Fresh Archives

Jakk Frost Has 1 Of The Year’s Best Freestyles. This Is How It Should Be Done (Video)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania veteran MC Jakk Frost has worked extensively with guys like DJ Premier, Freeway, Sean Price, and Jedi Mind Tricks' Vinnie Paz. While Frost has showered the mixtape game for more than a dozen years, the Beard Gang bully has not released a studio LP. For more than two... Read more

May 5, 2016 Video

Tupac’s Original Version Of “Dear Mama” Emerges & It Features A Sample Of Yo-Yo On The Chorus (Audio)

In 1995, Tupac Shakur would release what may be the most definitive song of his career in "Dear Mama." Appearing on the #1, multi-platinum Me Against The World album, the Tony Pizarro-produced first single countered the Shakur portrayed in the media. While the Thug Life front-man was in prison for... Read more

May 5, 2016 Audio, Throwback

At 50, Janet Jackson Still Has The Goods To Make You Say “Dammn Baby” (Video)

Today (May 5), the world has been gifted with two huge pieces of Janet Jackson-related news. First, reports have shared that the 49-year-old superstar and her husband Wissam Al Mana are expecting, which of true would mean Ms. Jackson would become a first-time mother at the age of 50. While... Read more

May 5, 2016 Video

Maxwell Performs A New Song On TV For The First Time In 7 Years (Video)

From the beginning of his career, Maxwell has shown that live performance is a major component of who he is as an artist. Shortly after his debut, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite, he recorded an MTV Unplugged episode that still stands as one of the finest in the series. In fact,... Read more

May 5, 2016 Video

Kool Herc Says HBO Unfairly Used His Likeness…& Now He’s Suing

HBO's Vinyl has become the latest in the television network's string of hit series. Based on 1970s New York City, it traces the music industry's growing pains and triumphs and centers around a record executive played by Bobby Cannavale. Given the series' location and theme, it comes as no surprise... Read more

May 5, 2016 Fresh

Nas, Kanye West & French Montana Are Trying To Figure It Out Like The Rest Of Us (Video)

This month marks three years since French Montana's studio debut, Excuse My French. Backed by both Puff Daddy and Rick Ross, the Coke Boys veteran caught up fast in the music industry machine with an album featuring Drake, The Weeknd, and Scarface, among many others. A Top 5 debut, Montana... Read more

May 5, 2016 Video

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Nice & Smooth Each Announce Tour Dates

Spring and summer concert season is officially upon us. Two acclaimed Hip-Hop duos who have not released albums together in decades have each announced tour dates. Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth have announced a series of West Coast dates for their 2016 All Souled Out Tour. HipHopDX announced the concert... Read more

May 5, 2016 Fresh

The Federal Government Is Telling North Carolina to Back Off in Support of LGBTQ Rights (Video)

The Tar Heel State has become a hotbed in the ongoing battle for LGBTQ rights, with particular emphasis on the "T." North Carolina legislators recently passed House Bill 2, which has colloquially been called the "Bathroom Bill," an ordinance which effectively forces transgendered men and women to use the public... Read more

May 5, 2016 Lifestyle

The Game Releases The Realest Song About Mothers Since “Dear Mama” (Audio)

One day after Prince died, The Game released "Rest In Purple," a powerful tribute song that spoke to how Prince's music affected Game personally, and how his death caused Game to reflect on his own mortality. Now, days after the death of Afeni Shakur, mother of Tupac and a revolutionary... Read more

May 5, 2016 Audio

DJ Premier Shares the First Taste of Another Winning Collaboration (Audio)

DJ Premier's track record for collaborating with young artists outside the confines of the traditional Hip-Hop sound is arguably one of the best. From his work with Anderson .Paak to Yuna, Premo's ability to curate heat without changing the sound of his musical partner makes him the true embodiment of... Read more

May 4, 2016 Audio

Alicia Keys Is Releasing Her 1st Album in 4 Years. Here’s The Lush New Single (Audio)

In the 4 years since the release of her album Girl On Fire, Alicia Keys has been active as a spokesperson for several products, an advocate for various causes, and as a mother, having given birth to her second child in 2014. However, while she has had one-off releases here... Read more

May 4, 2016 Audio

Run the Jewels Deliver An Ominous Warning In Virtual Reality (Videos)

Don't let the first several seconds of darkness fool you - Run the Jewels' new video is immersive, conceptual, and dope. The black-and-white 360-degree virtual reality ready visual for "Crown" is deceptively simple at its outset, with some thunder and lightning serving as understated effects as Killer Mike drops the track's... Read more

May 4, 2016 Video

Prince & Kendrick Lamar’s Full Performance Surfaces & They Tear Down The Stage (Video)

In October of 2014, video surfaced of Prince and Kendrick Lamar performing together. The Twin Cities Pop icon and King Kunta from Compton (a title he was six months away from claiming) would rock 1998 Prince box set inclusion, "What's My Name." K-Dot, who was just a mere 11 years... Read more

May 3, 2016 Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Lupe Fiasco Join Dee-1 In The Fight Against Reckless Hip-Hop (Video)

In April, Dee-1 recruited Big K.R.I.T. and Lupe Fiasco for the remix to his song "Against Us." With lyrics like "I ain't in this game to prostitute my soul for dollar bills" and "What you rappin' about, killing folks? You don't see the times we in? You ain't real,” the... Read more

May 3, 2016 Video

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of April 2016 In One Playlist (Audio)

For years to come, April 2016 will be remembered as the month that brought purple snow in the form of Prince's death. In the wake of his departure, there have been countless tributes in the form of covers of his songs, new releases dedicated to him, and vaulted gems that... Read more

May 3, 2016 Audio

Nas Joins The Weeknd To Premiere The “Tell Your Friends” Remix At The Met Gala (Video)

Last night, the annual Met Gala took place in New York City. Billed as "the party of the year," the event is a benefit ball for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, the only department of the Met that has to fund itself. As "the Oscars of the East,"... Read more

May 3, 2016 Video

Latyrx Finally Visualizes One Of Hip-Hop’s Best Songs About A Femme Fatale (Video)

Out of Davis, California's Solesides movement emerged Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, and author/scholar Jeff Chang. Another key part of the mid-1990s wave would be Latryx. Heard on Blackalicious' 1994 Melodica EP, the pairing of Lyrics Born and Lateef The Truthspeaker would blend melodic Funk with Hip-Hop for a sound all its... Read more

May 2, 2016 Throwback

“Space Jam 2” Is Coming…& It’s Starring Lebron James

In late 1996, Space Jam hit theaters and unleashed a phenomenon. Equal parts sports film and children's cartoon, it featured Michael Jordan in his heyday and the iconic Bugs Bunny in starring roles. It launched countless forms of merchandise and helped make Jordan's profiles as both a basketball player and an... Read more

May 2, 2016 TV/Film

Nipsey Hussle Looks to the Horizon for His Victory Lap (Audio)

It's been some time since Los Angeles, California MC Nipsey Hussle has been discussing plans for his next album, Victory Lap. Given his already extensive discography of mixtapes dating back to 2005's Slauson Boy Vol. 1, it's hard to believe he has yet to drop a full-length studio effort. All... Read more

May 2, 2016 Audio

Russell Simmons Crowns Def Jam’s Greatest Album & His Favorite Artist (Video)

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin began releasing Def Jam Records singles in 1984. Started in a New York University dorm room (occupied by Rubin), the company would expand to become a reported $115 million property by the late 1990s. From original flagship artist LL Cool J, Def Jam would play... Read more

May 2, 2016 Throwback, Video

Swizz Beatz Says DMX Is “Clean, Focused” And Working With Dr. Dre & Kanye West

DMX, one of the biggest artists of the turn of the millennium, might be poised for an epic comeback. As fans know, Dark Man X has battled substance abuse and inner demons for a number of years since his meteoric ascent in 1998 and '99. According to Swizz Beatz, however,... Read more

May 1, 2016 Fresh

Prince’s Cover Of An 1800’s Spiritual Shows All Aspects Of His Greatness (Video)

Part of what made Prince so great was his supreme talent on so many levels. He could dance, sing, play 27 instruments and, despite his prodigious gifts, his work ethic was legendary. To play with Prince was often a 24-hour a day job and required incredible precision. A video has... Read more

May 1, 2016 Video

This Mix Of 1980s Hip-Hop Travels A Road Of Riches That Will Leave You Paid In Full (Audio)

When we look back in Hip-Hop, our gaze often hones in on the 90s, and rightfully so, as that era spawned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang Clang, Tupac, Jay-Z, OutKast, Snoop and so many other all-time greats. However, each of those legends will say it was MCs from the 80s who inspired... Read more

May 1, 2016 Mixes, Throwback

Your Old Droog Reels In Another Mac Miller Beat To Filet With Sharp Rhymes (Audio)

When Your Old Droog burst onto the scene (in the eyes of many) in 2014, Mac Miller was among the first notable collaborators he crossed paths with. "Sleepers" would be the vehicle for the Brooklyn, New York MC to bring shine to the production of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native double-threat.... Read more

May 1, 2016 Audio

Anderson .Paak’s “Malibu” Visuals Are Worth Every Bit Of The Wait (Video)

Anderson .Paak's Malibu is far and away one of 2016's most-talked about albums, especially in terms of acclaim. Now signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, the Californian opened the year with an Empire-backed release that features ScHoolboy Q, Rapsody, Game, and others. Independently released, Malibu shot into the Top 100,... Read more

May 1, 2016 Video

Here’s An Oral History Of The Making Of The Fat Boys’ “All You Can Eat”

More than 30 years after its release, Krush Groove remains an all-time favorite Hip-Hop film for many. The movie, which was loosely based on the rise of Def Jam Recordings, starred Blair Underwood, Sheila E., Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow and more, and featured appearances by several acts, including Beastie Boys, LL... Read more

April 29, 2016 Throwback

Freeway & Scholito Freestyle On Sway In The Morning (Video)

Today (April 29), Freeway releases his fifth studio LP, Free Will (which is available for full stream). The North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC appeared on Sway In The Morning to celebrate the Babygrande Records release. With him, he brought his New Rothschilds protege, MC/producer Scholito. Freeway comes from the State Property... Read more

April 29, 2016 Video

Queen Latifah To Play Master P’s Mom In Upcoming Biopic

Master P is moving forward with his biopic. The No Limit Records founder and multi-platinum rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana has announced an Academy Award-nominated actor (and peer) attached to the King Of The South: The Ice Cream Man film: Queen Latifah. Speaking with HipHopDX, Percy Miller confirmed the casting.... Read more

April 29, 2016 News, TV/Film

Nia Long Reveals Just How Real Boyz N The Hood Was For Her (Video)

Though she was there to promote her appearance in Keanu, Nia and Snoop spend a good amount of time discussing other roles she has inhabited over the years. Early in the conversation, Snoop notes that Nia has been in some great comedy films, notably Friday with Ice Cube and Chris... Read more

April 29, 2016 Video

De La Soul Move “And The Anonymous Nobody” Release Date & Give Fans A Snack.

De La Soul has changed the release date of the group's eighth album. The 2015 crowd-funded And The Anonymous Nobody... album is now said to be arriving August 26. To hold over fans for the nearly four months of waiting, the veteran Long Island, New York trio gave some late... Read more

April 29, 2016 Audio, News

Here’s A Behind-The-Scenes Look At The Connection Between Dr. Dre & Anderson .Paak (Video)

Much has been written about the connection between Anderson .Paak and Dr. Dre, since the rising star appeared on six of the tracks on Dre's 2015 Compton album. While Dre had long before co-signed .Paak, in word and deed, he gave Anderson the ultimate stamp of approval by signing him... Read more

April 28, 2016 Video

BJ the Chicago Kid Sings His Way Through His Musical Influences (Video)

Steadily rising as one of this generation's most gifted Soul artists, BJ the Chicago Kid has come a long way since his appearance on Kendrick Lamar's debut album, 2011's Section.80. The singer-songwriter released In My Mind in February, following up his 2012 full-length debut Pineapple Now-Laters and with it came... Read more

April 28, 2016 Video

The Racial Wealth Gap Is Ruining Black & Brown American Families (Video)

In 2013, Robert Reich featured prominently in a documentary entitled Inequality for All, which is a blistering critique of income inequality in the United States. Reich is a celebrated economist who has served in the administrations of presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton (under whom he served as... Read more

April 28, 2016 Lifestyle

Slick Rick Announces Victory Tour With A Host Of US Dates

Less than two weeks after being granted United States citizenship, Slick Rick is celebrating by way of a Victory Tour. The onetime Def Jam Records platinum MC will kick off a slew of dates next month, the run through the duration of summer. The tour with be along the East... Read more

April 28, 2016 Fresh

In 2016, Public Enemy Still Brings The Noise Like Few Others Can (Video)

No doubt some of the greatest recording artists of all time, the members of Public Enemy are also serious contenders when it comes to high-energy and memorable live performances. Known for including thought-provoking visuals and often incorporating live bands into their sets, the Long Island, New York legends continue to put... Read more

April 28, 2016 Video

Freeway Celebrates His “Free Will” By Sharing His LP, Early! (Album Stream)

Tomorrow (April 29), Freeway will release his fifth studio album, Free Will. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC's latest is his second on the New York City-based Babygrande Records, and features Young Buck, Raheem Devaughn, and latest MC/producer protege Scholito. Girl Talk and L.E.S. are among the LP's producers. On this album,... Read more

April 28, 2016 Audio

Eminem & D12 Go Off During A 25-Minute Previously Unreleased 2004 Cypher (Audio)

Tim Westwood continues his Throwback Thursday series with the release of an epic 25-minute cypher featuring Eminem, D12 and Stat Quo. While portions of the freestyle have surfaced over the years, this is the first time the entire session is being released in full. Featuring Eminem, Proof, Swifty McVay and... Read more

April 28, 2016 Audio

Royce 5’9″ Announces Layers North American Tour Dates

Earlier this month, Royce 5'9" released Layers, his first solo album in more than four years. Executive produced by Mr. Porter (D12) and Royce, the album earned the MC his highest charting placement of any solo album in his 15-plus-year career. Featuring Pusha T and Rick Ross, the LP is... Read more

April 27, 2016 Fresh

Vince Staples Hits a Trippy House Party & Invites Us Along for the Ride (Video)

Last summer, Major Lazer's Switch released "Ghost," an Electronica inspired Hip-Hop party anthem. Now releasing music as part of a newly founded group With You, he left Major Lazer back in 2011 and has since worked with everybody from M.I.A. to Christina Aguilera. Today, With You. dropped the song's music... Read more

April 27, 2016 Video

J Dilla, Nas & Madlib’s Visual Is So Sick It’s Hallucinogenic (Video)

A week and a half ago, J Dilla's The Diary album finally released. Ten years after the producer/MC's death, his family and the Nas-backed Mass Appeal Records delivered an album that began in 2001 to the fans at last. The final Dilla vocal album, this was what was on James... Read more

April 27, 2016 Video

Millions Of Americans May Soon Lose Their Jobs…To Their Trucks (Video)

Ever since The Jetsons brought the concept of flying cars into the homes of millions, the concept of futuristic forms of travel has become fodder for exploration in much popular culture. Today, we've got "hoverboards," lightning-fast trains, and the driverless car. Though the car is not yet available on the... Read more

April 27, 2016 Lifestyle

Havoc & Method Man Spray Lyrical Bullets Over A Cold Alchemist Beat (Audio)

Twenty years ago, Mobb Deep tapped Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man for Hell On Earth's "Extortion." The song was bombastic blackmail, as some of Loud Records' stars came together to tackle a chilly M-O-B-B string arrangement. In 2016, Mr. Meth' and Havoc still maintain that chemistry. From Hav' and Alchemist's The... Read more

April 27, 2016 Audio

Willie D Reveals The Origins Of Geto Boys’ “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” (Audio)

In the last three years, Scarface has had at least two very memorable interview conversations with the Combat Jack Show. In his latest episode, Combat sits down with another high profile Geto Boys member in Willie D. The Houston, Texas native and onetime Rap-A-Lot Records star discusses his views on... Read more

April 27, 2016 Audio, Throwback

D’Angelo Performs Prince’s “Sometimes It Snows In April” In An Emotional Tribute (Video)

Earlier today, D'Angelo released a stirring and subdued version of Prince's "Venus De Milo," as a tribute to his fallen hero. The song is featured on Prince's Parade (Music from the Motion Picture Under the Cherry Moon). The film ends in tragedy, with the death of a major character, and... Read more

April 27, 2016 Video

Prince’s Vault Of Unreleased Recordings Is Detailed By Jimmy Jam & Close Associates (Video)

It has been less than one week since Prince Rogers Nelson died (April 21). As information releases about Prince's cause of death and last days, fans and historians are trying to understand the life—often private—of the 57-year old pop icon. One of the biggest questions lingering is what will happen... Read more

April 26, 2016 Video

Fat Joe Is Still Gangsta Enough To Make A True Hip-Hop Love Song (Audio)

Over the decades, Hip-Hop has had a long tradition of love songs by artists who were respected as MCs and men. LL Cool J was among the first, if not the first, to do this on a wide scale, with "I Need Love," and several followed, including Black Thought, Method... Read more

April 26, 2016 Audio

Pro Era’s Chuck Strangers Spreads Love On His Upward Journey (Audio)

Long before his two album inclusions on 2015's B4.Da.$$ studio debut by Joey Bada$$, Chuck Strangers has been putting in work. Since the early 2010s, the Pro Era producer has supplied the Brooklyn, New York-based conglomerate with a wide range of sounds, appearing on 1999, Capital Steez's AmeriKKKan Korruption, and... Read more

April 26, 2016 Audio

A$AP Ferg & Chuck D Envision a New World & It’s Beautiful (Audio)

Every generation has artists it can claim as having been the messengers of truth, of enlightenment, of political engagement. For some, it was Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. For others it was Public Enemy and X-Clan. And for others still it's Tef Poe and Immortal Technique, Kendrick Lamar and Run... Read more

April 26, 2016 Audio

D’Angelo Pays Tribute To Prince With A Rendition Of “Venus De Milo” (Audio)

As much as anyone since, D'Angelo is a disciple of Prince. The artist's fingerprints are all over D'Angelo's music, from the falsetto and stacked harmonies of "Me & Those Dreamin' Eyes of Mine" to the explicit Prince homage that is "Untitled (How Does It Feel)." D'Angelo also has covered numerous... Read more

April 26, 2016 Audio

One Pediatrician’s Bold Research Brought Light to the Flint Water Crisis (Video)

The ongoing effects of a poisoned water source in the town of Flint, Michigan continue to reverberate. After news broke that city officials had opted to save money by switching from one source of potable water (Lake Huron and the Detroit River) to another, apparently less potable source (Flint River),... Read more

April 26, 2016 Lifestyle