Fresh Archives

Talib Kweli Takes Aim at Illuminati Talk and Says Kill the Noise in the Video for Wormhole (Video)

With Gravitas a week away, Talib Kweli hopes to put the Illuminati talk to bed with the 2013 calendars. The Brooklyn, New York MC uses vintage footage of 2Pac addressing the talk back in 1995 and 1996, as he presented his "Killuminati" stance. Kweli uses footage, which producer Oh No... Read more

December 10, 2013 Video

Jay Z & Dame Dash Hang Out Again, Backstage At Staples Center

Earlier this year, Jay Z and Dame Dash were photographed together for the first time in nine years, courtesy of a mutual friend's birthday partner. Two-thirds of Roc-A-Fella Records' founders have a speckled history following the dismantling of the label, and Jay's brief retirement. While Dame publicly questioned Jay's loyalty... Read more

December 10, 2013 Fresh

Pro Era’s CJ Fly Brings More of That 90’s Goodness in Still the Motto (Video)

If you close your eyes and just listen to CJ Fly, you hear a sound that is reminiscent of 90's Brooklyn. He could easily pass for a Bootcamp Clique affiliate. CJ, however, is one of the many talented members of Pro Era, along with Joey Bada$$, who is making his... Read more

December 10, 2013 Video

Pac Div’s Like Shares His Affinity For Brazil’s Sao Paulo (Video)

It's been almost eight years since Pac Div's (as Pacific Division) The Blend Tape. The Palmdale, California trio called back to both the Native Tongues and The Pharcyde movements with humble themes, melodic production, and an Everyman approach. After a recent trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, Like (formerly Likewise) calls... Read more

December 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

15 Years in and Talib Kweli is Still Schooling the Competition. He’s Looking for New Leaders…(Audio)

Talib Kweli is a week away from his second album of 2013. Gravitas will include the Statik Selektah-produced "New Leaders." Joined by Flatbush, Brooklyn's The UnderAchievers, Kweli demands new leadership in Hip-Hop, in Brooklyn, on Twitter, in society, and in government. Throughout the last 15 years, Kweli has been able... Read more

December 9, 2013 Audio

Lupe Fiasco Longs for the Late 80’s/Early 90’s in the Powerful and Visually Stunning Old School Love (Video)

Lupe Fiasco is back with a sentimental, thought-provoking and brilliantly executed new video. Old School Love is both reminiscent of a time when the sound waves in Hip-Hop were ruled by Melle Mel, Ice-T, LL Cool J and Kool Moe Dee, and also when Lupe's hometown Chicago was not known... Read more

December 9, 2013 Video

Big K.R.I.T. and Talib Kweli Lend Verses to Cory Mo on Hold Up (Video)

Cory Mo made the most of his Rock the Bells experience, landing not only verses from Big K.R.I.T. and Talib Kweli but also filming a video with them on one of the dates. Salute to his grind. Here's Hold Up. Related: Big K.R.I.T., Talib Kweli, Outasight & Mela Machinko collaborate... Read more

December 9, 2013 Video

Dizzy Wright Honors Fans With The Thoughtful No Writers Block, I Like To Rap (Audio)

One of pop culture's growing trends has been artists thanking followers with songs. It's a thin line between a gimmicky pursuit of growing metrics and a cool, interpersonal relationship that was more challenging before social media. Las Vegas' Dizzy Wright reached a new milestone with 300,000 followers on Twitter, and... Read more

December 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh

This Week in Video Brought New Music From Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar, Method Man & A$AP Mob and More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought new music from Dr. Dre & Kendrick Lamar, as well as new videos from Method Man & A$AP Mob, Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper, Talib Kweli, Stalley, Astro and more. Check out the Video Playlist. Related: This Week in Video Was Dominated By Kanye West’s... Read more

December 8, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Here’s a Rare Demo Version of Big Pun’s Still Not a Player Featuring Cuban Link (Audio)

Before Big Pun recorded his classic with Joe on the hook, he and Cuban Link laid down a reference track in the studio mapping out how the song was going to go. It features Pun riffing the hook and the 2 trading playful freestyle verses over those oh so familiar... Read more

December 8, 2013 Audio, Throwback

Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper Reunite on Suitcase. The Future of Hip-Hop is in Good Hands (Audio)

Chance the Rapper and Vic Mensa are collaborators, competitors and above all brothers in a new Chicago sound and movement. They have brought back musicality and honesty to Hip-Hop in a way that has been sorely missed. Here's their latest joint effort, Suitcase. Related: Vic Mensa Talks Life, Death, Music,... Read more

December 8, 2013 Audio

Here’s an Extended Version of the Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar Beats Commercial with Their MONSTER New Track (Video)

Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar released one of the hardest commercials of the year earlier in the week, featuring Dre and Dot in the studio going to work on a monster track. It surely left Heads wanting for more and our request has been granted. Here's nearly a minute and... Read more

December 8, 2013 Video

Kendrick Lamar Gets an Album of the Year Nomination from the Grammy’s. Jay Z Gets 9 Noms. Here’s the List of All Nominees in Hip-Hop’s Strongest Showing Ever.

Though he released good kid, m.A.A.d. city in 2012, 2013 has belonged to Kendrick Lamar. In the Spring, he was named MTV's Hottest MC of the Year. By Summer, his Control verse became the biggest story in Hip-Hop in the last several years. In the Fall, he again shook up... Read more

December 8, 2013 Fresh

Who’s Better, Jay Z or Nas? Here’s What Schoolboy Q Had to Say About It (Video)

Here's some extra footage from Schoolboy Q's recent sit down with Peter Rosenberg. In this installment, Q talks Jay Z vs. Nas. Check out what he had to say below. Related: ScHoolboy Q Might Be Having Some GQ Fun On His Version Of Man Of The Year (Audio)... Read more

December 8, 2013 Video

Problem Brings That New Gangsta Boogie with Understand Me. Check Out the Video (Video)

Problem is a big part of the new West Coast movement that has arisen over the last few years, along with TDE, Nipsey Hussle, Dom Kennedy, Casey Veggies and others. Like Whaaat STILL gets the party started...Here's his latest video, Understand Me. Related: BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher: Asia Sparks,... Read more

December 8, 2013 Video

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Discuss Their 7 Grammy Nominations. Are They Hip-Hop’s Most Courageous Group? (Video)

Even if they don't take home a single Grammy, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis may get the crown of being the most courageous group in Hip-Hop. The duo had the guts to make Same Love, a song supporting equal marriage rights for all, and they were rewarded with nominations for Song... Read more

December 7, 2013 Video

Childish Gambino and Chance the Rapper Take in Surf and Sun in the Video for The Worst Guys (Video)

There are no guns and no strippers. Welcome back to diversity in Hip-Hop. Check out the video. Related: How Do You Follow Up a Lyric Video That Features a Porn Star? By Cozying Up to a Teddy Bear in the Actual Video…Here’s Childish Gambino’s 3005 (Video)... Read more

December 7, 2013 Video

Tyrese, Ludacris and The Roots Make a Heartfelt Tribute to Paul Walker (Audio)

Tyrese and Ludacris have come together to pay tribute to their friend and Fast & Furious co-star Paul Walker who passed away last week in a car accident along with another friend. The Roots also join the song called My Best Friend. Related: Behind The Music: Ludacris (Full Episode)... Read more

December 6, 2013 Audio

Stalley and Kanye West Have Very Different Takes on the Confederate Flag. Kanye Sells Them…In the Video for Raise Your Weapon, Stalley’s Burns Them (Video)

Stalley's Honest Cowboy mixtape is one of the more underrated of the year. If you have not yet had the opportunity to hear the project, Raise Your Weapon is a great place to start. The song is a call to action for an entire generation to stand and fight against... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

Here’s the Latest Video From Marco Polo’s PA2: The Director’s Cut, a Strong Contender for Album of the Year. Check out R U Gonna Eat That ft The Doppelgangaz (Video)

Marco Polo's album PA2: The Director's Cut is filled with guest appearances from dope MCs including Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Rah Digga, Organized Konfusion, MC Eiht and many more. His latest video features The Doppelgangaz. Check out R U Gonna Eat That. Related: Stream Marco Polo’s PA 2: The Director’s... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

Nas Speaks on the Impact of Nelson Mandela and More (Video)

Many in Hip-Hop have spoken about what Nelson Mandela meant to them since he passed away yesterday. Hip-Hop's ambassador, Nasir Jones, dropped a few jewels about Mandela and more in this brief interview. Check out the video. Related: Nas Talks Being in the Game for 20 Years, Turning 40, Why... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

How Do You Follow Up a Lyric Video That Features a Porn Star? By Cozying Up to a Teddy Bear in the Actual Video…Here’s Childish Gambino’s 3005 (Video)

Childish Gambino gets his Ted on in the ironic video for 3005. After creating a sexy lyric video with porn star Abella Anderson, Mr. Glover gets comfortable with a teddy bear in the full video for the song. He's clearly in a darkly humorous place these days. Check it out.... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

A Week After Their Heated Exchange, Sway Breaks His Silence on Kanye West…and He HAS THE ANSWERS Now (Video)

Kanye West's epic blow up on The Sway in the Morning Show last week nearly shut down the Internet. One week later, Sway broke his silence on the controversy and set the record straight. Check out what he had to say below. Related: You May Have Heard the Audio of... Read more

December 5, 2013 Video

As the World Mourns the Death of Nelson Mandela, Here’s a Look at His Life and the Incredible Legacy He Leaves Behind (Video)

The New York Times has done a short film that explores the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela who passed away earlier today. Related: Pharoahe Monch & Jean Grae experience South Africa (Video)... Read more

December 5, 2013 Video

Talib Kweli Delivers an Amazing Video for One of His Best Songs in Years. Get a True Taste of Brazil with Favela Love (Video)

Just when you think the year is winding down, Talib Kweli drops one of the finest gems of 2013. The video for Favela Love is set in Rio De Janeiro and is a short film about love, filled with vibrant colors and exquisite shots of the city. And the SONG.... Read more

December 5, 2013 Video

Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar Star in One of the Illest Commercials in Years. Could the Song Be a Preview of What to Expect From Kendrick’s Next Album? (Video)

Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar star in a new commercial for the Beats line. It features the 2 in the studio with Kendrick spitting a new verse over a hard-hitting new Dr. Dre beat. Could this be a preview of what's to come on Kendrick's new album? Detox, anyone? Related:... Read more

December 5, 2013 Video

Skyzoo and Antman Wonder Remake JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt Album From Top To Bottom. Here’s An Ode To Reasonable Doubt

Skyzoo and Antman Wonder have put together a creative tribute to Jay Z's Reasonable Doubt album. Rather than re-creating the lyrics and tracks, the project is more of a re-interpretation of the album. It uses elements from the original tracks in new productions along with Skyzoo's own take on the... Read more

December 5, 2013 Video

Madlib Goes Rock & Roll On Hold The Organ (Audio)

When Hip-Hop producers get their Rock on, the response is strong. Whether it's the early days of Rick Rubin on LPs from LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Run-DMC, or contemporary efforts like Just Blaze's "PSA" and Kanye West's "Takeover" for Jay Z, Just's "Come On, Baby" for Saigon, and... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Lauryn Hill Drops A Lyric Vid To Consumerism (Video)

Lauryn Hill's big on words these days. The New Jersey songstress writes her open letters and corresponds in text with fans, given her resistance to traditional interviews. Now, with her current single "Consumerism," Ms. Hill wants you to really grasp what she's singing. Think this is specially-timed for the holiday... Read more

December 5, 2013 Fresh, Video

Twista & Timbaland Support Attitude On The Fast-Rap Stunt (Audio)

Longtime Timbaland protege Attitude is seemingly stepping out into his solo career. What better way to kick things off with a bang than to get a look from Timbo with a beat and a guest verse, as well as Twista. The VA-to-Chi-Town collaboration features some fast-rapping over one of the... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Redman Drops Sampler To Muddy Waters 2 (Audio)

It's been over three years since Redman revealed he was planning Muddy Waters 2. The sequel to Reggie Noble's 1996 LP (and arguably his best) has been alluded to since. In a new video, Redman says that the project has become a mixtape, and like Nipsey Hussle or Lil' Kim,... Read more

December 5, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Stalley Might Wear Fronts, But He Doesn’t Front In This Backroom Freestyle (Video)

Stalley reps the Midwest hard in this freestyle vignette, released from "106 & Park's" Backroom series. With gold fronts on the bottom row of teeth in his mouth, Maybach Music Group's rising star kicks a little something about his year, his style, and where he's going. Related: Wale, Stalley &... Read more

December 5, 2013 Fresh, Video

Jaz-O, Mister Cee, Bobbito Appear In New Unauthorized Jay Z Documentary (Video)

A trailer has been released to A Genius Leaves The Hood, The Unauthorized Story Of Jay Z. Not at all endorsed by Jay or Roc Nation, the film features some folks close to Hova's career. Included are early mentor Jaz-O, mixtape DJ and radio personality Mister Cee, as well as... Read more

December 5, 2013 Fresh, Video

How Would You Rank Jay Z’s Albums? Hov Weighs in on His Own Catalog.

Jay Z celebrated his birthday in style. The 44 year-old blogged on his Life + Times his favorite albums from his own personal catalog. The first three may not come as a surprise, given Jay's tackling the question in interviews for some time now. However, Jay's admission of the miss... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh

Did You Know Missy Elliot Had A Big Hand In Puffy & The Family’s All About The Benjamins (Video)

A popular argument is that Missy Elliot's one of Hip-Hop's better producers. Sadly, due to co-production (something we've seen with Daz Dillinger, Guru, Mike Dean, and others), she may live in Timbaland's shadow. One person who sees Missy's talent for what it is may be Diddy. Back in '96-'97, Bad... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Mister Cee Honors Jay Z With A 44th Birthday Mix (Audio)

All fans of The Black Album know that December 4th means Shawn Carter's birthday. Today, Jay Z celebrates 44 years on the planet, since being born in the P.L.A.N.E.T. Longtime friend and affiliate since the Big Daddy Kane days, DJ Mister Cee, honored H-O-V via HOT 97 airwaves with a... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Cory Gunz Calls Back To Early 1980s Bronx & Says It’s Simple As That (Video)

Young Money has an extensive roster including Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Jae Mills, and Gudda Gudda. One of the artists who been down with Lil Wayne for several calendars has been Cory Gunz. The Uptown artist is son to an MC who made "Uptown" a national place back in '97 (Peter... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Video

1994 2Pac Talks Loneliness & Not Wanting Government To Condemn His Music (Video)

1994 was such a pivotal year for 2Pac. The same year Thug Life would release their only album, the rising superstar would go to jail. He would enter a #1 artist, former Digital Underground protege, and a budding actor with on and off the mic versatility. 'Pac would leave prison... Read more

December 4, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Childish Gambino Releases One of the More Challenging Albums of the Year with Because the Internet. Here’s a Full Album Stream (Audio)

Childish Gambino's album Because the Internet plays like a look into the day in the life of the talented Mr. Glover. As with most days in life, it is unpredictable and filled with moments--highs, lows and in-betweens. When you couple that range of subject matter with an equally extensive sonic... Read more

December 4, 2013 Audio

Da Brat Makes a Strong Return on Trae Tha Truth’s Ghetto Life (Video)

Da Brat builds on a year that has seen triumphant returns from strong women MCs like Jean Grae, Rah Digga and MC Lyte, with a blistering guest verse on Trae That Truth's Ghetto Life. While always nice on the mic, she has added a new level of lyrical dexterity and... Read more

December 4, 2013 Video

Smif-N-Wessun Keep it on the Reggae Tip with Born and Raised (Audio)

Smif-N-Wessun made a return to their reggae roots last month with the release of their song EP, Shots In The Dark. They continue the trend with the video for Born and Raised and the end result is another strong offering. The sound is organic and nothing about it feels forced.... Read more

December 3, 2013 Video

Method Man Blesses A$AP Mob With His Iron Lung On Trillmatic (Video)

Hours after Funkmaster Flex liberated the audio, A$AP Mob unveils "Trillmatic." One of the Mob's reigning qualities is their ability to blend with a '90s style—thus employing Onyx, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and B-Real on Ferg's debut. That aesthetic is true of "Trillmatic," where big brother Method Man slides in on a... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Says His Girl Loves The Mirror (Audio)

Vic Mensa and frequent producer Cam made a jazzy track, "She Loves The Mirror." Interpret as you will, as this free-from record has the live band feel we got a bit of on Mos Def's Black On Both Sides and subsequently after. As the beat/ad-libs suggest, this one's curated by... Read more

December 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Q-Tip & Rick Rubin Will Reportedly Produce Bulk Of Kanye West’s Yeezus Follow-Up

Kanye West has said next to nothing about the specifics regarding his seventh album, and will-be follow-up to Yeezus. There's been talk of Cruel Winter from G.O.O.D. Music's clique, as well as a possible Watch The Throne 2 as well, given Jay Z's propensity for series. Q-Tip dropped a bit... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Astro Makes A Compelling Narrative In Yes I Know My G (Video)

Okay, take a record called "Yes I Know My G." You might not expect a heavy concept or dense narrative. The simple tune from Starvin' Like Marvin For A Cool J Song got a very cool video though. Like "What's Up Fatlip?," Astro waxes lyrical while taking a catchy song... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Wale, Stalley & More Join Rick Ross On MMG’s Priorities Vol. 1 (Mixtape)

Throughout the ages, labels have found methods to showcase the depths of their talented rosters. Soundtracks and bonus disc samplers have given way to compilations and mixtapes. The latest iteration of Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group trucks onward with the usual suspects (Wale, Meek Mill, Stalley, Gunplay, Omarion), as well... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Big K.R.I.T. & Z-Ro Give Some Soulful Support To Berner On Ready 2 Die (Audio)

Like Smoke DZA, Berner's built a Rap rep simultaneous to his seemingly endless supply of burnables. Thus, "Berner" has become of the more popular North Cali artists of late, and even squeezed a spot in Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records. As Berner hones his craft, the rapper brings on Z-Ro... Read more

December 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Elzhi Recaps Things (Audio)

After going relatively quietly the last year and a half, Elzhi has been a tear lately—as he should. The interim (and deeply pivotal) Slum Village member achieved his funding goals ($25,000) for his Kickstarter project. As a result, the 500+ fans who made it happen (and more) will soon be... Read more

December 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Diddy Talks To Arsenio About Catharisis As It Relates To His Father (Video)

Heads probably know that Sean "Diddy" Combs' father, Melvin Combs was a known '60s and '70s hustler and Frank Lucas associate, Uptown. (Diddy would later work extensively on Jay Z's American Gangster album) You've heard it in raps and in interviews, as Puff has also spoken that he barely got... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa & Clams Casino Go On The Spot With Egyptian Cotton (Video)

During a live-streamed, HP-sponsored studio session, Chicago's Vic Mensa and New Jersey's Clam Casino made "Egyptian Cotton." The song will appear in an upcoming campaign, and was made soliciting input from fans who watched the link happen live. Previously, Clams made joints for Lil B, Mac Miller, and A$AP Rocky.... Read more

December 3, 2013 Fresh, Video