Fresh Archives

Dayne Jordan Takes a Cue from Mister Rogers in DJ Jazzy Jeff Produced Track (Video)

With news of an impending reincarnation of the '90s sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," many are celebrating by remembering the classic moments from the Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff-inspired television show that branched out of the duo's success as a Hip-Hop act. The latter's contributions to comedy are... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Jungle Brothers Are Often The Forgotten Tongues Who Helped Teach The Native Lingo (Video)

For a collective that never made an album, and rarely performed under their decided moniker, the Native Tongues' relevancy has never waned. Despite the fact that A Tribe Called Quest has exclusively (and sporadically) been a touring group since The Love Movement, De La Soul existed without formal releases for... Read more

August 20, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

These Performances From the 2015 World Hip-Hop Dance Championships Are Awe-Inspiring (Video)

Earlier this month, Hip-Hop International hosted its annual World Hip-Hop Dance Championships in San Diego, California, where more than 3,000 dancers from around the globe competed to be crowned the best Hip-Hop dance crew. This year, more than 50 countries were represented from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Andre Harrell Recounts the “Ghetto Fabulous” History of Uptown Records (Video)

The name Andre Harrell might not be as well-known as Russell Simmons, Master P, Birdman or Puff Daddy, but he is responsible for one of the most important record labels in Hip-Hop and Soul history. Uptown Records was the home to Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Heavy D, Al B. Sure,... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

First Division & DJ Premier Put It Down For The Culture In Front Of Its Monuments (Video Premiere)

Early this summer, Canadian Hip-Hop duo First Division shared their latest single, "This Iz Tha Time." Produced by DJ Premier, the moment was a call to our arms in the Hip-Hop spirit of showing and proving. In the video from the September 25 Soulspazm Records/Spaghetti Bender Music album Overworked &... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Mike Epps Got Jokes. This Time Ghostface Killah’s Action Bronson Rant Is The Target (Video)

Hip-Hop is becoming more and popular fodder for the elite comedians. Aziz Ansari's Kanye West stories are the stuff of legends. Dave Chappelle's show skits involving GZA, Q-Tip, and spoofing Lil Jon have endured for more than a decade after they aired. Hannibal Buress puts Funkmaster Flex imitations and "The... Read more

August 20, 2015 Video

Did You Know The Carlton Dance Was Completely Improv? The Man Explains

In the last week, grumblings hit the media that Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment production company is in talks to re-boot "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air." While Smith's title character, who shared his real-life name helped define a 1990s cool, confidence, and charm, many of the shows laughs are credited to... Read more

August 19, 2015 TV

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

Sean Price Plays Snippets of Songs in the Key of Price in the Studio (Video)

As fans continue to mourn the sudden and unexpected loss of Sean Price, his legacy lives on through his music. Shortly before he passed away, Sean P was preparing to release his highly-anticipated mixtape, Songs in the Key of Price, which will be unleashed on Friday, August 21. During an... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

Talib Kweli Points Out That One of His Major Features Was On the Wrong Part of the Beat (Video)

Beyond his extensive solo, Black Star, Idle Warship, and Reflection Eternal catalog, Talib Kweli's career has been decorated with poignant feature appearances. The Brooklyn, New York MC appeared on notable releases such as UGK's #1-charting Underground Kingz and Pharoahe Monch's critically-acclaimed P.T.S.D. However, Kweli garnered a Grammy Award for his... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

Ice Cube & O’Shea Jackson, Jr. Share Powerful Father-Son Moments in 1-on-1 Conversation (Video)

O'Shea Jackson, Jr. had perhaps the biggest shoes to fill of all of his co-stars in his role in Straight Outta Compton . The son of N.W.A.'s Ice Cube, Jackson, Jr. has been earning rave reviews for his portrayal of his father, putting to rest any remaining talk there may be... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

Jay Rock Releases the Artwork & Tracklist for His New Album 90059

After more than four years since his 2011 album Follow Me Home, Jay Rock is on the verge of releasing his new LP, 90059. Named after the zip code from Rock's hometown of Watts, CA, the songs he has shared thus far signal that the album is going to be... Read more

August 19, 2015 Fresh

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

D12 Is Still Dirty, With Dozens & Dozens Of Punchlines In A New Freestyle (Video)

In early 2014, it was reported that D12 was back in the lab with Eminem for the first time in a decade. Later in the year, on Shady XV, the Dirty Dozen was back on "Bane," less Marshall Mathers (and Fuzz Scoota). Regardless of Em's involvement, and with the massive vacancy... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

Yasiin Bey’s ‘Basquiat Ghostwriter’ is Full of Unexpected Negatives (Video)

Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) has released a music video to accompany "Basquiat Ghostwriter," a song he dropped just a few days ago that took many Heads by surprise. The Brooklyn MC hasn't released a solo album since 2009's The Ecstatic and in the years since he's spent much time... Read more

August 19, 2015 Video

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

Styles P’s Energy Freestyle Comes To Living Color (Video)

Back in late March, Styles P was amidst a rampage of weekly freestyles, sometimes releasing in bursts. One of those snatched Drake's "Energy" instrumental (produced by Boi-1da), and waxed two minutes of warning shots against all suitors. In high Summer, S.P. The Ghost gets his rooftop on and his bucket-hat... Read more

August 18, 2015 Video

Gangrene & Havoc Opt for Solemn Tribute to Sean Price on “Sheet Music” (Video)

The tragic passing of rapper Sean Price earlier this month has left much of the Hip-Hop community reeling, including those who have collaborated with P over the years. Gangrene, the duo comprised of the Alchemist and Oh No, are among those who established not only a musical relationship with the... Read more

August 18, 2015 Video

Cam’ron Raps. He Acts. He Can Also Run A Human Resources Department (Video)

Frequently, major companies make the news for questionable practices regarding employee rights. Human Resource departments are put in place to enforce best ethical relations in making a work space, both internally and externally—with everybody's rights respected. Larry Wilmore's "The Nightly Show" opted to make light of recent reports of a... Read more

August 18, 2015 TV, TV/Film, Video

Wu-Tang Affiliate Hell Razah The Subject Of Upcoming Documentary

Since the mid-1990s, Hell Razah (a/k/a Heaven Razah) has been a prominent figure within the Wu-Tang family tree. A founding member of the Sunz Of Man, Razah—alongside Killah Priest, Shabazz the Disciple, Prodigal Sunn, and 60-Second Assassin would eventually tackle the Billboard Top 20 through 1998's The Last Shall Be... Read more

August 18, 2015 News, TV/Film

Rare 25-Year Old N.W.A. Photos & Collectibles Resurface, Care of a Longterm Fan (Interview)

Only now, in 2015, is N.W.A. a group that can test the waters of the digital era. It's been nearly 25 years since the group existed, and more than that since it had its famous five member lineup including Ice Cube. In 1988, there were no blogs, no streams, no... Read more

August 17, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

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

This Streaming Music Mix Is A 52 Song Pick-You-Up (Playlist)

Lots of great music has been releasing as of late. Whether YG's G-Funk revival "Twist My Fingers," Lil Dicky and Snoop Dogg's job interview-in-rhyme, or Drake's surgical Meek Mill reply "Back To Back," there is plenty of diversity, tangibility, and value in music in 2015. Artists are steadily moving their... Read more

August 17, 2015 Playlists

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

Following Near Fatal Accident, Tracy Morgan Will Return To Host SNL

It has been more than one year since actor/comedian Tracy Morgan was nearly killed on the New Jersey Turnpike. On June 7, 2014, a six-car accident left comedian James McNair dead, and Morgan (along with other passengers) severely injured. Morgan, who was in a coma for nearly two weeks, suffered... Read more

August 17, 2015 TV

Master P Shows His Historic Rise to Success in Self-Directed Documentary (Video)

Master P, the New Orleans rapper and business man who transformed the way artists negotiated with record labels, is releasing a self-directed documentary called Ice Cream Man: King of the South in Spring 2016. The platinum-selling MC scored a handful of hits, most notably 1997's "Make 'Em Say Ugh," but... Read more

August 17, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Jay Rock Releases the Visual For His Wu-Tang-esque 90059 Album Title Track (Video)

TDE continues its run of cinematic videos. After releasing the short films for Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" and Jay Rock's "Money Trees Deuce," among others, they follow up with another clip for the label's OG, with the title track to Rock's forthcoming 90059 album. The track sounds much more like vintage... Read more

August 17, 2015 Video

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis: Could Video Games Help Treat Mental Illness? Research Suggests Yes (Audio)

Last week, a report surfaced about games that promote "brain fitness," a market that merges neuro-science with games in hopes to address issues dealing with memory and mental health in ways that are engaging and effective. NPR's "Morning Edition" ran a story about games that, by and large, claim to... Read more

August 17, 2015 Lifestyle

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

Talib Kweli Shares Thoughts on Bernie Sanders & the Women Behind Black Lives Matter (Video)

Fresh off the release of a new single and a new (free) album, Talib Kweli has had a whirlwind 24-hours, and now the Brooklyn MC has brought his thoughts about today's socio-political climate outside the booth and onto television. As a guest on last night's episode of Real Time with... Read more

August 15, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Straight Outta Compton Got Ya Craving An Electro-Rap Vibe? One Of Dre’s Partners Delivers (Mix)

Whether you watch Breakin' or you listen to The Chronic, you've heard the work of Chris "The Glove" Taylor. As moviegoers catch Straight Outta Compton to catch glimpses of Dr. Dre and DJ Yella in Los Angeles, California's early 1980s Electro-Rap scene, The Glove was at the forefront. Ice-T's first... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

DJ Premier & DJ Eclipse Honor Sean Price With A 3 Hour Tribute (Mix)

It has been almost one week since Sean Price left a permanent hole in the Hip-Hop culture he loved. Those who knew Sean and his music can agree that nothing has been the same. However, the out-pour of love, remembrance, and attention to Boot Camp Clik enforcer's compound bars, dry... Read more

August 14, 2015 Mixes

Talib Kweli Says Eff The Money & Then Proves It. He Gives Away Free LP. (Album Stream)

August 15 UPDATE: Talib Kweli has also offered an official album stream of F**k The Money: Earlier today (August 14), Talib Kweli offered a powerful indictment on greed and materialism. The Reflection Eternal/Black Star co-founder release "(Eff) The Money," a Cassper Noyvet-assisted track that showed that signature fire inside the... Read more

August 14, 2015 Fresh

JAY-Z Had A Diss Reply Ready For Tupac In 1996. He Even Performed It.

When Nas and Jay Z were entrenched in one of Hip-Hop's most famous battles and beefs, it is Tupac Shakur's words that open up one of the crossfire's most scathing attacks, Nas' "Ether." It was an unusual move for one rival of Tupac to use the slain rapper in his... Read more

August 14, 2015 Throwback

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

Talib Kweli Tells Money-Lusting MCs What They Can Do With It…(Audio)

So much of Hip-Hop is centered around money. There are songs about how much money MCs are making through illicit means, whether it be through the sale of drugs, stick ups or pandering. Others flaunt how much money they have through boasts about their cars, homes, fine art and ability... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Maintains East Coast Flow Over West Coast Flavor With A Dr. Dre Beat (Video)

As thousands flock to movie theaters across the country to catch the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton, fans are expressing their appreciation for the group, even those who are artists themselves. In his latest Friday freestyle, Chris Rivers channels the visual aesthetics of West Coast Hip-Hop flavor from the '90s,... Read more

August 14, 2015 Video

Eligh Attacks 808 Drums With Dazzling Lyricism In A Creative Uprising (Video Premiere)

Today (August 14), Eligh released 80 HRTZ, his latest album in an extensive solo and collaborative catalog. The Los Angeles, California native MC/producer and founding member of the Living Legends, G&E (The Grouch & Eligh), and 3 Melancholy Gypsies. Since the mid-1990s tape culture, Eligh has risen the ranks to... Read more

August 14, 2015 Video

Yasiin Bey Uses Basquiat as His Ghostwriter For an Inspired Song About Injustice & Hope (Audio)

For years, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) has shown he is an artist who walks his own path. Whether advocating for social justice or lyrically taking out sucker MCs, he has proven to be equally adept. After a private video where he challenged the entire industry to battle himself, King... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio

It’s a Doggy Dog World: Pet Stores Across the Country Are Now Required to Sell Rescued Animals

In late 2014, an Arizona judge took a big step in the fight against puppy mills, upholding a law requiring pet stores to sell dogs rescued from shelters. If you recently bought a dog from such pet store but are worried to leave them behind whenever you're away, a service... Read more

August 14, 2015 Lifestyle

Warren G Recalls Trying To Mediate Tupac & Biggie, An Untold Feud Behind Regulate (Audio)

In honor of his just-released Regulate…G Funk Era Pt. 2 EP, Warren G took the guest seat on the Combat Jack Show. The Long Beach, California MC/producer/DJ tells the show several times, that he is planning a book. This interview, (later featuring actor R. Marcus Taylor ("Suge Knight" in Straight... Read more

August 14, 2015 Audio

Kevin Hart & Ice Cube Are Going For Another Ride and It’s a Wild One (Video)

After the blockbuster success of their movie Ride Along, the sequel to Kevin Hart and Ice Cube's buddy/cop movie was fast-tracked. Ride Along 2 is set to hit theaters in January 2016 and it looks to be a wild ride. Unlike with the first installment which was set in LA,... Read more

August 13, 2015 Video

Disclosure Are Willing & Able to Keep the Soulful Music Coming (Video)

The brothers Howard and Guy Lawrence, who form the duo Disclosure, have shown a taste for soulful beats and voices, from Sam Smith to Mary J. Blige. Even when they've turned the reins over for remixes of their smash "Latch," by the likes of DJ Premier, they've maintained the same... Read more

August 13, 2015 Video

Imagine Losing the Right to Biggie’s Record Deal Over a Dice Game. Bonz Malone Speaks (Video)

Bonz Malone has one of the most distinguished pedigrees in Hip-Hop journalism. In addition to the screenwriting and acting accolades he's amassed for films like Slam and Brooklyn Babylon, he is an author and has written for Vibe, Spin and The Source. After his stint at The Source in the... Read more

August 13, 2015 Video

Re: Definition: How Toys Are Changing the Conversation About Gender (Video)

Earlier this month, a major retailer announced it would be doing away with gender-specific signage in some of its aisles, which means that no longer will things like bedding or toys be organized by "Boy" or "Girl." It is the latest development in a nationwide conversation about gender that has... Read more

August 13, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Prince Paul Slices Into A Stack Of Wax By Camp Lo, Inspectah Deck & Big L (Mix)

It's been since April that the devastating Prince Paul gave Heads another latest installment of It's Not The Size Of Your Mix, It's How You Use It. The free-form mix series by the Stetsasonic/Gravediggaz member returns, with #4. Clocking just under 40 minutes, this version finds the onetime Tommy Boy... Read more

August 13, 2015 Mixes