Fresh Archives

DJ Kool Herc, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane & More To Do Free NYC Park Show (Event)

If you're within a day's drive of New York City on August 10, you have an opportunity to live, breathe, hear, and see true hip-hop history. The Godfather DJ Kool Kerc, pioneer Coke La Rock, iconic MCs Big Daddy Kane & Rakim, and our friend DJ Premier are all slated... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Realm Reality – Sleeping With The Enemy ft Melody Angel

Twenty years after Big Noyd, Prodigy's new protege Realm Reality delivers a concept track about love gone terribly wrong. Melody Angel accents this Jansport J-produced record beautifully. It's short, sweet and whether just small hiccups in relationships or the Julia Roberts Sleeping With The Enemy realness, the song is tangible.... Read more

August 2, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Ice Cube, Big Sean, Bun B & DJ Drama – Coor’s Light Coldest Search (Video)

Bun B says don't disrespect hip-hop in its "Mecca," in New York, before Coor's Light's Coldest MC Search. The Silver Bullet beer enlisted the Underground King, along with Ice Cube, Big Sean and DJ Drama this year as brand ambassadors. As the video shows, attendees were blessed with performances from... Read more

August 2, 2013 Throwback

Goodie Mob – Special Education ft The Roots (Live Video)

I don't know about you, but I'm getting really excited about Age Against The Machine. Given Goodie Mob's classic album beginnings (Soul Food), we can all agree that personnel moves prevented the Dungeon Family O.G.'s from ever living up to their truest potential. "Special Education" sounds like a true time... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Video

CZARFACE – Hazmat Rap (Video)

This is a guilty admission: back in 2001, the first time I made a cell-phone ringtone, it was to 7L & Esoteric's "Speaking Real Words" single, which featured Inspectah Deck. To me, in addition to being a great song, the Landspeed Records single was a monumental gap-bridger between underground and... Read more

August 2, 2013 Fresh, Video

DeLorean – Philippe ft. Smoke DZA

Houston, Texas' DeLorean hands the mic to Harlem representative Smoke DZA on this wristwatch-inspired cut. The Kush God glides over this mid-tempo beat from 183rd, as DeLorean takes the booth back and really stands out, as the case through the star-studded guests on Grace. Like Tito Lopez in Mississippi or... Read more

August 1, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Vic Mensa – Time Is Money ft Rockie Fresh & Beldina

Vic Mensa gets one of the biggest looks to date, with Boi-1da & The Maven Boys production. "Time Is Money" sounds like its name: cocky and confident, with Maybach Music Group's Rockie Fresh on the assist, along with Beldina. The Kids These Days front-man is part of the West Coast... Read more

August 1, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Mobetta – Back At The Ranch ft. Jean Grae

DJ Scratch (EPMD/Busta Rhymes) laces strong percussion for Jean Grae to accent a catchy chorus, with Maurice "Mobetta" Brown on the trumpet. This is a Grammy Award-winner hitting collaborations that take us back to Branford Marsalis, Buckshot Lefonque and Quincy Jones' Back On The Blockfor that Jazz/hip hop hybrid. Even... Read more

August 1, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Talib Kweli on The Combat Jack Show, Pt. 3 (Video)

Part 3 of Combat Jack's interview with Talib Kweli is pretty insightful. The teenage b-boy in me crams to understand—or picture Talib and Mos Def (Yasiin Bey) recording Black Star songs in MC Hammer's company. Including that nugget of candid information (Kweli admits to be a Hammer-hater in the early... Read more

August 1, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Making of Jeru The Damaja’s Come Clean (Video)

Here's an incredibly well done documentary on the making of Jeru The Damaja's classic Come Clean. It features interviews with Jeru, DJ Premier, Talib Kweli, Special Ed, Pete Rock and more, vintage footage and photos, and priceless stories. Check out the video below. Related: The Making of Pete Rock &... Read more

August 1, 2013 Throwback

Raekwon’s Purple Tape Cassette Slipcase Edition For Sale

Last October, the friends at Get On Down Records released the trophy box deluxe edition of Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... in the classic purple cassette tape format. The cases sold out (and were re-sold for hundreds to those who initially slept). Almost a year later, G.O.D. is back... Read more

August 1, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

Drake – All Me ft 2 Chainz & Big Sean

Drake gets 2 Chainz and Big Sean on his latest single. Here's All Me. Related: Drake Releases 4 New Songs to Kick Off the Launch of his New Album Nothing Was the Same (Audio)... Read more

August 1, 2013 Audio

Sean Falyon Freestyles in The Backroom on 106 & Park (Video)

Sean Falyon just spit one of the best verses heard in The Backroom on 106 & Park yet. Check out the video. Related: RAIN Freestyles in The Backroom on 106 & Park (Video)... Read more

August 1, 2013 Video

Nelly – Get Like Me ft Nicki Minaj & Pharrell (Video)

Nelly is back with a new song and video and it's got that Pharrell hot sauce on it. It also features Nicki Minaj with no gimmicks or funny voices--just straight rhyming like mixtape Nicki. Check out Get Like Me. Related: Pharrell Performs Happy on Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)... Read more

July 31, 2013 Video

Blaq Poet – Looking For Trouble ft Chino XL, Vinnie Paz & Spit Gemz

While Onyx and M.O.P. get their rightful props, too many folks forget the hardcore hip-hop impact of Screwball. Tragically, KL passed on over five years ago, but Blaq Poet remains, as a true gap-bridger. As a survivor of "the bridge wars," Blaq Po is a Juice Crew alum who still... Read more

July 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

DJ Bizzy – No War ft Murs, Macy Gray, Thurz & Tru Wordz

DJ Bizzy assembled a strong cast of emcees and Macy Gray's unmistakable vocals to bemoan war and violence. "No War" reminds me of those Rawkus Records-era collaborations that attacked social issues. Murs is havin' one hell of a year with this White Mandingos album, and it's great to hear him... Read more

July 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Goodie Mob – I’m Set (Video)

Goodie Mob's reunion album, Age Against The Machine, has had an interesting roll-out. The artwork was released in pieces, and now the Dungeon Family O.G.'s release the visuals to "I'm Set" with this three-and-a-half-minute cut-and-paste video. Verse excerpts are meshed with crocodiles, snakes, wolves, lions and other violent attacks in... Read more

July 31, 2013 Fresh, Video

Talib Kweli on The Combat Jack Show, Pt. 2 (Video)

Talib Kweli discusses the origins of Black Star, meeting Biggie & 2Pac and more in part 2 of his sit down on The Combat Jack Show. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli on The Combat Jack Show (Video)... Read more

July 31, 2013 Video

Curren$y – Ox

You have to give it up to Spitta. Whether live band covers of "Bout It, Bout It," Soul samples or his own weed-scented brand of down-tempo tracks, he always makes it his own. On "Ox," Cardo gives Curren$y a peppier drum arrangement than we regularly hear. In trademark fashion, New... Read more

July 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Action Bronson – Strictly 4 My Jeeps (Live Video)

Action Bronson is a riot. As if the Jason Goldwatch-directed video to his Saaab Stories single "Strictly 4 My Jeeps" wasn't outrageous enough (thinking of cottage cheese), he opts to perform the single in an assisted living center. The New York City "old folks home" residents have mixed responses with... Read more

July 31, 2013 Fresh, Video

The Weeknd – Love in the Sky

Here's something new from The Weeknd. In typical fashion, it's dark and haunting--night music. Check out Love in the Sky. Related: The Weeknd – Belong To The World (Video)... Read more

July 30, 2013 Audio

B-1 – Hands of Time (Video) (Prod. Large Professor)

Ever heard of B-1? Despite being one of the first artists signed to Rawkus Records, sporting a flow reminiscent of OC and working with legends like Large Professor, the Queens MC is still a relative unknown. Here's a video for a previously unreleased jewel he created with Large Professor. Check... Read more

July 30, 2013 Video

Behind The Music: Ludacris

Ludacris is the latest artist to get the Behind The Music treatment. Here's a look at his rise from radio DJ to rapper to acclaimed international film star. Check out the full episode below. Related: EPMD – Unsung (Video)... Read more

July 30, 2013 Video

Nitty Scott, MC – Skippin’ Clouds (Video)

Nitty Scott, MC continues to have fun in her craft. Here is what her camp said about this just-released vivid visual: "Nitty Scott, MC takes on the roles of a depressed 50’s house wife, a 70’s socialite who likes to party, and even a grungy heroin addict as the visual... Read more

July 30, 2013 Fresh, Video

Justin Timberlake – Take Back the Night (Video)

Justin Timberlake releases the visuals for his Summer feel good jam, Take Back the Night. The video feels inspired in part by Michael Jackson's The Way You Make Me Feel and Smooth Criminal and also incorporates footage from JT's recent performance at Yankees Stadium. Check it out below. Related: Justin... Read more

July 30, 2013 Video

Pete Rock & Camp Lo – 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s, Pt. II (Mixtape)

Here's a brand new mixtape from Pete Rock & Camp Lo. With Pete Rock beats, Camp Lo flows and guest verses from Talib Kweli, M.O.P., Ab-Soul and more, the Summer just got (MUCH) hotter. You can listen to and download 80 Blocks from Tiffany's (Pt. II) below. Related: Pete Rock... Read more

July 30, 2013 Mixes

Rapper Big Pooh – Don’t Change

This is one of the best Rapper Big Pooh joints I've heard since The Minstrel Show (I always maintain that Pooh made that album great). This is a self-aware song that encourages us all to be who we are, flaws and all. The Mighty DR kicks an a mellowed-out Isley... Read more

July 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Daz Dillinger – Love 2 Hate (Video)

Here's a 2nd video from Daz Dillinger in as many days. Check out Love 2 Hate. Related: Daz Dillinger – Goin’ Gorillaz (Video)... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Jay-Z Freestyles on The Funkmaster Flex Show in 2006 (Video)

NYC's Hot 97 released some rare footage of Jay-Z freestyling back in 2006. Hov flows for a little over 4 minutes. Check out the video. Related: Jay-Z Interview with Elliott Wilson, Pt 1 (Video)... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Jamaal Davis & Trademark Da Skydiver – Rollin’

Trademark Da Skydiver shares fellow JET member Curren$y penchant for choosing lush soulful beats. Check out his new single, Rollin', which also features Jamaal Davis. Related: Trademark Da Skydiver – Phone Home ft Curren$y & Styles P (Audio)... Read more

July 29, 2013 Audio

Nas in Sao Paulo (Video)

Here's some behind the scenes footage of Nas during a trip to perform in Sao Paulo, Brazil (brought to you by Hennessy). Check out the video below. Related: Harvard University Establishes the Nasir Jones Fellowship... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Redman – My 2nd Lighter (Video)

Redman flips the 2nd Childhood beat DJ Premier originally supplied to Nas and creates a comical tale about getting jacked for his lighter. Check out the video for 2nd Lighter. Related: Redman – Branson, Branson (Video)... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Durag Dynasty – Fish Meat ft Prodigy

Before there was Albert Einstein this year, there was "Fish Meat." Planet Asia and Alchemist's Durag Dynasty clique (which also features Tri-State and Killer Ben) enlisted the M-O-B-B MC who has never been far from the mix for a song that smells like Fulton Street Fish Market. The kitchen visual... Read more

July 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

Big Sean – Fire

Big Sean's Hall Of Fame is on the horizons. One of the most organic G.O.O.D. Music artists fits the family sound with "Fire." If this album is as colorful as the artwork, we'll be having synthesia seizures, in a good way. Although not confirmed, this has all the symptoms of... Read more

July 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Talib Kweli on The Combat Jack Show (Video)

Talib Kweli breaks down why all rappers fundamentally are nerds (including himself) and it makes perfect sense. He also speaks on how getting his girlfriend pregnant was the ultimate motivation to get him to rap for real. Check out part 1 of his interview on The Combat Jack Show below... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Dizzy Wright – Cant Stop Wont Stop (Video)

One has to admire Dizzy Wright. The Las Vegas, Nevada emcee is a chilled out individual. His tracks walk the fine line between smoked out club tracks and personal diary entries. This is more of the former, with a dash of the latter, as the Funk Volume homie chronicles his... Read more

July 29, 2013 Fresh, Video

Pete Rock & CL Smooth Perform at the Rocksteady 36th Anniversary Celebration (Video)

Pete Rock & CL Smooth performed at the Rocksteady 36th Anniversary celebration. You can check out video footage of a performances of They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) and Straighten It Out below. Related: Living Legends: Pete Rock & CL Smooth (Audio Playlist) They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) Straighten It Out... Read more

July 29, 2013 Video

Daz Dillinger – Goin’ Gorillaz (Video)

Here's the latest video from Daz Dillinger. Check out Goin' Gorillaz. Related: Daz Dillinger – Love 2 Hate (Audio)... Read more

July 28, 2013 Video

Allen Stone – Kiss From a Rose (Video)

It takes stones to cover Seal's Kiss From a Rose...actually, just one Stone. Allen Stone re-imagines Seal's classic and does a rousing acoustic version. Check out the video. Related: Miguel performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series (Video)... Read more

July 28, 2013 Video

Rhyme & Reason (Full Video)

Rhyme & Reason still stands the test of time as one of the best documentaries ever on hip-hop. It takes a comprehensive look at the culture through the words of some of the best rappers to advance it: Nas, Biggie, Erick Sermon, Spice 1, Pac, KRS-One, Q-Tip, Biz Markie, Heavy... Read more

July 28, 2013 Video

The Foreign Exchange – Love in Flying Colors (Artwork + Tracklist)

The Foreign Exchange (aka Phonte & Nicolay) have a new album that is slated to hit stores on 9/24. You can take a look at the artwork and tracklist below. Related: The Foreign Exchange – So What If It Is (Audio) Here's the tracklist: 01. If I Knew Then 02.... Read more

July 27, 2013 Food for Thought

Fredro Starr – That New York

Fredro Starr spits that Onyx flame over a rolling funky bass line. His delivery is more low key than back in the day but it still knocks. Check out That New York. Related: Oh No – Whoop Ass ft Sticky Fingaz (Audio)... Read more

July 27, 2013 Audio

Crooked I – Y.O.D.O. (Video)

It's officially been 15 years of following the greatness that is Crooked I. The Long Beach MC's alliteration, sincerity and his sharp delivery have made him one of the best in class for much of that time. Strangely, the former Noo-Trybe/Virgin and later Death Row Records hopeful has never had... Read more

July 27, 2013 Fresh, Video

Go Dreamer – Electro Phonk ft Big K.R.I.T.

Even if you haven't heard the name Go Dreamer, chances are, you've heard him. With The Flush (previously known as Royal Flush), Go Dreamer co-produced gems for Big Boi over the last several years including "Be Still," "Mama Told Me," and you guessed it—"Royal Flush." Testing the waters of a... Read more

July 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Black Milk – The Kraft

Black Milk has done an exceptional job in the last five years being his own artist. Once perceived as a J Dilla under-study, B.M. has made his own sound, made his own decision, and worked in live instrumentation beautifully—with as many Gospel influences as Detroit Electronic. In another unique frame... Read more

July 27, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Ray Donovan Episode 1 (Full Video)

If you have Showtime and Ray Donovan hasn't made it on your radar yet, it's worth a look. Similar to shows like Breaking Bad, Homeland and The Wire, the characters are morally grey and the subject matter is dark...VERY DARK. You can check out the full episode 1 below. Related:... Read more

July 27, 2013 Video

Jay-Z – Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film Trailer (Video)

Jay-Z continues one of the savviest marketing campaigns for an album (hip-hop or otherwise) ever. He recently met with Mark Zuckerberg (pic below) and also announced that HBO will premiere Picasso Baby: A Performance Art film at 11pm on August 2nd. Check out a trailer for the film below. #newrules... Read more

July 27, 2013 Video

Action Bronson – Water Sports (Prod. Harry Fraud)

Action Bronson and Harry Fraud always make sonic goodness when they connect. Their latest collabo is no exception. Check out Water Sports. Related: Action Bronson – Heel Toe (Prod. Harry Fraud)... Read more

July 26, 2013 Audio

Stalley – A-Wax

Whether under the tutelage of Ski Beatz or under the tutelage of Rick Ross, Ohio's Stalley has been a versatile artist that can seamlessly shift his styles and blend well with his guests, whether it's Scarface, Gunplay or Curren$y, Stalley blends. Longtime G-Side producers Block Beattaz come in with "A-Wax,"... Read more

July 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh

TiRon & Ayomari – Big Apple Don’t Chew

For a few years TiRon has been one of the independent standouts in Hip Hop. Teaming with Ayomari, the pair self-release stellar albums and videos (and video actresses), all built around thought-out conceptual songs. This one channels Adam & Eve, and a bit of Cam'ron to tell cautionary tales of... Read more

July 26, 2013 Audio, Fresh