Fresh Archives

Memphis Bleek Takes Responsibility For Bringing The Jay Z & Nas Beef To A Clash (Video)

Okay, this is interesting. A lot of Rap beefs start indirectly. It was a Source Awards speech in the case of Death Row vs. Bad Boy. It was an association in the case of 50 Cent vs. Jadakiss and Fat Joe. In the case of Ras Kass vs. Alchemist, it... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Did Mobb Deep Get Infamous By Design On Say Something? (Audio)

Mobb Deep has a challenge ahead of them. Prodigy and Havoc are releasing (April 1st's The Infamous Mobb Deep) some never before heard 1994 and 1995 recordings, of The Infamous era. Arguably Mobb's best stride as far as influencing other acts and connecting with a New York Hip-Hop renaissance worldwide,... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Blu Has A Double Album Coming, Check These Regional Raps In The West (Audio)

Blu does everything differently. Over 10 years past the double-album era in Hip-Hop, when 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang Clan, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, and others were charging upwards of $25 for two discs in one... Blu follows suit. Produced entirely by relative no-name Bombay, Good To Be Home... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist & Budgie Keep Things Pure With Action Bronson, J. Rocc & A$ton Matthews (Audio)

Alchemist & Budgie's The Good Book explores spirituality through Hip-Hop across a few faith groups. Not heavy-handed, the project seemingly uses track-by-track concepts to show a life, tell a story, make a connection. "With My Soul" is the sophomore leak, featuring ALC's go-to as of late in Action Bronson, who... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Check Out This Mix Of De La Soul Samples That Has Even Maseo’s Head Nodding

The Native Tongues are known for positive messages, social consciousness, sense of humor, and of course, sampling. Whether talking about A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, or Jungle Brothers, these acts pulled liberally (and cleverly) from other eras, genres, and movements to make their own. On the sample tip, few... Read more

March 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Frank Ocean & Diplo Link With Some Royalty From The Clash / Gorillaz For Hero (Audio)

Converse has successfully managed to intersect branding and art, and let art win. The shoe-maker from way-back continues to align interesting collaborations in the studio, following last year's jaw-dropper from Andre 3000, LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy, and the Gorillaz. Two of the Gorillaz' "musical directors" (as after all, the band... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Chance The Rapper Keeps His Acid Style On New Skrillex Song (Audio)

Perhaps quite deliberately, Skrillex unloads his Chance The Rapper-assisted "Coast Is Clear" around the Biggie Smalls celebrations. As The Notorious B.I.G. was tragically murdered on March 9, 1997, the dates surrounding the anniversary are often used to honor, celebrate, and re-discover the late Christopher Wallace. On this song, Chance vocally... Read more

March 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J. Period Honors The Iconic Biggie Smalls With March 9th Revisited (Mixtape)

DJ J. Period is among the absolute best deejays doing it right now. When he's not providing the sounds for the Brooklyn Nets, the longtime affiliate to Zion I, Black Thought, and Common makes conceptual, fully-produced mixtapes (often released in clever formats like t-shirts, zip drives, etc.) that honor the... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Big Boi, A$AP Rocky & Phantogram Have An A-Ha Moment (Audio)

Big Boi's Monday mash-ups from Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors roll on strong. Daddy Fat Sax's standout, stunning collaboration with A$AP Rocky and his Phantogram homies "Lines" meets with early '80s hit "Take On Me" by A-Ha. The bar sing-along favorite is joined by some of Big's best rapping as... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jay Z, Kanye West & Daft Punk Shelved Track Surfaces From Each’s 2013 Sessions (Audio)

Daft Punk, Kanye West, and Jay Z all released albums in 2013. The French Electronic duo's Random Access Memories stole the show at last month's Grammy Awards, while Kanye's Yeezus snagged the consciousness and conversation of Popular music in June. A month later, Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail bogarted... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Oddisee Takes A Trippy Nighttime Ride Through The Back Of His Mind (Video)

Producer/MC Oddisee has succeeded in capturing vibes throughout his 15-year career. That's why he's been sought out by everybody from J. Cole to J-Live to Joey Bada$$ (that's a lot of J's). The member of Diamond District and the Low Budget Crew continues to refine his craft when it comes... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Click’s E-40, B-Legit & The Cutlass Come Together On What We Been Doin (Video)

In the Hip-Hop family tree of relatives, two of the best bloodlined artists are E-40 and B-Legit. The two cousins from Vallejo, California released three albums with The Click (which also included Suga T and D-Shot). Outside of the group, the smooth-talking 40 Water and boisterously aggressive B-Legit made a... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Makes A New Love Ballad Over Some Chipmunk Soul (Audio)

While Drake makes his way, can anybody in Hip-Hop ever really dethrone LL Cool J's status as the Rap-Ballad king? While he never sang, Ladies Love Cool James has been a master since he "needed love" just as much as he "needed a beat." Just about 30 years later, Uncle... Read more

March 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Kanye West, Common & Madlib Discuss Stones Throw Records In Part 1 Of Documentary (Video)

Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records is a special imprint. The California-based indie label has been a release house for work ranging from acclaimed J Dilla Instrumental albums (Donuts), MF DOOM comeback collaborations (Madvillainy), debut LPs from NYC legends like Percee P (Perseverance), and a host of small one-offs ranging... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

D.I.T.C.’s Showbiz Digs In The Crates For An Hour-Long Mix Of Breakbeats (Audio)

It's been almost 20 years ago since Showbiz & A.G.'s Show decided to hang up the microphone. While Heads were distraught, the Boogie Down Bronx veteran, and Diggin' In The Crates crew (D.I.T.C.) co-founder maintained his post as a highly-revered producer. Show's worked for Fat Joe, Big L, KRS-One, and... Read more

March 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

This Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought an Eclectic Mix of Gritty Visuals & Old School Memories (Video Playlist)

The past week in Hip-Hop video brought our first look at Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix, Schoolboy Q revealing that he wanted the world to end in 2012, Game throwing flames at 50 Cent & Suge Knight, Marley Marl reminiscing, and new music videos from Run the Jewels, Smif-n-Wessun, The... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Video

AFH Celebrates Biggie Smalls with a Playlist of His Videos & Some Classic Freestyles (Video)

We continue our all day celebration of The Notorious B.I.G., on the anniversary of his passing, with a playlist of some of his videos as well as clips of classic freestyles with Tupac, Nas, Lil Cease and more. Click play and reminisce on the life and legacy of Biggie Smalls... Read more

March 9, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Ends the WeekOfKRIT with a Special Announcement. A New Album is Coming (Video)

Throughout the week, Big K.R.I.T. has treated fans to new music each day. He concludes the WeekofKRIT with a special announcement: he has a new album coming later this year. Check out the video trailer below for a taste of one of the album's tracks as well as the title... Read more

March 9, 2014 Video

SZA Serves Up Some Melancholy Retro-Futuristic Electro Funk on Babylon (Video)

SZA, the latest artist in the TDE camp (Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul & Isaiah Rashad), is not a rapper. Instead, she is a sultry singer in the mold of a more soulful Bjork. Her song Babylon is a melancholy brew of futuristic sounding Electro Funk and the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Video

DJ Marley Marl Details What Started the Wars Between BDP & The Juice Crew (Video)

DJ Marley Marl has been speaking about the early days of Hip-Hop, lately. He recently sat down on The Juan Epstein show, as well as with Mister Cee, and spoke on everything from working with artists like Big Daddy Kane, Kool G. Rap and LL Cool J, to how the... Read more

March 9, 2014 Audio, Throwback

On the Anniversary of Biggie’s Death, Here’s a Look at His Final Interview with Sway (Video)

March 9th is an ominous date for the Hip-Hop Nation. Today marks the 17th anniversary of Biggie's death. Rather than lament his passing, we will be celebrating his life and legacy, starting with a look back at his final interview with Sway in March of 1997. Big speaks on being... Read more

March 9, 2014 Throwback

Celebrate Gang Starr on the 20th Anniversary of Hard to Earn with This Video Playlist (Video)

"The real Hip-Hop." Our celebration of Gang Starr continues on the 20th anniversary of the release of Hard to Earn, with a playlist of some of their many classic music videos. As you set your clocks forward tonight, go back in time with these timeless visuals. Related: Here’s a Rare... Read more

March 8, 2014 Playlists, Throwback

The Comedic Genius of Robin Harris is Unsung No More. Watch the Full Episode (Video)

"We BeBe kids. We don't die. We multiply." If those words mean anything to you, you know the genius that was lost with the death of Robin Harris. Whether doing standup or performing in movies like Do the Right Thing, Harlem Nights or House Party, Robin Harris was always a... Read more

March 8, 2014 Video

Here’s a Rare EPK of Gang Starr From 1990 (Video)

As we continue our celebration of Gang Starr on the 20th anniversary of their landmark Hard to Earn album, here's a look at a vintage EPK of the duo from 1990, the era of Step in the Arena. GURU and DJ Premier discuss the mission of Gang Starr and Step... Read more

March 8, 2014 Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Does Not Take the Weekends Off. WeekOfKRIT Continues (Audio)

Just when it seemed WeekOfKRIT was over, Big K.R.I.T. returns with his hardest track of the week. He, Smoke DZA and oft collaborator Big Sant trade bars on the hard-driving Steps. Check it out. Related: Big K.R.I.T.'s Egyptian Cotton is Another Strong New Track (Video)... Read more

March 8, 2014 Audio

Game Goes Into Battle Rap Mode on This Tim Westwood Freetyle (Video)

"Game ain't makin' amends with 50 Cent. Game still tryin' to find out where 50 went..." Game hit the Tim Westwood Show and dropped some greasy bars over the Threat beat that 9th Wonder crafted for Jay Z. He went at 50 Cent, Suge Knight and more. This is hardest... Read more

March 8, 2014 Video

N.W.A.’s DJ Yella Speaks on the Last Time He Saw Eazy-E (Video)

Montreality spoke to N.W.A. OG, DJ Yella, in the latest installment of their in-depth interview series. Yella spoke on many topics, including his current relationship with Dr. Dre, the upcoming N.W.A. movie, becoming a porn producer, the last time he saw Eazy-E and more. Check out the video below. Related:... Read more

March 7, 2014 Throwback

Rick Ross & Jeezy Release the Video for War Ready (Video)

Rick Ross releases the video for War Ready, his collaboration with Young Jeezy. Check it out below. Related: Arsenio Gets the First Performance of Sanctified From Rick Ross, Kanye West & Big Sean (Video)... Read more

March 7, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar & Tame Impala Refuse to Go Backwards (Audio)

After an amazing pairing with Imagine Dragons at The Grammy Awards, Kendrick Lamar teams with rock band, Tame Impala, and the results are similarly intense. Check out Backwards below. Related: Kendrick Lamar Steals The Show At The Grammys. Who Needs An Award? (Video)... Read more

March 7, 2014 Audio

ONYX Take it Back to the Tunnel with Cormega & Papoose (Audio)

In the '90, NYC's club The Tunnel was a premier destination for listening to Hip-Hop, particularly when you wanted to get raucous. ONYX pay homage to the venerable venue, on their single The Tunnel, and they bring Cormega and Papoose along for the celebration. Check out the video. Related: ONYX... Read more

March 7, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Completes His WeekOfKRIT With Another Strong New Track (Video)

Throughout the week, Big K.R.I.T. has treated fans with new music that stands among the finest in his catalog. Today, he releases the last track and it features K.R.I.T.'s trademark thoughtful lyrics and soulful production. Check out Egyptian Cotton. Related: Big K.R.I.T. Kicks Off WeekOfKRIT With His New Agenda, Alongside... Read more

March 7, 2014 Audio

Here’s an Amazing Piece Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Gang Starr’s Hard to Earn

Gang Starr's Hard to Earn album turns 20 years old tomorrow (3/8). To celebrate the landmark LP, Nahright & Up North Trips have put together a phenomenal piece that features a track by track breakdown of the making of the album by DJ Premier, himself. Check out an excerpt and... Read more

March 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big Boi & Common Stake Their Claims on the Throne (Audio)

HBO's epic series Game of Thrones returns on April 6th. As a lead up to the show, HBO is releasing a mixtape called Catch the Throne, and it will feature some heavy hitters. The first 2 singles from the project are from Big Boi (Mother of Dragons) and Common (The... Read more

March 7, 2014 Audio

Arsenio Gets the First Performance of Sanctified From Rick Ross, Kanye West & Big Sean (Video)

Arsenio scored the first ever live performance of Sanctified from Rick Ross, Kanye West & Big Sean (and with a full band, no less). Now THAT'S boss...Check out the video. Related: Rick Ross Finally Speaks on Being a Correctional Officer (Video)... Read more

March 7, 2014 Video

The Lox Are on a Roll. Here’s Another New Video (Video)

Since The Lox dropped their surprise Trinity EP in December, they have been on a roll. The momentum continues with the release of their video for Faded. Check it out. Related: The Lox & Trae the Truth Go HAM on a New Track (Audio)... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

Chuck Inglish Redefines His Sound With Some Help From Chance the Rapper (Audio)

The Cool Kids' Chuck Inglish specializes in sparse tracks driven primarily by hard 808 drums. On Glam, he has shed that sound for a lush and soulful track driven by horns, guitar, bass and a trademark verse from Chance the Rapper. This is musical magic. Check it out. Related: Arsenio... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

Jadakiss, Bun B and Fabolous Come Together on a Sean C & LV Track (Audio)

Producers Sean C and LV (Jay Z, Biggie, Big Pun, Ghostface...) are releasing their Loud Dreams Vol. 1 mixtape at the end of the month. The latest single features Jadakiss, Bun B, Fabolous, Rob Zoe and Anthony King. Check out Live for Today. Related: The Lox & Trae the Truth... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

Rick Ross Finally Speaks on Being a Correctional Officer (Video)

There have been quite a few controversies during Rick Ross' career. Arguably, the biggest, however, was the disclosure that he was a prison correctional officer prior to his Rap career. After years, of silence, Rozay is speaking on his past occupation. Here's what he had to say. Related: Rick Ross... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

What Do Strip Joints and Cemeteries Have in Common? Schoolboy Q Has the Answer (Video)

Schoolboy Q has released the video for What They Want, his collaboration with 2 Chainz. It was filmed in New Orleans and features the unlikely combination of footage from cemeteries and strip clubs. Needless to say, it is NSFW. Related: Who’s Realer Than Schoolboy Q These Days? Watch Him Decode... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

The Lox & Trae the Truth Go HAM on a New Track (Audio)

A collabo between The Lox and Trae the Truth might sound like a head-scratcher on paper, but the actual product BANGS. Rather than select a compromise track to bridge their differing styles, they chose an East Coast-style banger by Cy Fyre and proceeded to go HAM. Check out Reckless. Related:... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

At Age 55, Prince is Still One of the Baddest [“ShutYoMouth’s”] in the Business. See For Yourself (Video)

At the tender age of 55, Prince remains one of the greatest performers in music. The Purple One took over the Arsenio show with a rare interview and performances of She's Always in My Hair and Mutiny. Though he no longer curses, he's still a bad [shutyomouth]. Check out the... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

Rakim & Linkin Park On the Same Track? Guilty as Charged (Audio)

In one of the more unexpected collaborations of the year, Rakim and Linkin Park have come together on the track, Guilty. Check it out below and let us know your thoughts. Linkin Park - Guilty All The Same Related: This Portrait Of Rakim Will Give You Goosebumps With Hip-Hop Pride... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. Turns Up on Wolf on Wallstreet (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T.'s 4th release in the WeekOfKRIT is a more uptempo trunk-thumper, along the lines of Country Ish. The title plays on K.R.I.T.'s love for cars and the recent film from Martin Scorcese and Leonardo DiCaprio. Check out Wolf on Wallstreet. Related: Big K.R.I.T. Meditates Over a Soulful Burner on... Read more

March 6, 2014 Audio

Rockie Fresh Delivers 1 of the Best Backroom Freestyles Yet (Video)

Chicago's Rockie Fresh delivers one of the best Backroom freestyles yet. He matches a laid-back slick delivery with several clever couplets. Instead of lyrical gymnastics, he leaves you with food for your mental. Check out the video. Related: Rockie Fresh & Casey Veggies Celebrate Life (Video)... Read more

March 6, 2014 Video

How Will Andre 3000 Fare as Jimi Hendrix? Watch This 1st Look and Weigh In (Video)

The Hip-Hop and Rock worlds have been abuzz since it was announced Andre 3000 would take on the role of Jimi Hendrix in the film "All is By My Side." Now, some years later, we finally have our first look at Mr. Benjamin channeling Mr. Hendrix. Take a look at... Read more

March 5, 2014 Video

Who’s Realer Than Schoolboy Q These Days? Watch Him Decode Hoover St (Video)

Schoolboy Q's OXYMORON is one of the most transparent albums to be released in quite some time. If you've ever had a question about what's on Q's mind, chances are he has revealed it on the LP. The TDE member recently Decoded his song Hoover St. He discusses everything from... Read more

March 5, 2014 Video

Curren$y Reflects on His $ Migraine (Video)

Curren$y releases the latest video from his Drive-In Theatre mixtape. Check out $ Sign Migraine, featuring Le$. Related: Here’s a Brand New Mixtape From Curren$y. Stream & Download The Drive In Theatre (Mixtape)... Read more

March 5, 2014 Video

Mobb Deep Have Chinese Food With a Side of Murder in the Video for Taking You Off Here (Video)

Mobb Deep's video for Taking You Off Here is a short film where the duo decides what to do with a potential enemy, over a meal of Chinese food. It's not a happy ending. Check it out. Related: Prodigy Confirms Mobb Deep’s First Ever Full-Out Collaboration With The LOX (Video)... Read more

March 5, 2014 Video

Prodigy Confirms Mobb Deep’s First Ever Full-Out Collaboration With The LOX (Video)

Prodigy sat in on Sway In The Morning this week. Sway, Reef, Heather B, and DJ Wonder played some joints they brought to the table for some listener A&R. To kick things off is the Tragedy Khadafi & JuJu (of The Beatnuts) track ("Thriller"). Those who know their Queens history... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Black Star Isn’t The Only Squad Busting Raps In Vans. Murs & Jabee Keep It Moving (Video)

Remember the Black Star "Definition" video? Everybody from Common to El-P to Pharoahe Monch hopped in the van driven by DJ Hi-Tek while Talib Kweli and the Mighty Mos Def kicked rhymes influenced by Boogie Down Productions as well as Hip-Hop perceived threats in 1998. Over 15 years later, Murs... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Video