Fresh Archives

Lecrae & The Roots Tear It Down Like It’s Nuthin’ (Video)

Lecrae's "Nuthin'" is one of the talking points from Anomaly. The Reach Records star with a #1 album isn't holding his tongue about his Rap peers on the single, but he's trying to bring messages back—whatever they may be. Joining The Roots onstage for "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,"... Read more

October 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cormega Makes Yet Another Industry Remix, With Inspectah Deck, Roc Marciano & Brand Nubian (Audio)

After a show-stopping original version, Cormega remixed his Mega Philosophy single "Industry" with Juice Crew alumni Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Masta Ace in late July. For early October, Cory does it again. The third mix of "Industry" includes two-thirds of Brand Nubian in Sadat X and Lord Jamar,... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

G-Unit Keeps It Raw and Real About Just How Cold People Can Be on Changes (Video)

The warm and soulful track for G-Unit's "Changes" is in stark contrast to the icy lyrics. 50, Kidd Kidd, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo keep it raw and real about past betrayals and just how cold the game can be. The video finds the Unit suited and booted... Read more

October 4, 2014 Video

Need Some OutKast & Goodie Mob in Your Life? Here’s an Awesome Mix (Audio)

Here's a dope mix of Dungeon Family goodness from DJ Jedi 1200. The set hones in on music from OutKast and Goodie Mob, with a focus on some of the more downtempo and soulful cuts from each. Press play and let it ride. Outkast/Goodie Mob Mix by Jedi1200 on Mixcloud... Read more

October 4, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Performs His Single i For the First Time (Video)

Kendrick Lamar performed his new single "i" for the first time, at We Day Toronto. K. Dot gave an energetic rendition of the song with a live band. The footage was amateur but gives a good sense of the experience. Check out the video. Related: Flying Lotus Releases a Stunning... Read more

October 4, 2014 Video

Andre 3000 Discusses Playing Jimi Hendrix with David Letterman (Video)

Andre 3000 appeared on Late Show with David Letterman to discuss his role as Jimi Hendrix in the biopic, All is By My Side. For a good portion of the interview, Letterman quizzed Andre as if he actually was Hendrix and Andre took it in stride. He shared some compelling... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Lifetime’s Aaliyah Biopic Premieres in November. Here’s the Trailer (Video)

After some fits and starts with casting the lead role, Lifetime's biopic on Aaliyah is complete and ready to premiere next month on 11/15. The film, which originally starred Zendaya, now features Alexandra Shipp as Aaliyah. Check out the trailer for Aaliyah: The Princess of R&B. Related: Happy Birthday to... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

RZA, Raekwon & Ghostface Speak on How They Worked Out Their Differences (Video)

Last Winter, Wu-Tang Clan, specifically Raekwon and RZA, had some very public disagreements. Raekwon in particular lobbed some very vitriolic words toward RZA about the status of Wu-Tang Clan's new music and his concerns about how the Wu brand was being represented. Rae even went as far as to say... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Finding The GOAT: Raekwon vs. Black Thought…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 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Cozz & J. Cole Say You Can’t Knock Tha Hustle (Audio)

Much as J. Cole's mentor and label head Jay Z said emphatically on 1996's Reasonable Doubt, Cole and his mentee/label signee Cozz join forces to remind Heads you "Can't Knock Tha Hustle" on the remix to Cozz's track. Cole and Cozz unite over a smokey, jazz-flavored beat to speak on... Read more

October 3, 2014 Audio

Can Mac Miller Make a Dope Beat Using 3 Random Records? Watch and See (Video)

Over the last couple of years, Mac Miller has grown tremendously both as an artist and as a producer. Both his Watching Movies with the Sound Off album and his Faces mixtape were some of the best projects of their respective years and were rich in complex lyrics and beats.... Read more

October 3, 2014 Video

Rick Ross Gets the Assist From R. Kelly on Keep Doin’ That (Audio)

Rick Ross releases a new song from his forthcoming Hood Billionaire album. "Keep Doin' That" sports a tough beat and a guest turn from R. Kelly. Check it out (with tags for now). Related: Stalley Slows It Down for One More Shot With Rick Ross & August Alsina (Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Diamond District’s First Step is a Return to the Boom BAP (Video)

Diamond District, the collective of yU, Oddisee and Uptown XO, release their visuals for "First Step." The Oddisee-laced track is a return to the Boom Bap with some trunk-rumbling keys. Check out the video. Related: Diamond District Really Has Something In Their March On Washington (Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Nas Opens Up About His Life With Angie Martinez; Says New Music Possible Coming Today (Video)

Nas has always been an open book through his art, narrating not only for himself but for the streets. However, he typically has been a little less forthcoming in interviews. Yesterday, he sat down with Angie Martinez and the two had an intimate conversation amongst friends. Nas opened up about... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Snoop Dogg & Flavor Flav Show Their School Spirit on Bishop Gorman Move Them Chains (Audio)

Can you imagine your father and his friend recording a fight song for your school when you were in high school? No? What if those guys were Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav...That's exactly what Snoop did for his son's Bishop Gorman High School football team. Though neither OG MC drops... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Childish Gambino Releases the Stream to His New STN MTN Mixtape (Audio)

Never one to be confined by conventions, Childish Gambino releases the stream to his latest project. "STN MTN/KAUAI" is one-part free DJ Drama-hosted mixtape and one-part digital retail EP. Here's how Gambino explains it: "It’s a Gangsta Grillz mixtape that goes into an EP. The Gangsta Grillz mixtape is a... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Finding The GOAT: Joe Budden vs. Ab-Soul…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 2, 2014 Fresh

Do Remember: A Great Day In Harlem (Hip-Hop Version, 1998)

This week, the esteemed veteran music and culture journalist Michael A. Gonzalez penned a piece for Red Bull Music Academy about September 29, 1998. The day, deemed by XXL magazine "The Greatest Day In Hip-Hop History," was built around a tribute to Art Kane's 1958 photograph, "A Great Day In... Read more

October 2, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Raekwon Flows Over Some Vintage Amerie For This Throwback Thursday (Audio)

Raekwon continues his Throwback Thursday series with a verse over Amerie's "Why Don't We Fall in Love." Rae falls right in the pocket of Rich Harrison's B-Boy production. Check it out. Related: Heard it All Before? Not With a Raekwon Verse…(Audio)... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Ten Years Ago Saigon Predicted Hip-Hop Would Be in a Sad State. Was He Right? (Audio)

"In 2004 Saigon released his first project titled Warning Shots. There was a freestyle on Warning Shots where Saigon would prophesize everything that would come to take place in Hip Hop culture. From Rappers copying the sound of other regions, to rappers becoming overtly emotional, singing on every song, and... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Mary J. Blige Teams With Sam Smith for Some Moody House Music with MJ Cole (Audio)

Though she is known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige has been known to tear down some house jams in her day too. From "Let No Man Put Asunder" to her recent turns with Disclosure, Mary's emotive tone is the perfect complement to soulful club music. Her... Read more

October 2, 2014 Audio

Stalley Releases His 2nd Song with Rick Ross in a Week (Video)

After serving up his song with Rick Ross and August Alsina earlier in the week, Stalley releases "Everything a Dope Boy Ever Wanted," also with Ross. This will not appear on Stalley's Ohio album which hits stores on 10/27 but likely was part of those recording sessions. Check out the... Read more

October 2, 2014 Video

Flying Lotus Releases a Stunning Video for His Collabo with Kendrick Lamar (Video)

The video for "Never Catch Me," Flying Lotus' collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, both showcases how amazing the song is and stands on its own as a stunning piece of art. The song, an exploration of the anxieties associated with death, and thus life itself, is a feat on its own... Read more

October 1, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Shows Where Gangsta Rap Lives in the Visuals for Pet Semetary (Video)

Yesterday, DJ Quik released one of his funkiest concoctions in years. "Pet Semetary" finds Quik in top-notch producer form as he unleashes live drums, horns and keys over a monster beat. Quik also proclaimed Gangsta Rap and R&B are far from dead and today he shows they're alive and well... Read more

October 1, 2014 Video

Rittz & Twista Effortlessly Flip Rapid-Fire Flows on Bounce (Video)

Ever try to rap along with Rittz or Twista? Exactly...Few in the game flow faster than these artists, currently. The two rapid-fire spitters dropped their cool collabo, "Bounce," in August and now they've released the video. Much like the track, the visuals find Rittz and Twista in laid-back chill mode... Read more

October 1, 2014 Video

Joe Budden, Tsu Surf & Ransom Subtly Dissect a Soulful New Track (Audio)

Joe Budden, Ransom and battle rap warrior Tsu Surf jump on a slow and soulful track...and systematically proceed to lyrically dissect it. When the quiet storm beat starts to play it's almost jarring, but make no mistake, this is chock full of BARS. Check out "Nothing Changes" Related: Joe Budden... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio

The Lox Have a Message for Wack MCs…NO SELFIES! (Video)

The Lox release the visuals for their Sugar Hill-tinged ode against wack MCs. The video for the track that's set to the break from "Rapper's Delight" is straight forward but drives home their emphatic message. Check out "No Selfies." Related: The Lox Take Dej Loaf’s Try Me and Make it... Read more

October 1, 2014 Video

Thurz Makes A Soulful Song Over A Disco Sound Audio

This is something cool and different! Thurz, who says he's "stuck between Worldstar and NPR," makes "Right Now," one of the most original songs of the moment. The song salutes single moms in the first verse, before bringing the spotlight to himself for filling a void in the cultural commentary.... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody & 9th Wonder Are Knocking Down Conventions Like Godzilla (Audio)

Rapsody is in her zone! The Jamla MC hops on yet another 9th Wonder beat and has a wordplay extravaganza on "Godzilla." The Beauty & The Beast joint is a strong statement about how only God is illa' and the rest of the MC crop best step aside for one... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Ice-T vs. Grand Master Melle Mel…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 1, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Cut Chemist Dusts Off Afrika Bambaataa’s Rarest ’70s & ’80s Personal Records (Audio)

With lots of recent attention devoted to Afrika Bambaataa's records (stored at Cornell University's archives), Cut Chemist (Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, and the film, Scratch) and DJ Shadow are currently taking these exact records on the road, creating shows with natural elements that helped make Hip-Hop. If you aren't able to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

RZA Says Wu-Tang Clan’s A Better Tomorrow Album Due In November

According to a new interview with Billboard, RZA says that Wu-Tang Clan's first studio album in more than seven years will be for sale next month. The Abbott of the Wu told Billboard's Eric K. Arnold that A Better Tomorrow will release on November 28, which is the retail holiday... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Explains Being Sharper In 2010 vs. 2014, Less Likelihood Of Country Cousins (Audio)

With his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica (premiered last night, September 30) just over five weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on The Combat Jack Show. Making his 2014 stop on the audio program, Krizzle really opened up on everything from his skills, to emotions, to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson Chases Alligators & Chews On Chicken Down On The Bayou (Video)

From juicy Pastrami brisket, to true southern fried chicken, and true natural swamp green aphrodisiacs, Action Bronson (and partner, Big Body Bes) live good while visiting New Orleans, Louisiana. They avoid the tourist spots in search of the real N'awlins, and that's just what is captured on film. For VICE's... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Prince & Kendrick Lamar Share The Stage, Collaborate On Obscure Album Cut (Video)

It's only 30 seconds, but it's pretty electric. Yahoo! Video secured footage of Prince & Kendrick Lamar on stage together in the former's native Minneapolis, Minnesota. Live from Paisley Park, K-Dot and The Artist unveiled what they have in the cannon, possibly... Rolling Stone reports that the collaboration is of... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Blow Your Speakers With Bachir’s Bomb Squad Cassette Mix (Mixtape)

With Chuck D and Public Enemy (deservingly) in the headlines regularly again—for a litany of reasons, let's take a sec to look back. When it comes to the production collective known as The Bomb Squad (Hank & Keith Shocklee, Eric "Vietnam" Sadler, the oft-uncredited Johnny Juice, G-Wiz, and Chuck D)... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Redman Does His Take On An Old DJ Quik Joint, And It Slaps! (Video)

Redman's mentor, Erick Sermon has long been a DJ Quik fan and collaborator. So Reggie Noble nods to David Blake, and borrows his "Pacific Coast Remix" track from 2005 Trauma, and slides so nicely into that Gangsta Funk. It's cool that Red' went into the bag and hopped on a... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Hassaan Mackey Channels Early Mos Def In This 2-Song Moment With Kev Brown (Video)

Hassaan Mackey is not yet a widely-known name, though he deserves it. Several years ago, in his Daily Bread tandem (with Apollo Brown), Mackey made one of the brightest jewels in the Mello Music Group catalog. Now linking with onetime DJ Jazzy Jeff/A Touch Of Jazz protege Kev Brown, Hassaan... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Edo G & King Magnetic Visit The Zoo Over A 9th Wonder Groove (Video)

Edo G (f/k/a Ed O.G.) has been a guiding light to two generations of MCs for his ability to kick family-conscious tracks, as well as skillfully make traditional Hip-Hop. Additionally, like his contemporaries Kool G Rap and Tragedy Khadafi, Roxbury's finest has also been a beacon for hardcore, fact-filled Rap... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: CL Smooth vs. Posdnuos…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

September 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Previews His Cadillactica Album and It’s Among His Best Work

With his new album Cadillactica, Big K.R.I.T. Is on another planet...literally. K.R.I.T. played portions of the album publicly for the first time today (9/30) for a select group of journalists and other media partners. What he unveiled is quite possibly his finest work to date. K.R.I.T. opened the session for... Read more

September 30, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

DJ Quik Releases 1 of His Best Tracks in Years. G-Funk Lives at the Pet Sematary (Audio)

From his Bangin' On Wax tapes beginnings to the Death Row Records years to his Twitter account, DJ Quik doesn't hold back. The Compton, California triple-threat loves to pop his collar and pop a little talk. "Pet Sematary" is the latest vehicle. Built around some jazzy G-Funk, with some live... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Pumps Her Fist At The Establishment Like Angela Davis (Audio)

Rah Digga is not playing any games in 2014. The latest microphone seizure comes as "Angela Davis." Over a sparse guitar loop, a la Just Blaze x Jay Z in the Roc-A-Fella pinnacle, Digga is cold as can be. She compares herself to the political and Civil Rights activist Angela... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamond D Seamlessly Teams With Elzhi, Talib Kweli & Skyzoo (Audio)

Diamond D laces the track from his just-released Diam Piece album. Although he doesn't rhyme on it, Diamond can surely relate to watching fickle fans, unprepared media, and pauper promoters that aren't treating art and the artists the way they ought to. Each MC takes the theme a little differently,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Yelawolf Gives It His All Til It’s Gone (Lyric Video)

Yelawolf is making career statement with his Love Story single, "Til It's Gone." A strong change in production, a breakthrough in Yela's singing, and a different energy to his music, the effort may be the Gadsden, Alabama MC's biggest crack at the mainstream. However, longtime fans ought to see that... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Fashawn and Dom Kennedy Deliver Some New G-Funk on Golden State of Mind (Audio)

As if to reinforce DJ Quik's assertion that G-Funk is alive and well, Fashawn and Dom Kennedy stand up and deliver some new age Cali Funk. In a North/South left coast collaboration, the two MCs release "Golden State of Mind." Check it out. Related: Fashawn & Exile Bring Out The... Read more

September 30, 2014 Audio

Black Sheep Dres Provides Advice From an OG Perspective on Propagation (Lyric Video)

Black Sheep Dres has a deep conversation with his son by way of his new song "Propagation." In lyrical form, Dres drops sage jewels from an OG-perspective about police brutality, the penal system, self-esteem and more. These are powerful words for anyone...young or old. Check out the lyric video. Related:... Read more

September 30, 2014 Video

Homeboy Sandman Makes Great Visuals, But This May Be The Best (Video)

Like his verses, Homeboy Sandman is almost always animated in the video medium. He's rapped on MTA subways, played with motion and color. However, in "Refugee," H.B.S hits faraway locales to meet some strange strangers in this amazing polished narrative video that nods to the 1990s efforts from Skee-Lo, Fatlip,... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Chris Rivers Tears Down Another Track With A Cold Lyrical Display (Video)

Not just in his bloodline, Chris Rivers is out to walk the path and stand in the circle with the lyrical giants. He draws strong connections to other great MCs, including The Notorious B.I.G in Wonderland Of Misery 2's "Askin." Surrounded by his homies, in front of mural images of... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Logic Punctuates A Minute With Soul Assassins In The Form Of A True Freestyle (Video)

Logic hit Los Angeles, California recently and swung through DJ Muggs' Soul Assassins Radio. There, with a classic Wu-Tang Clan beat, Baltimore's young MC got to work with a "here and now" verse about his album, his name, his race, and how those Sway In The Morning-type freestyles weren't an... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video