Audio Archives

The Game Turns To Aaliyah In Search Of Answers About This Crazy World (Audio)

No matter what your belief system or life perspective may be, things are crazy in this world, and all of us are looking for answers. While there have been several noteworthy artistic statements helping us navigate the seemingly endless waves of negativity, The Game has proven to be particularly adept... Read more

July 21, 2016 Audio

Ty Dolla $ign & His Incarcerated Brother Reach Through Walls For Justice (Audio)

Ty Dolla $ign named his debut album Free TC. The title of that Atlantic Record/Taylor Gang Top 20 album from last year is a dedication to Ty's younger brother. A singer and songwriter in a deeply-musical family, Big TC was featured on the LP (see: "Miracle/Whatever"). The Los Angeles, California... Read more

July 21, 2016 Audio

Big Boi Shows How To Truly Rock Off The Top In An Unreleased 2004 Freestyle (Video)

The vast majority of freestyles are not off the top rhymes. Instead, they are typically previously unheard verses, many of which ultimately make their way to albums. This is an occurrence that has shown itself time and time again, as many revered freestyles from the 90s and beyond resurface years... Read more

July 21, 2016 Audio

Yasiin Bey Uses His Mighty Voice In Support Of Indigenous Cultures (Audio)

While it has been more than seven years since Yasiin Bey released an album (The Ecstatic, as "Mos Def"), the Brooklyn, New Yorker has been busy in 2016. Often times when there is a cause or a message close to him, the Black Star veteran comes out of an apparent... Read more

July 21, 2016 Audio

Prince Paul, Ladybug Mecca, Don Newkirk & Rodrigo Form Brookzill! Get A Taste.

Grammy Award-winning producer Prince Paul has announced his latest project. The Long Island, New Yorker teams with fellow Grammy winner Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets, longtime musical collaborator Don Newkirk (The Dix), and veteran Sao Paulo, Brazil MC Rodrigo Brandão to form BROOKZILL!. The group combines the sounds of Brazil with... Read more

July 21, 2016 Audio, News

Macklemore & G-Eazy May Have Just Joined YG On The Secret Service Watch List (Audio)

Earlier this year, YG and Nipsey Hussle released a song that was a scathing critique of then presumptive Republican nominee, Donald Trump. Titled "FDT," standing for F... Donald Trump, the song was so brazen in its attacks that it landed on the radar of the Secret Service, and YG was... Read more

July 20, 2016 Audio

Big Sean, Chance The Rapper & Jeremih Channel-Surf Into Living Single (Audio)

In the last 24 hours, Jeremih released his Late Nights: Europe mixtape. An extension of 2015's Late Nights album, the freebie was reportedly supposed to feature "Living Single," featuring Big Sean and Chance The Rapper. In the end, that not happen—allegedly due to clearance issues surrounding Sean (though both are... Read more

July 20, 2016 Audio

De La Soul Embrace Their Rightful Place As Hip-Hop Royalty (Audio)

Earlier today (July 19), De La Soul premiered their latest single, "Royalty Capes" with the FADER. Produced by their very own Dave a/k/a Plug Too, it's an exultant track from their forthcoming album and the Anonymous Nobody, whose royal arrival takes place on August 26. The latest single in a... Read more

July 19, 2016 Audio

Jadakiss & Beanie Sigel Root Out The Necessary Evil Of Money (Audio)

The onetime beef between Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss may as well be an afterthought in 2016. The early 2000s tensions between State Property and The LOX are long over, and Jada' is now notably a Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records artist, years after he challenged the reigning squad. After Sigel's late 2014... Read more

July 19, 2016 Audio

Nipsey Hussle & Dave East Go Back To Their Rugged Roots, With Clarity (Audio)

Nipsey Hussle's Marathon Mondays push on—with no finish line in sight. The Los Angeles, California veteran joins another highly-prolific MC in Dave East for "Clarity." This song finds these two street-wise men (along with Bino Rideaux) going back to the tense, high-stakes environments that raised them. For Nip', those were... Read more

July 18, 2016 Audio

Prophets Of Rage Clear The Way For Power To The People (Audio)

Today (July 18) marks the first day of the Republican National Convention, the purpose of which is the formal selection of the Republican candidate for president of the United States. In many instances, the RNC is just a formality and this year is no different - having overwhelmingly succeeded over... Read more

July 18, 2016 Audio

Prodigy & Alchemist Unlock Mystical Jewels For Those Who Can Crack The Code (Audio)

In April, Prodigy & Alchemist gave away their 2013 album Albert Einstein, for free. The Mobb Deep co-founder and the group's longtime affiliate producer have a ton of history together—spanning back to the 1990s. In 2016, even with giveaways, P and ALC are still putting in work, and advancing their... Read more

July 18, 2016 Audio

Jeru The Damaja, Afu-Ra & Big Shug Show the Gang Starr Foundation Is Solid (Audio)

It has been more than five years since Gang Starr's Keith "Guru" Elam passed away. Today (July 17) would have been the MC's 54th birthday. While DJ Premier continues to wave the Gang Starr flag in his recent work with affiliates such as Bumpy Knuckles, D.I.T.C., and Dilated Peoples, the... Read more

July 17, 2016 Audio

Joe Budden Immediately Responds To Drake And Uses His Own Words Against Him (Audio)

The same day (July 16) Drake responded to two previous diss records by Joe Budden, Joe Budden promptly replied. As he vowed on his podcast, the Slaughterhouse MC was more than ready. "Afraid" closely followed French Montana and Drake's "No Shopping," with the Jersey City, New Jersey MC veteran addressing... Read more

July 16, 2016 Audio

Drake Responds To Joe Budden & Pumps Up The Beef (Audio)

It has taken more than two weeks since Joe Budden launched a diss campaign against Drake with the release of "Making A Murderer (Part 1)," for the Toronto MC to respond. A Rap battle that started in late June is now officially two-sided. On Drake's OVO Radio Show on Beats... Read more

July 16, 2016 Audio

GZA Shows The Skill Of His Stylez With A New Rap Caper (Audio)

The Wu-Tang Clan has created a true umbrella of artists. From Cappadonna to La The Darkman, Killarmy to American Cream Team, there have been legions of MCs, producers, and non-musical personalities attached to the original nine-member New York City collective. Even when the Clan has not been working in formation,... Read more

July 16, 2016 Audio

Lil’ Kim Explains In Detail What Led Up To Rich Homie Quan Forgetting Biggie’s Lyrics

On Monday night (July 11) Lil' Kim was among those celebrated at the return of Hip-Hop Honors. For more than 20 years, the Brooklyn, New York representative has amassed a platinum solo career, along with acclaimed work with Junior M.A.F.I.A. The onetime protege of The Notorious B.I.G. would win Grammy... Read more

July 15, 2016 Audio

Ab-Soul Reminds All That He’s A Lyrical Sharp-Shooter On A Bas Remix (Audio)

Dreamville artist Bas made one of 2016's strongest Hip-Hop works care of March's Too High To Riot. A Top 50 charting LP, the Interscope Records-distributed project features mentor J. Cole, along with Cozz and The Hics. Individually, several of Fiend Bassy's cuts have eclipsed the million-mark on streaming platforms. Even... Read more

July 15, 2016 Audio

A-F-R-O Has Flows For Days On Marco Polo’s Best Beats (EP Stream)

Last November, Bellflower, California MC A-F-R-O released his breakthrough mixtape Tales From The Basement. More than 100,000 people gave listen to the teenage lyricist who has been cosigned by R.A. The Rugged Man, GZA, DJ Premier, and others. In the time since, All Flows Reach Out has released videos, he's... Read more

July 15, 2016 Audio

Sadat X & Rhymefest Paint A Picture Of A Better World Right On Time (Audio)

Tomorrow (7/15), Sadat X will release his new solo album, Agua, on Tommy Boy Records. The LP features stellar production from Pete Rock, Diamond D, DJ Scratch, Da Beatminerz, Easy Mo Bee and more, and guest appearances by A.F.R.O., RA The Rugged Man, Ed. O.G., Black Sheep Dres, and fellow... Read more

July 14, 2016 Audio

Blu & Nottz Raise The Bar and the Volume With Their Titans In The Flesh EP (Audio)

A decade ago, Blu was one of the most exciting MCs in Hip-Hop. By 2007's Below The Heavens album with Exile, the Los Angeles, California MC perfected Everyman themes, with an original delivery. Fans took notice, and at the frontier of the digital age, took a Sound In Color release... Read more

July 14, 2016 Audio

Tish Hyman’s Striking Soul & Flow Are Reminiscent of Lauryn Hill In The Best Ways (Audio)

Bronx, New York native MC/singer Tish Hyman made a lot of noise in 2015 as the first female to conquer Sway In The Morning's "5 Fingers Of Death." More than just accepting the freestyle challenge, Tish bodied five beats and made a fast name for herself, amidst some new circles.... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio, Video

This Anniversary Mix of De La Soul’s “Stakes Is High” Is the Bizness (Mixtape)

With the August 26 release date of their forthcoming album and the Anonymous Nobody approaching, De La Soul are also a hot topic of retrospective conversations these days. On July 2, the Long Island, New York trio's fourth album, Stakes Is High, turned 20 and Heads have been celebrating the... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio

Jarren Benton Has The Courage To Rap About Fears We All Face (Audio)

Jarren Benton has built a career around outlandish raps, circus-like stage-shows, and cringe-worthy comical similes. It is easy to understand why the Decatur, Georgia MC has worked with guys like D12's Bizarre and R.A. The Rugged Man. He is in that lineage. However, the onetime Funk Volume sensation now makes... Read more

July 12, 2016 Audio

De La Soul Spring Into Action With A Jam Designed To Make You Move (Audio)

Just over twenty five years ago, De La Soul's sophomore album included lead single "A Roller Skating Jam Called Saturdays." Produced by Prince Paul, the Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records single found the Long Island, New York trio (and guest Q-Tip, of A Tribe Called Quest) making an upbeat ode to... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Ras Kass’ Rawest Rhymes Come To Life Over Statik Selektah Production (Audio)

2016 marks 20 years since Ras Kass entered the stage with Soul On Ice. Ever since, the Carson-by-way-of-Watts, California MC has become one of the most lethal lyricists in Hip-Hop, a master of style and substance. When Ras is agitated, he can make some of his best music—whether tackling lesser-skilled... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Samuel Jackson Joins KRS-One, Talib Kweli & More In The Fight Against Police Violence (Audio)

"All you celebrities out there, here's a chance to do something else. I challenge all of you to sing that we ain't going to stop till people are free." Those are the words of esteemed actor Samuel L. Jackson, as he opens the deeply powerful "I Can't Breathe," featuring Mad... Read more

July 10, 2016 Audio

June Was Full Of Great Hip-Hop. Here’s The Best Of The Month In 1 Playlist (Audio)

The month of June was the epitome of quality over quantity, when it came to Hip-Hop. There were fewer noteworthy releases than in any month of the year, so far, but those that penetrated were high-powered. Drake set the month on fire with one of his hardest rhymes in years,... Read more

July 9, 2016 Audio

Police Violence Causes The D.O.C., Bishop Lamont & B-Real To Speak Up. Forcefully (Audio)

The murders of unarmed Black and Brown civilians (many of whom are minors) by law enforcement persists in the United States of America. This week is as disturbing of a reminder as any, following the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. Now, matters have escalated with lethal retaliations, as... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

The World Needs Love. Phonte & Eric Roberson Make Music To Go With It. (Audio)

In a week marred by violence, all may be asking, "Where is the love right now?" Phonte is an artist who has masterfully reflected on the confusion and pains of the world. This time, 'Te simply provides a welcome reminder of what it takes to heal, to rebuild, and to... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Black Hippy Black Out On The Remix To ScHoolboy Q’s “THat Part” (Audio)

In the early part of the 2010s, the TDE all-pro collective known as Black Hippy lined up in formation more than a few times. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q came together to show that Top Dawg had incredible talent individually, and collectively. Like Wu-Tang Clan or D.I.T.C.,... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Jay Z Takes A Stand Against Police Killing Citizens (Audio)

509 people have been shot and killed by police in 2016. Words and hashtags are not enough. Write the United States Department of Justice today, and make a stand.... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Scarface Has Seen Too Many Young Men Die. He Speaks Up (Audio)

Scarface takes his lyrics places others won't seem to go. The Geto Boy appears on Swizz Beatz' upcoming Choices & Changes album. After years of working with Ruff Ryders, Facemob connects with the superstar producer for "Sad News." The song traces Brad Jordan reading over another Black male dying at... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Big K.R.I.T., Akon & B.o.B. Have A Message For The System (Audio)

In a week that has witnessed the devastating murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Hip-Hop is speaking out quickly. As Black men and women are dying at the hands of law enforcement without conviction, DJ Greg Street brings B.o.B., Big K.R.I.T., and Akon together for "I Am Somebody." Built... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Mistah F.A.B. Takes Murderous Cops to Task in “6 Shots” (Audio)

On Monday, July 4, millions of Americans observed Independence Day but for some, a celebratory mood was difficult to sustain. What has become known as the Black Lives Matter era is a time in history when past mistakes seem to linger, and when racial injustice becomes recorded on cell-phone video... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Chance The Rapper & Jamila Woods Take a Soul-Baring Ride Home (Audio)

Since breaking through to mainstream recognition through her work on Macklemore's powerful social critique, "White Privilege II," Chicago, Illinois' Jamila Woods has been busy working on her debut LP. The multi-talented artist most recently appeared on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book. A longtime friend and collaborator, Chancelor Bennett appears on... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Saigon & Termanology Put Prejudice Policing In Its Place Over Q-Tip Production (Audio)

A decade ago, Termanology and Saigon were two of the rising stars in the New York Hip-Hop scene. While Term' would begin a relentless cycle of independent releases that has lasted well into today, Saigon would ink a major label deal with Atlantic Records and get to work on a... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Your Old Droog & the Doppelgangaz Batter Some West Coast Old School (Audio)

Together, Matter Ov Fact and EP comprise the Doppelgangaz, a duo known for their grimy rhymes and even nastier in-house production. The Orange County, New York team released the "Gangaz 4 Life" video in early 2016 in support of their 2015 tape, Beats for Brothers Vol. 3. In the time... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

Joe Budden Goes Back To Back With His Second Drake Diss In A Week (Audio)

Last week, Joe Budden unleashed "Making A Murderer (Part 1)," a six minute track dissing Drake. The move was an extreme escalation in a war of words that has been brewing between the two men for quite some time. While it seemed their differences arose from Budden's harsh critique of... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

Tupac Left Prison A Superstar On A Vendetta. Gucci Mane Uses Him For Inspiration (Audio)

In the last year of his life, Tupac Shakur left Clinton Correctional Facility to claim the pole position in Rap music. While Me Against The World would go to #1 when 'Pac was incarcerated, his 1996 follow-up All Eyez On Me, is the (diamond-certified) double album he is largely remembered... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

Elzhi & O.C. Are Underground MC Legends. They Sound Great Together (Audio)

Although they run in different circles, Elzhi and O.C. are two highly-skilled MCs who have a lot in common. Over the years, both the Detroit, Michigan native and the Brooklyn, New Yorker have complicated histories with celebrated crews (Slum Village and D.I.T.C., respectively). Both lyricist have history with storied record... Read more

July 5, 2016 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. Rocks The Spot & The Clock… With 12 Freestyles In 12 Hours (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. is a product of the online era of Hip-Hop. The Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer has become a stalwart of the culture, and has built a career without reliance on mediums like radio and television. Instead, Krizzle gave away his music for free over the worldwide web, and never lost... Read more

July 5, 2016 Audio

Vinyl Archeologists Will Dig This 1995 Demo Of Cut Chemist Turntablism (Audio)

In late 1998, Los Angeles, California's Jurassic 5 burst on the scene with a self-titled EP. First released on the Pan imprint, the 37-minute project would eventually be re-released through Interscope Records, as part of the major label's commitment to Underground Hip-Hop, which also included Eminem and Planet Asia. That... Read more

July 2, 2016 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

GZA Proves That A Genius Only Speaks If There Is Something Worth Saying (Audio)

Within the Wu-Tang Clan, there are prolific MCs and patient MCs. While Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and RZA regularly release material, other entities within the legendary Shaolin collective are more choosy. None appears more so than GZA. It has been eight years since the first Clansmen who released a solo album... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Havoc Reveals That Prince Played Keys On A Mobb Deep Track (Video)

Throughout the last 25 years, Queens, New York duo Mobb Deep has worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Nas, and 50 Cent. However, it is now learned that Prodigy and Havoc collaborated with late Pop icon Prince. Speaking with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN's "Drink Champs" Podcast (Episode #17), Havoc... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio, Video

Joe Budden Explains Why He Dissed Drake & Warns He’s Well Prepared For ANY Response (Audio)

At the top of June, Drake shocked the Hip-Hop space when he apparently dissed Joe Budden and Puff Daddy on a la carte release "4PM In Calabasas." For Joe's part, the lines were presumed to be a response to Budden's criticism of Views on his "I'll Name This Podcast Later" (Episode... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Logic Releases The 11 Track Bobby Tarantino Without Warning (Album Stream)

Music's elite artists, including Beyonce, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar have all released albums at will over the last two years. After back-to-back Top 5 albums in 2014 and 2014, Maryland's Logic wants in on the party. The Visionary Music Group/Def Jam Records MC releases Bobby Tarantino last night (July 1).... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Joe Budden Disses Drake For 6 Straight Minutes…And It Gets Really Personal (Audio)

For weeks, rumors have been swirling about an epic showdown between once friends, Joe Budden and Drake. Things started to get tense between the two after Budden had some harsh words about Drake's VIEWS album, saying “I think that kid on that album that I heard sounds real fucking uninspired.... Read more

June 30, 2016 Audio

Skyzoo Brilliantly Exacts “Revenge” On Jay Z On “Friend Or Foe Pt. 3″ (Audio)

Crown Heights Brooklyn MC Skyzoo grew up not far from the Marcy Houses that raised Jay Z. Although the two lyricists are more than a dozen years apart in age, S-K-Y always vocalized just how much S.Carter inspired his art and style. The extended, nasal bars, emphasis on brands and... Read more

June 30, 2016 Audio

Rumor Has It Tim Gent Is Just Getting Started (Album Stream)

Having already put his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee on the map with his 2015 project For the Love earlier this year, MC Tim Gent has released a new project which speaks to the tenacity of artists from small towns. Rumor Has It is an EP absent of featured rappers, allowing... Read more

June 29, 2016 Audio