Fresh Archives

ScHoolboy Q Shows How Crime Is Tearing Apart Families, In His Video For “Black THougHts”

This past Friday (July 8), ScHoolboy Q delivered his fourth album, Blank Face LP. Distributed by Interscope Records, the TDE effort is a colorful journey through the mind, life, and times of a DIY-rapper-turned-star in the 2010s. Featuring a cast of esteemed Gangsta Rap vets (E-40, Tha Dogg Pound, Jadakiss),... Read more

July 11, 2016 Video

Ras Kass’ Rawest Rhymes Come To Life Over Statik Selektah Production (Audio)

2016 marks 20 years since Ras Kass entered the stage with Soul On Ice. Ever since, the Carson-by-way-of-Watts, California MC has become one of the most lethal lyricists in Hip-Hop, a master of style and substance. When Ras is agitated, he can make some of his best music—whether tackling lesser-skilled... Read more

July 11, 2016 Audio

Underground Hip-Hop Is Very Much Alive In 2016. One DJ Mixes It All Together.

Often times, the glory days of Underground Hip-Hop appears coincidental with the booming resurgence of vinyl records in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Out of a movement spearheaded by radio personalities such as Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito, and Sway and King Tech, a crop of hungry artists emerged that... Read more

July 10, 2016 Mixes

Samuel Jackson Joins KRS-One, Talib Kweli & More In The Fight Against Police Violence (Audio)

"All you celebrities out there, here's a chance to do something else. I challenge all of you to sing that we ain't going to stop till people are free." Those are the words of esteemed actor Samuel L. Jackson, as he opens the deeply powerful "I Can't Breathe," featuring Mad... Read more

July 10, 2016 Audio

June Was Full Of Great Hip-Hop. Here’s The Best Of The Month In 1 Playlist (Audio)

The month of June was the epitome of quality over quantity, when it came to Hip-Hop. There were fewer noteworthy releases than in any month of the year, so far, but those that penetrated were high-powered. Drake set the month on fire with one of his hardest rhymes in years,... Read more

July 9, 2016 Audio

Killer Mike Says It’s Time To Take Down The System By Taking Our Money Out Of It (Video)

Killer Mike has become one of Hip-Hop's most inspiring and intelligent spokespeople, and he spoke passionately and powerfully to Atlanta's Hot 107 about the need to make real change. NOW. His words speak for themselves: - On putting our money where our mouths are, literally: “We don’t have to burn... Read more

July 8, 2016 Video

Police Violence Causes The D.O.C., Bishop Lamont & B-Real To Speak Up. Forcefully (Audio)

The murders of unarmed Black and Brown civilians (many of whom are minors) by law enforcement persists in the United States of America. This week is as disturbing of a reminder as any, following the murders of Philando Castile and Alton Sterling. Now, matters have escalated with lethal retaliations, as... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Grand Daddy I.U.’s Impeccable Flow Will Make You Put Your “Handz Up” (Video)

Since Grand Daddy I.U.'s breakout hit "Represent," in 1994 he has had long stretches in between releasing product. It would be 13 years before the Hempstead, NY MC would release his next album, Stick To The Script, and another 8 years before its follow up, 2015's P.I.M.P. (Paper Is My... Read more

July 8, 2016 Video

The World Needs Love. Phonte & Eric Roberson Make Music To Go With It. (Audio)

In a week marred by violence, all may be asking, "Where is the love right now?" Phonte is an artist who has masterfully reflected on the confusion and pains of the world. This time, 'Te simply provides a welcome reminder of what it takes to heal, to rebuild, and to... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Black Hippy Black Out On The Remix To ScHoolboy Q’s “THat Part” (Audio)

In the early part of the 2010s, the TDE all-pro collective known as Black Hippy lined up in formation more than a few times. Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q came together to show that Top Dawg had incredible talent individually, and collectively. Like Wu-Tang Clan or D.I.T.C.,... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Jay Z Takes A Stand Against Police Killing Citizens (Audio)

509 people have been shot and killed by police in 2016. Words and hashtags are not enough. Write the United States Department of Justice today, and make a stand.... Read more

July 8, 2016 Audio

Scarface Has Seen Too Many Young Men Die. He Speaks Up (Audio)

Scarface takes his lyrics places others won't seem to go. The Geto Boy appears on Swizz Beatz' upcoming Choices & Changes album. After years of working with Ruff Ryders, Facemob connects with the superstar producer for "Sad News." The song traces Brad Jordan reading over another Black male dying at... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Big K.R.I.T., Akon & B.o.B. Have A Message For The System (Audio)

In a week that has witnessed the devastating murders of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, Hip-Hop is speaking out quickly. As Black men and women are dying at the hands of law enforcement without conviction, DJ Greg Street brings B.o.B., Big K.R.I.T., and Akon together for "I Am Somebody." Built... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Mistah F.A.B. Takes Murderous Cops to Task in “6 Shots” (Audio)

On Monday, July 4, millions of Americans observed Independence Day but for some, a celebratory mood was difficult to sustain. What has become known as the Black Lives Matter era is a time in history when past mistakes seem to linger, and when racial injustice becomes recorded on cell-phone video... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Redman Salutes Shaq’s Raps. He Also Knights 50 Cent As The Last Of His Era (Video)

Redman is a true Hip-Hop character. When the Def Squad MC sits in front of a camera, he commands attention. Appearing in First We Feast's "Hot Ones" hot wings challenge, Reggie Noble is no exception. As the hot sauces turn up the spice, Funk Doctor gets teary, he puts his... Read more

July 7, 2016 Video

Sadat X Passes The Torch To A-F-R-O And He Holds It High (Video)

For more than 25 years, Sadat X has set a high standard in lyricism. In his acclaimed work with Brand Nubian, songs like "Slow Down" and "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" not only packed stylish deliveries, they were rich in thematic substance. With an unmistakable voice, the Bronx,... Read more

July 7, 2016 Video

Chance The Rapper & Jamila Woods Take a Soul-Baring Ride Home (Audio)

Since breaking through to mainstream recognition through her work on Macklemore's powerful social critique, "White Privilege II," Chicago, Illinois' Jamila Woods has been busy working on her debut LP. The multi-talented artist most recently appeared on Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book. A longtime friend and collaborator, Chancelor Bennett appears on... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

Jay Z’s 2000 Westwood Freestyle Portrays An MC In Stride For The Throne (Audio)

Right around the year 2000, Jay Z found himself in London, promoting his first #1 album, Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life. As the album was approaching 3 million units sold (it sits at more than 5 mill scanned in 2016), Shawn Carter hit Tim Westwood's radio show. In a new position,... Read more

July 7, 2016 Throwback, Throwback

Medical Marijuana May Be Helping America Kick Its Prescription Pill Habit

The United States is facing a health crisis which entangles the healthcare industry, addiction, and the government in menacing ways. In recent months, much attention has been paid to America's growing dependence on prescription medication, and the root causes for the pandemic are multifaceted. For some, financial access to powerful... Read more

July 7, 2016 Lifestyle

Saigon & Termanology Put Prejudice Policing In Its Place Over Q-Tip Production (Audio)

A decade ago, Termanology and Saigon were two of the rising stars in the New York Hip-Hop scene. While Term' would begin a relentless cycle of independent releases that has lasted well into today, Saigon would ink a major label deal with Atlantic Records and get to work on a... Read more

July 7, 2016 Audio

A Black Female Superhero Will Soon Be Fighting In Iron Man’s Suit

Comic books have often run parallel to social movements, with real-life storylines often finding themselves in illustrated story-boards. In late 2015, DC Comics featured Batman as a caped crusader who interfered with an impending act of police brutality against a person of color, reflecting the heaviness in the air in... Read more

July 6, 2016 Lifestyle

KRS-One Explains Making Hits From The Underground, Without Music Videos

KRS-One is widely revered as one of Hip-Hop's greatest MCs of all time. The front-man for Boogie Down Productions has released more than 20 albums—including solo work, group LPs, and collaborative efforts. However in a career that spans over 30 years, he has never had a Top 40 hit, a... Read more

July 6, 2016 Video

Your Old Droog & the Doppelgangaz Batter Some West Coast Old School (Audio)

Together, Matter Ov Fact and EP comprise the Doppelgangaz, a duo known for their grimy rhymes and even nastier in-house production. The Orange County, New York team released the "Gangaz 4 Life" video in early 2016 in support of their 2015 tape, Beats for Brothers Vol. 3. In the time... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

A Founding X-Ecutioner Moves The Crowd With Dance Hits That Can’t Be Faded (Mix)

Mista Sinista (f/k/a Joe Sinista) made a name for himself working as an elite scratch-master alongside Common, the Beatnuts, and dead prez. Since 1989, the DJ/turntablist (and onetime MC) was part of X-Ecutioners, alongside the late Roc Raida, Rob Swift, and DJ Total Eclipse. There, the group would become mix... Read more

July 6, 2016 Mixes, Throwback, Throwback

Activist DeRay McKesson Named Keynote Speaker For 2016 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival

Known for bringing some of the most historic and livest performances to New York City's Brooklyn borough, the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is not just a place to catch memorable moments in music. Now in its 12th season, BKHHF (and Brooklyn Bodega) continues to organize and host panels, workshops, exhibitions, and... Read more

July 6, 2016 Fresh

Joe Budden Goes Back To Back With His Second Drake Diss In A Week (Audio)

Last week, Joe Budden unleashed "Making A Murderer (Part 1)," a six minute track dissing Drake. The move was an extreme escalation in a war of words that has been brewing between the two men for quite some time. While it seemed their differences arose from Budden's harsh critique of... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

Tupac Left Prison A Superstar On A Vendetta. Gucci Mane Uses Him For Inspiration (Audio)

In the last year of his life, Tupac Shakur left Clinton Correctional Facility to claim the pole position in Rap music. While Me Against The World would go to #1 when 'Pac was incarcerated, his 1996 follow-up All Eyez On Me, is the (diamond-certified) double album he is largely remembered... Read more

July 6, 2016 Audio

Elzhi & O.C. Are Underground MC Legends. They Sound Great Together (Audio)

Although they run in different circles, Elzhi and O.C. are two highly-skilled MCs who have a lot in common. Over the years, both the Detroit, Michigan native and the Brooklyn, New Yorker have complicated histories with celebrated crews (Slum Village and D.I.T.C., respectively). Both lyricist have history with storied record... Read more

July 5, 2016 Audio

The Warriors Are Coming Out To Play, Again.

1979's The Warriors is a cinematic cult-classic in the eyes of many. The Walter Hill-directed film shot on location in grimy Manhattan, Brooklyn, and The Bronx, New York has not only become a pillar of grind-house-era cinema, it is a film that has greatly inspired Hip-Hop through music, dialogue, and... Read more

July 5, 2016 News, TV/Film

A Giant Wall May Be the Only Way to Save New York City from Climate Change

New York City could be under a foot of water as soon as 2030.While that may not sound like a lot, the prospect of such a drastic change in sea level surrounding a city built on a series of islands is indeed scary. The birthplace of Hip-Hop is home to... Read more

July 5, 2016 Lifestyle

Jay Z Locks In With Subliminal Shots. Only He’s Got The Keys. (Video)

Jay Z is one artist who has been generous in giving hugely high profile songs to others' albums. From records like the "Dear Summer" break of silence (and perceived subliminal shot at Game) on Memphis Bleek's 534, to a "Diamonds From Sierra Leone (Remix)" verse for Kanye West addressing the... Read more

July 5, 2016 Video

Kemba Argues a New Black Theory While Still Seeking Answers (Video)

As with any social-justice movement, there are cultural takeaways that come to represent the modern-day civil rights movement in searingly visual ways. For generations past, images of police dogs, water hoses, and segregated water fountains are markers signifying a time and place during which struggle for equality was forcibly constricted... Read more

July 5, 2016 Video

Big K.R.I.T. Rocks The Spot & The Clock… With 12 Freestyles In 12 Hours (Audio)

Big K.R.I.T. is a product of the online era of Hip-Hop. The Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer has become a stalwart of the culture, and has built a career without reliance on mediums like radio and television. Instead, Krizzle gave away his music for free over the worldwide web, and never lost... Read more

July 5, 2016 Audio

Kendrick Lamar’s Music & His Message Climb Over The White House Fence (Video)

In March of 2015, Kendrick Lamar released his fourth album, To Pimp A Butterfly. Within a year of it dropping, the TDE/Aftermath Entertainment release would take the Grammy Award for "Best Rap Album," along with platinum certification. In the LP's artwork, it featured Kendrick Lamar and many of his Compton,... Read more

July 5, 2016 Video

Prince’s Vast & Innovative Websites Are Now an Online Museum

Prince was an artist ahead of his time in more ways than one. As a musician, he pushed the boundaries of creativity in ways few others have done. As an advocate for artistry, he fought harder for the rights of artists to maintain control of their creations, before and into... Read more

July 5, 2016 Fresh

Akon Is Revolutionizing Africa, One Light Bulb at a Time (Video)

Akon's multi-platinum career as a recording artist is hard to outshine, but his work outside of the recording booth may prove to be his brightest legacy. The St. Louis, Missouri, born singer is the voice behind the soundtrack to much of the mid-2000s, when songs like "Locked Up," "Lonely," and... Read more

July 5, 2016 Lifestyle

Nipsey Hussle & Snoop Dogg Show The Complexity Behind The “Colors” (Video)

Last month, Nipsey Hussle and Snoop Dogg made perhaps the most meaningful in their litany of collaborations. "Question #1" finds the two Greater Los Angeles, California street artists coming together to talk about the high cost of gang life. Both of these artists have been public figures, with known affiliations.... Read more

July 5, 2016 Video

ScHoolboy Q Discusses Stepping Away From Rap To Take Care Of His Daughter (Video)

Much like the title of his major label debut album suggests, ScHoolboy Q is an oxymoron. On the one hand, he is known for spitting some of the most unflinchingly real gangster tales in Hip-Hop, today. To hear him rap about his childhood and life as a young man is... Read more

July 4, 2016 Video

DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK Set Summertime 2016 Ablaze With Exclusives In The Mix

For the seventh consecutive year, DJ Jazzy Jeff & MICK (f/k/a Mick Boogie) punctuate the season with a Summertime mix. The 2016 version, also known as Summertime 7, is big on exclusives, ranging from Jeff's co-produced opener with De La Soul ("Time For Summer") to rare Pete Rock remixes of Jay Z... Read more

July 3, 2016 Mixes

Vinyl Archeologists Will Dig This 1995 Demo Of Cut Chemist Turntablism (Audio)

In late 1998, Los Angeles, California's Jurassic 5 burst on the scene with a self-titled EP. First released on the Pan imprint, the 37-minute project would eventually be re-released through Interscope Records, as part of the major label's commitment to Underground Hip-Hop, which also included Eminem and Planet Asia. That... Read more

July 2, 2016 Audio, Throwback, Throwback

20 Years Later, De La Soul Credit Dave For Their Shift In Sound On “Stakes Is High”

Today (July 2) marks the 20th anniversary of Stakes Is High, arguably one of the most important LPs in De La Soul's discography, a rare characteristic for an album released nearly a decade after a group's debut. However, Stakes Is High represented a significant change in the group's direction. The album was... Read more

July 2, 2016 Fresh

Minority Report: Babies of Color Officially Outnumber Whites Now

Several years ago, National Geographic made headlines for its cover story about what people of the future will look like. Far from a science-fiction based approach, the story rather examined the very real evolution of interracial coupling. Essentially, the thesis was that by 2050, the vast majority of people will... Read more

July 2, 2016 Lifestyle

GZA Proves That A Genius Only Speaks If There Is Something Worth Saying (Audio)

Within the Wu-Tang Clan, there are prolific MCs and patient MCs. While Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and RZA regularly release material, other entities within the legendary Shaolin collective are more choosy. None appears more so than GZA. It has been eight years since the first Clansmen who released a solo album... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Kay Slay Recruits Redman, Raekwon & Royce 5’9″ To Attack The Wack (Mixtape)

They do not call DJ Kay Slay "the drama king" for nothing. Since the late 1970s, the Harlem, New York graffiti writer-turned-DJ-turned-record executive seemingly lives for the spirit of competition. Now a Shade 45 radio mainstay, Kay Slay is one of the few talents who was making mixtapes 15 years... Read more

July 1, 2016 Mixes

Havoc Reveals That Prince Played Keys On A Mobb Deep Track (Video)

Throughout the last 25 years, Queens, New York duo Mobb Deep has worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Nas, and 50 Cent. However, it is now learned that Prodigy and Havoc collaborated with late Pop icon Prince. Speaking with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN's "Drink Champs" Podcast (Episode #17), Havoc... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio, Video

Joe Budden Explains Why He Dissed Drake & Warns He’s Well Prepared For ANY Response (Audio)

At the top of June, Drake shocked the Hip-Hop space when he apparently dissed Joe Budden and Puff Daddy on a la carte release "4PM In Calabasas." For Joe's part, the lines were presumed to be a response to Budden's criticism of Views on his "I'll Name This Podcast Later" (Episode... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Logic Releases The 11 Track Bobby Tarantino Without Warning (Album Stream)

Music's elite artists, including Beyonce, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar have all released albums at will over the last two years. After back-to-back Top 5 albums in 2014 and 2014, Maryland's Logic wants in on the party. The Visionary Music Group/Def Jam Records MC releases Bobby Tarantino last night (July 1).... Read more

July 1, 2016 Audio

Jay Z & Dr. Dre Could Be Collaborating In The Biggest Way Yet

Over the last 17 years, Dr. Dre and Jay Z have come together multiple times. From Jay's stellar verse writing on "Still D.R.E." to Dre showering Hov' with an Aftermath beat of a new variety in "Trouble," some of the collaborations have been memorable. However, in the technology space, the... Read more

June 30, 2016 Lifestyle, News

Joe Budden Disses Drake For 6 Straight Minutes…And It Gets Really Personal (Audio)

For weeks, rumors have been swirling about an epic showdown between once friends, Joe Budden and Drake. Things started to get tense between the two after Budden had some harsh words about Drake's VIEWS album, saying “I think that kid on that album that I heard sounds real fucking uninspired.... Read more

June 30, 2016 Audio

Snow Tha Product Puts Her Haters On Ice With A Lethal Freestyle (Video)

Snow Tha Product is fast becoming the biggest Hip-Hop act out of San Diego, California in more than a decade. This month, the Atlantic Records sensation released Half Way There...Pt. 1, an EP boasting production by Dr. Dre affiliate Focus... While the getting may seem good, Snow is unafraid to... Read more

June 30, 2016 Video