Audio Archives

Jay Rock Flashes The Black Hippy Sign In The Booth For 90059 (Audio)

On TDE albums, Heads often flip over the digital covers in search of that coveted Black Hippy posse cut. On tomorrow's (September 11) 90059 album by Jay Rock, it does exist. "Vice City" is no video game homage, but rather a verbal sin-bin for Jay, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Check Out the Big Brain on Brett: Here’s How Sounds Evolved It (Audio)

Earlier today, NPR aired a segment on its Health program "Shots" during today's "Morning Edition" that explored the role of auditory experiences on the development and evolution of the animal brain. In fact, there is an entire school of scientists devoted to the field, and they are called "acoustic biologists."... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Big Boi Debuts His New Sound With Phantogram on “Fell in the Sun” (Audio)

Apart from their handful of Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors collaborative songs, Big Boi and Phantograms aim to make Big Grams its own thing. Following the reveal of the September 25 EP's tracklist and artwork, the Decatur, Georgia-to-Greenwich, New York trio unveiled their first look: "Fell In The Sun." Like... Read more

September 10, 2015 Audio

Apollo Brown & Planet Asia Make The Song Cry For Ill Street Blues (Audio)

Apollo Brown is the veteran producer MCs see when they aim to make something different in the catalog. O.C., Ras Kass, and Guilty Simpson all have jewels to show. Planet Asia, who did a whole album with Mello Music Group (2013's Abrasions with Gensu Dean), may be next in that... Read more

September 9, 2015 Audio

Rapper Big Pooh Dusts Off Childhood Memories Over Evocative Nottz Chops (Audio)

Rapper Big Pooh is gifted in the ability to present raps that many Heads can relate to. With Nottz composing a reflective arrangement of vocals (by Novej) and drums, the Virginia native returns to his childhood and adolescence from fast food jobs to high school proms, trying to look cool... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog & Marco Polo Share A Jazzy One-Two Punch Of Songs (Audio)

Since Your Old Droog's 2013 proper introduction, one of the producers of his inner-circle has been Marco Polo. The Brooklyn, New York MC and the New York City-by-way-of-Ontario, Canada transplant make strong music together, both displaying throwback sensibilities to the days of witty wordplay and chopped down samples. From July's... Read more

September 8, 2015 Audio

King Los Always Had Bars. Now He’s Got Hooks Too. MCs, Beware…(Audio)

Over the last few years, King Los has established himself as an elite MC. When Kendrick Lamar took out an entire generation of MCs with one verse and caused even more to respond to his taking "Control," it was Los' verse that Kendrick deemed to be the best reply. Los... Read more

September 7, 2015 Audio

Mack Wilds Orchestrates A Heist With An Ex In Bonnie & Clyde (Audio)

In the vain of Jodeci, R. Kelly, and Adina Howard, Mack Wilds likes his R&B risqué. The Sony Red-backed singer from Staten Island, New York returns from campaigning aggressively in 2013 and 2014 for "Bonnie & Clyde." The mid-tempo track features a detailed arrangement of background vocals as Mack presents... Read more

September 7, 2015 Audio

25 Years Strong and Redman is Still a Bad, Bad Man (Audio)

For 25 years, Redman has been one of the most consistent microphone destroyers in the business. Red hit the radar for many with his show-stealing guest verse on EPMD's 1992 song, "Head Banger," and Reggie Noble has not looked back since. In 1996, he released his fan-favorite album Muddy Waters,... Read more

September 3, 2015 Audio

Anderson .Paak Got Co-Signs From Dr. Dre AND DJ Premier. Here’s His Latest (Audio)

Anderson .Paak, the Los Angeles talent featured more prominently on Dr. Dre's Compton than any other artist (outside of the good doctor himself, of course) has released a collaborative EP with Blended Babies, a production duo whose work with artists like Ab-Soul, Freddie Gibbs, Kid Cudi, and the Black Keys'... Read more

September 3, 2015 Audio

Dam-Funk’s Disclosure Remix Has Even Wallflowers Finna Get Loose (Audio)

Stones Throw Records is a sonic hot-bed. Whether Madlib, J Dilla, Oh No, or Mayer Hawthorne, Peanut Butter Wolf's imprint hones in some of music's most exciting producers, and gives them free reign. In the current label lineup, Dam-Funk is a standout. For almost a decade, the Southern California mainstay... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio

Scarface & Nas Make Another Amazing Cross-Country Collab (Audio)

Scarface's Deeply Rooted is less than 48 hours away from release. However, the Houston, Texas lyrical legend offers the album's most anticipated song. "Do What I Do" extends a rich tradition in 'Face's collaborative history with Nas. From 1999's "Favor For A Favor," 2002's "In Between Us," 2012's "Hip Hop,"... Read more

September 2, 2015 Audio

J-Live Freestyles Heat While Scratching A Loop On The Turntables (Audio)

Throughout his 20-year career, J-Live has been a triple threat. The MC, DJ, and producer named his label (for a while in the 2000s, at least) after his vast gifts. In the live show, and at select times on albums, the Brooklyn, New Yorker stood behind the turntables and kicked... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio

The Soulful Side of Rick Ross is On Full Display With The-Dream on Money Dance (Audio)

Some artists gravitate toward trap beats. Others have a penchant for more soulful, melodic music. Rick Ross is one of the few MCs who seems to have an equal taste for both. Flipping effortlessly from tracks like "MC Hammer" to "Aston Martin Music," Ross is more than capable of turning... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio

What’s Beef? Shaq & Kobe Open Up About Tensions, Putting Rumors To Rest (Audio)

From 1996 through 2004, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were heralded Los Angeles Lakers teammates. As such, they won three NBA championships in the purple and gold. However, both dominant personalities, both masters of their craft, a team tug-of-war began, from the locker-room to the media, and the (potential Hall... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio, Lifestyle

Rick Ross Announces a New Album & Releases A Song With a Message (Audio)

Rick Ross is full of surprises today. Not only has the Maybach Music Group head announced he's releasing a new album later this week, he's also released a new song with a message of financial literacy and Black empowerment. Ross is dropping an LP called Black Dollar on Thursday, September... Read more

August 31, 2015 Audio

Trap Or Deity: Jeezy Presents His Godly Self-Image (Audio)

Nas had God's Son. Kanye West had Yeezus. Jeezy (f/k/a Young Jeezy) is entering his own God campaign. The Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC announced an album today (August 31). The LP, planned for November 13 release, is introduced through a single of the same name. The Grammy nominated rapper's eighth... Read more

August 31, 2015 Audio

2015’s Best Battle On Wax? Funk Volume & Horseshoe Gang Trade Diss Tracks (Audio)

The year 2015 has seen a re-emergence of "beef" or diss records on wax in the world of Hip-Hop. While Mos Def a/k/a Yasiin Bey had a video leaked of him calling out MCs earlier this year, only for him to retract his challenge, 2015 has seen much hype around... Read more

August 29, 2015 Audio

Cee Lo Celebrates Music’s Healing Powers on a Song Using the “Taxi” Theme (Audio)

On November 13, Cee Lo Green will be releasing a new studio album, reportedly titled Heart Blanche. The Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley member will be continuing his solo career after a couple of years spent outside of the limelight, and fans will surely be thrilled to hear new music... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Opts for a Lyrical Tribute to Sean Price in the Form of a Freestyle (Audio)

As fans know, Chris Rivers has been on a lyrical tirade in recent weeks, using Fridays to release freestyles over a vast array of beats, both classic and obscure. The weekly celebrations are all part of an extended promotional plan as he gets closer and closer to releasing M.C. (Medicated... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Keeps It All in the NOLA Family With Lil Wayne & August Alsina (Audio)

New Orleans' own Spitta Andretti released a surprise E.P. titled Cathedral earlier this month, and the rapper better known as Curren$y has now released another single in the form of "Bottom of the Bottle." Featuring assistance from fellow NOLA representatives August Alsina and Lil Wayne, the track is produced by... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Yasiin Bey Dices Up a Beat on Sensei on the Block (Audio)

With all of the recent news of Yasiin Bey making headlines, the Brooklyn MC's return to music was a topic of conversation for many, and with the release of a video for "Basquiat Ghostwriter" earlier this week, it seemed his return was inevitable. Now he's back with more new work,... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

When Big K.R.I.T. & 8Ball Come Together, Trunks Rattle (Audio)

Fresh off of yesterday's "86" birthday party, Big K.R.I.T. returns with another car tune. Teaming with one of his leading inspirations and ongoing collaborators in 8Ball, Krizzle also welcomes Scotty ATL to "Grippin' Grain." South Carolina's DJ Scream orchestrates the track, produced by UGK close affiliate Cory Mo. The resulting... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Revisits Some ’96 Jay Z for a 5-Minute Freestyle (Audio)

Since releasing his second studio album, The Ecology, last year, Fresno MC Fashawn has continued to grow his fan base, one that has been expanding steadily since he released his 2009 debut Boy Meets World, a collaborative LP with producer Exile. In the years since, his visibility has grown exponentially... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Heat Up Another Collaboration In Easy Bake (Audio)

Jay Rock's sophomore studio album, 90059, is allegedly planned to release in the next 10 days. Top Dawg Entertainment's restless 2015 continues. Unlike so many crews and movements, often times, TDE releases' most exciting collaborations are in-house. While J.R. and Kendrick Lamar have worked together a number of times, the... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Bishop Nehru Celebrates His Birthday With 4 Songs Including A Visual (Audio/Video)

Bishop Nehru has accomplished a ton in just a teen-aged life. Turning 19 today (August 26), the Mass Appeal/Lex Records MC celebrated in a way that aligns with his tireless work ethic. The Spring Valley, New York native released four new songs, one of which already receives a standalone video.... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio, Video

1986 Was A Good Year… In Big K.R.I.T.’s Life & In His Garage (Audio)

Today (August 26), Big K.R.I.T. turns 29 years old. Born in 1986, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer named Justin Scott has risen to the top of the creative ranks in Hip-Hop since his mid-twenties. The Cinematic Entertainment artist was surprised with a special birthday present: a Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The white... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

Ras Kass’ Lyrics Burn Like Acid In This Psychedelic Side Project Single (Audio)

Ras Kass stays busy. Beyond the Carson, California MC's sprawling independent catalog, he has a host of side projects, including HRSMN (with Kurupt, Killah Priest, and Canibus), White Crows (with Mista Lawnge), and Golden State Warriors (with Saafir and Xzibit). Heads can now add another Razzy Kazzy vehicle to the... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

Apollo Brown & Your Old Droog Release a Soulful Anti-Drug PSA (Audio)

Apollo Brown & Your Old Droog have teamed up to spin a tale of those lost to drugs on the second single for Brown's forthcoming Mello Music Group release, Grandeur. On "Not That Guy," the producer-MC duo mourn the downfall of people who have opted to chase the high and... Read more

August 25, 2015 Audio

Twista Chops Out A Nimble Freestyle With A Conscious Message (Audio)

Twista's catalog is deep. Although the Chicago, Illinois Hip-Hop pioneer is frequently thought of for his "Slow Jamz" and dazzling lyrical displays, the Speedknot Mobsta'-turned-GMG leader has also never shied from strong substance in his sprawling archives of music. Fresh off his tandem Withdrawal EP with Do Or Die, Twista... Read more

August 25, 2015 Audio

DJ Quik Goes Back In His Bag Of Funk Grooves For Game’s Documentary 2 (Audio)

A decade ago, when Game (as The Game) hit the mainstream with The Documentary, he worked with a dream team of guest MCs, singers, and producers. Brandishing Compton like early 1990s, Jayceon Taylor did not work with DJ Quik on the LP, despite the fact that the CPT pioneer was... Read more

August 24, 2015 Audio

Illa J Celebrates His Big Brother’s Memory & Reclaims J Dilla’s Spirit as His Own (Audio)

On October 2, Illa J will be releasing his second solo album, the first since his 2008 debut, Yancey Boys. A move to Montreal, some time spent touring with Slum Village, and the ongoing pursuit of his own music in the wake of his older brother's 2006 passing has culminated... Read more

August 24, 2015 Audio

DJ Priority Remixes 7 Ghostface Killah Classics on “Iron Cinema” (EP Stream)

Out of Paterson, New Jersey, DJ Priority maintains an on-air residency at KJAMZ 105.3FM. A clear fan of Ghostface Killah and Wu-Tang Clan, Priority takes seven G.F.K. tracks (one of which hails from a Raekwon album), and lays down his own production sensibilities. Those beats are hard, crisp, and seek... Read more

August 22, 2015 Audio

25 Years After a Presumed Career-Ending Accident, The D.O.C.’s Voice Is Returning (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's most tragic "what if's" surrounds Dallas, Texas MC The D.O.C. A onetime Ruthless Records artist, the rapper born Tracy Curry came into the music industry as a protege of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, and N.W.A. His 1989 album No One Can Do It Better is widely revered as... Read more

August 22, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers & Cory Gunz Flip a Brand Nubian Joint on Latest Freestyle (Audio)

In the latest addition to his ever-growing arsenal of Friday freestyles, Chris Rivers has enlisted the help of Cory Gunz for a flip of a Brand Nubian classic. After dropping verses on tracks originally by the Clipse, Dr. Dre, N.W.A., Jay Z, Black Moon, Big Pun, and more, the South... Read more

August 21, 2015 Audio

The Wait Is Over. Method Man’s First Album in 9 Years is Here (Album Stream)

Today, Method Man has released his first album in nine years. Though he has stayed active throughout with guest verses, Wu-Tang Clan projects and more, The Meth Lab is the first Method Man album since 2006's 4:21... The Day After. After an active campaign of singles, videos and even animated... Read more

August 21, 2015 Audio

DJ Soko’s Domino Effect Aligns Nicely With Guilty Simpson, Apollo Brown & More (Album Stream)

Detroit, Michigan native DJ Soko has been putting in work for years. Just under five years ago, the turntablist DJ joined forces with Apollo Brown and Journalist 103 to form The Left. The trio released Gas Mask, an early and important on the then-fledgling Mello Music Group—with Kool G Rap... Read more

August 21, 2015 Audio

The Politics of Rap: Political Hip-Hop’s Long & Outspoken History Didn’t Begin or End with N.W.A. (Audio)

The marriage of political engagement and Hip-Hop culture has been a permanent fixture ever since artists began using the mic as a means of delivering dispatches from inner-city life, where systemic problems of economic disparity, educational inequality, poverty, and racism remain far too common for far too many. For many,... Read more

August 21, 2015 Audio

Jamla’s Army Rolls Deep With Add-2 & Rapsody Ripping Up A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Chicago, Illinois MC Add-2 is wrapping up his sophomore release with 9th Wonder's Jamla Records. Prey For The Poor (September 4). This go-round features one of the newer additions to the Army, alongside its resident flagship artist, Rapsody. "Rewind" finds the "It's OK" cast, complete with Khrysis' soulful production, back... Read more

August 20, 2015 Audio

Scarface & Ice-T Trade The Very Bars That Define Their Success Stories (Audio)

In the last 24 hours, Scarface released his John Legend-assisted "God." Right on time, Ice-T's Final Level Podcast returns after a multi-month hiatus, and Brad Jordan in the guest chair. The segmented podcast features the Original Gangsta, Mick Benzo, and guests talking about politics, video games, television, movies, and music.... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

How Does AZ Rock a Down South Beat? Impeccably…(Audio)

It's been quite some time since AZ blessed fans with new material. Save for some loosies and guest verses here and there, the esteemed Brooklyn MC has not released an album since 2009's Legendary, and his rumored Doe or Die 2 has yet to surface. While there still may not... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Sheek Louch Revisits an AZ & Nas Track for His Latest Freestyle (Audio)

Sheek Louch continues to celebrate the forthcoming release of his next album, Silverback Gorilla 2, with freestyles, transforming classic beats from songs both older and more recent. Last month, he opted for the 2003 Neptunes-produced Clipse track "Hot Damn," and back in June, he dropped fire over Jay Z's 1998... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Enter The Dragon: Method Man Breathes 2 Minutes of Pure Fire (Audio)

After graciously stepping out of the spotlight with his last release, Method Man returns with pure vengeance on "2 Minutes of Your Time." He dispenses with all frills, including a hook, and spits nothing but pure flames for 120 seconds. As he stated in an interview earlier this Summer, after... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Scarface & John Legend Question Faith & Prayer In Troubling Times (Audio)

Throughout Scarface's career, in solo and group works, religion and God have been issues he regularly touches upon. From the ominous imagery of hits "Mind Playin' Tricks On Me" and "A Minute To Pray And A Second To Die," to the Kelly Price-assisted "Heaven" a decade later, Scarface's relationship with... Read more

August 19, 2015 Audio

Joell Ortiz Joins Awkword, Wordsworth & More on the NYC Remix to “Go!” (Audio)

Veteran New York City MC Awkword has released a remix to his lyrics-driven single "Go!." A single from Awk's 2014 charity-album, World View, the original featured Atmosphere's Slug, Joell Ortiz, Maya Azucena, and a beat by Domingo. On this stylized go-round, an Audible Doctor (Brown Bag AllStars) remix emphasizes the... Read more

August 18, 2015 Audio

Bye Felicia: How ‘Straight Outta Compton’ Is Initiating a Conversation About Misogyny (Audio)

In the 1995 film Friday, the F. Gary Gray comedy starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, there is perhaps no more regularly quoted line than "Bye, Felicia," a phrase that has experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to today's Internet culture. Common in hashtag form, the pop-culture reference is a... Read more

August 18, 2015 Audio

Rapsody Recruits Joey Bada$$ for the Remix to “Don’t Need It” (Audio)

Rapsody brings in Joey Bada$$ for the remix to her song, "Don't Need It" from her 2014 album, Beauty & The Beast. In addition to words from the "Badman," she adds a blistering new third verse that stunts heavily on those who continue to sleep on her outsized lyrical skills.... Read more

August 17, 2015 Audio

Mac Miller Releases One of His Hardest Tracks in Years & He’s Breaking All the Rules (Audio)

Mac Miller is on one in 2015. After a couple of years of psychedelic and introspective releases with 2013's Watching Movies With the Sound Off and 2014's Faces, his forthcoming album, GO:OD AM finds Miller in a more upbeat, confident and even defiant mood. "100 Grandkids," the first release from... Read more

August 17, 2015 Audio

Oddisee Produced Finale’s Odds & Ends In Its Entirely (Album Stream)

After more than six years between albums, Detroit, Michigan MC Finale just released Odds & Ends. The MC who previously boasted production by Flying Lotus and J Dilla, extends his working relationship with Oddisee. Following 2009's A Pipe Dream and A Promise, the 3-1-3 MC and the DMV producer (who... Read more

August 17, 2015 Audio

One Week From His Album Release Method Man Leaks More Heat From The Meth Lab (Audio)

It is one week (August 21) until Method Man releases The Meth Lab on Tommy Boy Entertainment. The Wu-Tang co-founder teams with several of his Clansmen on the upcoming project, as well as Cory Gunz, Uncle Murda, and Mack Wilds. However, a key ingredient to The Meth Lab is the... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio