Fresh Archives

Things Go Horribly Wrong in Childish Gambino’s Video for Telegraph Ave (Oakland) (Video)

Childish Gambino and Jhene Aiko are co-stars once again in the video for "Telegraph Ave ("Oakland" by Lloyd)." What starts off as a romantic trip ends up as a horror story...literally. This one has one of the most unexpected endings in a video so far this year. Check it out.... Read more

October 11, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Releases the Lyric Video for i (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's new single "i" took the internet by storm and by surprise. The track, with its Isley Brothers-fueled sample, was a sonic departure from Kendrick's previous material. When you dig deeper however, the song was fully consistent with K. Dot's often complex message of struggle and, ultimately, redemption. Now,... Read more

October 10, 2014 Video

Boaz Releases the Video for His Red Hot Collabo with Jadakiss & Styles P (Video)

Last month, Boaz released "Rootin' 4 the Villain," his joint effort with Styles P and Jadakiss. It takes a lot of courage for an up and coming MC to get on a track with 2/3 of The Lox but Boaz more than holds his own. All three MCs go hard... Read more

October 10, 2014 Video

Can’t Wait to Hear DJ Quik’s New Album? Here’s the Full Stream (Audio)

DJ Quik's album The Midnight Life will be in stores on 10/14. The album, Quik's 9th solo, is full of the rich Funk and Soul his fans have come to love over the last couple of decades. And, with features from El Debarge, Suga Free, Dom Kennedy, Mack 10, Joi... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio

G-Unit Jack Troy Ave for His (Musical) Money (Audio)

The track for Troy Ave's "All About the Money" BANGS. So much so, G-Unit (minus 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks) had to jack him for the beat and put their own spin on it. Check out "All About the Drug Money." Also, you can catch part 2 of their extended... Read more

October 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Finding The GOAT: Styles P vs. Method Man…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 10, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Speaks on His Entire Career Project by Project (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on the CRWN series with Elliott Wilson. K.R.I.T. spoke for an hour, covering his entire career, project by project. K.R.I.T. was in a good place--often joking with the crowd and ever philosophical about his career. He went in-depth about the ups and downs he's... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Logic’s Under Pressure Video Feels Like a Real-Life Game of Call of Duty (Video)

Logic has released his first video for his upcoming album debut, Under Pressure. The video for the title track is shot from the first-person perspective and looks and feels like a real-life game of Call of Duty. With its intense and ultra-graphic violence, this is not for the squeamish. Related:... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Here’s a Beautiful Look at the Making of the Nas Film Time is Illmatic (Video)

Time is Illmatic, the documentary about Nas, Illmatic and the Hip-Hop landscape of that era, opened up this year's Tribeca Film Festival and hit select theaters last week. The film was a 10-year labor of love by filmmakers One-9 and Erik Parker. Here's a gorgeously shot short about the making... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Andy Mineo Drops Lyrics of Faith and Fury in The Backroom Freestyle (Video)

"Only sure thing in life is your death. I pray these rappers know that dude who's hanging on their neck." Andy Mineo is the latest to drop a verse in The Backroom on 106 & Park and he BODIED IT...with lyrics of substance and his message of faith. If you... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Says He “Masterminded” 2Pac’s All Eyez on Me Album (Video)

The West Coast OG DJ Quik sat down with Sway for one of Quik's longest interviews in recent memory. Quik touched on a host of topics including the first time he met Suge Knight, his history with Death Row Records (including witnessing some of the infamous beatdowns of artists), why... Read more

October 9, 2014 Video

Finding The GOAT: Crooked I vs. Jadakiss…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 9, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: Sadat X & Brand Nubian’s Lump Lump Remix (Audio)

It took more than seven years for Sadat X to release a solo album. While Grand Puba briefly left Brand Nubian to pursue solo interests in the mid-1990s (to some great success), Datty X, Lord Jamar, and DJ Alamo stayed the course of their Elektra Records outfit, stressing that it... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Raekwon Takes on the O’Jay’s Backstabbers for Throwback Thursday (Audio)

For his latest Throwback Thursdays release, Raekwon takes on The O'Jays' "Backstabbers." Rae attacks the soulful classic with aggression, speeding up to near double-time to stay in the pocket. Check it out. Related: Raekwon Flows Over Some Vintage Amerie For This Throwback Thursday (Audio)... Read more

October 9, 2014 Audio

DJ Green Lantern Makes a Soulful EDM Remix of Wu-Tang Clan’s C.R.E.A.M. (Audio)

Wu-Tang Clan and EDM? Sounds nuts, right? DJ Green Lantern takes their classic, C.R.E.A.M., and remixes it to the fullest. He preserves the soulfulness of the original sample (in some ways heightening it) and sprinkles in key soundbites from the hook and verses. The similarity stops there, though. He also... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

G-Unit is Real and Uncut in This Extended Interview (Video)

XXL conducted an interview with G-Unit in 50 Cent's home in Connecticut. They chose the location because in 2008, it was there that the Unit was together for the last time before an extended, acrimonious and well-documented split. In this interview, 50, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck and Kidd... Read more

October 8, 2014 Video

Jadakiss Says He Knew He Made It When Biggie Co-Signed Him (Video)

Jadakiss recently guested on ESPN's Highly Questionable. The Lox MC spoke about a host of things including DMX's scary driving, partying with the Knicks (but partying harder with their opponents...), and knowing he had made it as an MC when he got the co-sign from The Notorious B.I.G. Check out... Read more

October 8, 2014 Video

Kool G. Rap & Guilty Simpson Play Chess Never Checkers Over Some Boom Bap (Audio)

Sometimes the best Hip-Hop involves little more than some fire lyrics over a hard beat. That's exactly what "Chess Never Checkers" provides. Kool G. Rap and Guilty Simpson lay down dense and grimy verses over a BOOM BAP beat and intermittent minimalist chords. If you want that rough and raw... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Joe Budden & Crooked I Represent for the Crew on Devil in My House (Audio)

Joe Budden and Crooked I may make up one half of Slaughterhouse, but the fractions stop there. Each is a formidable MC unto himself and both stand on their own. Together? They create an East Coast/West Coast tandem that can go toe to toe with any other Rap twosome. On... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Inspectah Deck & Big K.R.I.T On The Same Track? True & Groovin’ (Audio)

Some collaborations work better on paper. Others, however, might sound cacophonous in theory, but work incredibly well. In creating his "Colosseum," A-Villa amassed Wu-Tang Clan swordsman Inspectah Deck, Big K.R.I.T., and Termanology—three MCs that arguably represent different corners of the "dope Hip-Hop" carryall. Krizzle kicks things off with a sharp... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: MC Lyte vs. MCA…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 8, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Choosey & Fashawn Got Mind Over Matter Over A Likewise Beat (Audio)

Exile's camp produces a potent collaboration from Choosey and Fashawn. The two MCs look at some inconsistencies and head scratchers in their lives with a smooth shrug in "Matters." Like (a/k/a Likewise) of Pac Div supplies the quirky beat. This song is one of the many moments from Choosey that... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson’s Got Replies To Your Comments On Easy Rider (Video)

In the wake of late August's "Easy Rider" video by Action Bronson, Bam Bam sat down for Noisey to react to the YouTube commenters on the single's Easy Rider-inspired visual of the same name. From some classic humility, to addressing "the fat white guy era of Rap," to deeper points... Read more

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Stevie Wonder, Pharrell & Sam Smith Cover A Beach Boys Classic (Video)

The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows" is one of the most heartfelt Pop songs of the last 50 years. So much so that Statik Selektah wove in elements in his jut-grabbing collaboration from De La Soul's Posdnuos and UGK's Bun B. Stevie Wonder, a true Beach Boys contemporary who joined... Read more

October 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Redman Shows How He Rocks on a Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick Classic (Audio)

After taking the Internet by storm last week with a blistering verse over a DJ Quik track, Redman rocks out over Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick's classic, "The Show" (with a few other choice samples). Check out "Rockin' Wit Marley Marl." Related: Redman Does His Take On An Old... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio

Need Some 80’s R&B? This Mix Will Rub You the Right Way (Audio)

The DJ collective The Rub (DJ Eleven & DJ Ayres) have been rocking parties in NYC and all over the world for years. Known for their incredibly painstaking series of mixes of the best Hip-Hop year-by-year from 1979 - 2009, they also throw down something heavy with R&B classics. Their... Read more

October 8, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Termanology, Chris Rivers & Inspectah Deck Load Up the Lyrical Chambers as The War Begins (Audio)

Termanology gets an Alchemist-flavored track from producer Billy Loman as Chris Rivers, Inspectah Deck, H Blanco and Term' proceed to go to work. This is a record for the headphones, not the radio, as these 4 lyricists do verbal combat on "The War Begins." Check it out. Related: Termanology &... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

Boaz Travels The West Coast With Murs, Crooked I & Fashawn To Remix Like This (Audio)

Boaz's !llmind-produced "Like This" is the Pittsburgh MC's door opener to afar. The Rostrum Records artist hits the West Coast for the first remix to find a diverse trio of highly-talented, street-respected MCs in Mid City, Los Angeles' Murs, Fresno's Fashawn, and Long Beach's Crooked I. The three MCs team... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J. Blige’s London Sessions Come To Life In Right Now (Video)

Mary J Blige's upcoming The London Sessions is said to find the Yonkers, New Yorker in a new element, chasing a new sound. "Right Now" was an early glimpse of the fruits of that journey, a song written by Sam Smith and produced by Disclosure. With a new look to... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

For Jin, Looking Back Is Complicated In This Reflective Single With Hollis (Audio)

Following a mainstream hiatus, Jin (formerly of Ruff Ryders Entertainment) is back on the scene. Tried and true in the early 2000s Battle Rap culture, the MC known for knocking down one of Hip-Hop's racial barriers has depth to him too. "Complicated," featuring Macklemore's homie Hollis, is Jin revisiting the... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chris Rivers Adds To His 2014 Heatwave Of Tracks (Video)

Chris Rivers' Wonderland Of Misery 2 mixtape continues to extend to new believers in the MC previously known as "Baby Pun." His own man, the Bronx MC continues with a "Dear Summer" ode to the beach, bikinis, and warming up the microphone with "Heatwave." With the Martha & The Vandellas... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cuttin’ & Scratchin’ With Cassette Tapes? Here’s How… (Video)

One of the best things about vinyl in the pre-Serato age is that it can be maneuvered. Whether you're of Rob Swift or Roc Raida (R.I.P) skill, or your a bedroom DJ looking to learn how to make your first zigga-zigga's, vinyl is hands-on and tempting to any technician. In... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pharrell Embraces The Autumn With A Gust Of Wind (Video)

Pharrell's bigger-than-life presentation of G I R L continues with "Gust Of Wind." The latest single from the blockbuster album includes autumnal nymphs, choreography—and you guessed it, another leather full-brimmed hat in the visual. This LP anticipates year-round play... Related: T.I. and Pharrell Say Don’t Do Business Until Your Paperwork... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Got Drama For Days (Video)

When she wants to dramatize her verses, Rapsody literally goes underground. Jamla's current flagship artist tells the tale of Beauty & The Beast with the latest visual to her just-released EP. With her team surrounding her, the Kooley High alum spins the yarns on why she's among the best, and... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Biz Markie vs. Erick Sermon…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 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Sha Stimuli Works His Magic In The 106 & Park Backroom (Video)

Brooklyn, New York veteran Sha Stimuli made one of the biggest stops of his career at The Backroom in BET's "106 & Park." Lord Digga's brother, a onetime Jermaine Dupri protege at Virgin/EMI Records uses a fragmented style, hitting various themes (candy bars, '80s television, networks) to discuss the sugar-coated... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

T.I. and Pharrell Say Don’t Do Business Until Your Paperwork is Straight (Audio)

T.I. gets autobiographical on "Paperwork," his soulful reunion with oft-collaborator Pharrell. Tip talks about the challenges he faced before breaking through--doubters, blockers and just plain haters. All the while, Pharrell cautions against dealing with people before they've been vetted, on the hook. Check it out. Related: T.I. Pens The New... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in September 2014 (Audio)

As we ease into October, here's a look back at some of the amazing music that came out in September 2014. You'll hear songs from DJ Quik, Nas, The Lox, Schoolboy Q, Common, Jay Electronica, MC Lyte, Childish Gambino, Raekwon, Logic, Rapsody, Yelawolf, Diamond D, Elzhi, Talib Kweli, Nature, Rick... Read more

October 7, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Keith Murray Talks His Career, With Crooked I & Wale Joining Sway’s Party (Video)

Keith Murray can be a movie. Just like he is on his heralded Jive (and later, Def Jam) Records albums, the Central Islip MC is animated as ever. On a recent Sway In The Morning episode (also featuring Crooked I), the Def Squad MC opines on the greatest Rap record... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Happened to Wu-Tang Clan’s Remix With Drake? The Wu Speaks (Video)

During the lead up to the release of Drake's Nothing Was the Same album, one of the things that had Head's most excited was the prospect of a collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan on Drake's song "Wu-Tang Forever." Despite confirmation from members of the Wu that the remix was official and... Read more

October 6, 2014 Video

Pen & Pixel: See The Illustrators That Changed The Face Of Southern Rap In The ’90s (Video)

In the 1990s, if you were a Southern Rap Head, chances are, you bought an album with artwork designed by Pen & Pixel. From No Limit to Cash Money, Suave House to Priority Records, this team of digital artists executed the grandiose visions of the artists looking to make their... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Want To Feel Some 1970s New York City Seediness? Hit The Terminal Bar (Video)

Whether you're listening to Ultramagnetic MC's, Mr. MFE, or Beastie Boys, MCs love "that old New York," but should they really? Released more than a year ago, this 20+ minute documentary on one of the grimiest Midtown Manhattan bars flexes some realness on just how "do or die" Times Square... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: The D.O.C. vs. Redman…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 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Hid The Vocal Version Of 3005 & Now It’s Found (Audio)

When Childish Gambino titled his latest album because the internet., it presumably was topical, tongue-in-cheek self-deprecation, and just a memorable name. However, Donald Glover truly has fun with the medium—and we're past talking about the Wu Name Generator that made him the name Heads all now know. "3005" is indeed... Read more

October 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear A Rare Masta Ace Track From 1987 (Audio)

For more than 25 years, Masta Ace has been a "Music Man." Back in 1988, Brownsville, Brooklyn's master storyteller appeared on the archetypal posse cut, Marley Marl's "The Symphony," alongside his Juice Crew cohorts. However, the would-be star of Masta Ace Inc. and The EMC was cutting records in Marley's... Read more

October 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

It’s A Double Feature, As Curren$y Releases 7 More Saturday Night Car Tunes (Free EP)

Following late August's Saturday Night Car Tunes, Curren$y releases More Saturday Night Car Tunes. The major label veteran lives up to his reputation for ceaseless production with a handful of Cardo-produced joints, including a Wiz Khalifa feature, as well as one by Wiz's former label-mate Mac Miller. Download Mixtape Think... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Zion I, Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice & Deuce Eclipse Get It In (Video)

Zion I pulls out all of the stops for "Get Urs." The Oakland-formed duo of MC Zumbi and Amplive link with Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Mr. Lif (The Perceptionists), Opio (Souls Of Mischief), Deuce Eclipse, and Kev Choice for this stellar (and hella colorful) concept video. It's straight bars, and... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get To Know TDE’s SZA On A Deeper Level In This Intimate Mini-Doc (Video)

It might seem that on the surface that SZA might not fit in with the members of Black Hippy, or Isaiah Rashad on Top Dawg Entertainment. However, in this "Where I'm From" nine-minute mini-documentary on Life+Times, it's abundant that the Saint Louis, Missouri songstress is shy and reserved, much like... Read more

October 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

When Diamond D Releases A New LP, It’s Kind Of A Big Deal. Check The Diam Piece (Album Stream)

This past week, Diamond D released his sixth solo album (fourth studio), The Diam Piece. The Empire-distributed LP from one of the keystones of the Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C) family features Pete Rock, Talib Kweli, The Pharcyde, Tha Alkaholiks, Kurupt, Rapsody, Pharaohe Monch, Fat Joe and Freddie Foxxx, among... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Young Masters At Work: Eric B. & Rakim’s My Melody Rare 1986 Marley Marl Remix (Audio)

Although it was not released until July 7, 1987, Eric B. & Rakim's debut album Paid In Full was made extensively throughout 1986 and early 1987. While production credits went to the group, Heads know that Marley Marl—who used his home for many sessions, was a producer on many of... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback