Fresh Archives

Smoke DZA – City of Dreams

Smoke DZA releases City of Dreams, a salute to New York. Here's what DZA had to say: "New York ain't been the same since 9/11. But what will always remain the same is the hunger, the hustle, and the real talk approach that makes New York, New York the "City... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio

Raekwon – T.U.R.K.E.Y. ft Mic Geronimo & The Kid Daytona

Raekwon gets a verse from Mic Geronimo (remember him?...still nice) and The Kid Daytona on this soulful burner. Check out T.U.R.K.E.Y. Related: Raekwon – All About You ft Estelle (Video)... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio

50 Cent – Can’t Help Myself (I’m Hood) (Video)

50 Cent sounds like he's back in early mixtape mode on Can't Help Myself (I'm Hood). He spits that icy flow from the "Get Rich..." days. Check out the video. Related: 50 Cent – Warning You ft Skylar Grey (Audio)... Read more

September 11, 2013 Video

The Weeknd – Live For ft Drake (Video)

The Weeknd releases the video for his duet with Drake off The Weeknd's new Kiss Land album. Here's Live For. Related: The Weeknd – Love in the Sky (Audio)... Read more

September 11, 2013 Video

Ice Cube Discusses the Upcoming N.W.A. Film (Video)

Ice Cube sat down on the new Arsenio Hall show and discussed the upcoming film on N.W.A. which will be directed by F. Gary Gray (Friday) and more. Check out the video. Related: The Album Heard ‘Round the World: N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton Turns 25-years Old... Read more

September 11, 2013 Video

DEMOS: Music Inspired by the Documentary (Album)

When a documentary has the task of highlighting the grind and hard work of independent Hip-Hop artists, it seems only fitting that its soundtrack would mirror that sentiment on a musical level. In association with the new documentary Demos, it's soundtrack titled Demos: Music Inspired by the Documentary gives some of the artists... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Bun B – Fire ft Rick Ross, 2 Chainz & Serani

Bun B drops a new joint featuring Rick Ross & 2 Chainz. Check out Fire. Related: Statik Selektah – Funeral Season ft Styles P, Bun B & Hit-Boy (Audio)... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio

Cam’ron – Duckin’ Onetime

Killa Cam has this way of rocking over straight '70s instrumentals and making them fly. "Silky" from Crime Pays was among my favorite songs on that comeback LP (that so many people seemed to miss). From his new Ghetto Heaven, Vol. 1 mixtape (with its hilarious marionette artwork that makes... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Oddisee – After Thoughts (Video)

Oddisee has been a joy to watch and listen to for over a decade. Since the Halftooth Records days, this DMV native has been versatile in making his own albums as a vocal artist, instrumental projects, and a ton of hitters for other artists along the way. His upcoming The... Read more

September 11, 2013 Fresh, Video

RJD2 – Her Majesty’s Socialist Request (Candy Panther Remix) ft J-Live

Nearly a decade removed from his Def Jux tenure, RJD2 carefully and creatively plans his Hip-Hop moments. The Columbus veteran producer/DJ perhaps best known for crafting the "Mad Men" theme (let's not forget, it was an Aceyalone beat first) linked back up with J-Live for "Her Majesty's Socialist Request." This... Read more

September 11, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Loaded Lux Freestyles on Sway in the Morning Over Black Milk Beats (Video)

Loaded Lux freestyled off the top on Sway in the Morning and straight snapped. Even better, he went in over several Black Milk beats. Check out the video. Related: Loaded Lux – You Gon’ Get This Work (Mixtape)... Read more

September 10, 2013 Video

Astro – Starvin Like Marvin For A Cool J Song (Mixtape)

Brooklyn's Astro aka Astronomical Kid names his latest mixtape after an iconic Radio-era LL Cool J line. How cool, and fitting for a young MC with so much knowledge and influence from the glory years of Hip-Hop—especially on the New York front. The 14 song effort is Astro's second tape... Read more

September 10, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Stat Quo – Michael

A few weeks ago, I was in Wilmington, North Carolina walking down some blocks, thinking, wondering, postulating, if Michael Jordan had ever walked the same steps (in his hometown). I'm sure the answer is undoubtedly yes. One of the greatest athletes, pillars of inspiration, and internationally-recognized celebrities (and his legendary... Read more

September 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Buddy – You Good ft DJ Quik & Suga Free

DJ Quik and Suga Free maintain a longtime collaborative history. One has to love how these two are on-again, off-again, musically and professionally. Heads always want to see Suga and Quik together, 'cause the music is a force like no other. The Pomona pimp and the Compton conductor link up... Read more

September 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Troy Ave – New York City ft Raekwon, N.O.R.E. & Prodigy

Anybody who's followed Troy Ave's movement knows that he is a 2010s contemporary of the '95 era in his city. While all three guests predate 1995 in various works, albums and appearances, the theme of "New York" captures the city's essence (to the street underbelly) that may have been lost... Read more

September 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Guilty Simpson & Small Professor – It’s Nuthin’ ft A.G.

Only six days removed from releasing "On The Run," Guilty Simpson & Small Professor have returned with their second single from the upcoming project Highway Robbery. The track is titled "It's Nuthin'," and gets an assist on the microphone from Runaway Slave "goodfella" A.G.. Production on the single continues the old school... Read more

September 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Freeway & The Jacka – Combine The Coasts (Video)

State Property alum Freeway and Mob Figaz alum The Jacka are partnering for a whole LP together, Highway Robbery. The November Bay-Philly connection is said to feature Cormega, Freddie Gibbs, Trae Tha Truth and even some production from Freezer's Seattle homie Jake One. These two have worked together a fair... Read more

September 10, 2013 Fresh, Video

Kenautis Smith & Black Spade – Look Around

With a new album on the horizon, producers Kenautis Smith and Black Spade drop off their first single just in time for fall. Titled “Look Around,” the new track features Spade laying down vocals over some very funky production. Along with the funk elements, tones of jazz and soul round... Read more

September 10, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Kanye West Performs “Bound 2” With The Roots & Charlie Wilson (Video)

In trademark Kanye West fashion, the impresario stopped by NBC Studios last night for an impromptu appearance on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon." There, he linked up with former Larry Gold Studios homies and OkayPlayer glory-days conglomerates The Roots to perform my personal favorite song from Yeezus (for the very... Read more

September 10, 2013 Fresh, Video

B-Real & Xzibit Confirm “Serial Killers” Project (Video)

Puff, puff, pass. In the latest edition of the SmokeBox interview series, Xzibit drops by and sparks more than just a conversation with Cypress Hill’s B-Real. During the session-meets-interview, both veteran Sony Records star MCs confirmed their collaborative project named Serial Killers. The project is a three headed monster also... Read more

September 10, 2013 Fresh, Video

Just Blaze Explains Jay Electronica’s Album Delay (Video)

It’s been roughly four years since Jay Electronica dropped the highly acclaimed track “Exhibit C,” which for a lot of Hip-Hop heads has translated to four years of wondering if they’re ever going to see the Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn) album from the New Orleans MC. In a... Read more

September 10, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Discusses Rock the Bells and Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. discusses his experiences at Rock the Bells, his reaction to Kendrick Lamar's Control verse and more. Check out the video. Related: Big K.R.I.T. - Just Last Week ft Future (Audio)... Read more

September 9, 2013 Video

Planet Asia – Shine On

Here's a soulful new song from West Coast underground OG, Planet Asia. Check out Shine On. Related: Agallah – Coat Of Arms ft Planet Asia, Tristate & Rasco (Video)... Read more

September 9, 2013 Audio

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – White Walls ft. ScHoolboy Q & Hollis (Video)

Seattle Hip-Hop has been about cars since Sir Mix-A-Lot's "My Hooptie." Interestingly enough, on the car (read: Cadillac) anthem from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' The Heist, the duo went really Guns & Roses on the video treatment and enlisted a number of Rap peers, including the "Swass" O.G. This is... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Black Milk Speaks About His New Album No Poison No Paradise (Video)

Black Milk speaks in depth about his upcoming new album No Poison No Paradise, including deciphering the artwork, detailing the recording process and explaining why he decided to make this his first concept album. He also speaks about the renaissance of the Detroit music scene and what it would be... Read more

September 9, 2013 Video

Eddie Murphy – Red Light ft Snoop Lion (Video)

Eddie Murphy's return to music caught us by storm last week with the "Red Light" audio. Quickly, Eddie and Snoop Lion make it a two-piece with the visuals to the Reggae-inspired track that is surprising everybody. We know that longtime Game musical affiliates 1500 Or Nothin are the backing-back to... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Audio Push – Come As You Are (Mixtape)

It’s been almost 4 years since “Teach Me How To Jerk” first hit the airwaves, and although it’s a track that brought Audio Push to the forefront, it’s definitely a track they don’t feel should still define them as artists. To assist in breaking the stigma that’s followed the rap... Read more

September 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Rapsody – Lonely Thoughts ft Big K.R.I.T. & Chance The Rapper

As if "Jedi Code" wasn't enough, Rapsody hits us off with another show-stopping collaboration from She Got Game. That project is going retail on September 17, as Rap leads off, then passing the mic from Mississippi to Chi-town, courtesy of Big K.R.I.T. and Chance The Rapper. I heard "Mixtape Of... Read more

September 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Ol’ Dirty Bastard Hologram Performs With Wu-Tang Clan (Video)

Following Eazy-E's hologram appearance alongside Bone Thugs-N-Harmony on Saturday, Ol' Dirty Bastard's digital performance was in sync with Wu-Tang Clan yesterday. Video was captured of a seven-minute part of the performance. RZA's introduction is priceless, as O.D.B. appears for "Shame On A Nigga," a solo breakdown interlude part, and "Shimmy... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Eminem – Berzerk (Video)

As if you expected any different, the visual to "Berzerk" lives up to its name. Slaughterhouse, Kendrick Lamar, Kid Rock, Rick Rubin, and what appears to be Paul Rosenberg and Alchemist all make cameos. Additionally, Em not only included some Billy Squier live archival footage, he deliberately paid homage to... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Elvis Costello & The Roots – Wise Up Ghost (Album Stream)

I've been a big fan of Elvis Costello since before I even heard The Roots. My uncle's cassette collection put me onto the cool melodies and whimsical songwriting of the Brit Punk/New Wave alum. When it was first announced that these two veteran acts, I was excited (but unsure) of... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh

Professor P & DJ Akilles – Killing Time ft A.G. (Video)

Uppsala, Sweden Hip-Hop duo Professor P & DJ Akilles have been an acclaimed duo dating back to 2006. They have a new six-song EP, Brews & Good News featuring Blu and A.G. The latter, of Showbiz & A.G. fame, appears on "Killing Time." This visual is a cool homage to... Read more

September 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Miguel – Can’t Sleep Together

Miguel lives up to his Twitter handle; this guy's unlimited. From the 2013 Adult Swim series, the RCA Records star melts the pot of genres for this charged track about angst, lust, love and all that good stuff. Miguel's work on the synths is second to none, lately. This is... Read more

September 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Foreign Exchange – Call It Home (Video)

Following the two-sided single late last month, Phonte and Nicolay drop the visuals to "Call It Home." F.E. again succeeds at another visual essay that matches the song beautifully—without the need to star the musicians. Love In Flying Colors blossoms on September 24. Related: Foreign Exchange – Call It Home... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

Vado – Fast Lane ft Raekwon (Video)

Vado and Raekwon channel Kool G Rap and Nas for "Fast Lane." The lyrics from this Slime Flu 4 mixtape are just as lush and illustrious over signature 1995 Buckwild production. These two sound really great together. Rae is so versatile, as is Vado. Certain songs are untouchable, but this... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

AXEL F. – Sofa Coins

Within the Stones Throw Records family, MED and J. Rocc's talents have sometimes felt over-shadowed. MED's Classic album two years ago was a stellar indie offering, while Heads seemingly forget that J. Rocc was the third member of Jaylib. Off the label, the two have formed the new duo AXEL... Read more

September 8, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Eazy-E Hologram Performs With Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (Video)

Rock The Bells-related footage of the Eric "Eazy-E" Wright digital projection yesterday (September 7) in San Bernardino, California rocking alongside Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone and Flesh-N-Bone. Eazy and Ruthless Records business partner Jerry Heller signed the Cleveland, Ohio quintet in the early '90s to make platinum... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Tajai From Souls Of Mischief Discusses Egypt & New Group Album (Interview)

“Yo what's up, this is Tajai of the mighty Souls of Mischief crew…” Even though it’s been 20 years since one of Hip-Hop’s crown jewels dropped, hearing the intro above from Souls of Mischief’s “93 'til Infinity” still has the power to ease the mind in ways few songs can.... Read more

September 8, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: The Week in Video (9/7/13) (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought a new video from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, an extended interview of Tajai from Souls of Mischief discussing the 20th Anniversary of 93 'til..., Kendrick Lamar talking guest verses, DJ Premier explaining symbolism of the Gang Starr logo and much more. Check out the video playlist below... Read more

September 7, 2013 Playlists, Video

AFH MC Spotlight

When it comes to Hip-Hop, one of the biggest elements is the sense of excitement that trickles throughout the community with the discovery of fresh new music. Well here at AFH, we figured why not give the Heads a chance to help create more of that excitement on a regular... Read more

September 7, 2013 Fresh

Rasheed Chappell – No Idea’s Original Radio Show Freestyle

An MC spitting ill flows over instrumentals at a radio station never gets old, and that’s exactly what went down when Rasheed Chappell stopped by the No Idea's Original radio show. In the audio below the New Jersey native flows for almost five minutes straight over some fresh beats. Rasheed... Read more

September 7, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Souls Of Mischief’s 93 ’til Infinity 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

By: Bandini My biggest gripe with the cliché-use of the word “classic” is the freshness in which it’s pulled out. In order to be a classic, you must endure the tendency to forget, overlook, and turn the page. The 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Baritz is classic—with its long lines, razor-sharp edges... Read more

September 7, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Big Sean Breaks Down “First Chain” (Video)

With yet another example of Hova's Midas touch, Jay Z's Life + Times has definitely established itself as one of the go to places for dope Hip-Hop content. Specifically engaging are the channel's "Decoded" series, which features artists rapping one of their tracks, then dissecting the lyrics piece by piece.... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

Pusha T – My Name Is My Name Documentary Pt. I & II (Video)

Pusha Ton goes down to Kingston, Jamaica with his homie (Complex's Editor-in-Chief) Noah Callahan-Bever on behalf of Mass Appeal, which NCB led for many years. Approaching My Name Is My Name, the two discuss the album, the Clipse years, and those run-ins with the law that made Pusha and Re-Up... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

Curren$y & Young Roddy – Bales (Mixtape)

Move over Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith, Spitta is Quarterbacking the Jets with his second mixtape in as many months. Bales, is a joint effort by Curren$y (as Spitta Andretti) with Jet Life's Young Roddy, boasts a ton of Harry Fraud production (Cigarette Boats fans rejoice), along with a Juvenile... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Typical Cats – Reflections From The Porch (Video)

It’s been roughly 12 years since the Typical Cats first hit the scene back in the early 2000s Underground Hip-Hop glory days. And with all that time past, it seems only fitting that their latest track would be titled “Reflections From The Porch.” The visuals from the video intertwine effortlessly... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

YC The Cynic – The Heaviest Cross (Video)

With the never ending flood of music that comes our way, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how much time and hard work an artist puts into each song. Well, YC The Cynic sends critics and commenters a lyrical reminder with his new video for the track “The Heaviest Cross,... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Woody – Hip-Hop At 40 Preview (Video)

For fans of Style Wars, Wild Style, and just the story that us Heads are living out, this is incredibly cool. DJ Woody makes another visual mash-up dedicated to Hip-Hop's 40th birthday last month. Within the quick-cuts of this two-minute preview are Godfather DJ Kool Herc, Roxanne Shante and Brand... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Z’s Magna Carta Holy Grail Tour Announced Immediately After Kanye West’s Yeezus Tour

Haven't Kanye West and Jay Z's timing on things (as related to each other) been curious in 2013? As if Jay Z's sneak-attack of Magna Carta Holy Grail just days after Kanye's own surprise-styled release of Yeezus wasn't enough, the same thing appears to have happened today with touring. Just... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh

Nas Reviews “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Having already left his mark in Hip-Hop history, it seems Mr. Nasir Jones is focusing his efforts on a new profession: journalism. Ok not really, but his first album review, which covered Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, definitely would have been a great start. In the review Nas... Read more

September 6, 2013 Fresh, Throwback