Fresh Archives

Big K.R.I.T. Opens His Cadillac Doors To Pick Up A$AP Ferg In This Unlikely Collaboration (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. gets into a wavy, ATLiens-inspired transportation anthem in "Lac Lac." The song, inspired by Krizzle's penchant for Sevilles, Fleetwoods, and El Dorado's—flagship models of the Cadillac family of cars, has that percussion that complements any leisurely drive with the windows down. As a guest, K.R.I.T. looked outside of... Read more

March 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Sauce Money Talks Jay Z’s “Disgusting” Flow, Ghostwriting & Why He Didn’t Sign To Roc-A-Fella (Audio)

It's easy to confuse Sauce Money as a Jay Z protege. After all, many Heads may have heard Sauce by way of Roc-A-Fella Records releases, as well as Jay's support of Middle Finger U. However, those who listened to Big Daddy Kane & DJ Premier's famed "Show & Prove" know... Read more

March 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

If You’ve Never Heard Nas’ 1993 Freestyle On The Stretch & Bobbito Show, You Must (Audio)

In 1993, Nas was in a weird space. It would be over a year before he would release the groundbreaking Illmatic debut. However, Nasty Nas was making a name through New York City performances, and a series of Large Professor collaborations, from 1991's "Live At The BBQ" on down to... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Raheem Devaughn Offers Up 12 Songs, Including Remixes & Covers In The King Of Loveland (Mixtape)

In the world of R&B mixtapes, Raheem DeVaughn is definitely king, balancing retail releases with years of freebies for his many fans. He's also King Of Loveland, as the most recent tape is called. This effort features remixes, a couple covers from the likes of Janelle Monae, plus label-mates R.... Read more

March 5, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop to Drop in February 2014 (Audio Playlist)

February was a short month but it was not short on good music. Here's a playlist of some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in the month. You'll hear music from Schoolboy Q, Big Boi, Slum Village, Inspectah Deck, Black Milk, Rick Ross, Onyx, Snoop & Madlib, Prodigy & Alchemist,... Read more

March 5, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Blu Says “Made It To 2012 Just To See Romney Lose” As Part Of A New Cold Verse (Audio)

Blu takes long hiatuses in his career. However, when he comes back around, he usually returns in a major way. Such is the case when Johnson Barnes appears alongside frequent collaborator L'Orange on "Need You." Blu seemingly kicks the ol' Rap/lover metaphor, but he's got some ill fervor to his... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Cassidy Goes From A-List Party Rocker To Song-Maker In Robin Thicke & Jessie J Visual (Video)

Part of the Roc Nation Management arm, DJ Cassidy's unique ear for playing sophisticated records that can get celebrities to let their guard down has made him a top entity for events and gatherings. Like many DJs, that ear for talent has led Cass to try an' hit the studio... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ice-T Cosigns Papoose In A Modernized 6 In The Mornin’, Featuring Jadakiss & Jim Jones (Video)

Papoose knows his Hip-Hop. Whether with Jive Records or with Empire Distribution, Nacerima Dream used its big budget to enlist some skilled producers and MCs to work with the Brooklyn sensation on his proper debut. Over a year later, Heads are still seeing Pap's pride as he pushes the album.... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Smif-n-Wessun Attack Street Violence & Police Brutality In Shots In The Dark (Video)

Tek and General Steele have always been Voice Of The People artists in Hip-Hop. With street violence an undoing epidemic, the intelligent-thug MCs from the Boot Camp Clik tackle the police brutality going on worldwide, as well as the unnecessary violence in "Shots In The Dark," an evocative black and... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Killer Mike & El-P Made The Perfect Visual Companion To Run The Jewels’ Title Track (Video)

When Heads pressed play on Killer Mike & El-P's Run The Jewels album (by the newly-formed group of the same name) last year, things got a lil' heavy. Hard raps, hazy beats, big bass, and an energy that lived up to the title of an album demanding somebody to hand... Read more

March 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

De La Soul Reunites With J Dilla’s Producerial Essence On A Dope New Song (Audio)

When De La Soul releases ANY new song, it's usually a stop-the-presses moment for the Heads. However, learning that Amityville, Long Island's finest hopped on an unheard J Dilla track to make a song praising the late Jay Dee and his mom, Ma Dukes, is especially incredible. With the radio... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist Gets Together With Prodigy, Roc Marciano & Budgie & Looks To The Afterlife (Audio)

From Alchemist's Southern California lab, he's built quite an incredible lyrical ensemble. Guys like Roc Marciano, Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, Fashawn, and Planet Asia are frequent passers through, in addition to ALC's longtime core collaborators Prodigy, Dilated Peoples, and Big Twin. Some of those worlds collided in style,... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Have You Heard G I R L Yet? Here’s a Personal Listening Session of the Album with Pharrell (Audio)

If you haven't heard Pharrell's G I R L album yet (or even if you have), here's an opportunity to listen to the project in full with complete narration by Pharrell. A somewhat under the weather Skateboard P, played all of the LP for an audience at the Red Bull... Read more

March 4, 2014 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Meditates Over a Soulful Burner on Conscious Effort (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T.'s WeekofKRIT continues with his 2nd release in as many days. Krizzle spits some meditative lyrics over a slow a deeply soulful track. For fans since "K.R.I.T. Wuz Here," this is vintage K.R.I.T. Check it out. Related: Big K.R.I.T. Kicks Off WeekOfKRIT With His New Agenda, Alongside Rick Ross... Read more

March 4, 2014 Audio

CJ Fly Depicts a Deadly Love Triangle in the Short Film for Eyetalian Frenchip (Video)

Pro Era's CJ Fly has released a short film for his song Eyetalian Frenchip which details a deadly love triangle. The visuals closely track CJ's crisp storytelling. Check out the video. Related: CJ Fly – Thee Way I See It (Mixtape)... Read more

March 4, 2014 Video

Lupe Fiasco Rocks Out With Ab-Soul On Thorns & Horns (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco and Ab-Soul have a few traits in common. One is a healthy distrust of secret societies, and another is a fearlessness in speaking their mind. In the title alone, Heads can gather that "Thorns & Horns" deals with d'evils of things. Both freak some linguistics, having fun with... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jada Pinkett Smith Says Tupac Was 1 of the 1st Males in Her Life to See Her Beauty & Talent Non-Sexually (Video)

The close friendship between Tupac and Jada Pinkett Smith has been well-documented over the years. Jada recently sat down with Arsenio and spoke about several aspects of Tupac that are not often highlighted in the media. She talked about his diverse musical tastes, his love for Shakespeare and his respect... Read more

March 3, 2014 Video

Homeboy Sandman’s Range Is Growing Further. Just Look At Bad Meaning Good (Video)

Comparisons can get us all into trouble. However, as Homeboy Sandman continues to do amazing work on record and on stage, when will Heads see the fact that the Queens, New Yorker is as close as any independent artist on veering into Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) versatility. He raps, fast,... Read more

March 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

Can’t Wait to Hear Black Milk’s New Album? Here’s a Full Stream (Audio)

There's been a publicity blitz about albums by Rick Ross and Pharrell being released this week. It turns out 1 of the strongest contenders for album of the week actually comes from Black Milk whose Glitches in the Break hits stores tomorrow (3/4). Don't take our word for it, though.... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio

Here’s Some Soulful New Goodness From Devin the Dude to Get You Lifted (Video)

Devin the Dude is back with some soulful new goodness. Check out Lifted featuring Doughbeezy. Related: Devin the Dude Laments the One That Got Away in the Video for Probably Should Have (Video)... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio

Smoke DZA & Ab-Soul Hop On A DJ Dahi-Produced Cloud For Hearses (Audio)

For nearly a decade, Smoke DZA's been around when movements start. From the last days of Dipset and Purple City, to the recent Harry Fraud wave, to Black Hippy, DZA's positioned himself as every rapper's willing collaborator, and the results can be quite pleasing. Such is true of "Hearses," with... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big Boi, Ludacris & T.I.’s In The A Gets A Trippy Musical Facelift (Audio & Video)

The Big Boi's Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors mash-up Mondays continue. This time, they took the aggressive 2012 Atlanta-posse cut "In The A" and meshed it with a tab of Kito & Reija Lee’s trippy "Run For Cover." Strangely, it works (it's called "King Shit", so it should)... with the... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Kicks Off WeekOfKRIT With His New Agenda, Alongside Rick Ross (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. does big things. Meridian, Mississippi's own has impressed his label, working with Ludacris, The Roots, and Big Boi...all fellow Def Jam Records stars. However, just in time for Mastermind, Krizzle kicks off "Week Of KRIT" with "New Agenda," featuring none other than Rick Ross. In production, format, and... Read more

March 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A Rare 1994 Remix Surfaces From O.C.’s Word…Life Album By DJ Eclipse (Audio)

O.C.'s 1994 debut album, Word...Life, is among one of the albums that makes the year so special in the Hip-Hop memory. Known then as a longtime affiliate of Organized Konfusion, O stepped to the front with some help from Buckwild on the boards, Lord Finesse filling in, Roc Raida on... Read more

March 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock, Clark Kent & Kevy Kev Reunite With Marley Marl on the In Control Show (Audio Mix)

Many Heads know Marley Marl's In Control brand from the legendary compilation album of the same name that he released in 1988 which featured The Symphony and other classics. The compilation was named after Marley's NYC radio show which was a leading platform for Hip-Hop during that era. Marley recently... Read more

March 2, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Isaiah Rashad & SZA Discuss OXYMORON (Video)

There have been several videos promoting the release of Schoolboy Q's OXYMORON, but this is one of the best. As they did when Kendrick Lamar released good kid, m.A.A.d. city, Google Play has put together a short film about Q and OXYMORON. He speaks candidly about battling addiction, the process... Read more

March 2, 2014 Throwback

The Lox Rep New York in Their Latest Release (Audio)

"Yeah we wore shiny suits, but that put us in a new tax bracket..." The Lox are back with a new song repping their city. Check out New York. Related: The Lox Are Back With Some Boom Bap and a KRS-One Hook (Audio)... Read more

March 2, 2014 Audio

UNITY: A Salute to the Women in Hip-Hop Vol. 2 (Video Playlist)

As we continue our celebration of the women in Hip-Hop, here's Vol. 2 of our UNITY video playlist series. You'll see videos from MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, Salt-n-Pepa, Rapsody, Sweet Tee, JJ Fad, Heather B, Eve, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill and more. Check it out. And,... Read more

March 1, 2014 Video

MC Melodee Releases a Modern Day Anthem for the Ladies of Hip-Hop to Be Spectacular (Video)

MC Melodee has released a song and video that serves as a modern day anthem for the ladies in Hip-Hop. Spectacular draws on classic breaks and and drums as, Melodee serves her words of empowerment. Check out the video. Related: MC Melodee – Think Twice (Video)... Read more

March 1, 2014 Video

CyHi The Prynce is a STAR. Here’s an Amazing Interview, Performance & Co-Sign From Rev. Run (Video)

CyHi The Prynce has been 1 of the most talented MCs in the game for years. He burst onto the scene in 2011 when he joined Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music and he's experienced a renaissance this year with his Black Hystori Project mixtape. This week, he did an extended interview... Read more

March 1, 2014 Video

Ladies First: Here’s a Mix in Celebration of the Women of Hip-Hop (Audio)

As we enter March, Women's History Month, today we celebrate some of the countless contributions to Hip-Hop by women, starting with this mix. You will hear music from MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Bahamadia, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim, Missy, Da Brat, The Lady of Rage, Jean Grae, Yo-Yo, Salt-n-Pepa... Read more

March 1, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

TDE Plans to Release New Albums From Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, Black Hippy & Kendrick Lamar in 2014

Schoolboy Q and Kendrick Lamar cover this week's issue of Billboard Magazine, but the story is a full report on the rise of their label, Top Dog Entertainment. After releasing albums from both Isaiah Rashad and Schoolboy Q already, TDE also plans to release new LPs from Jay Rock, Ab-Soul,... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh

Does Pharrell Have His Next Major Hit In The Brand New Justin Timberlake Assist? (Audio)

Pharrell's timeless ear for Dance music is on fire like never before. While the Virginia native has long dominated radio with his percussion-driven jams, 2013 saw Skateboard P bring Disco back, in a number of facets with a series of artists ranging from Daft Punk to Robin Thicke to Nelly.... Read more

February 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Eminem’s Breakthrough, Hurricane Katrina Covered In Part 4 Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

The final of four parts of Steve Stoute's The Tanning Of America divides its time looking at the emergence of rapper-backed super-brands like Rocawear, Sean John, and Beats By Dre headphones. Additionally, staying close to the Dr. Dre wheelhouse, the hour-long installment focuses on the rise to uber-stardom by Eminem... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

A$AP Rocky Goes Back to the EDM Well When In Distress (Audio)

A$AP Rocky loves to operate around the perimeters of Hip-Hop. Harlem's latest major label representative returns to the charged percussion EDM sound many heard on his Wild for the Night Skrillex-produced song on his new cut, "In Distress." Featuring Gesaffelstein, the song traces how to manage stress in the dog-eat-dog... Read more

February 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Just Blaze Praises The Super Freak Pied Piper Rick James In This Dope Animated Video Series

Just Blaze gave the music of the late Rick James new life in 2006, when he made comeback track "Kingdom Come" for Jay-Z. Using elements of Rick's "Super Freak," which were already the basis of MC Hammer's smash hit, "U Can't Touch This," Jay had a red carpet re-entrance to... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

B-Real & Demrick Unite All The Great Weed Smoking MCs In Angels Come Calling (Video)

B-Real, Demrick and Xzibit formed the Serial Killers recently. The super-group carries with it one Likwit MC as well as the "Hits From The Bong" co-creator. With all sorts of substance-users in tact, two-thirds of the group made a thoughtful track, "Angels Come Calling." For the video, B-Real and the... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

MF DOOM & Bishop Nehru Are Caught In The Studio. The Masked Villain Speaks On Nehruvian Doom EP (Video)

MF DOOM interviews and video appearances are rare as can be. However, the 25-year Rap veteran found it worthy to welcome some London-based cameras to discuss what he's doing with Bishop Nehru. This says a lot, as DOOM was around for the burgeoning careers of The Beatnuts, Cage, Scienz Of... Read more

February 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kanye West & Hype Williams Have Made a Film of the Yeezus Tour. Here’s the Trailer (Video)

Kanye West's Yeezus tour was one of the most visually-inspiring of all concerts (in any genre) in the last few years. If you didn't have an opportunity to see it live, not to worry. Kanye has teamed with acclaimed director Hype Williams to bring the tour to the screen. Check... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Isaiah Rashad Speaks on the Work Required to be a TDE Artist and More (Video)

As one of TDE's newest artists, Isaiah Rashad is quickly establishing himself. He spoke with Mass Appeal about how he got signed, the work he had to put in as a member of TDE, being away from his son and more. If you haven't gotten familiar with him, this is... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Is Schoolboy Q Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Are You? (Video)

Schoolboy Q got the "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" treatment from Complex...and it was not as easy as it sounds. Check out the video to see how Q (and you) fare. Related: Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar Discuss the Early Days of Performing for Only 9 People (Audio)... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Rick Ross & Diddy’s 2014 Version Of You’re Nobody Til Somebody Kills You Arrives In Living Color (Video)

Throughout the week, in interviews and in teasers attached to other Mastermind videos, Rick Ross and Diddy have alluded to "Nobody." The song, pulling from Rick Ross' early 2013 drive-by shooting attack in South Florida, is built around The Notorious B.I.G.'s eerie "You're Nobody (Til' Somebody Kills You)." With French... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Out Of Seemingly Thin & Smoky Air, Snoop Dogg Releases That’s My Work 3 (Mixtape)

Snoop Dogg isn't big on warning shots. Tha Doggfather already hit fans today (February 27) with a rare glimpse at what his world sounds like when it combines with Madlib the Loopdigga. Then, just hours later, he drops off That's My Work 3. The third installment in the mixtape series... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Salute The Original Foxy Brown. Watch Pam Grier’s Full Unsung Episode (Video)

Before she was one of the more active celebrity Twitter accounts, Pam Grier helped define an era of film. In title roles like "Foxy Brown," "Coffee," and later, "Jackie Brown," Pam Grier was a true ass-kicking heroine, fighting systems of oppression based on both race and gender. Through Blaxploitation films,... Read more

February 27, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Pete Rock Makes A Roy Ayers Mixtape & It’s Amazing (Mixtape)

Pete Rock knows a thing or two about the great Roy Ayers. The Chocolate Boy Wonder has sampled some of Roy's CTI Records catalog and other material throughout his own vast discography of head-nodding hits. With the release of a new t-shirt at Pete's site (where he has a number... Read more

February 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Mixes

Snoop & Madlib? It Gets No Funkier Than Cadillacs (Audio)

Snoop Dogg has teamed up with Madlib on an extra funky collabo. Their track, Cadillacs, is built on a rolling bass line and a nicely-placed Cutie Pie sample. Check it out. Related: Snoop & Dam Funk Release a Video for the Mega Funky “Do My Thang” (Video)... Read more

February 27, 2014 Audio

Tommy Hilfiger Gear & Death Row Records’ Reign Covered In Part 3 Of The Tanning Of America (Video)

Yesterday (February 26), Steve Stoute's week-long, four-part documentary series, The Tanning Of America, continued on Vh1. Part Three ("Gimme The Loot"), aired. The third installment highlighted commercial Hip-Hop's plateau in the mid-1990s, including the uber-success of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row Records (and how New York Hip-Hop reacted).... Read more

February 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, TV/Film, Video

After Nearly 5 Years, Asher Roth is Releasing His 2nd Album. Here’s the New Single (Audio)

After 5 years and several mixtapes, Asher Roth is preparing to release RetroHash, his 2nd official album (though what is the difference between a mixtape and an album really these days...). His new single, Tangerine Girl, is a dreamy ride with an early 70's California rock feel to it. For... Read more

February 26, 2014 Audio

Rick Ross Reveals Diddy’s Ad Libs in “Nobody” Were Actually Real Talk. Puff Was Going In (Audio)

Rick Ross sat down with Angie Martinez to discuss his forthcoming Mastermind LP. During the interview, Ross detailed the process of how Nobody, his re-take on Biggie's You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You), was made. Not only did Ross seek the proper approvals from Diddy, he reached out to other... Read more

February 26, 2014 Video

After a Short Break Stalley is Back With a New Sound & the Midwest Blues (Video)

Stalley has always had an ear for soulful beats to help spread the message of his "intelligent trunk music." After a brief break following his stellar Honest Cowboy mixtape, the Ohio MC is back with a bit of a new sound. He's flexing a more sure-fire flow over a track... Read more

February 26, 2014 Video