Fresh Archives

FOX News Calls Jay Z a Crack Dealer. Jon Stewart Smacks Them Down (Video)

After FOX News' Sean Hannity recently had some inflammatory descriptors for Jay Z in a story, a surprising ally came to his defense. Jon Stewart played clips of FOX coverage referring to Jay as a "drug dealer" and "guy who shot a man," as well as several clips of FOX... Read more

December 19, 2014 Video

Your Old Droog Freestyles Over Some Vintage DJ Premier (Video)

Your Old Droog stopped by NYC's Hot 97 for his first interview with Peter Rosenberg. Droog spoke about his ethnic origins, raising his status this year, traveling to Europe and more. At a little over ten minutes in, Rosenberg put him to the test and Droog stepped up with nearly... Read more

December 19, 2014 Video

Witness a Cypher with Kenny Smith, Grant Hill, Ernie Johnson, Shaq & Nicki Minaj (Video)

Nicki Minaj paid a visit to the set of Inside the NBA and the hosts put together a Cypher in her honor. Kenny Smith, Grant Hill and Shaq flexed their skills to varying degrees of success. Kenny, ever the competitor, actually came with some BARS (relatively speaking) and Shaq took... Read more

December 19, 2014 Video

Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark Cooks Up Some Funk With 5 Random Records (Video)

As one-half (with Cut Chemist) of the production team inside Jurassic 5, DJ Nu-Mark has made some scorching tracks, that sound vibrant and dusty at the same time. The Los Angeles, California native has additionally produced for J-Live, Large Professor, and Bumpy Knuckles, beyond his projects with The Pharcyde's Skimkid3... Read more

December 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big Daddy Kane Undresses His Madonna Story, Scrap Lover’s Knuckle Game (Video)

Part of Big Daddy Kane's mystique is that he's not a terribly outspoken guy. Although Antonio Hardy is one of Hip-Hop most innovative, commanding, and influential MCs, the Brooklyn, New Yorker often shuns the media circuit, and enjoys his smooth persona, with a cool guard up. It's almost always just... Read more

December 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Wale Celebrates Life on a Jumping New Track (Audio)

Yesterday (December 18), Wale announced that he will release Festivus, his latest "Seinfeld"-inspired mixtape right in time for the holidays on December 23. As a non-tape preview track, the Maybach Music Group MC unleashed "Miracle On U Street," taking a Christmas-inspired title and applying it to his world. Looking at... Read more

December 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Fabolous Punctuates a Freestyle with a Bill Cosby Line. Too Soon? (Video)

Fabolous swung by the Sway in the Morning show for an extended conversation. He discussed his relationship with Nas, his latest project, his Twitter game and more. He also named which rappers he thinks would give him a run for his money, lyrically (7:50). He gave Eminem, Nas, J. Cole... Read more

December 18, 2014 Video

Fashionably Late Into 2014, Fashawn & Alchemist Give Up Some Goods (FreEP)

Just over one week after Fashawn & Alchemist hinted at their "Dreams," the FASH-ionably Late EP is here. 2014 was a game-changing year for the Fresno, California MC—even if he did not drop an album. Secured at what is now is Mass Appeal Records, Fash' went from making an Ode... Read more

December 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Ras Kass & Apollo Brown Just Dropped The Visual To A Blasphemy Centerpiece (Video)

To understand Blasphemy, "Deliver Us From Evil" is an appropriate starting point. Beyond just some of the finest rapping Ras Kass has displayed in an already-illustrious career, the track deals with organized religion, contradiction, and the themes that made this Mello Music Group a true highlight within 2014. Capturing all... Read more

December 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

Noisey Releases The Biggest Posse Cut Ever Featuring More Than 35 Rappers (Video)

In the quest to put together the ultimate posse cut, Noisey assembled 35+ rappers in Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York for a series of verses to be fused into one song. After seeding verses in pieces for the last few weeks, they have now released the full 42 minute... Read more

December 18, 2014 Video

Finding the GOAT: Pick Another ’90s Great Wild Card For Round 2?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 18, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: D’Angelo’s “She’s Always In My Hair” (Audio)

With Black Messiah's top of the week release, D'Angelo has seemingly captured the consciousness of music once more. The Richmond, Virginia star crooner has slowly returned to the scene throughout 2014, abandoning his second sabbatical from music and in the industry of the last 18 years. Given the album's heavy... Read more

December 18, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Questlove Animates His Journey To Eat Patti Labelle’s Soul Cooking (Video)

Beyond a drummer, DJ, musical supervisor, and producer, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is a foodie. Followers of the Grammy Award-winning Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native's social platforms know, as well as his friends and acquaintances, that ?uest is out for the finest in global culinary offerings. Never shy from a celebrity story, Questlove... Read more

December 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Shift Between 1992 & 2014 In A Non Album Track (Video)

As if the nine-track, acclaimed PRhyme album was not enough, DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" vibe overtop Adrian Younge samples for a bonus round. "PRhyme Time" playfully shifts between 1992 and 2014, with varying BMW coupes, sneakers, and fashion signaling the metamorphosis. In the track, Nickel Nine slams skeptics... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

A Long Way Away From 21st & Lewis, How Does Warren G Regulate Today? (Video)

It has been more than 20 years since Warren G & Nate Dogg released "Regulate" in the film, Above The Rim. The storytelling track on a funktafied Michael McDonald sample gave a proper stepping out for Warren and Nate, after some strong assistance a year prior on their 213 homie,... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Chris Rock Dramatically Quotes Ice Cube & N.W.A. In This “Top 5” Clip (Video)

Clearly based largely on his own life and experiences, Chris Rock's Top 5, from title alone is built around opinions and rankings. Evident in the currently-screening film's roll-out, Rock loves ranking comedians, rappers, acts, albums, and more—as does his Andre Allen character in the film. The authenticity in this role... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yasiin Bey Takes Over Petite Noir’s Till We Ghosts and Shines (Audio)

Yasiin Bey slips into "Umi Says" mode on Petite Noir's "Till We Ghosts." More than just a featured appearance, Bey (formerly Mos Def) takes over at 1 minute in and closes out the ambient, string-driven track. He progresses from meditative verse to plaintive wail. This is the kind of free... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio

Planet Asia Pops Off Over Beats That Sound Straight Outta The Rhyme Pays Era (FreEP)

When Planet Asia eloquently stated "My mind shine harder than your chain" back in 2000, on Dilated Peoples' "Ear Drums Pop," it was clear that the Fresno, California MC was special. Trading an Interscope Records deal for full creative control, this Cali Agent has achieved strong independent success. Late in... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Bumpy Knuckles Liberates A Pete Rock-Produced Relic With Fresh Rhymes (Audio)

New York City O.G.'s Bumpy Knuckles and Pete Rock made history together on 2000's Industry Shakedown. "Bumpy Knuckles Baby" signaled the name-change, alter-ego from the Freddie Foxxx era. As Pete Rock was amidst his own transition from the Elektra Records era, into a strong solo career, he left the Long... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How Does Johnny Gill Handle the 5 Fingers of Death? Like a G…(Video)

Johnny Gill hit the Sway in the Morning show and became the first singer to tackle the 5 Fingers of Death challenge. When faced with five random beats, rather than freestyle as is customary for the MCs who step up to the test, Johnny did what he does best...He riffed... Read more

December 17, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar World Premieres a New Song on The Colbert Report (Video)

As The Colbert Report winds down, Kendrick Lamar had the distinct honor of being the show's last musical guest ever. Following in the footsteps of artists like Paul McCartney, R.E.M., Jack White and Nas, Kendrick stepped up with a world premiere of a brand new untitled song. Not to be... Read more

December 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Which MCs Motivate Big Daddy Kane Now? The Legend Speaks (Video)

Big Daddy Kane stopped by the Sway in the Morning show to discuss his new limited edition British Walker shoes. Still a smooth operator, Kane spoke about the kicks but also talked about going bar for bar with Kool G. Rap, the fashion influence of Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy, and... Read more

December 17, 2014 Video

Waka Flocka Flame Snatches J. Cole’s Beat & Steps Up His Bars (Audio)

Now this is a surprise. Waka Flocka Flame hops on J. Cole's "Fire Squad" track and steps his bars up...way up. Whatever you may think of Waka, you have never heard him flow like this. Like his mentor-turned-foe Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame is among Hip-Hop's most polarizing figures. Upon... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch Fire The First Shot, It’s Wu Block Biznez (Audio)

More than two years removed from Wu-Block, the Wu-Tang Clan x The LOX connection was far from a one-off. Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch have announced that they are waving the flag together again, in a hybrid album under the Wu-Block guise. Nature Sounds Records has announced that Hidden Gems,... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Large Professor, Diamond D, Nottz & Black Milk Rework Diamond District’s LP (Album Stream)

In October, Diamond District delivered another potent album in March On Washington. An ode to their home city, Oddisee, yU, and X.O. maintained their level of range and consistentcy on the Mello Music Group release. Two months later, it's the Redux. Mello's in-house squad of Apollo Brown, Quelle Chris, and... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding the GOAT: Who is Your Wildcard Pick for Round 2?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh

Ghostface Killah & The Wire’s Michael K. Williams Bring 36 Seasons To Life (Video)

In case you missed it, Ghostface Killah's just-released 36 Seasons is a cinematic, storytelling album. Coming home after nine "long" years, Ghost's character is out to restore his relationship, keep peace in the streets, and watch for Jake. The first video, "Love Don't Live Here No More," is the perfect... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

YG Displays His 2015 Flow Without Any Distractions (Video)

Often times, YG videos are driven to show the city of Compton, the place that's played such a strong role on the CTE/Def Jam artist's mixtapes, and especially his My Krazy Life debut. After nailing down 2014 as best he could, the California MC wants new things for 2015. From... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bogeda BAMZ Is Gifted With Slick Gab, Freestyling Over A B.D.K. Classic (Video)

Bodega BAMZ has been movin' for more than a minute. Stopping at Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays show, the New York MC gets a chance to show what he's about. Rhyming over a classic Big Daddy Kane instrumental (that seems to suit BAMZ well), the MC shines politely with some stellar... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

You’ve Never Heard Jean Grae Like This, In A Free-Form Groove With A Star-Studded Band (Video)

Early in her solo career, Jean Grae did not make many of videos. The format, which has opened drastically thanks to technology, fits the New York City MC veteran very well, given her charisma, sense of humor, and animation. From the recently-released, non-Rap #5 EP, Jean dropped the visuals for... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

GOAT: Which One of These MCs Deserves a Shot at Advancing to Round 2?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh

Pusha T Is Taking Lunch Money, Not Losses (Video)

Pusha T's new Kanye West-produced single "Lunch Money" is simply put, the raw uncut. For the video, the G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records star took a similar approach. With some dancing intermissions, Pusha tells his tale to a handheld camera, which may be or simply look like an early '90s RCA... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean Make A Dedication To The Modern Madonnas (Audio)

Ten days from the Christmas holiday, Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean release a track that seems to examine the concept of Holy Mothers. Titled, "Madonna [And Other Mothers In The Hood]," this song uses lots of religious and spiritual imagery and lexicon, while chronicling a modern experience of how today's... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Erick Sermon Is Back To Giving Fans Some Green-Eyed Inspiration (Audio)

Erick Sermon stayed largely quiet in 2014. The EPMD co-founder did play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette, but the Long Island legend largely shunned output this year. In the last two weeks of the year, that suddenly changed with "One Shot." Almost 30 years deep in the game, E-Double offers up... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

22 Years Ago Today, Dr. Dre Fired Up The Chronic & We’ve Inhaled Ever Since

Twenty-two years ago today (December 15, 1992), Dr. Dre released The Chronic. Dre's solo debut, after parting ways with N.W.A., also marked the premiere release for Death Row Records, a would-be hundred-million-dollar label he founded with bodyguard-turned-manager Marion "Suge" Knight. Now boasting more than 3,000,000 copies sold, The Chronic may... Read more

December 15, 2014 Throwback

Diamond D Links with Evidence & Alchemist and It’s Magic (Video)

Diamond D keeps dropping jewels from his The Diam Piece album. Next up is the video for "It's Magic," Diamond's unfiltered offering featuring Evidence and Alchemist. Evidence and Alchemist flex verses over a raw beat, while Diamond mans the boards. Check it out. Related: Diamond D Remixes Diamond District &... Read more

December 15, 2014 Video

YG Bangs On Wax With DJ Quik, Mack 10 & Tha Relativez’ Big Wy (Audio)

YG's My Krazy Life, in many ways, feels like a mid-1990s Gangsta Rap album. The CTE/Def Jam Records experience (which YG felt was Grammy-snubbed), combines strong Compton neighborhood talk with storytelling, sex-centric tracks, and honest revelations of an early twenty-something just trying to live. "Bicken Back Bein Bool" is one... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Asher Roth Lyrically Bugs Out On Some Cutting Edge Nottz Production (Video)

Asher Roth's 2014 has been experimental, as has been the case surrounding the last three years of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania native MC. However, it also seems that the now-Def Jam-inked artist has really carved his way back into bending bars, witty wordplay, and thoughtful theses on things. This is... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

D’Angelo’s Black Messiah Hits Stores Tonight. Here Are Details and a Review.

The wait is over. After nearly 15 years since the release of his Voodoo album, D'Angelo and The Vanguard's Black Messiah LP will hit stores at midnight (12/15). We were fortunate enough to attend an intimate listening session held at the Dream Hotel in New York's Meatpacking District. The event,... Read more

December 14, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

And Just Like That…D’Angelo Releases His 1st Single from Black Messiah (Audio)

The Internets were set on fire late last week at the announcement that, after 15 years, D'Angelo was releasing his next album, titled Black Messiah, possibly as early as this week. The din is surely to grow louder as he premieres an official studio version of his song "Sugah Daddy"... Read more

December 14, 2014 Audio

Here’s an Old School Soul Mix from Biz Markie That Just Feels Good (Audio)

Biz Markie is a legendary MC and beatboxer but, over the last several years, he has relied on his formidable DJ skills perhaps more than anything else. If you've ever had the privilege to attend one of his sets, you know the Biz digs deep in the crates. Here's an... Read more

December 13, 2014 Throwback

TLC Send Some Holiday Cheer with a Gift Wrapped Kiss (Audio)

As the holidays approach, T-Boz and Chili from TLC have released some good tidings and cheer by way of "Gift Wrapped Kiss." Check it out. Related: TLC Perform What About Your Friends at the Vh1 Super Bowl Blitz (Video)... Read more

December 13, 2014 Audio

J. Cole Says Capitalism is Like Paid Slavery and It’s Time for Change (Video)

Remember the Occupy movement and all the energy around the imbalance between the 1% and all the rest? As passionate as many in the country were about those issues, the protests at the time have faded leaving little more than a footnote. Whether it's bills, family issues or just the... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Royce Da 5’9″, DJ Premier & Adrian Younge Takeover the Boiler Room (Video)

Royce Da 5'9", DJ Premier and Adrian Younge, the collective known as PRhyme, tookover the Boiler Room recently for a night for true music Heads. The event, which was held at New York's Chung King Studios, began with a DJ set by Younge, where he spun 45s of breaks used... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

J. Cole Delivers a Stunning Performance of Be Free on Letterman (Video)

"I'm letting you know that there ain't no gun they can make that can kill my soul." J. Cole is on a different level these days. He performed a powerful version of "Be Free" on Late Show with David Letterman that left everyone in the room stunned, including Dave (visibly).... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Addresses Ferguson, Eric Garner and Instilling Self Esteem (Video)

Over the last five years, Kendrick Lamar as been one of Hip-Hop's leading social commentators through his music. Songs like "Vanity Slaves," "Keisha's Song" and "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" address various issues plaguing the community. So, when MTV recently asked Kendrick about the events around the country... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Bishop Nehru Brings a Breath of Fresh Air to Hip-Hop (Audio)

2014 has been a strong year for Bishop Nehru. In addition to releasing his Nehruvian DOOM project with DOOM, the talented MC also signed with Nas on his Mass Appeal records. His latest release chops up a vintage Erykah Badu sample. Check out "Breath." Related: Bishop Nehru Makes His Sway... Read more

December 13, 2014 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Shut Down The Backroom With a Hot Verse & Beat (Video)

PRhyme (Royce Da 5'9" and DJ Premier) were the latest to hit The Backroom on 106 & Park, and the dynamic duo shut it down. Royce kicked a blistering verse that was part new and part from PRhyme's song "To Me, To U," all over a custom-made Premier beat. Press... Read more

December 12, 2014 Video

It’s Been 15 Years Spent Waiting. Now We MAY Have A D’Angelo Album Next Week… (Video)

Rumors have been swirling surrounding a third D'Angelo album since shortly after 2000's Voodoo. Even those rumors are teenagers now, and D'Angelo Heads have sometimes seemed to abandon all hope that the Soul sensation could, or would ever offer up another LP. Out of thin air, a new album, Black... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Timbaland Unearths A Petey Pablo Track That Puts The NC Vet In New Light (Audio)

Petey Pablo may seem like a blast from the past. In the closing days of 2001, the Greenville, North Carolina rapper put on for his state (and the South) with smash hit, "Raise Up." As a result, the Jive Records artist scored a gold-certified album, Diary Of A Sinner: 1st Entry,... Read more

December 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh