)

There was a time in Hip-Hop when executive production from different moguls was all the rage. Jay Z co-executive produced Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, Suge Knight co-executive produced DJ Quik's Safe + Sound, 50 Cent co-executive produced Freeway's Free At Last album, Diddy & The Hitmen were associate executive... Read more

February 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ras Kass & Black Sheep’s Mista Lawnge Form The White Crows, Drop 1st Song (Audio)

The Black Sheep flag waves high. Dres and A Tribe Called Quest's Jarobi formed Evitan a few years back, and have stayed busy. Now, Mista Lawnge has made a cross-country outfit with Ras Kass. Fans of mid-'90s lyricism could not have predicted this union, but from Black Sheep, it's now... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Yo Gotti & J. Cole Release a Video for Their Music with a Message, Cold Blood (Video)

Last year, Yo Gotti and J. Cole released Cold Blood, a melancholy song that painted pictures of some of the world's cold hard realities. Now, they've released a video that makes those grim images even more vivid. Check it out. Related: J. Cole’s Label Partners With Interscope & He Releases... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

Rashad, the Producer Behind Stalley’s Lincoln Way Nights, is Back with a New Song (Audio)

If you missed Rashad's soulful album Museum, you likely know his music from Stalley's equally soulful Lincoln Way Nights project. Rashad was the talented artist/producer who produced the entire mixtape. He's back with a new release that builds on the Art of Noise's classic, Moments in Love. Check out First... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio

Who Needs Hooks When You’ve Got BARS? Cyhi The Prynce is Back (Video)

Out of all the G.O.O.D. Music affiliates, Cyhi The Prynce has always been one of the nicest with wordplay. After creating a lot of buzz in 2010 and 2011 with his BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher and XXL Freshmen selection, Cyhi has had a relatively quiet couple of years. However,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

Can’t Wait for Schoolboy Q’s OXYMORON? Here’s a Best Of Mix to Get You Ready (Audio)

Schoolboy Q's major label debut, OXYMORON, is set to hit stores on 2/25. The album is easily one of the most anticipated of the year (as it was for 2013). Now that we're less than 3 weeks away, DH OHSO has put together a mix of Q's material from previous... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio

Prince Po Lets Off On A Steam-Powered Oh No Beat In Machine Rage (Video)

Heads ought to know: this Animal Serum album released by Prince Po & Oh No is one of the most impressive listens as we start to really settle into 2014. Released on Brooklyn's Nature Sounds Records (Havoc, Durag Dynasty, Blu, Pete Rock, etc.), the LP features the likes of O.C.,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Souls Of Mischief’s 93 ‘Til Infinity Deluxe Reissues, With A Light Box, Bonus CD & Music Book

In a month that's already announced a deluxe reissue of Mobb Deep's 1995 album, The Infamous, as well fellow Queens native/collaborator Nas' 1994 debut, Illmatic, next up is the Souls Of Mischief's debut, 93 'til Infinity. The Jive Records album by Tajai, Phesto, Opio, and A-Plus featured the breakthrough single... Read more

February 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Covers…P.M. Dawn? And It Sounds Really Good (Audio & Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop history can be a bit revisionist. While KRS-One, Just-Ice, and the rest of the Boogie Down Productions posse didn't help P.M. Dawn's cool-factor with the alleged stage-tossing, no one can deny that in the late '80s and early '90s, the Brothers Cordes had hits that in some ways,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

DMX Will Fight George Zimmerman. Which of X’s Album Titles Best Applies to the Future Beating (Video)

In a story far too bizarre to be fiction, DMX has been chosen to square off against George Zimmerman in a 3-round "boxing" match. According to TMZ, however, DMX plans to go more UFC than WBA: "DMX promised to massacre Zimmerman in the ring if he got the chance. To... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

During East Coast Ice Storms, Black Milk Makes A Cold Day (Audio)

Black Milk has this uncanny ability to take a '70s Children's song chorus vibe and make it so Hip-Hop that it hurts. After 2013's shiver-inducing "Sunday's Best" / "Monday's Worst" tandem about G vs. E, B.M. returns with "Cold Day." Hard beats and a very juxtaposed Saturday morning television feel... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Did You Know Snoop is 0-16 at the Grammys? Pharrell Explains Why He Shouldn’t Care (Video)

GGN TV has really got something. Presumably during the Grammy Awards weekend, Pharrell Williams stopped by to kick it with Snoop Dogg. The longtime friends and collaborators trade compliments on their timeless music, and devoted care for the craft. During the discussion, Snoop reveals that he's never won a Grammy... Read more

February 4, 2014 Video

What Underground Veteran Is DJ Premier Making A Full Album With Next? (Video)

From Charli Baltimore to Vinnie Paz to Roscoe P. Coldchain, DJ Premier has some strong Philly ties. The Gang Starr producer/DJ and the City Of Brotherly Love go way, way back like Just-Ice. Today, a surprising announcement was made as Premo links with a true Philly veteran. Jakk Frost might... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Video