Fresh Archives

The Indie Rap Titans Form Like Voltron. Murs Signs With Tech N9ne’s Strange Music (Video)

This afternoon (February 7th), Murs announced that he's inked a new deal with Tech N9ne's Strange Music imprint. It makes sense in a lot of ways, as both of these artists rock the sales charts and fill out venues, despite limited (read: scarce video and radio support). Highly respected among... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh, Video

Is Theophilus London One Of The Most Original Hip-Hop Artists Of The Moment? Take A Look (Audio)

Some Heads aren't sure what quite to make of Theophilus London. This is an artist who isn't quite a MC, isn't quite a singer, but fits uniquely in the changing landscape of what a rapper might be in 2014. He's a fashion icon (it is New York City Fashion Week... Read more

February 7, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rick Ross & Diddy Bring Some Star Power To Mastermind. Did You Really Expect Any Different From This Tracklist?

Less than two days after Diddy's co-executive producer role (with DJ Khaled) was announced to Rick Ross' sixth solo album, Mastermind, Heads find out just what that means. With the tracklist to the Def Jam/Slip-N-Slide/Maybach Music Group album, you see the guests. Known for attracting veteran superstar peers since his... Read more

February 7, 2014 Fresh

Happy 40th Birthday to J. Dilla. To Celebrate Here’s J Rocc’s Mind-Blowing 120+ Song Set of Mixes (Audio)

In the last year of his life, J Dilla was getting the mainstream recognition he so deeply deserved. Donuts dropped. He was making thumpers for Common, who was his roommate in L.A. at the time. Dilla deftly balanced major label acceptance with underground royalty, and things seemed to be on... Read more

February 7, 2014 Throwback

Missy Elliott is Working on a Comeback Album (Video)

Missy Elliott is working on her first new album since 2006. The supa dupa fly rapper/singer/writer/producer is also working on an album with Faith Evans. After her red hot cameo on J. Cole's Nobody's Perfect, it's clear misdemeanor has not lost a step. Check out what she had to say... Read more

February 6, 2014 Video

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley. Here’s a Mix Celebrating His Life & Legacy (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Bob Marley who would have celebrated his 69th birthday today. Here's a tribute mix from Mister Cee celebrating the life and legacy of one of the world's biggest icons. It includes music from Marley, as well as name checks from some of the Hip-Hop artists he's influenced.... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Stephen Marley & Black Thought Make Some Timeless Music Together (Audio)

In a move reminiscent of what brother Damien did with Nas, Stephen Marley has teamed with one of the most respected rappers in the game on his latest release. Black Thought joins Marley on the timeless and beautiful Thorn or a Rose. Check it out. Related: The Roots – Ain’t... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Kid ‘n’ Play Are Back with Some New Funny Business (Video)

After making surprise appearances on Arsenio and the high profile Radio Shack Super Bowl commercial, Kid 'n' Play are back with what feels like a pilot for a new TV show. Along the lines of their House Party franchise, the former Select Records stars employ their trademark self deprecating humor.... Read more

February 6, 2014 Video

SPOTLIGHT: SneakerBoxChock Makes A Powerful Opening Statement In Elephants (Audio)

If one of Hip-Hop's great roles is to educate each other on what's going on, Heads should take a close listen to Camden, New Jersey's SneakerBoxChock. Also known simply as Chock, this MC does not mince his words at all. Speaking from real life experience, the artist just over the... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diddy To Executive Produce Rick Ross’ Mastermind Album (Video)

There was a time in Hip-Hop when executive production from different moguls was all the rage. Jay Z co-executive produced Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, Suge Knight co-executive produced DJ Quik's Safe + Sound, 50 Cent co-executive produced Freeway's Free At Last album, Diddy & The Hitmen were associate executive... Read more

February 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ras Kass & Black Sheep’s Mista Lawnge Form The White Crows, Drop 1st Song (Audio)

The Black Sheep flag waves high. Dres and A Tribe Called Quest's Jarobi formed Evitan a few years back, and have stayed busy. Now, Mista Lawnge has made a cross-country outfit with Ras Kass. Fans of mid-'90s lyricism could not have predicted this union, but from Black Sheep, it's now... Read more

February 6, 2014 Audio

Yo Gotti & J. Cole Release a Video for Their Music with a Message, Cold Blood (Video)

Last year, Yo Gotti and J. Cole released Cold Blood, a melancholy song that painted pictures of some of the world's cold hard realities. Now, they've released a video that makes those grim images even more vivid. Check it out. Related: J. Cole’s Label Partners With Interscope & He Releases... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

Rashad, the Producer Behind Stalley’s Lincoln Way Nights, is Back with a New Song (Audio)

If you missed Rashad's soulful album Museum, you likely know his music from Stalley's equally soulful Lincoln Way Nights project. Rashad was the talented artist/producer who produced the entire mixtape. He's back with a new release that builds on the Art of Noise's classic, Moments in Love. Check out First... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio

Who Needs Hooks When You’ve Got BARS? Cyhi The Prynce is Back (Video)

Out of all the G.O.O.D. Music affiliates, Cyhi The Prynce has always been one of the nicest with wordplay. After creating a lot of buzz in 2010 and 2011 with his BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher and XXL Freshmen selection, Cyhi has had a relatively quiet couple of years. However,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

Can’t Wait for Schoolboy Q’s OXYMORON? Here’s a Best Of Mix to Get You Ready (Audio)

Schoolboy Q's major label debut, OXYMORON, is set to hit stores on 2/25. The album is easily one of the most anticipated of the year (as it was for 2013). Now that we're less than 3 weeks away, DH OHSO has put together a mix of Q's material from previous... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio

Prince Po Lets Off On A Steam-Powered Oh No Beat In Machine Rage (Video)

Heads ought to know: this Animal Serum album released by Prince Po & Oh No is one of the most impressive listens as we start to really settle into 2014. Released on Brooklyn's Nature Sounds Records (Havoc, Durag Dynasty, Blu, Pete Rock, etc.), the LP features the likes of O.C.,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Fresh, Video

Souls Of Mischief’s 93 ‘Til Infinity Deluxe Reissues, With A Light Box, Bonus CD & Music Book

In a month that's already announced a deluxe reissue of Mobb Deep's 1995 album, The Infamous, as well fellow Queens native/collaborator Nas' 1994 debut, Illmatic, next up is the Souls Of Mischief's debut, 93 'til Infinity. The Jive Records album by Tajai, Phesto, Opio, and A-Plus featured the breakthrough single... Read more

February 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Covers…P.M. Dawn? And It Sounds Really Good (Audio & Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop history can be a bit revisionist. While KRS-One, Just-Ice, and the rest of the Boogie Down Productions posse didn't help P.M. Dawn's cool-factor with the alleged stage-tossing, no one can deny that in the late '80s and early '90s, the Brothers Cordes had hits that in some ways,... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

DMX Will Fight George Zimmerman. Which of X’s Album Titles Best Applies to the Future Beating (Video)

In a story far too bizarre to be fiction, DMX has been chosen to square off against George Zimmerman in a 3-round "boxing" match. According to TMZ, however, DMX plans to go more UFC than WBA: "DMX promised to massacre Zimmerman in the ring if he got the chance. To... Read more

February 5, 2014 Video

During East Coast Ice Storms, Black Milk Makes A Cold Day (Audio)

Black Milk has this uncanny ability to take a '70s Children's song chorus vibe and make it so Hip-Hop that it hurts. After 2013's shiver-inducing "Sunday's Best" / "Monday's Worst" tandem about G vs. E, B.M. returns with "Cold Day." Hard beats and a very juxtaposed Saturday morning television feel... Read more

February 5, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Did You Know Snoop is 0-16 at the Grammys? Pharrell Explains Why He Shouldn’t Care (Video)

GGN TV has really got something. Presumably during the Grammy Awards weekend, Pharrell Williams stopped by to kick it with Snoop Dogg. The longtime friends and collaborators trade compliments on their timeless music, and devoted care for the craft. During the discussion, Snoop reveals that he's never won a Grammy... Read more

February 4, 2014 Video

What Underground Veteran Is DJ Premier Making A Full Album With Next? (Video)

From Charli Baltimore to Vinnie Paz to Roscoe P. Coldchain, DJ Premier has some strong Philly ties. The Gang Starr producer/DJ and the City Of Brotherly Love go way, way back like Just-Ice. Today, a surprising announcement was made as Premo links with a true Philly veteran. Jakk Frost might... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pusha T Says His Verses On The Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury Were A Bit Too Real (Video)

Montreality interviews are cool because they're often outside of the box. Hearing Pusha T talk about working as a parking attendant as a teenager, or buying his mother a Jaguar before the first record deal may bring a smile, but when Pusha Ton's eyes light up about the level of... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ransom Crosses Paths With Jadakiss & Raekwon To Pop Bottles Of Shampaign (Audio)

Since the mid-2000s days with Joe Budden, fans of Ransom have touted the New Jersey MC as one of lyrical giants within his class in Hip-Hop. Recently, by way of an album with Statik Selektah, and a redefined solo career, Ransom's getting some of the biggest looks of his run.... Read more

February 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Thought Action Bronson Only Took Out Stage Crashers? Think Again. Not Even Security is Safe From the Big Man (Video)

Action Bronson's method of dealing with stage crashers has now been well-documented. Last night, however, the burly rapper took his stage presence to another level. A security guard got a bit rough with Bronson while he was lighting up on stage. Needless to say, Bronsolini did not like that and... Read more

February 4, 2014 Video

Willie The Kid & Roc Marciano Get Lifted On Avalon Overtop A Classic Sample (Audio)

Within the resurgence of the abstract, short-bar, lyrical impressionism in Hip-Hop, two of the most prominent and dominant are Willie The Kid and Roc Marci—and everybody from Drake to Jay Z feels it. For WTK's album with Bronze Nazareth, The Living Daylights, on La The Darkman's La Embassy Ent. imprint,... Read more

February 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Nas’ 20th Anniversary Edition Of Illmatic, Includes Rare Q-Tip Remix, Freestyles & More

In April of 2014, one of Hip-Hop's true classics turns 20 years old. Nas' 1994 debut Illmatic will blow out its candles in style, as the Columbia/Ruffhouse Records release gets an expanded edition, confirmed today via iTunes, courtesy of 2DopeBoyz. Like the 10th anniversary version (which felt like it came... Read more

February 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rick Ross Releases a Soulful Appetizer to Mastermind. Here’s Oyster Perpetual (Audio)

Love him or hate him, Rick Ross stays consistent. The Boss is back with an appetizer to his forthcoming Mastermind album. In typical Rozay fashion, it features a soulful track and an impeccable flow. Check out Oyster Perpetual. Related: Rick Ross Releases a Video for His Bound 2 Freestyle. No,... Read more

February 4, 2014 Audio

It’s Organized Konfusion As Pharoahe Monch & O.C. Rock With Prince Po & Oh No (Audio)

Just last year, Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po cracked the mic together on Marco Polo's PA2: The Director's Cut. The Queens, New York vets have been in the news a lot lately, with last week's reunion show in NYC, celebrating the 20th anniversary of cult-championed sophomore LP, Stress: The Extinction... Read more

February 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hit-Boy Compares Himself To The Early Years Of Iron Mike Tyson In Vaulted Song (Audio)

Like Mike Tyson, Hit-Boy certainly has a right and a left. While the Los Angeles, California native is best known for slamming tracks that he's sprinkled throughout his G.O.O.D Music collective, as well as with Kendrick Lamar and Drake, the artist, like his mentor, can push some severe words when... Read more

February 4, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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

Before we get too deep into February, here's a look back at some of the best Hip-Hop to drop in January 2014. After a slow start, we got new music from Phonte, Talib Kweli, Elzhi, Schoolboy Q, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), Phife, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Pete Rock, Astro,... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

After ScHoolboy Q’s OXYMORON, TDE Sets It Sights On Ab-Soul’s Black Lip Pastor

2014 promises a reported six Top Dawg Entertainment releases. After this month, Heads are holding two: a first retail effort from Isaiah Rashad's Cilvia Demo, and ScHoolboy Q's major label debut, OXYMORON. Today, TDE's head, Top Dawg himself, and Ab-Soul suggested that Black Lip Pastor is next (though that is... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh

Action Bronson Throws Another Fool Off the Stage. Somebody Call Vince McMahon (Video)

Last June, Action Bronson made swift work of a stage crasher by sweeping the leg and body slamming him. A couple months later, he handled another overzealous audience member. It appears not everyone got the memo that Bronson has more in common with Ghostface than his flow. Like Ghost's Wu... Read more

February 3, 2014 Video

Who Doesn’t Want The Simple Things? Miguel Laces The TV Series Girls With A Soundtrack Gem (Audio)

Miguel seems to get his generation's romantic needs and aches as well anybody. The RCA Records star makes "Simple Things" for the upcoming season 2 soundtrack of "Girls." Lela Dunham and her homies put their life out there against this song about yearning for a partner you can do simple... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Welcome Home! 45 King Is Back From His Heart Attack & Hospitalization (Video)

Some good news on the health and Hip-Hop front. Last month, Ambrosia For Heads reported that The 45 King suffered a heart attack, and was hospitalized. Well, good news... the beat-digging, production, and 7" record DJ'ing legend is back in effect mode, with a new video to talk about puttin'... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

9th Wonder, Rapsody & Add-2 Stop By Juan Epstein To Show That Jamla Is The Squad (Audio)

Peter Rosenberg & Cipha Sounds Juan Epstein interviews are quickly ramping up in 2014. From 3rd Bass' MC Serch and A&R extraordinaire Dante Ross already (with conflicting views in some places), the radio duo hones in on 9th Wonder and two of his Jamla Records stand-outs, Rapsody and newer addition,... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Check Dag Savage’s E&J Album, Which Features Fashawn, Blu, Aloe Blacc & Ras Kass (Album Stream)

Just weeks after their Warning mixtape, Exile & Johaz's Dag Savage unit offers up an early listen to their album, E&J. The duo brought along family including Blu, Fashawn, MED, Aloe Blacc, and Ras Kass for this LP. Which do you prefer between the two? Is Johaz Exile's next great... Read more

February 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big Boi, U.G.K. & Big K.R.I.T. Mashed With Blue Oyster Cult & Sanctioned By Daddy Fat Sax? Yep. (Video)

Fans of late '70s Hard Rock group Blue Oyster Cult know a thing or two about a thing or two. The group with hits like "Don't Fear The Reaper" came to mainstream prominence around the time of Hip-Hop's own commercial breakthroughs. Big Boi, a student of '70s Funk, '70s Cadillac... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Video

ScHoolboy Q’s OXYMORON Will Feature Black Hippy Plus OG’s Like Kurupt, Raekwon & Suga Free. Here’s the Tracklist.

With February 25th fast-approaching, here is the tracklist to ScHoolboy Q's major label debut, OXYMORON. Guests include two-thirds of his Black Hippy cohorts, save for Ab-Soul. Veterans include Pomona pimp-hop O.G. Suga Free, Kurupt, Raekwon, and 2 Chainz while Q's peers include Tyler, The Creator, BJ The Chicago Kid, and... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh

Anna Gordy, Inspiration To Marvin Gaye’s Here My Dear Has Died. Listen To The Music (Audio)

There are plenty of timeless, classic, immortal love songs made by Marvin Gaye (quite a few with Tammi Terrell). However, Marvin also penned one of the ultimate break-up albums, late 1978's Here My Dear (which was recorded years before it released, as it sat on Motown shelves). A couple years... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Das EFX’s Krazy Drayz Has Lots Of Faith In Hip-Hop (Mixtape)

It may have been 11 years since the last Das EFX album, but Drayz (Dre) and Skoob stay busy. In addition to work with Marco Polo and DJ Rondevu, the Tri-State cats who met in Virginia (where they were also discovered, at VSU) are pursuing solo work. Krazy Drayz just... Read more

February 3, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

After Blu Dropped 44 New Songs in January, Here Are 33 More. Check out soul amazing (pt.2) (Audio)

Last month, Blu dropped a 44-song compilation out of nowhere. Here are 33 new songs to add to the collection. Check out soul amazing (part two). soul amazing (part two) by blu Related: Blu Suddenly Drops A 44-Track Album Featuring Miguel, Talib Kweli & Joell Ortiz (Album Stream)... Read more

February 2, 2014 Audio

Feel Like Fighting After That Wack Super Bowl? M.O.P. & Mobb Deep Got You Covered (Audio)

The Super Bowl was wack. What way to take out some unreleased aggression than a new collabo from M.O.P. and Mobb Deep? Check out Street Certified. Props on the spot: 2DBZ Related: DJ Kay Slay Unifies Members Of Wu-Tang Clan, LOX, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga & M.O.P. To Honor The ’90s... Read more

February 2, 2014 Throwback

Ready for the Super Bowl? First Things First. Here Are Some Classic Hip-Hop Commercials (Video)

Commercials are always a big part of Super Bowl Sunday. With that in mind, here’s a video playlist of some vintage hip-hop commercials. You’ll see Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Large Professor, Grand Puba, Biggie, Snoop, 2Pac, Warren G, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Ice Cube, EPMD, Geto Boys, Kid 'N'... Read more

February 2, 2014 Throwback

The Week in Video Brought Out the Best in Kendrick Lamar, Redman’s Crib, New Phonte & More (Video Playlist)

This week was dominated by Grammy coverage, and there were some clear highlights like the Kendrick Lamar/Imagine Dragons mashup, but there were also several other gems that might have gotten lost in the swirl. Here's a video playlist of some of the best visual programming of the week. You'll find... Read more

February 1, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Do Miguel Hooks Provoke Violent Videos?? Big Sean Power Trips in the Video for Ashley (Video)

Nearly a year after Miguel's collabo with J. Cole inspired one of the darkest videos of 2013 with J. Cole's Power Trip, Big Sean has gone even darker in the video for Ashley which also features vocals by Miguel...This one is not safe for work, so be careful where you... Read more

February 1, 2014 Video

TLC Perform What About Your Friends at the Vh1 Super Bowl Blitz (Video)

As the Super Bowl festivities ramp up, the ladies from TLC join the party. Chili and T-Boz performed a high energy rendition of What About Your Friends, and they've still got it. Check out the video. Related: T-Boz & Chilli Invite Lil’ Mama To Perform With TLC As Left Eye... Read more

February 1, 2014 Throwback

Redman Invites MTV Back to His Crib and He’s “Beyonce’d” the Bathroom. Greatest Cribs Segment Ever? (Video)

As part of MTV's "RetroMania" week, they've returned to Redman's crib 13 years after the last visit. True to his nature on records, the Hit Squad/Def Squad MC was a simple dude: turntables, fish-sticks, a dollar box/cookie jar sort of bank. Even in the era of RIAA album plaques and... Read more

January 31, 2014 Video

Roc Marciano & Virginia’s Knowledge The Pirate Are Rap Slingers (Video)

One of the final really exciting albums from 2013 was Roc Marciano's Marci Beaucoup. The Man Bites Dog release highlighted the production abilities of the Hempstead, Long Island artist, while pairing him with an assortment of artists, ranging from Evidence to A.G. to Cormega. One of the lesser known artists... Read more

January 31, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rap-A-Lot Records Re-Releases Geto Boys, Do Or Die, Scarface Albums To Vinyl

Dating back to 1986, Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records is from the era when Hip-Hop was more prevalent on vinyl than CD. Growing demand for J. Prince's catalog has made the "Hot Club Wax," as promos used to be called, scarce surrounding some albums. Just days after Universal Music Group's similar announcement,... Read more

January 31, 2014 Fresh, Throwback