Fresh Archives

AFH Best of October 2012 Playlist featuring new music from Wu-Tang Clan, Kendrick Lamar, Redman, Meek Mill, CL Smooth and more (Audio Playlist)

No doubt about it, the end of October sucked for the East Coast. Before that, it was shaping up to be one of the best months of the year for hip-hop. Here's a playlist of some of the best music to drop. You'll hear songs from Yasiin Bey, Phonte, Redman,... Read more

November 3, 2012 Audio, Playlists

Talib Kweli on No Reservations (Video)

Talib Kweli discusses the evolution (or gentrification, depending on how you look at it) of Brooklyn and B-boys on No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain. Check out the video. Related: Talib Kweli & Z-Trip – Attack the Block (Mixtape)... Read more

November 3, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Murs & 9th Wonder – Funeral for a Killer (Video)

Here's the first video from Murs & 9th Wonder's upcoming The Final Adventure. Murs goes in on senseless killing. Check out Funeral For a Killer. Related: 9th Wonder & Buckshot – Stop Rapping (Audio)... Read more

November 3, 2012 Video

Joey Bada$$ performs Waves with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (Video)

Joey Bada$$ is definitely on the come up. Last night, he made his network TV debut performing Waves with The Legendary Roots Crew on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Just listen to how the sample from that 90's-influenced track opens up when The Roots lay into it. It literally sounds... Read more

November 3, 2012 Video

Ghostface Killah discusses a possible new Wu-Tang Clan album (Video)

RZA has made it clear he wants to do 1 last Wu album next November, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Enter the 36 Chambers. Now, Ghostface Killah share his thoughts on the potential project...It's looking like more and more of a reality. Check out the video. Related: Wu-Tang... Read more

November 2, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Rapsody – The Drums ft Heather Victoria and The Soul Council (Video)

Rapsody delivers a simple but gorgeously shot video for her lush, 9th Wonder-produced song The Drums. Check it out below. Related: Rapsody rhymes in The Backroom (Video)... Read more

November 2, 2012 Video

Onyx – Cuzo (Video)

Onyx are back with a new video. Check out Cuzo. Related: A look at why Def Jam is the most important hip-hop record label of all time (Video Playlist)... Read more

November 2, 2012 Video

Kendrick Lamar: Politics As Usual (Video)

Kendrick Lamar is one of the most introspective and substantive rappers of this current generation of MCs. We sat down with him to talk about the impact hip-hop culture has had on the state of the Union. Kendrick talked about the messages of everyone from Tupac and NWA to Chuck... Read more

November 2, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Bling47 breaks down J. Dilla’s Dooinit beat (Video)

Whoa! Heads may know J. Dilla's classic beat for Common's Dooinit, but did you know the track was built off a popular Rick James record that was chopped and screwed? Here's a video giving the behind the beat breakdown that showcases Dilla's genius. Hot! Check it out. Related: J Dilla... Read more

November 1, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Jon Connor – Scriptures (Video)

Here's another lyrical assassination from Jon Connor. Check out the video for Scriptures. Related: Jon Connor – Missing You (Video)... Read more

November 1, 2012 Video

Pharrell – Places and Spaces I’ve Been (Video)

Here's a cool short film on Pharrell during the day of his first book signing for his book Places and Spaces I've Been. It captures Pharrell in a low key, introspective mood and he talks about the process of making the book, giving to the fans, his views on what... Read more

November 1, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Big Boi – Artwork for Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors

Big Boi drops off the artwork for his forthcoming album Vicious Lies & Dangerous Rumors. You can also listen to all the singles that have been released from the album below. The album is in stores on 12/11. Related: The making of Big Boi’s She Said OK video (Video)... Read more

November 1, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Jay Rock: Politics As Usual (Video)

We sat down with Jay Rock and he talked about the role of hip-hop as the voice of the people. He discussed the importance of honesty in his lyrics, connecting with people through his music, his admiration of Tupac and Nas for telling real ghetto stories and more. He also... Read more

November 1, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

The Cleveland Show – Menace II Secret Society (Full Episode)

Here's the full video for the recent episode featuring ?uestlove, Nicki Minaj, Will.I.Am, Bruno Mars & Kanye West. Related: A day in the life of ?uestlove (Video) ... Read more

November 1, 2012 Video

Kendrick Lamar Hallooween Freestyle (Video)

It's well-established that Kendrick Lamar's skills with the pen are on a different level but you have to peep money's freestyle game too. Check out this video where K. Dot's rhymes off the top using words written on flash cards. He weaves in cues ranging from Mitt Romney to Kim... Read more

November 1, 2012 Video

Ice Cube – Everythang’s Corrupt (Video)

As the election approaches, Ice Cube releases a video for a song with his thoughts on the state of the Union...Check out Everythang's Corrupt. Related: Ice Cube vs. Public Enemy (Audio Playlist)... Read more

November 1, 2012 Video

KRS-One – Disaster Kit

KRS-One is still teaching. He drops off a song with sage and timely advice about how to survive a disaster. Check out Disaster Kit. Related: A playlist celebrating the career of KRS-One (Audio)... Read more

November 1, 2012 Audio

Alchemist – 9Five x Alchemist (Free EP)

Here's a new free EP from Alchemist that features verses from Action Bronson, Blu, Roc Marciano, Oh No, Chuck Inglish and more. Check out 9Five x Alchemist here. Related: The Alchemist – Flight Confirmation ft Schoolboy Q & Danny Brown (Video)... Read more

October 31, 2012 Audio, Mixes, Video

Twista – Show N’ Off Freestyle (Video)

Twista can still come with that rapid-fire flow. Here's a verse he dropped over a Statik Selektah beat, as part of XXL's Show N' Off Freestyle series. Check out the video. Related: Supernatural freestyles on Hot 97 with Peter Rosenberg (Video)... Read more

October 31, 2012 Video

Jam Master Jay Tribute (Video Playlist)

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of the day we lost Jam Master Jay. Here are some videos celebrating the life of one of hip-hop's most iconic DJs. Related: Run-D.M.C. performs at the Made in America Festival (Video)... Read more

October 31, 2012 Video

Joey Bada$$ – Fromdatomb$ ft Chuck Strangers (Video)

Here's another dope video from Joey Bada$$' incredible 1999 mixtape. Consistent with the 90's theme of the mixtape, the video takes on the visually stylistic look of videos from the 90's hip-hop era. Check out Fromdatomb$ featuring Chuck Strangers. Related: Joey Bada$$ – Rejex (Mixtape)... Read more

October 31, 2012 Video

9th Wonder & Murs – Funeral for a Killer

Here's a new one from 9th Wonder & Murs from their forthcoming final collaboration album, The Final Adventure. Check out Funeral For a Killer.... Read more

October 31, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

Curren$y – Priest Andretti (Mixtape)

Curren$y drops off a mixtape for Halloween. True to the cover art, the sonic texture borrows heavily from 70's soundtracks like Superfly and The Mack. You can listen to and download all of Priest Andretti below. Related: Curren$y & Harry Fraud – WOH ft Styles P (Video) Download Mixtape |... Read more

October 31, 2012 Audio, Mixes

Big K.R.I.T. discusses the impact hip-hop has had on social commentary (Video)

In light of the upcoming election, we sat down with Big K.R.I.T., Stalley, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and 9th Wonder to discuss the impact hip-hop has had on the social landscape of this country and beyond. We will roll out each episode leading up to Tuesday. Our first installment features... Read more

October 31, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Peedi Crakk – This That Sh*t ft Redman

Redman jumps on a new track with Peedi Crakk. With nothing but beats, rhymes and scratches, it's got that BOOM BAP. Check out This That Sh*t. Related: Here’s a (mostly) video playlist of Redman joints to take you on a journey through his 20-year career (Video Playlist)... Read more

October 31, 2012 Audio

Loaded Lux – Santino (Video)

Here's a new video from freestyle phenom Loaded Lux. As with most of Loaded Lux's opponents, it does not end well for his "foe" in the video. Check out Santino. Related: Brother Ali destroys 5 Fingers of Death on the Sway in the Morning Show (Video)... Read more

October 30, 2012 Video

Curren$y – Talk My Sh*t

Here's a new one from Curren$y. Spitta flows on a track with a distinct 90's East Coast sound. Check out Talk My Sh*t. Related: Curren$y & Harry Fraud – Biscayne Bay (Video)... Read more

October 30, 2012 Audio

Sean Price – Remember ft Freddie Gibbs (Prod. Statik Selektah)

New Sean Price featuring Freddie Gibbs. Statik Selektah is on the beat. Check out Remember. Price's Mic Tyson album is in stores now. Related: Sean Price – BBQ Sauce ft Pharoahe Monch (Audio)... Read more

October 30, 2012 Audio

Kendrick Lamar – The Jig is Up (Dump’n) (Prod. J. Cole)

East Coast...down but not out. We hope all the Heads out there survived Sandy. Here's a new one from Kendrick Lamar, produced by J. Cole, in appreciation of the support for good kid, m.A.A.d. city last week. Check out The Jig is Up (Dump'n) below. Related: Babylon Cartel – good... Read more

October 30, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Video

MC Lyte – Dope Style

Need some new MC Lyte in your life? Say no more. Here's a new song from her that will be on Mick Boogie's forthcoming mixtape celebrating the Brooklyn Nets. Check out Dope Style. Related: 80's old school playlist ft MC Lyte and more.... Read more

October 29, 2012 Audio

Ab-Soul performs Pineal Gland (Video)

You heard Ab-Soul's Pineal Gland? If not, prepare to have your head cracked. If so...get ready to have it cracked again. Check out the video of Soulo's performance of it on Shade 45 below. Related: Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Pt. 3 (Will You Let it Die) ft Jay Rock... Read more

October 29, 2012 Video

Xzibit – Up Out the Way ft E-40 (Video)

After smashing the West Coast Cypher, Xzibit and E-40 are back with a new video. Check out Up Out the Way. Related: The West Coast Cypher ft Xzibit, E-40, Kendrick Lamar, YG, Snoop and DJ Quik (Video)... Read more

October 29, 2012 Video

Sean Price – BBQ Sauce ft Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe Monch jumps on the hook of Sean Price's latest release. The track is courtesy of Evidence and DJ Babu. Check out BBQ Sauce. Price's Mic Tyson album is in stores on 10/30. Related: Sean Price poses as Nardwaur (Seanwaur) to interview Pharoahe Monch (Video)... Read more

October 29, 2012 Audio

Will Smith & Doug E. Fresh perform in Miami (Video)

Let's take it back to the old school. Let's take it to Union Sq...or maybe Miami. Here's a dope video of Will Smith returning to Fresh Prince mode and dropping an ill verse with Doug E. Fresh on the beat box. Big Tigger's reaction says it all. Check it out... Read more

October 28, 2012 Video

Game – Celebration (Remix) ft Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony join Game on the remix to Celebration and make it their own. Check it out below. Related: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony interview with DJ Skee (Video)... Read more

October 28, 2012 Audio

Wu-Tang Clan & The Roots perform Protect Ya Neck (Video)

Here's some more goodness from Wu-Tang Clan's performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Black Thought joins them for a blistering performance of Protect Ya Neck, accompanied by the rest of The Legendary Roots Crew. Check out the video. Related: Wu-Tang Clan perform Six Directions of Boxing with The Roots... Read more

October 27, 2012 Video

Prince’s 1999 celebrates its 30th Anniversary

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Prince's landmark 1999 album. Take a listen to the super-funked out 12" version of 1999 below and reflect on the brilliance of one of the greatest artists of our time. Related: D’Angelo performs She Came Into the Bathroom Window with The... Read more

October 27, 2012 Audio

Babylon Cartel – good kid, m.A.A.d. city: The Samples (Audio)

Much has been made of the lyrical content of Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city (stellar), but the beats are monsters too. Babylon Cartel have compiled some key samples from the album. You can listen to 9 of the songs below. Related: Kendrick Lamar & Jay Rock perform Money Trees... Read more

October 26, 2012 Audio

9th Wonder & Buckshot – Stop Rapping

Here's a hot new joint from 9th Wonder and Buckshot off their forthcoming album, The Solution. The message is pretty clear to wack rappers...Check out Stop Rapping. Also, if you missed it, you can also watch our new interview with 9th Wonder below. Related: 9th Wonder & Murs - It's... Read more

October 26, 2012 Audio, Video

Kids These Days – Bud Billiken

Kids These Days revisited Flashing Lights this Summer and killed it. Now they take on Crucial Conflict's Hay and put their spin on it (full band and all). Hotness. Check out Bud Billiken. Related: Kids These Days – Who Do U Luv (Audio)... Read more

October 26, 2012 Audio

9th Wonder talks owning his own label, creating beats and more with AFH (Video)

The legendary 9th Wonder has been extremely busy lately...well, always. He recently released an incredible album by his protege Rapsody and is preparing to release albums with both Buckshot and Murs next month. We caught up with him to discuss owning his own label, what he looks for in an... Read more

October 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Rapsody: GRIT (Video)

Here's part 2 of our interview with Rapsody. In this installment she goes deep about what it's taken to get to this point in her career. Though she may seem like a relative newcomer, she's actually been working on her craft for more than 7 years and had over 100... Read more

October 26, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

What makes an album a classic? Here are our criteria and 15 albums we think make the cut (with songs from each) (Food For Thought)

With the release of Kendrick Lamar's good kid, m.A.A.d. city album, many are using the word "classic" (including us--though we said "modern day classic"...more on that later) about a hip-hop album for the first time in a long, long time. No doubt, just the utterance of the "c" word is... Read more

October 26, 2012 Audio, Food for Thought, Throwback, Video

Kendrick Lamar speaks on what’s real about good kid, m.A.A.d. city (Video)

Keeping it on the reality tip, here's an interview of Kendrick Lamar from 2DBZ discussing how much of good kid, m.A.A.d city is real (he says 100%). It also includes footage of fellow TDE members, Jay Rock and Ab-Soul discussing their feelings about the album. Check out the video below.... Read more

October 25, 2012 Food for Thought, Video

Guilty Simpson & Apollo Brown – Truth Be Told

Here's another reality rap. Guilty Simpson waxes introspective about past regrets over an organ-heavy Apollo Brown track. Check out Truth Be Told. The direction in hip-hop has changed this week. Can you feel it? Related: Apollo Brown & OC – Just Walk (Audio) Truth Be Told by Apollo Brown &... Read more

October 25, 2012 Audio

Angel Haze – Classick (Mixtape)

It seems it's the week for deeply personal records. Here's a new free EP from Angel Haze. She flows over classic hip-hop records like Doo Wop (That Thing), Song Cry and Love of My Life. She also includes an extremely detailed and disturbing tale of sexual abuse over Eminem's Cleaning... Read more

October 25, 2012 Audio, Mixes