Fresh Archives

Common & John Legend Win an Oscar and Deliver Stirring Words of Change (Video)

Last night (2/22), Common & John Legend won the Best Original Song Academy Award for their song "Glory," in the movie Selma. They've been performing the song at seemingly every major award show, including the Golden Globes and the Grammy Awards, but the artists brought renewed passion to the 87th... Read more

February 23, 2015 Video

Ever See This Freestyle with Black Thought, Phife & Consequence From 1997 (Video)

Here's a look back at a cipher between Black Thought, Phife Dawg and Consequence. The three MCs flowed off the top (for the most part) over a vicious beatbox, courtesy of Rahzel, as Questlove, Q-Tip and Ali Shaheed Muhammad looked on. Based on Consequence's verse, the moment took place in... Read more

February 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Cypher Between Tupac, Grand Puba and Treach? (Video)

Back in 1992, before the East Coast/West Coast beef was in full effect, Treach, Tupac and Grand Puba found themselves together backstage and decided to have an impromptu cipher. The moment was caught on tape and has made the rounds over the years, but it's still amazing to see the... Read more

February 21, 2015 Throwback

Could Ricky, Raheem and Cain Have Survived? OG Maco Flips the Remix (Audio)

Manolo Rose's "Run Ricky Run" is a sonic tour de force. The song taps characters and storylines from Boyz N the Hood, Menace II Society and Juice, as cautionary tales for how to survive in the streets. Rose's delivery is simultaneously jarring and intoxicating. OG Maco adds a verse to... Read more

February 21, 2015 The Bridge

DJ Quik’s Safe + Sound Still Has Groundbreaking Funk 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Beginning his musical career on the mixtape circuit in Compton, California, DJ Quik has gone on to become the most expansive signee to Profile Records. In the 25 years since, he has spent time as an “R&B pretty boy,” the creator of a Top 10 album, an independent distributor, and... Read more

February 21, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

Professor Bun B Talks Rap, Religion and Oscars with Intelligence and Humor (Video)

What isn't Bun B a novice expert on? The UGK co-founder and Trill O.G. loves sneakers, sports, street-wear, cars, music, and even film. In preparation for tomorrow's 87th Academy Awards (February 22), the Bun Beata weighs in for The Fader on who he thinks will get Oscar gold. Claiming that The... Read more

February 21, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Have Sour Soul For All To Taste (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD's Sour Soul is offered to fans for full, free stream (in mono, no less—playing into the '70s-minded themes). G.F.K.'s first Lex Records go-round, and second LP (following 36 Seasons) in three months pairs him with BadBad and Frank Dukes for an onslaught... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Fashawn’s New Album Features Nas, Busta Rhymes & More. Take a Listen (Album Stream)

Five days before release, Fashawn's sophomore solo LP, The Ecology comes to full stream. The Fresno, California MC celebrates his first go-round with Nas' Mass Appeal Records, and updates fans after a near six-year break from solo studio releases. After a Duck Down Music venture with Murs, co-signs from Wiz Khalifa,... Read more

February 20, 2015 Audio

Kanye West Says His Next Album Returns To Music, Opens Up About Class, Religion & Dame Dash (Video)

A lover of surprises, Kanye West popped in on The Breakfast Club this morning (February 20), and the superstar sat in the hot seat for nearly an hour. In a particularly light mood (especially compared to his November 2013 visit), 'Ye takes any and all questions—including some penetrating inquiries from... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Common vs. Method Man…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 20, 2015 Fresh

Mike Epps & Sway Have an Incredibly Candid Conversation About Kevin Hart and the Comedy Game (Video)

Mike Epps dropped by the Sway in the Morning show to promote his new AOL Web Series, "That's Racist." The conversation starts off with a surprisingly serious and philosophical discussion about race relations in America. Shortly thereafter, Sway makes a passing comment about Kevin Hart and Mike opens up for... Read more

February 20, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah Kicks That Street Knowledge Over Some Dusty Soul (Audio)

Ghostface Killah is on one of his best runs, yet. 2014 brought his stellar 36 Seasons album, along with his reunion with Wu-Tang Clan on A Better Tomorrow. Just two months into 2015, he's gearing up for the release of his collaborative project with BADBADNOTGOOD and, so far, the results... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Raekwon, Styles P, Sheek Louch & Vado Line Up The Lyrics For DJ Kay Slay (Audio)

DJ Kay Slay's Rolodex weighs a ton, and the Hip-Hop mainstay is never afraid to use it. The Drama King "declares war" calling in 2/3 of The LOX, along with Raekwon, Vado, and Rell. "I Declare War" is four MCs, one singer, and an iconic mixmaster/radio personality. Coming from The... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli Freestyles About Suge Knight. Too Soon? (Video)

Featured in the 2000 film, Freestyle: The Art Of Rhyme, Talib Kweli has built his skills in the cyphers, and with the impromptu improvisation that is freestyling. These days, Kwe' is busy touring, making albums, and co-running a label conglomerate. The days in the parks may be few and far... Read more

February 19, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Busta Rhymes vs. Killer Mike…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 19, 2015 Fresh

Nas & Fashawn Give Us Something To Believe In With Support From Aloe Blacc (Audio)

When he released his first album, Boy Meets World, Fashawn garnered comparisons to the introspective Nas. When Fash' followed with Ode To Illmatic mixtape, the influence was overt. Last year, Nas signed Fashawn to his Mass Appeal imprint, making the proverbial cypher complete. Clearly, Nas something in Fashawn that he... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Here’s the Inside Story of the Making of LL Cool J’s Classic Rock the Bells (Video)

In Ambrosia For Heads' ongoing GOAT ballot series to determine Hip-Hop's Greatest Of All Time MC, LL Cool J is facing off with Run (of Run-DMC) in Round 2. In this search to let fans decide the real winner, it is actually 30 years removed from a rivalry between the... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Cannibal Ox, Wu-Tang Clan’s U-God & The Artifacts Sharpen Lyrical Blades With Black Milk (Audio)

Since their inception, Cannibal Ox's influences can be traced back to the early 1990s underground Hip-Hop (before it was ever called such). Two acts who seemed to greatly influence Vast Aire and Vordul Mega are Wu-Tang Clan and The Artifacts. The latter (Tame One and El Da Sensei) join U-God... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s The Creator (Video)

In the last week, Android released a new campaign, "Handshake." Notably, phones were not (at all) featured in the one-minute television ads, but rather a series of celebrations from athletes, friends, ballet dancers, families, thespians, and so forth. Premiering during Sunday night's (February 15) NBA All-Star game/ "SNL 40," these... Read more

February 19, 2015 Throwback

Asher Roth & Nottz Blow Your Head with a Chopped Public Enemy Loop (Audio)

In the last seven years, some of Asher Roth's strongest lyrical displays, and most complete songs came from his sessions with Virginia veteran Nottz. Five (very short) years ago, the pair made The Rawth EP, and they're back at it. As Asher has veered into other genres with an over-arching... Read more

February 19, 2015 Audio

King Los Breaks a Camera While Freestyling…and Starts Rhyming About It (Video)

Battle Rap veteran Okwerdz has a web series titled Freestyle Vault where he invites MCs into the studio to rhyme, off the top, with him. For episode 15, he hosts one of the best freestylers in the game--King Los. The pair trade impromptu rhymes for the better part of 19... Read more

February 19, 2015 Video

Happy 50th Birthday to Dr. Dre. Celebrate the O.G. with This Mix (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Dr. Dre who turned 50 years young today (2/18). The first 50 years were quite a ride for Andre Young. The Doc has been behind some of the most influential artists in Hip-Hop--all Hip-Hop--from N.W.A., to Snoop Dogg, to 2Pac, to Eminem, to 50 Cent, to Game... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Logic Kicks a Fearless Off the Top Freestyle Better Than Many Writtens (Video)

Those familiar with Logic know that above else, he's about those BARS. Having thrived on the underground circuit for years, the MC also known as Young Sinatra broke through in 2014 with his top 5 debuting album, Under Pressure. The album was filled with expertly crafted and deeply personal lyrics... Read more

February 18, 2015 Video

Bobby V Channels an R. Kelly Classic for an Unbelievable Love Song (Audio)

Bobby V is a master of re-invention. The former Mista member transformed into a solo sensation with hits like "Slow Down" in the mid-00s. In the last few years, Bobby (aka Bobby Valentino) has returned to his soulful roots. His 2013 Peach Moon EP featured Bobby comfortably behind the keys... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Cypress Hill’s B-Real Grows a New Mixtape with His Greenthumb (Mixtape)

B-Real has stayed active for more than twenty years. The charismatic Cypress Hill MC has carried on tradition solo and as part of groups like Serial Killers, where he was joined by Xzibit and Demrick. He's also become a colorful interviewer in his latter years. On his latest release, he... Read more

February 18, 2015 Mixes

J-Live Salutes All The O.G. Mixtape DJs On Impacting His Direction (Audio)

J-Live is a lover of concept. A DJ (and producer, and MC), the triple-threat honors the DJ, which predates the MC, on "Red & The Kid." The song title is a tribute to DJ Red Alert and Kid Capri (as forever attached thanks to Greg Nice's booming voice). Justice recalls... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

The Very First Time Jay Z Performed On TV, They Didn’t Even Say His Name (Video)

Before 1990, Jay Z was not on too many radars. The guest on The Jaz' "Hawaiian Sophie" was in the place that a lot of hopeful artists can relate to. He had a moment in the sun (of a whimsical EMI Records single of his then-rhyme mentor), and was trying... Read more

February 18, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Bun B vs. Mystikal…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 18, 2015 Fresh

Lil Fame Remixes M.O.P.’s Welcome 2 Brooklyn & Works In A Handful Of Classics (Audio)

M.O.P. bridged the gap with "Welcome 2 Brooklyn." The Street Certified EP video single merged Mash Out with Maino, and showed the made shades of BK. Still hard at work on the Nature Sounds release (executive produced by longtime M.O.P. affiliate DJ Premier), Lil Fame (a/k/a Fizzy Womack) reworked the... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Scarface, Stalley & Troy Ave Over a DJ Premier Beat? That’s Crazy (Audio)

DJ EFN is on the precipice of releasing one of the year's best compilation albums. The LP, titled Another Time, features a smorgasbord of artists including MC Eiht, Sean Price, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked (pka Crooked I), Juvenile, Masta Ace, Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, Black Milk, Kurupt, M.O.P., Inspectah Deck... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Dizzy Wright Trains Your Mind For The Growing Process (Video)

Dizzy Wright has officially begun promotion for his upcoming sophomore album with Funk Volume, The Growing Process, as he just dropped the first single with a video for "Train Your Mind". The video features a more energetic Dizzy rapping in an empty room with his back turned to a mirror,... Read more

February 18, 2015 Video

Rare Juggaknots Demo Recordings To Release, Showing The Crew’s Magic (Audio)

If you're not up on The Juggaknots, you need to be. Back in Bobbito's Fondle 'Em Records days, the crew morphed into Underground Hip-Hop luminaries, alongside MF DOOM, The MHz (RJ2, Camu Tao, Copywrite, Tage Proto, Jakki Da Mottamouth), Kool Keith, and Cage. Originally signed to Elektra/EastWest Records, New York... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Some Unreleased Vic Mensa Surfaces on the Heels of His SNL Debut (Audio)

Vic Mensa's having quite a week. With the world television stage on "SNL40" (well, those not watching the NBA All-Star Game), Mensa joined Sia and Kanye West for a highly-stylized, deeply choreographed performance of "Wolves." With folks running to their social media to ask more about the versatile MC/singer with... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Raz Simone Catches Inspiration From Tupac’s Words In Lighting Up The Industry (Video)

Fresh off of "Macklemore & Chief Keef," Raz Simone devotes his attentions to "Drake & Macklemore's Platform." Here, the Seattle, Washington MC uses some poignant and prophetic interview footage from Tupac Shakur to explain just how lofty his goals are with the microphone, and just how hungry he is to... Read more

February 17, 2015 Video

Watch De La Soul Play A Dutch Game Show In Their Earliest Days (Video)

Twenty six years ago, De La Soul was bringin' brand new funk. The Long Island, New York collective had just released 3 Feet High And Rising on Tommy Boy Records, which was a Top 25 debut on its March 3 release. Posdnuos (or Posdnous), Trugoy, and Maseo were still getting... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kendrick Lamar vs. Royce Da 5’9″…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 17, 2015 Fresh

Yelawolf Continues His Blues Rock Romp with Whiskey in a Bottle (Audio)

Yelawolf's sound continues to evolve. "Whiskey In A Bottle," his official new single, employs the hard percussion Heads heard in Yela's work with Travis Barker and the bluesy rock for which the MC has had a taste as of late, but the Gadsden, Alabama MC maintains his prickly flow, chip... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Flip Flips Ill Beats With Elzhi, Edo. G, A.G. & Guilty Simpson Flipping Bars (Album Stream)

Australian producer Flip is the latest beat-maker from "down under" to distribute dope sounds with a plethora of his influences. On the just-released Ill Adrenaline Records (Neek The Exotic, The Legion, Confidence) effort Reflections. Included are respected vets such as A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Phat Kat, Kev Brown, Edo. G,... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Fashawn & Exile Add Busta Rhymes To Their Sound, Getting Trunks To Rattle (Audio)

Between Boy Meets World and The Ecology (February 24), Fashawn experimented with an array of sounds and styles. The Black Bart Simpson came from a place where not just introspective or personal raps were the method. With DJ Exile still right beside him, The Ecology embraces this dichotomy. "Out The... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Scarface Goes Off the Deep End With Roosh Williams (Video)

Roosh Williams gets a rare appearance from fellow Houston-native, Scarface, in the video for "Deep End." Roosh and the O.G. keep it simple, letting the lyrics and bass-driven track do the heavy lifting. Check it out. Related: Roosh Williams Reminds All That Mortal Kombat Is Always Relevant (Video)... Read more

February 16, 2015 Video

Here’s a Flawless Blend of Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige on President’s Day (Audio)

For decades, the president's most mentioned in Hip-Hop are the late ones...So, on Presidents Day here's a look back at a flawless blend of Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige by Heretic East Productions, from 2011. "Dead Presidents Remix" combines Jay's first verse from the original "Dead Presidents," with Nas'... Read more

February 16, 2015 The Bridge

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MF DOOM vs. Elzhi…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 16, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson Gives a Nod to Slick Rick Before a Journey Down the Rabbit Hole (Audio)

One of the Mr. Wonderful (March 24) moments Heads will hear next month is "Terry." While the jazzy arrangement isn't what Bronson records typically employ, the verses appeal to the breakthrough 2011 sound from the Queens, New Yorker. Sexual details, BMW references, and some menu mentions make this cut simple... Read more

February 16, 2015 Audio

Earl Sweatshirt Delivers 2 Soulful Cuts for 1 with Quest/Power (Audio)

Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt cannot be put in a box. He's capable of delivering shock rap over sparse beats, laid back flows over old soul, and everything in between. On his latest, "Quest/Power," he delivers two tracks in one, indulging his soulful side. Check it out. Related: Freddie Gibbs &... Read more

February 15, 2015 Audio

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Big L with This Lord Sear Tribute Mix (Audio)

Big L Rest in Peace...Sixteen years ago today (February 15, 1999), the world lost a true lyricist in Lamont "Big L" Coleman. The Harlem, New York native, with just a lone album under his belt, was in the process of what many Heads believe, was a push to the top,... Read more

February 15, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Real Hip-Hop Moment with Mos Def, De La Soul, Nas, Will.I.Am & More (Video)

Update: Here's an extended version of the clip, with additional performances from Nas and Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey). Sometimes the best moments in life are those that are unplanned. Here’s a look back at what has to be one of the most epic after parties of all... Read more

February 15, 2015 Video

Watch a 21-Year Old Eddie Murphy Talk About His Experiences on SNL (Video)

Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 40th anniversary tonight (2/15) with an all-star special involving several of its alumni and guests from the last several decades. One of the most highly-anticipated moments will be the return of Eddie Murphy, who has not been on the SNL stage since he left... Read more

February 15, 2015 TV

Raz Simone Runs Up That Hill With Some Of The Realest Bars You’ll Hear This Week (Video)

Raz Simone keeps rising. That idea inspires his latest video, "Macklemore & Chief Keef." Shot in a rocky desert in the magic hour, it's Raz's raps that are sharper than the landscapes, as he talks about the plight of the Internet artist looking for buzz and accolades in 2015. The... Read more

February 15, 2015 Video

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio Knows Something About Making Futuristic Jeep Music (Audio)

Of all the members of Souls Of Mischief, it often seems like Opio keeps the lowest profile. The Oakland, California veteran may play the background, but he's laid down some critical verses for Souls as well as the Hieroglyphics releases. With a handful of projects, Ope' showcases a 2015 cut,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio