Fresh Archives

Filming Artists During Concerts Could Soon Become Impossible

Live concerts and smartphone technology are quintessentially at odds. Attending a colorado music festival is meant to be an immersive, all-consuming experience whereas the latter effectively removes oneself from the moment. It's become a ubiquitous sight at shows, the prevalence of cell phones being used to record what's going down... Read more

June 30, 2016 Lifestyle

ScHoolboy Q Strips All Sense Of Glamour From Crime On Tookie Knows II (Video)

Over the years, ScHoolboy Q has built a catalog of extremely raw and hard-hitting tracks, that detail some of the grim realities of life. On songs like "Blessed," he rapped about the impossibility of truly comforting a friend who had lost a son. With Oxymoron's "Hoover St," his pen revealed... Read more

June 30, 2016 Video

Skyzoo Brilliantly Exacts “Revenge” On Jay Z On “Friend Or Foe Pt. 3″ (Audio)

Crown Heights Brooklyn MC Skyzoo grew up not far from the Marcy Houses that raised Jay Z. Although the two lyricists are more than a dozen years apart in age, S-K-Y always vocalized just how much S.Carter inspired his art and style. The extended, nasal bars, emphasis on brands and... Read more

June 30, 2016 Audio

Oscars So White No More: Academy Awards Are Making History In Diversity

Hollywood was rattled by a major controversy earlier this year when the Oscars announced nominees for the 2016 Academy Awards. Overwhelmingly White and male, the pool of talent up for awards at the ceremony became the target of societal blowback at a level that made the story ubiquitous in the... Read more

June 30, 2016 Lifestyle

Flavor Flav’s 1984 Mix Shows What Time It Is (Audio)

Public Enemy's Flavor Flav is one of Hip-Hop's all-time most recognizable personalities. While he only released one solo album, the man born William Drayton, III has brought mad flavor to classic P.E. records since the Long Island, New York group's inception. He is a hype-man extraordinaire, and an MC, but... Read more

June 30, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Celebrate 25 Years Of Pete Rock & CL Smooth With A Souled Out Mix (Audio)

While the mid-90s often get lots of credit for the numerous Hip-Hop classic albums that were released during that period, 1991 was a pivotal year in which many artist debuts laid the foundation for what was to come. Among some of the acts that released their first albums were Tupac,... Read more

June 29, 2016 Throwback

Xzibit & Bishop Lamont Get In Battle Rap Mode For Their Brolic Video

A decade ago, Bishop Lamont was Dr. Dre's key protege at Aftermath Entertainment. The Carson, California native would never release much to the public during his time at the high profile label, but has been on a tear in the many years since. From Caltroit to stellar appearances alongside DJ... Read more

June 29, 2016 Video

Rumor Has It Tim Gent Is Just Getting Started (Album Stream)

Having already put his hometown of Clarksville, Tennessee on the map with his 2015 project For the Love earlier this year, MC Tim Gent has released a new project which speaks to the tenacity of artists from small towns. Rumor Has It is an EP absent of featured rappers, allowing... Read more

June 29, 2016 Audio

Put Some Respek On My Bed…Birdman Sleeps On $1 Million Cash Every Night (Video)

What a year it's been for Birdman. The Cash Money capo has been embroiled in a bitter and bizarre lawsuit with his flagship artist, Lil Wayne, for the better part of 18 months. In January of 2015, Wayne sued Cash Money records for $51 million and since, there have been... Read more

June 29, 2016 Video

The Firm’s Nature Bags Up Rarities Featuring Nas, Pete Rock & AZ (Album Stream)

It has been nearly 20 years since The Firm released its one and only album. The collective of Nas, AZ, Foxy Brown, and Nature would sign with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment for a chart-topping LP (called The Album) that is seemingly misplaced by time. Dre would place six of the album's... Read more

June 29, 2016 Audio, Throwback

Royce 5’9″, Pusha T & Rick Ross Put A Dirty Politician On Trial By The Streets (Video)

2016 has been a major turning point for Royce 5'9". The Detroit, Michigan MC already has an illustrious career behind him, but with the April release of Layers, he earned his first ever number-one LP. Buoyed by the critical acclaim of his Trust the Shooter EP, his sixth studio album... Read more

June 29, 2016 Video

DMX Bites Right Through The Flesh In New Single “Blood Red” (Audio)

During this morning's (June 28) Breakfast Club interview, DMX left Charlamagne Tha God and company with a premiere listen on single "Blood Red." Right on time, the Divine Beats-produced song hits the web just a few hours later. With its vicious title, the song is X's latest jagged bite into... Read more

June 28, 2016 Audio

Nia Long Reveals How Phife & “Oochie Wally” Affected Her Career & Taste In Lingerie (Video)

In the canon of Hip-Hop lyrics, many MCs have professed their attraction to celebrities. Whether Royce 5'9" breaking his focus to woo Rihanna during a 2011 BET Cypher or Nas recounting Halle Berry's air-kiss at a Barbara Streisand concert, these moments have colored the folklore of Rap music. Whether the... Read more

June 28, 2016 Video

Tavis Smiley Explains Why Brexit Could Mean America’s Downfall (Video)

Tavis Smiley is a celebrated journalist, interviewer, radio personality, author, and business man whose illustrious career has lasted for more than two decades. As a recent guest on Sway in the Morning, he brought to the table his insight on a far-reaching selection of topics, as his expertise is well... Read more

June 28, 2016 Lifestyle

Ras Kass, Bumpy Knuckles & ONYX Troll Internet Thugs, Like Mr. Robot (Video)

Ras Kass, Bumpy Knuckles and ONYX are from a different school, and they wear that distinction with pride. There's is one where quality comes first, and trends are to be made, not to be chased. On Ras' "Downward Spiral," Bumpy and ONYX join him in the fight to save Hip-Hop... Read more

June 28, 2016 Video

DMX Breaks Down While Discussing How God Saved His Life (Video)

This morning (June 28), DMX was a guest on The Breakfast Club. The onetime superstar rapper spoke for more than an hour with Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy about a host of topics. At times drinking cognac straight from the bottle, the Yonkers, New York lyricist got... Read more

June 28, 2016 Video

Jesse Williams’ Blueprint for Revolution Is Chillingly Powerful (Video)

Best known for his portrayal of Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy, actor Jesse Williams took the stage at the BET Awards last night (June 26) for a reason unrelated to his on-screen performances. The Chicago, Illinois native has been deeply entrenched in political and social activism, working tirelessly to... Read more

June 27, 2016 Lifestyle

Kanye West Not Only Produced This Consequence Hit, He Once Rapped On It (Audio)

In 2016, Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music is vastly different than it was in the last decade. Around the time 'Ye was gearing up for Graduation, completing his initial collegiate album trilogy, Getting Out Our Dreams boasted the likes of Common, John Legend, and GLC. Queens, New York MC Consequence was... Read more

June 27, 2016 Throwback

Redman Dares To Do An EDM Track With 1000volts. Who’s With Him? (Audio)

“You're not trying to win by doing the new era music when you know you’re from the ’90s...A lot of artists try to implement some of the new wave into they situation. It works and [does not] work, because, sometimes the fans, they want originality. They want that artist that... Read more

June 27, 2016 Audio

Alicia Keys Is A One Woman Musical Army In An Elegant Performance (Video)

Alicia Keys' arsenal of talent can be easily taken for granted in a career decorated with consistent quality throughout all of the sonic versatility. In addition to her astounding vocal range, the songstress is an elite musician, known especially for her work at the keyboards. At last night's (June 26)... Read more

June 27, 2016 Video

Vic Mensa Asks Why There Is So Much Hate Against Free Love (Audio)

Less than one month after releasing the highly-acclaimed There's Alot Going On EP, Vic Mensa shows no signs of slowing his roll or losing his focus. The Chicago, Illinois delegate of the Roc Nation roster returns with "Free Love." This song taps into some of the showmanship that Vic demonstrated... Read more

June 27, 2016 Audio

The First Footage Of The New Edition Biopic Looks Amazing (Video)

Late last year, Michael Bivins, founding member of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe, revealed that he was working with BET to produce a biopic that told the story of Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown, Ronnie Devoe, Ricky Bell, Johnny Gill and himself, as they came together to form arguably the... Read more

June 27, 2016 Video

Sheila E. Leads An All-Star Prince Tribute Fit For A King (Video)

How do you say goodbye to a legend as beloved as Prince? For months since his shocking death on April 21, family, friends and fans worldwide have been trying to answer that question. There have been vigils, thousands of articles and countless tributes that reflect just how deeply he penetrated... Read more

June 26, 2016 Video

Beyoncé & Kendrick Lamar Set The BET Awards On Fire With Water (Video)

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar opened the 2016 BET Awards in epic fashion with their first ever performance together of Beyoncé's "Freedom." Both artists released some of the finest albums, thus far of 2016. Stay tuned for BET's multi-part Prince tribute.... Read more

June 26, 2016 Video

Just Blaze Drops A Beat For Snoop Dogg (Audio)

Just Blaze is traditionally recognized for his production work for East Coast Hip-Hop stalwarts such as Jay Z, Cam'ron, Freeway, and Fabolous. However, the New Jersey native has been a great musical confidant for West Coast star MCs such as The Game, Kendrick Lamar, and Kxng Crooked (care of Slaughterhouse).... Read more

June 26, 2016 Audio

This 1997 Interview Shows A Reasonable Doubt Era Jay-Z Raw & Unguarded (Video)

Today (June 25), marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jay Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Featuring tracks produced by DJ Premier, Ski Beatz and Clark Kent, as well as guest appearances from The Notorious B.I.G. and Mary J. Blige, the album is widely-considered a classic and, Jay, himself,... Read more

June 25, 2016 Video

Kwamé’s Story Is So Much More Than Polka Dots (Video)

Writer, producer and performer Kwamé is the subject of a recent episode of Unsung, the docuseries that explores the lives and careers of entertainers who have gone unheralded, over time. As is the case with most installments of the show, Kwamé's story is told from the beginning to the present,... Read more

June 25, 2016 TV

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Release A Beautiful New Song About Coming Home (Audio)

It's been a big week for the city of Cleveland. On Sunday (June 19), their Cavaliers won the franchise's first NBA championship, ending a 52-year drought for the city, in all major sports. The fact that the victory was led by hometown hero LeBron James made it that much sweeter.... Read more

June 25, 2016 Audio

The Original Version of Kool G Rap & DJ Polo’s “Keep It Swingin'” Surfaces (Audio)

The original version of a rare track by Kool G Rap & DJ Polo has recently surfaced, as reported by Unkut. A remix version of "Keep It Swingin'" appeared on G Rap and Polo's 1996 compilation album Rated XXX. That song is atmospheric and synthesizer heavy. The original has the... Read more

June 25, 2016 Audio

Kanye West & Kim Kardashian Are In Bed With Some Of Their Most Famous Friends & Enemies

Kanye West no longer does anything on a small scale. Last night, the mercurial artist held a live streaming party, at The Forum in Los Angeles, for his new video "Famous" from his album, The Life Of Pablo. As has been the case with much of his material since the... Read more

June 25, 2016 Video

Erykah Badu Directs & Stars In Robert Glasper’s Latest with Help From Miles Davis (Video)

On May 27, Robert Glasper released Everything's Beautiful, a collection of Miles Davis-inspired tunes featuring reworks of the originals with contributions from Stevie Wonder, Phonte, Bilal, Illa J, and more. Erykah Badu is also featured prominently, not only as a vocalist but now also as the creative mind and director... Read more

June 24, 2016 Video

ScHoolboy Q Releases A Grim Short Film Premiering His Song “By Any Means” (Video)

It's been an active week for ScHoolboy Q. Days ago, he teased a short film, directed by Jack Begert & Dave Free of tHe little Homies, for his forthcoming Blank Face LP (July 8), and yesterday, he revealed the eclectic and star-studded tracklist for the album. Now, he releases the... Read more

June 24, 2016 Video

For All Who Doubt Lil Dicky’s Lyrical Ability, This Bruh’s For You (Video)

Ushered in as a member of XXL's Freshman Class of 2016, Lil Dicky performed a verse from his 2015 album Professional Rapper. "Bruh..." is a no-nonsense lyrical barrage of a song, absent of overpowering production and instead centered around rapid-fire delivery of bars that prove he can stand tall amongst... Read more

June 24, 2016 Video

E-40 Is Unsung No More. The Life Of Earl Stevens Is Properly Celebrated In This Documentary (Video)

Although he has been one of the most consistent artists in any genre for the better part of three decades, E-40 often does not get his proper respect as an MC and a business man. In the latest episode of Unsung, however, his enduring career is properly celebrated, and what... Read more

June 23, 2016 Video

Logic Brings Out The Best In Lil Wayne On Sucker For Pain (Audio)

To say Lil Wayne has been embattled for the last couple of years would be an understatement. The MC who proudly proclaimed himself the "best rapper alive" in the 2000s, and who coupled that with being one of the best selling artists of that decade, has been embroiled in an... Read more

June 23, 2016 Audio

Masta Ace Calmly Wages Microphone Destruction With An Ill Freestyle (Video)

With The Falling Season, Masta Ace delighted longtime fans with his first full-length solo release since 2012's MA Doom: Son of Yvonne. However, as the latter featured previously released beats, Masta Ace's most recent LP is in many ways his first full-fledged new solo project since 2004's A Long Hot Summer.... Read more

June 23, 2016 Video

Joey Bada$$ Is A Freestyle Supa Star Over Classic DJ Premier (Video)

Legendary New York City radio personality Funkmaster Flex recently launched a new series on his program that keeps the freestyle format simple. Its first episode, "Freestyle #001" featured Pro Era's Nyck Caution, the Brooklyn MC whose recent mixtape Disguise the Limit has garnered critical acclaim. On its third installment, Flex... Read more

June 23, 2016 Video

The Supreme Court Has Held Up Affirmative Action in College Admissions

In December of 2015, a case involving affirmative action at a Texas university headed to the Supreme Court. At play was the central issue of how race, if at all, should be applied in the university admissions process. As previously reported by Ambrosia for Heads, the December hearing was related... Read more

June 23, 2016 Lifestyle

Another Day…Another Astounding Freestyle From A-F-R-O (Video)

Though he has only been on the scene for a few short years, A-F-R-O has already earned a reputation as a supreme freestyler. In 2014, he caught the attention of RA The Rugged Man, Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Murs and others, winning a freestyle competition. In 2015, he added DJ... Read more

June 23, 2016 Video

Redman Twists Up A Different Blend With A New Remix (Video)

After more than 25 years of consistently rhyming on wax, Redman is recently taking lofty experiments with his music. Newark, New Jersey's Hip-Hop King has recently been attached to a new group, 1000Volts, with veteran DJ/producer Jayceeoh. Now, Reggie Noble takes one of his songs from 2015's Mudface and puts... Read more

June 22, 2016 Video

Snoop, The Game & E-40 Head All the Way Up West, Together (Audio)

"All the Way Up" is becoming a serious contender for 2016's biggest single to date. Its original incarnation by Fat Joe & Remy Ma featuring French Montana and Infared has amassed more than 34-million views since its March release, and the success of a handful of remixes in its wake... Read more

June 22, 2016 Audio

Chuck D Had Real Revolutions In Mind When He Wrote “Fight The Power”

Public Enemy's Chuck D has penned some of Hip-Hop's most inspirational verses. While P.E. only had one official Top 40 single (1994's "Give It Up"), songs like "Rebel Without A Pause," "911 Is A Joke," and "Don't Believe The Hype" are etched in the memory banks of millions for their... Read more

June 22, 2016 Fresh

The Era of Free Music Could Be Coming to An End

Any music fan actively involved with the digital age has come to learn that the relationship between the internet and musicians can be tempestuous. On the one hand, consuming music for free has become the default practice while on the other, artists themselves are often suffering because of it. For... Read more

June 22, 2016 Lifestyle

DJ Jazzy Jeff Remixes “Summertime” 25 Years Later & It’s A Scorcher (Audio)

This week kicks off the official summer season. In the Hip-Hop genre, no song is more synonymous with the season than DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince's 1991 platinum single, "Summertime." The Jive/Zomba Records hit was a Top 5 record for the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania duo—the highest of their... Read more

June 22, 2016 Audio

DMX Takes Over The Stage & Shows He’s Still Very Much Up In Here (Video)

One of the many highlights of the 2016 Roots Picnic, which took place on June 4, 2016, was seeing DMX back in tip-top form, taking over the stage. Two months prior, Swizz Beatz sent a shockwave through the digital world when he posted that Dark Man X was "focused, clean... Read more

June 21, 2016 Video

DOOM Helps Out deM atlaS With A Pharcyde Inspired Beat (Audio)

St. Paul, Minnesota's deM atlaS has become a name synonymous with Rhymesayers Entertainment, the imprint launched by Ant and Slug of Atmosphere, as well as Musab Saad (Sab the Artist) and Brent Sayers (Siddiq). Since releasing his 2013 debut E.P. Charle Brwn, the MC born Joshua Turner has linked with plenty... Read more

June 21, 2016 Audio

Frank Ocean Makes A Powerful Plea For Tolerance In The Wake Of The Orlando Tragedy

In 2012, singer and songwriter Frank Ocean took to his Tumblr page to pen a beautiful letter that announced his forthcoming album Channel Orange was inspired by a man he loved. Though not a coming-out statement in the traditional sense, it nonetheless exposed a deeply personal facet of the young... Read more

June 21, 2016 Lifestyle

Logic & Pusha T Take Out Their Enemies With A Flicka Da Wrist (Audio)

In March of 2015, Houston, Texas rapper Chedda Da Connect dropped "Flicka Da Wrist," a debut single from a relatively unknown artist which went on to become a viral behemoth. A Trap-focused ode to drug-cooking techniques, it became a cultural touchstone, remixed by artists including 2 Chainz and T.I. More... Read more

June 21, 2016 Audio

This 20th Anniversary Jay Z Mix Leaves No Doubt His Debut Was A Classic (Audio)

This Saturday (June 25) marks the 20th anniversary of Jay Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt. The 1996 Roc-A-Fella/Priority Records LP would launch a career trajectory that has arguably been one of Hip-Hop's biggest, transcending from the Marcy Houses to the top of Hip-Hop, as well as streaming platforms, fashion, liquor,... Read more

June 21, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Common Opens His Arms to Refugees Running Towards the Unknown (Video)

June 20 marked World Refugee Day, a time for the globe's citizens to collectively aim their thoughts and compassion towards the 65 million people who have been forced to flee their homes for various reasons. In much of the developing world, things like civil war, poverty, disease, and natural disasters... Read more

June 21, 2016 Video