Fresh Archives

Ever See the Time will.i.am Went Back to the Underground in an Epic Battle of the Beats? (Video)

In 2002, things were getting interesting for will.i.am. Early Black Eyed Peas Heads know that while the group had a major label contract and were working with stars, they were up against the ropes at A&M Records. In two albums, Will, apl.de.apl, and Taboo had not found the success that... Read more

April 26, 2015 Throwback

From Yonkers to Brooklyn: Fabolous Has Got These 90s Freestyles on Lox (Audio)

After several weeks of stellar freestyles over 90s beats, Fabolous remains at the head of the pack. Loso has delivered some of his best verses in years over tracks by Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan and Puff Daddy and the Family. His latest strikes close to home, literally and figuratively. Fab... Read more

April 25, 2015 Audio

Never Before Released Footage From Friday Rehearsals Surfaces Featuring Ice Cube & Chris Tucker (Video)

Last week, was the 20th anniversary of the release of the film Friday. Starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, the movie has become a cult classic both because of the universal themes it addressed and the authentic feeling of the hilarious dialogue. However, like most things in life, greatness often... Read more

April 25, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: None of These MCs Have Made the Top 10…Yet

Ambrosia For Heads’ Finding The GOAT series, the search for the Greatest Of All Time MC (as determined by you), began in September, 2014 and is soon down to its final 10+1 bye (Rakim, bringing the tally to 11) contestants. The MC who wins by the biggest margin in this... Read more

April 25, 2015 Fresh

Mobb Deep’s Infamous 20 Years Later is Still 1 of Hip-Hop’s Grittiest Classics (Food For Thought)

In the late 1980s, artists like Just-Ice, ScHoolly D, the Geto Boys, N.W.A., Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, and Public Enemy started testing the power of their words, profane and dense alike. The human condition was explored, and Hip-Hop planted a flag in the ground that stated—to quote Ice... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

A Love Jones: Still Getting By with Method Man & Mary J. Blige 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Released twenty years ago today (April 25, 1995), Method Man's “I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By” featuring Mary J. Blige was not the first duet in Hip-Hop, nor the first Hip-Hop love song, but it seemed to hit a particularly powerful nerve; one that reverberates... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought

GQ & Locksmith Drive Rhymes From The Backseat Of A Lyft (Video)

In the latest installment of the increasingly popular "HipHopLyft" series, Bay Area MCs Locksmith and GQ (of Jamla Records) drop conscious gems in freestyle form as they are driven around the streets of San Francisco. The two spitters both represent Team BackPack, a musical conglomerate that is dedicated to connecting... Read more

April 25, 2015 Video

Lloyd Banks Perfectly Matches The Pharcyde’s Flow on His Passin’ Me By Freestyle (Audio)

Lloyd Banks has released some of the best freestyles of the month, but he's outdone himself with the latest. Banks picks The Pharcyde's seminal "Passin' Me By" track, produced by J-Swift, and perfectly mimics the flows and cadences of multiple members of the group. As the G-Unit member tailors his... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

Styles P Has Got the Inner City Blues. What’s Going On in 2015? A Lot…(Audio)

From The D.O.C. to Scarface, Spice 1 to Yasiin Bey, Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" has been the source of some of Hip-Hop's most meditative songs. The dark chords from the original pulled one of Gaye's deepest performances from him, as he pondered the ills of ghettos across America. Styles... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Colorfully Lives The Good Life In His Latest Single (Video)

Curren$y's Even More Saturday Night Car Tunes keeps making its rounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana veteran takes the Cool & Dre-produced single "Rhymes Like Weight," and hustles the visual—a colorful portrait of his life at the top of the indie Rap scene. Career and fans have been kind to Spitta,... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Yelawolf & Eminem Serve Revenge Cold With Red Hot Flows (Video)

Yelawolf has released the official video for "Best Friend," his mournful prayer with Eminem. The song is part sorrowful reflection and part vengeful sermon about past transgressions each has suffered the forthcoming consequences for their enemies--a one way trip for a meeting with the Maker. Staying with the theme of... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Andre 3000…Who You Got?

We have reached the final match up in Round 4 of the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim received a bye for the round), things came down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 24, 2015 Throwback

Few MCs Can Flow on a Big Daddy Kane Classic. Jadakiss is One of Them (Audio)

"Raw," "Ain't No Half Steppin'," "Smooth Operator"...Those are Big Daddy Kane classics, for sure, but for many Heads there is no finer lyrical performance from Kane than the one he dropped on 1989's "Young, Gifted and Black." There was no hook, no smooth R&B, just BDK detonating a two minute... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

Freddie Gibbs Delivers A Serpent Sermon In His Latest Visual (Video)

Freddie Gibbs unleashes a new video for his song "Pronto," the title song of his recent EP. The song offers an even more aggressive tone than usual from the Gary, Indiana native. The video shows Gansta Gibbs in a tub full of snakes and surrounded by tempting women. Possible metaphors... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Did You Know Erick Sermon Could Have Signed Biggie? The Green Eyed Bandit Speaks (Video)

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Erick Sermon. The Green Eyed bandit has launched a new collection of Hip-Hop rugs called Def Rugs, and is releasing ESP, his first album since 2004's Chilltown, New York, in June. E Double sat down with Sway and covered a... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Fashawn’s Touching Single Is A Strong Vignette About Young, Black Fatherhood (Video)

Within Fashawn's The Ecology, "Higher" is one of the everlasting gems. Fashawn looks at fathers—as a parent himself, with some profound insights. The song is personal, heartfelt, and touching. To core fans of the Fresno, California MC, the DJ Exile-produced "Higher" is a deep extension of his Boy Meets World... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Do Remember: De La Soul & Camp Lo’s So Good (Audio)

Since Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, Tommy Boy Records has been in on the ground floor of helping out Heads "looking for the perfect beat." Tom Silverman's independent label may have started with Dance music roots, but the label proved to be one of the truly trustworthy imprints, supplying... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

The People Talk to Raekwon About Ice Cream on YouTube. The Chef Talks Back (Video)

It's been a long 20 years, but Raekwon's "Ice Cream" is still cold. The Wu-Tang Clan posse cut celebrating the ethnic diversity of female fans remains a popular draw on YouTube. Chef Rae joins Noisey to respond to some thirsty comments from the video site. Comments range from the deep,... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Kendrick Lamar and Glasses Malone Search for Harmony Over a Bone Thugs Inspired Track (Audio)

Although there have been a slew of freestyles over classic Hip-Hop tracks from the 90s lately, Glasses Malone's "Thuggin'" featuring Kendrick Lamar is something different. The two MCs come together on an interpolation of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's seminal "Foe Tha Love of $" and flip the script. Rather than a celebration... Read more

April 23, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): KRS-One vs. Guru…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 23, 2015 Throwback

Nas & AZ’s Illmatic Collabo Was Supposed to Be Over Juicy. Hear What Could Have Been (Audio)

Though the sample has now been used countless times, Heads will forever associate the deep bass line and knock from Mtume's "Juicy Fruit" with The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Juicy" flip on his debut album, Ready to Die. However, a lesser known fact is that the song was originally supposed to be... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

Twista & Do Or Die Give Fans That Classic Chi City Choppin’ (Audio)

The appeal in a Twista & Do Or Die joint EP lies in the fact that both of these acts have been pioneering voices from Chicago, Illinois. With that effort, these West Side Chi City stars helped define a style, an attitude, and a po' pimp grit that remains integral... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio

Knxwledge Lives Out His Hud Dreems After Producing Rap’s A-List (Audio)

Los Angeles, California-residing producer Knxwledge has been an active member of his city's eclectic beat/instrumental scene. His distinct method of blending Jazz record, psychadelic riffs and unique rhythms have gained him quite a bit notoriety and Hip-Hop heads may recognize him for his work with noteworthy MCs like Kendrick Lamar,... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio, Fresh

King Los May Be A Freestyles & Songwriter Double-Threat (Video)

The freestyle is its own animal. So many of the masters of improvisational rhyme in Hip-Hop have proven to struggle in making thoughtful, lyrically-sharp albums—at least by the people's standards. King Los has everybody in suspense as he takes his strong track record from the freestyle and mixtape circuits to... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Here’s an Amazing New Film About the Evolution of Hip-Hop Radio in the 80s (Video)

Red Bull Music has put together an amazing new documentary about the evolution of Hip-Hop radio in the 80s. Titled Revolutions On Air: The Golden Era of New York Radio 1980 - 1988, the short film serves as an in-depth look at some of the key personalities responsible for bringing... Read more

April 22, 2015 Throwback

Kurupt & Tha Alkaholiks Show Diamond D A West Coast Party (Video)

Celebrating all regions, eras, and styles, Diamond D's The Diam Piece continues to knock on doors, and knock in systems. In an onslaught of visuals, the Diggin' In The Crates co-founder heads to sunny California to link with longtime collaborators Tha Alkaholiks, and Kurupt. The video and the song ("We... Read more

April 22, 2015 Video

Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa’s Chemistry Never Rests, Even If They Do (Audio)

After a friendly, little conversation on Twitter, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa have leaked another single from their newest project, #2009. Heads have seen and heard Jet Life and Taylor Gang collaborate on numerous singles and celebrated mixtapes like their 2009 joint project How Fly, but after the release of "Uber... Read more

April 22, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Eminem vs. DMX…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 22, 2015 Fresh

De La Soul & Nas Are Hip-Hop Gods & Their Collaboration Is Heavenly (Audio)

De La Soul and Nas have been two of the most dependable sources of Hip-Hop music, with nearly 50 years, combined. Crossing paths in one of 2015's biggest collaborations so far, Posdnous, Dave, Maseo, and Nasir sound incredible together on "God It." Presumably the first 2015 public presentation from De... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Slick Rick’s Great Adventures Cross Paths In Miami With Dynas (Premiere)

Slick Rick does not make many guest appearances—it is part of what makes the storyteller laureate so great. However, MC Ricky D must like South Florida veteran MC Dynas, as he starts the party on "Who U?" The rapped story finds Rick in Miami, Florida, at a gym off of... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

J. Cole Unleashes a New Visual About Young Love…Literally (Video)

Last year's 2014 Forest Hills Drive album fully-delivered on the promise J. Cole has shown since the days of his mixtape, The Warm Up. That project put Cole on the map of Heads all over the world, including that of Jay Z. After a couple of major label releases that... Read more

April 21, 2015 Video

ONYX Are Back and Ready to Revolt Against All Corrupt Authorities (Audio)

Since the days of "Slam," ONYX have always made fighting music. As the years have progressed, so has the message for Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr. The two have returned with more riot music but the target is very different than before. "Against All Authorities," their new release and the... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Fifteen Years Later, Love & Basketball Still Endures (Lifestyle)

Fifteen years ago this month, Gina Prince-Bythewood made her directorial debut with Love & Basketball. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, the film became a quintessential love story for an entire generation of fans unused to seeing faces of color in this context on the silver screen. The Shadow League... Read more

April 21, 2015 Lifestyle

Yelawolf & Eminem Go Behind The Love Story (Video)

Last week Yelawolf released his single featuring Eminem, "Best Friend," and today (April 21) he has officially released his second studio album on Shady Records, Love Story. While on set filming a music video for "Best Friend," Yelawolf & Eminem made a quick video to remind fans to buy the... Read more

April 21, 2015 Video

AZ, DJ Premier & Joe Budden Put It Down For MoSS’s Breakthrough (Audio)

Heads may or may not be up on MoSS, yet... Working closely with DJ Premier and Year Round Records for years, the Toronto, Ontario producer has produced for certified lyrical vets such as Ghostface Killah, Sean Price, and Big Shug. Having also contributed a full project with Eternia (2010's At... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Raekwon & A$AP Rocky Draw Parallels In Their Path To Stardom (Audio)

As 2015 continues to be a year of consistent Hip-Hop success, founding Wu-Tang member Raekwon has graced his fans with another release from his upcoming solo album Fly International Luxurious Art (F.I.L.A) (April 29) his first since his 2011 acclaimed LP, Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang. In the song "I Got Money," Raekwon... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Big Daddy Kane vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 21, 2015 Throwback

RJD2 Returns To Full MC Albums. Catch A Glimpse With STS (Audio)

The nostalgic production of RJD2 blends with the easygoing yet rousing wordplay of STS (a/k/a Sugar Tongue Slim) in their latest collaboration “420," released on the calendar date. In their past work together, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based tandem have blessed Heads with soulful joints such as “See You Leave” (From RJD2's... Read more

April 21, 2015 Audio

Tech N9ne & Eminem Break Down Their New Collaboration On Sway In The Morning (Video)

People are still reacting to the new Tech N9ne single, "Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)" featuring Eminem & Krizz Kaliko. Tech N9ne was just on Sway in the Morning a few days ago to talk about his upcoming album, Special Effects, and he returned to the show on April 20 to... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform Crossroads on ESPN’s Sports Nation (Video)

The NBA Playoffs are upon us—and if you didn't know, Blake Griffin rattled the universe and the rim with three monstrous dunks Sunday night (April 19). The Los Angeles Clippers star Center made an example of several San Antonio Spurs in their 107-92 win, arguably none more than Aron Baynes.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Showtime Is Releasing a Documentary on Allen Iverson. Watch the Trailer (Video)

Along with Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson is one of the first athletes of the Hip-Hop generation who wore the culture on his sleeve. From the cornrows to the saggy jeans, The Answer was a rebel who compromised for no one. That attitude made Iverson a force on the court, but... Read more

April 20, 2015 Lifestyle

Killer Mike Celebrates His Birthday With Flair (Video)

It's been quite some time since Killer Mike released solo material, in lieu of his work with El-P as part of Run the Jewels. Even Mike's last solo album, R.A.P. Music was like an RTJ project, as it was completely produced by El-P. On his birthday, however, it's all about... Read more

April 20, 2015 Video

Two Decades Later, Does Grandmama Still Fly? Larry Johnson Speaks (Video)

Along with commercials like Michael Jordan's "Be Like Mike" Gatorade campaign and Anfernee Hardaway's "Lil Penny" series, few basketball ads from the 90s are more iconic than Larry Johnson's "Grandmama" campaign for Converse. The series launched during Johnson's rookie year with the Charlotte Hornets in 1991-92. The spots featured LJ... Read more

April 20, 2015 Lifestyle

Audio Push Are Sending Out “Good Vibes” On Their New Mixtape (Audio)

Audio Push, the talented California duo of dancers turned MCs, have released a mixtape carrying on a tradition established by West Coast pioneers like Dr. Dre and Cypress Hill, celebrating the medicinal herb. With their mixtape The Good Vibe Tribe, Hit-Boy's HS87 signees have delivered a wide-ranging project that flows... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

Here’s a Look at the Real-Life Settings for Some of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Album Covers (Photo)

Part of the experience of enjoying an album, Hip-Hop or otherwise, is taking in the cover art that comes with the music. Technology and the Internet have made it so that fewer people actually pay attention to the cover art when they download an album, but recently the internet gave... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

DJ Premier Remixes Lion Babe’s Pharrell-Produced Single (Audio)

From Limp Bizkit to Craig David, Macy Gray to Christina Aguilera, when DJ Premier steps out of Hip-Hop, it's usually significant, and it usually bridges audiences. Premo took the Pharrell-produced "Wonder Woman" for eclectic non-Rap duo Lion Babe, and slowed things down with those hard drums and carefully programmed accents.... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

From Rap God to Speed Demon. Tech N9ne & Eminem Flow Furiously (Audio)

After more than a decade of trying to make it happen, Tech N9ne has finally been able to collaborate with Eminem for the first time since they were on Sway & Tech's "The Anthem" in 1999. Since then, Eminem has set the world record for the amount of words per... Read more

April 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big K.R.I.T.…Who You Got?

We have now reached the critical Round 4 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim receives a bye for the round), things are really coming down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 20, 2015 Fresh

This Throwback Hip-Hop VIDEO Mix Will Blow Your Mind (Video)

Here's an absolutely devastating throwback Hip-Hop video mix from UK DJ E Double D. The mix and song selection, from the late 80s and early 90s, would be enough but, the added layer of overlaying visuals takes it to a completely different level. E Double pulls out clips featuring Eric... Read more

April 20, 2015 Throwback

Lloyd Banks Drops a Killer Freestyle on a Vintage Dr. Dre Beat (Audio)

Of the many 90s Hip-Hop freestyles over the last few weeks, Lloyd Banks has released some of the best. After tackling classics by Black Moon and Raekwon, Banks sets his sights to the Left Coast and unleashes a powerhouse verse over the "Serial Killa" track Dr. Dre produced for Snoop... Read more

April 19, 2015 Audio