Fresh Archives

DJ Premier Remixes A 22-Year Old Classic From D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz & A.G. (Audio)

Twenty-two years later, the joint that got it all started for D.I.T.C. (Diggin' In The Crates) gets amazing reconsideration. For May 7's D.I.T.C. remix album, DJ Premier (who always rolled close to the crew) reworked the Showbiz & A.G. "Soul Clap" B-side, which featured Diamond D and Lord Finesse as... Read more

April 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

N.O.R.E., Styles P and Raekwon Release Their Inner Lion (Audio)

N.O.R.E., Styles P and Raekwon release their inner Lion on a jazzy throwback track. Check it out. Related: N.O.R.E. and Busta Rhymes Go In on a Classic Hip-Hop Break Beat. Check Out Manners (Audio)... Read more

April 20, 2014 Audio

Nas Discusses His First Trip to the Studio in 1989 (Video)

Here's a look at a 20-year old Nas (1994) discussing his first trip to the recording studio in 1989, with his pops, Olu Dara. He also speaks on meeting Large Professor and MC Serch, and the impact they had on his career. The celebration of 20 years of Illmatic continues...Check... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Public Enemy’s Chuck D Discusses Being 1 of the 1st Internet Rap Artists (Video)

Public Enemy are often cited as being lyrical and sonic pioneers. However, their trend-setting career moves are sometimes overlooked. Chuck D speaks to HardKnock TV about the group being one of the first major label Rap acts to go independent and embrace the Internet as the distribution platform of the... Read more

April 19, 2014 Video

Daz Dillinger Reunites Snoop Dogg & Devin the Dude on His Latest Track (Audio)

Daz Dillinger reunites Snoop Dogg and Devin the Dude on his latest track. Check out Blow'd. Related: Daz Dillinger Keeps it Real Witcha (Audio)... Read more

April 19, 2014 Audio

Ab-Soul Breaks Down the Tree of Life on His Latest Release (Audio)

Ab-Soul teams with producer Curtiss King on his latest release. Soulo explores several tree-related metaphors (money trees, medicinal trees...) on Tree of Life. Check it out. Related: TDE Plans to Release New Albums From Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Black Hippy & Kendrick Lamar in 2014... Read more

April 19, 2014 Audio

Here’s Footage from 1994 of Nas, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Premier & Large Professor Discussing Illmatic (Video)

Remember that iconic shot of Nas, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor in the studio together? Here's footage from that day, as well as each discussing the making of Illmatic in 1994. Check out these historic visuals as we celebrate today's 20th anniversary of the release of Illmatic.... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Words From Nas During the Illmatic Era, Raw and Uncut (Video)

Today (4/19) is the 20th anniversary of the release of Nas' Illmatic. As part of our celebration of this landmark date for Hip-Hop, here's an amazing extended look at Nas in the Illmatic era. In this candid interview, young Nas talks about the Hip-Hop legacy of Queensbridge, how he connected... Read more

April 19, 2014 Throwback

Vado, Prodigy & Chinx Drugs Kick Some Cocky Raps Over An Old Eagles Record (Audio)

Vado is gearing up to release his We The Best Entertainment debut. The Harlem veteran teams up with The Coke Boyz' Chinx Drugs and Mobb Deep's Prodigy for "Zoo Muzik." The cut looks at the animal instincts and animal ambitions (word to 50 Cent) of the streets. P raps "The... Read more

April 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Santana Recruits Miguel For The First Single From Their Reunion Album (Audio)

Miguel's been on a tear lately. After recently covering an Elton John classic from the early '70s, Miguel links with an alum of that era (and even before) in Carlos Santana. Santana, who's worked extensively with Hip-Hop/R&B figures like Wyclef Jean, Everlast, and of course Product G&B, now opens up... Read more

April 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Week in Video Featured 50 Cent Detailing Why G-Unit Split, Drake Being Fake, Illmatic Celebrations & More (Video)

The week in video featured 50 Cent calling out members of G-Unit by name and explaining the demise of the crew, Drake in disguise on the street clowning himself, Jhene Aiko living out the ultimate revenge fantasy against a cheating ex, an Illmatic documentary featuring Nas and Kendrick Lamar, killer... Read more

April 18, 2014 Playlists, Video

Daz Dillinger Keeps it Real Witcha (Audio)

Daz Dillinger is releasing a new solo album next week. Here's the latest single. Check out Real Witcha featuring Z-Ro. Related: Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)... Read more

April 18, 2014 Audio

Mr. Green Remixes Vinnie Paz & Planetary From Sampling Live Street Musicians (Video)

New Jersey producer has long been at work at his "Live From The Streets" segment. The producer for The Outsidaz' Young Zee and Pacewon, as well as former Roots member Malik B has a penchant for sampling street musicians, plugging them into his MPC and other samplers, and churning out... Read more

April 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nitty Scott, MC’s Second Art Of Chill Single Is Produced By Ski Beatz. The Hip-Hop Hippie Plants Some Flowers In Your Brain (Audio)

Nitty Scott, MC is releasing her hallmark project to date, The Art Of Chill, on May 23rd. The Brooklyn-by way of-Florida native is building buzz on the project. Nitty teamed with Ski Beatz, who's made a few breakthrough joints for artists (Camp Lo, Jay Z, Outsidaz), for "Feng Shui." Slow... Read more

April 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon ‘On Strike’ From Wu-Tang, Blasts RZA for ‘Mediocre’ Music

It seems Raekwon's frustrations with RZA have reached a boiling point. After directing some sharp words toward RZA in December, Rae recently sat down with Rolling Stone and had some scathing criticism of his Wu brother. See below for some quotes and head to Rolling Stone for the full article.... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh

KRS-One Salutes His City and the Pioneers of Hip-Hop (Audio)

KRS-One and Frank Sinatra? Why not? The Blastmaster makes a tribute to his city and the pioneers of Hip-Hop on NY, NY. Check it out. Related: KRS-One Does Not Want You to Miss 1 Word of This True School Rap (Video)... Read more

April 17, 2014 Audio

De La Soul Is Pressing Up 100 Copies Of Smell The Da.I.S.Y. & Hiding Them In Record Stores (Video)

De La Soul is forever the coolest. Following last month's Smell The Da.I.S.Y. mixtape, combining Posdnous and Dave verses, with some Maseo flavor with J Dilla beats, the group that invented the three-sided single back in the late '80s is coming to wax (white vinyl to be exact) with it.... Read more

April 17, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

MAYDAY! Combines Sharp Lyrics With An Undeniable Mind Melting Groove In Marathon Man (Video)

Miami, Florida band ¡Mayday! has a great balance of substance and style. The Strange Music artists show this off on "Marathon Man." In part takings its name from the 2012 Boston Marathon bombings one year ago this week, the charged track has lots of pain, soul, and drive. The editing... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Common & Rhymefest Team With Urban League To Create Thousands Of Youth Jobs

Today's Chicago Sun-Times reports that two Hip-Hop stars from the city are collaborating with the Urban League to provide jobs for those in need of employment. The report suggests that currently "92% of young Black males are jobless" in the Windy City (not stating what the age range is). Rapper-turned-poilitician... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Explains Risking It All To Move From Gary, Indiana To Los Angeles (Video)

Freddie Gibbs' Piñata album with Madlib could seem like a Gary, Indiana artist linking with one of Hip-Hop's longtime dope producers for an album together. But the facts are, 'Lib and Gibbs are Southern California neighbors. While Freddie Gibbs has run in some mainstream and Gangsta Rap circles, he's always... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Two Generations Of Dungeon Family Come Together: Future & Andre 3000’s Benz Friendz (Audio)

Almost 25 years ago, Positive K made "I Got A Man," an anthem about the road blocks in trying to step to an object of your desire. Off of Honest, Future and Andre 3000 take that same idea and update the language and aesthetic on "Benz Friendz (Whatchutola)." Future, although... Read more

April 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Does Pharrell Have His Next Crossover Hit With Major Lazer In The Graffiti-Inspired Aerosol Can? (Video)

As Diplo continues to amass Hip-Hop production credits with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Wale, and Yelawolf, Diplo's Mad Decent Records artists continue to gain recognition. One of the stars on the label is Major Lazer, the trio of Jillionaire, Walshy Fire and Diplo has made noise working with Snoop,... Read more

April 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s a Dark New Track from Mobb Deep. You Know the Outcome (Audio)

Here's a new song from Mobb Deep off DJ Whoo Kid's upcoming mixtape, The Elevation, Vol. 2. Check out The Outcome. Related: Here’s an Alternate Take of Mobb Deep’s Eye For an Eye Featuring Nas, Rae & Ghost (Audio)... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio

Jon Connor Releases a Video for His Lyrical Assault on Kanye West’s Bound 2 Track (Video)

Jon Connor released a hot mixtape last month filled with him spitting lyrical flames over Kanye West beats. Here's his video for his version of Bound 2. It's a love story but no one is topless on a motorcylce in this one...Check it out. Related: Jon Connor Sets His Sights... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

The Forbes 5 (Hip-Hop): Diddy Remains Hip-Hop’s Wealthiest Artist; Dr. Dre Moves Past Jay Z

Forbes released its annual list of Hip-Hop's wealthiest artists a day after tax day...Diddy remains at the top of the list with an estimated worth of $700 Million. After taking financial hits at both Ruthless and Death Row, Dr. Dre is now securely in charge of his fortune, passing Jay... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh

Take A Trip To Queensbridge With Nas’ Brother Jungle, Who Talks Illmatic Cover & Ill Will (Video)

From the original Illmatic release by Nas to this week's Illmatic XX retrospective, the artist is forever tied to the Queensbridge Houses that inspired much of the album. VIBE goes into QB (something that many media outlets might not be so keen on), care of Mikey Fresh, who gets a... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Buckwild Makes Beats That Make Rappers Shine. Check What He Does For Mayhem Lauren (Audio)

D.I.T.C.'s Buckwild sometimes feels like the lowest-profile producer within the clique. True, Diamond D, Lord Finesse, and Showbiz often get more name-checked recognition from MCs and aspiring producers, but it seems that Buckwild is the most prolific, especially within the last 15 years. The Bronx producer, who created Kurupt Money... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Want to Make a Music Video with Nas? Here’s How (Video)

Nas has partnered with Mass Appeal and Maker Studios to make a new video for Illmatic's Represent, and they are looking for ideas from YOU. If your idea is selected, you will have the opportunity to work with Nas and acclaimed director, Jason Goldwatch, to bring the video to life.... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

There’s Another Invisible Bully on the Block. Styles P Gets Deep (Video)

As Styles P's Phantom and the Ghost LP draws near, he releases his latest video. Check out Go Deep. Related: Styles P Recruits Rocko and His Lox Brother Jadakiss on Sour (Audio)... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Remember Those Raw Jay Dee Verses? Here’s One You Haven’t Heard On J Dilla’s Give Em What They Want (Audio)

With Slum Village, and on his 2001 solo debut, Welcome 2 Detroit, J Dilla (as Jay Dee) was a cold cat. You can see why Dilla got along so well with Phat Kat and Guilty Simpson when it came to talking about accessorizing his truck, or enjoying carnal pleasures without... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Termanology & REKS Bow At The Alter Of Mecca (Video)

Based on the number of projects each artist does, you can tell that both Termanology and REKS simply cannot get enough Hip-Hop. They love releasing their own work, studying others, and talking about it in their verses, social media, and interviews. Statik Selektah's star Showoff disciples (although to be fair,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Suge Knight Expands on Why He Believes Game & Kendrick Lamar Have “Slave” Record Deals (Video)

In February, Suge Knight started a controversy by saying artists like Game and Kendrick Lamar were "slaves" to their record companies. Now, he expands on those comments, explaining his aim was not to disrespect those artists but to call out their record company, specifically Interscope and Jimmy Iovine. Of course,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

Swiff D Offers Up A Batch Of Instrumentals That Will Take You Back To Simpler Times (Album Stream)

Swiff D has been making a lot of moves over the last decade. Closely associated with Pac Div, this producer has had major placements on Talib Kweli's Eardrum, Jadakiss' The Last Kiss, and most recently, ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. Yesterday (April 15th), Heads were treated to Swiff's latest Logic collaboration, while... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ayatollah Releases A New LP Featuring George Duke Tributes & Wu-Tang Clan Members (Album Stream)

From Mos Def to Ghostface Killah to R.A. The Rugged Man, producer Ayatollah has been cooking up beats for well over 15 years. A descendant of the Rawkus Records era, 'Tollah found a home in Nature Sounds Records (J Dilla, Blu, Havoc), where he released several instrumental LPs. This week,... Read more

April 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Explains in Detail What Went Wrong With G-Unit, Name by Name (Video)

50 Cent dropped by Hot 97 and had an intelligent and supremely engaging conversation. A good part of it focused on the disintegration of G-Unit, which Fif explained member by member. He also spoke on Rick Ross, Ja Rule, Al Sharpton and more. Shots were fired. Multiple times. This is... Read more

April 15, 2014 Video

To All The Strong Freestyles In 2014, Locksmith’s Latest May Take Your Seat (Video)

From E-40 to Tajai to Del to Brotha Lynch Hung, the Bay area has some amazing lyricists in Hip-Hop history. Locksmith hopes to further that trend. Once a protege of Spice 1/Ice Cube producer E-A-Ski, Locksmith has worked extensively with Ski Beatz and others in a cross-coast movement that puts... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s a Funked Up House Remix of D’Angelo’s Spanish Joint That Will Get You Moving (Prod. Kero One) (Audio)

It's been too long since we had new music from D'Angelo. WAY too long...So, we'll take what we can get. Here's a funked up house remix of D's already funky Spanish Joint, by Kero One. This remix preserves the essence of the original but still gives it a new life.... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Raekwon & Jay Electronica To Headline 2014 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

With past lineups including headliners such as EPMD, KRS-One, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes, the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival has became a staple in the New York City summer scene. Artists including Kanye West, Group Home, Das EFX, Grand Puba, Greg Nice, and Kendrick Lamar have also performed over the years. As... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh

Statik Selektah Flips a Vintage Janet Jackson Track for Wais P (Audio)

Statik Selektah dug in the crates for some vintage Janet Jackson on his latest track for Wais P. And, based on the lyrics, Wais P would definitely be calling Janet "Ms. Jackson"...Check out Nasty. Related: Shabaam Sahdeeq, Wais P & Sha Stimuli Move That Dope Over An Amazing DJ Skizz... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Watch FUSE’s Making Of Nas’ Illmatic 3-Part Special, With Interviews With Large Professor, Pete Rock & DJ Premier (Video)

Has any Hip-Hop album gotten as much attention at the 20-year mark as Nas' Illmatic has this month? The Columbia/Sony Records debut, the subject of Illmatic XX, a reissue with a plethora of dope bonus material (freestyles, demo recordings, remixes, photos, liner notes), is just in everybody's spotlight. One such... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s the Stream of Nas’ Illmatic XX with Some Choice Bonus Tracks (Audio)

You've heard Nas' Illmatic, but not like this...Here's the stream of Illmatic XX, with some choice bonus tracks. It features songs from the original classic, as well as remixes of Halftime & It Ain't Hard to Tell. Check it out below. The full version of Illmatic XX hit stores today,... Read more

April 15, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Daz Dillinger is Working Overtime on His Latest Release (Audio)

Here's a new solo joint from Daz Dillinger. Check out Overtime featuring Mitchy Slick & A-Lexxus. Related: Snoop Dogg & Daz Make A Touching Uncle June Bugg Tribute With Years Of Footage (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Logic Explains Where He Spent His Advance On While You Wait (Audio)

For the second time in a week, Logic opens up the oven to show off some heat. Like the last, "Now," the Baltimore, Maryland MC linked with Swiff-D, who's on the charts as we speak, thanks to some work on ScHoolboy Q's OXYMORON. Logic uses "While You Wait" to speak... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist Remixes A D.I.T.C. Gem From A.G. & O.C. (Audio)

It's been 15 years since D.I.T.C.'s (Diggin' In The Crates) one and only album. Released on Tommy Boy Records, the self-titled LP (often called "World Class" by some Heads) featured all members of the crew including Big L, Showbiz, Lord Finesse, Fat Joe, O.C., A.G., Buckwild, and Diamond D. After... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Dres Goes In For DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth. How Does The Black Sheep / evitaN O.G. Do? (Video)

Late last year, DJ Premier launched his Bars In The Booth series. Kicking things off with Papoose, the spot pairs MCs of all sorts with a Premo instrumental in the studio, seemingly on the spot. Next up, Premo goes to a peer in Dres. The former front-man of The Black... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Dizzy Wright Shares His Unique State of Mind on His New EP. Check out the Stream (Audio)

Funk Volume artist and 2013 XXL Freshman, Dizzy Wright, is back with a new project. State of Mind features Dizzy's trademark mix of self-empowering lyrics ("my healthy mind, that's what gon' help me over") and party-starting beats. He manages to spread positivity without being preachy; uplifting while remaining down to... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio

Scarface Talks Weight Loss, Depression & Rick Ross Being Underrated With Combat Jack (Audio)

Just like in his raps, Scarface tends to give it to you raw in an interview. The only catch is, you have to catch him first. Not always big (read: trusting) on interviews, the Houston, Texas Hip-Hop legend, and core member of The Geto Boys has never minced his words... Read more

April 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent Gets Film Noir As A Hustler (Video)

Like clockwork, 50 Cent dropped the video to yesterday's (April 14th) "Hustler." The Jake One-produced Animal Ambition cut gets a 1950s Film Noir inspired visual, complete with suits, cigars, hats, and of course, femme fatales. Related: Joe Supplies a Trademark Hook to 50 Cent on Big Rich Town (Video)... Read more

April 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Right As Pharoahe Monch Readies P.T.S.D., Prince Po Releases A Video With Organized Konfusion & O.C. (Video)

Tomorrow, Pharoahe Monch will release his fourth solo album, P.T.S.D. Earlier todays, fans were (and still are) treated to an early listen. However, quite cleverly, Prince Po released the video to "Smash" from his own 2014 LP, Animal Serum, produced and starring by Oh No. The two members of Organized... Read more

April 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Lox Get in Goon Mode in the Video for Talk About It (Video)

The Lox release the latest video from their EP, The Trinity. Check out Talk About It. Related: Here’s Mobb Deep’s First Ever Full Collaboration with The Lox (Audio)... Read more

April 14, 2014 Video