Fresh Archives

Action Bronson Talks Visual Cookbook & Menu, How His Mom Laced Alchemist (Video)

Just one day old, Action Bronson's major label full-length debut Mr. Wonderful appears to be met with early praise. Speaking on the HOT 97 Morning Show on release day (March 23), Action Bronson, joined by friend/collaborator Alchemist expounded on the VICE/Atlantic Records album's culinary component. Bronson revealed that three highly-touted... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Ludacris Deploys A Slow Flow To Talk About The Smoke & Mirrors Of The Rap Game (Audio)

Ludacris' ninth solo LP, Ludaversal (March 31) is one week away. Within the album, the Rap mainstay has one song that reflects on his journey, and the stresses that come with a sustainable career in the industry. Listening to a superstar whine might not be appealing or original in theory,... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

yU & Slimkat’s 1978ers Get Celestial While Tracking The Distance In Far (Video)

Diamond District is a heralded group with two celebrated studio albums, and a remix effort that excites as much as any in the last few calendars. However, outside the group, Oddisee, X.O., and yU beautifully exercise their individually. For the last of the three, yU, he regularly channels a Spoken... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Yazz The Greatest aka Hakeem from Empire is a Real MC. Just Watch His Freestyle (Video)

Many do not know the name Yazz the Greatest, but the name Hakeem Lyon, along with the hit show Empire, has taken the nation by storm. Before embodying Hakeem, Bryshere Gray was an MC from West Philadelphia who went by the name Yazz the Greatest. Yazz recently visited the Sway... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…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 23, 2015 Throwback

Action Bronson & Chance Let Their Soul Glow In Spoofing “Coming To America” (Video)

An homage to the Eddie Murphy led film, Coming To America, Action Bronson and Chance The Rapper take their version across the Atlantic to Albania in visuals for Bronsonelli's single, "Baby Blue." After an inexpensive haircut and a jabberjawing session about the upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao fight, Bronson flips his script in... Read more

March 23, 2015 The Bridge, Video

J. Cole Leads a Slave Uprising in His Latest Visual. The Revolution is Televised (Video)

J. Cole has released a new music video for "G.O.M.D." off of his 2014 Forest Hills Drive album. While the song itself may put Heads in a party vibe with the bouncy beat and catchy hook, the visual is more thought-provoking, as it's set during slavery times in the South.... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Producer J-Zone Speaks on Classic Break Beats and How to Chop Samples (Video Premiere)

For more than 15 years, Queens, New York's J-Zone has had a career in music that is as unconventional as his sound. A lover of records, both old Funk, R&B, and other sources of breaks, as well as rugged Hip-Hop (Ultramagnetic MC's, Mob Style, C-Bo), Zone's entrance into the industry... Read more

March 23, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

The Cold Crush Brothers Defined MC’ing As We Know It. Hear Them Rock A 1982 Set (Audio)

The Cold Crush Brothers (a/k/a The Cold Crush IV) are an iconic Hip-Hop group. In the era leading up to first 12" singles, and later, full-length albums, founder DJ Tony Tone, Almighty Kay Gee, Dot-A-Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Supreme Easy A.D., Whipper Whip, DJ Charlie Chase, and other members in and... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Kool G Rap & Mic Geronimo Support Nutso On A Hardcore Queens Cut (Audio)

Kool G Rap may have the Midas touch of cosigns. From Nas to Papoose, Large Professor to MF Grimm, the Kool Genius has an ear for fellow lyricists on the come-up. Fellow Queens, New Yorker Nutso is far from new, having worked with G, along with Trae Tha Truth, Psycho... Read more

March 22, 2015 Audio

Snoop Dogg Developing New HBO Series With Makers Of Menace II Society & Boondocks

In the last 15 years, Snoop Dogg has launched two television series: the 2002-2003 MTV-spawned "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle" and the 2007-2008 two-season go for E!, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood." Neither show made it past 18 episodes, respectively. However, the Long Beach, California Hip-Hop icon is not done. According to The... Read more

March 21, 2015 News, TV

Ever See Eminem’s Lyrical Explosion on This Classic Biggie Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at a young Eminem going absolutely berserk on the classic "Kick in the Door" beat that DJ Premier produced for The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die. Although it's unclear when the footage was recorded it looks to be from the early 2000s. Marshall appears... Read more

March 21, 2015 Throwback

From Beats To Rhymes, Breakin’ To Graffiti, The Latino Contribution To Hip-Hop Is Explored (Audio)

One of the more anticipated pieces of Hip-Hop coverage over the last week was Latino USA's (an NPR-backed podcast show) "A Latino History Of Hip-Hop." As promised by video trailer, part 1 premiered yesterday (March 20), with part 2 reportedly coming online by late April. Producers Daisy Rosario and Marlon... Read more

March 21, 2015 Audio, Food for Thought, Fresh

The Fresh Prince Might Enjoy This Prank Call Into C-SPAN Live (Video)

Since 1979, C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) has been a channel that many TV-goers may surf right over on their way to reality TV, prime-time drama, sports, and other remote destinations. However, the Washington D.C. based network is a media mainstay, covering U.S. Congress and other major political and social... Read more

March 20, 2015 Fresh

Styles P Calls In A Ghost Attack With 2 New Freestyles (Audio)

For the second consecutive weekend, Styles P refuses to go quietly. Following last week's "Still Bangin' Freestyle," the Yonkers, New York blesses some industry beats with his street-tested wisdom. Dropping two Friday efforts, "Ghost Pills" adds the D-Block touch to Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions." "Bad Ass Ghost" is a... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio

MC Eiht, Blu & Kam Come Together To Throw A Lyrical ‘W’ (Audio)

Growing up in the same backdrop of Los Angeles, California, MC Eiht, Kam, and Blu all illustrated the dichotomy of being a wordsmith and a gangsta rapper at the same time. For Eiht, those examples stem back to the mid-1980s in the rise of Comptons Most Wanted, reporting live about... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar…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 20, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson Really Is Mr. Wonderful To Plenty. What Can He Do For You? (Video)

More often, people are talking about "life coaches." Motivating, encouraging, at times, assertive, these people help their fellow human navigate the tricky waters of life, and come out happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. In this parody promo for Mr. Wonderful (March 23), one such life coach is none other than... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

With Millions Stuck On Her Words, Rapsody Commands The Moment (Video)

Rapsody fans know how important this week truly is. Appearing on Kendrick Lamar's record-breaking To Pimp A Butterfly as of its Monday sneak attack release, it is presumed that the Kooley High alum and Jamla Records artist is meeting many ears for the first time. However, for those who have... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Black Eyed Peas Joints & Jam (Video)

Few groups in Hip-Hop can reinvent themselves, twice. The Black Eyed Peas accomplished this, and on a major stage to boot. 1998 would prove to be a pivotal year for will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo. Six years after Will 1X and apl had signed with Eazy-E and Ruthless Records, the Atban... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Jay-Z vs. MF DOOM…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 19, 2015 Fresh

Brownsville Ka Gives Hope a Spin In The Face Of Ill Street Blues (Video)

When its made well, music can be escape. However, nobody said that escape guarantees relief. Ka (a/k/a Brownsville Ka) has built a revived solo career (post-Natural Elements) in making sparse, insightful music that shows a New York City underbelly, far removed from the doormen, yellow cabs, and posh bakeries. In... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

Freddie Gibbs & Chill Moody Join Mr. Green’s Live From The Streets (Video)

Mr. Green has travelled the world on his "Live From The Streets" video series, recording and interviewing street artists from various cities and sampling their sounds to create original Rap beats. Throughout the series he's gotten MCs including KRS-One and Vinnie Paz to rap over his beats, and this time... Read more

March 19, 2015 Video

Skillz’ Storytelling Is Vivid On This Bigger Than Life Track By BINK! (Audio)

A master of freestyles and concept tracks, sometimes it can be easy to overlook Skillz (f/k/a Mad Skillz) straightforward songs. However, one fast revisit of From Where??? and it's apparent that the Richmond, Virginia MC has many clubs in his bag of tricks. Currently doing a European arena run (as... Read more

March 19, 2015 Audio

Bounce To This Comprehensive Cash Money Records Mix, Featuring Lots Of Early Mannie Fresh Tracks (Mix)

Cash Money Records goes back a lot farther than even well-versed Hip-Hop Heads may realize. Names like Kilo G, U.N.L.V., (the late) Magnolia Shorty, and Ms. Tee span back to the early 1990s on the label started by Bryan "Birdman" Williams, and brother Ronald "Slim." Prior to the storied Universal... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Prince Paul On Which Grammy Album He Got No Credit For, Magic Of Gravediggaz (Audio)

In Hip-Hop production, Prince Paul may be one of the quiet giants. Much like some of the music he's provided for himself and others, Paul Huston is whimsical, at times silly, and yet incredibly soulful. In a sentence filled with laughter and maybe some jokes of his own, the Long... Read more

March 19, 2015 Throwback

Snoop Dogg & Uncle Charlie Wilson Revive The Funk With Retro Pharrell (Video)

Snoop Dogg & Pharrell have BUSH planned for May 12. First single "Peaches N Cream" shows that this is a major progression from Tha Doggfathers 2000s-era comeback with Skateboard P. However, Snoop uses a driving bassline and a song rooted in raw attraction to take dead aim on the dance-floor.... Read more

March 18, 2015 Video

Kevin Hart Responds to Mike Epps with Raw Honesty and Defiance (Video)

Shade 45's Sway in the Morning show has become the home of some of the realest interviews in media. Many of the most poignant moments in an otherwise slew of mundane conversations, have come in the midst of discussions with the iconic Sway. His 2013 exchange with Kanye West sent... Read more

March 18, 2015 Lifestyle

The Game Reveals Details About The Documentary 2 Including Its Release Date (Video)

Last Summer, Game heated things up when he put some hard and fast details to his plans to make a sequel to his breakthrough major label debut, 2005's The Documentary. The Compton, California MC confirmed that Dr. Dre (whose relationship with Game since has been speckled in hiatuses and reunions),... Read more

March 18, 2015 Video

From DJ Quik’s Late Protege Mausberg To Sufjan Stevens, Kendrick Lamar’s Butterfly Samples Plenty (Mix)

Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly continues resonating with Heads, many of whom are still giving the just-released album a first listen. Overall, the reaction appears extremely favorable to the body of work from the Compton, California MC who in 24 hours, broke Spotify's all-time per diem stream record. With... Read more

March 18, 2015 Audio

Black Milk’s Sound Can Never Sit Still For Long. Check His Latest (Audio)

Black Milk slammed 2014 with not one, but two acclaimed albums. If There's A Hell Below is still very much a new release in heavy rotation. However, the Detroit, Michigan multi-threat cannot not make music. "I Guess" is some hear-and-now raps that reflect on Black's accomplishments, his attitudes about performing,... Read more

March 18, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Dr. Dre vs. Erick Sermon…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 18, 2015 Throwback

J. Cole Reflects On His Art & Career With Tavis Smiley (Video)

In support of his album 2014 Forest Hills Drive and its corresponding 64-city world tour, J. Cole recently gave an interview on the Tavis Smiley show. The interview touches on a few things Cole has spoken about before, but also gives fans a more introspective look at Cole's past and... Read more

March 18, 2015 Video

The Rich History of Latino Contributions to Hip-Hop Are Detailed in a New Audio Documentary (Video)

For some, the knowledge of Latinos' impact on Hip-Hop does not go much deeper than the catalogs of Fat Joe and Big Pun. However, the contribution made by Latinos to the culture is extensive and embedded in the foundation of Hip-Hop. NPR's Latino USA has put together a two-part audio... Read more

March 18, 2015 Throwback

Method Man, Snoop Dogg & Talib Kweli Signal More Game Of Thrones (Mixtape)

For the second consecutive year, HBO's "Game Of Thrones" is promoted via mixtape. Catch The Throne, Vol. 2 is a multi-genre set-up for Season 6, which hits the premium channel on April 12, 2015. All of the songs tie into themes regarding the blockbuster series, indicative of their titles. From... Read more

March 17, 2015 Mixes

Pusha T Joins Raz Simone & Leezy Soprano For A Cold-Hearted Power Play (Audio)

Although he's a thoughtful songwriter, Raz Simone has some big chips on his shoulder. The Seattle, Washington MC is coming out swinging, apparently on his April 7 EP/mixtape, Baby Jesus. For "That Ain't Love," Raz calls upon one of the archetypes of cold rap, Pusha T. The Clipse MC joins... Read more

March 17, 2015 Audio

Yelawolf Gets The Led Out As He Uncoils A Dazed & Confused Freestyle (Audio)

In 2014, Yelawolf revived his tradition of busting raps over Classic Rock tracks. Pink Floyd, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and a more contemporary backdrop in Primus were some of the textures the Alabama MC/singer sourced. In 2015, he's back at it yet again. Led Zeppelin's "Dazed & Confused" was one... Read more

March 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Bun B vs. Scarface…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 17, 2015 Fresh

Jill Scott Brings Down The House & The Tears In Her Grand Return (Video)

Jill Scott is something special. While the signs of Spring typically conjure up songs about new love, lust, or at least the pursuit—"Jilly from Philly" knows that not all are so lucky. Presumably marching towards her first album since 2011's The Light Of The Sun, the Atlantic/Warner Bros. Records star... Read more

March 17, 2015 Video

Big Shug & DJ Premier Wave The Gang Starr Flag In This Dedication To The Craft (Video)

Big Shug is more than 20 years strong in hittin' Heads off with straightforward, working man verses. The Boston, Massachusetts MC who was a member of Gang Starr prior to No More Mr. Nice Guy clearly put in his work. "I Bleed For This" focuses on that. With a slow and... Read more

March 17, 2015 Video

Ludacris, Big K.R.I.T. & Mike WiLL Make Another One For The Trunk (Audio)

While Ludacris put his first car and oft-daily driver 1993 Acura Legend on the cover of Ludaversal (which has since been altered for some reason), don't get it confused. The Disturbing Tha Peace founder, and longtime Def Jam Records superstar has a garage that looks like a baseball roster. In... Read more

March 17, 2015 Audio

Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill Album Certified Diamond By The RIAA, A 1980s Rap First!

Nearly 30 years old, the Beastie Boys' 1986 debut album, Licensed To Ill has sold 10 million copies. Officially certified diamond status, the Def Jam Records release (the only the Beasties recorded for Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin's then-label)—this is the first for the 30-plus year-old label. Jay Z, DMX,... Read more

March 16, 2015 News, Throwback

DJ Quik Talks Nate Dogg, Dr. Dre, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Eazy-E and More (Video)

DJ Quik is one of the best interviewees out right now. The same day Kendrick Lamar's early-bird release of To Pimp A Butterfly is drawing some Quik comparisons, Montreality released the interview with the Compton, California musical O.G. In this interview, Quik speaks on some highly topical issues, including T.P.A.B.,... Read more

March 16, 2015 Video

Want To Understand Lil Wayne’s $51 Million Lawsuit? Lawyer Combat Jack Breaks It Down… (Video)

Lawsuits in the entertainment media can be pretty damn confusing sometimes. Fresh off of the multi-million dollar "Blurred Lines" ruling in favor of Marvin Gaye's family/estate against Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams, and T.I., another high profile music case remains open. Currently, Lil Wayne is seeking $51 million from Cash Money... Read more

March 16, 2015 Video

Ameriie Returns With An Electrified Jam That Challenges Wallflowers (Audio)

Amerie or Ameriie—however you want to spell it in 2015, the veteran songstress still has plenty of vocal chops. Thirteen years after "Why Don't We Fall In Love," the crooner reunites with her hit-making partner Rich Harrison. "Out Loud" pulls from the Pop pocket, with a lot of energy. Ameriie... Read more

March 16, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Kanye West vs. Mos Def…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 16, 2015 Fresh

Ultramagnetic MC’s Make A Colorful Vid To Ego Trippin’ Almost 30 Years Later (Video)

The Ultramagnetic MC's debut album, 1988's Critical Beatdown may be the Bronx, New York group's most celebrated work. However, the Next Plateau Records release lacked the emerging video medium enjoyed by many other top Hip-Hop acts of the time. MC Ultra would eventually travel through several other labels in their... Read more

March 16, 2015 Throwback, Video

Did Planet Asia & Durag Dynasty Earn Just Blaze’s Liberated Instrumental? (Audio)

Three weeks ago, Just Blaze shared an illusive instrumental track in "Miracle." Courted by everybody from Jay Z to Rick Ross to Chris Brown, the song (apparently even sold at one point), the track never was recorded—so the New Jersey DJ/producer shook things up and liberated it. Demanding only MCs... Read more

March 16, 2015 Audio

Lil Fame Talks Production Techniques, M.O.P. Beginnings and Biggie Smalls (Video Premiere)

Following last week's opening entry to the "Learn From The Legends" video series (Da Beatminerz), producer Rodney Hazard stays in Brooklyn, New York to talk to another 20-plus-year innovator in Lil Fame. These days, simply "Fame," the M.O.P. co-founding MC/producer has not only supplied some of his group's biggest hits,... Read more

March 16, 2015 Exclusive, Video