News Archives

Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation…” Follow-Up Is Close. Real Close, Says Producer.

It has been more than 17 years since Lauryn Hill released her Grammy Award-winning, eight-times-platinum debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill. In the time since, the Ruffhouse/Sony Records artist has released live albums, reunited with The Fugees for spot dates, and released a series of a la carte songs. However,... Read more

October 3, 2015 News

DJ Quik Pitches In On A Rolling Skate Party In This “Fonky” DJ Set (Video)

Before he was rapping and producing, DJ Quik was a top mixmaster from Compton, California. In the nearly 30 years since getting career launched, Heads have become well acquainted with the smooth (sometimes belligerent) raps from David Blake, and his funky grooves behind the boards. What not all get access... Read more

October 3, 2015 Mixes, Video

PRhyme’s DJ Premier, Royce Da 5’9″ & Adrian Younge Are Making a Rare Performance Together.

This year, PRhyme embarked on a strong, multi-national tour. DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9" brought Your Old Droog and Boldy James with them, and rocked stages far and wide. Somebody who was not at the dates was Adrian Younge, one of PRhyme's members—the man who created the beats that... Read more

October 3, 2015 News

This Pharcyde & Brand New Heavies 1992 Yo! MTV Raps Left The Mic With A Fat Lip (Video)

In November of 1992, The Pharcyde released their debut album, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde. A would-be gold-certified album, the Delicious Vinyl Records effort brought the West Coast underground scene to the mainstream with accessible rhymes about unrequited love, puffin' indo', questionable race relations, and mom jokes. Without much mic... Read more

October 3, 2015 Throwback

Erykah Badu’s Drake Cover Breaks New Ground & Returns Home At Once (Audio)

Preparing her alleged upcoming mixtape, Erykah Badu appears to be trying some new things. "Hotline Bling" covers Drake's recent scorcher, but on Badu's terms. From the mixtape reportedly called But U Cain't Use My Phone, Erykah offers some "Buduism" in a song co-written with her son, Seven Benjamin (Andre 3000's... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

10 Things You May Not Know About Rawkus Records (Audio)

Though it kept a lower profile than companies like Def Jam and Bad Boy, in the late 90s and early 00s, there were few, if any record labels, that carried the flag for Hip-Hop more proudly than Rawkus Records. For many, the company introduced Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Eminem, El-P's... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Dave East Is A Standout New Artist. With Nas, Pusha T & LOX, He Has an Army With Him (Mixtape)

Even before he was co-signed by Nas and Mass Appeal Records, Spanish Harlem's Dave East showed tremendous promise. An insightful street MC, Dave combines 2015's appreciation for grit with the present-day demand for intellectual verses. In an era when New York City is fast changing, East is a product of... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio, Mixes

The LOX & Faith Evans Are Still “Family” Over An S.O.S. Band Homage (Audio)

The LOX and producer Duane DaRock appear to have a formula. The New York City veteran Rap trio and the budding beat-maker travel back to the early '80s flavor for some proven musical framework. In March, the quartet channeled Gap Band in "That Money." In Fall, it's S.O.S. Band's "Just... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Drops 2 New Freestyles & Blacks Out with Jarren Benton (Audio)

It's Friday, which means Chris Rivers has once again dropped off some freestyles as part of what is now a months-long lead-up to his forthcoming M.C. (Medicated Consumption). The Bronx MC, fka Baby Pun, has thus far unleashed freestyles over tracks by Black Moon, Brand Nubian, the Clipse, Dilated Peoples,... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

The Game is Not Playing. Here’s Another Hit Featuring Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, & will.i.am (Audio)

By now, the news of the Game's forthcoming double-disc release, The Documentary 2, is standard fare for Heads. The anticipation for the Compton MC's seventh album will serve as the follow-up to his 2005 debut, and the anniversary's timing has once again brought the Los Angeles neighborhood into the forefront... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Illa J’s Latest is an Exercise in Musical Exploration…& It Works (Album Stream)

Today marks the release date for Illa J's self-titled album, his latest solo effort and the first since his 2008 debut, Yancey Boys. That album introduced him to Heads as a gifted MC and sometimes singer, one who is eager both to celebrate his family legacy but also cultivate a... Read more

October 2, 2015 Audio

Tyler, The Creator Makes a Video That’s Controversial Even for Him (Visual)

It's been several months since Tyler, The Creator dropped a new music video, and today (Oct. 1) he's back with a double feature. The video covers the songs "Buffalo" and "Find Your Wings," both off of his 2015 album Cherry Bomb. The first part of the video, "Buffalo," is a... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

The Game & Kendrick Lamar Put In Work Over a Flip of an Erykah Badu Classic (Audio)

As the October 9 release of The Game's The Documentary 2 album approaches, the excitement for the project is mounting. The Compton MC has released several songs showcasing the forthcoming double album's diversity, including tracks with Skrillex, Diddy, Drake, DJ Quik and more. One of the most anticipated songs from... Read more

October 1, 2015 Audio

Big KRIT Discusses Having to Choose Between Eating & Paying His Phone Bill (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. now has 2 major record label album releases and several years of touring under his belt, which has afforded him a life of financial stability. Just 6 years ago, however, his circumstances were radically different. In an interview on ESPN's Highly Questionable, the Meridian, MS MC talked about... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

Witness How Hip-Hop is Aiding in the Fight Against Global Warming (Video)

An organization called the Hip-Hop Caucus has spent the last several months undertaking a project with impact, using the power of music to spread messages of awareness revolving around climate change. The People's Climate Music began as a nationwide bus tour, bringing musicians including G.O.O.D. Music artist Malik Yusef and... Read more

October 1, 2015 Lifestyle

Queen Latifah Discusses Uplifting Women Through Positive Messages in Hip-Hop (Video)

It's been 8 years since Queen Latifah released her most recent solo album Persona, but her fans are still quick to acknowledge her enduring legacy, particularly when it comes to the empowerment of women within the Hip-Hop community. Now an Academy-Award nominated actress, the Queen won the Best Rap Solo... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

Rubble Kings: The Mixtape Features The Sounds That Laid the Foundation for Hip-Hop (Audio)

This Summer, the documentary Rubble Kings took audiences deep inside the world of the gangs that ruled New York City from the late 1960s to the mid-70s. The film follows the story of Ghetto Brothers gang leader Benjy Melendez, and the critical role he played in negotiating a truce that... Read more

October 1, 2015 Mixes

Ras Kass & King Midas Clique Are Setting off Alarms on Police Brutality (Video Premiere)

Last year, Ras Kass released Blasphemy, a collaborative album with Apollo Brown, a widely acclaimed effort that wonderfully paired the Carson, California MC's mastery with the Detroit producer's soulful, boom-bap. Now, the former is gearing up for another Mello Music LP, this time a collaborative effort with Jack Splash, a... Read more

October 1, 2015 Video

DJ Premier Introduces A D.I.T.C. MC…With Scratches of DMX & Grand Puba on the Hook (Audio)

Over the last 25-plus years, DJ Premier may be one of Hip-Hop's most meaningful introducers of new artists. From Nas to Mobb Deep, Jeru The Damaja to Royce Da 5'9", Preemo's music finds the greatness in many MCs. Fisher is the latest D.I.T.C.-backed artist. Showbiz and company have yet another... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Black Star Announce Tour Dates…Half A World Away From Brooklyn.

More than 15 years removed from their self-titled album, Black Star is making moves. Talib Kweli and Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos Def) have done spot appearances in the last three years. However, the former Rawkus Records duo has announced a four concert tour...in Australia. That's a long way from Brooklyn,... Read more

September 30, 2015 News

Here Are 2 Hours of Madlib & Pete Rock Sets as Curated by J. Rocc (Audio)

Beat Junkies co-founder J. Rocc is the host of a radio program called "Adventures in Stereo" which takes place weekly Sunday nights on KPFK Public Radio. Each week's episode carries special guests and themes and provides listeners with two hours of ear candy. Past shows include Sean Price and Roy... Read more

September 30, 2015 Audio

Now You Can Take a Virtual Tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Nas & Rakim

Hip-Hop and art have once again merged in an exciting way, thanks to the inventive mind of a graduate student. Regina Flores Mir is the brains behind the Hip-Hop Project, a new program being implemented at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that allows visitors to navigate the various collections with... Read more

September 30, 2015 Lifestyle

A New Film Shows How Stretch & Bobbito Helped Launch the Careers of Nas, Jay Z, Big Pun & More (Video)

In the 90s, Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia hosted a seminal radio show every Thursday night (technically early Friday morning) that would become one of the most important platforms in Hip-Hop. Throughout the decade, they served as de facto ambassadors, introducing audiences and the world to unsigned and undiscovered artists... Read more

September 30, 2015 TV/Film

TIDAL is Raising the Ante by Bringing Prince, Beyonce & Jay Z Together in an All-Star Concert

Despite persistent rumors that streaming music service TIDAL is struggling in the face of stiff competition from YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify, the Jay Z-owned platform is pulling out all the stops to celebrate its recent milestone of reaching one million paying subscribers. On October 20, 2015, TIDAL will host... Read more

September 30, 2015 News

The Internet’s Live Show Sets Them Apart From All…Even From A Tiny Desk (Video)

As much as a crew mentality can help a family tree of talent get on (see: Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., or Diggin' In The Crates), sometimes an entity supersedes an affiliation. In the case of The Internet, Syd tha Kyd, Matt Martians and company played a background in OFWGKTA's 2011 breakthrough.... Read more

September 29, 2015 Video

How Did Lil Dicky Get Away With His ‘$ave Dat Money’ Hijinks? This Documentary Has the Answer (Video)

Since releasing his studio debut Professional Rapper, Philadelphia MC Lil Dicky has continued to capitalize on the internet fame that first catapulted him into Hip-Hop in 2013, when the video for "Ex-Boyfriend" scored over one-million hits in less than 24 hours. Since then, the ad-man turned comedian turned rapper has... Read more

September 29, 2015 Video

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Iconic Rammellzee & K-Rob “Beat Bop” Artwork Gets New Life (Audio)

The iconic painter Jean-Michel Basquiat was among many things, a B-boy. The New York City-based artist ran in the same circles as Fab 5 Freddy as well as Andy Warhol before his tragic 1988 death. One of the Brooklyn, New Yorker's enduring works was designing the cover art to (and... Read more

September 29, 2015 Throwback

Chance The Rapper & Kyle Re-jog The Memory Of Haters In The Rear-View (Audio)

The old adage "laugh now, cry later" is a driving force in Hip-Hop, just as it was a tattoo on Tupac Shakur's pectoral. Many artists' greatest motivation is those who doubted, rejected, and disrespected them in the past. For Ventura, California native MC Kyle, this is true. Just on the... Read more

September 29, 2015 Audio

D.M.C. Once Contemplated Suicide. From Adoption To J.M.J.’s Death, He Embodies Triumph (Video)

Last week, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels stopped by CBC Radio to sit down with Shadrach Kabango (also known by his MC name, Shad) for an interview on Kabango's Q program. For more than 45 minutes, the two discussed the Hip-Hop pioneer's life and career, both past and present. Clad in an... Read more

September 29, 2015 Video

Hip-Hop’s DJ Pioneers Come Together For Universal Zulu Nation 42nd Anniversary

This November marks the 42nd anniversary of the Universal Zulu Nation. The organization, made famous by Hip-Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa has upheld the tenants of the culture in five decades. Formed in the Bronx, New York, the group has grown globally to include the likes of Ice-T, 9th Wonder, and... Read more

September 29, 2015 News

Legendary Street Artist Banksy Will Donate His Dismaland Art to Aid in Europe’s Refugee Crisis (Video)

For weeks now, the news of the ongoing migrant crisis in Europe has dominated headlines around the world. As millions flee civil war in Syria and other humanitarian crises in the region, European countries have become ground zero for an influx of migrants, some welcoming them with open arms and... Read more

September 29, 2015 Lifestyle

Narcos Supplies the Raw Power & Grit of the Purest Form of Hip-Hop (Video)

Since Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's seminal 1982 song, "The Message," Hip-Hop, in its purest form has been a window into worlds otherwise unseen. It was that raw and uncut reporting that catapulted acts like N.W.A. and Public Enemy, with their commentary on their respective worlds, as well as... Read more

September 29, 2015 TV

Talib Kweli Was Critical to Soundbombing. He & 9th Wonder Are Making Their Own Compilation.

In establishing Rawkus Records mission, vision, and range, Talib Kweli was highly integral to celebrated compilation series like Soundbombing and Lyricist Lounge. A decade after breaking from Rawkus, Talib teamed with former label-mate Pharoahe Monch as well as 9th Wonder to form Indie 500. The Hip-Hop triumvirate aims to really... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio, News

Kanye Once Told Freddie Gibbs He Was Mediocre. Now He’s Rhyming With Yasiin Gaye (Audio)

Golden Rules continues to have the golden touch. Paul White and Eric Biddines' late summer album is still making its rounds with those in the know, and those hearing the potent production and Southern drawl. One of the Lex Records release standouts is "Never Die," featuring Yasiin Bey (f/k/a Mos... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio

The Game Says Doctor’s Advocate Was Better Than The Documentary (Video)

The Game was in New York City last week and he stopped by The Breakfast Club to promote the forthcoming release of his highly-anticipated album, The Documentary 2. Without an ounce of pretense, Game kept it 100 about anything and everything DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlemagne Tha God threw... Read more

September 28, 2015 Video

Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces, Thundercat Join Forces & Enlist George Clinton (Audio)

In what may be Hip-Hop's newest and most exciting triad, three individually incredible artists have formed a singular unit to form a three-headed hybrid that incorporates multiple genres and aesthetics into WOKE. Featuring producer and DJ Flying Lotus, experimental Hip-Hop duo Shabazz Palaces, and Psychedelic Funk multi-instrumentalist Thundercat, WOKE has... Read more

September 28, 2015 Audio

A Violinist & Violist Covered Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Alright,’ & It Is Awe-Inspiring (Video)

Earlier this month, Classical duo Black Violin released Stereotypes, an album featuring their signature Classical music training with elements of more contemporary stylings mixed in. Comprised of Violinist Kevin Sylvester and Violist Wilner Baptiste, Black Violin (who once performed at the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater) worked with... Read more

September 28, 2015 Video

The World’s Best B-Boys & B-Girls Take Center Stage at this Breakin’ Competition (Video)

Heads around the world have embraced Breakdancing as one of Hip-Hop's defining elements, and while it may seem like rapping has become the culture's most visible manifestation, B-boys and B-Girls continue to celebrate breakin' in tremendous ways. Back in August, the World Hip-Hop Dance Championships took place in San Diego,... Read more

September 28, 2015 Video

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy. He’s Celebrating With Gold Bottles (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Young Jeezy who turns 37 tomorrow (9/28). He celebrates early with the release of "Gold Bottles," the latest in his Sunday Service series. Jeezy is releasing new music each Sunday until the November 13 release of his forthcoming album Church in the Streets. "Gold Bottles" is produced... Read more

September 27, 2015 Audio

Run the Jewels’ Meow the Jewels Is Now Available for Free Download (Mixtape)

Last year, Run the Jewels' highly-anticipated album, Run the Jewels 2, was leaked on the internet. Not ones to cry over spilt milk, the duo of Killer Mike & El-P embraced it as a sign of the times and took charge. Rather than try to back the train back into... Read more

September 26, 2015 Mixes

Ever See This 1991 Geto Boys Performance on ‘Yo! MTV Raps’? (Video)

Now that the hopes of a Geto Boys reunion album have been put to rest, fans of the Houston trio are undoubtedly disappointed, but thanks to the glory of the digital age, footage of them performing over the course of their career is perennially available. In this rarely seen clip,... Read more

September 26, 2015 Video

Anderson .Paak Continues to Show What Dr. Dre & DJ Premier Already Knew. He’s a True Talent (Video)

Anderson .Paak has had an unbelievable year. The Los Angeles artist shared billing with Dr. Dre on 6 of the Compton album's 16 tracks, and he had already been working with DJ Premier, prior to that. Today (9/25), he releases The Anderson .Paak EP with the production outfit Blended Babies.... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Redman, Method Man & Erick Sermon Still Love Working Together. It Shows. (Video)

For more than 20 years, Erick Sermon, Redman, and Method Man have displayed their strong chemistry—in various combinations. Through all of that time, no matter the changing trends and attitudes of Hip-Hop, these men were always a beacon of fun-loving music-making. It's all about skills, jokes, and upstaging each other... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Apollo Brown Takes Producer Compilations To A Whole New Level In Grandeur (Album Stream)

Apollo Brown stays incredibly busy. The Detroit, Michigan producer does tandem albums with MCs, he releases instrumental LPs, and the Mello Music Group mainstay works in groups like Ugly Heroes, The Left, and others. For the first time since 2010's The Reset, Apollo returns to straight compilation work. Grandeur, released... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Some Very Respected People Think This 17-Year Old MC Is The Future of Hip-Hop. Meet A-F-R-O (Video)

A storm is coming, and his name is A-F-R-O. Last year, the 17-year old MC won a Rap competition judged by R.A. The Rugged, Talib Kweli, Murs, Jean Grae, Vinnie Paz, Locksmith, Rittz and more. The MC born Jamal Gutierrez was so impressive, R.A. took him under his wing. Though... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

Mac Miller Drops Heavy Bars Over Preemo, Kanye & Timbaland in a Big Boy Freestyle (Video)

Currently celebrating the release of his major-label debut GO:OD AM, Pittsburgh's Mac Miller is making the promotional rounds on stage and in the booth. Gearing up for a North American tour, Miller stopped by Big Boy's morning show at 92.3 REAL in Los Angeles and hopped on the mic for... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

The Game Takes Biggie’s Kick in the Door Beat & Adds Some Bang, With a Co-Sign From Puff Daddy (Audio)

The Game is on one right now. His double album follow up to his debut LP The Documentary will be released in 2 weeks, with part 1 hitting stores on October 9 and part 2 following the week after. Earlier this week, he set the web on fire with his... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio

Big Boi & Phantogram Perform Fell in the Sun With The Roots (Video)

Big Boi's and Phantogram's respective fans have always known the musicians for not only being talented recording artists, but also highly entertaining live performers. The former is known for his lively stage shows alongside his Outkast partner, Andre 3000 and the latter are an eclectic duo whose set designs and... Read more

September 25, 2015 Video

36 Years Later, The Warriors Take Their Last Subway Ride Home. Can You Dig It? (Video)

A lot has changed in New York City since Walter Hill filmed The Warriors. While the Wonder Wheel remains, much of Coney Island has changed when standing on Stillwell Avenue. More than 35 years after the cult classic released, Rolling Stone filmed as cult fans organized "Swan" (Michael Beck), "Cochise"... Read more

September 25, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Janet Jackson & Missy Elliott Team Up to Set the Dance Floor on Fire (Audio)

Both Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott are making their way back to the spotlight after some times away. They worked together twice in the 2000s, but the R&B-Pop superstar and the Hip-Hop mainstay have both appeared to have been less than interested in the musical space in the 2010s. "BURNITUP!"... Read more

September 25, 2015 Audio