News Archives

Even While Battling Kidney Disease, Freeway Feels Blessed (Audio)

On days like today, when we're yet again reminded of some of the ugliness that exists in the world, music can be a salve for the soul. Freeway provides just that with his new song, "Heaven." The Merc Beatz-produced track supplies some of the same chirped-up Soul on which Freeway... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Ghostface Killah Finally Chases Down Action Bronson…In A Video Game (Video)

Although it would be eclipsed by the subsequent high profile beef between Drake and Meek Mill, in mid-Summer, a verbal dust up occurred between Ghostface Killah and Action Bronson that seemed like it had been primed for years. While Bronson and Ghost worked together on 2011's "Meteor Hammer," the constant... Read more

December 2, 2015 Video

Bill Gates & Mark Zuckerberg Are Aiming Their Energies Toward Climate Change

On the heels of the news that Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife will be giving away 99% of their shares in the social media business (some $45 billion) way to charity, another weekend announcement has brought forth some exciting prospects for the future, particularly as it pertains to... Read more

December 2, 2015 Lifestyle

Tragedy Khadafi Provides A Hip-Hop Insider’s Tour Of “The Bridge” (Video)

When MC Shan and Marley Marl made "The Bridge," they were not only talking about the history, talent, and surroundings of Queensbridge Houses, they were paying homage to the nearby parks where it all happened. The places Shan rhymed about is the same park that years later, Nas would admit... Read more

December 2, 2015 Video

Joyner Lucas Makes A Brutally Honest Video About Unplanned Fatherhood

Joyner Lucas is a breakout star of 2015. The Worcester, Massachusetts MC crushed his BET Hip Hop Cypher, impressing Busta Rhymes and Tech N9ne. He since then bottled that energy in a Busa' Bus' collabo of his own. With such stellar freestyle skills, many could immediately question the substance of... Read more

December 2, 2015 Video

Method Man, Raekwon & Inspectah Deck Pop The Purple Tape Into 2015 (Video)

This summer, Method Man opened up his Meth Lab as the first release in nearly nine years. On the Tommy Boy Entertainment effort, Mr. Mef' made a standout cut in "Purple Tape." Although it's a Johnnie Blaze affair, Raekwon (the true "purple tape" architect) joins the fray, as does another... Read more

December 2, 2015 Video

One Wu-Tang Photographer Aims To Put The Clan In The Front (Video)

For more than 20 years, English photographer Eddie Otchere has been documenting the Wu-Tang Clan. His camera lens has captured the nine founding members, along with Cappadonna, who Eddie, an insider, considers a certified tenth. In 2016, Otchere hopes to create a Wu-themed photography exhibit in Brixton East, London. On... Read more

December 2, 2015 Video

Spotlight: Dot Demo Wants His People to Remember Where They Came From & Rise Up (Audio)

Dot Demo is a Bronx, New York native whose affinity for the thought-provoking content on songs like "Blak Gesus" and his 2014 mixtape Delta Theory has set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Having grown up around unorthodox and left-of-mainstream teachings and experiences, he was exposed to metaphysical and... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Jill Scott Sings A Powerful Song of Hope For All Who Have Had A Broken Heart (Video)

Now crowned the "Lady Of Soul," Jill Scott had an opportune time to bring out another single from 2015's Woman. In an album that deals with all the seasons of interpersonal relationships, "Back Together" is a note of reconciliation. The video combines a dramatic storyline with ballet. The Complexions Contemporary... Read more

December 1, 2015 Video

Run The Jewels Fuel The Real Life “Warriors” In A New Animated Video For Rubble Kings

Although neither El-P nor Killer Mike comes from the 1970s Bronx, New York, Run The Jewels is the perfect vessel to capture the angst, the pride, and the power in the street gangs of more than 40 years ago. Film documentary Rubble Kings is Shan Nicholson's captivating look back. Mass Appeal... Read more

December 1, 2015 Video

Kxng Crooked’s “Dead Or In Jail” Verses Demand A Lyric Video

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Kxng Crooked (f/k/a Crooked I) and Statik Selektah gave Heads some food for thought. "Dead Or In Jail," which features Jessica Quintero, examines the skewed justice system, and how institutional racism is very much around, in the United States and beyond. Less than one week later,... Read more

December 1, 2015 Video

Sheek Louch Discusses Silverback Gorilla 2 & Talks Working With Biggie and DMX (Interview)

Whereas speaking to Jadakiss or Styles P is often a lower key experience, their LOX band-mate Sheek Louch is high-energy. The Yonkers, New York veteran MC did not equate himself to one of the most ferocious members of the animal kingdom by being docile. In the Tommy Boy Entertainment conference... Read more

December 1, 2015 Food for Thought

Pimp C, Bun B, 8Ball & MJG Have a Trill OG Reunion on Pimp C’s Latest (Audio)

Pimp C is gone but not forgotten. The fallen UGK soldier's posthumous album will hit stores on Friday (12/4), via Mass Appeal Records. The label has released a number of songs leading up to the project, featuring heavy hitters such as Juicy J, Lil Wayne and Nas. However, the latest... Read more

December 1, 2015 Audio

Listen To The Best Hip-Hop Of November 2015 In One Playlist (Audio)

As the year winds to a close, the good music shows no signs of slowing down. November brought great Hip-Hop from start to finish. Here's a playlist that features the best the month had to offer. You'll hear tracks featuring Nas, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, KRS-One, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, Logic,... Read more

December 1, 2015 Mixes

Batman Returns To Do What Politicians Won’t: Fight Police Brutality

As 2015 nears its end, the year's biggest political stories include issues of race, from the ongoing instances of police brutality waged disproportionately on people of color to the racist undercurrents found on campuses like the University of Missouri and others across the country. The deaths of Sandra Bland, Freddie... Read more

December 1, 2015 Lifestyle

Busta Rhymes Won’t Drink the Kool-Aid When it Comes to the Planned Parenthood Attack (Video)

Last night's episode of The Nightly Show was framed around a recent cooking segment that aired on Fox News in which a White host asked his guest - a Black chef - if she makes Kool-Aid for Thanksgiving. The immediate backlash spread across social media, with most feeling his question... Read more

December 1, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Syd tha Kyd Injects Her Soulful Talent Into Another Modern-Day Love Song (Audio)

As the frontwoman for the Internet, Syd tha Kyd has proven herself to be one of this generation's most talented artists, combining elements of classic R&B with more contemporary stylings of Neo-Soul and PBR&B. But, strip all those labels away and what's left is bona fide Soul music. Earlier this... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Talib Kweli & Niko Is Are Attacked In Copenhagen As Part Of Alleged Hate Crime

2015 has been a year filled with hate crimes—from vitriolic hate speech to racially-motivated massacres, across the globe. Veteran MC Talib Kweli and his latest Javotti Media protege Niko Is say that they are two of the most recent victims. The Brooklyn, New Yorker and Orlando, Florida-based MCs were recently... Read more

November 30, 2015 News

Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman’s New EP is a Head Scratcher…In a Good Way (EP Stream)

Two of Hip-Hop's most celebrated indie artists quietly released a collaborative E.P. earlier this week, and it's another remarkable release Heads have come to expect from Stones Throw. Called Lice, the project is the result of a partnership between celebrated MCs Aesop Rock, whose impressive discography stretches back to 1996;... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Jill Scott Is Crowned The Lady Of Soul & This Speech Captures Her Essence (Video)

At last night's 2015 Soul Train Awards (November 29), Jill Scott received the first-ever "Lady Of Soul" honors. The North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native released her fifth studio album, Woman, earlier this year, and received a #1 spot on the charts. Accepting the honors following more than 15 years building her... Read more

November 30, 2015 Video

Apathy Has A Message For The Posers: “Rap Is Not Pop” (Audio)

After releasing over 50 songs in 2015 with his EP Weekend At The Cape and his double-disc compilation album The Black Lodge, Apathy is already gearing up for a strong 2016 with the first single off his upcoming album Handshakes With Snakes. The Demigodz/Army of the Pharaohs MC is attacking... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

The Old School Toy View-Master is Back & Taking Kids on a Virtual Reality Ride (Video)

Tomorrow (December 1), shoppers will be able to merge the old and new in an exciting new way, thanks to a partnership between toy manufacturer Mattel and Google, NASA, and National Geographic. More than 75 years ago, Mattel debuted a toy called the View-Master, and its framework was pretty straightforward,... Read more

November 30, 2015 Lifestyle

Pusha T & Chris Brown Keep The Chemistry Bubbling With Uncompromisingly Honest Verses (Audio)

Over the course of the last three years, Chris Brown and Pusha T have displayed a strong chemistry across genre and demographic. On albums from each, the two Virginia representatives find a pocket that can be about talkin' slick ("D.G.I.F.U") or the art of seduction ("Sweet Serenade"). On the newly-released... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Macy Gray Releases The Realest Christmas Song, EVER (Audio)

Starting last week, many radio stations, retail stores, and festive audiophiles began breaking out the holiday music. Macy Gray is one artist who has release plans for the Christmas season. The veteran Soul/Pop songstress released a new tune called "All I Want For Christmas." However, if Heads were expecting a... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

Black Milk Produces A Strong Quick-strike For Ratking’s Wiki (Audio)

Over the last 15 years, Black Milk has worked with a total cross-section of Hip-Hop artists. From GZA to Bilal, Lloyd Banks to Proof, the Detroit, Michigan producer/MC has always found a way to fit in. One MC Black has found chemistry with is Danny Brown. The "Black and Brown"... Read more

November 30, 2015 Audio

KRS-One’s Live Show Is Still #1. Catch This Medley (Video)

The same week he released twelfth solo album Now Hear This, KRS-One performed a homecoming concert at Manhattan's S.O.B.'s. There, the Boogie Down Productions co-founder freestyled an apology to LL Cool J for a line he spit on the road just days prior. But that wasn't all. The iconic MC... Read more

November 29, 2015 Video

King Los Is A Fugitive With The Flow On This P.E. #1 Freestyle (Audio)

King Los is one of this generation's most revered freestyle MCs. Joining the man who first gave him a major contract, Puff Daddy, the Baltimore, Maryland MC takes on the "P.E. 2000" instrumental. With Diddy talkin' slick on the intro, Los gets to work on the pepped-up Public Enemy basis... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

A.G. & Roc Marciano Spit Ice Cold Flows Over A Warm Soul Record (Audio)

From completely different parts of New York City, A.G. and Roc Marciano are both MCs who favor grit, image-driven raps, and deadpan deliveries that still evoke visceral street scenes. The D.I.T.C./Showbiz & A.G. MC teams with The U.N. alum for "Red Apple Kings," a seamless to Bronx to Long Island... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

KRS-One Returns To The Mic With A Vengeance. Now Hear This! (Album Stream)

It has been several years since KRS-One released an album. One of Hip-Hop's most famous, controversial, and quoted MCs self-released Now Hear This yesterday (November 27). The Boogie Down Productions co-founder's 12th solo album contains 18 songs, with production by Da Beatminerz, Mad Lion, and DJ Static, among others. This... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

MF DOOM Plots His 2016 Return From A Villain’s Island Lair (Video)

Earlier this week, DOOM (a/k/a MF DOOM) appeared alongside Phonte, DJ Premier, Royce Da 5'9" and Adrian Younge on PRhyme's "Highs and Lows." The veteran MC and onetime front man for KMD has kept a comparatively low profile to his mid-2000s resurgence. It has been more than six years since... Read more

November 28, 2015 Video

Learn How Ice Cube Reportedly Got His Rap Name & His Previous Prince-Inspired Moniker (Audio)

Whether you read the books on Hip-Hop history or caught Straight Outta Compton in theaters, it's documented that Ice Cube's Rap career began with a group known as C.I.A. In the days prior to N.W.A., O'Shea Jackson was working with Dr. Dre's cousin Sir Jinx, in a group that pressed... Read more

November 28, 2015 Throwback

KRS-One & Bumpy Knuckles Speak Truth To The People, On A Def Jef Remix (Audio)

In 2011, KRS-One and Bumpy Knuckles (a/k/a Freddie Foxxx) released Royalty Check. The 6.8.2 Records affair was 20 years after the two New York City hardcore MCs had worked together on "H.E.A.L.," and followed up with "Ruff Ruff." In the last weeks of 2015, Bumpy shares a special remix of... Read more

November 28, 2015 Audio

J. Cole Takes Kendrick’s Beat For A Black Friday Freestyle And It’s More Than Alright (Audio)

While many are out spending on the day after Thanksgiving, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar are still giving. The two have coordinated a "Black Friday" double barrel attack, with Kendrick taking over Cole's "A Tale of Two Citiez" track and Jermaine commandeering K. Dot's "Alright." On Cole's version of "Black... Read more

November 27, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Sends A Black Friday Message To All Who Doubt He’s Still A Lyrical Monster (Audio)

Earlier this year, Kendrick Lamar released his critically-acclaimed follow up to good kid, m.A.A.d. city. That album, To Pimp A Butterfly, was a departure from the narratives and music of his major label debut, layering in dense funk powered by musicians like Thundercat, Terrace Martin and, the original funkateer, George... Read more

November 27, 2015 Audio

KRS-One: Police Are a “Federally Authorized Gang” & Presidential Candidates “Are a Joke” (Video)

"Trayvon Martin was your cure for Cancer. Freddie Gray was about to come up with something for planes that when they crash, they never exploded and everybody lives." Those are the opening words from KRS-One who, in a video package for CNN, contributed his thoughts and ideas for the network's... Read more

November 27, 2015 Lifestyle

Erykah Badu’s New Mixtape Features A Duet With Andre 3000 (Mixtape)

At 12:00am today, Erykah Badu dropped But You Cain't Use My Phone, an 11-track mixtape featuring her ingenious remix to Drake's "Hotline Bling" (now called ("Cel U Lar Device") as well as its follow-up single, "Phone Down." The latest project centers on themes of communication, and while the literal references... Read more

November 27, 2015 Mixes

Kxng Crooked & Statik Selektah Serve Up That Good Food For The Soul (Audio)

Ever have someone say you wouldn't accomplish something? Kxng Crooked did, and boy were they wrong. The sometimes Slaughterhouse member (formerly known as Crooked I) links with Statik Selektah on "Dead Or In Jail" with a message to all those who said that's where he would be when he got... Read more

November 26, 2015 Audio

Red Pill Joins Blu For A Song About The Strife Life On A Soothing Oddisse Beat (Audio)

Michigan MC Red Pill is gifted in putting the circumstances of everyday twenty-something living. He makes songs about recreational alcoholism, a generational chasm, and going in on some junk food. But whatever the topic, the Mello Music Group MC comes with a sincerity and soul that's hard to replicate. For... Read more

November 25, 2015 Audio

Eddie Murphy Received the Nation’s Highest Prize for Comedy & Proves Why He Deserves It (Video)

The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor is given annually to those who have contributed a body of work that has greatly influenced comedy, and is considered the U.S.' highest honor of its kind. Given out every year since 1998, past recipients include Richard Pryor (who was awarded the very... Read more

November 25, 2015 Lifestyle

Chuck D, Large Professor, & Nas Celebrate How Youth Have Shaped Music Throughout History (Video)

Revolt TV has launched a new series called "Breaking Genres," which aims to examine the divisions within music, particularly as it relates to the varying labels used to define genres and subgenres. The multi-installment program is delivered in documentary form, with each episode examining a different aspect of the music... Read more

November 25, 2015 Fresh

Jay Rock & Kendrick Put Easy Bake Back In The Oven & Turn Up The Heat (Audio)

In August, Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar heat up the oven with a 90059 entry called "Easy Bake." Fresh out the oven at the time, the song was the perfect promotional appetizer for the TDE album to follow. More than three months later, Top Dawg Entertainment unveils the sequel, in... Read more

November 25, 2015 Audio

Naughty By Nature Announce 25th Anniversary Tour Dates & Plan EP

It has been nearly five years since East Orange, New Jersey Hip-Hop trio Naughty By Nature has released a project. Vin Rock, Treach, and Kay Gee have announced plans to commemorate their 25th year as N.B.N with new recording, and United States tour dates. While the group has toured and... Read more

November 25, 2015 News

KRS-One Apologizes to LL Cool J For Dissing Him, With A Detailed Freestyle (Video)

On Saturday night (November 21), KRS-One performed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In a concert joined by Rakim, Ras Kass, Domingo, DJ JS-1, and others, KRS was filmed (by Akil Esoon) as he welcomed a fan to the stage to perform some rhymes. That fan, dressed in a white track-suit and matching... Read more

November 25, 2015 Video

Blu, Rapper Big Pooh & Nottz Carry Some Sweet Soul Across Oceans (Audio)

Fresh off of Home Sweet Home, Rapper Big Pooh and Nottz keep the chemistry flowing. The Virginia pair team with Blu for a triangle offense, who seizes some Australian Soul. Bankrupt Billionaires is a Brisbane act with the booming vocals of Kel On Earth. Band producers Sammsonite and DATS turn... Read more

November 25, 2015 Audio

Adele Sings Hello While Fallon & The Roots Play Classroom Instruments. Still Amazing! (Video)

Many of Adele's biggest hits are rooted in heartbreak, loss or regret. The same holds true for her latest smash, "Hello." Leave it to Jimmy Fallon, however, to make even a song about someone's inability to get over a past love funny. As he has done with others, including Robin... Read more

November 25, 2015 Video

DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″‘s Long Awaited Collaboration w/ DOOM & Phonte Is Here (Audio)

The first lyrics you hear on "Highs & Lows" are very fitting to the situation, as Royce Da 5'9" sings "hey there music world, you've been keeping 'em waiting." As the group PRhyme, Royce and DJ Premier announced almost a year ago that they would be releasing a deluxe edition... Read more

November 24, 2015 Audio

Wu-Tang Clan’s “Once Upon A Time In Shaolin” Has Its Millionaire Buyer

More than a year and a half since fans learned of its existence, Wu-Tang Clan's Once Upon A Time In Shaolin album has reportedly sold. Following offers reportedly above the $5 million mark, the legendary Hip-Hop collective has found a buyer for the LP recorded in Morocco, and produced by... Read more

November 24, 2015 News

Nick Grant Kicks One of The Best Verses Of The Year…Excluding NOBODY (Video)

Ever heard of Nick Grant? He recently went on the Sway In The Morning show and delivered one of the best verses of the year, hands down, with no qualifications. The South Carolina MC earned a 35+ minute interview with the OG Hip-Hop personality, after he smashed a cypher, that... Read more

November 24, 2015 Video

Rick Ross Reveals It’s Far From All Good on Crocodile Python (Audio)

Rick Ross continues to discuss both his highs and his lows in his recent releases. On the latest, "Crocodile Python" from his forthcoming Black Market album (12/4), Ross taps producer Jahlil Beats for the soundtrack. Beats, who produced one of 2014's Summer anthems with Bobby Shmurda's "Hot Nigga," downshifts and... Read more

November 24, 2015 Audio

Sheek Louch & Fabolous Take No Losses & No Prisoners (Audio)

Sheek Louch and Fabolous keep the chemistry flowing. The former Def Jam Records label-mates release "No Losses" from next week's Silverback Gorilla 2 album (December 4). These two 1990s MCs have been super-durable in the 2000s, and 2010s, with the kind of endurance that comes from an undefeated-like record. As... Read more

November 24, 2015 Audio