Fresh Archives

Realm Reality – Grindmode Lifestyle ft Tristate (of Durag Dynasty)

Here's another hard track from Realm Reality. Check out Grindmode Lifestyle featuring Tristate of Durag Dynasty. Related: Realm Reality – Concrete Jazz ft Ea$y Money & Spit Gemz (Audio)... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Ryan Leslie – Green ft Fabolous

Here's a smooth new song from Ryan Leslie featuring Fabolous. Check out Green. Related: Ryan Leslise does 5 Fingers of Death on the Sway in the Morning Show (Video)... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Rhythm Roulette: El-P (Video)

El-P is the latest to participate in Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette series where a producer is blindfolded, picks 3 records then makes a beat from the 3. If you like El-P, beat-making, crate digging or just watching talented people at work, this one's for you. Related: Killer Mike & El-P... Read more

August 31, 2013 Video

Busta Rhymes – Chris Lighty ft Bob Marley

It was a year ago today that Hip-Hop lost Chris Lighty, manager to Nas, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and more. Busta Rhymes has released a heartfelt and candid tribute to honor is mentor and friend. Check out Chris Lighty featuring Bob Marley. Related: Chris... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Jay Z and Ron Howard Present: Made in America (Trailer)

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard has done a documentary chronicling the first Made in America festival. The doc features artists like Run-D.M.C., Skrillex, Rita Ora and festival founder Jay Z. Check out the trailer for the film below. Related: Jay Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake (Video)... Read more

August 30, 2013 Video

Drake Speaks on Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse (Food for Thought)

Drake broke his silence on Kendrick Lamar's Control verse and has provided the best response yet (IMHO), calm, to the point and brimming with confidence. The way it should be. Check out what he had to say to Billboard below. “I didn’t really have anything to say about it,” Drake... Read more

August 30, 2013 Food for Thought

AG Da Coroner – Not Gonna Cry

The Outdoorsmen is quite the crew. Following Action Bronson's major label emergence, and the recent signings of Mayhem Lauren and AG Da Coroner, this will likely be a group tempted with an album after the solo endeavors are situated. "Not Gonna Cry" is that won't-come-up-for-air Rap that calls back to... Read more

August 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Terrace Martin – Can’t Help It (Video)

Salute to the King of Pop who would have been 55 today. Here's a pretty awesome cover of Can't Help It by the multi-talented Terrace Martin. Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff - He's the King, I'm the DJ: Michael Jackson Tribute (Mixtape)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Video

Big Boi Interview With Montreality (Video)

With the majority of interviews covering album content, tour information, and current events, it’s always refreshing when the questions dig a little deeper into the artist’s brain. In a recent interview with Montreality, Big Boi of Outkast was asked a more eclectic collection of questions, ranging from the worst thing... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Underachievers – Lords of Flatbush (Mixtape)

The Underachievers release an 8-song mixtape, the majority of which pairs a Beast Coast flow with Lex Luger beats. You can listen to and download Lords of Flatbush below. Download Mixtape Related: Pro Era – PEEP: The Aprocalypse (Mixtape)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Mixes

Cam’ron – Welcome to My World

Cam'ron tries on a slow flow over a trap beat on his release from his upcoming album Ghetto Heaven. The sing songy flow masks some deceptively dark lyrics. Check out Welcome to My World. Related: Wiz Khalifa – The Bluff ft Cam’ron (Video)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Control Verse and Working on a New Album (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar has now spoken at length about his Control verse. He clarifies that the King of New York line was misunderstood, talks of speaking with Diddy and Jay Z about it, discusses his favorite responses, reveals that he's been working on a new album and more. Check out interviews... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio

Jay Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake (Video)

Now we know what the picture of Jay Z and Mark Zuckerberg from a few weeks ago was all about. Hov just premiered his visually arresting video for a remixed version of Holy Grail featuring Justin Timberlake. The visuals draw on the infamous climactic scene from Scarface. Check it out... Read more

August 29, 2013 Video

Roc Marciano – S**t Hard

There are no comebacks in Hip-Hop that impress me more right now than Roc Marciano and Ka. Sure, the Soundscan numbers are still a work in progress, but these collaborators have been grinding independently (and on majors) since the '90s with low-key catalogs are hard-nose New York City Rap. Ever... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Tech N9ne Backroom Freestyle (Video)

After years of being one of the most underrated in the game, Strange Music’s Tech N9ne appears to be having the best year of his 20-plus-year career. With his latest album Something Else cracking the Top 5 and his shows selling out all around the country amidst his relentless touring... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

Ab-Soul – Dreamin’ ft K-Boy & Tone Trump

For all the negative things we can all say about Twitter, sometimes it's just great. For example, when a producer randomly drops a dope Hip-Hop track on a whim, which is exactly what The Chromatix did yesterday. The track is titled “Dreamin'," is headlined by Black Hippy's Ab-Soul, and also... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Fame – #PHUCKYOCOSIGN (Mixtape)

When the first minute of a mixtape features Huey Freeman from The Boondocks going on an obscenity filled tirade, it's likely going to be an interesting ride. After much anticipation, Fame finally drops his debut mixtape, #PHUCKYACOSIGN. The Brooklyn MC wasted no time getting busy on the mic, spitting “know... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Mack Wilds – Own It (Video)

Singer Mack Wilds (aka The Wire's Tristan Wilds) releases the video for his lead single Own It. His upcoming project, New York: A Love Story, features production from Salaam Remi, Havoc, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. Check out the video. Related: Mack (aka Tristan Wilds) – Own It (Audio)... Read more

August 28, 2013 Video

Pusha T – Sweet Serenade ft Chris Brown (Prod. Swizz Beatz)

Pusha T is back with a hypnotic new joint that features Chris Brown on the hook and Swizz Beatz on the track. But make no mistake, Pusha's trademark steely flow and icy lyrics make this song all his. Check out Sweet Serenade. Related: No Malice – Shame The Devil ft... Read more

August 28, 2013 Throwback, Trending Stories

Kendrick Lamar Finally Responds To “Control (HOF)” Aftermath

Breaking news, K.Dot speaks to Big Boy's Neighborhood on Power 106 in L.A about "Control (HOF)" and the bars heard 'round the world. "I just wanted to rap...I may have to dumb down my lyrics just a lil' bit." - Kendrick Lamar. He says a bit more. What do you... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh

Illa Ghee – Illa Price Express Freestyle ft Sean Price

I absolutely love this. Veteran Mobb Deep affiliate Illa Ghee continues his recent run with Sean Price—who, mind you, is one of the most ferocious freestylers left in Hip-Hop. Over-top of Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" (posted below, it's also the basis for Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock"),... Read more

August 28, 2013 Audio, Fresh

J-Zone On Using Deliberately Using Archaic Production Equipment (Video)

J-Zone's been around for over 15 years, but he's not exactly an old-school artist. Still, deeply influenced by Ultramagnetic MC's, Threat, Tim Dog, C-Bo and others, Jay's knowledge of Hip-Hop (see this 2011 post he's responsible for) and his love of the antiquated ways is deep. In making his return... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Blitz The Ambassador – The Warm Up (EP Stream)

German label Jakarta Records has a name-your-price EP from longtime independent titan Blitz The Ambassador, The Warm Up. The Ghanaian-American MC teams with Fresno's Fashawn for this seven-track effort, which is available for free stream. Blitz' 2009 Stereogum was an ear-grabber, and he's consistently living up to his name by bringing... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Justin Timberlake Talks “Sinatra At The Sands” Collabo With Jay Z, Timbaland & Nas

We heard Timbaland around the release Magna Carta Holy Grail discuss this track. Justin Timberlake spoke with Angie Martinez and HOT 97 following his 2013 MTV Video Music Awards shakedown performance. Timberlake spoke about Timbaland, Nas and Jay Z deciding to impromptu record the song known as "Sinatra At The... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh

Goodie MOB – Soul Food (Performance Video)

It seems some of the albums we called "classics" back in the mid-'90s don't sound nearly as good today as they did when they came out. Other times, it seems that albums we weren't so liberal about calling the (other) c-word, perhaps are. Goodie Mob's 1995 debut Soul Food is... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Danny Brown – ODB (Video)

From disagreeing with his label a few weeks ago about the release of his long-anticipated album, Old, Danny Brown quickly got a release date for September 30. Fool's Gold Records and D.B. unloaded the first video single, "ODB." Originally, there was talk of the album being called that, now shortened... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. – Just Last Week ft Future

When Big K.R.I.T. dropped his (massively underrated) mixtape King Remembered in Time in the Spring, it featured a snippet of a song with Future. Now, K.R.I.T. releases the full version. Check out Just Last Week. Related: Big KRIT breaks down King Remembered in Time, Track by Track (Video)... Read more

August 28, 2013 Audio

Agallah – Coat Of Arms ft Planet Asia, Tristate & Rasco

After almost 20 years in Hip-Hop, Brooklyn native Agallah is still serving the streets with music that hits straight from the chest. Formerly known as 8-Off the Assassin, the Brownsville MC/producer has come a long way since his EPMD affiliate days, or his Dipset/Purple City days. Agallah recently signed a... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Lox – Too Hot (Video)

Less than 24 hours after dropping their new single, The Lox release the video for Too Hot...and it's a spoof of The Hangover. Check out the video. Related: Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch perform in NYC (Video)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Goodie MOB: The Process (Video)

Goodie MOB discuss recording their first song ever together, the process of making Cell Therapy, lyrical activism and more with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Goodie M.O.B. – Special Education ft Janelle Monae (Video)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Rah Digga – New Hoes

Whoa...Rah Digga JUST WENT IN on the whole twerkin' phenomenon for objectifying and degrading women, particularly young girls (think she was watching the VMAs??). She issues a blistering commentary over the track for Kanye West's New Slaves. Check out New Hoes. Related: Rah Digga – I Heard You Say (Audio)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio

Ransom – Unexplainable

Statik Selektah has been on a tear the last 3 years. He supplies another fire beat to Ransom. Check out Unexplainable. Related: Ransom – Pray For Me ft Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock (Audio)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio

Almighty (Canibus, Bronze Nazareth, M-Eighty & Nino Graye) – F.A.M. ft. Kool G Rap

It seems like a lifetime ago that Canibus was going blow for blow with LL Cool J and was considered one of the nicest lyricists in the game. But even though times and perceptions may have changed, the New York MC is back with his latest lyrical offering to prove... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

The LOX – Summer’s Too Hot

In the last week of August, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P welcome September with "Summers Too Hot." (We learned by way of the video that it's simply just "Too Hot") Kanye West vocals on the Scram Jones-produced needle-drop beat. As D-Block has morphed back into The Warlocks, one can... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Just Blaze Discusses the Differences Between Jay Z and Eminem’s Work Styles (Video)

Just Blaze discusses working with Jay Z the first time and the differences between Eminem and Jay Z's work styles, but he sidesteps the question of who had the better verse between them on Renegade. Who do you think took that one? Check out the video below. Related: Eminem –... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Pete Rock Breaks Down His Favorite James Brown Records

I was at a 1960s-themed event the other night, and the DJ kept playing the James Brown records that really crossed over into mainstream such as "Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." From those Pop records to some of the fabric that formed... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Kool G Rap, Papoose, Savant & Justin Tyme – Iron Bars

People tend to forget: Papoose is a lyrical O.G. Just like Nas, just like Akinyele, MF Grimm, B-1, Jinx Da Juvy, and others, Pap cut his teeth on the come-up with one of Hip-Hop's all time lyrical giants: Kool G Rap. "Home Sweet Funeral Home." 1998. Roots Of Evil. Arizona.... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Krondon – Another Line

Strong Arm Steady's Krondon has been grinding for 15 years. Major labels, independents, critical cosigns and solo-dolo success, and KRNDN (as he also goes by at times) stays grindin' with his many styles. "Another Line," produced by Frank The Butcher & Paul Mighty, appears on Butcher's BAU Presents... All Is... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Yancey Boys – Quicksand ft Common & Dezi Paige

The J Dilla catalog is never-ending. One of Hip-Hop's most talented musicians recorded at a Tupac-like pace throughout his extensive and dynamic career. Recently, Dilla's younger brother Illa J (now of Slum Village/Dirty Slums) and Frank Nitt (of Frank-N-Dank) took some unreleased, largely unheard Dilla compositions, and got to work... Read more

August 27, 2013 Throwback

14KT – PAID ft Blu

Many moons ago, Detroit, Michigan's 14KT was in a group alongside Mayer Hawthorne in Athletic Mic League. The group disbanded for solo pursuits, but hopefully becomes an increasing talking-point (like Children Of The Corn, 213, or Cash Money Clique). 14KT is now releasing his latest LP, Nickel & Dimed. Black... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Billy Squier – The Big Beat (Video)

In light of Eminem's "Berzerk," I keep referencing this song. The truth is, the record has an amazing time-piece video. While it might seem cheesy, or a callback to big hair, tight Lee's, and t-top Camaros, this is a break that stays in the arsenal of your favorite producer/DJ. The... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Foreign Exchange – Call It Home / Pity

In less than a month, one of the groups that started online—and got more organic than most of their peers who met in the flesh lives on. Foreign Exchange's Love In Flying Colors comes September 24. Phonte and Nicolay dropped off a two-fer single, in "Call It Home" and "Pity."... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Eminem – Berzerk (Prod. Rick Rubin)

After confirming he will be releasing a new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, in November, Eminem releases the first single. It's a return to Slim Shady mode over a heavy sample from Billy Squier's The Stroke. Check out Berzerk.... Read more

August 26, 2013 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on the First Time He Worked With Dr. Dre (Video)

Kendrick Lamar speaks on the first time he met Dr. Dre and gives the behind the scenes story on the recording session for their collabo, Compton. Check out the video. Related: Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Earliest Experiences with Hip-Hop (Video)... Read more

August 26, 2013 Video

Freddie Gibbs – The Real G Money (Video)

A song just over 90 seconds. How many independent MCs do you know that can captivate? Freddie Gibbs is certainly one. Fresh off of ESGN, Gangsta Gibbs gives one of his strongest offerings of late in "The Real G Money." Few artists in the 2010s can walk the fine line... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

League Of Starz – Show Sumn’ ft. Skeme, Problem, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, G. Malone & Bad Lucc

It seems only fitting that the team that’s spearheading the “function music” movement (hybrid of LA’s G-Funk and The Bay’s hyphy), enlisted a roster of homegrown California talent for their latest offering. On their new track “Show Sumn”, production standouts League of Stars put together a bass heavy medley reminiscent... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Daft Punk – Lose Yourself To Dance ft Pharrell & Nile Rodgers (Video)

When the year ends, one of the must-buy albums of 2013 will likely still be Daft Punk's Random Access Memories. The French production/DJ duo has been on my radar since MTV's short-lived "12 Angry Viewers" days (I also remember first seeing Eminem that way). However, thanks to J Dilla and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lyrical Breakdown With Los (Video)

Although many MCs are respected for their lyrical prowess, it’s always interesting being able to discover what goes on inside their head before they spit those bars. In a recent interview with Diddy's Revolt TV, one of Diddy's artists, Los (aka King Los) dropped some knowledge on lyrical styles and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Joey Bada$$ – Killuminati Pt. 2 (Kendrick Lamar Response)

It might have taken a little longer than anticipated, but one of the most vocal artists on Twitter when it came to “Control” has dropped the hashtags and picked up the mic. On the track “Killuminati Pt. 2,” Pro Era captain Joey Bada$$ steps up to the plate with the... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Fat Joe – The Darkside 3 (Mixtape)

In the post-Atlantic Records era, Fat Joe's artistry has been perplexing. While the D.I.T.C. member has always put a song or two on every album to remind the Heads of his roots before becoming a household name, in recent years, he's made some really grimy albums. 2010's The Darkside was... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Mixes