Fresh Archives

Should Drake Step Up and Name Kendrick Lamar’s Name in His Ongoing War of Words? Peter Rosenberg Weighs In (Video)

By now, EVERYONE in Hip-Hop knows Kendrick Lamar dropped bombs on an entire generation of MCs with his Control verse--and he named names. Since then, many of those mentioned have responded loudly and explicitly. Drake, however, has never responded on wax--or has he? Drizzy has spit many verses over the... Read more

December 26, 2013 Video

Joey Bada$$, Dyemond Lewis & A La $ole Drop Off Some Heat for Christmas. Check Out Sol Luna (Audio)

Pro Era's Joey Bada$$, Dyemond Lewis & A La $ole drop off some 90's-influenced goodness as Christmas winds down. Sol Luna draws on the hook from A Tribe Called Quest's Jazz and features dark chords and BOOM BAP drums that would make Pete Rock proud. Check it out. Related: Capital... Read more

December 25, 2013 Audio

Snoop Dogg Singing an Elvis Presley Christmas Song?? Hearing is Believing (Audio)

Snoop Dogg continues his reign as one of Hip-Hop's preeminent jokesters. To celebrate Christmas, he has released his own take on Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas, vocal inflection and all. If you need some holiday cheer, Uncle Snoop has got you covered. Related: That’s Not Mistletoe in Snoop Lion’s New Video…Check... Read more

December 25, 2013 Audio

RIP to James Brown Who Passed Away 7 Years Ago Today. Here Are His Soul Train Performances (Video)

James Brown, the Godfather of Soul (and Hip-Hop) passed away 7 years ago today. Having been sampled thousands of times, particularly in the 80's and 90's, there are few who had a deeper impact on the foundation of Hip-Hop. Here's a highlight video of some of his most electrifying Soul... Read more

December 25, 2013 Throwback

Fabolous Continues His Holiday Traditon By Releasing The Soul Tape 3. Stream and Download Here (Mixtape)

Fabolous delivers his Christmas gift to fans with the release of The Soul Tape 3. The mixtape features Meek Mill, Jadakiss, Young Jeezy, Mack Wilds, Ryan Leslie and more. You can stream and download the project below. Download MixtapeDatPiff.com Related: Fabolous – The Soul Tape 2 (Mixtape)... Read more

December 25, 2013 Audio, Mixes

Audio Push Kicks Ill Freestyles On Tony Touch’s Toca Tuesdays Show (Video)

Audio Push kicks a mean off-the-dome tandem set of verses over a classic Pacewon/Lootpack instrumental, provided by Tony Touch. The pair has way too much fun, as they enter a promising, and likely redefining 2014. The latest Inland Empire addition has been a pleasure to watch evolve. Related: Got BARS?... Read more

December 24, 2013 Fresh, Video

Method Man Rips Through Bring the Pain During Mack Wilds’ NYC Show (Video)

If you haven't heard Mack Wilds' album, New York: A Love Story, it pays homage to 90's NYC Hip-Hop with tracks from Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Havoc and Salaam Remi, as well as guest verses from Method Man, Raekwon and more. Method Man showed love to Mack last night by... Read more

December 24, 2013 Video

Wale & Meek Mill Connect for an MMG Collabo on Heaven’s Afternoon (Video)

After a rough week with Complex, Wale is back to what matters...the music. Here's a video for Heaven's Afternoon, his collaboration with MMG brother Meek Mill. Check it out below. Related: Wale Addresses His Complex Issues on a New, Emotionally-Charged Song (Audio)... Read more

December 24, 2013 Video

Action Bronson & Roc Marciano Mix Up Something Lovely with Alchemist. Check out Pool Hall Hustler (Audio)

If you've ever seen The Hustler or The Color Of Money, or perhaps loafed in a pool hall yourself, you know that they attract some original twentieth century hustlers. Ever the lovers of nostalgia, ALC, Bam Bam Bronson, and Roc Marci took on the role of "Pool Hall Hustlers" from... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio

That’s Not Mistletoe in Snoop Lion’s New Video…Check out Smoke the…(Video)

Snoop has donned many personalities over the years--Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Snoopzilla--but one shared theme amongst them is they like the sticky green...In his latest video, he puts the Rasta Hat back on as Snoop Lion. Check out Smoke the...with Collie Buddz. Related: Eddie Murphy – Red Light ft... Read more

December 24, 2013 Video

Apollo the Great is Bangin’ on Wax All the Way to 2014. Check out Rio De Janeiro (Audio)

By the sounds of his new song Rio De Janeiro, Apollo the Great is coming out swinging in 2014. Apollo weaves some dark tales over a track that's tough as nails, from his upcoming album New Jersey Joe. Check it out. Related: Apollo the Great spits some verses on PhillyHeat... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio

RIP Capital Steez Who Passed Away 1 Year Ago Today. Here’s a New Video For His 47 Piiirates (Video)

Pro Era's Capital STEEZ tragically passed away 1 year ago today at the age of 19. To celebrate his life, here's a creative new video for STEEZ's 47 Piiirates which features footage of STEEZ, Dirty Sanchez and Joey Bada$$. RIP Captial STEEZ. Related: Capital STEEZ – KING STEELO (Audio)... Read more

December 24, 2013 Video

Here Are the Best Hip-Hop Mixtapes of 2013. Stream and Download More Than 45 Mixtapes Here (Mixtapes)

2013 was a stellar year for mixtapes. In fact, with strong releases from Big K.R.I.T., Pusha T, Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Rapsody, Raekwon, Slum Village, Curren$y, Cam'ron, Lloyd Banks, Pete Rock & Camp Lo, Problem, Nipsey Hussle, Action Bronson, Q-Tip & Busta Rhymes and more, it can be argued... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio, Mixes

Got BARS? These MC’s Do. Here Are The Best Freestyles of 2013 (Video)

There are few things more satisfying in Hip-Hop than a killer verse. It's why Kendrick Lamar shook up the Internet for 3 weeks (an eternity these days) with his Control verse...and then again with his BET Cypher. We've assembled a collection of the best freestyles (mostly "writtens") of 2013. Check... Read more

December 24, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Top 10 Most Compelling Hip-Hop Photographs Of 2013 (Food For Thought)

The old adage, "a picture's worth a thousand words" often proves to be true. Let's hope so for 2013, which by way of Instagram, Twipic, and some inner-circle released photos, told Heads plenty of stories. From unlikely reunions to time-pieces, to first steps for Hip-Hop kind, what a year... Here... Read more

December 24, 2013 Food for Thought, Fresh

Ambrosia For Head’s 13 Best Hip-Hop Albums Of 2013 (Food For Thought)

2013 was a different kind of year in music. Not only did Rick Rubin return to crafting Hip-Hop albums, but he had a hand in three of the genre's biggest releases from top artists like Jay Z, Eminem, and Kanye West. Meanwhile, as has been the case over the last... Read more

December 24, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar Releases an Amazing New Video for Sing About Me Pt. 1 That Includes a New Verse (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has partnered with artist Eddie Peake to create a compelling new video for Sing About Me Pt. 1. Part of the video features Kendrick taking a tour of his native Compton while the other half shows art being created by Eddie Peake that was inspired by the song.... Read more

December 24, 2013 Video

Did Rick Ross & Jay Z Make Their Best Collabo Yet? The Devil Is A Lie (Audio)

For seven years now, Jay Z and Rick Ross have been sharing the booth on various songs, remixes, and posse cuts. Just when 2013 seemed in shut-down mode, the full audio of "The Devil Is A Lie" comes forth. From Rick Ross's upcoming 2014 Mastermind album, he slams his bars... Read more

December 24, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Here’s a Hot New Remix to Nipsey Hussle’s Checc Me Out with Dom Kennedy & Cobby Supreme (Audio)

Producer Slot-A has created a remix to Nipsey Hussle's Checc Me Out that's heavy on keyboards and drums. It sounds like a Just Blaze production, on a G-Funk bender, in the best possible way. Check it out below. Related: Nipsey Hussle Gives the Real on Growing Up in Crenshaw on... Read more

December 23, 2013 Audio

Mack Wilds Has a Surprise Reunion With the Girl of His Dreams in the Video for Henny (Video)

Here's a new video from Mack (aka Tristan) Wilds for his Havoc-produced burner, Henny. The song lifts the thumping bass line of Mobb Deep's Burn (The Learning) and the video builds on the love story that began in the video for his song Own It. He has a surprise reunion... Read more

December 23, 2013 Video

Isaiah Rashad Shows Some Love to Scarface on His New Song Brad Jordan (Audio)

Shortly after TDE announced they were releasing 6 new albums in 2014, their new signee Isaiah Rashad releases a new track. The title and hook pay homage to the one and only Scarface (using his "govie"). Check out Brad Jordan. Related: Does Kendrick Lamar Have a New Album Coming? TDE’s... Read more

December 23, 2013 Audio

Does Kendrick Lamar Have a New Album Coming? TDE’s Top Dawg Announces 6 New Releases for 2014.

More than any other artist in Hip-Hop, 2013 was the year of Kendrick Lamar and, by proxy, TDE. Kendrick took the title of MTV's Hottest MC in the game and his Control verse reigned fire on an entire generation of MCs. Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q got some overdue love from... Read more

December 23, 2013 Fresh

Even in 2010 Vic Mensa Was a Razor Sharp Lyricist. Here’s Proof…(Audio)

For new artists, a lot can change from the time you start making noise to your breakthrough. While Vic Mensa has the Kids These Days years to point back to, he's been plugging away at solo records for sometime. With the release of an Innanet Tape package that should greatly... Read more

December 23, 2013 Audio

New Music From Rapsody to Wind Down the Year? Why not…Here’s Betty Shabazz (Audio)

Rapsody goes HAM on a knocking 9th Wonder track. Check out Betty Shabazz from the upcoming Jamla is the Squad compilation from 9th Wonder's label. Related: 9th Wonder talks owning his own label, creating beats and more with AFH (Video)... Read more

December 23, 2013 Audio

Suge Knight & Snoop Hanging Out?? Yeah, 2013 Was a Crazy Year For Hip-Hop. Here’s a Photo Recap (Food For Thought)

The old adage, "a picture's worth a thousand words" often proves to be true. Let's hope so for 2013, which by way of Instagram, Twipic, and some inner-circle released photos, told Heads plenty of stories. From unlikely reunions to time-pieces, to first steps for Hip-Hop kind, what a year... Here... Read more

December 23, 2013 Food for Thought

A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G (Audio)

Earlier this year, Tim Westwood lost his longtime post at BBC Radio. The London, England-based radio/video personality has been spoofed by Afion Crockett for his enthusiasm and friendly-fire with guests. However, Heads in the know recognize that Tim Westwood's work in Hip-Hop goes back to the '80s. Need proof? UnKut.com... Read more

December 23, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

What Was Your Most Memorable Sports Moment in 2013? Skillz Recaps the Year in Sports…in Verse (Video)

Skillz has a tradition of recapping the year in rhyme. This year, he does a sports edition and it's all there...the Super Bowl blackout, the Heat championship, Lance Armstrong, the Red Sox, Kobe, Tiger and much more--all set to images that will take you right back to the moment. Check... Read more

December 22, 2013 Video

This Week’s Hip-Hop Round Up is Strictly About the Music Videos…Kendrick, Eminem, K.R.I.T., Rapsody and More (Video Playlist)

This week in Hip-Hop video was highlighted by several visually-compelling music videos. Rapsody transformed into The Joker, Kendrick Lamar had an artist create a piece for Sing About Me, Eminem sought out Dr. Dre and Rihanna for therapy and more. Check out the video playlist below. Related: Last Week in... Read more

December 22, 2013 Playlists, Video

The Internet Have Done The Brand New Heavies Proud With This Timeless Soul Groove (Audio)

If you dig some of the acid jazz bands of the early 90's like The Brand New Heavies, D'Influence and Icognito, this new track by The Internet featuring Nicky Davey will make your day better--no matter how good it already is. It sounds just like it's titled. Check out Timeless.... Read more

December 22, 2013 Audio

Here’s a Dark and Twisted Take on a “Christmas Carol” From Killer Mike & El-P (Video)

When Run The Jewels' first album dropped this Summer, album closer "A Christmas F*ckin' Miracle" seemed a long way away. El's beat kinda had that caroling feel, while both men slowed it down for some of the best, most open verses of the amazing album. Just in time for Christmas... Read more

December 22, 2013 Video

Rest In Peace To Three 6 Mafia’s Lord Infamous

Yesterday (December 21), tragic news hit the media that onetime Three 6 Mafia member, Lord Infamous has passed away. The 40 year-old Horrorcore pioneer is believed to have died in his sleep from a heart attack in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. From the earliest days of Three 6, until... Read more

December 22, 2013 Fresh

How Has Talib Kweli Stayed Relevant After 15+ Years? Here’s What He Had to Say (Video)

After more than 15 years, Talib Kweli remains one of the most talented and relevant MCs in Hip-Hop. He recently sat for an extended interview with NYC's Hot 97 to discuss his longevity, his new Gravitas album, the state of New York Hip-Hop and more. Check out the video. Related:... Read more

December 21, 2013 Video

Sway Has Got the Answer…Allen Iverson That Is. He Opens Up About His Early Retirement and More (Video)

Kanye West infamously told Sway he didn't have the answers but Sway recently sat down with the Answer, Allen Iverson. They spoke about why AI chose to retire so early, how he feels about basketball now, who he thinks is the best MC right now and more. Check out the... Read more

December 21, 2013 Video

Arsenio Hall Gives Chance the Rapper His First Shot on Latenight TV. Check out the Performance (Video)

In the 90's, The Arsenio Hall show was one of the few places on TV that was friendly to Hip-Hop. At the time, no other latenight talk shows were supporting the genre. Things have changed since then, but Arsenio is still giving some artists their first shots on the big... Read more

December 20, 2013 Video

Pharrell Talks with Leonard Nimoy About All Things Spock (Video)

In a meeting of Star Track and Star Trek, Pharrell sat down with Leonard Nimoy to talk all things Spock. The pair discussed the creation of the Spock character, how the Vulcan salute came to be, the controversy behind some of Nimoy's photography projects and more. Check out the video.... Read more

December 20, 2013 Video

Rapsody Transforms Into the Joker in the Video for Dark Knights (Video)

Though she did not have an "album" in 2013, Rapsody had her strongest year ever with She Got Game. One of the many standout tracks from the project was Dark Knights which uses Batman metaphors throughout. Rapsody takes it one step further in the video by transforming into the Joker... Read more

December 20, 2013 Video

Former Stars Of Rap-A-Lot Records Have A Rare, Really Candid Roundtable Interview (Audio)

One of the cool (at the same tragic) things about Rap-A-Lot Records was how the '80s-'90s stars of the label—true of today too—did very little press. While Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were on MTV, BET, and The Box, guys like Ganxsta Nip, Seagram, Menace Clan, The Terrorists, Mad... Read more

December 20, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Taking A Page From Nas, Rakim Makes An Unauthorized Biography Of Nelson Mandela (Audio)

Almost a decade after Nas made "U.B.R." (the unauthorized biography of Rakim), Rakim raps the life of the late South African President Nelson Mandela. The song is called "Madiba," (Mandela's nickname, in part, meaning "father") and is said to appear on the upcoming film soundtrack, Mandela: The Long Walk To... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Did You Know Chance the Rapper Almost Threw Up on Kendrick Lamar? He Tells Nardwaur That Story and Much More (Video)

This is a particularly interesting Nardwaur interview. Chance The Rapper enjoys the gifts and knowledge from the Human Serviette during a recent Vancouver, British Columbia show, but the microphone becomes of a bit of a space issue. Along the way though, Nardwuar prods Chance into discussing some critical '90s Chi-Town... Read more

December 19, 2013 Video

Guess Who’s Coming to The Grammy Awards? Kendrick Lamar Will Take the Stage

For some folks, watching the Grammy Awards in their dens, bedrooms and livingrooms is as close to an actual concert as they get all year. Additionally, the annual Winter performance opens up Heads in all different genres to each other's breakthrough artists. How many folks first saw Adele through Grammy's?... Read more

December 19, 2013 Fresh

The Lox Jack Pusha T For a Couple of Beats and Make Them Their Own. Check out Nosetalgia & Sweet Serenade Freestyles (Audio)

The Lox gave the Hip-Hop world an early Christmas gift yesterday by releasing a surprise EP. The giving continues with a couple of freestyles from them over Pusha T's Nosestalgia and Sweet Serenade. Check out both below. Related: And Just Like That…Here’s a Brand New EP from The Lox (Audio)... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio

You Probably Never Heard Asher Roth Like This Before (Audio)

If Queen Latifah can make vocal Jazz albums, and Heavy D can make Reggae albums, the confines of genre should have been eradicated in Hip-Hop years ago. With one solo album under his belt, and an EP with Nottz, Asher Roth has been a "known" artist for just over five... Read more

December 19, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Clams Casino Releases Another Block Of Instrumentals, Including Beats For MF DOOM & Mac Miller (Mixtape)

Nutley, New Jersey's own, Clams Casino, stayed strong in 2013. Amidst a three, four-year run with joints for A$AP Rocky, Lil B, Mac Miller, and MF DOOM, C.C. stays the course. In keeping with tradition, he released a new Instrumentals download project. Over the years, these have defied genre and... Read more

December 19, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

O.C. Reflects On His Day With A Whole New Flow On A Dreamy Ray West Beat (Audio)

If you listen to O.C.'s 1994 debut album Word...Life you'll get some deeply introspective MC'ing. O is a master at calling back to childhood memories, or analyzing a situation differently after the fact. While he's worked with production kingpins like DJ Premier, Buckwild, and Da Beatminerz, O's beat-selection always puts... Read more

December 18, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Like Pink Floyd? Like George Washington & Ben Franklin Getting It In? Check This (Video)

DJ House Shoes' affiliate DertBeats made a very cool flip of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon hit "Money." The re-imagined beat has that thump, and serves as a true MPC clinic to anybody who studies arrangement. Well, there's a fantastic new video to capture the street vibe of... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Freddie Gibbs Has Moves To Make On A Young Chop Beat, So Deuces (Video)

Young Chop has been a go-to hit-maker for Drill music guys like Chief Keef and Lil' Reese. With Gary, Indiana being just outside of Chicago, Illinois, it's a worthwhile experiment to hear the precise fast-rapping of Freddie Gibbs, never one to show much pity, with the cold, relentless tracks of... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Video

Casey Veggies & Chase N. Cashe Show L.A.’s Lush Surroundings (Video)

Days after the Scion-endorsed audio for "Me & Mine" was released, Casey Veggies and Chase N. Cashe hit the road for the visual. With some light-handed Scion tie-ins, the pair show you a colorful, crisp Hollywood with clever editing, and a complementary vibe to the chilled out track. Related: Ambrosia... Read more

December 18, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lauryn Hill Performs an Inspired 11-Minute Reggae-Influenced Version of Ex-Factor (Video)

Over the years, Lauryn Hill has re-arranged her classics many times with varying results. Recently, she performed at New York's Bowery Ball Room and unleashed this version of Ex-Factor. It replaces the tender soul of the original with a muscular reggae-tinged groove. It's different but also very compelling. Check out... Read more

December 18, 2013 TV

Slaughterhouse is Back to Attack the Wack in Hip-Hop. Here’s Their New Single, Party (Audio)

Slaughterhouse is back with an aggressive new track going at everything and everyone fake. The song was produced by Just Blaze and Cardiak and Joey, Royce, Joell and Crooked hold no punches. Check out Party...but don't let the title fool you. Related: Eminem & Slaughterhouse Revive Rap City With A... Read more

December 18, 2013 Audio

And Just Like That…Here’s a Brand New EP from The Lox (Audio)

Less than a week after Beyonce rocked the music world by releasing a surprise album, The Lox have delivered an early Christmas gift to the Hip-Hop world. They've just released a new EP on iTunes called The Trinity and they are using the name The Lox (no D-Block). Check out... Read more

December 18, 2013 Audio