Fresh Archives

Janelle Monae – The Electric Lady (Full Album Stream)

Janelle Monae gives a full preview of her album which promises to provide the soundtrack for a funky Fall. The Electric Lady includes features from Prince, Erykah Badu, Solange, Big Boi, Cee-Lo, Miguel and more. Check out the full stream below. Related: Janelle Monae – Q.U.E.E.N. ft Erykah Badu (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio

Sean Price – Rumblestick ft Killah Priest (Video)

It's hard to believe it's been 10 months since Mic Tyson released. Sean Price and Duck Down keep promoting the Brownsville bully's best-selling solo work of his career—with new music. Two mid-'90s alums link up in this Heltah Skeltah-meets-Sunz Of Man connection. Simple and effective... with an album worth checking... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lil Wayne – You Song ft Chance The Rapper

Lil Wayne & DJ Drama's Dedication 5 happened. As time shows, Lil Wayne helped guys like 2 Chainz, Curren$y and Drake break mainstream. Chance The Rapper has been one of 2013's dominating new voices, but this Lil Wayne "You Song" (I know, I read that twice too) collaboration may launch... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

King Mez – New Vinyl

The Interstate 95 circuit comes alive in this King Mez and Oddisee collaboration. North Carolina and Washington D.C. rooted (respectively), with New York addresses. This is believed to stem from LLTK2 (Long Live The King 2). As for the contents of the song, more related to automobile interiors than 12"... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

REKS – Flags (Video)

Although Labor Day is rather different in meaning than Memorial Day or 4th of July, the flags were out in full-force yesterday in my travels. One of the best Massachusetts MCs post-Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs got a bit patriotic himself with "Flags." In true REKS fashion, the song looks... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

AZ – Jodeci Back ft Farrah Burns

AZ Tha Visualiza gives a nod to Drake on "Jodeci Back." A glittery AZ verse about fast cars, sex, and lost friends—pretty much what you expect from this man for the last 20 years, a product of "the Jodeci era." This one's from Last Of A Dying Breed II, a... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Loaded Lux – You Gon’ Get This Work (Mixtape)

Wow. Loaded Lux brought out some heavyweights on his new mixtape, including Redman, Method Man, Raekwon, Jadakiss, Bun B and more. You can listen to and download all of You Gon' Get This Work below. Download Mixtape Related: Loaded Lux – Rite ft Redman & Method Man (Video)... Read more

September 3, 2013 Mixes

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Deeper

The Freddie Gibbs & Madlib recording-road gets a bit twistier, as the pair announces the Deeper EP. Pinata (f/k/a Cocaine Pinata) is still coming, but in true [Mad] Beat Konducta style, expect more EPs, more singles, and more vinyl for those of us that are still droppin' plates like bad... Read more

September 3, 2013 Audio, Fresh

The Incomparable Shakespeare – #InvincibleDream (Mixtape)

The Incomparable Shakespeare is one of the names gaining fast recognition in 2013. In a slower season for mixtapes, #InvincibleDream is a stellar starting point. Influenced by the likes of Boot Camp Clik, Group Home and East Flatbush Project, there is much to like here. Imagine having a conversation for... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Mobetta – Daydreams ft Prodigy (Video)

Infamous Jazz happens, as Maurice "Mobetta" Brown continues his post-Grammy Award winning run. After rocking with Jean Grae on "Back At The Ranch," Mobetta returns with another once-prodigious (no pun) talent out of the Big Apple. The Tedeschi Trucks Band member links with Mobb Deep's Prodigy for the club-centric video... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

14KT – Five & Ten (Video)

Fans of Lootpack, Alchemist and Infamous Mobb will appreciate Detroit, Michigan's 14KT. The Athletic Mic League alum released Nickel & Dimed today on Mello Music Group. This is a Spy Vs. Spy/Pink Panther-esque animated video for the "Five & Ten" video. This is dusted Hip-Hop in Technicolor. Related: 14KT –... Read more

September 3, 2013 Fresh, Video

AFH: Best Hip-Hop of August 2013 (Audio Playlist)

August may well go down as the hottest month of the year (literally and musically) when all is said and done. It will no doubt be remembered as the month Kendrick Lamar set the Hip-Hop world aflame with 1 verse and woke up the Hip-Hop Nation. In addition to Big... Read more

September 2, 2013 Audio, Featured-homepage, Playlists

Dizzy Wright – World Peace (Video)

Dizzy Wright's video for World Peace conjures the same good vibes as the song does. It depicts Dizzy trying to change the world for the better one person at a time. This is feel good music. Check it out below. Related: Dizzy Wright – The Golden Age (Mixtape)... Read more

September 2, 2013 Video

Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Miguel Perform at Made in America (Video)

The Made in America festival had a strong line up this year. You can catch full performances from Kendrick Lamar, A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Miguel below. Kendrick Lamar A$AP Rocky Wiz Khalifa Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Miguel Related: Public Enemy Performs at the Made in... Read more

September 2, 2013 Video

Scolla – Roots

Whoo...Scolla just blazed this MF DOOM track--laid-back rhymes of substances completely in the pocket of this jazzy groove. This is Sunday music (and Monday and Tuesday...). Check out Roots. On repeat already. Related: Scolla – The Jones ft Phil Ade & Gerald Walker (Audio)... Read more

September 1, 2013 Throwback

M.O.P. Discuss Their Experience at AfroPunk 2013 (Video)

M.O.P. rocked the stage last weekend at AfroPunk. Here's a video of the duo discussing their experience and reflecting a bit on their place in Hip-Hop. Related: Jason Dean – Bring It Hardcore ft M.O.P. (Video)... Read more

September 1, 2013 Video

Public Enemy Performs at the Made in America Festival (Video)

Public Enemy took the stage at the Made in America festival and straight RIPPED IT. After 25 years, this is still riot music. You can watch the performance here. Related: Public Enemy – Rebels Without A Pause Trailer (Video)... Read more

September 1, 2013 Video

Lungz – 20/20 ft Logic

Now although the recipe for a good hip-hop song has endless combinations, two hungry up and coming MCs are definitely excellent ingredients to start with. From his upcoming mixtape Inebriation, Lungz delivers the first single titled “20/20” produced by Cam of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and featuring 2013 XXL Freshman, Logic.... Read more

September 1, 2013 Audio, Fresh

AFH: The Week in Video (8/31/13) (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought an epic new video from Jay Z for Holy Grail, Kendrick Lamar talking Control with Chelsea Lately, Big Boi going in-depth about his likes and dislikes, a new video from The Lox and much more. Check out the video playlist below to catch anything you... Read more

August 31, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

J57 – Like A Prayer ft Nitty Scott, MC (Video)

No Madonna samples here (not that there's anything wrong that). Instead, two of young-New York's rising talents team up for a record dealing with questions on organized religion. Brown Bag AllStars' J57 hits us with a beat that sounds like something that could have been pitched for the first wave... Read more

August 31, 2013 Fresh, Video

Breeze Brewin – Brew”IN Control

It would take a week's vacation to sift through all of the "Control" responses. Personally speaking, I thought a lot of them were misguided and quick pleas for a fast-saturated discussion space. However, in all of the debris that exploded from Kendrick Lamar's bomb, this one is kind of interesting.... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Malik B & Mr. Green – Definition

One of my all-time pre-Game Theory Roots tracks is "The Water." The way Black Thought spoke about his love candidly for Malik B was raw, and to any of us that have close ones who battle demons, it simply resonated. Still a close collaborator with The Roots, Malik is working... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Realm Reality – Grindmode Lifestyle ft Tristate (of Durag Dynasty)

Here's another hard track from Realm Reality. Check out Grindmode Lifestyle featuring Tristate of Durag Dynasty. Related: Realm Reality – Concrete Jazz ft Ea$y Money & Spit Gemz (Audio)... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Ryan Leslie – Green ft Fabolous

Here's a smooth new song from Ryan Leslie featuring Fabolous. Check out Green. Related: Ryan Leslise does 5 Fingers of Death on the Sway in the Morning Show (Video)... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Rhythm Roulette: El-P (Video)

El-P is the latest to participate in Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette series where a producer is blindfolded, picks 3 records then makes a beat from the 3. If you like El-P, beat-making, crate digging or just watching talented people at work, this one's for you. Related: Killer Mike & El-P... Read more

August 31, 2013 Video

Busta Rhymes – Chris Lighty ft Bob Marley

It was a year ago today that Hip-Hop lost Chris Lighty, manager to Nas, 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and more. Busta Rhymes has released a heartfelt and candid tribute to honor is mentor and friend. Check out Chris Lighty featuring Bob Marley. Related: Chris... Read more

August 31, 2013 Audio

Jay Z and Ron Howard Present: Made in America (Trailer)

Oscar-winning director Ron Howard has done a documentary chronicling the first Made in America festival. The doc features artists like Run-D.M.C., Skrillex, Rita Ora and festival founder Jay Z. Check out the trailer for the film below. Related: Jay Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake (Video)... Read more

August 30, 2013 Video

Drake Speaks on Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse (Food for Thought)

Drake broke his silence on Kendrick Lamar's Control verse and has provided the best response yet (IMHO), calm, to the point and brimming with confidence. The way it should be. Check out what he had to say to Billboard below. “I didn’t really have anything to say about it,” Drake... Read more

August 30, 2013 Food for Thought

AG Da Coroner – Not Gonna Cry

The Outdoorsmen is quite the crew. Following Action Bronson's major label emergence, and the recent signings of Mayhem Lauren and AG Da Coroner, this will likely be a group tempted with an album after the solo endeavors are situated. "Not Gonna Cry" is that won't-come-up-for-air Rap that calls back to... Read more

August 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Terrace Martin – Can’t Help It (Video)

Salute to the King of Pop who would have been 55 today. Here's a pretty awesome cover of Can't Help It by the multi-talented Terrace Martin. Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff - He's the King, I'm the DJ: Michael Jackson Tribute (Mixtape)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Video

Big Boi Interview With Montreality (Video)

With the majority of interviews covering album content, tour information, and current events, it’s always refreshing when the questions dig a little deeper into the artist’s brain. In a recent interview with Montreality, Big Boi of Outkast was asked a more eclectic collection of questions, ranging from the worst thing... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Underachievers – Lords of Flatbush (Mixtape)

The Underachievers release an 8-song mixtape, the majority of which pairs a Beast Coast flow with Lex Luger beats. You can listen to and download Lords of Flatbush below. Download Mixtape Related: Pro Era – PEEP: The Aprocalypse (Mixtape)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Mixes

Cam’ron – Welcome to My World

Cam'ron tries on a slow flow over a trap beat on his release from his upcoming album Ghetto Heaven. The sing songy flow masks some deceptively dark lyrics. Check out Welcome to My World. Related: Wiz Khalifa – The Bluff ft Cam’ron (Video)... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Control Verse and Working on a New Album (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar has now spoken at length about his Control verse. He clarifies that the King of New York line was misunderstood, talks of speaking with Diddy and Jay Z about it, discusses his favorite responses, reveals that he's been working on a new album and more. Check out interviews... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio

Jay Z – Holy Grail ft Justin Timberlake (Video)

Now we know what the picture of Jay Z and Mark Zuckerberg from a few weeks ago was all about. Hov just premiered his visually arresting video for a remixed version of Holy Grail featuring Justin Timberlake. The visuals draw on the infamous climactic scene from Scarface. Check it out... Read more

August 29, 2013 Video

Roc Marciano – S**t Hard

There are no comebacks in Hip-Hop that impress me more right now than Roc Marciano and Ka. Sure, the Soundscan numbers are still a work in progress, but these collaborators have been grinding independently (and on majors) since the '90s with low-key catalogs are hard-nose New York City Rap. Ever... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Tech N9ne Backroom Freestyle (Video)

After years of being one of the most underrated in the game, Strange Music’s Tech N9ne appears to be having the best year of his 20-plus-year career. With his latest album Something Else cracking the Top 5 and his shows selling out all around the country amidst his relentless touring... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

Ab-Soul – Dreamin’ ft K-Boy & Tone Trump

For all the negative things we can all say about Twitter, sometimes it's just great. For example, when a producer randomly drops a dope Hip-Hop track on a whim, which is exactly what The Chromatix did yesterday. The track is titled “Dreamin'," is headlined by Black Hippy's Ab-Soul, and also... Read more

August 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Fame – #PHUCKYOCOSIGN (Mixtape)

When the first minute of a mixtape features Huey Freeman from The Boondocks going on an obscenity filled tirade, it's likely going to be an interesting ride. After much anticipation, Fame finally drops his debut mixtape, #PHUCKYACOSIGN. The Brooklyn MC wasted no time getting busy on the mic, spitting “know... Read more

August 29, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Mack Wilds – Own It (Video)

Singer Mack Wilds (aka The Wire's Tristan Wilds) releases the video for his lead single Own It. His upcoming project, New York: A Love Story, features production from Salaam Remi, Havoc, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. Check out the video. Related: Mack (aka Tristan Wilds) – Own It (Audio)... Read more

August 28, 2013 Video

Pusha T – Sweet Serenade ft Chris Brown (Prod. Swizz Beatz)

Pusha T is back with a hypnotic new joint that features Chris Brown on the hook and Swizz Beatz on the track. But make no mistake, Pusha's trademark steely flow and icy lyrics make this song all his. Check out Sweet Serenade. Related: No Malice – Shame The Devil ft... Read more

August 28, 2013 Throwback, Trending Stories

Kendrick Lamar Finally Responds To “Control (HOF)” Aftermath

Breaking news, K.Dot speaks to Big Boy's Neighborhood on Power 106 in L.A about "Control (HOF)" and the bars heard 'round the world. "I just wanted to rap...I may have to dumb down my lyrics just a lil' bit." - Kendrick Lamar. He says a bit more. What do you... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh

Illa Ghee – Illa Price Express Freestyle ft Sean Price

I absolutely love this. Veteran Mobb Deep affiliate Illa Ghee continues his recent run with Sean Price—who, mind you, is one of the most ferocious freestylers left in Hip-Hop. Over-top of Kraftwerk's "Trans Europe Express" (posted below, it's also the basis for Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's "Planet Rock"),... Read more

August 28, 2013 Audio, Fresh

J-Zone On Using Deliberately Using Archaic Production Equipment (Video)

J-Zone's been around for over 15 years, but he's not exactly an old-school artist. Still, deeply influenced by Ultramagnetic MC's, Threat, Tim Dog, C-Bo and others, Jay's knowledge of Hip-Hop (see this 2011 post he's responsible for) and his love of the antiquated ways is deep. In making his return... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Blitz The Ambassador – The Warm Up (EP Stream)

German label Jakarta Records has a name-your-price EP from longtime independent titan Blitz The Ambassador, The Warm Up. The Ghanaian-American MC teams with Fresno's Fashawn for this seven-track effort, which is available for free stream. Blitz' 2009 Stereogum was an ear-grabber, and he's consistently living up to his name by bringing... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Justin Timberlake Talks “Sinatra At The Sands” Collabo With Jay Z, Timbaland & Nas

We heard Timbaland around the release Magna Carta Holy Grail discuss this track. Justin Timberlake spoke with Angie Martinez and HOT 97 following his 2013 MTV Video Music Awards shakedown performance. Timberlake spoke about Timbaland, Nas and Jay Z deciding to impromptu record the song known as "Sinatra At The... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh

Goodie MOB – Soul Food (Performance Video)

It seems some of the albums we called "classics" back in the mid-'90s don't sound nearly as good today as they did when they came out. Other times, it seems that albums we weren't so liberal about calling the (other) c-word, perhaps are. Goodie Mob's 1995 debut Soul Food is... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Danny Brown – ODB (Video)

From disagreeing with his label a few weeks ago about the release of his long-anticipated album, Old, Danny Brown quickly got a release date for September 30. Fool's Gold Records and D.B. unloaded the first video single, "ODB." Originally, there was talk of the album being called that, now shortened... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. – Just Last Week ft Future

When Big K.R.I.T. dropped his (massively underrated) mixtape King Remembered in Time in the Spring, it featured a snippet of a song with Future. Now, K.R.I.T. releases the full version. Check out Just Last Week. Related: Big KRIT breaks down King Remembered in Time, Track by Track (Video)... Read more

August 28, 2013 Audio

Agallah – Coat Of Arms ft Planet Asia, Tristate & Rasco

After almost 20 years in Hip-Hop, Brooklyn native Agallah is still serving the streets with music that hits straight from the chest. Formerly known as 8-Off the Assassin, the Brownsville MC/producer has come a long way since his EPMD affiliate days, or his Dipset/Purple City days. Agallah recently signed a... Read more

August 28, 2013 Fresh, Video