Audio Archives

March On Washington With Oddisee & Diamond District (Album Stream)

Mello Music Group has offered—as they always seem to—the latest album stream from the Tucson, Arizona-based label. This one comes highly anticipated, the sophomore group effort from Diamond District. The Washington, D.C. trio of Oddisee, yU, and X.O. March On Washington over 14 tracks based around lyrical darts and thumping... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Releases the Title Track to Cadillactica (Audio)

Less than a month away from his sophomore album with Def Jam Records backing (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. offers up the title song from Cadillactica. The work fits snugly into Krizzle's catalog, on the basis of lyrics. However, the sound of the record shows some new progression from the MC/producer.... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The WOW Recruit Prodigy & Rick Gonzales for Some Grimy Wordplay (Audio)

Prodigy and his label signee Rick Gonzales (aka Realm Reality) join The WOW for some "nightmare Rap" over a no nonsense beat. The ominous violin and live drums pair nicely with each MC's steely flow. Check out "Untitled Melody." Related: Your Old Droog & Prodigy Welcome September As Hoodie Weather... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio

Reggie Bonds & Mick Jenkins Nail This Track Named Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Audio)

Listen to this collaborative effort from Milwaukee's Reggie Bonds and Chicago's Mick Jenkins. Partially dedicated to the death of Michael Brown three months later. On "Moral Monday," these two MCs talk about police "killing kids," the struggle, and just what they stand for as young Black men out to educate... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Are PRhyme With Courtesy (Audio)

Royce Da 5'9" rocks some stream of consciousness as DJ Premier lays down a gliding organ arrangement, complete with a scratch-chorus. Along the way, Nickel Nine opens up about his family's addictions, his latest sportscar purchase, and the respect he's out for. "This one's for my lyricists, courtesy of my... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Run The Jewels Rage Against the Machine with Zack De La Rocha (Audio)

Rap's Robin Hoods deliver another jarring glimpse from their upcoming sophomore group effort, RTJ2. Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) have seemingly found the pocket of some of their most passionate, pungent, and disarming music to date. Joined by Zack De La Rocha (who kicks an extremely rare MC... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Curren$y’s Releases His 2nd Mixtape in a Week with Jet Life’s World Wide Hustlers (Mixtape)

Curren$y stays on his mixtape grind with his second release in a week. World Wide Hustlers features, Spitta, fellow Jet Life members Young Roddy, Corner Boy, Le$ and T.Y., as well as Smoke DZA, Freddie Gibbs and more. The project contains some original soulful beats as well as some old... Read more

October 12, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Cookin’ Soul Remixes Nipsey Hussle & Dom Kennedy with Some Classic Jodeci (Audio)

The production duo Cookin' Soul Has lived up to its name with an inspired remix of Nipsey Hussle's "Don't Forget Us," featuring Dom Kennedy. They chop up a Jodeci classic something lovely and concoct a soulful sonic landscape for Nipsey and Dom to get busy. This is feel good music.... Read more

October 11, 2014 Audio

Can’t Wait to Hear DJ Quik’s New Album? Here’s the Full Stream (Audio)

DJ Quik's album The Midnight Life will be in stores on 10/14. The album, Quik's 9th solo, is full of the rich Funk and Soul his fans have come to love over the last couple of decades. And, with features from El Debarge, Suga Free, Dom Kennedy, Mack 10, Joi... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Jack Troy Ave for His (Musical) Money (Audio)

The track for Troy Ave's "All About the Money" BANGS. So much so, G-Unit (minus 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks) had to jack him for the beat and put their own spin on it. Check out "All About the Drug Money." Also, you can catch part 2 of their extended... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Do Remember: Sadat X & Brand Nubian’s Lump Lump Remix (Audio)

It took more than seven years for Sadat X to release a solo album. While Grand Puba briefly left Brand Nubian to pursue solo interests in the mid-1990s (to some great success), Datty X, Lord Jamar, and DJ Alamo stayed the course of their Elektra Records outfit, stressing that it... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Raekwon Takes on the O’Jay’s Backstabbers for Throwback Thursday (Audio)

For his latest Throwback Thursdays release, Raekwon takes on The O'Jays' "Backstabbers." Rae attacks the soulful classic with aggression, speeding up to near double-time to stay in the pocket. Check it out. Related: Raekwon Flows Over Some Vintage Amerie For This Throwback Thursday (Audio)... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio

DJ Green Lantern Makes a Soulful EDM Remix of Wu-Tang Clan’s C.R.E.A.M. (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan and EDM? Sounds nuts, right? DJ Green Lantern takes their classic, C.R.E.A.M., and remixes it to the fullest. He preserves the soulfulness of the original sample (in some ways heightening it) and sprinkles in key soundbites from the hook and verses. The similarity stops there, though. He also... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Kool G. Rap & Guilty Simpson Play Chess Never Checkers Over Some Boom Bap (Audio)

Sometimes the best Hip-Hop involves little more than some fire lyrics over a hard beat. That's exactly what "Chess Never Checkers" provides. Kool G. Rap and Guilty Simpson lay down dense and grimy verses over a BOOM BAP beat and intermittent minimalist chords. If you want that rough and raw... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden & Crooked I Represent for the Crew on Devil in My House (Audio)

Joe Budden and Crooked I may make up one half of Slaughterhouse, but the fractions stop there. Each is a formidable MC unto himself and both stand on their own. Together? They create an East Coast/West Coast tandem that can go toe to toe with any other Rap twosome. On... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Inspectah Deck & Big K.R.I.T On The Same Track? True & Groovin’ (Audio)

Some collaborations work better on paper. Others, however, might sound cacophonous in theory, but work incredibly well. In creating his "Colosseum," A-Villa amassed Wu-Tang Clan swordsman Inspectah Deck, Big K.R.I.T., and Termanology—three MCs that arguably represent different corners of the "dope Hip-Hop" carryall. Krizzle kicks things off with a sharp... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Choosey & Fashawn Got Mind Over Matter Over A Likewise Beat (Audio)

Exile's camp produces a potent collaboration from Choosey and Fashawn. The two MCs look at some inconsistencies and head scratchers in their lives with a smooth shrug in "Matters." Like (a/k/a Likewise) of Pac Div supplies the quirky beat. This song is one of the many moments from Choosey that... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Redman Shows How He Rocks on a Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick Classic (Audio)

After taking the Internet by storm last week with a blistering verse over a DJ Quik track, Redman rocks out over Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick's classic, "The Show" (with a few other choice samples). Check out "Rockin' Wit Marley Marl." Related: Redman Does His Take On An Old... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Need Some 80’s R&B? This Mix Will Rub You the Right Way (Audio)

The DJ collective The Rub (DJ Eleven & DJ Ayres) have been rocking parties in NYC and all over the world for years. Known for their incredibly painstaking series of mixes of the best Hip-Hop year-by-year from 1979 - 2009, they also throw down something heavy with R&B classics. Their... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Termanology, Chris Rivers & Inspectah Deck Load Up the Lyrical Chambers as The War Begins (Audio)

Termanology gets an Alchemist-flavored track from producer Billy Loman as Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, H Blanco and Term' proceed to go to work. This is a record for the headphones, not the radio, as these 4 lyricists do verbal combat on "The War Begins." Check it out. Related: Termanology &... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

Boaz Travels The West Coast With Murs, Crooked I & Fashawn To Remix Like This (Audio)

Boaz's !llmind-produced "Like This" is the Pittsburgh MC's door opener to afar. The Rostrum Records artist hits the West Coast for the first remix to find a diverse trio of highly-talented, street-respected MCs in Mid City, Los Angeles' Murs, Fresno's Fashawn, and Long Beach's Crooked I. The three MCs team... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

For Jin, Looking Back Is Complicated In This Reflective Single With Hollis (Audio)

Following a mainstream hiatus, Jin (formerly of Ruff Ryders Entertainment) is back on the scene. Tried and true in the early 2000s Battle Rap culture, the MC known for knocking down one of Hip-Hop's racial barriers has depth to him too. "Complicated," featuring Macklemore's homie Hollis, is Jin revisiting the... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

T.I. and Pharrell Say Don’t Do Business Until Your Paperwork is Straight (Audio)

T.I. gets autobiographical on "Paperwork," his soulful reunion with oft-collaborator Pharrell. Tip talks about the challenges he faced before breaking through--doubters, blockers and just plain haters. All the while, Pharrell cautions against dealing with people before they've been vetted, on the hook. Check it out. Related: T.I. Pens The New... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Childish Gambino Hid The Vocal Version Of 3005 & Now It’s Found (Audio)

When Childish Gambino titled his latest album because the internet., it presumably was topical, tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation, and just a memorable name. However, Donald Glover truly has fun with the medium—and we're past talking about the Wu Name Generator that made him the name Heads all now know. "3005" is indeed... Read more

October 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear A Rare Masta Ace Track From 1987 (Audio)

For more than 25 years, Masta Ace has been a "Music Man." Back in 1988, Brownsville, Brooklyn's master storyteller appeared on the archetypal posse cut, Marley Marl's "The Symphony," alongside his Juice Crew cohorts. However, the would-be star of Masta Ace Inc. and The EMC was cutting records in Marley's... Read more

October 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

When Diamond D Releases A New LP, It’s Kind Of A Big Deal. Check The Diam Piece (Album Stream)

This past week, Diamond D released his sixth solo album (fourth studio), The Diam Piece. The Empire-distributed LP from one of the keystones of the Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C) family features Pete Rock, Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Tha Alkaholiks, Kurupt, Rapsody, Pharaohe Monch, Fat Joe and Freddie Foxxx, among... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Young Masters At Work: Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody Rare 1986 Marley Marl Remix (Audio)

Although it was not released until July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full was made extensively throughout 1986 and early 1987. While production credits went to the group, Heads know that Marley Marl—who used his home for many sessions, was a producer on many of... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Cormega Makes Yet Another Industry Remix, With Inspectah Deck, Roc Marciano & Brand Nubian (Audio)

After a show-stopping original version, Cormega remixed his Mega Philosophy single "Industry" with Juice Crew alumni Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Masta Ace in late July. For early October, Cory does it again. The third mix of "Industry" includes two-thirds of Brand Nubian in Sadat X and Lord Jamar,... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Need Some OutKast & Goodie Mob in Your Life? Here’s an Awesome Mix (Audio)

Here's a dope mix of Dungeon Family goodness from DJ Jedi 1200. The set hones in on music from OutKast and Goodie Mob, with a focus on some of the more downtempo and soulful cuts from each. Press play and let it ride. Outkast/Goodie Mob Mix by Jedi1200 on Mixcloud... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Cozz & J. Cole Say You Can’t Knock Tha Hustle (Audio)

Much as J. Cole's mentor and label head Jay Z said emphatically on 1996's Reasonable Doubt, Cole and his mentee/label signee Cozz join forces to remind Heads you "Can't Knock Tha Hustle" on the remix to Cozz's track. Cole and Cozz unite over a smokey, jazz-flavored beat to speak on... Read more

October 3, 2014 Audio

Rick Ross Gets the Assist From R. Kelly on Keep Doin’ That (Audio)

Rick Ross releases a new song from his forthcoming Hood Billionaire album. "Keep Doin' That" sports a tough beat and a guest turn from R. Kelly. Check it out (with tags for now). Related: Stalley Slows It Down for One More Shot With Rick Ross & August Alsina (Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Snoop Dogg & Flavor Flav Show Their School Spirit on Bishop Gorman Move Them Chains (Audio)

Can you imagine your father and his friend recording a fight song for your school when you were in high school? No? What if those guys were Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav...That's exactly what Snoop did for his son's Bishop Gorman High School football team. Though neither OG MC drops... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Childish Gambino Releases the Stream to His New STN MTN Mixtape (Audio)

Never one to be confined by conventions, Childish Gambino releases the stream to his latest project. "STN MTN/KAUAI" is one-part free DJ Drama-hosted mixtape and one-part digital retail EP. Here's how Gambino explains it: "It’s a Gangsta Grillz mixtape that goes into an EP. The Gangsta Grillz mixtape is a... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Raekwon Flows Over Some Vintage Amerie For This Throwback Thursday (Audio)

Raekwon continues his Throwback Thursday series with a verse over Amerie's "Why Don't We Fall in Love." Rae falls right in the pocket of Rich Harrison's B-Boy production. Check it out. Related: Heard it All Before? Not With a Raekwon Verse…(Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Mary J. Blige Teams With Sam Smith for Some Moody House Music with MJ Cole (Audio)

Though she is known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige has been known to tear down some house jams in her day too. From "Let No Man Put Asunder" to her recent turns with Disclosure, Mary's emotive tone is the perfect complement to soulful club music. Her... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden, Tsu Surf & Ransom Subtly Dissect a Soulful New Track (Audio)

Joe Budden, Ransom and battle rap warrior Tsu Surf jump on a slow and soulful track...and systematically proceed to lyrically dissect it. When the quiet storm beat starts to play it's almost jarring, but make no mistake, this is chock full of BARS. Check out "Nothing Changes" Related: Joe Budden... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio

Thurz Makes A Soulful Song Over A Disco Sound Audio

This is something cool and different! Thurz, who says he's "stuck between Worldstar and NPR," makes "Right Now," one of the most original songs of the moment. The song salutes single moms in the first verse, before bringing the spotlight to himself for filling a void in the cultural commentary.... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody & 9th Wonder Are Knocking Down Conventions Like Godzilla (Audio)

Rapsody is in her zone! The Jamla MC hops on yet another 9th Wonder beat and has a wordplay extravaganza on "Godzilla." The Beauty & The Beast joint is a strong statement about how only God is illa' and the rest of the MC crop best step aside for one... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cut Chemist Dusts Off Afrika Bambaataa’s Rarest ’70s & ’80s Personal Records (Audio)

With lots of recent attention devoted to Afrika Bambaataa's records (stored at Cornell University's archives), Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, and the film, Scratch) and DJ Shadow are currently taking these exact records on the road, creating shows with natural elements that helped make Hip-Hop. If you aren't able to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Explains Being Sharper In 2010 vs. 2014, Less Likelihood Of Country Cousins (Audio)

With his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica (premiered last night, September 30) just over five weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on The Combat Jack Show. Making his 2014 stop on the audio program, Krizzle really opened up on everything from his skills, to emotions, to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blow Your Speakers With Bachir’s Bomb Squad Cassette Mix (Mixtape)

With Chuck D and Public Enemy (deservingly) in the headlines regularly again—for a litany of reasons, let's take a sec to look back. When it comes to the production collective known as The Bomb Squad (Hank & Keith Shocklee, Eric "Vietnam" Sadler, the oft-uncredited Johnny Juice, G-Wiz, and Chuck D)... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

DJ Quik Releases 1 of His Best Tracks in Years. G-Funk Lives at the Pet Sematary (Audio)

From his Bangin' On Wax tapes beginnings to the Death Row Records years to his Twitter account, DJ Quik doesn't hold back. The Compton, California triple-threat loves to pop his collar and pop a little talk. "Pet Sematary" is the latest vehicle. Built around some jazzy G-Funk, with some live... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Pumps Her Fist At The Establishment Like Angela Davis (Audio)

Rah Digga is not playing any games in 2014. The latest microphone seizure comes as "Angela Davis." Over a sparse guitar loop, a la Just Blaze x Jay Z in the Roc-A-Fella pinnacle, Digga is cold as can be. She compares herself to the political and Civil Rights activist Angela... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamond D Seamlessly Teams With Elzhi, Talib Kweli & Skyzoo (Audio)

Diamond D laces the track from his just-released Diam Piece album. Although he doesn't rhyme on it, Diamond can surely relate to watching fickle fans, unprepared media, and pauper promoters that aren't treating art and the artists the way they ought to. Each MC takes the theme a little differently,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fashawn and Dom Kennedy Deliver Some New G-Funk on Golden State of Mind (Audio)

As if to reinforce DJ Quik's assertion that G-Funk is alive and well, Fashawn and Dom Kennedy stand up and deliver some new age Cali Funk. In a North/South left coast collaboration, the two MCs release "Golden State of Mind." Check it out. Related: Fashawn & Exile Bring Out The... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio

5 Years In The Making, Joey Bada$$’s Debut Album His Its First Single (Video)

It's no secret or hidden fact that Joey Bada$$ (and much of Pro Era) pulls from an early-mid 1990s New York City Hip-Hop sound. The language, the subject matters, the deliveries, the choruses, the fashion, and even the videos feel like art that could have been unearthed from a Nervous... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

Andre 3000 Holds an Extended Conversation with Ali Shaheed Muhammad & Frannie Kelley (Audio)

Andre 3000 talks working with Aretha Franklin, being among the first Hip-Hop acts to represent Atlanta, the influence of Souls of Mischief on OutKast and more with A Tribe Called Quest's Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Frannie Kelley. Check it out. Related: A Tribe Called Kast: A Mashup of Rhymes From... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio

Stalley Slows It Down for One More Shot With Rick Ross & August Alsina (Audio)

Stalley previews another track from his forthcoming album, Ohio. After releasing two West Coast-flavored bangers with "Always Into Something" and "Jackin' Chevys," "One More Shot" represents a new direction for Stalley. He slows down the tempo and gets in a meditative mood with August Alsina on the hook and MMG... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio

Hear The Rap Attack: Mr. Magic & Marley Marl That Inspired Biggie Smalls (Audio)

Quietly, as Marley Marl became one of Hip-Hop's most pivotal producers and Juice Crew creator, he was doubling as a master of transmitting sounds over tri-state radio. Marl and Mr. Magic were at the control switches at WBLS in New York City. Their "Rap Attack" Show (launched by Mr. Magic... Read more

September 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback