Fresh Archives

Crooked I Goes Back To His Days Of Struggle For A Skillful & Personal Song (Video)

Crooked I Heads know that the Long Beach MC has a speckled past. Before a string of mostly-fruitless label deals, Crook' grew up with bouts of hunger and homelessness. The product of Sway & King Tech's Wake Up Show would later earn the success that allows him to travel the... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Join Raz Simone On His Journey To Become King Of The Jungle (Video)

Adventurous black and white animated visuals of a cult-like forest tribe and a magical lone ranger's journey through it all set the stage for Raz Simone's latest visuals to the cut, "Bow Down." Drums imagined from the deep jungle lace the bellowing Electronic production as Seattle's Raz boasts a tale... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Spend One Last Day With The GTW & His Woman In Calling Cards (Video)

Nigerian born artist The GTW borrows bubbling, xylophone laden Electronic production and love lost lyricism for the fresh single, "Calling Cards." The video itself, which takes viewers through the last day before The GTW's girlfriend moves away, is muddled in between the sadness of loss and blissfulness of love that... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Do You Get When You Mix SZA & Jill Scott? Divinity (Audio)

Here's the 2nd release of the week from TDE's SZA. It's another moody track and it's infused with the vocals of the one and only Jill Scott. The result? Divinity. Check it out. Related: SZA - Moodring (Audio)... Read more

July 10, 2014 Throwback

With The Biggest Wedding Song On Playlists, John Legend Makes The Visual Companion (Video)

Making a warm embrace about "perfect imperfections" will go far these days. With his own supermodel wife, Sports Illustrated cover-girl Chrissy Teigen, John Legend made what is perhaps 2014's most played love song in "You & I (Nobody In The World)." The slow-dance smash now has a video, suggesting and celebrating all... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raekwon Vibes Out Overtop A Teena Marie Classic (Audio)

While Lauryn, Pras, and Wyclef gave Teena Marie's '80s jam "Ooo La La" a classic brush-up back in 1996, another early '90s alum had to carry on tradition. Raekwon's recent rhyming over yesteryear's R&B hits continues, as he flexes his mandible on Teena's 1988 #1 R&B chart-topper. The results are... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ Releases New Song, Talks with Joe Budden & Jalen Rose About Total Slaughter (Video)

The Slaughterhouse crew stays on the grind, together and solo. Even as they are gearing up for the release of their new album, Joe Budden is preparing to battle Hollow Da Don on Saturday and Joell Ortiz is readying a new solo album. Now, Royce Da 5'9" has announced he'll... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Pigeon John Makes One Awesome Love Song In All The Roads (Video)

Pigeon John is one of Hip-Hop's more enigmatic figures. A veteran co-founder of L.A. Symphony, this Southern California MC/singer (Inglewood, to be exact) would also work with Quannum Projects in the mid-2000s, amassing a list of collaborators ranging from Murs, to Blackalicious, to RJD2, to J-Live, and so forth. A... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Curren$y Tries Out A Pepped Up Flow With Thelonious Martin On House Shoes (Video)

On the slightly controversial (from a legal standpoint) release Muscle Car Chronicles, Curren$y worked extensively with live musicians, placing his flow in multiple pockets along the way. Especially with live drumming, Spitta Andretti has a style and presentation that just says New Orleans. On "House Shoes," Curren$y stays in his... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

March Through The Desert With B.o.B. In Follow Me (Video)

Hours after the release of his mixtape No Genre 2, B.o.B. unleashes visuals to his anthemic cut, "Follow Me." Dressed in all white, the Grand Hustle affiliate takes to the open road as he marches physically and lyrically through the desert over spirited guitar samples produced by B.o.B. himself. Feel... Read more

July 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cyhi The Prince References an OutKast Classic on the Remix to Goodnight (Audio)

Cyhi The Prynce flips up OutKast's SpottieOttieDopaliscious on the remix to Goodnight and brings in Scotty ATL for the assist. Check it out. Related: Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Link On CyHi The Prynce’s Huey Remix (Audio)... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Ever Heard of Bob Power? He’s Worked on Some of the Best Hip-Hop & Soul Albums Ever. Here’s His Story (Audio)

For more than 30 years, Bob Power has been one of the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul. The producer, engineer and composer has worked with many of the most respected and influential artists during that time period, including A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Stetsasonic,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Blood Orange & Skepta Take To Downtown London For High Street (Video)

Blood Orange, a.k.a Devonte Hynes, and grime rapper Skepta take to their hometown streets of London for the cascading, beautifully subtle visuals from director Lucy Luscombe. "High Street," which falls off Dev's second studio album, Cupid Deluxe, delivers soft piano chords that accentuate Hynes' ominous vocals and Skepta's smooth rhymes.... Read more

July 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

Talib Kweli Flexes a New Flow and Sound on What’s Real (Video)

It's refreshing to see veteran MCs like Talib Kweli continually evolving. After more than 15 years in the game, the revered MC flexes a new flow over a Dub Step-influenced track that is a new sound for him on "What's Real," featuring Res. Check out the video for the song... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

Smoke DZA & Ab-Soul Take You 6 Feet Under (Video)

Smoke DZA and Ab-Soul are tough on the mic, looking to take out any and everyone in their path on the cut, "Hearses." Ab and Smoke, who have created magic before with their addicting single, "Diamond," bring their lyrical assault to life with dark, cinematic clips evoking similarly sinister production.... Read more

July 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

B.o.B. Releases No Genre Pt. 2 Mixtape ft T.I., Ty Dolla $ign, Mila J & More (Mixtape)

B.o.B. follows up his 2010 No Genre mixtape with a sequel. The second installment features guest turns from T.I., Ty Dolla $ign, Mila J, Kevin Gates and more. Check out the stream and download below. Download Mixtape Related: B.o.B. - No Genre (Mixtape)... Read more

July 9, 2014 Mixes

King Chip Makes A Song About Nothing, With Substance (Audio)

Onetime Kid Cudi protege King Chip (f/k/a Chip Tha Ripper) has been working with production outfit Blended Babies recently. The team known for helping Asher Roth find a new, psych-friendly sound fits nicely with the Cleveland, Ohio MC who combines some cold street slang with some youthful counterculture beyond the... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Cozz Is Still Hustling After Signing With J. Cole (Audio)

South Central MC Cozz, who just a few weeks ago signed with J. Cole's Dreamville, drops his latest single, "Knock The Hustle." Producer Que drops the melodic, saxophone laden instrumentals for Cozz's storyboard lyricism about working towards his dreams. Just a few days ago, Cozz jumped to Number 2 on... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Elle Varner & A$AP Ferg Team Up For A Feel Good Summer Jam (Audio)

Introduced by the sample famously featured on Kanye West's "We Don't Care," the production for "Don't Wanna Dance" opens up with popping, "feel good" samples and Elle Varner's soulful R&B vocals that will ironically urge listeners to shake their feet. Enter A$AP Ferg for the perfect audible juxtaposition and a... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pro Era Uncovers Unreleased Music From The Late Capital STEEZ (Audio)

Retro samples from MF Doom's "?" and retro flows from the late Capital STEEZ and Jakk Tha Rhymer, who began their rapping careers as the group 3rd Kind in 2009, hit the airwaves in the form of the track, "Shooting Stars." STEEZ's bars have been cleaned up for the single,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Don Cheadle Gives an In-Depth Breakdown About His Film on Miles Davis and the Soundtrack (Video)

Who better to play Miles Davis than Don Cheadle? Aside from their obvious physical similarities, Cheadle shares the same quiet intensity and brooding energy that made Davis one of the most enigmatic and coolest cats ever to grace the stage. Cheadle spoke about the upcoming biopic Miles Ahead, his feature-length... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

Here’s an Amazing Stripped Down Concert Session From The Foreign Exchange (Video)

Though Phonte was introduced to the world as part of the iconic underground group Little Brother, 2014 marks his 10th year as a part of The Foreign Exchange, which also includes Nicolay and now Zo! The Foreign Exchange trio gave an amazing stripped down performance of "On A Day Like... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video

After Some Harsh Words From Meek Mill, Wale Releases an Introspective New Song (Audio)

After some harsh words from MMG label mate Meek Mill on Twitter, Wale releases a new song. Meek accused Wale of not supporting his new album sufficiently. Wale's response, which took the high road, was that he shows support in different ways and doesn't "fit the mold" of Rap stereotypes.... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

The Party Continues Late Into The Night For Tittsworth, Q-Tip & Theophilus London (Audio)

Bouncing, feet shuffling instrumentals from Tittsworth set the stage for his latest single, "After The Dance." Reminiscent of another feel good, Q-Tip assisted dance cut, "Thank You," Q and Theophilus London hit the dance floor to spit about late night escapades with the ladies and get propped up by Alison... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Verbally & Sonically Chin-Checks All Those Out To Block Him Alongside Yo Gotti (Audio)

DJ Infamous is making some noise lately. The veteran mixmaster links up two of Southern Rap's brightest stars, veterans paying dues that are quickly embraced as new artists in the mainstream. Big K.R.I.T. laces the beat and holds down "Somethin Right." With double-timing flow in Krizzle's second verse, the track... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Catch Animated O.C., A.G. & Roc Marciano In DJ Skizz’s Dope Visual (Video)

Last year, veteran New York City radio DJ Skizz released B.Q.E., a compilation-style LP, featuring a plethora of NYC lyricists. This underground favorite continues to make noise a year later, as Skizz and Soulspazm Records continue the looks. For the D.I.T.C./The U.N.-look "Light Years," a Futprnts Workshop-produced animation features portraits... Read more

July 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Instead Of Going Home, Majid Jordan Are Going To A Place Like This (Video)

Majid Al Maskati and Jordan Ullman are OVO Sound record producing and performing artists who, when together, simply refer to themselves as Majid Jordan. The duo most well known for producing fellow Canadian Drake's 2013 mega hit, "Hold On, We're Going Home," revel in simplicity again, not just in name,... Read more

July 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Step Into Sounds That Rest Between Cloud 9 & The Pearly Gates With SZA’s Moodring (Audio)

SZA, the Top Dawg Entertainement songstress, delivers her imaginative soundscape, "Moodring," to the masses with producer Felix Snow's floating, ethereal Electronic samples and SZA's hazy, emotive vocals. Look out for this single and more on Kitty Cash's upcoming Love The Free Vol. II mixtape, dropping July 22nd. Related: SZA Makes... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common Talks Chicago Music, Culture, & The “Heat” That Inspired Him & Nobody’s Smiling (Audio)

Days before the release of his 10th studio album, Nobody's Smiling, Common delivers an insightful interview with Combat Jack discussing the inspiration behind his upcoming album (2:45) and the significance of the cover (8:00), Chicago's musical "heat" (11:45), his first encounter with racism (27:30), his experiences with Rev. Jeremiah Wright... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rah Digga Talks To The New Crop Of MCs With Chuck D Chiming In, Take Heed (Audio)

One week after "Bish Wha?," Rah Digga locks in on her strong return to form. The North Jersey native is a proud product of never conforming to male-standards of how an MC should look, sound, or act. Outside of gender, Digga's stood for a less than popular style of Rap—that... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Statik Selektah & Termanology’s Protege Ea$y Money Gets A DJ Premier-Produced Single (Video)

DJ Premier's connection to ShowOff Records runs deep. While Statik Selektah has been on the boards for some recent Premo greatness (see: Fat Joe's "(Thank God For) That White"), the Gang Starr giant has returned the favor, producing some scorchers for REKS and Termanology. A longtime ST.Records product, Term's right-hand... Read more

July 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

You Will Not Look at Puppets the Same After Seeing Jazmine Sullivan’s Visuals for Dumb (Video)

After returning with "Dumb," another power anthem for women who have been wronged, Jazmine Sullivan follows up with the video. The visuals employ puppets in all sorts of compromising positions, providing comic relief but also reinforcing the message that there are a lot of dummies out there...literally. Check it out.... Read more

July 8, 2014 Throwback

Cormega Breaks Down Themes Of Mega Philosophy, Solidifying Legacy, & Addresses Flow (Food For Thought Interview)

In Phoebe Hoban's biography, Basquiat: A Quick Killing In Art, the New York painter is remembered, at the pinnacle of his fame, hiring stretch limousines, and riding around Manhattan self-medicating and watching cartoons—alone in the back. He yearned for the world around him, but only could experience it on his... Read more

July 8, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

B.o.B. Makes A ’60s-Inspired Visual About Overcoming The Haterz (Video)

B.o.B. came into the mainstream nearly seven years ago with an anthem called "Haterz." The mixtape number became a Southern sensation which helped garnet the Decatur MC/producer/singer attention from T.I., and in turn, Atlantic Records. Hardly an abrasive voice, Bobby Ray had a unique approach to dealing with those trying... Read more

July 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Usher & Nicki Minaj Interpolate A S.O.S. Band Classic On Another Pharrell Time Machine (Audio)

Pharrell's production over the last 18 months has been interesting. The N*E*R*D front-man drew very close to Marvin Gaye's 1977 wallflower-directed "Got To Give It Up" on Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," causing Thicke—who added a stylized delivery, to get some criticism from some purists. Now, Pharrell cooks up Usher's latest... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Common & Big Sean Show Off Their Diamonds (Audio)

Following the unveiling of "Speak My Piece" last week (June 30), Common's Nobody's Smiling campaign continues. Teaming with longtime collaborator and onetime G.O.O.D. Music brother (and now Def Jam brother), Big Sean, on "Diamonds," Common's perceived agenda of reaching a new, younger generation with his latest album feels successful, when... Read more

July 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ja Rule Claims He Beat Down 50 Cent When They Fought Years Ago (Video)

During a recent stop at NYC's Hot 97 in promotion of his new book, "Unruly," Ja Rule spoke about a physical altercation he and 50 Cent had years ago. He claims that, contrary to statements made by 50 Cent at the time, he actually beat 50 down and told him... Read more

July 7, 2014 Video

Ka Continues Making That Elite Headphone-Rap Style Lyricism (Video)

After three celebrated independent, self-released full-lengths, Ka recently hit Heads off with 1200 B.C., an EP in the same vain. "Still Heir" is more of the close-talking, wisdom-drenched Rap the Brownsville MC is known for, dating back to his Natural Elements days. Preservation, who is one of Yasiin Bey's (Mos... Read more

July 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

MF DOOM & Bishop Nehru Drop Some Dopeness In The Darkness (Video)

Out of sheer "Darkness," NehruvianDOOM arrives. The collaborative project between emerging voice Bishop Nehru and 25-year Hip-Hop veteran MF DOOM (who mostly goes by DOOM these days, though not exclusively) is growing closer. With DOOM presumably on the boards (if you can call the four-track-style adopted by the longtime KMD... Read more

July 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Salute to Spike Lee for 25 Years of Do The Right Thing (Video)

Last week (6/30) marked the 25th anniversary of Spike Lee's landmark film, Do The Right Thing. Here's a look at the Brooklyn filmmaker discussing the film and its impact, 25 years later, with the Huffington Post's Marc Lamont Hill. When the film was released in 1989, film critic Roger Ebert... Read more

July 7, 2014 Throwback

Peter Rosenberg Apologizes To Chuck D (Video)

Throughout June, Public Enemy's Chuck D and HOT 97's Peter Rosenberg had a debate-possibly perceived as a war of words on social media. The Hip-Hop legend—who has long run an online radio platform, RapStation.com, called out the New York City station's 2014 Summer Jam event, in regards to the station's... Read more

July 7, 2014 Video

T Rex Battles Marv Won & Aye Verb Takes On Big T In Round One On The Road To Total Slaughter (Video)

Contestants on Shady Film's series The Road To Total Slaughter head into Brooklyn to Slaughter Studios to battle in the first round of the competition to earn a spot at the Total Slaughter main event on July 12. In the third episode, Aye Verb takes on Big T and which... Read more

July 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Camp Lo’s Ski Beatz Reunion Has Some Back To The Future Feel To It (Audio)

While they publicly previewed some samplings previously, Camp Lo's reunion with producer Ski Beatz is underway. Today, the Nature Sounds Records artists unveiled the first full, finished glimpse of their upcoming album. "Cold Retarded" features an antiquated expression that Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante helped make famous. However, the sound... Read more

July 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Wu-Tang Clan Breaks Down Their Film Connections, Early RZA & GZA Singles (Videos)

Nardwuar's infinite pursuit of interviews continues. The Human Serviette catches the Wu-Tang Clan backstage in Vancouver, British Columbia for a Q&A that RZA admits he greatly evaded. Perhaps Heads can see why in the final third of the interview. However, for the first 10 minutes, Nardwuar goes in on Kung-Fu... Read more

July 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

This Week Brought Visuals From Redman, Souls of Mischief, Kendrick Lamar, Andre 3000 & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music videos from Redman, Souls of Michief & Snoop, Ras Kass, Blu and The-Dream; a look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix; freestyles from Joell Ortiz & Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun); interviews with Joe Budden discussing Battle Rap and Big K.R.I.T. & Common... Read more

July 6, 2014 Playlists, Video

20+ Years Later, Redman is Still Dropping Bombs. Brick City Stand Up (Video)

Think Redman has lost a step after more than 20 years in the game? Don't bet on it. Brick City's finest releases a new video for his latest release, which is packed with enough double entendres to make your head spin (or at least press rewind a few times). Check... Read more

July 5, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Speaks About His Upcoming Album Cadillactica and More (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. ended his Week of KRIT in March, when he dropped 6 new songs in as many days, with an announcement for a new album titled Cadillactica. He recently sat down in Seattle and discussed the album in detail, including the title, the sound, working with other producers and... Read more

July 5, 2014 Video

No Track is Safe From G-Unit. These Beats Ain’t Loyal…(Audio)

These days, no track is safe from being jacked by G-Unit. Their latest release is over Chris Brown's ubiquitous current hit. They leave the hook in tact and take over the verses. These beats ain't loyal...Check it out. Related: G-Unit Borrows YG’s DJ Mustard-Produced Hit Beat (Audio)... Read more

July 5, 2014 Audio

Grab A Plate, Your Old Droog Serves Up Some Free Turkey (Audio)

Over a month since the release of his project,Your Old Droog EP, Your Old Droog drops the funky, EL RTNC assisted production "Free Turkey." The relatively unknown Brooklyn MC took a spin through the rumor mill when he initially hit the scene with hoards of people suggesting that Your Old... Read more

July 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Sheep Dres Releases a Song for His Bride on Their Wedding Day (Audio)

Congratulations to Black Sheep Dres and his bride. Dres met his wife to be 12 years ago and is tying the knot on their anniversary, today (7/4). To commemorate the occasion, he has released a touching song dedicated to the love of his life. Check out "It's On You." Related:... Read more

July 4, 2014 Audio