Audio Archives

Freestyle Aside, Eminem Dropped “Infinite” Jewels On Sway (Audio)

Last week, Eminem stormed the Sway In The Morning show, throwing Southpaw promotion, and delivering one T.K.O. of a freestyle. However, there was a whole hour of the diamond-certified-selling MC at Sway, and Heads may have missed the rare interview. What makes the interview especially notable is the superstar went... Read more

July 27, 2015 Audio

Tisha Campbell-Martin Is Back In The Booth, Delivering Soaring Vocals (Audio)

In the early 1990s, "Martin" co-star Tisha Campbell signed a deal with Capitol Records and released a well-received self-titled debut. In the 22 years since her LP, Tisha released a couple singles, sporadically—including 2014 work with Full-Force. Since starring on "My Wife And Kids" and now "Real Husbands Of Hollywood,"... Read more

July 27, 2015 Audio

If Drake Is Responding To Meek Mill, It’s In This Charged Up Song (Audio)

In a week that has been anything but conventional, Drake has remained un-phased. The multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning MC/singer was accused of using writers by onetime friend/collaborator Meek Mill in a late-night social media barrage on July 21. In the days that followed, Funkmaster Flex released a "10 Bandz" reference track... Read more

July 26, 2015 Audio

Kool Keith Made One Of His Most Focused Works Alongside L’Orange. Listen In (Album Stream)

Kool Keith's discography is staggering. From his origins with The Ultramagnetic MC's to a vast solo career, to side projects like Cenubites, Analog Brothers, and Dr. Octagon, the Bronx, New Yorker stays incredibly busy. With so much material, it can be hard to know where to look first—especially for longtime... Read more

July 25, 2015 Audio

N.O.R.E. Is Back In His Musical Time Machine (Audio)

In one fell swoop, N.O.R.E. weaves all of his styles into one song. "How Ever" backs down any tough-talking challengers, with sheer confidence, street savvy, and O.G. wisdom. But the MC known as Noreaga manages to incorporate his love of old-fashioned cassette-style Hip-Hop in this "ButchRock Blend." Like some of... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers & Termanology Freestyle Over Classic Black Moon Heat (Audio)

In the latest of Chris Rivers' recent Friday deliveries, he and Termanology spit over Black Moon's 1993 cut "How Many MCs?" Produced by DJ Evil Dee & Mr. Walt of Da Beatminerz, the track is emblematic of the dungeony Hip-Hop that was emanating from Brownsville, Brooklyn at the time. More... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Need Some Unreleased Madvillain in Your Life? Two Tracks Surface (Audio)

Madvillain, the duo comprised of Madlib and MF DOOM, released their 2004 collaborative project Madvillainy and instantly became cult heroes in the Hip-Hop underground. Since that Stones Throw project, and much to the chagrin of fans, there have not been many updates to their catalog. Today, however, brings something to... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

J. Cole and Trae tha Truth Lament Over Children Left Behind (Audio)

A veteran of Houston's rap scene (he's even got his very own Trae Day in his hometown), Trae tha Truth has been releasing solo music since 2003, when he dropped Losing Composure, an all H-Town affair featuring Paul Wall, Bun B, Chamillionaire, and his fellow Guerrilla Maab cohorts Z-Ro and... Read more

July 24, 2015 Audio

Eminem’s Latest Freestyle is an Exercise in Lyrical Stamina (Audio)

Since being named the winner of AFH's user-generated GOAT competition, Eminem has been busy promoting Southpaw, a Boxing film starring Jake Gylenhaal and 50 Cent, and for which he is the soundtrack's executive producer. Previously slated to become an honorary member of N.W.A. as he joins them on their forthcoming... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Flexes His Singing Chops on a Complete Re-Invention of Future’s Codeine Crazy (Audio)

Before Vic Mensa went solo in 2013, he was in a band. Not a Hip-Hop band, a collective of 7 artists and musicians who excelled at playing music across genres. Like Kids These Days, Mensa's musical tastes are wide-ranging. In fact, he often cites Nirvana as one of his biggest... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Joins Janet Jackson With A Shining Verse For Her No Sleeep Remix (Audio)

In the seven years since Janet Jackson had released new music, J. Cole had transcended from a hopeful MC/producer in North Carolina to one of the genre's biggest stars overall. Part of what delivered Jermaine Cole to the mainstream was his knack for working with singers, showcasing versatility on nearly... Read more

July 23, 2015 Audio

Jay Electronica Has a Strong Message for Cowards on Previously Unreleased Track (Audio)

Ever the mysterious, slightly mythical Hip-Hop demi-God, Jay Electronica's booming vocal delivery can now be heard on a new-ish track that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. We don't really know from whence it came, when it was made, or what project it belongs to, but it's Wednesday, and getting over... Read more

July 22, 2015 Audio

Pete Rock Reminisces Over “T.R.O.Y.” & Getting Emotional Hearing Tom Scott’s Sample (Audio)

One year ago, Pete Rock appeared on NPR's "Microphone Check" to discuss his catalog, remixes, and James Brown influence. At the midpoint of 2015, the Chocolate Boy Wonder (as he's been deemed) has a fresh batch of Petestrumentals available, care of Tucson, Arizona-based Mello Music Group. An MC/producer who got... Read more

July 22, 2015 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Protege Dayne Jordan is a True Storytelling MC (Album Stream)

Hailing from Philadelphia, the same city that birthed Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Dayne Jordan has been accumulating some serious knowledge from veterans in the game. With Jeff as his mentor, Jordan has been finessing the skills he's been accruing since 2009, when he released his debut project, Sand... Read more

July 21, 2015 Audio

Mick Jenkins Gets Up and Gets Down in Reverse on a New Concept Track (Audio)

Mick Jenkins is proving to be one of the more creative voices to emerge in Hip-Hop in quite some time. The Cinematic Music Group artist (Big K.R.I.T., Joey Bada$$) rarely settles for songs with just heady lyrics and challenging beats. He typically elevates them into full blown concept tracks, often... Read more

July 21, 2015 Audio

J. Cole & Omen Prove Things Change, But Thoughtful Music Has Not (Audio)

While Bas and Cozz have jumped up early to show Dreamville's fast-track to a full-service record label, Omen has been with J. Cole since nearly the beginning. From 2009's The Warm Up, MC/producer Omen has been with Cole, sharing a similar perspective. Omen's 2010 Delayed mixtape featured an early Kendrick... Read more

July 21, 2015 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. & T.I. Make A Retro-Melodic Car Cut With Mitchelle’l (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. and T.I. are proven masters of car songs. Both Southern MCs love old schools, boomin' systems, hydraulics, and "bowling ball swirl." Grand Hustle/Hustle Gang singer Mitchelle’l already made a song rooted in that Texas Slab Music sound. "Spillin' Drank" is a gliding record that sounds like what would... Read more

July 19, 2015 Audio

Buckwild Has A Gift In Producing Emerging MC Talent. So Meet DanO (Audio)

From Big L and O.C. to Meyhem Lauren and Beanie Sigel, Buckwild is gifted in helping artists assemble their debut projects. The Bronx, New York native and non-rapping member of D.I.T.C. is a master of combining sampling, melody, with a balance for streets and crossover airplay. A native of Lagos,... Read more

July 18, 2015 Audio

Run The Jewels Cat-Scratch The First “Meow The Jewels” Single (Audio)

The fan-funded Meow The Jewels remix project by Run The Jewels is on the horizon. Following January's snippet reel, "Meowrly" marks the first single. With Killer Mike, El-P, and Boots' vocals still in tact from "Early," this version incorporates those "cat sounds" in a way that strangely feels anything by... Read more

July 18, 2015 Audio

Not Feeling 2000s Black Eyed Peas? will.i.am & apl.de.ap Travel Back To Yesterday (Audio)

A lot has been said and written about The Black Eyed Peas' early 2000s transformation. From a group with its roots tied to Eazy-E and Ruthless Records, to some of the biggest global hit-makers of the last decade, will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo, and Fergie got in where they fit in—and in... Read more

July 18, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Is Back On His EDM Flavor, Thanks To Skrillex & Jahil Beats (Audio)

As one of the more versatile artists in Hip-Hop today, every Vic Mensa track is an apparent opportunity to go in any direction. Teaming with EDM superstar artist/producer Skrillex and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native Jahlil Beats (who is also part of the Roc Nation family), Vic leads up to Traffic with... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Diagnoses Mind Playing Tricks On Me With A Vibrant Concept Flip (Audio)

The same week Scarface reveals that he's putting Geto Boys album-reunion plans on ice, Chris Rivers approaches his weekly throwback freestyle, veering to Rap-A-Lot Records' biggest hit. Taking "Mind Playing Tricks On Me," the early twenty-something New Yorker flips the concept of the chorus to make the song about mental... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Always Deliver in The Clutch (Audio)

In the canon of Hip-Hop mentors, Erick Sermon is top-rank. The Brentwood, Long Island, New Yorker (with partner PMD) brought in Redman, Das EFX, K-Solo, Keith Solo, and the earliest days of Rick Ross. The EPMD MC/producer has an ear for talent. While he mentored Red' and Keith in Def... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Start Your Weekend with Dr. Dre, DJ Quik & More with 3 Volumes of a G-Funk Anthology (Audio)

It's Friday, and a newly released series of G-Funk mixes has got your weekend listening pleasure all sorted out. The first three of a ten-volume G-Funk anthology have been released, featuring works from DJ Quik, Tupac, Tha Dogg Pound, Nate Dogg, Mc Eiht, and dozens more artists who contributed to... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Slaughterhouse Make Some Real Fight Music for Southpaw (Audio)

For the last few years, the members of Slaughterhouse have been pursuing their individual muses. Since their album Welcome to: Our House was released, Royce Da 5'9" teamed with DJ Premier to form PRhyme, Joell Ortiz released 2014's House Slippers and human, a collaborative album with !LLmind (in stores now),... Read more

July 17, 2015 Audio

Sheek Louch Heads to Virginia to Borrow a Red Hot Clipse Beat (Audio)

This has been a busy summer for Sheek Louch. In late June, the Brooklyn native and member of the Lox released the debut single from Silverback Gorilla 2, a sequel to its 2008 predecessor. Featuring Billy Danze, Trae tha Truth, and Joell Ortiz, "Hood Nigga" is an anthem for neighborhood... Read more

July 16, 2015 Audio

YG Twists a P-Funk Classic for Some of That New California Love (Audio)

"I really got somethin' to say. I'm the only one that made it out the West without Dre. I'm the only one that's 'bout what he say. The only one that got hit and was walking the same day." YG may have obtained his success without the help of Dr.... Read more

July 16, 2015 Audio

Method Man & Redman Are Back And Keeping It Straight Gutter (Audio)

Whether as individuals, or as a team, Method Man and Redman have become stars, almost by accident. The Staten Island-Newark tandem is as talented as they come in Hip-Hop, but neither the Wu-Tang Clan MC or the Def Squad lyricist ever seemed to tailor their theses to the mainstream. Instead,... Read more

July 16, 2015 Audio

Capone, Noreaga & Tragedy Khadafi Celebrate The Stand Up Men in Their Lives (Audio)

Too often in life, we celebrate those who have passed away after it's too late for them to hear the praises. Capone, Noreaga and Tragedy Khadafi seek to rectify that in the latest release from C-N-N's upcoming Lessons album. On "U.M.A.R." (Ur Man's All Real), the three MCs take time... Read more

July 15, 2015 Audio

Golden Rules Might Have The Midas Touch To Break Through (Audio)

Paul White and Eric Biddines are ones to watch and ones to listen to. Fresh off of a Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) collaboration, the Lex Records artists together known as Golden Rules have another one. "Down South Boogie" is a Funk-fused creation that clearly pulls from Andre 3000 in... Read more

July 14, 2015 Audio

¡Mayday! Are Fueling The Fire On Their Future/Vintage Album (Audio)

¡Mayday! are gearing up to release their fourth album on Strange Music, Future/Vintage, due out on August 21, 2015. Today (July 14), they released the first piece of audio from the upcoming album, a song called "Fuel To The Fire." The song showcases the great chemistry Bernz and Wrekonize have... Read more

July 14, 2015 Audio

G-Eazy Shows He’s a Triple Threat with the Release of 3 New Tracks (Audio)

26-year-old Oakland native G-Eazy is steadily winning over Heads with his extemporaneous wit in freestyles, his rapid-fire barbs on the A$AP Ferg & Danny Seth-assisted "Lotta That," and his collaborations with unexpected but perfectly tailored artists. With the release of These Things Happen in June of 2014, the MC and... Read more

July 14, 2015 Audio

KRS-One, Tragedy Khadafi & A.G. Call Politicians Modern Day Gangsters (Audio)

Since his days of running with the Juice Crew, Tragedy Khadafi has been the Intelligent Hoodlum. "Modern Day Gangsta," from Trag's upcoming summer album, is a clear extension of those days. The song unites the onetime Marley Marl protege with KRS-One and A.G. Each MC provides a rugged verbal essay... Read more

July 13, 2015 Audio

Joell Ortiz Takes Us to Church on Latest Track with !llmind (Audio)

Brooklyn MC Joell Ortiz has released "Hallelujah," an !llmind-produced banger and single from their forthcoming collaborative album, Human. All set for a July 17 release (this Friday), the album will be followed by a tour kicking off on June 22. In a premiere on Hot New Hip Hop, the track... Read more

July 13, 2015 Audio

PRhyme & Logic Pull On The Gloves and Enter The Ring In Beast Mode (Audio)

PRhyme (Royce da 5'9" and DJ Premier) and Logic are coming off a big 2014 with the release of two of, arguably, the best albums of the year. Logic's Under Pressure, and PRhyme's self-titled debut were featured together on AFH's 14 Best Albums of 2014, and now the artists are... Read more

July 13, 2015 Audio

k-os Crucifies An Ella Fitzgerald Sample In His Return Single (Audio)

More than two years removed from BLack On BLonde, k-os has returned for more. The Toronto, Ontario mainstay has built a career on waxing ill poetic on beats based upon samples by SoHo, interpolations of Greg Kihn Band, and now—Ella Fitzgerald vocals. "Crucify" builds upon the Jazz songstress' "It's De-Lovely"... Read more

July 13, 2015 Audio

Big Pun’s Widow & Chris Rivers Offer Up The Real & Uncut Story of Life With Pun (Audio)

Fifteen years removed from Big Pun's death, there has been a lot of attention paid to one of Hip-Hop's greatest lyricists. The Bronx, New Yorker Terror Squad founder born Chris Rios has been survived by his wife, Liza Rios, and three children. The youngest, Christopher Rios (same name as his... Read more

July 11, 2015 Audio

Dave East & Nas Aren’t Just Running Together, They Overlap In Narratives… (Audio)

Dave East is one of the newer artists to join Nas' Mass Appeal Records family. The Spanish Harlem, New York MC may have serious buzz right now, but that clearly is not the only reason he's running with Nasir Jones. The "NY State Of Mind Freestyle (East Mix)" takes Dave's... Read more

July 11, 2015 Audio

Jill Scott Gets Closure…and It Does NOT Come With Breakfast (Audio)

Who keeps it realer than Jill Scott? Jilly from Philly releases her latest single from her upcoming Woman album, which hits stores on July 24, and it's another raw and authentic take on relationships. After swearing she won't fall for an ex's tricks again on first single, "Fool's Gold," Jill... Read more

July 11, 2015 Audio

GZA Explores the Depths of the Universe on Experimental New Track (Audio)

As of late, Converse has been exploring music in exciting ways, orchestrating events and producing projects featuring the likes of Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Big K.R.I.T., Joey Badass, and other young artists. Part of their foray into music is a series of extended plays, which they've dubbed the Cons... Read more

July 10, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Drops a Freestyle Over Classic Bone Thugs & Do or Die. TGIF. (Audio)

Another Friday, another release from Chris Rivers. The MC formerly known as Baby Pun continues his weekly lyrical assaults, unloading aggressive, rapid-fire, and complex verses over an impressive array of production styles. This week it's the Midwest's turn, with Rivers first re-invigorating the classic sounds of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's "1st of... Read more

July 10, 2015 Audio

N.O.R.E. & A$AP Ferg Make Menacing Hip-Hop Together, That Still Feels Great (Audio)

In some ways, A$AP Ferg is to the 2010s, an extension of N.O.R.E. Both New York MCs are aggressive in the booth, while big on charisma in and out of the studio. Although each act may sometimes make rowdy tracks, aimed at the Trap sound or the dance-floor, both have... Read more

July 9, 2015 Audio

Warren G & Nate Dogg Found Fame Reworking ’80s Grooves. So Why Not An Encore? (Audio)

In 1994, Warren G & Nate Dogg brought the other gifted components of 213 to the forefront with "Regulate." On Warren's Def Jam Records debut, and Death Row Records' Above The Rim soundtrack (Nate's label), the song reverberated in some stylish G-Funk storytelling. With its pounding bassline, weed-scented coolness, and smooth Rap-meets-R&B... Read more

July 9, 2015 Audio, The Bridge

Yelawolf, Kxng Crooked, Royce Da 5’9″ & Rittz Host a Lyrical Clinic. MCs Take Note…(Audio)

Rittz is a confident MC--so much so that he invited three of Hip-Hop's fiercest spitters to join him on his remix. The result? Six minutes of nothing but rapid-fire BARS. Yelawolf, Royce Da 5'9" and Kxng Crooked (pka Crooked I) join the remix to Rittz's "LAF," and it plays like... Read more

July 9, 2015 Audio

Method Man Reports on Life in the Hood on New Track. The Struggle Continues…(Audio)

With The Meth Lab slated for an August 21 release, excitement for Method Man's return will be boiling all summer, thanks in part to three songs he's already released; the title track, "88 Coupes," and "Serious" are all heaters indicative of Meth's consistent level of skill, both lyrically and when... Read more

July 9, 2015 Audio

Masta Ace & Blu Sound Great Together During This Long Hot Summer (Audio)

Western Pennsylvania native Maticulous brings Masta Ace and Blu together on "Bet Your Life." From Brownsville, Brooklyn to the City Of Angels, Ace and Johnson Barnes have a lot in common. Both of these MCs are more than gifted at looking within (often in self-deprecating lights), while still being elite... Read more

July 8, 2015 Audio

This Man Saved NYC From an Epic Gang War & Helped Plant the Seeds for Hip-Hop (Audio)

It's often said that nostalgia for a particular era comes around every 20 years or so, and today's obsession with all things '90s adds a ring of truth to that idiom. However, there are particular eras that for whatever reason remain palpable and attractive decades and decades later. In recent... Read more

July 8, 2015 Audio

Guilty Simpson Eviscerates New Track In Less Than Two Minutes (Audio)

Since his appearance on Slum VIllage's 2002 album Dirty District: Vol. 1, Guilty Simpson has aligned himself with the grimey boom-bap of Detroit, even after signing to the West Coast-based Stones Throw label. Two solo and five collaboration albums later, the Motor City native has released "Vanguard Organization," a song... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio

Papoose Plugs Into DJ Premier’s Amped Up Track And Goes Off (Audio)

Papoose and DJ Premier go back. When the Brooklyn, New York MC was famously a top-dollar signing at Jive Records, he reportedly called upon Preemo. After those delays led into The Nacerima Dream, the Works Of Mart producer was there to support Pap's idie foray. Coming up to next week's You Can't... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio

J Rocc Pays Homage to Pete Rock with a PeteStrumentals 2 Megamix (Audio)

Almost 15 years after releasing PeteStrumentals, Pete Rock released a follow-up album on June 23, and with it came an infusion of the sampling and hard-hitting beats for which the Hip-Hop icon is revered. Released by Mello Music Group, PeteStrumentals 2 serves as not only a reminder of why the... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio