Audio Archives

Chance The Rapper & Nosaj Thing Are Back To Pushing Musical Boundaries (Audio)

Nosaj Thing may or may not be on the radar. The Los Angeles, California-based musician/producer has caught some major credits such as Kid Cudi's 2009 debut, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. More typically though, Nosaj works with inventive, experimental MCs with large followings, including Project Blowed disciples... Read more

March 4, 2015 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of February 2015 All in One Playlist (Audio)

The month of February had less days, but it was not short on good music. The tight four weeks brought new songs from Kendrick Lamar, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Method Man, Redman, Talib Kweli, Logic, Big K.R.I.T., Slum Village, Rah Digga, Action Bronson, Kanye West, Cannibal Ox, Drake, GZA, Fashawn, Nas,... Read more

March 4, 2015 Audio

M.O.P., Inspectah Deck, Guilty Simpson & Bernz Rip Shop Together (Audio)

DJ EFN keeps unleashing the power-play collaborations. This time, the Miami, Florida-based DJ/producer asks, how about some hardcore? M.O.P. joins Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck, Random Axe's Guilty Simpson, and ¡Mayday!'s Bernz (f/k/a Bernbiz) for a slow creeper through your aural cavities. The five MCs remind you that they're from "Another... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Ludacris Calls Fake MCs’ Bluffs on the First Single From His New Album (Audio)

By the sounds of Ludacris' first single from his forthcoming album, Ludaversal, he's got something to prove. Namely, that the Luda who rhymed with aggression over vicious beats like "Southern Hospitality" is alive and well. "Call Ya Bluff" is back to basics. The track is a minimal high end loop... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

EMC Are Back with Heavy Beats and Fly Thoughts (Audio)

eMC, the collective of Masta Ace, Wordsworth and Stricklin, have re-formed for what sounds like it's going to be another strong release (notably without former member Punchline). Their new album, The Tonite Show, will feature guest appearances from B-Real, Xzibit and Sadat X, as well as actors and comedians like... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Bad Lucc Has A Lot On His Mind & Lets Off With Style (Audio)

Bad Lucc has been around a lot longer than some Heads may realize. The Los Angeles veteran shows his wisdom on "Hands Down." Not an inclusion on the upcoming Diamond Lane America, this song certainly sounds inspired by Comptons Most Wanted and the aggressive early '90s MC Eiht sound. Moreover, the... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Tha Dogg Pound Electrify Some G-Funk With Snoop Dogg & Kokane (Audio)

Twenty years removed from Dogg Food, there seems to be two styles to Tha Dogg Pound. Daz and Kurupt can be laid back, smoked out, and mellow—even if the verses never really put on the kid gloves. On the other hand, as evident in their "What Would You Do?" days,... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Kid Cudi Takes The Pain & Loneliness To Make A Charged Message Of Hope (Audio)

For as much as he's evolved, Kid Cudi seemingly keeps coming back to his smash hit 2009 breakthrough, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. Cleveland, Ohio's own MC/singer takes that amazing, original, and Electronically-informed sound and applies it to his life now. Making a rare new song release,... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Kanye West is Back to Rapping and He’s Spitting Harder Than He Has in Years (Audio)

Kanye West has garnered a lot of attention this year, but none of it has been for rapping...The talented Mr. West has released three songs on which he is singing, he's released the hottest line of sneakers in the World, and he's embarked on a media tour that has shown... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson & Chance The Rapper? Mark Ronson Makes It Work (Audio)

From Wale to Rhymefest, Bruno Mars to Ghostface Killah, Mark Ronson is gifted in pushing musicians to their outer limits. For Mr. Wonderful (March 24), Action Bronson called upon the British producer who was once a Roc-A-Fella Records affiliate. "Baby Blue," featuring Chance The Rapper is not far from the... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Denitia and Sene Are Severely Slept On. This Latest Single Beckons Mainstream Attention (Audio)

Synth Pop and R&B are as close as they've been in 25 years. Artists like Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), Solange Knowles, and SZA are chipping away, bringing the Dance-inspired diaspora to the masses. For years now, Denitia and Sene have been consistently great, releasing poignant, versatile music on relations, emotions,... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

dead prez, Juvenile & Trick Daddy May Seem Like An Unlikely Team, But They Are Survivalists (Audio)

DJ EFN's been bringing all sorts of worlds together on his Another Time album, which releases tomorrow (March 3). The Miami, Florida-based DJ is fusing generations, styles, and coasts on his Empire-distributed studio LP. "Survival" is no exception. EFN orchestrates a team of Juvenile and Dade County's own Trick Daddy,... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Wale & Usher Make A Song About Making Plans For Mature Relationships (Audio)

Although it was never part of his early rise, Wale has found great success in making songs about love, romance, and the complexities of relationships. Teaming with an R&B master of love ballads, Wale and Usher look at the transition from the fun-loving no strings attached life into the plans... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Spotlight: After Years of Putting in Work, It’s NameBrand’s Time to Blow (Audio)

NameBrand stands as a tall hopeful in West-Coast Hip-Hop. The recent Epic Records signee is preparing his debut album after a very busy and successful 2014, which included the release of The G.R.E.A.T. Tape II, and the signing of his record deal. The Long Beach, California MC got his first... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Curren$y’s Pilot Talk 3 Approaches The Runway, With Styles P On Board (Audio)

Still without a release date, Pilot Talk 3 must be getting close. Curren$y & Ski Beatz's latest tandem has several tracks which have surfaced online. "Alert," with The LOX's Styles P is a collaboration that's a bit out of the norm for the guest, but floats nicely into the weed-induced... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

ELHAE Makes a Beautiful Hip-Hop Love Song with Some Help from Michael Jackson (Audio)

Atlanta Hip-Hop artist ELHAE (pronounced LA and an acronym for Every Life Has an Ending) released an EP titled Aura in February, that is steeped in melody and soul. His music features thoughtful lyrics and music anchored in lush, dark chords that will draw comparisons to Drake, The Weeknd, Childish... Read more

March 1, 2015 Audio

Blu & MED Release a Mixtape Strictly for the Underground. No Fakers Allowed (Audio)

While they're both old soul MCs, both Blu and MED utilize the digital age to the fullest. The two sunny Southern California lyricists release music at a pace that would make 2Pac proud. Whether the albums are on major labels, legendary indies, or bootlegged by the men who made them,... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Ab-Soul Sets an Alchemist Track on Fire with 47 Bars (Audio)

Ab-Soul spits some of the most complex rhymes in Hip-Hop these days. The TDE all-star's labyrinthian lyrics often play out like a Davinci code of insider references and hidden messages for those willing to go deeper and step outside the trap. Alchemist laces Soulo with a spaced out track and... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Logic & Big K.R.I.T. Show Why The Future of Hip-Hop is Blindingly Bright (Audio)

Logic and Big K.R.I.T. are two of the most talented MCs in Hip-Hop, currently. Each artist consistently raps about a litany of subjects from raw and authentic points of view, and both can flow with the best of them. The Def Jam label mates have united on Logic's new song... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Method Man Lays Down a Buttery Verse with Mr. Cream on Change Your Mind (Audio)

Amidst the high volume chatter about last week's Method Man vs. Common GOAT battle, many Heads commented about Meth's scene-stealing guest verses. From LL Cool J to A$AP Mob to Biggie, Meth consistently has shown he can hang with the best when he's in his zone. He's back with another... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

G-Unit Still Makes Ski Mask Music. Press Play and Duck (Audio)

Next Tuesday (March 3), G-Unit will release their second EP in as many years. The Beast Is G-Unit is a six-track short player from the quintet. "Boy Boy" is one of the center pieces from the work, boasting a song produced by Seattle, Washington's Jake One (De La Soul, Freeway,... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Tech N9ne Might Have A Lyrical Radio Hit, Alongside 2 Chainz & B.o.B. (Audio)

Tech N9ne has kicked down the doors of the music industry the last five years. The Strange Music co-founder has elite sales, jaw-dropping revenue streams, and everybody imaginable in his Rolodex. Although his video numbers thrive on YouTube, one thing that has evaded the Kansas City, Missouri O.G. often appears... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Share Their Long-Awaited Second LP. Is The Blade Still Sharp? (Album Stream)

Nearly one week prior to its release, Cannibal Ox's Blade Of The Ronin (March 3) is available for authorized full audio album stream. The sophomore LP from Vast Aire and Vordul Mega comes nearly 14 years after The Cold Vein, without Def Jux as the backer, or El-P on the... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Redman, Talib Kweli and Wrekonize Bring a Slice of Pardise on a Super Soulful Track (Audio)

In terms of star power and interesting, thought-out collaborators DJ EFN's Another Time (March 3) rivals albums by Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Khaled—just see the tracklist. Heads delight, as "Paradise" unites Redman with Talib Kweli, joined by ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. The three MCs describe idyllic places, from romantic partners,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Rah Digga Quick-Strikes On A Vintage MF DOOM Instrumental (Audio)

In less than two minutes, Rah Digga is one of the MCs in Hip-Hop who can command attention. "Stories From The Ambassador" is a simple tale about dealing with police in the streets of the 2-0-1, and the challenges of life in these times. "It's tough growin' up in this... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Murs’ Strange Music Arrival Feels Like He’s Been Here Before (Audio)

Wherever Murs go, geographically, creatively, or label-wise, he always takes his core sound with him. The Los Angeles, California native has dabbled extensively in the last 15-plus years, from where he's lived, who he's worked with, and where he's gotten his proverbial Rap checks. Now at Strange Music, the Living... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio

Young Buck Brings 50 Cent and Troy Ave Together on His Latest (Audio)

When Troy Ave arrived on the scene in the early 2010s, the Brooklyn, New York MC immediately drew a lot of comparisons to G-Unit. In those days, G-Unit was fading, if not broken up. In 2015, Young Buck and 50 Cent are crewed up again, making some potent street music,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Elzhi Offers Up His First Single In Ages. Emotional & Dilla-Related, It’s Worth The Wait (Audio)

There is less than a week left to the month of February. Whether it's been the frigid cold (for some), some depressing headlines, or just the new year's lull, it's a complicated month. Elzhi writes from the moment in "February." The Detroit, Michigan veteran leads into his true Preface follow-up,... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Bad Lucc, Ab-Soul, Problem & Punch Flip A Rare Dr. Dre Remix (Audio)

Bad Lucc has been paying 10 years of dues. However, as he and his Diamond Lane Music Group label-mate Problem have witnessed, good things happen to those who wait. A onetime member of Snoop Dogg's Dubb Union (with fellow dues-payers Damani N'kosi and Soopafly), Lucc is among the new guard... Read more

February 24, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Goes Wall to Wall with Busta Rhymes & French Montana (Audio)

After releasing twenty-one freestyles over Soul classics last year, as part of his Throwback Thursday series, Raekwon is gearing for a new solo album. The LP is titled F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxury Art) and the latest single, "Wall to Wall," features guest appearances from French Montana and a typically animated... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Just Blaze Releases The Beat Jay-Z & Rick Ross Wanted, Encourages Only Nice MCs To Touch It (Audio)

Just Blaze is one of the more interesting producers on social media. The Patterson, New Jersey producer/DJ enjoys waxing poetic about music, technology, industry, life, and engaging with his legions of fans. With that unpredictability in mind, Just released "Miracle," an instrumental track that he claims was a bidding war... Read more

February 23, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Have Sour Soul For All To Taste (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD's Sour Soul is offered to fans for full, free stream (in mono, no less—playing into the '70s-minded themes). G.F.K.'s first Lex Records go-round, and second LP (following 36 Seasons) in three months pairs him with BadBad and Frank Dukes for an onslaught... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Fashawn’s New Album Features Nas, Busta Rhymes & More. Take a Listen (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Fashawn's sophomore solo LP, The Ecology comes to full stream. The Fresno, California MC celebrates his first go-round with Nas' Mass Appeal Records, and updates fans after a near six-year break from solo studio releases. After a Duck Down Music venture with Murs, co-signs from Wiz Khalifa,... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah Kicks That Street Knowledge Over Some Dusty Soul (Audio)

Ghostface Killah is on one of his best runs, yet. 2014 brought his stellar 36 Seasons album, along with his reunion with Wu-Tang Clan on A Better Tomorrow. Just two months into 2015, he's gearing up for the release of his collaborative project with BADBADNOTGOOD and, so far, the results... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Raekwon, Styles P, Sheek Louch & Vado Line Up The Lyrics For DJ Kay Slay (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay's Rolodex weighs a ton, and the Hip-Hop mainstay is never afraid to use it. The Drama King "declares war" calling in 2/3 of The LOX, along with Raekwon, Vado, and Rell. "I Declare War" is four MCs, one singer, and an iconic mixmaster/radio personality. Coming from The... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Nas & Fashawn Give Us Something To Believe In With Support From Aloe Blacc (Audio)

When he released his first album, Boy Meets World, Fashawn garnered comparisons to the introspective Nas. When Fash' followed with Ode To Illmatic mixtape, the influence was overt. Last year, Nas signed Fashawn to his Mass Appeal imprint, making the proverbial cypher complete. Clearly, Nas something in Fashawn that he... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox, Wu-Tang Clan’s U-God & The Artifacts Sharpen Lyrical Blades With Black Milk (Audio)

Since their inception, Cannibal Ox's influences can be traced back to the early 1990s underground Hip-Hop (before it was ever called such). Two acts who seemed to greatly influence Vast Aire and Vordul Mega are Wu-Tang Clan and The Artifacts. The latter (Tame One and El Da Sensei) join U-God... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Asher Roth & Nottz Blow Your Head with a Chopped Public Enemy Loop (Audio)

In the last seven years, some of Asher Roth's strongest lyrical displays, and most complete songs came from his sessions with Virginia veteran Nottz. Five (very short) years ago, the pair made The Rawth EP, and they're back at it. As Asher has veered into other genres with an over-arching... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Happy 50th Birthday to Dr. Dre. Celebrate the O.G. with This Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Dr. Dre who turned 50 years young today (2/18). The first 50 years were quite a ride for Andre Young. The Doc has been behind some of the most influential artists in Hip-Hop--all Hip-Hop--from N.W.A., to Snoop Dogg, to 2Pac, to Eminem, to 50 Cent, to Game... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Bobby V Channels an R. Kelly Classic for an Unbelievable Love Song (Audio)

Bobby V is a master of re-invention. The former Mista member transformed into a solo sensation with hits like "Slow Down" in the mid-00s. In the last few years, Bobby (aka Bobby Valentino) has returned to his soulful roots. His 2013 Peach Moon EP featured Bobby comfortably behind the keys... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

J-Live Salutes All The O.G. Mixtape DJs On Impacting His Direction (Audio)

J-Live is a lover of concept. A DJ (and producer, and MC), the triple-threat honors the DJ, which predates the MC, on "Red & The Kid." The song title is a tribute to DJ Red Alert and Kid Capri (as forever attached thanks to Greg Nice's booming voice). Justice recalls... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Lil Fame Remixes M.O.P.’s Welcome 2 Brooklyn & Works In A Handful Of Classics (Audio)

M.O.P. bridged the gap with "Welcome 2 Brooklyn." The Street Certified EP video single merged Mash Out with Maino, and showed the made shades of BK. Still hard at work on the Nature Sounds release (executive produced by longtime M.O.P. affiliate DJ Premier), Lil Fame (a/k/a Fizzy Womack) reworked the... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Scarface, Stalley & Troy Ave Over a DJ Premier Beat? That’s Crazy (Audio)

DJ EFN is on the precipice of releasing one of the year's best compilation albums. The LP, titled Another Time, features a smorgasbord of artists including MC Eiht, Sean Price, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked (pka Crooked I), Juvenile, Masta Ace, Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, Black Milk, Kurupt, M.O.P., Inspectah Deck... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Some Unreleased Vic Mensa Surfaces on the Heels of His SNL Debut (Audio)

Vic Mensa's having quite a week. With the world television stage on "SNL40" (well, those not watching the NBA All-Star Game), Mensa joined Sia and Kanye West for a highly-stylized, deeply choreographed performance of "Wolves." With folks running to their social media to ask more about the versatile MC/singer with... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Yelawolf Continues His Blues Rock Romp with Whiskey in a Bottle (Audio)

Yelawolf's sound continues to evolve. "Whiskey In A Bottle," his official new single, employs the hard percussion Heads heard in Yela's work with Travis Barker and the bluesy rock for which the MC has had a taste as of late, but the Gadsden, Alabama MC maintains his prickly flow, chip... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Flip Flips Ill Beats With Elzhi, Edo. G, A.G. & Guilty Simpson Flipping Bars (Album Stream)

Australian producer Flip is the latest beat-maker from "down under" to distribute dope sounds with a plethora of his influences. On the just-released Ill Adrenaline Records (Neek The Exotic, The Legion, Confidence) effort Reflections. Included are respected vets such as A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Phat Kat, Kev Brown, Edo. G,... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Fashawn & Exile Add Busta Rhymes To Their Sound, Getting Trunks To Rattle (Audio)

Between Boy Meets World and The Ecology (February 24), Fashawn experimented with an array of sounds and styles. The Black Bart Simpson came from a place where not just introspective or personal raps were the method. With DJ Exile still right beside him, The Ecology embraces this dichotomy. "Out The... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson Gives a Nod to Slick Rick Before a Journey Down the Rabbit Hole (Audio)

One of the Mr. Wonderful (March 24) moments Heads will hear next month is "Terry." While the jazzy arrangement isn't what Bronson records typically employ, the verses appeal to the breakthrough 2011 sound from the Queens, New Yorker. Sexual details, BMW references, and some menu mentions make this cut simple... Read more

February 16, 2015 Audio