Fresh Archives

Method Man Is In The Zone With The Ill Cadence In This 1995 Freestyle Relic (Audio)

Back in 1995, Method Man was having a banner year. His solo debut, Tical, grabbed a Top 3 debut, topping the Rap/R&B charts. The late 1994 Def Jam release made the Staten Island MC a premier grab into the following year, making guest appearances on single with Shaquille O'Neal, as... Read more

February 9, 2015 Throwback

The Polished Trailer For “Straight Outta Compton” Features Dr. Dre, N.W.A. & Lots Of Subtleties (Video)

While Compton's Kendrick Lamar won big in the evening, during the 57th Grammy Awards, Heads did not see Dr. Dre or Ice Cube in the audience, or on stage. However, the Hip-Hop legends whose fates are forever tied starred in a lengthy trailer for Straight Outta Compton, the upcoming N.W.A.... Read more

February 9, 2015 TV/Film

Better Late Than Never. Kendrick Lamar Wins His First Grammy

After the 2014 56th Grammy Awards, there were many Hip-Hop Heads who were left frustrated after Kendrick Lamar left the Award Ceremony without a single statue after being nominated seven times and most notably in losing the "Best Rap Album" award for good kid m.A.A.d. city to Macklemore, Ryan Lewis'... Read more

February 8, 2015 Fresh

A Hungry Rapper Steps To Kanye West Looking For A Deal & Might Get A Job (Video)

Last May, on the streets of New York, an aspiring rapper pushed through the masses and tried to rap for Kanye West on the sidewalk, with entourage in tow, headed home for the night. To the surprise of many, 'Ye not only listened, he complimented the assertive hopeful. Nearly a... Read more

February 8, 2015 Video

DJ Mister Cee Mix Will Rocks a Free-Form Mix for True Music Lovers (Audio)

No longer at his afternoon post at HOT 97, DJ Mister Cee is in transition. The iconic DJ for Big Daddy Kane, mentor to The Notorious B.I.G., and mainstay at tri-state radio reportedly left the signal to maintain his beliefs of what should be played, when, and not conforming to... Read more

February 8, 2015 Throwback

Ras Kass Joins His Twin Sons, Davincci & SKAM2? For A Nonstop Bar Salute To J Dilla (Audio)

In honor of J Dilla's annual birthday weekends celebration(s), Ras Kass is one artist who joined in on the tributes. Running in some of the same circles back in the late '90s and 2000s, emerging MC Davincci laced "Dilla," a sharp-tongued salute to James Yancey with one of his bouncing... Read more

February 8, 2015 Audio

Planet Asia Keeps The Free Goodies Coming, Alongside DirtyDiggs (FreEP)

For the second time in 10 weeks, Planet Asia gives his faithful another free EP of music. This time, one-half of the Cali Agents teams with regular collaborator DirtyDiggs for 2010 A.D. The four-track effort is sparse beats, textured deliveries, and that sharp Fresno, California insight. Is Planet Asia one... Read more

February 7, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Joins Styles P & Vinnie Paz In A Visual That Would Make Full-A-Clips Proud (Video)

Long before the Loud Records deal, Big Pun was about the hard-nosed deliveries, the Horror imagery, and the grimy accounts of a life on the edge. Fifteen years to the day after Pun's tragic death, his son, Chris Rivers, carries on tradition. "War Room," with The LOX's Styles P and... Read more

February 7, 2015 Video

Bad Day For Super Heroes, Black Dynamite TV Series Cancelled After 2 Seasons

"Black Dynamite," the Adult Swim animated adaptive series following the action film ran for two seasons. Film director and writer Scott Saunders joined actor Michael Jai White for the cartoon, including vocal contributions from Kym Whitley ("The Boondocks") and Tommy Davidson ("In Living Color"). After some cult acclaim—especially by Blaxploitation... Read more

February 7, 2015 TV

Celebrate J. Dilla’s Birthday with a Look Back at an Extended Interview of Him (Video)

Happy birthday to J. Dilla, who would have turned 41 years old today. As the world continues to be blessed with a seemingly bottomless treasure trove of Dilla's beats, posthumously, looks back at the the man, himself, are much more rare. So, to celebrate the life of one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

February 7, 2015 Throwback

Celebrate Dilla Weekend From Wherever, With A One-Hour Instrumental Mix (Audio)

February 7 is J Dilla's birthday. The Slum Village co-founder and iconic producer would have been 41 years old today, and Heads are still celebrating his life, his art, and his impact. With Dilla Weekend going down in Miami, and other events in Los Angeles and elsewhere, you can join... Read more

February 7, 2015 Throwback

CyHi The Prynce Takes A Slice Of Jodeci & Leaves The Microphone Feenin’ (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce has many styles, but the constant aggressive flow. He takes a slice of Jodeci's "Forever My Lady," lets the vibe build, then slides in to deliver a syncopated flow akin to those heard on 2014's Black Hystori Project. So much conviction, as he takes the concept of... Read more

February 7, 2015 Audio

15 Years After Big Pun’s Life, Producer Domingo Shares Vivid Memories Off The Books (Interview)

Fifteen years ago today (February 7, 2000), Christopher Rios tragically died from a heart attack, leaving behind his family, friends, and millions of fans. At the time, the Bronx, New York MC known as Big Pun had only released a lone album, 1998's Capital Punishment, but with that body of... Read more

February 7, 2015 Food for Thought

Missy Elliott Says She’s Spending Grammy Weekend In The Studio With Timberland, Praises Katy Perry (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's more interview-reclusive stars is Missy Elliott. While the last decade has afforded little new music from the Portsmouth, Virginia MC/producer, understanding why is even harder to gather, with the Atlantic Records artist shunning most press, despite her supremely approachable (miss)demeanor. Deeply connected to Heather B, as well... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

Eminem Rhymes Faster Than You Can Read. Just Watch…(Lyric Video)

With the true video already making its rounds from late last month, "Detroit Vs. Everybody" comes in lyrical form. If any artist or song is worth the closer, literal look, it's this Eminem, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5’9”, Big Sean & DeJ Loaf moment. Was 2014 Eminem's strongest year in... Read more

February 6, 2015 Video

Curren$y’s Pilot Talk 3 is on the Way. Here’s the First Visual (Video)

Over the last 5 years, there is perhaps no artist more prolific than Curren$y. Spitta has averaged six mixtape/album releases per year for each of the last three years, and shows no signs of slowing. Pilot Talk is one of his most celebrated series. Volumes one and two of the... Read more

February 6, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ol’ Dirty Bastard vs. Redman…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 6, 2015 Throwback

Will Smith & Jimmy Fallon Re-Create Rob Base’s It Takes Two With an iPad (Video)

Jimmy Fallon is winning these days when it comes to combining sharp comedy and Hip-Hop. In addition to the daily dose of dopeness from The Roots, The Tonight Show band, Fallon has done numerous skits, often involving Hip-Hop classics. His latest is another joint effort with Will Smith. He and... Read more

February 6, 2015 Video

Check This Chronology Of Kickboxing That Goes Well Beyond “Bloodsport”

While combat sports and martial arts hit a pop culture pinnacle (especially in the United States) during the 1980s, many artforms date back decades prior. Kickboxing, the subject of a popular 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme film Bloodsport, and a host of other Hollywood films to varying successes, goes back to... Read more

February 6, 2015 Lifestyle

Prince Paul Throws Together An Ill Mix Of Ice Cube, Screwball, GZA & Young MC (Audio)

Part of what makes "The Devastating" Prince Paul great is his imagination. The Stetsasonic alum, and mastermind behind many hits for De La Soul, Gravediggaz, and Handsome Boy Modeling School sees no boundaries in music—whether he was sampling Children's records, implementing intricate skits, or making Hip-Hoperas with Chubb Rock, Michael... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

Remembering Bob Marley On His 70th Birthday, From Punk Rock To “Exodus” (Audio)

Bob Marley is being remembered all over the world on what would have been his 70th birthday today (February 6). To celebrate the occasion, Red Bull Music Academy Radio hosted an interview with one of the most qualified people to discuss Bob Marley's legacy: Vivien Goldman. Vivien is an accomplished... Read more

February 6, 2015 Audio

A Handwritten Letter from Tupac Confirms He Had Plans to Unify the Coasts.

A handwritten letter from Tupac has been unearthed that confirms he was seeking to do an album which would unify the coasts. In the letter, Tupac tells a friend he is working on an album titled One Nation, which would include Greg Nice, Buckshot, Smiff-N-Wessun, Scarface, E-40 and...OutKast. While the... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

Vince Staples Holds Open The Screen Door & Welcomes Us Into His World (Video)

Vince Staples made a big dent in 2014. His Def Jam Records debut, Hell Can Wait, was a critical and fan favorite of the year, as the Long Beach, California MC added to the emerging youthful narratives from his close associates Odd Future and Mac Miller. "Screen Door" was a... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

Problem Waves The Compton Flag Bigtime In 2015 (Audio)

Along with YG and Kendrick Lamar, Problem has been one of the 2010's laureates of the Compton class. With Hub City again living up to its reputation for the unpredictable, Problem makes "Compton." The record takes the eerie vocal from Eazy E's "Real Muthaphukkin' G'z," and flips it for 22... Read more

February 5, 2015 Audio

Slum Village Wax A Futuristic Sound For E(I)GO, Announce Next Album Guests (Audio)

Hitting the road as of this coming Dilla Weekend, Slum Village is feeling themselves. T3, Illa J, and Young RJ welcome Rosewood 2055 for "E(I)GO." The song all about swingin' some elbows at the haters is slowed down, keeping the brass involved, with that signature flow. Since 2005's self-titled LP,... Read more

February 5, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Phife Dawg vs. Posdnuos…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 5, 2015 Throwback

Breakin’ is Back. Here Are Some of the Most Amazing Moves You’ll Ever See (Video)

Although Breakin' has always been a core element of Hip-Hop, its popularity was at its zenith in the mid-'80s. Movies like Beat Street and Breakin' took what had been a subculture to the mainstream and inspired legions of B-Boys and B-Girls around the world. Though the furor would subside from... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

Lord Finesse Went Up To Fat Beats In 1996 & Showed Why He’s One Of The Nicest (Video)

Nineteen years ago this month, Lord Finesse released his latest studio album. The Awakening, on the recently-relaunched Penalty Records, included scorching beats, almost all of which were created by the "funky technician" himself. However, the rhymes may have shined the hardest, with Finesse just in full Rap bravado mode, and... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

Spotlight: Dave East Shows Everything That He’s About On Around Here (Video)

Spanish Harlem, New York's Dave East is one of the artists who is making big noise in the last several months. His Black Rose mixtape is making its rounds, with involvement from Sean C & LV (The Hitmen), Smoke DZA, and Chinx Santana. "Around Here," which was released exclusively to... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

If You Heckle Ghostface Killah, You Will Be Sorry…(Video)

At 44 years old, Ghostface Killah is still no one to play with—on or off the mic. Although he may appear on VH1's "Couples Therapy," and be a fan of skydiving and hang-gliding, don't get it confused. One listen to 2014's 36 Seasons is a cold wake-up call that Tony... Read more

February 5, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Cannibal Ox’s Painkillers (Video)

This month, after 14 years, a reunited Cannibal Ox announced a sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin. The announcement after years of refuting the prospects of a follow-up to 2001's The Cold Vein debut. As time evolved, Vast Aire and Vordul Mega pursued solo careers, still making songs on each... Read more

February 5, 2015 Throwback

One Producer Took AZ’s Whole A.W.O.L. Album & Gave It A Facelift (Album Stream)

Ten years ago, AZ Tha Visualiza left the major label system (after a decade in) and found an independent stride. After success under Kedar Massenburg's Motown Records with "Problems," The Firm lyricist was a blue-chip acquisition for eOne Entertainment. There, AZ made an album in A.W.O.L. seemingly apathetic towards radio support.... Read more

February 4, 2015 Throwback

DJ Nu-Mark Makes His Worlds Combine In This Dope Pharcyde Vs. Jurassic 5 Mash-Up (Mixtape)

DJ Nu-Mark's career has been tied into Jurassic 5 and The Pharcyde. Quite obviously, the producer/DJ was a founding member of the Unity Committee (later J5), and in recent years, he's been releasing some strong product with SlimKid3 (Tre Hardson), a founding member of The Pharcyde. Thereby, if anybody has... Read more

February 4, 2015 Mixes

A New Mix Comes To Light Of A Stellar Large Professor & MF Grimm Collabo (Audio)

Back in 2006, St. Louis, Missouri producer DJ Crucial released an album, Test Presses & Dub Plates that did not get the shine it deserved. The compilation-style album included strong guest-work from MF DOOM, MC Eiht, Slug, and others. One cut included was "United," from Large Professor and MF Grimm.... Read more

February 4, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Joe Budden vs. Jay Rock…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 4, 2015 Fresh

Did DJ Mustard Just Give Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney’s Single The Boost It Needed? (Audio)

Despite all of its star-power, "FourFiveSecond," Rihanna's single, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney hasn't really been the sort of impact Heads may be used to from a RiRi opening look. Especially given that Unapologetic was three years ago, this is big stuff. Moreover, the single pushes Rihanna's booming vocals,... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog Comes Out Of The Woodwork With A Free 11-Track Project (Mixtape)

As he gears up to hit the road with PRhyme and Boldy James, Your Old Droogs hits Heads off with a whole new project. Kinison, seemingly an ode to the late comedian/actor heard on the intro (Sam Kinison), is 11 tracks of all new music. Marco Polo, El RTNC, and... Read more

February 4, 2015 Mixes

KRS-One Followed Up “I Got Next” With This Domingo Track. Unheard, Until Now (Audio)

1998 was an interesting transition year for Hip-Hop legend, KRS-One. The Bronx MC/producer was one year removed from his highest-charting (#3), gold solo album, I Got Next. Still signed to the same Jive Records that he'd worked with for much of Boogie Down Productions' later work, Blastmasta had an A&R... Read more

February 4, 2015 Throwback

Zion I Announce They Are Splitting, But Make Final Project Available (EP Stream)

Oakland, California duo Zion I has nearly 20 years in the books, dating back to 1998's "Inner Light." However, Zumbi (a/k/a MC Zion) and Amp Live have announced that they are officially, and amicably splitting. The news comes with the group living in different cities for several years now, and... Read more

February 4, 2015 Audio, News

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Cam’ron vs. Jadakiss…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 3, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson & Alchemist Release a Certified BANGER with Big League Chew (Audio)

Action Bronson and Alchemist have a special chemistry together. It was on full display in the hot box with Cypress Hill's B-Real in a hilarious interview last month. More often, however, their magic comes in the form of bangin' tracks. Earlier today, Action Bronson released a new episode of his... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Rapper Big Pooh Says the Shooting of Unarmed People of Color Must Stop (Audio)

More than two months ago, Ambrosia For Heads gathered some intel that Rapper Big Pooh might be crossing paths with Apollo Brown for a project called Words Paint Pictures. It's 2015, and not gloating or anything, but we were right. The artwork and March 24 EP release date were confirmed... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

DJ Premier Can Rock Without…Or WITH A Band. Catch ‘Em Rehearsing (Video)

If you're not in Japan this month, you might not be able to catch DJ Premier's new five-piece band in the flesh. Thanks to some cameras in the new studio though, you can. Premo is on the cuts with a brass, drums, and keys section. Some vocals from The Notorious... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of January 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

The beginning of the year often brings a smorgasbord of new music, and this past January was no exception. Here's a playlist of some of the best tracks released, including music from Joey Bada$$, Lupe Fiasco, Action Bronson, Big Daddy Kane, Grand Puba, The Diplomats, Scarface, Eightball & MJG, Master... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Jimmy Fallon Is The Fresh Prince Of Late Night…Just Watch (Video)

Taping "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" in Los Angeles this week, what better for Jimmy to set the stage than pay homage to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air" opening? That's exactly what the late night host did, involving Alfonso Ribeiro ("Carlton Banks") and DJ Jazzy Jeff ("Jazz") from the hit,... Read more

February 3, 2015 Lifestyle

Action Bronson Cooks Cauliflower In The Kitchen & Alchemist Joints In The Lab (Video)

The latest episode of Action Bronson's "F*ck, That's Delicious" seems to close out the debut season. For this one, Bam Bam and Big Body Bes enjoy the land of sunshine: Santa Monica, California and some Hollywood trimmings. Bronson gets into some adventures, stemming from perusing the beach, to making tracks... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

Madonna & Nas Unveil Their Collaboration About Coming Up In The Big Apple (Audio)

Throughout her career, Madonna has had a curious relationship with Hip-Hop. She included Big Daddy Kane in her sex coffee table book. Madonna was sampled by Jay Z and Ab-Soul in the last 15 years. Also, she recorded a yet-unreleased, but confirmed song with Tupac Shakur before his 1996 death.... Read more

February 3, 2015 Audio

Drake, Wiz Khalifa & Childish Gambino Can Make Fun Of Themselves, Or Read Along As You Make Fun Of Them (Video)

Many of today's elite Rap superstars may seem immune to the rough, rugged, and raw criticism they receive on social media. Short of Wale and Lupe Fiasco, not many of the chart-topping artists will entertain the trolls. As guests on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," the stars are asked to confront some... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

Kanye West, Paul McCartney & Rihanna Go The Old Fashioned Portrait Route (Video)

For their superstar-stacked collaboration, "FourFiveSeconds," Rihanna, Paul McCartney, and Kanye West aimed to support it with a straightforward visual. Shot in black & white by Inez & Vinoodh, the video shows the trio as themselves—not overly styled or choreographed. The song also is stripped from big production or Power Pop... Read more

February 3, 2015 Video

Freeway & Sheek Louch Join Forces with Rap P on Another One (Audio)

Freeway and Sheek Louch form a State Property and D-Block union on Rap P's "Another One." The song, a Shroom production fueled by a 70's soul sample, is high energy and each MC matches the tempo with a spirited flow. Freezer and Sheek are no strangers to one another, having... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio