News Archives

What’s Beef? Shaq & Kobe Open Up About Tensions, Putting Rumors To Rest (Audio)

From 1996 through 2004, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant were heralded Los Angeles Lakers teammates. As such, they won three NBA championships in the purple and gold. However, both dominant personalities, both masters of their craft, a team tug-of-war began, from the locker-room to the media, and the (potential Hall... Read more

September 1, 2015 Audio, Lifestyle

Straight Outta Compton Becomes The Top-Earning Musical Biopic, Ever.

James Brown. Johnny Cash. Ray Charles. Ritchie Valens. The Doors. Buddy Holly. These are just some of the subjects surrounding Hollywood's musical biopics of the last 25 years. That said, N.W.A. and their biographical depiction in Straight Outta Compton boasts the distinction of being the highest-earning, ever. In theaters for... Read more

August 31, 2015 News

Tower Records’ Place in Music History Is Being Remembered in New Doc (Video)

It goes without saying that every generation of music fan has its earliest, almost primordial memories of when and how it fell in love with music. For some, these memories conjure up images of a live show or a particular lyric that sounded like it was written just for the... Read more

August 31, 2015 TV/Film, Video

De La Soul Confirm Pete Rock, Snoop Dogg, Usher, & Others As Upcoming Album Guests

UPDATE: In their latest update to funders of the upcoming album reportedly titled And The Anonymous Nobody, De La Soul has confirmed additional guests. "We've recruited more amazing talents and we're happy to announce that we now have Usher, Pete Rock, Roc Marciano, Estelle and Snoop Dogg on the album,"... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

Heartbreak Of Late: How Katrina, Taylor & A Tragic Loss Shaped Kanye West

In the last 15 years, has an artist used the medium of music videos as profoundly and as dynamically as Kanye West? At last night's (August 30) 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Mr. West received the honorary Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, placing him in the company of not only... Read more

August 31, 2015 Food for Thought, Video

Talib Kweli Redesigns Currency For His Anti-Capitalism Campaign (Video)

MC and activist Talib Kweli has loaned his voice to various social and political movements over the course of his career, most recently as a guest on Real Time With Bill Maher, where he shared his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter organization and the upcoming presidential election. His loudest... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

Rick Ross Announces a New Album & Releases A Song With a Message (Audio)

Rick Ross is full of surprises today. Not only has the Maybach Music Group head announced he's releasing a new album later this week, he's also released a new song with a message of financial literacy and Black empowerment. Ross is dropping an LP called Black Dollar on Thursday, September... Read more

August 31, 2015 Audio

R.A. The Rugged Man & Tom Thum Revive The MC & Beatbox Collabo (Video)

Ever since releasing his Legends Never Die album in 2013, R.A. The Rugged Man has been supplying fans with a steady stream of ambitious visuals to go with the project. Today (August 31) he has released his ninth music video off the album, this time for the Tom Tom Club-tinged... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

Trap Or Deity: Jeezy Presents His Godly Self-Image (Audio)

Nas had God's Son. Kanye West had Yeezus. Jeezy (f/k/a Young Jeezy) is entering his own God campaign. The Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC announced an album today (August 31). The LP, planned for November 13 release, is introduced through a single of the same name. The Grammy nominated rapper's eighth... Read more

August 31, 2015 Audio

Yasiin Bey Says Reports That He Has Returned to the Name “Mos Def” Are False (Video)

August has been a complex month for Yasiin Bey. Earlier in the month, a video surfaced where he issued a challenge to the entire Rap universe, saying that he, Black Thought and King Los could defeat anyone in a battle. Shortly after the video was released, Bey issued a statement... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

The Coup’s Boots Riley Argues for More Radical Movements to Combat Discrimination (Video)

Last month, Boots Riley announced he was releasing a book, one that documents his art, beliefs, thoughts, and personal stories. Also included are lyrics to songs by the Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club, two Oakland-based Hip-Hop groups of which he is a member. Now the book has been released,... Read more

August 31, 2015 Video

Macklemore, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz & Kool Moe Dee Stage an Epic VMA Opening (Video)

Did you ever think you'd see Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz and Kool Moe Dee on the VMAs? Macklemore & Ryan Lewis made it happen. Fresh off the release of the completely over the top song and video, "Downtown," the Seattle duo topped both with one of the most epic VMA... Read more

August 30, 2015 Video

Scarface Says He Dislikes All Geto Boys LPs & Rap-A-Lot Tried to Ruin His Career

Scarface is gearing up to release Deeply Rooted on September 4. In a career that spans nearly 30 years, it will only be the third time Brad Jordan is releasing a studio release outside of Rap-A-Lot Records (2002's The Fix, 2006's One Hunnid with Tha Product). However, the Houston, Texas... Read more

August 29, 2015 News

Master P Says He Saved Snoop Dogg’s Life, Wants Tyler Perry To Direct Biopic (Video)

To a skeptic, Master P's upcoming biopic King Of The South may appear to too closely follow the success of Straight Outta Compton. With No Limit built upon much of the Ruthless model, and TRU following N.W.A., one could argue that the New Orleans, Louisiana rapper/mogul/actor is simply pulling a... Read more

August 29, 2015 Video

2015’s Best Battle On Wax? Funk Volume & Horseshoe Gang Trade Diss Tracks (Audio)

The year 2015 has seen a re-emergence of "beef" or diss records on wax in the world of Hip-Hop. While Mos Def a/k/a Yasiin Bey had a video leaked of him calling out MCs earlier this year, only for him to retract his challenge, 2015 has seen much hype around... Read more

August 29, 2015 Audio

Lupe Fiasco Surprises Fans With Free Mixtape, ‘Pharaoh Height 2/30’ (Mix)

Lupe Fiasco Heads rejoice...the Chicago MC has released a surprise free project and with it a nod to the fans who have been following him since 2006. Eleven years ago, he released a series of three mixtapes entitled Fahrenheit 1/15, the same year he released his Platinum-selling studio debut, Lupe... Read more

August 29, 2015 Mixes

The Man Who Gave Dr. Dre His 1st Big Break Talks N.W.A.’s Origins (Video)

Few artists in Hip-Hop have forged three different labels into dynasties. Dr. Dre's artistic craftsmanship established Ruthless Records, Death Row Records, and Aftermath Entertainment as premiere imprints in their respective eras. While Andre Young presently maintains Aftermath, he was the onetime president and co-founder of Death Row, yet he had... Read more

August 29, 2015 Video

Mannie Fresh Makes Super Tough Beat Live, Using 3 Random Records (Video)

It's no accident that Mannie Fresh is one of the pioneers in defining the sound of Southern Hip-Hop in the 90s and beyond. His distinctive style of "bounce" music, built on punctuated horn samples, rolling bass lines and plenty of bling sounds, shifted the direction of Hip-Hop, much like the... Read more

August 28, 2015 Video

Jay Rock Gives 2 Very Different But Equally Compelling Interviews (Video)

Jay Rock made a trip to New York City yesterday (8/27) to play his imminently forthcoming 90059 album in its entirety for the first time on the East Coast. Prior to his jam-packed listening session last night at ALIFE, he made stops at both Hot 97 and Power 105 for... Read more

August 28, 2015 Video

Slaughterhouse’s Kxng Crooked Exposes His Vulnerabilities & Struggles with Depression (Video)

Back in July, a demo version of a track called "Don't Close Your Eyes (Ashamed)" was released, and with it came one of the most emotionally wrenching releases in Hip-Hop this summer. A painfully personal tale of personal demons, the song is a single from Kxng Crooked (fka Crooked I),... Read more

August 28, 2015 Video

Cee Lo Celebrates Music’s Healing Powers on a Song Using the “Taxi” Theme (Audio)

On November 13, Cee Lo Green will be releasing a new studio album, reportedly titled Heart Blanche. The Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley member will be continuing his solo career after a couple of years spent outside of the limelight, and fans will surely be thrilled to hear new music... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Opts for a Lyrical Tribute to Sean Price in the Form of a Freestyle (Audio)

As fans know, Chris Rivers has been on a lyrical tirade in recent weeks, using Fridays to release freestyles over a vast array of beats, both classic and obscure. The weekly celebrations are all part of an extended promotional plan as he gets closer and closer to releasing M.C. (Medicated... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Keeps It All in the NOLA Family With Lil Wayne & August Alsina (Audio)

New Orleans' own Spitta Andretti released a surprise E.P. titled Cathedral earlier this month, and the rapper better known as Curren$y has now released another single in the form of "Bottom of the Bottle." Featuring assistance from fellow NOLA representatives August Alsina and Lil Wayne, the track is produced by... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

Yasiin Bey Dices Up a Beat on Sensei on the Block (Audio)

With all of the recent news of Yasiin Bey making headlines, the Brooklyn MC's return to music was a topic of conversation for many, and with the release of a video for "Basquiat Ghostwriter" earlier this week, it seemed his return was inevitable. Now he's back with more new work,... Read more

August 28, 2015 Audio

When Big K.R.I.T. & 8Ball Come Together, Trunks Rattle (Audio)

Fresh off of yesterday's "86" birthday party, Big K.R.I.T. returns with another car tune. Teaming with one of his leading inspirations and ongoing collaborators in 8Ball, Krizzle also welcomes Scotty ATL to "Grippin' Grain." South Carolina's DJ Scream orchestrates the track, produced by UGK close affiliate Cory Mo. The resulting... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Revisits Some ’96 Jay Z for a 5-Minute Freestyle (Audio)

Since releasing his second studio album, The Ecology, last year, Fresno MC Fashawn has continued to grow his fan base, one that has been expanding steadily since he released his 2009 debut Boy Meets World, a collaborative LP with producer Exile. In the years since, his visibility has grown exponentially... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Kev Brown’s Take On Jay Z’s Black Album Was An Unauthorized Remix That Surely Is Official (Album Stream)

Upon its November, 2003 release, Jay Z's The Black Album beckoned an onslaught of remixes. Ironically, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records LP is heralded for its star-studded production (Kanye West, Eminem, Just Blaze, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, DJ Quik, etc.). Still, in his ever-innovative foresight, Jay encouraged the masses of... Read more

August 27, 2015 Do Remember, Throwback

Macklemore Collaborates with Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz & Kool Moe Dee (Video)

The lives of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have changed immensely since the 2012 release of their album, The Heist. The duo went from being indie Hip-Hop darlings to full-blown global superstars. The album and its singles dominated music for more than a year, culminating in sales of more than 1.4... Read more

August 27, 2015 Video

Warren G Freestyles Over K. Camp’s “Comfortable” And Has Fun With It (Video)

After an extended hiatus, Warren G has had a musical renaissance this Summer. Earlier this month, he released his Regulate...G Funk Era, Pt. II EP, which featured three songs with previously unreleased Nate Dogg vocals. As he makes the rounds in promotion of the EP, he stopped by DJ Booth... Read more

August 27, 2015 Video

LL Cool J’s Album Mama Said Knock You Out Turns 25. Here’s How It Re-Defined His Career

"DON'T CALL IT A COMEBACK!! I'VE BEEN HERE FOR YEARS!!!" Despite his protest in the opening lines of the title song to Mama Said Knock You Out, a triumphant return is exactly what that album was for LL Cool J when it was released 25 years ago on August 27,... Read more

August 27, 2015 Food for Thought

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Heat Up Another Collaboration In Easy Bake (Audio)

Jay Rock's sophomore studio album, 90059, is allegedly planned to release in the next 10 days. Top Dawg Entertainment's restless 2015 continues. Unlike so many crews and movements, often times, TDE releases' most exciting collaborations are in-house. While J.R. and Kendrick Lamar have worked together a number of times, the... Read more

August 27, 2015 Audio

Bishop Nehru Celebrates His Birthday With 4 Songs Including A Visual (Audio/Video)

Bishop Nehru has accomplished a ton in just a teen-aged life. Turning 19 today (August 26), the Mass Appeal/Lex Records MC celebrated in a way that aligns with his tireless work ethic. The Spring Valley, New York native released four new songs, one of which already receives a standalone video.... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio, Video

1986 Was A Good Year… In Big K.R.I.T.’s Life & In His Garage (Audio)

Today (August 26), Big K.R.I.T. turns 29 years old. Born in 1986, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer named Justin Scott has risen to the top of the creative ranks in Hip-Hop since his mid-twenties. The Cinematic Entertainment artist was surprised with a special birthday present: a Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The white... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

A$AP Rocky Looks At The Ill Fate Of Fame & Extreme Decadence (Video)

A$AP Rocky's "Everyday" has been a major vehicle for At. Long. Last. A$AP. The RCA/Polo Grounds MC used a new sound than that of his first studio LP to examine that glamorous and thin-line lifestyle that influences so much of his music, art, and fashion. With none other than Rod... Read more

August 26, 2015 Video

Ras Kass’ Lyrics Burn Like Acid In This Psychedelic Side Project Single (Audio)

Ras Kass stays busy. Beyond the Carson, California MC's sprawling independent catalog, he has a host of side projects, including HRSMN (with Kurupt, Killah Priest, and Canibus), White Crows (with Mista Lawnge), and Golden State Warriors (with Saafir and Xzibit). Heads can now add another Razzy Kazzy vehicle to the... Read more

August 26, 2015 Audio

N.W.A. Were Not the Only Ones to Say Eff The Police. J Dilla Did Too…

The life and career of J Dilla (a/k/a Jay Dee) has become something of a legend. The Detroit, Michigan producer/MC made an indelible impact on music in a 10-year run between Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1 and Donuts. With a thumping sound, a steadfast lyrical bravado, and a penchant for looking beyond... Read more

August 26, 2015 Throwback

“Straight Outta Compton” Lands N.W.A. On Top 40 Charts…27 Years Later

Both of N.W.A.'s two studio full-length albums carry platinum plaques. 1988's Straight Outta Compton and 1991's Ni**az4Life have this distinction, as does 1990 EP 100 Miles & Runnin', while 1987's N.W.A. & The Posse, and two separate greatest hits volumes are gold. With their sophomore LP boasting a #1 on... Read more

August 26, 2015 News

Dallas Penn & Rafi Kam Get A Food Desert Instead Of Dessert In A Visit To East New York (Video)

On Gang Starr's "Speak Ya Clout," Group Home's Lil Dap urged his crew to meet him at Broadway Junction. The Brooklyn, New York train intersection in East New York is a commonplace stop for many metropolitan commuters, but hardly a destination for foodies. The off-beat New York City bloggers, culturists,... Read more

August 25, 2015 Lifestyle, Video

Celebrate Aaliyah’s Life and Legacy With This Extended Video of Her Story In Her Words (Video)

Aaliyah passed away fourteen years ago today, when a plane crash claimed her life and those of eight others who were with her. While her music has endured and remains a fixture on radio, video and playlists worldwide, glimpses of Aaliyah Haughton, the person, are more rare. To celebrate her... Read more

August 25, 2015 Throwback

Yelawolf Lashes Out Against Burning Of Confederate Flag & Cites Others in Hip-Hop Who’ve Worn It

Throughout his career, Yelawolf has celebrated his Southern roots. The Gadsden, Alabama MC/singer made songs that embraced his heritage in patriotism, such as "Made In The U.S.A." and "Back To Bama." The Shady/Ghet-O-Vision/Interscope Records artist has never been above embracing less than glamorous lifestyle qualities, heard in "Slumerican Shitizen." On... Read more

August 25, 2015 News

Dee Barnes Responds to Dr. Dre’s Apology to the Women He Abused With Powerful Words

The N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton has been a runaway success at the box office, chalking up two straight weeks atop the box office charts and raking in well over $100 million in that time period. The timing of its release has been uncanny, with its depictions of police harassment... Read more

August 25, 2015 News

Gangrene Show Their Far-Reaching ’70s Film Inspiration For The New LP (Video)

As producers, Oh No and Alchemist dig deep. The two California natives appreciate getting a bit dusty to find just the right elements to orchestrate their gritty arrangements. Teaming together for a third studio LP as Gangrene, the pair did the same, thematically. In 1972, a burgeoning broadcast journalist named... Read more

August 25, 2015 Video

Apollo Brown & Your Old Droog Release a Soulful Anti-Drug PSA (Audio)

Apollo Brown & Your Old Droog have teamed up to spin a tale of those lost to drugs on the second single for Brown's forthcoming Mello Music Group release, Grandeur. On "Not That Guy," the producer-MC duo mourn the downfall of people who have opted to chase the high and... Read more

August 25, 2015 Audio

Twista Chops Out A Nimble Freestyle With A Conscious Message (Audio)

Twista's catalog is deep. Although the Chicago, Illinois Hip-Hop pioneer is frequently thought of for his "Slow Jamz" and dazzling lyrical displays, the Speedknot Mobsta'-turned-GMG leader has also never shied from strong substance in his sprawling archives of music. Fresh off his tandem Withdrawal EP with Do Or Die, Twista... Read more

August 25, 2015 Audio

DJ Quik Goes Back In His Bag Of Funk Grooves For Game’s Documentary 2 (Audio)

A decade ago, when Game (as The Game) hit the mainstream with The Documentary, he worked with a dream team of guest MCs, singers, and producers. Brandishing Compton like early 1990s, Jayceon Taylor did not work with DJ Quik on the LP, despite the fact that the CPT pioneer was... Read more

August 24, 2015 Audio

Method Man & Redman Bring That Straight Gutta Chemistry To Life (Video)

One of the center pieces of Method Man's just-released Meth Lab project is "Straight Gutta." The Redman-assisted song continues two decades of raspy-voiced, "elevated" chemistry between Red & Meth, beyond their own highly-established brand. Joined by Meth's longtime protege Streetlife, as well as his latest act Hanz On, the four... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video

Illa J Celebrates His Big Brother’s Memory & Reclaims J Dilla’s Spirit as His Own (Audio)

On October 2, Illa J will be releasing his second solo album, the first since his 2008 debut, Yancey Boys. A move to Montreal, some time spent touring with Slum Village, and the ongoing pursuit of his own music in the wake of his older brother's 2006 passing has culminated... Read more

August 24, 2015 Audio

Lil Dicky Explains What Led Him to Hip-Hop In 5 Questions (Video)

Lil Dicky has had a charmed career in Hip-Hop, thus far. His first video ever ("Ex-Boyfriend") racked up a million views...on the first day. His debut album, Professional Rapper, was the number 1 Rap album in the country, the first week of its release, and the album was perched atop... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video

Remembering Sean Price’s Giant Sense of Humor, in the Words of Duck Down’s Dru-Ha

As the co-CEO of Duck Down Music, Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman plays an integral role in the label's operations, but those duties have been overshadowed by his relationships with his artists, specifically Sean Price. One of Duck Down's most successful and adored artists, the Brownsville, Brooklyn rapper left an indelible emptiness... Read more

August 24, 2015 Fresh

The Weeknd Does Away With His Demons in Highly-Conceptual ‘Tell Your Friends’ Mini-Movie (Video)

The Weeknd is having what is likely the most successful season of his career, and his new album hasn't even been released yet. On August 28, Beauty Behind The Madness is expected to drop and will certainly echo the success of "Can't Feel My Face," the album's lead single that... Read more

August 24, 2015 Video