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Ski Beatz' 24 Hour Karate School came and went quietly but he's already working on a project featuring Miles Davis remixes. Check out Blue and Green.

If you missed the 24 Hour Karate School project, it's worth copping.  Here's Blue and Green ft Nesby Phips: BLUE AND GREEN from Creative Control on Vimeo. ...and the original classic by Miles Davis:... Read more

Wow. This song was a surprise. Persuasion by JR & PH7 ft Sean Price and Olivier DaySoul is about as funky as it gets. Live drums, ill verse and vocals reminiscent of vintage D'Angelo. Get with this.

There's even a G.U.R.U sample.  The video is tight too.  Very different visuals than you would expect with the audio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK23K-sF-qs&feature=player_embedded... Read more

Phonte (formerly of Little Brother) and Nicolay continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop as The Foreign Exchange. This is their story.

The Foreign Exchange have dropped 2 stellar albums, but the 2 men comprising the group have kept a relatively low profile.  Here's what they have to say about the group that grew from side project to full-time gig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEadPp2DcUU&feature=player_embedded ...and here are some of their best songs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnqX9mRDxyI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy2RjQvBeL4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7ELR-W7BKs... Read more

CyHi Da Prynce might be that next dude…especially with a co-sign from Kanye West. Here's what he has to say about his mixtape Royal Flush which drops on 10/14.

It's been a G.O.O.D. couple of weeks for CyHi.  He had a G.O.O.D. look on Kanye's  So Appalled and he was a standout in the G.O.O.D. Music Cypher on BET's hip-hop awards.  He discusses his upcoming mixtape with Decatur Dan (you'll probably recognize the visual style from the making of... Read more

You’ve seen the official Cyphers. Now check out Skillz’ version. You will not be disappointed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evGF596N1I4 If you like what you hear, check out Skillz' new mixtape with Jazzy Jeff.... Read more

Check out the Cyphers from BET's Hip-Hop Awards ft Kanye West, Common, Pusha T, Big Sean, Raekwon, Ice Cube, Diggy Simmons, Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf and many more.

The BET Hip-Hop Awards have been featuring Cyphers for years and they've taken a life of their own. Last year's launched the career of Nicki Minaj. This year's are the best yet. Check them out: [vodpod id=ExternalVideo.971347&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dord%253D457795567011120900%2526tile%253D2%2526reportPropChannel%253Dhiphop10%2526reportPropSubSection%253Dhiphopawards10%2526reportPropContentType%253Dhha10_videos%2526adAspectRatio%253D2%2526reportDartNValue%253Dhha10_video_showcypher%2526reportDartSubValue%253Dhiphopawards10%2526   [vodpod id=ExternalVideo.971341&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dord%253D206602806129951520%2526tile%253D2%2526reportPropChannel%253Dhiphop10%2526reportPropSubSection%253Dhiphopawards10%2526reportPropContentType%253Dhha10_videos%2526adAspectRatio%253D2%2526reportDartNValue%253Dhha10_video_showcypher%2526reportDartSubValue%253Dhiphopawards10%2526   ExternalVideo.971338&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dord%253D48253978693669320%2526tile%253D2%2526reportPropChannel%253Dhiphop10%2526reportPropSubSection%253Dhiphopawards10%2526reportPropContentType%253Dhha10_videos%2526adAspectRatio%253D2%2526reportDartNValue%253Dhha10_video_showcypher%2526reportDartSubValue%253Dhiphopawards10%2526 [vodpod id=ExternalVideo.971339&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dord%253D119154515025513440%2526tile%253D2%2526reportPropChannel%253Dhiphop10%2526reportPropSubSection%253Dhiphopawards10%2526reportPropContentType%253Dhha10_videos%2526adAspectRatio%253D2%2526reportDartNValue%253Dhha10_video_showcypher%2526reportDartSubValue%253Dhiphopawards10%2526... Read more

KiD CuDi drops his video for Erase Me ft Kanye West

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICaTsTkBPV8&feature=player_embedded#!... Read more

Curren$y draws inspiration from one of the most unforgettable scenes in New Jack City for his Audio Dope 2 video.

Welcome to his version of The Carter: http://www.vimeo.com/15759215 and in case you haven't seen the original in a while: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRuGqLgnzkE&feature=related... Read more

Ever heard of OUN? You will soon. He sounds like a hungry Jadakiss…but maybe even nicer….

Check out this freestyle, starting at 2:22. Even if he wrote it and rehearsed it 100 times, it's ill...if he is coming off the top, MCs beware.  Vado looks like his feelings were hurt. ExternalVideo.971259&w=425&h=350&fv=  ... Read more

Rick Ross' Aston Martin Music might be the coldest song on Teflon Don. Here's the behind the scenes on the making of the video.

http://www.vimeo.com/15732982 And, in case you missed the making of the Aston Martin Music track, click here to check it out (it's serious).  ... Read more

Joe Budden's Sober Up ft Crooked I lives up to the name of his new mixtape. It's Mood Muzik 4 you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nfbaSdryq0 Click here to download.... Read more

In case you missed 8 Mile, check out Eminem's interview on 60 Minutes. You'll also learn about 5 words that rhyme with "orange.'

There's also a fairly intense moment when Anderson Cooper (who is openly gay) questions Em about his reputed homophobia. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCbtvBEPPs8  ... Read more

Maniac is vintage KiD CuDi. If you like KiD CuDi or sad Kanye West music, take a listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Mph0uPW7o&feature=related What's "sad Kanye West Music?"  You know it when you hear it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co0tTeuUVhU&ob=av2e Click here to download Maniac.... Read more

Kanye West is a busy man. In addition to working on his solo album and another with Jay-Z, he's created a short film based on Runaway. Here's what he had to say about it.

This was Kanye's intro to the film at his screening in Paris.  Hip-hop = art. ExternalVideo.970869&w=425&h=350&fv=  ... Read more

It ain't nothing like hip-hop music…watch Black Milk and eLZhi tear it down as they perform Deadly Medley.

This one is from Black Milk's stellar Album of the Year. http://www.vimeo.com/15640532... Read more

What do you get when you mix backpack rap with G-Funk? Moe Green's Iced Out Lifestyle.

Confused?  Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwhklBX2BQE&feature=player_embedded... Read more

Statik Selektah and Termanology drop another hot one. This one is called Still Waiting.

Statik Selektah and Termanology have come together to form a group called 1982.  By the sounds of the singles their new album sounds like a must have.  Check 'em out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yfWla_4Rgw&feature=player_embedded#! And previously...... Read more

There was not a lot cracking in hip-hop today so here’s a little insight into the music that has been influencing the biggest star in hip-hop–Jay-Z. It’s not what you would expect.

Ambrosia for heads has been keeping tabs on the recent musical influences of hip-hop's biggest stars.  Over the next few weeks, we will showcase what is moving those driving hip-hop music.  As with many cultural movements, those driving the culture often look to outside influences for their inspiration.  Hip-hop is... Read more

Kanye West is really killing the game right now. Check out his remix of Power from SNL.

Not only did Kanye change his second verse which originally skewered the SNL cast, he also managed to do a scaled down live version of his groundbreaking video. The new verse is dope, but it's a bit surprising that he changed it. Big Brother Hov had no problem looking the... Read more

Meyhem Lauren is grimy on Got the Fever but he flows over a jazzy soulful track that sounds like it could have come from the "golden age" of the mid-nineties.

Meyhem Lauren - Got the Fever http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gg5cJu1Zcws&feature=player_embedded That grimy flow over smooth jazzy beats kinda reminds me of cats like these: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLVD3uMTX7I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5nk_J-SQ_4&feature=channel... Read more

You cannot front on this hip-hop medley by Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon (no matter how hard you may want to). Check it out.

There are definitely some corny parts but overall it's just too good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCxZB6GOtoM&feature=related... Read more

Whatever happened to the art of freestyling?

For most MCs, freestyling means kicking a verse that they've written and nobody's heard...but true freestyling is the art of rhyming straight off the top of the dome.  Newcomer Donnis recently reminded us of the true art of freestyling with this rhyme that he spit on Sirius: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBOeY6C6W4M That inspired... Read more

What do you think of N.E.R.D's new track Hypnotize You (produced by Daft Punk)? See the Letterman performance here.

The Neptunes are always ones to push the envelope. They remain consistent in that regard, both with the song and the performance.  Pharrell and Kanye have kept hip-hop alive and kicking over the last 10 years.  Here's N.E.R.D.'s latest chapter: ExternalVideo.969771&w=425&h=350&fv= Props to Daft Punk for the beat.  Looks like... Read more

The mighty Kurupt shows that G's don't die, they just get smoother in his video for I'm the Man

Like his lifestyle, Kurupt's flow has slowed a bit but don't trip.  It's still gangsta... ExternalVideo.969768&w=425&h=350&fv=... Read more

Is the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League the best production team in the game right now? Listen to their breakdown of the making of Rick Ross’ Aston Martin Music.

Many fans of Rick Ross know that his best material on his last 3 albums has been courtesy of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League.  Key tracks include Maybach Music, Luxury Tax, Magnificent and, most recently, the instant classic Aston Martin Music.  Few people know much about the men behind the boards who... Read more

Newcomer Shad brings more respect to 2010 for hip-hop. Check out his We, Myself and I video.

This one is visually reminiscent of On to the Next One but the comparisons stop there...unless you think the dope rap/rock collabo also reminds you of this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5UaQCQoOwc&feature=player_embedded... Read more

Black Milk’s Album of the Year may be the most slept on rap album in 2010.

Black Milk's aptly titled Album of the Year is the Detroit producer's 3rd album and he has definitely found his stride.  His beats are so on point that the rhymes are secondary, but once you give them a listen they are also engaging.  You can hear influences ranging from Dre... Read more

Jay-Z's book, Decoded, hits stores on November 16th. Here's a little something to whet your appetite.

Decoded was initially written as an in-depth biography but the word is when it was done it was a little too personal for Hov. So, instead, he opted to release Decoded which is still biographical but more indirectly, as it tells his story in large part by breaking down lyrics... Read more

Will Jay-Z be hip-hop’s first billionaire? Check out his one-on-one with billionaire Warren Buffet in Forbes.

Here's the full interview between hip-hop's richest entertainer and Warren Buffet, one of the wealthiest people in the world. Click here to read the article.... Read more

Check out J. Cole's interview with the Smoking Section. This one is more about beats than rhymes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-od9foCWRQE&feature=player_embedded During the interview he talks about beats he wishes he made.  One was Xxxplosive by Dr. Dre and the other was Raekwon's Ice Cream.  He specifically mentions how genius the sample use was on Ice Cream.  Check out the Chef's classic and the sample below.  The sample is from... Read more

Speaking of great Snoop Dogg classics, check out John Legend and The Roots’ take on Little Ghetto Boy.

This one is off the full album collabo between John Legend and The Roots that will be dropping on 9/21.  The album is all covers of soul classics from the 60s and 70s that have a political theme. ExternalVideo.967034&w=425&h=350&fv=videoId%3D604473945001%26amp%3BplayerID%3D10172910001%26amp%3BplayerKey%3DAQ%252E%252E%2CAAAAAAAA5vE%252E%2CEeb-O-20Rk8OOHarFBBmNsbiBU9ieS50%26amp%3Bdomain%3Dembed%26amp%3BdynamicStreaming%3Dtrue Here's Dr. Dre's Lil Ghetto Boy from the Chronic featuring Snoop... Read more

Curren$y continues to step up his game with 4 Hours & 20 Minutes (Ride to H-Town).

Fans of Snoop D-O double G will instantly get the reference Curren$y spits in the first line he drops on 4 Hours & 20 Minutes.  It's just one of the many things about him that remind you of the Doggfather (and the mighty Kurupt).  Check out the video and judge... Read more

Statik Selektah is known for dropping classic mixtapes but now he is dropping singles. Check out 1982 ft Bun B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TRzymRKa3Y&feature=player_embedded And, in case you're not familiar with Statik Selektah's mixtapes, check out The Look of Love, the tribute to J. Dilla he did with Q-Tip a few years ago.  It's vintage Dilla.  Click here to download the mixtape.  The tracklist is below: 01 - Q-Tip - One Love Intro... Read more

Hip-hop may not be dead but vinyl officially is. The legendary Fat Beats record store closed on 9/4/10. Check out DJ Premier's tribute.

The art of DJ'ing lives on through Serato, but for purists who prefer vinyl things just got a little tougher.  Fat Beats record store was a staple of hip-hop in NYC (as well as in LA and Amsterdam) and it closed its doors forever (or at least in that location...)... Read more

Gotta support the homie B.o.B. He is a true artist (in any genre). Check out his MTV Unplugged performance.

ExternalVideo.966286&w=425&h=350&fv=configParams%3Dvid%253D556718%2526uri%253Dmgid%253Auma%253Avideo%253Amtv.com%253A556718... Read more

Chris Brown and Tyga's mixtape Fan of a Fan has been out for a minute but if you missed it, it's surprisingly good.

Click here to download.  Of course it features, Deuces which has quietly become one of the biggest songs of the Summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RUSRxTpI80&ob=av2e... Read more

My Mic Sounds Nice the new documentary from BET premieres on 8/30 at 10pm. It is one of the best hip-hop films ever.

If you are a fan of hip-hop, documentaries or just great TV, check out the premiere of My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip-Hop on BET at 10pm on Monday, August 30. The show is the most comprehensive look at the role of women in hip-hop, ever,... Read more

New school is showing love to the old school today. Big K.R.I.T. rides a Souls of Mischief track on Somedayz

Somedayz – Big K.R.I.T. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oVgq-QrwRM Here’s the classic Souls of Mischief joint, ’93 til Infinity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP56Tf5fpjM&feature=player_embedded …as well as an ill version by Kidz in the Hall, Wheelz Fall Off (’06 Til): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VUxm8jRoNw&feature=player_embedded …finally the original, a song called Heather by Billy Cobham.  The sampled part start at 2:03 (wait... Read more

Freddie Gibbs put his spin on a classic Dr Dre beat (really Isaac Hayes) on his latest song Something New and did it real justice.

Check out the video showing a bit of the making of the song and click below for the download. Closed Sessions: Freddie Gibbs http://vimeo.com/14194755 Click here to download Something New. Also, check out a few other uses of the sample by Dr. Dre, as well as the original by Isaac... Read more

Wale is going back to spitting heat on his new mixtape More About Nothing. Check the video for Number Won.

http://www.vimeo.com/14022320 Click here to download the mixtape if you missed it.... Read more

Bad Boy Records made the East Coast relevant again in rap music, making it the 3rd most important hip-hop record label in history.

#3 Bad Boy Records While East Coast Rap music was never quite completely dead, there is no question that from mid-1992 to mid-1994 commercial hip-hop was dominated by the West Coast, primarily by Death Row Records (more on that later...).  It was not until Sean "Diddy" Combs was fired from... Read more

Wiz Khalifa is the real deal. The video for Never Been is another hot one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKWFvbgkWls&feature=player_embedded#!... Read more