Fresh Archives

J. Cole’s New Artist Combines Cole’s Lyricism With Devin The Dude’s Swag (Video)

Tony Touch is a DJ known for breaking some important artists. For almost 25 years, the Brooklyn, New York DJ/producer/radio personality handed microphones to MCs without albums out, and let them shine through freestyle. Members of Boot Camp Clik, D.I.T.C., Royce 5'9, Bumpy Knuckles, Wu-Tang Clan, Hurricane G, and others... Read more

February 22, 2017 Video

Consequence & Royce Release An Anthem Filled With Self Pride & Soul (Audio)

2017 has already been a major year for Consequence, and it appears even bigger things are on the horizon for the Queens, New York rapper. Featured on A Tribe Called Quest's We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service, Cons' took to the Grammys stage earlier this month... Read more

February 22, 2017 Audio

Jay Z Becomes The First Rapper In The Songwriters Hall Of Fame

While Jay Z is a man of many "firsts" on the business side, his artistry is what allowed him to be in that position. All 15 of Jay's solo and collaborative albums are platinum, in many cases multiple. He has 13 #1 releases, including his 2004 Collision Course EP with... Read more

February 22, 2017 News, Video

Jay Z Is Launching A Venture Capital Fund To Help Early Stage Entrepreneurs Succeed

Even a casual Jay Z fan has to admit that the Brooklyn, New York MC has redefined what it means to be a businessman. The young hustler from Bed-Stuy is now one of the wealthiest and most successful entrepreneurs and artists in music history, pushing the boundaries of Rap fame... Read more

February 22, 2017 Lifestyle

A New Documentary Shows Rap Has Been Around For More Than 70 Years (Video)

Ron "Amen Ra" Lawrence may not be a household name producer, but he's made hits that many know. The Dominica-born, Queens, New York-raised producer is an integral part of Puff Daddy's Hitmen collective at Bad Boy, with credits on Biggie Smalls' "Hypnotize," Puffy's "Been Around The World," and The LOX's... Read more

February 22, 2017 TV/Film, Video

Snoop Talks With The Star Of All Eyez On Me About How Much The Film Moved Him (Video)

On June 16, 2017, All Eyez On Me, the long-awaited biopic on Tupac Shakur, will hit theaters. The film is directed by legendary music video and film director, Benny Boom, and stars Demetrius Shipp, Jr., as Tupac, and Danai Gurira (The Walking Dead's Michonne), as Pac's mother, Afeni Shakur. All... Read more

February 21, 2017 Video

Everlast, Sick Jacken & Divine Styler Declare War Alongside B-Real, Vinnie Paz & More (Mixtape)

Long before Everlast made the whole world hear and feel "What It's Like," he was a slick-talking MC. The multi-talented Los Angeles, California resident (by way of New York) found major success with House Of Pain, but his days on wax stem back to the late 1980s, running with Ice-T's... Read more

February 21, 2017 Audio

R.A. The Rugged Man Remembers Watching Biggie Write Rhymes In The Studio (Video)

Early on in his career, R.A. The Rugged Man worked alongside The Notorious B.I.G., but the musical partnership was cut short when Biggie was killed in 1997. However, the Long Island, New York MC was around early enough to witness Christopher Wallace before, during, and after he became Big Poppa,... Read more

February 21, 2017 Video

Jay Electronica Explains Why He Has Not Released His Album Yet (Video)

Few albums not named Detox have the lore of Jay Electronica's long-awaited debut album, Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn). When Dr. Dre released the Compton album and officially scrapped the infamous Detox, Jay Elec's LP became the last unicorn standing. Since his 2007 mixtape, Act I: Eternal Sunshine... Read more

February 21, 2017 Video

Under Donald Trump’s New Immigration Laws, Millions Can Be Deported…Immediately

Donald Trump has made good on a promise he made during his recent press conference regarding the unveiling of new directives concerning immigration. Today (February 21), the Department of Homeland Security explained the new laws, which both enforce parts of laws already on the books while adding entirely new and... Read more

February 21, 2017 Lifestyle

Venomous2000 Ambushes His Prey With Poisonous Lyricism (Video)

Last month, Passaic, New Jersey's Venomous2000 released his tenth album, Sounds Of The Great Ones with Trilian. That LP features decorated veterans such as Wu-Tang Clan's Inspectah Deck, Cella Dwellas, and The Artifacts, among others. A vet in his own right, Venomous2000 has been a recent guest artist on DJ... Read more

February 21, 2017 Ready Or Not

Erykah Badu Shares An Early Version Of On & On, Complete With A Rap (Video)

Twenty years ago this month (February 11, 1997), Erykah Badu opened the doors to her musical house of worship. Baduizm was a way of life, an inviting presentation of Soul music that stood apart from most of what was out there. Despite its refusal to conform to a very formulaic... Read more

February 21, 2017 Throwback

Big Daddy Kane & Kool G Rap Battle Song-For-Song, In Concert (Video)

Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap go back together more than 30 years. Since the mid-1980s, these two New York City lyricists were some of the most legendary components in Marley Marl's Juice Crew. In 1986, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo let the world hear something special with... Read more

February 21, 2017 Video

MC Eiht Explains Why His Beef With DJ Quik Was Unlike Any In Rap & Why It Ended (Video)

Last year, MC Eiht detailed ending his beef with Compton, California rival DJ Quik for Vlad TV. Following the high profile 1990s killings of Rap peers Tupac Shakur (who Quik worked closely with) and The Notorious B.I.G., the two men met at BET, where after years, they squashed a violent... Read more

February 20, 2017 Video

Drake Opens Up For The First Time About Ghostwriting & Forcefully Defends His Pen (Audio)

In 2016, Drake does not often do interviews. The Canadian MC/singer was guarded upon his 2008-2009 entrance into the music industry. With the best-selling Hip-Hop album of 2016 in VIEWS, that wall has apparently only heightened. Drake typically addresses his life through lyrics, occasionally social media, and a few limited... Read more

February 20, 2017 Audio

Odd Future’s Hodgy Releases A Video That Shows Creativity In Its Full Glory

Six years ago this month, Odd Future stole the show when they performed "Sandwiches" on Jimmy Fallon's stage. Some Heads had been hip to the Los Angeles, California collective for some time. However, based on the reactions of Yasiin Bey, The Roots, and even the late-night host, Heads knew that... Read more

February 19, 2017 Video

Ice-T Says No Lives Matter But Those Of The Wealthy To Those In Power (Video)

In 1992, Ice-T took off his MC hat to become the lead of Punk Rap band, Body Count. The group featured an aggressive, in your face style, that combined the full force of Hip-Hop and Punk Rock. What started off as a side project for the Original Gangsta, ultimately became... Read more

February 18, 2017 Video

Cheers. There’s Still Great Hip-Hop Being Made. Here’s A Bunch (Audio Playlist)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let us fight through it for you and only supply you with the good stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been before. Not only are we able to go... Read more

February 17, 2017 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff Wants His New Project To Give You Goosebumps. Listen & Chill. (Audio)

DJ Jazzy Jeff has kept a tight catalog. Outside of his award-winning, multi-platinum work with The Fresh Prince, the Philadelphia DJ/producer launched his Magnificent series, introduced protege MC Dayne Jordan, and played a key role with The Roots, Jill Scott, and others. In a sneak attack of sorts, Jeff releases... Read more

February 17, 2017 Audio, Video

Bas Drops 2 New Videos & Makes ‘Too High To Riot’ A Visual Masterpiece

Just a couple of weeks since his Too High to Riot documentary was released, Bas has shared not one, but two videos for songs off his 2016 album of the same name. Today (February 17), the Dreamville rapper unveils visuals for "Live For" and "Penthouse," marking the seventh and eighth... Read more

February 17, 2017 Video

Mary J. Blige Channels Her Pain Into Another Timeless Love Song (Audio)

Mary J. Blige is reportedly releasing a new album this year, and has just dropped a searing record about her divorce. Undoubtedly one of the greatest R&B and Soul singers of all time, Mary J. Blige has been championed for giving voice to women's pain. Much of the reason for... Read more

February 17, 2017 Audio

Kxng Crooked Reps For J Dilla On A Freestyle That Breathes New Life Into Hip-Hop (Audio)

Half of Slaughterhouse has been heating up 2017 with a barrage of freestyle displays. As Royce 5'9 has smashed Mondays by tackling several popular Rap tracks du jour, Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I) has been putting in work on more esoteric tracks. In a month that honors J Dilla's life... Read more

February 16, 2017 Audio

CyHi The Prynce Imagines What Would Happen If America’s Black Talent Moved To Africa (Video)

CyHi The Prynce has waited a long time to release his debut album. Like many lyricists, the Atlanta, Georgia native's mixtape catalog is as strong as many of his peers' for-sale works. After releasing the first single "Legend" earlier this month, the G.O.O.D. Music MC follows with "Nu Africa." This... Read more

February 16, 2017 Audio

Johnny Gill Reveals What Was True & False About The New Edition Story (Video)

Singer Johnny Gill joined New Edition in 1987, following the Boston band's firing of Bobby Brown. The Washington, D.C. native who had two solo albums and a collabo with Stacy Lattisaw out prior to 1988's Heartbreak was recently portrayed in The New Edition Story. Part of the group ever since... Read more

February 16, 2017 Video

Raekwon & G-Eazy Take a Trip Down the Purple Brick Road (Audio)

On March 24, Raekwon will release The Wild, his first solo album since 2015's Fly International Luxurious Art. Already, the Wu-Tang Clan member has released its lead single, "This Is What It Comes To," which is being followed up today (February 16) with "Purple Brick Road." Drawing reference from his... Read more

February 16, 2017 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff Shows NOBODY Rocks A Party Like He Can (Video)

For more than 30 years, DJ Jazzy Jeff has been one of the most formidable turntablists in Hip-Hop. Jeff's techniques literally transformed the way DJs approached moving crowds. As one half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Jeff was one of the last grandmasters to warrant top billing... Read more

February 16, 2017 Video

This Documentary Portrays Zion I As An Enduring Underground Hip Hop Voice (Video)

Zion I is one of the only Underground Hip-Hop artists who were active in the DIY 1990s and remain so today. Like Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples, and Atmosphere, and a few others, Oakland, California-based Zion I has stayed the course and remained true to their messages and platform in the... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

Oddisee’s New Single Is An Homage To Perseverance In Black America (Audio)

Next Friday (February 24), producer and rapper Oddisee will be dropping The Iceberg, an album delving into serious subject matter like oppression, racism, and politics. Calling the LP "a plea for humanity to dig deeper in search of understanding and common ground," it will be the first LP from the... Read more

February 15, 2017 Audio

Token’s Rhymes Are So Sick He’s Even Killing Himself (Video)

Last year, Salem, Massachusetts MC Token released his debut mixtape, Eraser Shavings. Including production by Nottz and Clinton Sparks, the LP was a dazzling display of lyrics, fierce flows, and clever concepts from the realities of a teenage MC documenting the world around him. Since that release, Token's skills have... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

CeeLo Green Wants Beyoncé & He’s Not Afraid To Say It (Video)

Taking risks is a big part of CeeLo Green's career. Coming from Goodie Mob, the Georgia MC/singer explored acapella poetry, Spoken Word, Jazz, and fully formed ballads on his self-titled debut in 2002. In the years since, the Dungeon Family alum won big when he formed Gnarls Barkley with Dangermouse.... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

Remy Ma Gets Real About Her Failed Pregnancy & Hopes For Helping Women (Video)

Earlier this year, millions of women took part in the Women's March, with cities across the country showing out in droves to protest rampant misogyny in American politics. From income disparities to a lack of reproductive rights, women continue to struggle reaching the legal and social ranks given freely to... Read more

February 15, 2017 Video

Eric Biddines Climbs Mountains In This Video. Does This MC’s Single Pique Your Interest?

Florida's Eric Biddines makes his influences of Outkast, UGK, and Goodie Mob clear in his music. This MC uses his southern cadence, regional dialect, and warm weather lifestyle in his songs to his advantage. The single "Peeuurrnn" is derived off of a J.B. Smoove stand-up comedy routine. Leaving haters, crabs,... Read more

February 14, 2017 Ready Or Not

A New Phife Dawg Album Is Coming & The 1st Song Shows Why He Is Forever (Video)

Next month will mark the first anniversary of the passing of Phife Dawg, whose presence continues to permeate Hip-Hop (and whose memory played a major role in A Tribe Called Quest's recent performance at the Grammys). Beyond Tribe's We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service, the late... Read more

February 14, 2017 Video

Ice Cube Names Chuck D His Favorite Rapper & Bomb Squad His Favorite Producers (Audio)

February 21 UPDATE: The video interview of Ice Cube from The Combat Jack Show has been added below, along with the existing audio stream. Original Post: Starting in 1990's "Endangered Species (Tales From The Darkside)," Ice Cube made some of his most notable collaborations with Chuck D and the producers... Read more

February 14, 2017 Audio, Video

The NFL Could Allow Marijuana In Place of Addicting Painkillers for Players

Just weeks after the Super Bowl, the National Football League is already focusing on the well-being of its athletes in future seasons, with cannabis potentially becoming a viable option for pain treatment in its players. For years, American football has been criticized for being a sport in which injuries can... Read more

February 14, 2017 Lifestyle

From Kane To Whodini, This Mix Celebrates Hip-Hop & Love (Audio)

To those who celebrate it, Valentine's Day is about showing love to the ones you care about. That's why almost all people offer each other gifts such as those on Shop nguoi lon Ha Noi. While stores, radio stations, and restaurants pull out the love songs, nothing says that it... Read more

February 14, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Statik Selektah Is A Highly Regarded Producer. But He’s Still One Mean DJ Too. (Video)

In the mid-2010s, Statik Selektah is a deeply respected producer. From some of the highlights of Joey Bada$$'s B4.Da.$$ to Eminem and company's "Detroit Vs. Everybody," to his own incredible album catalog, the ShowOff Records founder is highly sought out, and one of Hip-Hop's most prolific creators. As Statik's career... Read more

February 14, 2017 Video

Nick Cannon Refuses To Be Silenced By NBC. He Leaves America’s Got Talent

After eight years of hosting America's Got Talent for NBC, Nick Cannon has left the show, amidst a firestorm. Today, Cannon posted a searing message on Facebook and other social platforms, explaining his departure: "I write this from a deeply saddened and dolorous mindset. After days of deliberating over some... Read more

February 13, 2017 Lifestyle, TV, TV/Film

After Seeing Rob Base’s Hit Covered, Your Old Droog Wants To Rock Right Now (Audio)

UPDATE: The music video of "Help" by Your Old Droog & Wiki, featuring Edan: The original February 13 post: During the Grammy airing, a new advertisement campaign brought Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock's 1988 hit "It Takes Two" back into the light, sort of. Lil Yachty and Carly Rae... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio, Video

The Pharcyde’s Fatlip Says He’s All The Way Back & Shows It (Video)

Last year, founding Pharcyde member Fatlip worked with Edo. G and producer Tone Spliff on video single "Playtime Over." 'Lip and Tone keep that chemistry strong going into the soulful "For You." This track features two Madlib collaborators in Percee P as well as Strong Arm Steady/Likwit Crew member Phil... Read more

February 13, 2017 Video

The Inside Story Of How Bruno Mars & The Time United To Celebrate Prince

During last night's (February 12) 59th Grammy Awards, one of the most impactful voices in music history was honored. Prince, who died in late April of last night, was celebrated through a tribute by one of his closest collaborators, and a contemporary Pop superstar that he has greatly influenced. The... Read more

February 13, 2017 Fresh

Keith Murray Drops His Best Song in 10 Years With Help From Erick Sermon (Audio)

2/3 of the Def Squad have teamed up on a phenomenal new song, "No Exceptions." Produced by Erick Sermon, it's Keith Murray's first single in six years, and it shows the Long Island, New York MC is back in a major way. Following memorable appearances at A3C and the BET... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio

Jay Z & Beyonce Celebrate Their Lives, Catalogs & Shining Trophy Cases (Audio)

Just hours after Beyoncé's artful Grammy performance Sunday night (February 12), she releases new music alongside husband Jay Z, and Roc Nation's DJ Khaled. All three attended the 59th Grammy Awards, with the Carters (accompanied by Blue Ivy, Beyonce's mother, and Jay's longtime right-hand Ty Ty) were in the front... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio

Act 2 Of DJ Premier & Miguel’s Collabo Is For The Love (Video)

March 13 UPDATE: The video has been released to "2 Lovin U" by Miguel & DJ Premier: Original February 21 post: Just over one week ago, Miguel was nominated for two Grammy Awards for his 2015 Wildheart album, and its corresponding single "Coffee." That ByStorm/RCA Records LP featured Tha Dogg... Read more

February 13, 2017 Audio, Video

A Tribe Called Quest Resist For ALL OF US At The Grammys (Video)

Nearly 20 years after their latest Grammy nomination, A Tribe Called Quest took the stage tonight (February 12). While their 2016 release of We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service is not eligible for awards at the 59th Grammys, tonight's showcase may be a preview for 2018.... Read more

February 12, 2017 Video

Black Thought & Common Have A Freestyle Battle That Goes Off The Wheels (Video)

When it comes to freestyling, few are better than Black Thought and Common. Unlike others who shy away from grabbing an open mic, both Comm' and Thought seize the moment when there's an opportunity to rhyme. And, while neither has anything left to prove, each often goes completely off the... Read more

February 11, 2017 Video

Production Pioneer Marley Marl Still Has The Juice. He Remixes At Least One Song A Day (Video)

In Marley Marl's 30-plus-year career, he has made the remix an exciting part of Hip-Hop. From Big Daddy Kane's "Raw (Remix)" to LL Cool J's "Jingling Baby (Remix)" to 3rd Bass' "Product Of The Environment," the Juice Crew figurehead made the kind of records that eclipse the originals. Many of... Read more

February 11, 2017 Video

Erykah Badu Discusses The Making Of Baduizm On Its 20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago today (February 11, 1997) Erykah Badu opened the doors to her musical house of worship. Baduizm was a way of life, an inviting presentation of Soul music that stood apart from most of what was out there. Despite its refusal to conform to a very formulaic time... Read more

February 11, 2017 Throwback

An Oral History Of Yo! Bum Rush The Show Reveals How P.E. Launched A Revolution

Thirty years ago today, one of Hip-Hop's most consistent forces unleashed its game-changing first album. On February 10, 1987, Public Enemy debuted Yo! Bum Rush The Show. The story began half a decade before. Meanwhile, 30 calendars deeper, Heads are still learning interesting facts and anecdotes about the Def Jam... Read more

February 10, 2017 Throwback

Black Sheep Dres’ Latest Music Video Is Filled With SOUL

At the top of the new year, Dres of the Black Sheep released a la carte single "Soul." Produced by Chaundon of Little Brother fame (nka Finian St. Omer), the song finds the New York City veteran and Native Tongues member gettin' loose overtop horns and some "Apache" vibes. Now... Read more

February 10, 2017 Video