Fresh Archives

The Lox – Too Hot (Video)

Less than 24 hours after dropping their new single, The Lox release the video for Too Hot...and it's a spoof of The Hangover. Check out the video. Related: Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch perform in NYC (Video)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Goodie MOB: The Process (Video)

Goodie MOB discuss recording their first song ever together, the process of making Cell Therapy, lyrical activism and more with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Goodie M.O.B. – Special Education ft Janelle Monae (Video)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Rah Digga – New Hoes

Whoa...Rah Digga JUST WENT IN on the whole twerkin' phenomenon for objectifying and degrading women, particularly young girls (think she was watching the VMAs??). She issues a blistering commentary over the track for Kanye West's New Slaves. Check out New Hoes. Related: Rah Digga – I Heard You Say (Audio)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio

Ransom – Unexplainable

Statik Selektah has been on a tear the last 3 years. He supplies another fire beat to Ransom. Check out Unexplainable. Related: Ransom – Pray For Me ft Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock (Audio)... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio

Almighty (Canibus, Bronze Nazareth, M-Eighty & Nino Graye) – F.A.M. ft. Kool G Rap

It seems like a lifetime ago that Canibus was going blow for blow with LL Cool J and was considered one of the nicest lyricists in the game. But even though times and perceptions may have changed, the New York MC is back with his latest lyrical offering to prove... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

The LOX – Summer’s Too Hot

In the last week of August, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P welcome September with "Summers Too Hot." (We learned by way of the video that it's simply just "Too Hot") Kanye West vocals on the Scram Jones-produced needle-drop beat. As D-Block has morphed back into The Warlocks, one can... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Just Blaze Discusses the Differences Between Jay Z and Eminem’s Work Styles (Video)

Just Blaze discusses working with Jay Z the first time and the differences between Eminem and Jay Z's work styles, but he sidesteps the question of who had the better verse between them on Renegade. Who do you think took that one? Check out the video below. Related: Eminem –... Read more

August 27, 2013 Video

Pete Rock Breaks Down His Favorite James Brown Records

I was at a 1960s-themed event the other night, and the DJ kept playing the James Brown records that really crossed over into mainstream such as "Papas Got A Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." From those Pop records to some of the fabric that formed... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Kool G Rap, Papoose, Savant & Justin Tyme – Iron Bars

People tend to forget: Papoose is a lyrical O.G. Just like Nas, just like Akinyele, MF Grimm, B-1, Jinx Da Juvy, and others, Pap cut his teeth on the come-up with one of Hip-Hop's all time lyrical giants: Kool G Rap. "Home Sweet Funeral Home." 1998. Roots Of Evil. Arizona.... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Krondon – Another Line

Strong Arm Steady's Krondon has been grinding for 15 years. Major labels, independents, critical cosigns and solo-dolo success, and KRNDN (as he also goes by at times) stays grindin' with his many styles. "Another Line," produced by Frank The Butcher & Paul Mighty, appears on Butcher's BAU Presents... All Is... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Yancey Boys – Quicksand ft Common & Dezi Paige

The J Dilla catalog is never-ending. One of Hip-Hop's most talented musicians recorded at a Tupac-like pace throughout his extensive and dynamic career. Recently, Dilla's younger brother Illa J (now of Slum Village/Dirty Slums) and Frank Nitt (of Frank-N-Dank) took some unreleased, largely unheard Dilla compositions, and got to work... Read more

August 27, 2013 Throwback

14KT – PAID ft Blu

Many moons ago, Detroit, Michigan's 14KT was in a group alongside Mayer Hawthorne in Athletic Mic League. The group disbanded for solo pursuits, but hopefully becomes an increasing talking-point (like Children Of The Corn, 213, or Cash Money Clique). 14KT is now releasing his latest LP, Nickel & Dimed. Black... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Billy Squier – The Big Beat (Video)

In light of Eminem's "Berzerk," I keep referencing this song. The truth is, the record has an amazing time-piece video. While it might seem cheesy, or a callback to big hair, tight Lee's, and t-top Camaros, this is a break that stays in the arsenal of your favorite producer/DJ. The... Read more

August 27, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Foreign Exchange – Call It Home / Pity

In less than a month, one of the groups that started online—and got more organic than most of their peers who met in the flesh lives on. Foreign Exchange's Love In Flying Colors comes September 24. Phonte and Nicolay dropped off a two-fer single, in "Call It Home" and "Pity."... Read more

August 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Eminem – Berzerk (Prod. Rick Rubin)

After confirming he will be releasing a new album, The Marshall Mathers LP 2, in November, Eminem releases the first single. It's a return to Slim Shady mode over a heavy sample from Billy Squier's The Stroke. Check out Berzerk.... Read more

August 26, 2013 Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on the First Time He Worked With Dr. Dre (Video)

Kendrick Lamar speaks on the first time he met Dr. Dre and gives the behind the scenes story on the recording session for their collabo, Compton. Check out the video. Related: Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Earliest Experiences with Hip-Hop (Video)... Read more

August 26, 2013 Video

Freddie Gibbs – The Real G Money (Video)

A song just over 90 seconds. How many independent MCs do you know that can captivate? Freddie Gibbs is certainly one. Fresh off of ESGN, Gangsta Gibbs gives one of his strongest offerings of late in "The Real G Money." Few artists in the 2010s can walk the fine line... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

League Of Starz – Show Sumn’ ft. Skeme, Problem, Freddie Gibbs, Jay Rock, G. Malone & Bad Lucc

It seems only fitting that the team that’s spearheading the “function music” movement (hybrid of LA’s G-Funk and The Bay’s hyphy), enlisted a roster of homegrown California talent for their latest offering. On their new track “Show Sumn”, production standouts League of Stars put together a bass heavy medley reminiscent... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Daft Punk – Lose Yourself To Dance ft Pharrell & Nile Rodgers (Video)

When the year ends, one of the must-buy albums of 2013 will likely still be Daft Punk's Random Access Memories. The French production/DJ duo has been on my radar since MTV's short-lived "12 Angry Viewers" days (I also remember first seeing Eminem that way). However, thanks to J Dilla and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Lyrical Breakdown With Los (Video)

Although many MCs are respected for their lyrical prowess, it’s always interesting being able to discover what goes on inside their head before they spit those bars. In a recent interview with Diddy's Revolt TV, one of Diddy's artists, Los (aka King Los) dropped some knowledge on lyrical styles and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Joey Bada$$ – Killuminati Pt. 2 (Kendrick Lamar Response)

It might have taken a little longer than anticipated, but one of the most vocal artists on Twitter when it came to “Control” has dropped the hashtags and picked up the mic. On the track “Killuminati Pt. 2,” Pro Era captain Joey Bada$$ steps up to the plate with the... Read more

August 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Fat Joe – The Darkside 3 (Mixtape)

In the post-Atlantic Records era, Fat Joe's artistry has been perplexing. While the D.I.T.C. member has always put a song or two on every album to remind the Heads of his roots before becoming a household name, in recent years, he's made some really grimy albums. 2010's The Darkside was... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Eminem Announces “The Marshall Mathers LP 2” (Video)

While Justin Timberlake tore down the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards with his medley of hits, old and new, and reuniting that group we all pretended we didn't like (N*Sync), the biggest story may have happened between the breaks. Beats By Dre announced Eminem's upcoming album, in a very "All... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Black Hippy Thoughts From The Road (Video)

Ab-Soul. Jay Rock. Schoolboy Q. Kendrick Lamar. Although individual success is something they’re all enjoying, the members of Top Dawg Entertainment’s Black Hippy Crew feel what they’re accomplishing as a collective is just as important. All hailing from Southern California, the four members synced up long before the fame and... Read more

August 26, 2013 Fresh, Video

Drake & Kanye West Perform at the 2013 VMAs in Brooklyn (Video)

Drake and Kanye West each took the stage at the first ever VMAs in Brooklyn. Drake performed Hold On, We're Going Home and Started From the Bottom and Kanye performed Blood on the Leaves. You can check out both performances below. Related: Kanye West Says He and Jay-Z Made Watch... Read more

August 26, 2013 Video

AFH: The Week in Video (8/25/13) (Video Playlist)

This week brought one of the strongest freestyles of the year from Astro, some jewels from Skillz about Kendrick's Control verse, new videos from MC Lyte, Talib Kweli, Robin Thicke and REKS and more. Check out the best of the week in video below. Just hit play and lean back.... Read more

August 25, 2013 Playlists, Video

Sometimes I Rap Fast, Sometimes I Rap Slow: The Evolution Of JAY-Z’s Flow (Food For Thought)

As another NFL season loads up, the sports news cycle is dominated by teams, offenses, depth charts and injury reports. Although not a fan (au contraire), I often marvel at the dynamic strategies of Bill Bellichick, Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots. From season-to-season, the three-time Super Bowl champions... Read more

August 25, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh

Neek the Exotic – Hello Everybody ft O.C., Sadat X & Satchel Page

Neek the Exotic brings out O.C., Sadat X and Satchel Page on a hot new track. Check out Hello Everybody. Related: Large Professor & Neek the Exotic - Still on the Hustle (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Fredro Starr – Ain’t No Other Kings

Here's another new one from Fredro Starr. Check out Ain't No Other Kings. Related: Fredro Starr – That New York (Audio)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

A$AP Rocky’s New Song From the GTA V Soundtrack

New A$AP Rocky from the GTA V soundtrack which sounds like it's about to be a monster with songs from N.W.A., Ab-Soul, OutKast, MC Eiht and more. Check out R. Cali below. Related: A$AP Rocky – Wild for the Night ft Skrillex (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Snoop Discusses Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse & His Infamous Speech at the Source Awards (Video)

Snoop knows a little something about East Coast/West Coast rivalry. That makes his take on Kendrick Lamar's Control verse a bit more insightful. Check out this video of him discussing The Verse and his infamous speech at The Source Awards that stirred the pot back in the day. Related: Skillz... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Robin Thicke – Give It 2 U ft Kendrick Lamar & 2 Chainz (Video)

What do Kendrick Lamar, 2 Chainz, EDM, Funk, Cheerleaders, Parade Floats and Twerkin' have in common? Robin Thicke's new video for Give It 2 U. The follow up to the summer's biggest song is another smash. Check it out. Related:... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Wiz Khalifa – Look What I Got On

Wiz Khalifa sheds his laid back style for a double-time flow on his latest release. Check out Look What I Got On. Related: Wiz Khalifa – Look Into My Eyes (Audio)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Raekwon – All About You ft Estelle (Video)

Here's Raekwon's video for his Estelle-assisted All About You. Related: Raekwon – The Montreality Interview (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Video

Fat Joe – Your Honor ft Action Bronson (Video) (Prod. DJ Premier)

Fat Joe + Action Bronson + a DJ Premier track = CRACK. Check out Your Honor. Related: Fat Joe & Chi Ali – Games & Things (Video)... Read more

August 24, 2013 Audio

Astro Freestyles on ShowOff Radio

Wow. The kid Astro has BARS. Check out the video of his freestyle on ShowOff Radio. MCs beware...he's coming for the crown. Related: Astro freestyles in The Backroom (Video)... Read more

August 23, 2013 Video

Big Sean breaks down “Hall of Fame” Track By Track (Video)

After dropping the most talked about song in Hip-Hop 11 days ago, Big Sean is back again, but this time he’s giving us a window into the inspiration and concepts for his brand new album. Scheduled for release August 27, the Detroit MC describes his sophomore G.O.O.D./Def Jam effort Hall... Read more

August 23, 2013 Fresh, Video

Moe Green – Still Here

Moe Green has always been effective when he's taken a popular street song using a contemporary, and then rearranged it on his own. Over three years removed from "Going In For The Kill," Green reworks Phil Beaudreau's "Anyway (Interlude)" with producer Atu. The sample was the basis for Casey Veggies'... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Wale – No Pain, No Gain

Wale has many looks, styles and presentations. Since the days of "Nike Boots," my favorite Wale channel is when he seems to close his eyes in the booth, and get bigger than life with the inspirational music. Without ever being corny, Wale's "Ambition," and the aforementioned mixtape cut sound so... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Blitz the Ambassador – BISA ft Nneka & Ty

I've never heard Blitz the Ambassador before but I've long been a fan of Nigerian artist Nneka, so I checked out their collabo. What I found was a very pleasant surprise, a soulful song of quiet revolution. This is an examination of current conditions in many African countries (as well... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio

Slim Thug – Coming Down (Every Town) ft Big K.R.I.T., Z-Ro & Kirko Bangz

Outside of Geto Boys and UGK, I have always used Slim Thug as an illustration to what makes Houston Hip-Hop so unique, and so great. Thugga's not always big on deep thought, but his boisterous vocals, smooth style and regional cadence have accented some truly great music over the last... Read more

August 23, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Marley Marl on Sway In The Morning (Video)

“Hangin’ pictures on my wall / Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl” Now the term “legend” gets thrown around a lot these days, but the world of Hip-Hop as we know it wouldn’t even be close to the same if it weren’t for the man mentioned in the... Read more

August 23, 2013 Throwback

Skillz Speaks on Kendrick’s “Control” Freestyle (Video)

Although the initial tidal wave of Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” verse seems to be dying down, opinions about what has taken place in Hip-Hop over the past 11-12 days are still surfing through conversations everywhere. In a recent interview with Revolt TV, Skillz (still known to some of the Heads as... Read more

August 23, 2013 Fresh, Video

Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar Hold Down the 2013 Hip Hop Awards (Video)

Salute to Uncle Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar for holding down the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards. Snoop will be taking over for Mike Epps as the new host and Kendrick Lamar leads the pack with 14 (yes 14) nominations. Here's a special news break from the Boss Dogg's GGN... Read more

August 23, 2013 Video

Quelle Chris – Old Friend (Video)

When imagery and Hip-Hop are seamlessly meshed together, it’s always a beautiful thing. In the latest offering from filmmaker Mu Gadu, Hip-Hop is the perfect backdrop for visuals that leave room for plenty of interpretation. The soundtrack to this short film is a mash-up of Quelle Chris’ “Old Friend” from... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video

Krizz Kaliko – Scars ft. Tech N9ne

Fresh off the heels of Tech N9ne’s highest-charting album to date, Something Else, Krizz Kaliko hopes to continue the success his label mate achieved with his latest project. Son Of Sam consists of 16 tracks, and judging by the few already released singles, it’s going to be filled with the same... Read more

August 22, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Ka – Peace Akhi (Video)

Ka is straight chess boxin' in his song "Peace Akhi" and the video continues the metaphor. The Night's Gambit remains one of the hardest-hitting, most ear-grabbing albums of the year. The O.G. from the Natural Elements crew with the Brownsville roots. Like all of Ka's video, there's a lost-New York nostalgic... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video

MC Lyte – Cravin’ (Video)

MC Lyte returned to the Hip-Hop game last month with a hot Summer jam called Cravin', and now she's back with the video. Check it out below. Related: Living Legends: MC Lyte (Audio Playlist)... Read more

August 22, 2013 Video

Joey Bada$$ Interviews Buckshot Shorty (Video)

Two generations of Beast Coast lyricists sat down recently at Brooklyn's Coney Island. Heads no doubt hear Buckshot Shorty's influence on Joey Bada$$'s flow. The Pro Era leader recently chopped it up with the Bootcamp leader to discuss the history of Hip-Hop in Brooklyn, lyrical evolution, the pros and cons... Read more

August 22, 2013 Video

Daz Dillinger & WC – Stay Out The Way ft Snoop Dogg (Video)

Daz and WC. It's fitting that these two guys would eventually make an album together. In the late 1990s, Suge Knight notoriously blocked many of his artists from feature appearances on peer projects that weren't on the label (see Warren G's first two albums, "Regulate" aside). Coming from Low Profile... Read more

August 22, 2013 Fresh, Video