Fresh Archives

Remy Ma Explains Making Deeper Songs, Papoose’s Unwavering Support (Video)

HOT 97's new series, "The Reflection" is quite amazing. These sort of function something like MTV's "The Diary," VH1's "Storytellers," and NPR's "Fresh Air." However, viewers never get the questions, only the explanations, which are edited together to appear like a cool, seamless autobiographical narrative. For Remy Ma, opening up... Read more

October 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Snoh & Common Say Bad Things Over A No ID Instrumental (Audio)

The history between Common and No ID has been well documented for some years, but their relationship with Swedish R&B songstress Snoh may be a little lesser known to the average Head. Looking up to iconic artists including her all-time hero, Michael Jackson, Snoh Aalegra began honing in on her... Read more

October 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ras Kass, Xzibit, Royce Da 5’9″ & Bishop Lamont Are On A Brutal Lyrical Safari (Audio)

Whoa! From Ras Kass & Apollo Brown's upcoming Blasphemy album, the tandem releases "Giraffe Pussy." While the title possibly conjures up some difficult images, the song itself is one of the biggest, most brutal lyrical super-collaborations this year. Xzibit, who rocked with Razzy since the Golden State Warriors days (with... Read more

October 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Throws Back To Mary J. Blige’s My Life Throwback, All Night Long (Audio)

In the late 2014 canon of Raekwon #TBTs (now 18 of them), this remixed rendition of Mary J. Blige's "Mary Jane (All Night Long)" just might be the most fitting. Released 20 years ago next month from My Life, the Puff Daddy & Chucky Thompson-produced cut was in itself a... Read more

October 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mick Jenkins Looks Deep Into The Water[s], Discusses Reflection Eternal Influence (Food For Thought Interview)

As the infrastructure of Hip-Hop in Chicago, and the excess of young talented artists concocting it continues to swiftly evolve, the eccentric and unflappable twenty-three year old MC, Mick Jenkins, has recently ascended near the top of the budding movement. Initially hinting at his lyrical aptitude with the 2012 release... Read more

October 16, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

What Goes Through the Minds of Run the Jewels When They Record? Watch and See (Video)

There is nothing serene about the music from Run the Jewels. Killer Mike & El-P have been consistently putting out some of the darkest, hardest and most politically-charged music in Hip-Hop for the last few years. So, would you believe a lot of this material was conceived and recorded in... Read more

October 16, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Discusses His Extensive History, Details Origins Of MC Eiht Beef (Audio)

DJ Quik is on the media circuit once again. David Blake swung through New York City, appearing on Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds' Juan Epstein podcast. Working chronologically (beginning from 28:00), Quik goes from his days of slanging tapes that covered the left side of the Mississippi River, into Quik... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Vince Staples Has Got That Fire (Video)

Vince Staples has had a big year. After a very prominent feature on Common's single "Kingdom," the up and coming Long Beach MC recently shared the stage with Comm and Jay Electronica at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Now, capitalizing on his growing heat, Staples brings that "Fire" with his... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Joe Budden Teams with Ransom on Make a Deal (Audio)

Joe Budden releases another track from his SomeLove series leading up to the release of his Some Love Lost album (11/4). "Make a Deal" is another dark and brooding track from Budden where he and Ransom recount what they would discuss with God if they had the opportunity. Check it... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio

After Smashing the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher Snow Tha Product Releases a New Song (Audio)

For those who were not familiar with Snow Tha Product before her rapid-fire, bilingual Cypher in last night's BET Hip Hop Awards, she made a big impression. For others, she brought the ruckus as expected. Following up on her performance, Snow releases a moody new single with Ty Dolla $ign.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio

Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo & Queen Latifah Perform I Wanna Be Down Remix (Video)

Nearly 20 years after the release of one of Hip-Hop's finest remixes, Brandy, MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Queen Latifah reunited at the BET Hip Hop Awards for a sizzling performance of "I Wanna Be Down." You could feel the excitement in the building mounting as each MC took the visually... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Finding The GOAT: Big Boi vs. Prodigy…Who You Got?

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

October 15, 2014 Fresh

Ice Cube & Chuck D Recall The Transition From N.W.A To Amerikkka’s Most Wanted

In the spring of 1990, Ice Cube broke out in his solo career with Amerikkka's Most Wanted. The controversially-titled Priority Records release found the South Central, California MC out of N.W.A, and amicably so at that point. A would-be platinum album, in many circles, it contends as Cube's finest work.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Lil Herb, Common & Chance the Rapper Say No Matter How Hard Things Get, Never Quit (Video)

Lil Herb's "Fight or Flight Remix" featuring Common and Chance the Rapper is at times bleak, but the overriding message is, no matter how bad things have been or might get, never quit and never give in. The video captures these themes with both images of destruction and those of... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Doug E. Fresh Receives I Am Hip-Hop Award With A Moving Speech (Video)

Last night (October 14), during BET's airing of the 2014 Hip-Hop Awards, Harlem's Doug E. Fresh was the recipient of the I Am Hip-Hop Award. Taking the stage, the "Human Beat Box" thanked the Original Get Fresh Crew, with whom he recorded for nearly a decade. Doug thanked Slick Rick,... Read more

October 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Kicks A So-Sincere Verse From Cadillactica On Sway In The Morning (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. doesn't freestyle. He tells Sway Calloway as much during this week's stop on Sway In The Morning. However, when urged to take a minute to gather an upcoming collection of couplets, after a quick freestlye over "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," K.R.I.T. comes out of nowhere with a... Read more

October 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Did Kanye West Give Tyga The Ultimate Banger In 40 Mill? (Audio)

With his new family, Kanye West's fallen back from a prolific production output the last year and a half. However, the G.O.O.D. Music founder still has heat behind the boards, and continues to evolve with his sound and style. Heads may be surprised to see that Mr. West really locked... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Random Axe Makes A Rare Group Appearance With Scum (Audio)

From Black Milk's If There's A Hell Below (October 28), his Random Axe outfit (Black Milk, Sean Price & Guilty Simpson) make their second appearance together this year on "Scum." One of the finest, hardest, and well—scummiest Sean Price verses in some years appears in a song with three different... Read more

October 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Here Are the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers. Who Had the Best Verse (Video)

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards featured a variety of artists and different styles. From up and comers to grizzled veterans, each had something to prove. Many also had something meaningful to say, with references to the killing of Mike Brown and the protests in Ferguson manifesting throughout several verses.... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

The Family of Mike Brown Joins Common Onstage at the BET Hip Hop Awards (Video)

In a moment that was truly bigger than Hip-Hop (or any other form of music), the parents of Mike Brown, who was gunned down by police in Ferguson, MO, took the stage during the BET Hip Hop Awards at the conclusion of Common's performance of his "Kingdom Remix" with Vince... Read more

October 15, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Gets His Grown Man on in the Video for Pay Attention (Video)

From the beginning, Big K.R.I.T.'s song "Pay Attention," featuring Rico Love, announced a new chapter for the Mississippi MC. K.R.I.T. allowed Jim Jonsin to take the production reins as he got into grown and sexy mode. The video for the song also reflects K.R.I.T.'s evolution. Rather than take a trip... Read more

October 14, 2014 Video

PRhyme (DJ Premier and Royce Da 5’9″) Release the Artwork and Tracklist for Their New EP

DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" shook up the Hip-Hop world last month when they announced they were forming a group called PRhyme, Premier's first since Gang Starr. After releasing a teaser and a single, they now reveal the artwork and tracklist. The project will feature production from Preemo, samples... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: DJ Quik vs. Too Short…Who You Got?

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

October 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Rock Releases His First Solo Song in Nearly a Year. Be Warned (Audio)

Make no mistake, though he has been relatively quiet compared to his Black Hippy brethren over the last few years, Jay Rock is still a Top Dawg. He marks his return with "Parental Advisory," his first solo release in nearly a year. Far from shying away from the West Coast... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio

Murs & Fashawn Beast Up For DJ JS-1, Telling It Like It Is (Audio)

While they've connected in recent years, Murs & Fashawn go back in the bag for the Rocksteady Crew's DJ JS-1. Murs gets back in that Varsity Blues mindstate, chronicling his days selling herb in the gang-infested streets of early 1990s Los Angeles. Fashawn does the same, reviewing how he was... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Philadelphia International Records Closes Its Doors, Building To Be Demolished

From Teddy Pendergrass to Michael Jackson, The O'Jays to The Intruders, Billy Paul to Bunny Sigler, an array of legends recorded at and for Philadelphia International Records, where together they formed "The Sound Of Philadelphia." Tragically, the label started by Leon Huff and Kenny Gamble is closing its doors. It... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big Sean Highlights His Clever Wordplay On Extended Freestyle (Video)

Big Sean hit Philadelphia's longtime DJ Cosmic Kev to drop off nearly six minutes of non-stop freestyle bars over a bevy of different beats. Along the way, Sean really locks in with the kind of bouncing, homonym-driven wordplay that made him a breakout star. Along the way, he even alludes... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pulp Fiction, Still Cool, Compelling & Game-Changing 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Twenty years ago today (October 14), the Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction opened in theaters. The film starring a Hollywood re-tread (John Travolta), a character actor (Samuel L. Jackson), and a relative unknown (Umma Thurman), as well as a host of other actors, would go on to become an icon... Read more

October 14, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

Yelawolf Provides A Chilly Narrative For Til It’s Gone (Video)

With the lyric video already abuzz, Yelawolf releases the official video for Love Story single, "Til It's Gone." With Catfish Billy on an air-boat, surrounded by snakes, alligators, and a most Darwinist view of nature, the visual tells the story of a man out to feed his child, while owing... Read more

October 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

On An Island Of Isolation, Logic Says He Feels Like He’s Buried Alive (Audio)

Gearing up for Under Pressure (October 21), Logic admits to feeling just that. "Buried Alive" is a confession in audio, not unlike some of the moments heard from the Baltimore, Maryland's contemporaries such as Kendrick Lamar and Chance The Rapper. Feeling alone, the Visionary Music Group MC talks about fame-seekers,... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

March On Washington With Oddisee & Diamond District (Album Stream)

Mello Music Group has offered—as they always seem to—the latest album stream from the Tucson, Arizona-based label. This one comes highly anticipated, the sophomore group effort from Diamond District. The Washington, D.C. trio of Oddisee, yU, and X.O. March On Washington over 14 tracks based around lyrical darts and thumping... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Releases the Title Track to Cadillactica (Audio)

Less than a month away from his sophomore album with Def Jam Records backing (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. offers up the title song from Cadillactica. The work fits snugly into Krizzle's catalog, on the basis of lyrics. However, the sound of the record shows some new progression from the MC/producer.... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Capone-N-Noreaga Bring the Gods Back with Sadat X (Video)

Capone-N-Noreaga link with Sadat X to drop some "grown man bars" on "Bringing the Gods Back." The track hails from CNN's forthcoming new album and finds each veteran MC in top form as they dice up the bombastic track. Check out the video. Related: Capone, Noreaga, Cormega & Nature Form... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

Talib Kweli & Res Give a Rousing Live Rendition of Party Robot with Bajah (Video)

Talib Kweli recently played at the Brooklyn Bowl and, from the looks of it, he pulled out all the stops. Joined on stage by Res, Bajah and a huge live band, he did an incredible live version of Party Robot from his joint Idle Warship project of the same name... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

Tsu Surf vs Hitman Holla: Who Took This Battle? (Video)

At this year's Summer Madness, Smack/URL's "Super Bowl of MC Battling," Tsu Surf and Hitman Holla went head to head in another chapter of their ongoing rivalry. Now, the match has been released in its entirety. Take a look and weigh in on who you think won this battle. Related:... Read more

October 13, 2014 Video

The WOW Recruit Prodigy & Rick Gonzales for Some Grimy Wordplay (Audio)

Prodigy and his label signee Rick Gonzales (aka Realm Reality) join The WOW for some "nightmare Rap" over a no nonsense beat. The ominous violin and live drums pair nicely with each MC's steely flow. Check out "Untitled Melody." Related: Your Old Droog & Prodigy Welcome September As Hoodie Weather... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio

Finding The GOAT: J. Cole vs. Big K.R.I.T…Who You Got?

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

October 13, 2014 Fresh

RZA Freestyles Out Of The Blue During An Interview, Talks Battling Inspectah Deck (Video)

So MTV News opted to ask RZA about reported battles during the Wu-Tang Clan studio sessions for next month's A Better Tomorrow. The Abbott revealed that in a particular moment with Inspectah Deck, both RZA and Rebel INS turned to their phone files to pull out some rhymes and verses... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Dr. Cornel West Arrested At Ferguson Protests On Moral Monday (Video)

Several years ago, Dr. Cornel West of Princeton University opted to make a Rap album. The Ivy League professor, author, and social activist made 2007's Never Forget: A Journey Of My Revelations, an effort to featured Andre 3000, KRS-One, Black Thought, and Killer Mike, among many others. Today (October 13),... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Reggie Bonds & Mick Jenkins Nail This Track Named Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Audio)

Listen to this collaborative effort from Milwaukee's Reggie Bonds and Chicago's Mick Jenkins. Partially dedicated to the death of Michael Brown three months later. On "Moral Monday," these two MCs talk about police "killing kids," the struggle, and just what they stand for as young Black men out to educate... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ab-Soul Confirms That Longterm Mentality 3 Will Be His First Album In Stores (Video)

Ab-Soul has no fear in talking about his fetishes, the most romantic thing he's ever done for a ladyfriend, and how he's "eatin'" "to every extent of the word." However, along the way in the as-expectedly colorful Montreality interview, Ab confirms that Longterm Mentality 3 will commemorate his debut album,... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

In Halloween Season, Eminem’s Shady XV Artwork Hits The Spot

Six weeks away, Eminem unveiled the simple-but-seasonally-relevant artwork to his Shady XV compilation today (October 13) via Instagram video. The LP is slated to feature the likes of Yelawolf, Slaughterhouse, Alchemist, and other Shady Records artists and affiliates. Loading Back to basics! Here's the cover for #SHADYXV out 11/24. View... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Are PRhyme With Courtesy (Audio)

Royce Da 5'9" rocks some stream of consciousness as DJ Premier lays down a gliding organ arrangement, complete with a scratch-chorus. Along the way, Nickel Nine opens up about his family's addictions, his latest sportscar purchase, and the respect he's out for. "This one's for my lyricists, courtesy of my... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Follow Jay Electronica Into The Light In The Second Trailer In 5 Years (Video)

Nearly five years ago, Jay Electronica's skills and popularity grew immensely through a string of Just Blaze-produced singles, a Reflection Eternal feature, and an overall mystique surrounding the New Orleans, Louisiana native who was then-attached to Erykah Badu. Around that time, Jay played a lengthy excursion through India, Nepal and... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels Rage Against the Machine with Zack De La Rocha (Audio)

Rap's Robin Hoods deliver another jarring glimpse from their upcoming sophomore group effort, RTJ2. Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) have seemingly found the pocket of some of their most passionate, pungent, and disarming music to date. Joined by Zack De La Rocha (who kicks an extremely rare MC... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Watch a Highlight Reel of Some of Eminem’s Greatest Battles (Video)

Though Eminem's 8 Mile movie was fictional, it aligned very closely with several elements in Marshall Mathers' real life, including showcasing that he started as BATTLE RAP BEAST. The battle scenes in the film have been replayed countless times, but there is also real footage of Em's battles that have... Read more

October 12, 2014 Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Keeps it Gangsta in His Responses to Fans About Thuggin’ (Video)

Freddie Gibbs is the latest to participate in Noisey's "The People vs..." series. Gangsta Gibbs read through actual comments from users about his "Thuggin'" video on YouTube. Gibbs was both funny and thoughtful in his responses. He also gives a very interesting take when asked how he justifies releasing records... Read more

October 12, 2014 Video

Curren$y’s Releases His 2nd Mixtape in a Week with Jet Life’s World Wide Hustlers (Mixtape)

Curren$y stays on his mixtape grind with his second release in a week. World Wide Hustlers features, Spitta, fellow Jet Life members Young Roddy, Corner Boy, Le$ and T.Y., as well as Smoke DZA, Freddie Gibbs and more. The project contains some original soulful beats as well as some old... Read more

October 12, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Cookin’ Soul Remixes Nipsey Hussle & Dom Kennedy with Some Classic Jodeci (Audio)

The production duo Cookin' Soul Has lived up to its name with an inspired remix of Nipsey Hussle's "Don't Forget Us," featuring Dom Kennedy. They chop up a Jodeci classic something lovely and concoct a soulful sonic landscape for Nipsey and Dom to get busy. This is feel good music.... Read more

October 11, 2014 Audio

LL Cool J is in Ripper Mode With Raekwon & Murda Mook on I’m Nice (Video)

LL Cool J's "I'm Nice," featuring Raekwon, Murda Mook and Ron Browz was a return to form for the 30-year veteran. LL is in full Jack the Ripper mode as he, Rae and Mook take turns lacing the grimy cut. Check out the video. Related: LL Cool J Showcases Some... Read more

October 11, 2014 Video