Fresh Archives

Mr. Cheeks Sounds Great On A Statik Selektah-Produced Cut (Audio)

The last decade has been a quieter one for Mr. Cheeks. Since his days with The Lost Boyz, the Queens, New Yorker certainly scored solo success, making party music rooted in vibes. However, when the LBFam front man hits the mic, he's still got it in full—evident in his appearances... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio

Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell & Jimmy Fallon Have A Post Super-Bowl Lip Sync Championship Battle (Video)

In the post-Super Bowl XLIX fanfare, Jimmy Fallon hosted a special Sunday edition of "The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon." With the special captive audience, and some carryover from the big weekend, Jimmy reverted to one of his nighttime talk show's winningest formulas: show how well celebrities know the lyrics... Read more

February 2, 2015 Video

KRS-One Says He Cannot Make Money In America, Discusses Hip-Hop’s Global Impact (Video)

KRS-One interviews are a bit scarce in 2015. The archetypal MC tours extensively, and gives limited audiences these days. However, the Boogie Down Productions co-founder recently opened up with VladTV on a number of current and historic issues, which are now unfolding through the video segments. In the latest, KRS... Read more

February 2, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Scarface vs. Pimp C…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 2, 2015 Throwback

MF DOOM Helps Cannibal Ox Make Proper Re-Entry (Audio)

Eleven years ago, MF DOOM linked with Cannibal Ox's Vast Aire for his breakthrough solo, Look Mom...No Hands, through "Da Supafriendz." In 2015, the Masked Villain reunites with the emphatic lyricist on Can Ox's sophomore LP, Blade Of The Ronin. This early glimpse from the March LP seems to capture... Read more

February 2, 2015 Audio

What If Jay Z Was White? Take a Look (Video)

There's been a lot of discussion about the appropriation of Hip-Hop lately. After showing what The Wire would look like if it took place in gentrified Brooklyn, SNL took on the sensitive subject of Race & Hip-Hop with no fear. Witness the "fully accurate Jay Z story," as portrayed by... Read more

February 1, 2015 Video

A Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory Was Certified Platinum 20 Years Ago Today

Twenty years ago today (February 1, 1995), the Recording Industry Association of America certified A Tribe Called Quest's sophomore album, The Low End Theory as having reached platinum status (shipping 1 million units). Originally released in 1991, the album continues to reverberate, landing on countless Best Albums lists and remains... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

DJ P. Makes An All-Vinyl Mix With New Joints By Joey Bada$$, A.G., Quasimoto & Lord Finesse (Mixtape)

UPDATE: It turns out that this DJ P actually hails from Lyon, France—no relation to the Phoenix, Arizona-based DJ P below. However, this mix still beckons many listens and much enjoyment. DJ P. is an underground DJ legend. More than a decade ago, as DJ Z-Trip's partner, P. made Uneasy... Read more

February 1, 2015 Mixes

Atmosphere Releases The 1995 Video That Got The Rhymesayers Goin’ & It’s Still Relevant (Video)

Now a chart-topping independent Hip-Hop juggernaut, Atmosphere had less glamorous beginnings. The Minneapolis, Minnesota crew centered around MC Slug and producer Ant had a lot of "Headshots" leading up to their studio debut, Overcast! In a benchmark year for Rhymesayers Entertainment, some of those rarely-discussed songs, tapes, and moments are... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

Travel Back To 1983, The Exact Moment Hip-Hop Was Played On Daytime NYC Radio (Audio)

Thirty-two years ago, Hip-Hop was emerging on a host of record labels large and small. However, while these 12" singles and pioneering albums may have been party highlights, and closely examined in the clubs, the bedrooms, and the subsequent tapes made, they were not often heard on radio—especially at daytime.... Read more

February 1, 2015 Throwback

D’Angelo & The Vanguard Perform Really Love & The Charade on SNL (Video)

This season of SNL has featured a parade of Funk. Prince tore down the stage in November and Mark Ronson & Bruno Bars kept it hot a couple of weeks later. Now, D'Angelo takes the stage with his multi-piece band The Vanguard. D performed his smoothed out single "Really Love,"... Read more

February 1, 2015 Video

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Music of Death Row Records (Audio)

The Death Row Records brand has been plagued with controversy over the years, due to a litany of events surrounding people connected with the label in some fashion. At times, the negativity seemed to be louder than the records being produced by the company. The reason that news was relevant,... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

Chuck D Fights For The Power Of Free Speech Alongside Jasiri X & Jahi (Video)

Chuck D helped make the Pittsburgh Pirates logo famous—even when the MLB team was having some losing seasons. For "Spread The Words," the Public Enemy front man travels to the Steel City to join MC (and activist) Jasiri X and P.E. 2.0's Jahi. There, they stand above the skyline—on Mount... Read more

January 31, 2015 Video

Ever See This Cypher with MC Lyte, ATCQ, GURU, Wu-Tang Clan, CL Smooth, KRS-One & More (Video)

The second iteration of Arsenio Hall's show left the air quietly, after an announcement just weeks before that the show had been renewed. However, it was a very different story the first time Arsenio parted ways with the airwaves. After five years of providing one of the only platforms on... Read more

January 31, 2015 Throwback

Shuko Recruits Saigon, R.A. The Rugged Man & Vinnie Paz On New Track (Audio)

German producer Shuko is getting ready to release his debut album, For The Love Of It (January 30), and has unveiled a new track, "Change Gonna Come" off the album featuring Saigon, Vinnie Paz, R.A. The Rugged Man and Carolyn D'Elia. Shuko has worked with all of the aforementioned artists... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

DMC, Chuck D, PMD, MC Serch & Terminator X Come Together With An Edge (Video)

Twenty five Januaries ago, in 1990...could you have imagined Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Chuck D, Parrish "PMD" Smith, MC Serch, and Terminator X together? The thought alone drains boombox D-batteries, and makes speakers shudder. In 2015, these things are not only possible, but able to be captured on video. "Hellraisers" is... Read more

January 30, 2015 Video

DJ Quik Admits Losing Passion In Music-Making Since Tupac & Notorious B.I.G. Deaths (Audio)

DJ Quik is the latest guest for NPR Hip-Hop's Microphone Check interview series. In a week that's brought tragedy and suspicion to former members of Quik's circle, the iconic producer/DJ/MC opens up, with NPR's Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley. The interview is as in-depth as... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Mos Def vs. Phonte…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

January 30, 2015 Fresh

Big Sean, Drake & Kanye West Bless the Mic Over a Rugged Beat (Audio)

Big Sean, Drake and Kanye West have come together on one track for the first time in almost four years, on the remix to Big Sean's "Blessings." The song is from Sean's forthcoming album, Dark Sky Paradise. The three artists last worked together Kanye West's "All of the Lights (Remix)"... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

yU Gets A Mind-Melting Beat From Nottz & Gets To Storytellin’ (Audio)

In an era when the compilation seems obsolete, Mello Music Group is focused on fighting the great fight. Following Phonte and Oddisee's deeply-compelling "Requiem," the upcoming Persona (March 10) sheds another captivating track. Diamond District's yU, who has released a series of strong solo albums with Mello, combines with fellow... Read more

January 30, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Makes A Mean Curry Chicken…and Waffles (Video)

Celebrating both the release of his debut album and his 20th birthday, Joey Bada$$ stopped by Sweet Chick in Brooklyn to cook up one of his favorite dishes. Heads who have heard B4.Da.$$ already know Joey likes his "Curry Chicken" enough to name the last song of the album after... Read more

January 29, 2015 Video

Nitty Scott Discusses Feminism, Her Bisexuality, And Past Relationship w/ Kendrick Lamar (Video)

Nitty Scott is an MC who has always been about her art, but fans may have noticed in recent months she has been showing off her body and a sexier wardrobe on social media. In a new interview on Hot 97 with Ebro and Rosenberg, she decided to address this... Read more

January 29, 2015 Video

MTV Has Uncovered A Raw Interview With Ol’ Dirty Bastard From 1997 (Video)

One of the introductory members to New York's mega Hip-Hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, Ol' Dirty Bastard left the Earth and the Wu far too early at the young age of 35, just a little over a decade ago in 2004. Today in 2015, MTV has linked up with Genius to... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback, Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Q-Tip vs. Grand Puba…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

January 29, 2015 Throwback

DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″ Announce The PRhyme Tour Dates, With 2 Exciting Opening Acts

In the midst of ongoing success surrounding their self-titled 2014 album, PRhyme is taking the show on the road. DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" have announced that they will begin the US PRhyme Tour in less than one month, beginning officially on February 18, and running through 2015's South... Read more

January 29, 2015 Fresh

Master P Won’t Feed Into The Cash Money “Power”-Play, But Gets TRU About Family (Video)

In the course of his career, Master P has never been big on beef. The No Limit Records founder and former CEO (Romeo now holds that position) guarded 2Pac's legacy in the late '90s, and made some controversial moves against the competition (making a movie called Hot Boys, etc.), but... Read more

January 29, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Fat Joe, Nas, Big Pun, Raekwon & Jadakiss’ John Blaze (Video)

1998 was a critical turning point for Fat Joe. Two albums deep, the Bronx, New Yorker had made Represent and Jealous Ones Envy with the hardcore Hip-Hop Head in mind and in spirit. With Joe's brazen delivery, sharp cadence, and keen ear for intricate sample-based production, he had risen the... Read more

January 29, 2015 Throwback

Kanye West’s Video for Only One Shows a Tender Moment with His Daughter (Video)

"Only One," Kanye West's duet with Paul McCartney, was a surprising close to 2014. The song, a tribute to his daughter Nori (with wife Kim Kardashian), featured Kanye singing vulnerably, accompanied by nothing but McCartney on keys. The video, which was directed by Spike Jones, perfectly captures the sentiment of... Read more

January 29, 2015 Video

KRS-One Returned To The Boom-Bap Back In 1993. But What About This Leftover? (Audio)

KRS-One's first solo album, 1993's Return Of The Boom Bap clearly mapped out the Blastmasta from his Boogie Down Productions past. A Top 40 charting effort on his longtime Jive Records home, the LP welcomed DJ Premier and Showbiz to the cypher. Fourteen tracks would make the LP a hardcore... Read more

January 28, 2015 Throwback

It’s the End of an Era. Lil Wayne is Suing Birdman & Cash Money Records for $51 Million.

After months of decrying Cash Money Records, and it's co-owner Birdman, Lil Wayne has gotten extremely serious about his efforts to permanently sever the relationship with the label that has been his home for nearly 20 years. According to TMZ, Wayne has filed a lawsuit against Cash Money seeking $51... Read more

January 28, 2015 Fresh

T.I. & Jeezy Put the G in a Funky Track by Pharrell (Video)

T.I. has released a short film featuring Jeezy and Wood Harris for his extra funky track, G' Sh*t, produced by Pharrell. Much like the title suggests, the track sounds like G-Funk, Pharrell-stye. Tip and Jeezy star as partners in crime whose paths diverge, in the film which is set in... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Run The Jewels Are Some Rap Role Models, Even If They Don’t Want To Be (Video)

The sound of Run The Jewels is jarring, fragmented, and explosive in the ears—in the best way possible (for lovers of energetic, forceful Hip-Hop, anyway). For the latest Run The Jewels 2 video, Killer Mike and El-P captured that grit, attitude, and vibe in the visual to "Lie, Cheat, Steal."... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Jarren Benton Sets 2015 Off With One Of The Better Freestyles You’re Gonna Hear (Video)

Funk Volume's pedigree for bigger than life lyricism is strong—especially on a label co-founded by Hopsin. One to watch though, is Georgia's Jarren Benton. A true Rap outcast/cool-guy hybrid, Jarren, in many ways, is a callback to early D12, R.A. The Rugged Man (who he's worked with), and Sticky Fingaz.... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Royce Da 5’9″, O.C., REKS & Your Old Droog On A Track Together? On A Buckwild Beat No Less! (Audio)

One week after bringing Killer Mike and Crooked I (Kxng Crooked) together on a stick of audio dynamite, the powder kegs are far from depleted. "Revolutionary Ride Music" is orchestrated by EFN, who bridged generations of MCs by combining Royce Da 5'9", O.C., REKS, and Your Old Droog. If that... Read more

January 28, 2015 Audio

Sadat X & Chris Rivers Rock A Freestyle Together (Video)

While many had their eyes on Joey Bada$$ and Lupe Fiasco last week, Sadat X also released a new album called Never Left on the same January 20th date. As part of his promotion of the album, Sadat stopped by DJ Eclipse's RapIsOuttaControl show on SiriusXM and spit a dope... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Tech N9ne Drops The First Single From Special Effects Album (Audio)

The first single from Tech N9ne's upcoming album, Special Effects (May 5) is here. The song is called "Aw Yeah (interVENTion)," and features Tech "venting" to God about all the injustice happening in the world. This marks the first time ever Tech has used the first track on an album... Read more

January 28, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Immortal Technique vs. Talib Kweli…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

January 28, 2015 Fresh

Sadat X’s Next Album, Sum Of A Man To Be Produced Exclusively By Diamond D

On Monday (January 26), Ambrosia For Heads premiered the latest video from Diamond D's The Diam Piece. "The Game," produced by Diamond, featured Hempstead, Long Island MC/producer Grand Daddy I.U., delivering several verses around New York City, and a Bronx bar. Speaking with AFH, Diamond also confirmed that after a... Read more

January 28, 2015 Fresh

North Carolina’s K-Hill Has A Strong Pedigree & A Grabbing New Visual (Video)

K-Hill has been making moves out of Greensboro, North Carolina for more than a decade. The true school MC has done work (vocals and production) with Big Daddy Kane, Nature, and Prince Po of Organized Konfusion. Now, with his Truck Jewels & Filters EP out (with Debonair P), he's got... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Watch A 40 Minute Run The Jewels Set In An Old Parisian Train Station (Video)

Filmed by French team La Blogothéque, Killer Mike and El-P transform a decommissioned train station in Paris known as La Recyclerie into a Hip-Hop hotbed as the MCs perform tracks from their recently released collaborative project, Run The Jewels 2. For close to 40 minutes the rapping duo tear up... Read more

January 27, 2015 Fresh, Video

2 Chainz for Mayor? It Could Happen in 2016.

2 Chainz demonstrated his political prowess quite well recently in a spirited debate with CNN's Nancy Grace about the legalization of marijuana. Now, it seems he may be prepared to go a step further and run for mayor in his city of residence, College Park, GA. In the last few... Read more

January 27, 2015 Fresh

Here’s a Look at Every Member of X-Men Ever…in 12 Minutes (Video)

With new reports that "X-Men" will be coming to the FOX family, from the same team that brought Heads "24," it's a great day to take a long look at the Marvel franchise. This month, IGN celebrated the affair with an incredibly comprehensive chronology of the X-Men character list, dating... Read more

January 27, 2015 The Bridge

Jodeci Capture Their Glory & Still Lean Forward In Every Moment (Audio)

Being reunited may feel so good. Now, however, Jodeci is faced with delivering new sounds to a generation that they helped make (possibly in the literal sense, with their Quiet Storm omnipresence). K-Ci, JoJo, DeVante and Mr. Dalvin pay close attention to their legacy and patchwork of '90s sounds in... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Emilio Rojas & Joell Ortiz Make a Deeply Personal Record About Overcoming Struggles (Audio)

Emilio Rojas has released a very personal record, with some assistance from Joell Ortiz. "Nada" finds Rojas talking about the obstacles he faced when he had nothing and the determination it took to overcome those circumstances. Specifically, he addresses the sacrifices made by his mother, working double shifts with three... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Talks 2014 Forest Hills Drive & Being The Voice Of A Generation On Combat Jack (Audio)

Considered one of 2014's Men of The Year according to AFH, J. Cole hops into 2015 continuing promotion for his critically acclaimed project, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, on The Combat Jack Show. In between talks of his socially conscious album, the 29 year old MC dives deep into discussions of... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Vic Mensa Blacks Out Over a Red Hot Kaytranada Beat (Audio)

Vic Mensa and Kaytranada are no strangers. The two worked together on last year's "Wimme Nah" release by Mensa and have now reunited on "Drive Me Crazy." Like their first effort, "Drive Me Crazy" is a trapped out beat injected with melody and Vic flexing a ferocious flow. Kaytranada is... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): LL Cool J vs. Run…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

January 27, 2015 Throwback

Fashawn Unleashes A Captivating Ecology Single, With A Release Date Too (Audio)

Over five years removed from Boy Meets World, Fashawn solo product may feel estranged from record store shelves, but the Fresno, California MC has been anything but stagnant. Ranging from charting joint efforts with Murs to two Alchemist-assisted mixtapes, to a host of videos, singles, and Grizzly City projects, Fash'... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Rich Medina Made A Colorful Mixtape To Complement A New Museum Installation (Audio)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native Rich Medina is a legend behind the turntables. Whether spinning Hip-Hop, House, Soul, or Rare Groove, the DJ/producer has been at the epicenter of nightlife for Heads in Philly and New York City for decades now. Always an innovator, Rich's latest musical vision, 13 Joints, ties into... Read more

January 27, 2015 Throwback

RZA To Release The Man With The Iron Fists 2. Watch the Trailer (Video)

Now that RZA has shepherded the release of A Better Tomorrow with the Wu-Tang Clan, he is continuing his film career with a sequel to 2012's The Man With The Iron Fists. The Man With The Iron Fists 2 will be released directly to Blu-Ray, DVD, Digital HD and On-Demand... Read more

January 26, 2015 Video