Fresh Archives

Astro – KONY (Prod. Statik Selektah)

Astro has dropped one of the better response records so far to Kendrick Lamar's verse on Control. In the first verse, Astro answers most of Kendrick's assertions point by point. However, the 2nd verse is even more interesting because he takes New York rappers to task for jocking Kendrick too... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio

Eminem – Survival

Although it might be background music to a video game commercial, anything Mr. Mathers does usually ends up at the forefront of hip-hop news. As guns are blasting during the latest preview of Call of Duty: Ghosts, a closer listen reveals Eminem himself shooting lyrical bullets off his new track... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio

Ghostface Killah & Killah Priest Doing A Collaborative Album?

If you would have asked me in the late '90s for a Top 10 of Hip-Hop's elite lyricists du jour, it would have been hard not to praise Killah Priest. From the Sunz Of Man's stellar debut album, to one of the most conceptually-dense LPs of the last 15 years... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Rapsody – Kingship (Prod. DJ Premier)

I attended a small listening session for Rapsody's upcoming mixtape She Got Game last night. It is hands down one of the best projects of the year so far (album or mixtape) with production from 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Terrace Martin and more, as well as guest verses from Ab-Soul, Raekwon,... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio

Murder Dog Magazine Celebrates 20th Anniversary

For fans of West Coast Hip Hop, especially of the Gangsta Rap variety, Murder Dog filled (and continues to fill) an important void that was left in the coverage of Hip Hop. Artists like Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, Daz Dillinger and Twista thrived in the pages of Black Dog... Read more

August 14, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

9th Wonder & Young Guru (and Parfit from AFH…) Discuss Kendrick Lamar’s Control Verse (Video)

36 hours after Kendrick Lamar set the Internet on fire with his verse claiming the title of King of New York (and Hip-Hop generally), the debate continues. I had the privileged of witnessing (and briefly participating in) a lively discussion between Young Guru and 9th Wonder last night about The... Read more

August 14, 2013 Video

Meek Mill – Lil Ni**a Snupe

It’s been almost two months since the Louisiana shooting-murder of Dream Chasers hopeful Lil Snupe (reportedly over a video game), but the memory still rings true for the man who signed him just moments after hearing his demo. In the newly released “Lil Ni**a Snupe” produced by Boi-1da & The... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio, Fresh

A$AP Ferg – Trap Lord (Album Stream)

Following the blazing rise of A$AP Rocky, many wondered who would be next to step to the forefront for the A$AP Mob. But after the success of his recent tracks “Work Remix” and “Shabba,” it certainly appears that the next in line is none other than A$AP Ferg. With his... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio

Lupe Fiasco – #DopeFrancis (American Trap)

What’s your favorite pope-titled Hip-Hop song? If you’re coming up blank or merely thinking of Bishop Lamont mixtapes, Lupe Fiasco has your answer. The Chicago MC presents his latest track “#DopeFrancis (American Trap),” in which religious wordplay and metaphors are prevalent throughout his bars. Always one known for controversial lyrics,... Read more

August 14, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Earl Sweatshirt: The Truth Interview With Elliott Wilson (Video)

With his debut studio album Doris on the way, Earl Sweatshirt has plenty to smile about these days. It’s been a full three years since the Odd Future MC dropped his self-titled solo project, which explains why his fans are anxiously awaiting his new Columbia Records-backed LP which drops next week... Read more

August 14, 2013 Fresh, Video

Styles P – Manson Murder (Remix) ft N.O.R.E. & Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun)

Styles P drops a video to the remix to Manson Murder featuring N.O.R.E. and Chris Rivers. Check it out below. Related: Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch perform in NYC (Video)... Read more

August 13, 2013 Video

Tito Lopez – Black Dude Spanish Name (Video)

Tito Lopez pokes fun at himself with the title of his song Black Dude Spanish Name, but the lyrics are no joke. Check out the video. Related: Tito Lopez – Tryna Get On ft Jon Connor (Audio)... Read more

August 13, 2013 Video

J. Cole & Nas Interviewed Together In New VIBE

Longtime VIBE editor/journalist John Kennedy recently shared a recording space with Nas and J. Cole. No, it wasn't for anymore collaborations, but rather to study one of the breakthrough artists of the early 1990s, and one of his disciples, a breakthrough artist of the early 2010s. On the heels of... Read more

August 13, 2013 Fresh

Bonic – Streets Luv Me ft Schoolboy Q & Troy Ave

Here's a new track from Bonic that features Schoolboy Q and Troy Ave. Check out Streets Luv Me. Related: Schoolboy Q – Collard Greens ft Kendrick Lamar (Video)... Read more

August 13, 2013 Audio

Joell Ortiz – Outta Control (Kendrick Lamar Response)

Joell Ortiz is the first to respond to Kendrick Lamar's claim that he is in King of New York on Big Sean's song Control. Joell's response is called Outta Control...The dog days of Summer may be over but it's about to get HOT. Check it out below. Related: Big Sean... Read more

August 13, 2013 Audio

Bishop Nehru – Appalled ft Aaron LaCrate (Video)

This is pretty cool. Milkcrate Athletics founder Aaron LaCrate lends Bishop Nehru a needle-drop loop-based beat and a fly tie-dye hoodie for the "Appalled" visual. The "Mobb Dizzle" maker get a trippy lens and editing treatment, with an abundance of buttery bacon and syrup. Everybody seems to love a greasy... Read more

August 13, 2013 Fresh, Video

Just Blaze & Baauer – Higher ft Jay Z (Video)

Whoa...Just Blaze and Baauer just out out one of the most epic videos of the year. The visuals for Higher (featuring Jay Z on the hook), their frenetic track that is part electro and part trap, consist of a short film showing some steely youth in fierce hand to hand... Read more

August 13, 2013 Video

Nas Times Square Hennessy Billboard (Video)

Now billboards in New York aren’t a rare occurrence, but when a 170-foot tall image of a Hip-Hop icon is draped over Times Square, it’s definitely a reason to stop and take notice. As a part of their “Wild Rabbit” campaign, Hennessy has created the largest single illuminated billboard display... Read more

August 13, 2013 Fresh, Video

Terrace Martin – 3ChordFold (Full Album Stream)

Terrace Martin's 3ChordFold album hit stores today. The album features Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Wiz Khalifa, Musiq Soulchild, Robert Glasper, James Fauntleroy, Lalah Hathaway, Snoop Dogg and more. If you like soulful hip-hop with introspective lyrics, this one's for you. You can stream the entire album below and purchase it here.... Read more

August 13, 2013 Audio

Black Milk – Perfected on Puritan Ave

Black Milk is one of the most underrated double threats in the game. Dude is a beast both on the mic and behind the boards. He has a new album called No Poison No Paradise which will hit stores on 10/15. His latest release from the project is called Perfected... Read more

August 13, 2013 Audio

Big Sean – Control ft Kendrick Lamar & Jay Electronica

DAMN. Kendrick Lamar just lyrically assassinated an entire generation of MCs--and he named names!! J. Cole, Drake, Wale, Meek Mill, Big KRIT, Pusha T? All got murked on one record. K. Dot even took out Big Sean on his own song. Kendrick also boldly proclaims himself as the current king... Read more

August 13, 2013 Audio

Ab-Soul: The Process w/Peter Rosenberg (Video)

Ab-Soul talks with Peter Rosenberg about his loss of vision, the fact that he doesn't write down his lyrics (as complex as they are...), learning song arrangement from Kendrick Lamar, code switching, the loss of his girl Alori Joh and much more. Check out the video. Related: Ab-Soul Speaks on... Read more

August 12, 2013 Video

Schoolboy Q Discusses Getting Kicked out of His Hotel in Vegas on The Sway in the Morning Show (Video)

Schoolboy Q discusses how he hangs out in Vegas--like really hangs out off the balcony in his room--and why it lead to him getting kicked out of his hotel last Spring on The Sway in the Morning Show. He also touches on whether he would sell his soul (literally) for... Read more

August 12, 2013 Video

Dizzy Wright – The Flavor ft SwizZz (Video)

Dizzy Wright will be dropping his new mixtape, The Golden Age, on 8/19. In the meantime, he releases a video for his track The Flavor that has a hard BOOM BAP drum beat reminiscent of 90's-era Hip-Hop (aka The Golden Age). The video features Dizzy's Funk Volume label mate SwizZz... Read more

August 12, 2013 Video

Stüssy x Yo! MTV Raps – Part 1 – The Importance of Yo! MTV Raps (Video)

As we previously reported, Yo! MTV Raps turned 25 last week. To celebrate the significant anniversary and a launch of a new Yo!-inspired clothing line, Stussy has put together a dope mini-documentary on the importance of Yo! MTV Raps. The short film features several Hip-Hop luminaries such as ?uestlove, Alchemist,... Read more

August 12, 2013 Throwback

Oprah Speaks on the Recent Back and Forth Between Jay Z & Harry Belafonte (Video)

Shaheem Reid sat down with Oprah Winfrey to discuss the new film The Butler and managed to sneak in a question about the recent back and forth between Jay Z and Harry Belafonte. Oprah answered the question straight on and even managed to bring it back around to the relevance... Read more

August 12, 2013 Video

Terrace Martin – Triangleship ft Kendrick Lamar

Terrace Martin's new album 3ChordFold hits stores at midnight tonight. Until then, he's dropped another hot record. This one features none other than Kendrick Lamar on the hook. Check out Triangleship. Related: Terrace Martin – You’re The One ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Tone Trezure (Audio)... Read more

August 12, 2013 Audio

Jim-E-O – Special ft Lab Ox

I love the independent grind. Texas rapper Jim-E-O is a car salesman by day, devoted father by night and passionate artist by nature. His latest single, Special, deals with the toll the daily juggling act can take on a relationship, even with someone who Is truly special. Check it out... Read more

August 12, 2013 Audio

DJ Skizz – Light Years ft Roc Marciano, A.G., O.C. & Godfather Pt. 3

Here's a grimy new track from DJ Skizz featuring Roc Marciano, A.G., O.C. & Godfather Pt. 3. Check out Light Years. Related: DJ Skizz – Vio-Lence ft Lil Fame & Ill Bill (Video)... Read more

August 11, 2013 Audio

Mayer Hawthorne Performs on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

Mayer Hawthorne's music has hints of The Doobie Brothers and old Hall & Oates, update to feel contemporary and uniquely his own. His album, Where Does This Door Go, is one of the best soul releases of the year. He recently performed his single Her Favorite Song, as well as... Read more

August 11, 2013 Video

AFH: The Week in Video (8/11/13) (Video Playlist)

This week's video wrap up features a groovy new video by Schoolboy Q featuring Kendrick Lamar, freestyles from Lord Finess and Camp Lo, Tony Touch showing off his vinyl collection and Jean Grae putting it down with Mobetta. Check it out below. Related: AFH: The Week in Video (8/3/13) (Video... Read more

August 11, 2013 Playlists, Video

Krayzie Bone – The Future ft Pozition

Krayzie Bone paints a vivid picture of the future (and the present) in his latest release, and it's bleak. He takes aim at materialism, conspiracy theories, soulless Hip-Hop and more. Check out The Future featuring Pozition. Related: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Everything 100 (Audio)... Read more

August 11, 2013 Audio

Breaking Bad: The Final Season (Video)

Breaking Bad, one of the most critically acclaimed shows to hit the TV screen premieres episode 1 of its final season tonight. Walter White, unassuming school teacher turned meth lord, has evolved into one of the hardest G's on TV. Below is a video showing the arc of his character... Read more

August 11, 2013 Video

The Show (Video)

Last but not least, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the weekend Hip-Hop was born, we take a look at the role of the MC. Without a doubt, the rap game is the predominant force in Hip-Hop culture. It has gone from the chanting simple couplets to keep the... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Scratch (Video)

As we continue our all day celebration of Hip-Hop on the weekend of its 40th birthday, it's time to show some love to the DJ. The documentary Scratch is one of the best films ever on turntabilism. Scratch gives an in-depth look at the art of working the 1s and... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Style Wars (Video)

Of the 4 elements of Hip-Hop, graffiti is often the most overlooked. Films like Beat Street touched on the controversial nature and danger surrounding the graf, but it was the 1983 documentary Style Wars that showed viewers the real. The film originally aired on PBS and won the Grand Jury... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

The Rub: The History of Recorded Hip-Hop From 1979-Present (Audio)

We continue our all-day long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the weekend Hip-Hop was born with the music. Here are links to a collection of Hip-Hop mixes that document Hip-Hop music from 1979-2009, YEAR BY YEAR. The mixes are courtesy of The Rub, one of the dopest DJ collectives... Read more

August 10, 2013 Audio

See Shabba-Doo Before Breakin’, In The Breakin’ N Enterin’ Documentary

The movie Breakin’ introduced many to the West Coast break dancing scene but before Breakin’ there was the documentary Breakin’ N Enterin’. Breakin’ N Enterin’ is a film from 1983 that documented the then nascent LA B-boy scene and inspired the landmark dance film Breakin’. It featured many of the... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Wild Style (Video)

As we continue our all day celebration of Hip-Hop on the weekend of its 40th Anniversary, it is only fitting that we celebrate Wild Style, a 1983 film produced by Hip-Hop pioneer Charlie Ahearn that was the first glimpse of Hip-Hop culture for many of those not living and breathing... Read more

August 10, 2013 Throwback

Because They Made It That Way (Hip-Hop At 40 Years Old)

If you go by the books, Hip-Hop (I’ll spell it with capital letters since KRS-One told us to do so) turns 40 years old this month. Six summers before Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike and Master Gee drove a Lincoln Continental and great big Cadillac up the charts to a... Read more

August 10, 2013 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Throwback

ScHoolboy Q – Sway In The Morning Freestyle (Video)

ScHoolboy Q is one of these young guys that really, really, spits freestyles. How do you feel about this one from Groovy Q's latest appearance on Sway In The Morning. Freestyles are great, but I'm fiendin' for Oxymoron. Related: Schoolboy Q – Collard Greens ft Kendrick Lamar (Video)... Read more

August 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Juicy J – Ain’t No Comin’ Down Remix ft T.I.

I'm personally anxious to see who has the better album: Juicy J's Stay Trippy or 2 Chainz' B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. Both spitters are very similar, even though Juice has been doing it over a decade longer (on the big stage, anyway). Both of these men have a style and... Read more

August 9, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Happy 50th Birthday Whitney Houston (Playlist)

Happy Birthday to the incomparable Whitney Houston. The Voice would have been 50 years old today. Here's a playlist of just a few of the many gifts she left with us. Related: Robert Glasper – Calls ft Jill Scott (Audio) Whitney Houston by Parfit on Grooveshark... Read more

August 9, 2013 Playlists

In The Kitchen With Sean Price (Video)

In the over-saturated age of video interviews, there are few MC's more engaging than Sean Price. While Killer Mike, Immortal Technique, and David Banner are the teachers, Tech N9ne, Bun B and Jay Z are the charmers, Ruck is eternally the everyman comedian. From years ago, Sean's videos of drinking... Read more

August 9, 2013 Fresh, Video

Diddy & Ma$e Hit the Stage Together for the First Time in 9 Years (Video)

This has been quite the week for reunions. Jay-Z and Dame Dash got together for the first time in years, and earlier in the week, Diddy and Ma$e hit the stage together for the first time in 9 years at Drake's show in Toronto. Here's a video of the Bad... Read more

August 9, 2013 Video

Kanye West & The Beatles – What’s A Black Beatle (Mixtape)

“What’s a Black Beatle anyways, a f***ing roach? I guess that’s why they got me sitting in f***ing coach” – Kanye West on the track “Gorgeous” from My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy It’s a known fact that a single hip-hop lyric has the power to birth many things: a catch... Read more

August 9, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

The Album Heard ‘Round the World: N.W.A’s Straight Outta Compton Turns 25-years Old

25 years ago yesterday, N.W.A released Straight Outta Compton and changed music forever. Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren and DJ Yella brazenly said "F*ck The Police" (and the FBI took notice), weaved visceral tales of street life and introduced the city of Compton to the world. The Ruthless... Read more

August 9, 2013 Throwback

Realm Reality – Concrete Jazz ft Ea$y Money & Spit Gemz

Realm Reality takes on a flow reminiscent of early Eminem in his latest release. Check out Concrete Jazz featuring Ea$y Money & Spit Gemz. Related: Realm Reality - Sleeping With the Enemy ft Melody Angel (Audio)... Read more

August 9, 2013 Audio

Nas Raises Money to Aid Homeless Family (Video)

Nas has had the most incredible 3 week stretch as a brand ambassador for hip-hop that I can ever recall. After having a Harvard Fellowship named after him and appearing on CNN to discuss the enduring effect of racism, he has now started a fund to help Stanley Young, a... Read more

August 8, 2013 Throwback

Goodie M.O.B. on RapFix Live (Video)

Goodie M.O.B. sat down with Sway on RapFix Live and discussed the old days with OutKast, whether the rumors of a new Andre 3000 album were true and dropped an a capella freestyle. Check out the videos below. Related: Goodie Mob – Special Education ft The Roots (Live Video) Part... Read more

August 8, 2013 Throwback