News Archives

KRS-One Reveals The Secrets of the Illuminati & Says There Is Nothing To Fear (Video)

They don't call KRS-One "the Teacha" for nothing. The iconic Bronx, New York MC, teacher, poet, and philosopher recently blasted off for a group of young minds in California. Taking questions from audience members, the Now Hear This creator spoke in depth about the difference between Masons and the Illuminati,... Read more

December 6, 2015 Video

10 Years Ago Lil Wayne Released Tha Carter II & It Made Him A Hip-Hop Superstar

A decade ago, it could certainly have been argued that Lil Wayne had nowhere near the body of work to be considered one of the game's best lyricists. However, 10 years after releasing Tha Carter II, he helped Billboard break the Internet after taking the 10th slot on the publication's... Read more

December 6, 2015 Food for Thought

Here’s A DJ Neil Armstrong Mix Of Originals Sampled in Many Of Hip-Hop’s Biggest Classics (Audio)

Sample mixes are a funny thing in Hip-Hop. In the 1970s park jams, DJs favored records that evoked a feeling in the crowd. Whether dancing, breakin', or simply signaling good times, these records became mainstays in the emerging culture. By the late 1980s, many of these same records were revisited,... Read more

December 5, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Edo G., M-Dot & Singapore Kane Bring Back The Rap Salute To DJs (Audio)

From Gang Starr to EPMD, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince to Run-D.M.C., Lords Of The Underground to LL Cool J, the DJ salutation was once a Hip-Hop institution. In 2015, DJs attached to Rap groups are a bygone trend, and with that, these songs are harder to find.... Read more

December 5, 2015 Audio

The Next Great Brooklyn MC Has Arrived. Jay Lonzo Is the TRUTH! (Video)

Of all the geographical regions in Hip-Hop, few have a greater lineage than Brooklyn. As the home to Big Daddy Kane, Biggie, Jay Z and far too many esteemed MCs to name, the burrough continues to produce strong talent from Joey Bada$$ to Stro. Now, there is a new arrival... Read more

December 4, 2015 Video

Nas, Bun B and More Celebrate Pimp C in a Tribute Video

Today (12/4), Nas' Mass Appeal Records released Long Live The Pimp, an album featuring previously unreleased material by the fallen UGK member. The project features songs with Nas, Lil Wayne, Juicy J, 8Ball & MJG, Bun B and more. Coupled with the album, several artists have participated in a tribute... Read more

December 4, 2015 Video

The Cold, Hard Truth: 20 Individuals Have More Money Than Half of the US Population

Wealth inequality has become a buzzword in American politics lately, with documentaries like Inequality for Us documenting the drastic differences in financial realities for Americans. Across the board, the United States has one of the world's most appalling income gaps when it comes to socioeconomic classes. The very, very wealthy... Read more

December 4, 2015 Lifestyle

25 Years Ago, Brand Nubian Propelled Us Forward by Looking Back (Editorial)

One need not look far to witness the enduring influence Brand Nubian has had on Hip-Hop. It's in today's fashion trends, in all of today's nods to the '90s, and it's most certainly in the music of today's up and comers. The New Rochelle, New York group's featured MCs, Grand... Read more

December 4, 2015 Food for Thought

Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab Has Made a Sports Version of “Alphabet Aerobics” (Video)

For a 20-plus-year group, Blackalicious is one of the only Hip-Hop acts whose biggest hit lives exclusively on an EP. "Alphabet Aerobics," found on 1999's A2G EP has taken on a life of its own. From famed remixes, to viral video performances, to "magical" cover renditions, the Gift Of Gab's... Read more

December 4, 2015 Video

Rick Ross Gets Livid About Billboard’s Disrespect of Tupac (Video)

Rick Ross joined The Breakfast Club for one of his rawest and most spirited interviews in years. Ross was so forthright that, by the end of the conversation, Charlemagne The God referred to him as "fearless." The MMG boss discussed a number of topics and did not mince words. Not... Read more

December 4, 2015 Video

Two 1980s NYC Street Culture Docs Capture The Cool, Even In These Trailers (Videos)

New York City has long been an epicenter for culture. From music, to fashion, to art, the five boroughs and beyond have influenced the world near and far. In the 1980s, the Big Apple was especially influential. Two documentarians of the era are Jamel Shabazz and Manfred Kirchheimer. Shabazz, a... Read more

December 4, 2015 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

Chris Rivers Takes It Back To The Essence Of Hip-Hop On Ain’t No Half Steppin’ (Video)

Over the Summer, Chris Rivers (pka Baby Pun) went on a tear, with weekly releases of both original material and freestyles over classic beats. One of the standout cuts was his rip of Big Daddy Kane's 1988 staple, "Ain't No Half Steppin'," with Termanology. Now, Rivers and Term link for... Read more

December 4, 2015 Video

This Footage Captures the Energy of Erykah Badu’s Sold-Out Brooklyn Performance (Video)

Last night, Erykah Badu performed for an adoring, sold-out crowd in the newly refurbished Kings Theatre in the Flatbush section of New York City's Brooklyn. The venue - a classically designed theatre that looks out of place among the nearby fast-food joints and chain stores - was the perfect setting... Read more

December 3, 2015 Video

The U.S. Military Announces Women Can Now Take On Combat Roles. History Is Made (Video)

Ever since a 1994 Pentagon ruling banning women from entering the military fields of armor, artillery, infantry, and other forms of combat roles in the United States Armed Forces, there has been a push to rewrite history by allowing females to take on the same duties as their male counterparts.... Read more

December 3, 2015 Lifestyle

Raekwon Politics On Classic Breakbeats In This 1995 Tim Westwood Freestyle (Audio)

Tim Westwood keeps his newly-established tradition of weekly freestyles going strong. Just over one month after sharing his 1995 Method Man freestyle (that would later become elements of some compilation work), the London DJ moves over to another 20 year-old freestyle from Chef Raekwon. Here, Rae' hops on Marley Marl's... Read more

December 3, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Kendrick Lamar Brings the Revolution to Austin With An Unbelievable Performance (Video)

Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" is on many Heads' lists for song of the year, and its influence has been obvious in life outside of music charts. Having performed the song at this year's BET Awards with an uproarious response, thanks to the politically driven set design and matching lyrical content, Lamar... Read more

December 3, 2015 Video

DJ Babu’s Latest Throwback Mix Celebrates Gang Starr, Def Squad & Wu-Tang Clan

In the last few weeks, Dilated Peoples/Beat Junkies member DJ Babu laid out his sophomore Barbershop Mix. The only thing this throwback, free download, hour-plus mix has in common with a barber is the fresh cuts. The Southern California vet goes into his crates to extract gems by Def Squad,... Read more

December 3, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

AZ Gets Gets Outta Control In A New Freestyle (Audio)

In Hip-Hop, few artists can blend in any environment as well as AZ. The Brooklyn, New York MC has had radio singles of multiple varieties, numerous Top 40 albums, and success both as a major label flagship artist and independent ventures. As part of his ongoing series, DJ Absolut shares... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

Bobby Ross Avila’s “Humanity” Featuring RZA Is A Timely Message On A Day Of Sorrow (Album Stream)

Bobby Ross Avila is a distinguished and celebrated musician whose work has been heard by Heads before, albeit they may not realize it. Having worked in multiple capacities for artists like Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Usher, and many others, Avila is a performing artist and acclaimed producer... Read more

December 2, 2015 Audio

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