Fresh Archives

Mister Cee – 2Pac Tribute Mix

Mister Cee is back doing what he does best: mixing great music. With that comes what has become his tradition of making mixes that pay tribute to Lost Legends. Here's Cee's tribute to 2Pac from earlier today, the 17th anniversary of Pac's death. Related: A Look at 17-year Old Tupac... Read more

September 13, 2013 Audio

Celebrity Crime Files: Scott LaRock (Full Episode Video)

This one fell through the cracks but is well worth a look if you missed it. Last month, TV One did an edition of their Celebrity Crime Files series on Scott LaRock. Contrary to the title, the show is primarily a documentary on the life of LaRock who was Boogie... Read more

September 13, 2013 Throwback

Juvenile – LL Cool

Juvenile borrows a line and an alias from one James Todd Smith for his latest release. He also beats up a minimal track like he hasn't in about 10 years. This is Juvenile the Great. Check out LL Cool. Related: Juvenile – Mo Money ft Curren$y... Read more

September 13, 2013 Audio

Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On (Video)

The video for Wiz Khalifa's Look What I Got On matches the psychedelic and ambient mood of the song. The visuals feature heavily filtered footage of Wiz performing and other compelling imagery to set the tone. Check it out below. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look Into My Eyes (Audio)... Read more

September 13, 2013 Video

Living Legends: Big Daddy Kane (Audio/Video Playlist)

"The name Kane is superior to many people. It means King Asiatic Nobody's Equal." No truer words were ever spoken, even though they were from the man, himself. Along with Rakim, Kane has had one of the most enduring influences on Hip-Hop as we know it today, having been one... Read more

September 13, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists, Throwback

A Look at 17-year Old Tupac Shakur 17 Years After His Death (Video)

I remember exactly where I was when I learned Tupac had passed away. It was a Friday the 13th just like today, 17 years ago. Though he had been in the hospital for several days before, it seemed that the prognosis was good in the days leading up to his... Read more

September 13, 2013 Throwback, Video

Tech N9ne – Dwamn (Video)

Ever seen a lovely fine female walk by and thinking/saying the word "damn" just didn't cut it? Well gentlemen, Tech N9ne has provided an addition to our vocabulary for those very situations. For his latest single and video, Tech offers us "Dwamn," explaining "now I can say damn but that... Read more

September 13, 2013 Fresh, Video

MMG – Self Made Vol. 3 (Full Album Stream)

For the third installment in as many years, Self Made Vol. 3 is on the horizon. The most popular compilations in current-day Hip-Hop are known for breaking will-be mainstream stars and making some trunk-rattling street and club anthems. The third joint from the collective of Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill,... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Black Milk Previews Black Sabbath Verse (Video)

Duck Down Music unveils their (cool) "Verse Unheard" concept, with label artists and affiliates showing fans acapella verses from upcoming projects. Random Axe (my personal favorite D.D. album of the last five years) member Black Milk previewed "Black Sabbath" from his anticipated No Poison No Paradise. Time will tell if... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Evidence Performs LetYourSelfGo & I Don’t Need Love (Video)

After the Dilated Peoples kicked it together at last weekend's Rock The Bells in San Bernardino, California, Evidence performed something old and something new for The Closed Sessions in this concert video. Ev hit 'em with "LetYourSelfGo," from The Weatherman LP (my personal favorite Evidence LP) and "I Don't Need... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

Devin the Dude – Probably Should Have

It's been a minute since we've had something new from Devin the Dude but he's back with a new record. Here's Probably Should Have. Related: Freddie Gibbs, Devin the Dude, Killa Kyleon, Starlito & Propain – Rollin’ (Audio)... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio

LA The Darkman – Paid In Full (Mixtape)

Its been a long journey for LA The Darkman since those early Wu-Tang days, but the Crown Heights spitter with Michigan ties is back with another mixtape to make some Hip-Hop noise. Although we're not in the '90s, Paid In Full definitely has that nostalgic feel throughout. The mixtape, hosted by DJ... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Boldy James – Moochie

Alchemist has done amazing things for blooming careers. From Infamous Mobb's Special Edition album back in '02, to Action Bronson's Rare Chandeliers last year, to his ongoing efforts for Willie The Kid, Domo Genesis, Mayhem Lauren and others. Al has been at work with Decon label-mate Boldy James for over... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio

Flatbush ZOMBiES – BetterOffDEAD (Mixtape)

With over a year passing since their last mixtape D.R.U.G.S., Flatbush ZOMBiES have returned with their highly-anticipated new project BetterOffDEAD and are just as dark as we remember. The 19-track project only comes with two features (Action Bronson and Danny Brown), really giving the Brooklyn trio a chance to do all... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

MC Lyte To Be Honored With BET’s I Am Hip Hop Award

With the upcoming 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards filming at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center on September 28, Billboard revealed today that MC Lyte will be receiving a lifetime honor award. The Brooklyn native who helped make First Priority Records (along with affiliates Audio Two) a destination label in... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Mister Cee Speaks Openly About His Sexuality & The Recent Controversy He Has Faced (Audio)

We heard Peter Rosenberg's views on Mister Cee earlier. Now, the man himself addresses his fans. Mister Cee speaks openly, candidly and emotionally about his sexuality, the troubles he's faced and the impact it has had on him and his family. Related: Peter Rosenberg Speaks in Support of Mister Cee... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio

Preservation – SePtember 1200 (Barry White Tribute Mixtape)

Preservation is a producer/DJ closely associated with Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def. The touring-mate of the former Rawkus Records standout offered up The REcstatic earlier this year, a fully-remixed version of Mos' 2009 Downtown Records album (which along with Madlib and Oh No, Preservation produced). After doing that acclaimed re-working... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Jabee – Ghetto Broke

Jabee is the latest commissioner of Blu production on his single "Ghetto Broke / Betty Boop," from the "two-song album" The Adventures Of Mudbone: The Cartoon. This is from the same NWC clique that brought us ANTHM and RaelBlz. Not sure if Blu did the scratches on this, but the... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Nas – Performs You Wouldn’t Understand (Video)

Arsenio Hall's return to late-night is still holding down Hip-Hop. The same week he interviewed Ice Cube, Arsenio gave some stage time to Nas to perform "You Wouldn't Understand." Rather than use the spot to unveil new music, I personally think it's great to see Nasty Nas still actively working... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Video

MC Shan – Another One To Get Jealous Of (Lost Marley Marl Remix)

MC Shan has one of the coolest Hip-Hop voices of all-time, in my opinion. Maybe that's why so many producers and DJs love to scratch his vocals. The person who helped set off "The Bridge" wars released an oft-overlooked 1987 LP, Down By Law. Within the Cold Chillin'/Warner Bros. Records... Read more

September 12, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Lupe Fiasco – Peace Of Paper/Cup of Jayzus

When Lupe Fiasco tweeted photos of what appeared to be lyrics titled "Piece of Paper/Cup of Jayzus" a little over a month ago, it left many wondering when we'd hear the mystery track and what project it would belong to. Well, consider the mystery solved. The Chicago MC has finally... Read more

September 12, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Peter Rosenberg Speaks in Support of Mister Cee (Video)

After 20 years, Mister Cee (legendary DJ to Big Daddy Kane) resigned from NYC's Hot 97 amid a swirl of controversy around his sexuality. Today, he came on the Hot 97 morning show and openly addressed the issues. Peter Rosenberg spoke in support of his former colleague. Check out the... Read more

September 12, 2013 Video

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