Fresh Archives

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

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