Fresh Archives

Masta Ace Hits The Pocket With Diamond D, Cutting In Some Classic Footage (Video)

Masta Ace and Diamond D are two the greatest Hip-Hop contributions from 1989. As Masta Ace hit with "Letter To Better," Raheem dropped "I'm The King," produced by the would-be Bronx O.G. For one of 2014's sweetest long-players, The Diam Piece, these longtime collaborators linked up again for "Ace Of... Read more

March 30, 2015 Video

De La Soul Are Sampling Themselves On A New Album. But They Need Your Support (Video)

Whoa... so out of the blue, De La Soul have announced that they have a new album in the charm—their first in 11 years (see: The Grind Date). This time though, Heads don't have to wait on Tommy Boy Records, Mathew Knowles' Sanctuary Records, or even on three icons to... Read more

March 30, 2015 News, Video

Pete Rock Signals More Petestrumentals & Unleashes A 20 Year Old Groove (Audio)

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 14 years since Pete Rock released Petestrumentals. Following Jay Dee's (p/k/a J Dilla) Welcome To Detroit, Soul Brother Pete laced BBE (Barely Breaking Even) Records' Beat Generation series (Marley Marl and will.i.am were among those who would follow). Pete struck the Hip-Hop/R&B charts... Read more

March 30, 2015 Audio, News

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): DMX vs. Joe Budden…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 30, 2015 Fresh

88-Keys Talks Accidental Technique, Aiming For Life-Changing Beats (Video Premiere)

The last in the four-part "Learn From Legends" video series (which all premiered on Ambrosia For Heads), producer Rodney Hazard sat in with Harlem-based producer/MC 88-Keys. With work back to the late 1990s, 88-Keys' story surrounds luminaries in every pocket of Hip-Hop, from Kanye West and Jay Z, to J-Live... Read more

March 30, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Murs Drops a Song About Seizing Control of Your Own Destiny (Audio)

Murs just released a new single off his upcoming solo debut on Strange Music, Have A Nice Life, set to be released on May 19. The song, "No More Control", features MNDR on the chorus and finds Murs giving his two cents on seizing control of your own destiny over... Read more

March 30, 2015 Audio

Remember Mixtape Wiz Khalifa? He’s Back…With Curren$y (Audio)

Before the Pop charts and the Gold plaques, Wiz Khalifa was one of the most revered MCs on the mixtape circuits. Projects like Burn After Rolling and Kush & Orange Juice help to launch one of Hip-Hop's most distinctive voices into orbit. Wiz's laid-back flow and penchant for soulful tracks... Read more

March 30, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar is Running Hip-Hop…Literally. Watch Clips From His Mobile Concert (Video)

Kendrick Lamar and Reebok partnered for a unique showcase featuring what might be Kendrick's first live performances from his new album To Pimp a Butterfly. They selected 100 guests to try out their new ZPump Fusion shoe in a 5K race. Unbeknownst to the guests the soundtrack for the race... Read more

March 29, 2015 Video

Charles Hamilton Takes Over a Jay Z Classic With a Complex Off the Top Freestyle (Video)

A couple of weeks ago, Charles Hamilton slayed Sway's Five Fingers of Death Freestyle challenge. He went completely off the top for nearly 7 minutes over not five but EIGHT different beats. At the end, he said he wanted one more...and the video cut off. Now, that last freestyle has... Read more

March 29, 2015 Video

Ever See This Early 90s 8-Minute Wu-Tang Clan Cypher? You Should…(Video)

When rhymes are razor sharp, there's no need for a track, a beat or even a hand clap. Wu-Tang Clan make that abundantly clear in this eight minute, a cappella cypher from their days in the early 90s. Video Fusion caught up with The Clan in what looks to be... Read more

March 28, 2015 Throwback

Remy Ma Takes Beats But No Prisoners on Her Truffle Butter Freestyle (Audio)

Remy Ma and Nicki Minaj are cool in real life, but on wax? Remy takes no prisoners. She does take beats, though, and for her latest she jack's Ms. Minaj's red hot Nineteen-85-produced "Truffle Butter" track. Remy the Ruler wastes no time serving notice to ALL of her peers, saying... Read more

March 28, 2015 Audio

Logic Brings the Pain With a Freestyle Over a Method Man Classic (Video)

Several of the best freestyles of the past year have come courtesy of Logic. He's ripped mics for Sway, LA Leakers and even the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher. Part of what makes his verses so special is his seamless ability to flip from written to "off the top" rhymes.... Read more

March 28, 2015 Video

Fabolous Jumps on Mobb Deep’s Shook Ones II and Goes Berserk (Audio)

What is it about Mobb Deep's Shook Ones II instrumental that brings out the best in MCs? Prodigy and Havoc's original version is an enduring classic and, of course, the track also elicited Kendrick Lamar's epic 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher. Now, Fabolous has chosen the track as the... Read more

March 28, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear This Mix of Jay Z Mashups with Songs By Biggie, 50 Cent, Whodini, The D.O.C., Soul II Soul and More? (Mixtape)

Here's a look back at a mixtape of Jay Z mashups put together by DJ Lennox. He takes thirty of Jay's choicest vocals and seamlessly blends them with songs made by Biggie, 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Whodini, Afrika Bambaataa, Musiq Soulchild, The Beatles, The D.O.C., Busta Rhymes, Soul II Soul... Read more

March 28, 2015 Mixes

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Eminem vs. Talib Kweli…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 27, 2015 Fresh

Bumpy Knuckles & Big Daddy Kane Scorch Mics Over An Oddisee Beat (Audio)

For Heads paying attention, Bumpy Knuckles' Soundcloud page is the place to be. The Long Island, New York MC/producer regularly shares gems from his 29 years of catalog. From circa the mid-2000s, Freddie Foxxx shares a track ("The Fires Gettin' High") he made with his longtime friend Big Daddy Kane.... Read more

March 27, 2015 Audio

Tech N9ne Takes A Venting Session & Translates It To A Monster MC Moment (Video)

Despite the make-up, the merchandise, and all the trimmings of self-made wealth, Tech N9ne is a minimalist. His new single "Aw Yeah? (interVENTion)" does not have a catchy beat at all. The song does not have a high concept, a catchy chorus, or a broad purpose. Instead, the Strange Music... Read more

March 27, 2015 Video

Ludacris’ Personal Revelations Come To Life With The Roots’ Support (Video)

Ludacris truly seems to have something special with Ludaversal (March 31). The DTP founder's most honest, most vulnerable, and most courageous album to date comes at a time when Heads may not be expecting it from him. After all, Luda' seemingly has it all already, after 15 years running things—different... Read more

March 27, 2015 Video

Chance The Rapper Confronts Suicide, Consults ‘Mr. Happy’ In Short Film (Video)

In his lead acting debut, Chancellor Bennett (a/k/a Chance The Rapper) takes the role as a nervous supply store employee in the short film, Mr. Happy. The mini-movie itself is exceptionally shot by director and friend to Mr. Bennett, Colin Tilley. The plot captures a deeply sad Chance The Rapper... Read more

March 26, 2015 Fresh, Video

Styles P Snatches Drake’s Beat For An Energetic Freestyle (Audio)

Drake's given everybody "Energy" on If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Styles P has energy to give, and he takes the Boi-1da-produced beat, and gives a 90 second verbal massage. With emphasized bars and that signature cadence, S.P. The Ghost has really dazzled late March with a series of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Eternal E: Remembering Eazy-E’s Massive Contributions 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Eazy-E, who was only 31 when he died 20 years ago today (March 26, 1995), was considered one (if not the) progenitor of West Coast Gangsta Rap. As a record label executive, he established a blueprint for future young, Black entrepreneurs. As a member of N.W.A., he helped lend a... Read more

March 26, 2015 Food for Thought

Rediscover Madlib’s Yesterdays’ New Quintet Thanks To Stones Throw (Audio)

Madlib. Quasimoto. The Loop Digga. The man born Otis Jackson, Jr. has many names, identities, and personas. Back in the early 2000s, one of Madlib quietly emerged with one of his most illusive groups, Yesterday's New Quintet. A consummate sampler, Madlib began experimenting with a Fender Rhodes keyboard. As Stones... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Dr. Dre Says Straight Outta Compton Will Clarify N.W.A.’s Perceived Misogyny (Video)

Among N.W.A.'s legendary tracks are "Just Don't Bite It," "Findum, Fuckum & Flee," and the interlude, "To Kill A Hooker." Nearly 25 years after the group famously disbanded, Dr. Dre says that the perceived misogyny behind the lyrics and music by himself, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Audio Two’s Milk Dee Is Still Top Billin’, With Sean Price & Murda Mook (Audio)

Not only is Audio Two's 1987 "Top Billin'" a Rap/Hip-Hop classic, Milk Dee and Gizmo's moment in the sun remains an early and critical representation of Brooklyn, New York. From Big Daddy Kane to Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G. to Foxy Brown, top billin' is a style, an attitude, and... Read more

March 26, 2015 The Bridge

Joey Bada$$ Goes To Town With A Freestyle Over Dre & Premier Beats (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ seemingly never is too fatigued for a freestyle. The Brooklyn, New Yorker who emerged from hallway cyphers and throwback-minded Rap activities is true to form. Stopping through the L.A. Leakers radio show, the hosts throw down some plates of production from the era Joey pulls from. Nimbly, he... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

J. Cole & Cozz Showcase That Dreams Can Come True (Video)

Buzzing Dreamville signee Cozz drops the visual for the “Knock Tha Hustle Remix," a single off of his Cozz And Effect project, adding two standout verses to the inspiring visual. As on the digital album, the South Central Los Angeles MC gets his man J. Cole to spit the imagery of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Wale & Jerry Seinfeld Chat About Nothing…Or The Significance Of White Sneakers (Video)

After acclaimed mixtapes, Wale's first "Seinfeld"-inspired LP, Album About Nothing is less than one week away (March 31). The comedian behind the hit 1990s NBC sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld, has been in Wale's corner the last year, after the two met way back. In concept, "album about nothing" pulls from the... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Did You Know DJ Premier & Large Professor Share A Birthday? DJ Eclipse Does (Mix)

While DJ Premier remixed plenty of classic artists spanning three decades and nearly every genre, when it came to Gang Starr, remixes weren't typically the move—especially by another beat-maker. There were some exceptions however, and one trusted person who remixed one particular rare a la carte 1992 single ("Gotta Get... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: DJ Yella & Kokane – 4 Tha E (Eazy-E Tribute) (Video)

Today (March 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Eric "Eazy-E" Wright. The founder of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records left a crater on the face of modern music as we know it. The Compton, California native not only made the SoCal city a household name 25 years before... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): LL Cool J vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Run The Jewels & Zack De La Rocha Fight Back Against Police Brutality (Video)

You may have recognized the song in recent Under Armour commercials, now Run The Jewels have released an official music video for "Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)" featuring Zack De La Rocha. While neither Killer Mike, El-P or De La Rocha are actually in the video, their song... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Is Off To The Library Of Congress

Every year, the Library Of Congress Archives deems select works of art worthy of immortal preservation. Musically, these elite few are the albums, songs, scores, and compositions worthy of timeless consideration, analysis, and curation. Just 17 years old, Lauryn Hill's solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill now carries this... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

G-Unit With The Roots? Why Hasn’t This Happened Before? (Video)

For the last 15 years—and pretty much always—G-Unit and The Roots have been across the room from each other in Hip-Hop. While 50 Cent and Questlove are two of the more outspoken voices in the genre, the Philadelphia Grammy Award-winning band and the Queens, New York multi-platinum collective are really... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Kurupt’s In A Foul Mood. He, J. Wells & Roscoe Make A Groove About It (Audio)

Sometimes MCs benefit from having a chip on their shoulder. Nearly 15 years ago, Kurupt took his frustrations with people trying to holler at his girl (then Foxy Brown), feeling neglected as a West Coast artist, and not feelin' the 2Pac imitations, and made "Callin' Out Names." While the song... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson & Chance The Rapper Get Blue On Letterman (Video)

As part of his media runs promoting the new album Mr. Wonderful, Action Bronson stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman to perform. He was joined by Chance The Rapper, and together they performed the single "Baby Blue", with Bronsonelli getting a little soulful with the vocals. Check out... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

A Kendrick Lamar/Jerry Seinfeld Mashup? So Wrong…But Hard Not to Listen (Audio)

You know an album has impact when mashups of its songs are being created just a week after its release. Last week, in a sneak attack, Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album took critics and fans alike by storm. The album has been nearly unanimously praised for the depth... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Emilio Rojas and Joell Ortiz Rap About Growing Up with Nada…and Overcoming (Video)

Emilio Rojas released a new music video for "Nada" featuring Joell Ortiz, off his upcoming project L.I.F.E.. The song features Emilio and Joell rapping about their living situations while growing up and their everyday hustle to make ends meet. Meanwhile the video, directed by A New Vision, follows two kids... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Hit-Boy Is Not Your Average Producer/MC. His Lessons From Early Kanye Show (Video)

Fifteen years ago, Kanye West came into Hip-Hop producing for MCs who had very different surroundings and inspiration than him (Beanie Sigel, Jay Z, Dilated Peoples). By the time it came to record his own music, the same quality sounds were there, but 'Ye's message and story stood apart in... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Ludacris Says Don’t Get It Confused, He Keeps It Realer Than Most Rappers (Video)

Although Heads are only learning it weeks before the album, Ludaversal (March 31) appears to be Ludacris' stripped down album. Like the 22 year-old "daily driver" Acura on the album cover, Ludacris seems to be all about being himself on his ninth Def Jam Records effort. Yesterday (March 24), Heads... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Method Man vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 25, 2015 Fresh

Tink Reworks A Biggie Favorite With A Timbaland Beat & Big Budget Visual (Video)

Tink has been an eye and ear-grabbing sensation in R&B/Pop for nearly a year. Timbaland's singing pupils rival, if not eclipse some of his Rap proteges over the last 20 years. Tink is a bit of both, delivering an amalgam of genres, attitudes, and styles in one dynamic musical package.... Read more

March 25, 2015 The Bridge, Video

Action Bronson & Earl Sweatshirt Are The Talk Of Rap. Alchemist Got ‘Em Together (Audio)

This week saw the release of Action Bronson's Mr. Wonderful and Earl Sweatshirt's I Don't Like Shit: I Don't Go Outside. Joined by last week's To Pimp A Butterfly album by Kendrick Lamar, and March will be a hard month to top for 2015 Hip-Hop. Rather notably, all of these... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Sean Price Has Fun With Words. Check The Intricacy Of His Latest Verbal Scribble (Audio)

Sean Price, for 20 years deep in the game being arguably the sharpest lyricist within Boot Camp Clik, isn't somebody who loves grand explanations. After all, 10 years ago, the Heltah Skeltah MC made an incredible comeback with a straightforward, deadpan, and self-deprecating LP in Monkey Barz. While there were... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Big Daddy Kane Names His List of the Greatest MCs of All-Time. Who Made the Cut? (Video)

"Me, KRS and Rakim changed the whole way people rhymed..."--Big Daddy Kane Big Daddy Kane is widely considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all-time and, for many, he is the GOAT. So, when Kane speaks about his list of Hip-Hop's best lyricists, it takes on a different... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

There’s a Reason Why Nas Signed Bishop Nehru. Just Listen (Audio)

Imagine you're an 18-year old up and coming MC and you get the opportunity to work with DOOM...and Nas decides to sign you. Those dreams come true represent just a portion of the good tidings that have come to Bishop Nehru over the last few years. The Rockland County, NY... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

The LOX Tear Down a Classic Gap Band Beat (Audio)

In seemingly any situation, The LOX show up. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch give emerging MC/producer Duane DaRock all the right moves on Da Resume, Vol. 2 mixtape cut "That Money." The song, which basically lifts a timeless bassline from Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band has that blend-tape... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big Daddy Kane vs. Kool G Rap…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Rapper Big Pooh Releases His Finest Music Since Little Brother (Album Stream)

Rapper Big Pooh has had a host of quality releases since his days with vaunted group Little Brother with Phonte and 9th Wonder. From 2005's Sleepers to his entire Fat Boy Fresh series, Pooh has stayed working. However, his recent union with Apollo Brown has produced some of the best... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Celebrate Above The Law’s 25-Year Anniversary With This Killer Mixtape (Audio)

It's been 25 years since Above The Law, the group comprised of Cold187um, Laylaw, the late KMG, Go Mack and DJ Total K-Oss, released their debut album, Livin' Like Hustlers, on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. This Thursday (March 26) will also mark 20 years since Eazy-E's death. In honor of these... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Michel’le Says Suge Knight Protected Her, After Dr. Dre Broke Her Nose (Video)

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Eazy-E-'s tragic death (March 26, 1995). With Ruthless Records on the minds of many Heads, the consideration ramps up. Michel'le was an R&B star on a Hip-Hop more than a decade before that become a standard. Her multi-platinum self-titled 1989 LP was a... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video