Fresh Archives

Freddie Gibbs Riles Up With Some Rap Vets In Yukmouth & Trae Tha Truth (Audio)

Gangsta Gibbs may be one of Hip-Hop's strongest continuations of Gangsta Rap in the digital age. Growing up in the streets of Gary, Indiana can shape your message and social viewpoints, but so can growing up on strong doses of Rap-A-Lot Records releases. Since 1986, J. Prince's label was designed... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You Define Dizzy Wright As Only Lighthearted, Check His Dedication To Lost Children (Audio)

Dizzy Wright has amassed a major (independent) fan-base through commanding concerts, connecting with the attitudes of modern youth culture, and seemingly never ceasing to give away music. However, the Las Vegas, Nevada MC has a lot more depth than some Heads may realize. Funk Volume's Wright dedicated a song this... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

“THE FORBES LIST JUST CHANGED.” Dr. Dre Speaks on Becoming the First Billionaire in Hip-Hop (Video)

In a celebratory video that appears to have been recorded last night, Dr. Dre, along with Tyrese, speaks briefly about the Forbes list changing "in a big way." Dre's comments are no doubt related to the Forbes Hip-Hop list which recently, put Diddy atop with $700MM and Dre at #2... Read more

May 9, 2014 Video

Listen Up. Jeezy’s Got Some Things to Get Off His Chest (and Shoulder) (Audio)

Jeezy gets some things off his chest and dusts off his shoulder a bit on his latest release, Me OK. He talks about his journey from being a subject of XXL magazine to Forbes. He also addresses his next album release and suggests it might not be with his long... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

N.O.R.E. Puts His Spin on Believe Me (Audio)

"Where the real Queens at? Shout out Capone-N-Noreaga." Lil Wayne shouted out N.O.R.E. on, Believe Me, his new duet with Drake. N.O.R.E. heard it and ran with it, creating his own version of the Vinylz & Boi-1da track. Check it out. Related: Capone-N-Noreaga Are Back In Business. They Recorded An... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Ready for Some New Slaughterhouse? SayDatThen (Audio)

2 weeks after announcing a new album is coming, Slaughterhouse are back with an incredible new song produced by Nottz. The slow and plodding dark chords and hard drums give Joell, Royce, Crooked and Joe the space to do what they do best. Drop BARS. Ready for the weekend? SayDatThen...... Read more

May 9, 2014 Audio

Is Dr. Dre About to be Hip-Hop’s First Billionaire?

Tonight, reports have hit the web that Apple is in negotiations to buy Beats, owned by Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, for $3.2 billion. Given Dr. Dre's recently estimated net worth of $550 million, it is quite possible sale of his equity stake in Beats could make him Hip-Hop's first... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh

Tech N9ne Strangles The Microphone In A New Strange-Stacked Cypher (Video)

Few artists who enjoy the commercial success of Tech N9ne keep the artistry as alive. Strange Music's cofounder opted to present a BET-style cypher, showcasing his label's vast talent. Vets of the Missouri imprint such as Kutt Calhoun and Prozack rock the mic, while relative newcomers like Ces CRU's Godemis... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s Kay Slay’s New Mixtape Featuring Raekwon, Young Buck, ONYX, Jay Rock, Joell Ortiz, Tony Yayo & Many More (Mixtape)

DJ Kay Slay has released his new mixtape, The Last Hip Hop Disciple. The project is STACKED with artists of all styles, including Raekwon, Young Buck, ONYX, Jay Rock, Joell Ortiz, Tony Yayo, Papoose, Jon Connor, Memphis Bleek, Sheek Louch, Vado, Gunplay, Trae tha Truth, Saigon, Chi Ali, Locksmith and... Read more

May 8, 2014 Mixes

Papoose Drops Bars and Bars and Bars on His Backroom Freestyle, After Serving Donald Sterling (Video)

Papoose delivered bars on bars on bars during his Backroom freestyle. He spit 4 straight minutes of choice similes and metaphors and even managed to serve Donald Sterling. Check out the video. Related: DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Me’Shell Ndegeocello Releases a Dramatic Re-Interpretation of Whodini’s Friends (Audio)

Throughout her illustrious 20+ year career, Me'Shell Ndegeocello has been an unconventional artist. From her first single, "If That's Your Boyfriend," through the present, she has been unafraid to tackle seemingly any subject, no matter how taboo. As of late, she has covered music that influenced her, including Prince. Her... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio

You’ve Heard The Blues, But Not Like Michael Jackson & Timbaland’s Blue Gangsta (Audio)

Years before Young Jeezy and Cam'ron, Michael Jackson was making that "gangsta music." The King Of Pop may have had irresistible rhythms and harmonies in his unrivaled stack of solo smash hits, but in many of the videos, Gary, Indiana's own channeled the street movements, whether that was a leather... Read more

May 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Deltron 3030 Is Always On Some Next Ish, Including A Wheelchair Rocketship (Video)

Approaching 25 years of making albums, Del The Funky Homosapien is constantly evolving down his many corridors of music. The Hieroglyphics' most recognizable member was always different, even when he was a charting MC on Elektra Records. However, in 2000, teaming with Dan The Automator, who had already made a... Read more

May 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody’s Betty Shabazz Shows Her Commanding MC Skills All In One Place On A 9th Wonder Nodder (Video)

For some Rapsody fans, this week has been bittersweet. With an acclaimed independent album and a show-stopping mixtape under her belt, many Heads were looking to see Rap's joyful smile grace the upcoming XXL pages for 2014's annual "Freshmen issue." The questions and disappointment from some, when the Kooley High... Read more

May 8, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

Think Redman Has Slowed Down? Think Again. He’s Still Got That FIRE (Video)

Redman is the gift that keeps on giving. After more than 20 years in the game, he's still got that flame when it comes to hot lyrics. Check out his latest video, Dunfiato. Related: Redman Raps From Under A Bridge, Rhyming To The Shaft Soundtrack (Video)... Read more

May 8, 2014 Video

Trek Past The Snow Capped Mountain & Into The Desert Valley Where Flying Lotus’ Dreams Live (Video)

Trek past the snow capped mountain and walk into the desert valley where strange creatures roam and dreams live. It is within this wondrous other world where you can find Flying Lotus crafting his emotive instrumental orchestrations for our world at home and to the planets beyond. Filmed in New... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Logic Re-Interprets a Common Classic In Finding Forever (Audio)

Common's longtime producer and collaborator No I.D. is the same music executive who put a Def Jam jacket on Logic's shoulders. Perhaps one of the selling points for the Baltimore, Maryland independent juggernaut to ink with the label was related to No I.D.' closeness to the movement with Comm Sense.... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem Will Make History In London This Summer At Wembley (Audio)

Rebuilt in 2007, London's beautifully restored Wembley Stadium has featured countless European football games on the pitch and has also been the center stage for mega artists including Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Madonna, Bon Jovi, and The Killers, but never before has the venue ever held a concert for a... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh

Torae & Skyzoo Fire Off A Warning Shot With The Barrel Brothers Album Sampler (Audio)

On May 27, Skyzoo & Torae will release their debut collaborative album, Barrel Brothers. After a decade of collaborations, the Brooklyn independent mainstays are teaming with Fokis' Loyalty Digital imprint and Empire Distribution to offer Heads a full glimpse at the chemistry from the vets, who have found success in satellite... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T.’s Sincerity Shines In Mt. Olympus’ Conceptual Visual (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. made a massive statement in "Mt. Olympus." The breakout symphonic single from Krizzle attacked the stigmas that he feels should have been silenced after five acclaimed projects (he refers to them as albums). In a record about doing what most rappers can't do, K.R.I.T. unleashed the video, where... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C. Gives Away The Remix Project, Featuring New Mixes By DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Alchemist & Diamond D (Download)

The Diggin' In The Crates crew surprised Heads today (May 7). The respected New York City veteran producer/MC collective including Showbiz, A.G., Diamond D, Lord Finesse, O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe, and the late Big L have been releasing a series of remixes from their Remix Project. The LP features new mixes... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Revisit J. Rawls Crate Diving Beginnings In Queen City (Audio)

Cincinnati, Ohio producer/MC J. Rawls takes a glance into his early crate digging past in his latest single, "The Rest of My Life." Taking his story back to the Queen City, the Lone Catalysts co-founder relives his early career days of "making jams everyday with Dose One and Holmskillit," and... Read more

May 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

There Is A Pop Superstar Heads Might’ve Missed From The Wu-Tang Clan Once Upon A Time In Shaolin Teaser…

Yesterday (May 6) brought the first listen (by "any civilians" anyway) of the upcoming Wu-Tang Clan album, Wu—Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. Recorded and under lock and key in Marrakesh, Morocco, this one-of-one, open-market auction LP is helmed by longtime Wu affiliate Cilvaringz, who shared just under a minute of... Read more

May 7, 2014 Fresh

Attention Jay Z: Here’s an Open Letter to You From One of Hip-Hop’s Most Talented Up and Coming Producers (Food for Thought)

Here's an open letter to Jay Z from Cam Osteen, a brilliant young producer who has helped to craft the sound for Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and others. He recently created a track for Hov but was prevented from getting the track to him. Rather than give up, he's... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Food for Thought

Raekwon Over Simple Kicks & Snares Alongside Chase & Status? Yes Please (Audio)

While Raekwon is believed to be currently on hiatus from Wu-Tang Clan's A Better Tomorrow sessions, Staten Island's favorite Chef has not ceased working. Rae hopped on Chase & Status' second coming of "Gangsta Boogie." The smooth G-joint from the veteran British EDM tandem was first released in 2013, but... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get A Closer Listen To The Sidewalk Rapper Kanye West Complimented (Audio)

Even Heads immune to daily paparazzi rundowns and celebrity gossip sites seemed to direct some interest to yesterday's (May 5) video footage of Kanye West listening to a street rapper deliver seemingly-endless bars while 'Ye walked the New York streets with spouse, Kim Kardashian. Headed home after a long night... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The 50 Cent & Jadakiss Unification Comes To Living Color With An Irregular Heartbeat (Video)

Nobody can say they're surprised that 50 Cent followed the audio release of "Irregular Heartbeat" with a video in less than 24 hours. However, after Styles P missed out on the "Chase The Paper" visual, Heads will be happy to see that Jadakiss appeared in the video after a decade... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

2014 XXL Freshman Jon Connor Takes Off Waving His Aftermath Flag With Mr. Porter (Audio)

It's a huge week for Flint, Michigan MC Jon Connor. The Aftermath artist just became the first artist from Flint to ever cover XXL magazine, and he's doing so with some pretty esteemed company care of 2014's Freshmen Class list. On a high, J.C. links with D12 member/Aftermath core soundsmith... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Open Auction Wu-Tang Clan Album Is Under Vaulted Lock & Key, But You Can Get A Taste (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan has announced two albums coming down the pipeline. One, said to be called A Better Tomorrow, is the subject of a rift between RZA and Raekwon that might leave the Chef out of Wu's studio kitchen for the first time in 21 years. The other, already completed recording,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

How Did Lorde Signify the Death of “Black Cool?” Questlove Has the Answers…

Questlove is in the middle of a 6-part essay series for Vulture called "How Hip-Hop Failed Black America." The first 2 parts were dense, challenging, and deeply thought-provoking. The 3rd installment, titled "What Happens When Black Loses Its Cool?," is no less engaging and philosophical. Quest attempts to define and... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh

T.I. & DJ Toomp Are Back To Making Trunk-Rattling Trap (Audio)

Does anybody make trunks rattle quite like DJ Toomp? A product of the Miami Bass movement of the late '80s and early '90s, Toomp found mainstream success in developing a sound that fit so snugly with T.I.'s cocky lyrics about never backing down. The pair, like Common and No I.D.,... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin (eMC) Make It Slap Like Charlie Murphy (Video)

eMC, the collective of Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Stricklin, are stricly about those bars. There is no sing-songy hook or R&B loop on their song, Charlie Murphy. They just drop hot verses over sparse chords and drums that slap (like the song's namesake). Check out the video. Related: Masta... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Beard Gang Got Bars In The Booth As DJ Premier Invites Jakk Frost To The Lab (Video)

At the conclusion of 2013, DJ Premier shared his annual list of things he found particularly dope. In the past, this list has been album-driven. For '13, Preem's list was about songs. Some Heads were shocked, perhaps illuminated to see West Philadelphia MC veteran Jakk Frost at the top of... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Get Some NYC Pasta & Milk Shakes With Action Bronson (Video)

Besides the stage-tosses and body-slams, Action Bronson's recent global touring including some amazingly picturesque stops. The Queens, New Yorker went diving in Australian waters, whilst kicking it with Alchemist and some of his homies in the food industry. In the premiere episode of "Fuck, That's Delicious," A.B. shares some footage... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Plants Some Roses In Your Brain With A Khrysis Beat (Audio)

Rapsody's ill linguistics are constantly elevating. In less than two minutes, Rap' takes a fresh Khrysis beat, and shows out on it. "Roses" follows the concept/substance-driven "Thank You" from late last month, showing some of the many sides of one of Hip-Hop's sharpest pens and performers. Related: Rapsody Thanks Some... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Recruits Jadakiss for His Grimiest Track Yet From Animal Ambition (Audio)

To say 50 Cent has had a renaissance with his Animal Ambition project would be quite the understatement. More accurately, 50 has made some of his finest music in years. The album quite possibly might be his best since Get Rich or Die Tryin'. His latest release finds Fif in... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of April Including Scarface, The Roots, KRS-One, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & More (Audio Playlist)

April brought the heat in Hip-Hop, including new music featuring Scarface, KRS-One, The Roots, 50 Cent, Big K.R.I.T., J. Cole, Mos Def & Marvin Gaye, Pharoahe Monch, Big L & Fat Joe, Da Brat, Daz Dillinger, Slum Village & Black Milk, Rapsody, Chance the Rapper, Mobb Deep and much more.... Read more

May 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

How Does Kanye West Treat An Aspiring Street-Rapper Who Runs Up On Him With Bars? (Video)

Legend has it that Kanye West signed Big Sean to G.O.O.D. Music after a chance meeting in an elevator at a Detroit, Michigan radio station. On the spot, Big Sean saw his chance to be "finally famous" and bombarded 'Ye with some signature bars that did the unthinkable. History was... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

XXL Reveals Its 2014 Freshman Class (Video)

XXL has revealed its 2014 Freshman Class. Past years have generated TONS of controversy and this year's likely will follow suit. Take a look at the class below and weigh in on who your favorite MCs are from the list, as well as who you think got left off that... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Wood Harris Stars in the Short Film for Rick Ross’ Thug Cry (Video)

Wood Harris (The Wire, Paid in Full, Above the Rim) stars in the short film for Rick Ross' Thug Cry. The video stays true to the sonic tone of Ross' turn on the sample that anchored the Souls of Mischief's timeless '93 til Infinity. Check it out. Related: Rick Ross... Read more

May 6, 2014 Video

Bun B Talks Everything From Blowfly To Food Trucks With Nardwuar (Video)

Nardwuar The Human Serviette stops by The Venue in Vancouver to talk the early years and feed Bun B a heaping plate of old school Hip-Hop memorabilia including classic records, a fan-made Pimp C shirt, and even a Blow Fly bobble head. In typical Nardwuar fashion, the two discuss a... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Passport Gift Knows How To Turn Listeners On, Alongside Crooked I, Tito Lopez & Skyzoo (Video)

Passport Gift is absolutely one to watch. The New York MC has not made a big deal of letting the world know who he is off the mic. Instead, the lyricist goes with the old fashioned tactic: show and prove. With a fast, ferocious flow (something that Brooklyn is suddenly... Read more

May 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Discover Which MC Lyricist Reigns Supreme As Hip-Hop’s Top Wordsmith (Infographic)

Matt Daniels, designer, coder, and data scientist at Undercurrent in New York, has just compiled the first 35,000 lyrics from 85 of the most well respected, sought after MC talents in the industry into one of the greatest user friendly infographics for Heads in some time, to discover who reigns... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Talks Young Jeezy, Tech N9ne, & The Clippers And Drops A Vicious New Track (Video)

Freddie Gibbs hits the East Coast to sit down with DJ Envy and Power 105's The Breakfast Club to speak on a multitude of topics including his new album, being an independent artist, the state of street Rap, and his current tour with Tech N9ne. The Gary, Indiana product also... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

Ghostface Killah & Cormega Hit Mics Like Ted Koppel, With Glorified Excellence (Audio)

Queens, New York's DJ J-Love is a rhyming mixmaster who goes way, way back in the tape game. When he wasn't A&R'ing, rapping, and making popular mixtape series, J-Love was behind the decks for Ghostface Killah and Cormega on the road in the 2000s, and still. Who better then, to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Longing For Chipmunk Soul? Mr. Flash, Action Bronson, Cities Aviv & Oh No Have Your Fix (Audio)

Mr. Flash, an artist signed to the increasingly recognized Ed Banger Records, is a French DJ/producer. Just like some choice moments from the album Kanye West recorded in France, Flash re-popularizes "chipmunk soul," the pitch-altered vocal sampling style made mainstream by RZA, 'Ye, and Just Blaze. "Number One" employs one... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Kay Slay Brings It Back To His Graffiti Roots With Termanology, Chris Rivers, Papoose & More (Video)

The Drama King has been a nonstop content supplier lately. The Harlem, New York graffiti writer-turned-DJ-turned-radio personality let go of a visual from recent audio single "Enter The Cypher," featuring Termanology, Papoose, Chris Rivers, and William Young. As was the case with another recent Slay and Pap' collabo, the visual... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Beats May Change, But Ma$e’s Trademark Vocal Style Is Forever. Check The New Song Nothing (Audio)

In his latest press run, 50 Cent criticized Puff Daddy's post-G-Unit valuation of Ma$e. According to Fif, the onetime multi-platinum Bad Boy Records star was not worth the seven figure check Diddy was seeking to clear the label and recording rights of his former Harlem protege. Ma$e has yet to... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Usher Raises The Bar In His New Single All About Lockin’ Lips (Video)

In August, Usher will celebrate 20 years since his self-titled debut set the way for a career in music, film, television, and philanthropy. Along the way, Ush' has constantly evolved sonically, making Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and even some traditional Soul music. It's hard to pin down his latest single, "Good... Read more

May 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Michael Jackson’s Chicago Features Some Wavy Timbaland Production (Audio)

Michael Jackon's Xscape is on its way. The late King Of Pop's posthumous album is largely being helmed by Timbaland, who is a student of M.J.'s production and dance floor sensibilities. Tim channels Mike nicely on "Chicago," which has some cool production effects, and a catchy chorus. In life and... Read more

May 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh