Audio Archives

Curren$y Fires Up A 15-Year Old Ski Beatz Hit For Nas & Nature & Exhales Dope. (Audio)

One can argue that Curren$y's best music has been that which he made with Ski Beatz. While at the Def Jam-distributed DD172 (Dame Dash's label), the New Orleans, Louisiana MC and the Original Flavor co-founder made two volumes of Pilot Talk, and revamped Spitta's sound in the "Michael Knight" era,... Read more

December 17, 2015 Audio, Video

SWV Releases A New Song That Shows They Can Still Make Us Weak At The Knees (Audio)

SWV (a/k/a Sisters With Voices) are leading up to their first album in nearly four years. February 5, 2016's Still...SWV is a statement LP surrounding Cheryl "Coko" Clemons, Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George, and Leanne "Lelee" Lyons' bond. Smooth single "M.C.E. (Man Crush Everyday)" hits all the right notes. Although it may... Read more

December 17, 2015 Audio

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like Royce Da 5’9″ Anymore. His Newly Leaked Song is Proof (Audio)

And just like that, Royce Da 5'9" has given Heads a holiday gift in the form of "They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore (T.D.M.T.L.T.A.)." Leaked by the man himself, it's another example of the Slaughterhouse and PRhyme MC's lyrical domination over many of his contemporaries. Said Royce about the... Read more

December 16, 2015 Audio

Masta Ace & Veteran Beneficence Gain Clarity In The Sun (Audio)

Newark, New Jersey veteran MC Beneficence has a career that stems back to the early 1990s. Although Bene's name has not extended as far as peers Redman, Lords Of The Underground, or The Artifacts, the dedicated lyricist is still making good on his dream. Teaming with Ill Adrenaline Records, the... Read more

December 16, 2015 Audio

Terrace Martin’s Latest Kendrick Lamar Remix Is More Than Alright (Audio)

Terrace Martin has been down with Kendrick Lamar and TDE since way back. So the Locke High horn player and producer takes a liberty, and throws his spin on what may very well be 2015's most meaningful song. Martin takes To Pimp A Butterfly single "Alright" and runs it through... Read more

December 15, 2015 Audio

Pharoahe Monch’s Pharmacy Freestyle Shows Why He’s One Of Dr. Dre’s Favorite MCs (Audio)

Pharoahe Monch and Dr. Dre have never released music together. The Organized Konfusion MC and the N.W.A. producer nearly aligned when Monch was reportedly courted by Eminem and Shady Records, which would have placed the Rawkus hit-maker in the Shady-Aftermath-G-Unit umbrella. That did not happen. But like Dre, the Queens,... Read more

December 14, 2015 Audio

Approaching Album No. 2, YG’s Narrative & Throwback Sound Isn’t Budging (Audio)

Two years ago, YG's My Krazy Life was a fan favorite, peaking at #2 on the charts. The CTE World/Def Jam Records star is hard at work on a follow-up. Reportedly called Still Krazy, the 2016 LP is shaping up to be the perfect extension of the G-Funk renaissance. "City... Read more

December 14, 2015 Audio

Public Enemy Affiliate Johnny Juice Blends Bruce Lee Samples With Raw Hip-Hop (Audio)

DJ Johnny Juice Rosado has been a critical role-player in Hip-Hop music for nearly 30 years. In addition to his own career and vast production credentials (Son Of Bazerk, On The Shoulders Of Giants, etc.), Juice was a session DJ and turntablist and integral behind-the scenes-player with Public Enemy through... Read more

December 14, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear The Shelved ’90s Clipse LP? The Neptunes Were Down From Jump. (Album Stream)

With Pusha T slated to drop his forthcoming album on Friday (King Push: Darkest Before Dawn, December 18) and the Clipse's two hugely successful studio albums, the appeal of the Virginia Beach, Virginia duo has yet to fade away, despite brothers Pusha and No Malice (f/k/a Malice) not having worked... Read more

December 14, 2015 Audio, Throwback

YG Hosts 50 Cent & Nipsey Hussle And It’s Nuthin’ But A Gangsta Party (Audio)

YG has had a tumultuous 2015. In June, he was shot 3 times while in the studio, but was able to make it to his own car to be taken to the hospital. By July, he had recovered enough to release the lead single from his forthcoming Still Krazy album.... Read more

December 12, 2015 Audio

Oh Boy! Just Blaze Brings Out Unreleased Roc-A-Fella Goodies In A Radio Set (Mix)

This week, producer/DJ Just Blaze was a guest host on Q-Tip's Abstract Radio show on Beats 1. Just filled in for the man who provided guest vocals to his "Girls, Girls, Girls" hit for Jay Z nearly 15 years ago. Rather than just playing what he feels, the veteran New... Read more

December 12, 2015 Audio, Mixes

DJ Hollywood Tells Ice-T What He Says Is The True Story Of Hip-Hop’s Origins (Audio)

On the latest episode of his Final Level podcast, Ice T chats with DJ Hollywood, the legendary Harlem DJ whose work in the '70s and '80s helped elevate Hip-Hop culture from obscurity to relevance, a story far too unfamiliar in music lore. Along with co-host Mick Benzo, Ice took the... Read more

December 11, 2015 Audio

Black Thought Spits Fire About Lost Love on Unreleased Statik Selektah Track (Audio)

Just one day after Black Thought tore through a DJ Premier beat alongside Royce Da 5'9" on PRhyme's "Wishin' II," the Roots front man is back again, this time lamenting on missteps in romance. "Couldn't Tell" is a brooding cut that didn't make it onto Statik Selektah's July album Lucky... Read more

December 11, 2015 Audio

Rapper Big Pooh & K-Hill Know No Quitting. This Soulful Song Inspires (Audio)

North Carolina MC K-Hill has been grinding for more than 10 years, making a name for himself through work with the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Sean Boog, and the late PumpkinHead. Making noise from the N.C. state around the same time as Little Brother's emergence, his song "The Prodigal"... Read more

December 11, 2015 Audio

Pusha T Bodies Another Track Leaving Nothing But Crutches, Crosses & Caskets (Audio)

Since the announcement that he was being named the president of G.O.O.D. Music, Pusha T has been on a mission. Each week since, he has released lethal track after lethal track, including "Untouchable," "Holy Angel" and "M.F.T.R. (More Famous Than Rich)." Now, he steps up with his second release in... Read more

December 11, 2015 Audio

Black Thought Finally Rhymes Over A DJ Premier Beat & He Smashes It (Audio)

When DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9", and Adrian Younge started mapping out the self-title album known as PRhyme, The Roots' Black Thought was a planned guest. However, the Grammy Award-winning band's longtime manager/producer Rich Nichols passed away in mid-2014, halting plans. In 2016, as PRhyme readies a deluxe edition release... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

Stream O.C.’s New EP, Chock Full Of Introspect & Precise Delivery (Audio)

O.C. is an MC whose biggest albums are not necessarily his best selling. While, the Brooklyn/Queens, New York representative's 1994 debut Word...Life is widely considered an incredible album, the Diggin' In The Crates member has made works to follow that have stood just as tall. Recently, O's Trophies effort with... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers, Emilio Rojas & G. Fisher Are Lyrical Hitmen For Hire (Audio)

Three of Hip-Hop's hungriest, lyrically-leaning New York MCs come together on the appropriately-titled "Mercenaries." Emilio Rojas and Chris Rivers have been making noise for years, garnering excitement through freestyles, cyphers, guest appearances, and their own fully-produced songs. G. Fisher is the latest Diggin' In The Crates-cosigned MC to come forth,... Read more

December 10, 2015 Audio

DJ Premier, Royce Da 5’9″ & Joey Bada$$ Say We’re In a New Golden Era (Audio)

The term is used a lot when discussing Hip-Hop. Generally speaking, the Golden Era or Golden Age is used to describe a bygone era, one that rose to prominence in the mid- to early '90s, when lyricism was considered to be the supreme skill required to be considered a true... Read more

December 9, 2015 Audio

G-Eazy Releases One Of The Most Courageous Songs You Will Hear All Year (Audio)

Last week (12/4), G-Eazy released his sophomore major label album, When It's Dark Out. As its title and cover art suggest, the album tackles several things that take place under the cover of dark. G raps about the expected, such as sex, drugs and partying, but he also covers the... Read more

December 9, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah Remixes The Weeknd For What May Be A Supreme Clientele 2 Preview (Audio)

In 2015, The Weeknd made an anthem out of "Can't Feel My Face." That's an attitude and descriptive that Ghostface Killah knows about, since long before he made 2006's "Kilo." To close out the year, G.F.K. extends the practice he and Kanye West have for jumping on remixes. This time,... Read more

December 8, 2015 Audio

The Game Returns The Favor & Joins Anderson .Paak on a Jazz-Infused New Banger (Audio)

After working with both DJ Premier and Dr. Dre this year, Anderson .Paak joined The Game on The Documentary 2.5, laying down soulful vocals on the album's opening 2 tracks, "Magnus Carlsen" and "Crenshaw / 80s and Cocaine." Since then, the singer, who has become one of the hottest new... Read more

December 8, 2015 Audio

Pusha T Calls Out The Fake Lifestyles Of Other Rappers on “M.F.T.R. (More Famous Than Rich)” (Audio)

For more than 15 years, Pusha T has drawn the parallels from the street hustle and the music hustle, and how each equates to status. Approaching his sophomore solo album, Darkest Before Dawn (December 18), the G.O.O.D. Music President has another comparison he wants to make: fame versus wealth. "M.F.T.R.... Read more

December 8, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson & Roc Marciano Join Meyhem Lauren For A Bonus Round (Audio)

Queens, New York MC Meyhem Lauren has been earning the attention from Heads thanks to his collaborations with the likes of Buckwild, a member of the legendary Diggin' in the Crates (DITC) crew, and today he has dropped another hot collabo. Featuring Action Bronson (with whom he previously collaborated on... Read more

December 8, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Is Brewing Brilliant Lyricism In This Caffeinated Moment Of Clarity (Audio)

Although many may associate dreaming with sleeping, Cole's compilation inclusion is "the best part of waking up." A song called "Folgers Crystals" finds the Roc Nation star in his finest form, showing both passion and thought in his delivery. This song is an inclusion from the surprise-early release of Revenge... Read more

December 7, 2015 Audio

Rick Ross & DJ Premier’s Black Market Collabo Holds Weight (Audio)

Nearly a decade ago, when Rick Ross' stardom jumped off via "Hustlin'," he was a mid-2000s tour de force. In the time since, Ricky Rozay has made some of Rap's biggest anthems, and showed even some skeptics why he won over the ears of Erick Sermon, then-Def Jam President Jay... Read more

December 7, 2015 Audio

Two Decades Later, Dr. Dre & Kurupt Are Still Xxplosive Rhyme Partners (Audio)

Although Dr. Dre executive produced Tha Dogg Pound's multi-platinum debut Dogg Food in 1995, the N.W.A. alum was not as hands-on as he'd been with Snoop Doggy Dogg's Doggystyle. Kurupt was one of the star lyricists in the Death Row Records movement, and part of that famed off-shoot group. As... Read more

December 7, 2015 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″ & Ras Kass Are Big On Witty Lyricism And Lots Of Attitude (Audio)

Ras Kass and Royce Da 5'9" have a history of collaborations. Both of these MCs hit the 2000s as lyrical tour de forces. Both men would subsequently face label woes, personal and legal battles, and an ever-changing focus of what's hot in Hip-Hop. But neither artist wavered, continually serving fans the... Read more

December 6, 2015 Audio

Edo G., M-Dot & Singapore Kane Bring Back The Rap Salute To DJs (Audio)

From Gang Starr to EPMD, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince to Run-D.M.C., Lords Of The Underground to LL Cool J, the DJ salutation was once a Hip-Hop institution. In 2015, DJs attached to Rap groups are a bygone trend, and with that, these songs are harder to find.... Read more

December 5, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Politics On Classic Breakbeats In This 1995 Tim Westwood Freestyle (Audio)

Tim Westwood keeps his newly-established tradition of weekly freestyles going strong. Just over one month after sharing his 1995 Method Man freestyle (that would later become elements of some compilation work), the London DJ moves over to another 20 year-old freestyle from Chef Raekwon. Here, Rae' hops on Marley Marl's... Read more

December 3, 2015 Audio, Throwback

AZ Gets Gets Outta Control In A New Freestyle (Audio)

In Hip-Hop, few artists can blend in any environment as well as AZ. The Brooklyn, New York MC has had radio singles of multiple varieties, numerous Top 40 albums, and success both as a major label flagship artist and independent ventures. As part of his ongoing series, DJ Absolut shares... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Bobby Ross Avila’s “Humanity” Featuring RZA Is A Timely Message On A Day Of Sorrow (Album Stream)

Bobby Ross Avila is a distinguished and celebrated musician whose work has been heard by Heads before, albeit they may not realize it. Having worked in multiple capacities for artists like Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Usher, and many others, Avila is a performing artist and acclaimed producer... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Even While Battling Kidney Disease, Freeway Feels Blessed (Audio)

On days like today, when we're yet again reminded of some of the ugliness that exists in the world, music can be a salve for the soul. Freeway provides just that with his new song, "Heaven." The Merc Beatz-produced track supplies some of the same chirped-up Soul on which Freeway... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Spotlight: Dot Demo Wants His People to Remember Where They Came From & Rise Up (Audio)

Dot Demo is a Bronx, New York native whose affinity for the thought-provoking content on songs like "Blak Gesus" and his 2014 mixtape Delta Theory has set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Having grown up around unorthodox and left-of-mainstream teachings and experiences, he was exposed to metaphysical and... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Pimp C, Bun B, 8Ball & MJG Have a Trill OG Reunion on Pimp C’s Latest (Audio)

Pimp C is gone but not forgotten. The fallen UGK soldier's posthumous album will hit stores on Friday (12/4), via Mass Appeal Records. The label has released a number of songs leading up to the project, featuring heavy hitters such as Juicy J, Lil Wayne and Nas. However, the latest... Read more

December 1, 2015 Audio

Syd tha Kyd Injects Her Soulful Talent Into Another Modern-Day Love Song (Audio)

As the frontwoman for the Internet, Syd tha Kyd has proven herself to be one of this generation's most talented artists, combining elements of classic R&B with more contemporary stylings of Neo-Soul and PBR&B. But, strip all those labels away and what's left is bona fide Soul music. Earlier this... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman’s New EP is a Head Scratcher…In a Good Way (EP Stream)

Two of Hip-Hop's most celebrated indie artists quietly released a collaborative E.P. earlier this week, and it's another remarkable release Heads have come to expect from Stones Throw. Called Lice, the project is the result of a partnership between celebrated MCs Aesop Rock, whose impressive discography stretches back to 1996;... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Apathy Has A Message For The Posers: “Rap Is Not Pop” (Audio)

After releasing over 50 songs in 2015 with his EP Weekend At The Cape and his double-disc compilation album The Black Lodge, Apathy is already gearing up for a strong 2016 with the first single off his upcoming album Handshakes With Snakes. The Demigodz/Army of the Pharaohs MC is attacking... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Pusha T & Chris Brown Keep The Chemistry Bubbling With Uncompromisingly Honest Verses (Audio)

Over the course of the last three years, Chris Brown and Pusha T have displayed a strong chemistry across genre and demographic. On albums from each, the two Virginia representatives find a pocket that can be about talkin' slick ("D.G.I.F.U") or the art of seduction ("Sweet Serenade"). On the newly-released... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Macy Gray Releases The Realest Christmas Song, EVER (Audio)

Starting last week, many radio stations, retail stores, and festive audiophiles began breaking out the holiday music. Macy Gray is one artist who has release plans for the Christmas season. The veteran Soul/Pop songstress released a new tune called "All I Want For Christmas." However, if Heads were expecting a... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Black Milk Produces A Strong Quick-strike For Ratking’s Wiki (Audio)

Over the last 15 years, Black Milk has worked with a total cross-section of Hip-Hop artists. From GZA to Bilal, Lloyd Banks to Proof, the Detroit, Michigan producer/MC has always found a way to fit in. One MC Black has found chemistry with is Danny Brown. The "Black and Brown"... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

King Los Is A Fugitive With The Flow On This P.E. #1 Freestyle (Audio)

King Los is one of this generation's most revered freestyle MCs. Joining the man who first gave him a major contract, Puff Daddy, the Baltimore, Maryland MC takes on the "P.E. 2000" instrumental. With Diddy talkin' slick on the intro, Los gets to work on the pepped-up Public Enemy basis... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

A.G. & Roc Marciano Spit Ice Cold Flows Over A Warm Soul Record (Audio)

From completely different parts of New York City, A.G. and Roc Marciano are both MCs who favor grit, image-driven raps, and deadpan deliveries that still evoke visceral street scenes. The D.I.T.C./Showbiz & A.G. MC teams with The U.N. alum for "Red Apple Kings," a seamless to Bronx to Long Island... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

KRS-One Returns To The Mic With A Vengeance. Now Hear This! (Album Stream)

It has been several years since KRS-One released an album. One of Hip-Hop's most famous, controversial, and quoted MCs self-released Now Hear This yesterday (November 27). The Boogie Down Productions co-founder's 12th solo album contains 18 songs, with production by Da Beatminerz, Mad Lion, and DJ Static, among others. This... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

KRS-One & Bumpy Knuckles Speak Truth To The People, On A Def Jef Remix (Audio)

In 2011, KRS-One and Bumpy Knuckles (a/k/a Freddie Foxxx) released Royalty Check. The 6.8.2 Records affair was 20 years after the two New York City hardcore MCs had worked together on "H.E.A.L.," and followed up with "Ruff Ruff." In the last weeks of 2015, Bumpy shares a special remix of... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Takes Kendrick’s Beat For A Black Friday Freestyle And It’s More Than Alright (Audio)

While many are out spending on the day after Thanksgiving, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are still giving. The two have coordinated a "Black Friday" double barrel attack, with Kendrick taking over Cole's "A Tale of Two Citiez" track and Jermaine commandeering K. Dot's "Alright." On Cole's version of "Black... Read more

November 27, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Sends A Black Friday Message To All Who Doubt He’s Still A Lyrical Monster (Audio)

Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar released his critically-acclaimed follow up to good kid, m.A.A.d. city. That album, To Pimp A Butterfly, was a departure from the narratives and music of his major label debut, layering in dense funk powered by musicians like Thundercat, Terrace Martin and, the original funkateer, George... Read more

November 27, 2015 Audio

Kxng Crooked & Statik Selektah Serve Up That Good Food For The Soul (Audio)

Ever have someone say you wouldn't accomplish something? Kxng Crooked did, and boy were they wrong. The sometimes Slaughterhouse member (formerly known as Crooked I) links with Statik Selektah on "Dead Or In Jail" with a message to all those who said that's where he would be when he got... Read more

November 26, 2015 Audio

Red Pill Joins Blu For A Song About The Strife Life On A Soothing Oddisse Beat (Audio)

Michigan MC Red Pill is gifted in putting the circumstances of everyday twenty-something living. He makes songs about recreational alcoholism, a generational chasm, and going in on some junk food. But whatever the topic, the Mello Music Group MC comes with a sincerity and soul that's hard to replicate. For... Read more

November 25, 2015 Audio

Jay Rock & Kendrick Put Easy Bake Back In The Oven & Turn Up The Heat (Audio)

In August, Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar heat up the oven with a 90059 entry called "Easy Bake." Fresh out the oven at the time, the song was the perfect promotional appetizer for the TDE album to follow. More than three months later, Top Dawg Entertainment unveils the sequel, in... Read more

November 25, 2015 Audio