Fresh Archives

Redman Rocks An Electronic Beat & His Verses Are Charged Up (Video)

While Heads wait on Muddy Waters 2, Redman charges up his 1000Volts project. The Def Squad MC's group with DJ Jayceeoh gets a towering new visual in "Monster." This is an Electronic group fronted by Funk Doc's raps. In 1995, Redman Reloaded Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” With A Machine Gun... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

Questlove Explains The Roots’ Album Delay & Declares A Deadline (Video)

Between 2004 and 2014, The Roots released nine titles, not including two compilations. Following 2014's ...and then you shoot your cousin, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania representatives have not dropped a project. Most nights, Questlove, Black Thought and the rest of the band appear on television. The act and its individual members... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

DJ Premier Says It’s Still Possible He Will Release The Final Gang Starr Album (Video)

In one of the busiest seasons in his career, DJ Premier appeared before a studio audience to discuss more than 30 years of music. Earlier this month, the member of Gang Starr, PRhyme, and The Badder Band sat with Genius' Rob Markman (and Letty Martinez) to discuss his truly marvelous... Read more

August 22, 2017 Video

DOOM & Alchemist Together Is Two Thumbs Up For Hip-Hop (Audio)

Out of the same underground Hip-Hop scene that MF DOOM helped lead in the late 1990s, Alchemist exploded. Like DOOM, ALC is an MC/producer double threat with a penchant for library record samples, 1970s vibes, and intoxicating grooves. DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio) Following the circulation... Read more

August 22, 2017 Audio

Wyclef Says Only Dave Chappelle Can Get The Fugees Back Together

Last month, Funkmaster Flex played a Fugees song on his HOT 97 radio show. While never before heard by most Hip-Hop Heads, details got a bit murky as to how "new" the track really was. Ms. Lauryn Hill confirmed it was "an old track played around with back in the... Read more

August 22, 2017 Fresh

Don Flamingo Has Co-Signs From JAY-Z & The LOX Because He’s That Good (Video)

JAY-Z's Roc Nation roster has a deep bench. The days when it was Jay, plus J. Cole and Jay Electronica have long passed. From The LOX to Vic Mensa, Jim Jones and so forth, there's a lot going on. Louisiana's Don Flamingo may not be a name Heads hear as... Read more

August 22, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Black Thought Slows His Flow On A New Verse With Sum (Audio)

In 2017, Black Thought has been a busy man. While The Roots are reportedly working on their twelfth album with 9th Wonder, Salaam Remi, and DJ J. Period, Tariq Trotter has doled out dope verses all calendar long. From DangerDOOM to David Banner, Logic to Posdnuos and Pharoahe Monch, there... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

DJ Premier & His Band Rock Funky Beats From Nas To Gang Starr To KRS (Video)

As Hip-Hop celebrates its 44th birthday this month, NPR "Tiny Desk" concert honors the DJ in a way that Heads can appreciate. DJ Premier is the first mix-master on the popular video series, but he did arrive alone. This summer, DJ Premier & The Badder Band toured the United States... Read more

August 21, 2017 Video

Action Bronson & Rick Ross Are 2 Rap Heavyweights With Blue Chip Skills (Audio)

At the top of the decade, imagining Action Bronson and Rick Ross together on a song may have been a reach. Bronson was a symbol of New York City DIY Hip-Hop, upholding the '90s sound that influences him. Meanwhile, Ross was ushering in the sound of the clubs, making pounding... Read more

August 21, 2017 Audio

Snoop Dogg Goes Inside The Matrix, Scarface & Menace II Society In His New Video

Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg released his 15th solo album. Fittingly, it was titled Neva Left, as the 25-year veteran indeed has been one of the most consistent and enduring artists in Hip-Hop history. On the title song, Snoop has a major chip on his shoulder for anyone who doubts... Read more

August 21, 2017 Video

Heltah Skeltah’s Rock Is Releasing A Star-Studded Solo Album. The New Video Is Heat

Earlier this month, Sean Price's Imperius Rex album released. The Duck Down Music LP debuted in the Top 200 and marked an acclaimed posthumous LP for the beloved Brooklyn, New York lyricist. Sean's longtime Heltah Skelktah partner is next up to bat, with a symbolic tribute for P! Rock has... Read more

August 21, 2017 News, Video

JAY-Z Says Kanye West Crossed The Line When He Talked About Jay’s Wife & Kids (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 20, 2017 Audio

O.C.’s “Jewelz” At 20: It May Be The True Diamond In His Discography

Following the assassinations of the Rap industry's biggest stars The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997 and Tupac Shakur one year prior, the genre was a powder keg that exploded. The remaining stars of Hip-Hop were trying to figure out how to clean up the mess. Some hardcore outfits like Wu-Tang Clan... Read more

August 19, 2017 Throwback

Scarface Has A New Album Coming & He Shares Exclusive New Music (Video)

It's been a busy month for Scarface. The Houston, Texas legend closed July with footage of himself and longtime producer N.O. Joe in the studio. The MC/beat-maker pair responsible for “The Diary,” “Seen A Man Die,” “Smile,” and “Mary Jane” (co-productions) is at work on what appears to be 'Face's... Read more

August 19, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

DJ Quik & Scarface Confirm Upcoming Collaborative Project (Video)

DJ Quik and Scarface are two living legends of Hip-Hop, Gangsta Rap, and music, period. Together, the two artists jammed on stage in The Novo in Los Angeles, California last night (August 17). With that show currently on the road, the Geto Boys icon and the producer for Tupac, 2nd... Read more

August 18, 2017 News, Video

JAY-Z Addresses Checking Kanye & Why They Have Not Spoken Since (Audio)

JAY-Z has given the most revealing interview since the June 30 release of 4:44. The legendary MC sat down with the Rap Radar Podcast to address everything appearing to linger since dropping his 13th solo album. In the nearly 70-minute conversation available for full stream to the public, Hov' annotated... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

Page Kennedy U-Turns & Dumps Fire With 11 Mixtape Tracks Of Straight Bars (Audio)

Earlier this year, Detroit, Michigan MC Page Kennedy released a strong debut album in Torn Pages. This 20-year rhyme veteran has made a living from acting, with such roles as "U-Turn" in Weeds, "Radon Randell" in Mountain State, and a film spot in S.W.A.T. In all of that time, his... Read more

August 18, 2017 Audio

Lupe Fiasco’s Latest Video Looks At The Country’s Exports, For Better & Way Worse

In a week where the nation appears as divided as its been in ages, Lupee Fiasco releases a different kind of patriotism in "Made In The U.S.A." The Drogas Light single looks at the good and bad exports of the United States. "My Glock came from Smyrna, Georgia (bang, bang,... Read more

August 18, 2017 Video

JAY-Z Presents New Sides Of Himself As Lupita Nyong’o Shows Many Faces (Video)

On recent Fridays, JAY-Z has publicly shared the music videos from June's 4:44 album. Taking a page from Beyoncé's Lemonade, Hov' apparently made visuals to his entire No I.D.-produced 13th solo album. JAY-Z Admits Infidelity & Explains His Issues With Kanye West On His New Album (Audio) The "MaNyfacedGod" music... Read more

August 18, 2017 Video

Grandmaster Flash Calls Out Kool Herc’s DJ Skills In A Push For Peace (Video)

One week ago today, Hip-Hop celebrated its 44th birthday. That day is associated with an August 11 Bronx, New York party where DJ Kool Herc (aka Clive Campbell) prolonged the dance section of a record by using two turntables with copies of the same disc. For the event, an incredible... Read more

August 18, 2017 News, Video

Apollo Brown & Planet Asia Bring Out Some Of The Best In Each Other (Video)

Apollo Brown and Planet Asia have struck again with a second single "Aura" from their upcoming album Anchovies. The songs serve as a formidable addition to one of Detroit's best beat-smiths and the Cali Agent MC's mutual catalog and further displays their undeniable synergy. On A Great Night For Cali,... Read more

August 17, 2017 Video

Logic’s Latest Music Video Involves Don Cheadle & Luis Guzman For True Life Support

Logic uses a grand scale to tackle one deeply important issue. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Statistics, it's the nation's 10th leading cause of death. For every 25 people attempt to end their own life, one person sadly euthanizes themselves as planned. Joey Bada$$ & Logic Go Bar... Read more

August 17, 2017 Video

Biz Markie Details How He Made The Mazda MPV A Hip-Hop Symbol

Biz Markie sat down with Questlove for the most recent episode of Questlove Supreme. There, the acclaimed MC/DJ/producer and super-collector had a lengthy and lighthearted conversation about his 35-year-career. Throwback: Classic Audio of Rakim and Biz Markie Rhyming in High School (Audio) Quest', a fellow collector, presses Biz about his... Read more

August 16, 2017 Lifestyle, Throwback

Confederate Statues Are Coming Down As Rappers Speak Up

At this very moment, the United States is undergoing an unnerving week of heated political debate. Over the previous weekend, a rally organized by members of White nationalist, KKK, and other extremist groups turned violent and fatal. Charlottesville, Virginia has become the unwitting headquarters for America's latest civil-rights battle, one... Read more

August 16, 2017 Lifestyle, News

50 Cent Claims Responsibility For “Power” Episode Leak

Hip-Hop has a long history of artists bootlegging their own material. During his frustrations with former label Death Row Records, Tha Dogg Pound's Daz Dillinger sold a number of independent albums of material from Tha Row vaults, including Tupac recordings. Rapper Blu threw copies of his No York album into... Read more

August 16, 2017 News, TV, TV/Film

Bun B Drops Jewels On How An Artist’s First 3 Albums Should Progress (Video)

UGK released three albums in the 1990s. There was great progression between 1992's Too Hard To Swallow, 1994's Super Tight, and 1996's gold-certified Ridin' Dirty. Bun B and Pimp C entered as Port Arthur, Texas' take on Gangsta Rap, and evolved to pioneers of their own sub-genre of Slab Music.... Read more

August 16, 2017 Video

DOOM Revives KMD With A Jay Electronica Collabo (Audio)

Long before MF DOOM was a name known and celebrated by Rap fans, there was a KMD. The Elektra Records trio consisted of Zev Love X (nka DOOM), brother DJ Subroc, and Onyx The Birthstone Kid. Formed in New York City during the late 1980s, the group would subsequently sign... Read more

August 16, 2017 Audio, News

In A Tumultuous Week, Hip-Hop Remains The Great Unifier (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the Last 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the Last... Read more

August 16, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Rhyme Pays. Ice-T Offers Rare Access To His High Roller Lifestyle (Video)

Ice-T's album-making career began 30 years ago with Rhyme Pays. Even ahead of his Rap fame, Tracy Morrow had accumulated symbols of wealth from his days in the streets of Los Angeles, California. Those accounts of jewelry store heists and hustlin' gave Ice-T a spectrum of experiences to pull from... Read more

August 15, 2017 Video

Scholito Is Freeway’s New Rothschilds Protege & He’s Got Something Cookin’ (Video)

Philadelphia-based Scholito Envoy and his producer S Frank invaded the Hip-Hop scene connected with State Property/Roc Nation artist Freeway. Being one-third of the New Rothchilds group, 'Lito is here to make his artistry be known in the industry as a whole. Scholito is part of the new talent representing the... Read more

August 15, 2017 Ready Or Not, Video

Jamila Woods’ Colorful “LSD” Video Features Some Chance Acid Rap

Jamila Woods' contributions on Chance The Rapper's 2016 Coloring Book were some of that album's most essential. The Chicago, Illinois singer, poet, and educator has a long history with her peer, friend, and collaborator. From her just-formally released Heavn LP, the Windy City multi-talents re-link for the "LSD" music video.... Read more

August 15, 2017 Video

This Ghostface Killah Verse Makes It Right For Halley Hiatt Alongside A RZA Beat (Audio)

Ghostface Killah has made pure unadulterated Hip-Hop for 24 years and counting. However, the Wu-Tang Clan MC has been highly successful bridging the gap when he works out of the genre. With Amy Winehouse, Ne-Yo, or Fort Minor, Starks Enterprises is steadily open for business and churning out supreme product.... Read more

August 15, 2017 Audio, Exclusive

The Fat Boys Discuss Not Getting Their Props As Hip-Hop Heavyweights

The Fat Boys were some of Hip-Hop's first stars. On wax and on screen, Prince Markie Dee, Buff Love, and Kool Rock-Ski translated as bigger than life personas. However, by the time 1987's Crushin' did just that on the charts, the newly-platinum trio seemed to "Wipeout" with some Hip-Hop purists.... Read more

August 14, 2017 Fresh

J. Cole Is Executive Producing A Rather Unique Coming Of Age Documentary (Video)

J. Cole has written many songs about growing up in North Carolina and later moving to New York City as an adult. Cole, who was born in Germany, is gifted in showing unique perspectives on culture through his revealing writing. Songs like "Ville Mentality" and "A Tale Of 2 Citiez"... Read more

August 14, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Sadat X Drops A Freestyle Filled With The Grown Man Rap He’s Made For Years (Video)

Debates about a so-called "generation gap" in Rap music will likely be a perennial characteristic of the genre. As recently as the June release of JAY-Z's 4:44, vociferous fans and critics engaged in discussions about "grown-man Rap" and how a 47-year-old MC was able to drop one of the best albums... Read more

August 14, 2017 Video

O.C. & Apathy Join Forces As Perestroika. Here’s The Rugged First Look (Video)

It's been two years since Apathy and O.C. announced they have a collaborative full-length album in the works titled Perestroika (the same as their official group name). Their plans are finally coming to fruition with the release of their anticipated album's first single "Soviet Official." Premiering at Ambrosia For Heads,... Read more

August 14, 2017 Exclusive, Video

Why MCs Avoid The Term “Christian Rap” Like It’s A Dirty Word (Video)

Less than three years ago, Lecrae reached the top of the pop charts with Anomaly. The Reach Records release, which subsequently went gold, marked a new pinnacle for what is commonly referred to as "Christian Rap." In this week's episode of TBD, Justin "The Company Man" Hunte examines the weird... Read more

August 12, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

Method Man Shows His Skills Are Still Sky High In A New Video From The Meth Lab

It's been more than two years since Method Man has released a project. However, the Wu-Tang Clan MC has been in generous spirits. He has made high impact features with band-mate Masta Killa and another verse this week for late friend Sean Price. Mr. Mef' also continues to help affiliates... Read more

August 12, 2017 Video

Scientists Are Hacking Computers By Converting Malware Into Strands Of DNA

In contemporary society, hacking has become an all-too-familiar aspect of daily life. Unauthorized access to data using computers has been employed for both ethical and unethical purposes by both authorities and the general public, generating massive public interest or remaining unnoticed. The domain of hacking encompasses a wide range of... Read more

August 12, 2017 Lifestyle

DJ Premier’s Singer Torii Wolf Readies Her Album. Preemo Is Producing 9 Joints (Audio)

For the last year and a half, DJ Premier has devoted much of his attention to Torii Wolf. The Gang Starr producer has cemented a reputation for helping great MCs on their debut albums. Whether JAY-Z, Nas, Biggie, Prodigy, J-Live, Jeru The Damaja, or Non-Phixion, Preemo supplied the heat. Torii... Read more

August 12, 2017 Audio, Fresh

Big Boi Is Giving A 5-Year Old Victim Of Gun Violence A Life-Changing Gift (Video)

Outside of his career as a prodigious solo rapper and one-half of the incomparable Outkast, Atlanta, Georgia's Big Boi has been involved in the professional breeding of dogs for many years. Focusing primarily on American Bully breeds, the man born Andre Patton is the owner of Pitfall Kennels where he... Read more

August 11, 2017 Lifestyle

JAY-Z’s Video For “Moonlight” Re-Creates “Friends” With An All-Star Black Cast

In 2003, Aisha Tyler joined the cast of NBC's long-running television series, Friends. She played a recurring character who represented the show's most visible Black character in its then nine-year history. Along with shows like Sex and the City and Seinfeld, the New York City-based sitcom often came under fire for the lack of... Read more

August 11, 2017 Video

Busta Rhymes & Snoop Dogg Take A$AP Ferg’s Song To A New Level (Video)

A$AP Ferg is a student of the 1990s Rap scene. It's in his fashion, his cars, and his frequent choice of features—and more importantly, in his lyrics. Whereas A$AP Rocky was deeply influenced by UGK and Three 6 Mafia, Ferg has openly stated his influence from acts like Wu-Tang Clan,... Read more

August 11, 2017 Video

Bun B Previews The Vulnerability That Will Make His “Bernard” Album Truly Real (Video)

For 25 years plus, Bun B has made music that's been a reality check. Songs like "One Day" coped with short life expectancy and constant loss. "I Left It Wet For You" was a cruel account of creepin' on the low. "Pocket Full Of Stones" was not a story of... Read more

August 11, 2017 Lifestyle, Video

Google Is Throwing A Party For Hip-Hop’s Birthday And Billions Are Invited

Today (August 11), Google has unveiled its first ever Hip-Hop "Doodle." Perhaps better known as the dynamic logo at the top of the search engine, the doodle often changes to celebrate holidays, milestones, and cultural events. For 48 hours, the digital giant will pay homage to Hip-Hop's birthday. That date is celebrated on August 11... Read more

August 10, 2017 Fresh

ManKind Shows That It Is A Rap Collective Aiming To Be Different (Video)

Harlem, New York duo ManKind is a prime example of men that spit verses with a purpose. From the New Rap Order Collective, ManKind’s !LLumiN@te and SciryL thrive to project their art in a way that does not lack luster or meaning. While collaborating with over 50 artists since November... Read more

August 10, 2017 Ready Or Not

Redman, Erick Sermon & Keith Murray Freestyle To The Def Over “Who Shot Ya” (Audio)

1998 was arguably the strongest year of the East Coast's resurgence during the West Coast Gangsta Rap-dominated decade. Radio stations across the map, and music video channels BET and MTV, were putting a diverse mix of music from New York City representatives DMX, N.O.R.E., Nas, Big Pun, Cam'ron, Ma$e, Biggie... Read more

August 10, 2017 Throwback

Joyner Lucas Shows The Journey Of A $100 Bill In 1 Of The Year’s Most Innovative Videos

In the video for his phenomenal record, "Keep It 100," Worcester, Massachusetts rapper Joyner Lucas takes follows the lifespan of a $100 bill. After being printed at the Mint, it emerges through an ATM, then is handed off to a drug dealer, who brings it to a strip club. The... Read more

August 10, 2017 Video

Joey Bada$$ & Logic Go Bar For Bar In A Cypher Strictly For The Love Of Hip-Hop (Full Video)

While much attention has been focused on the unspoken competition between Kendrick Lamar and Drake in the quest for 2017's biggest album, both Logic and Joey Bada$$ released 2 of the finest LPs of the year. Each featured heady concepts, strong lyricism and beats made for the body and the mind.... Read more

August 10, 2017 Video

Kurupt’s New Video Is Him, A Mic & One Nearly Breathless Barrage Of Bars

The last few years have been a relatively quiet period for Kurupt. While Young Gotti has toured and delved in side hustles, Tha Dogg Pound verbal assassin slowed his roll with the albums. "Inferno" shows that as anticipation has built for new music from the Philly to Cali MC, Kuruption... Read more

August 9, 2017 Video