News Archives

The Plot Thickens in Part 2 of Czarface’s Cinematic Series (Video)

Picking up right where the previous video left off, 7L, Esoteric and Inspectah Deck are back with the second installment of their Czarface music video series. Marking the release of their sophomore album together, Every Hero Needs A Villain, their video for "The Great (Czar Guitar)" started this cinematic series... Read more

July 6, 2015 Video

Happy 40th Birthday To 50 Cent. Play His Definitive Street LP (Album Stream)

Today (July 6), 50 Cent turns 40 years old. The Queens, New York superstar born Curtis Jackson may have broken through later in his life than some peers, however as an MC, an investor, and a record executive, Fif' has blessed the last 13 years with an edge that massively shaped Hip-Hop's... Read more

July 6, 2015 Throwback

This 1976 Mini-Documentary Explores The Complexity of Graffiti Culture Before ‘Style Wars’ (Video)

It the late '70s, a distinctively rebellious trend began to populate the walls, monuments, and empty spaces of New York City, one that would go on to become a founding principle of Hip-Hop culture. Graffiti, despite having been around for millennia, experienced a surge in popularity in the late 20th... Read more

July 6, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Why Wait Till February to Celebrate J. Dilla? Watch This Incredible Video Mix (Video)

February has become the time to pay tribute to J. Dilla because it is the month of the legendary producer's birthday and the anniversary of his death. But, does that mean we can't celebrate his ongoing impact at other times? Nope... Here's an amazing video mix of Dilla-produced music from... Read more

July 5, 2015 Video

Guerilla Radio: A Pirate FM Station Caught Playing Nothing But Unedited Geto Boys

In the history of Hip-Hop, Houston, Texas' Geto Boys are one of the rawest groups to garner mainstream recognition. Whether the famed trio of Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill, or other group members Raheem, Prince Johnny C, Big Mike, or Sir Rap-A-Lot, songs like "Let A Ho Be A... Read more

July 5, 2015 News

Thelonious Martin Is One Producer You MUST Be Watching For (Video)

So who will be the highly sought-out producers of tomorrow? Montclair, New Jersey's Thelonious Martin is one worthy of consideration. After work with Curren$y, Mac Miller, and MC Tree, Theo' is holding down his own fort. Taking 2014's Wunderkid freebie project, Martin provides a quick visual for "Wrong Or Right." Just... Read more

July 5, 2015 Video

30 Years Later, Dr. Dre Returns To His Radio Roots (Video)

Radio has been a major part of Dr. Dre's career. Through courageous radio stations, music by World Class Wreckin' Cru, N.W.A., Dre, and his litany of proteges reached the world, and made dozens of would-be household names and timeless hits. However, to those who lived and worked in Greater Los Angeles... Read more

July 4, 2015 News

Jay Rock Is One of Hip-Hop’s Realest MCs. It’s All in the Gumbo (Audio)

Hip-Hop is filled with posers and fake gangsters. There are so many who glorify senseless violence, materialism and drug consumption--all for a check. So, when something real is said, it penetrates. From day one, Jay Rock, TDE's OG MC, has brought light to the struggle of life in the ghetto,... Read more

July 4, 2015 Audio

DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie Release Their Annual Summertime Mix (Download)

When it comes to music, there's nothing that says it's summertime quite like DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie's annual mix. Perfect for BBQs, sitting by the pool or cruising down the streets, their Summertime series has provided a soundtrack for the season for the last 5 years. Now, the... Read more

July 4, 2015 Audio

Stacks on Stacks on Stacks: Here’s a Mix of 20+ Andre 3000 Featured Verses (Audio)

It's been nine years since Andre 3000 recorded a full album. 2006's Idlewild marked the end of OutKast's remarkable 12-year run that included six grammy awards and millions of LPs sold. Though they reunited for a festival tour in 2014, a new album has not materialized from the Atlien collective.... Read more

July 3, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog Is On the Rise But He’s Still Happy Being Under the Radar (Audio)

Now that we know he's not Nas, Your Old Droog has been proving to be good enough just being himself. The 25-year-old Ukrainian MC and Brooklyn native already has an eponymous full-length album, two EPs (Your Old Droog EP and Kinison EP), an interview in the prestigious New Yorker magazine,... Read more

July 3, 2015 Audio

Chris Rivers Gets Zapped With a Catfish on a Computer Love Remake (Audio)

Chris Rivers is known for blisteringly fast and aggressive raps, akin to those of his father, Big Pun. Like father, like son, when it comes to smoothing it out on the R&B tip, Rivers is also more than capable. On "Catfish Love," the MC formerly known as Baby Pun hops... Read more

July 3, 2015 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″ Says It So It’s Crystal Clear: Soft Artists Are Winning In 2015 (Audio)

"This year, we've got the softest group of artists in the history of Blues, R&B, Soul / For y'all to be so willing to be so blast-off honest / Black Pride, I'm astonished / I'm a full-contact guy, in a flag-ball climate..." Royce Da 5'9" is not mincing words in... Read more

July 3, 2015 Audio

A$AP Rocky Reveals Changing A Homeless Man’s Life In An Astonishing Way

In a just-published, sprawling feature for The Guardian, A$AP Rocky is portrayed as a master of his own universe, grabbing control of his artistic and personal expressions without much input beyond. The person from whom he gained the most guidance, A$AP Yams, tragically passed away in January, leaving the break-out star... Read more

July 3, 2015 News

Inspectah Deck Reflects on the Good, the Bad and the Mad of ODB (Video)

It's been more than 10 years since Hip-Hop lost one of its most eccentric and beloved personalities. With the passing of O.D.B. in 2004, one of history's most legacied and influential Rap groups lost an integral member, one who contributed not only so much personality, but also legitimately incredible lyrics,... Read more

July 3, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge’s Twelve Reasons To Die II Has A Vendetta (Album Stream)

Five days before its release, Ghostface Killah & Adrian Younge have shared Twelve Reasons To Die II. The follow-up album to the 2013 Top 40 Soul Temple release is available through The New York Times' "Press Play" early listen feature. The July 10 Linear Labs Records release boasts appearances by RZA, Raekwon, Vince Staples, Scarub,... Read more

July 3, 2015 Fresh

Can’t Hold Me Down: Puffy’s Assault Charges Have Reportedly Been Dismissed

Just over one week after facing five criminal charges, Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs received some favorable news. According to TMZ.com, the Bad Boy Records founder and CEO's charges were rejected by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Says the celebrity news and gossip site: "The Los Angeles County D.A. felt... Read more

July 3, 2015 News

Celebrate Mark de Clive-Lowe’s Reconstructed Take On Herbie Hancock (Mix)

Mark de Clive-Lowe is a name that may not stand out to you, but he's surely in the liner notes to your music library. From Ms. Lauryn Hill to Blu, the New Zealand-born, Los Angeles, California-based composer, musician, and producer gets down. Versed in Jazz and Soul, Mark took on... Read more

July 3, 2015 Throwback

Eminem Attacks A Track In A Reminder That His Crown Is In Tact (Audio)

From the Southpaw soundtrack, Eminem is truly clearing house. The Detroit, Michigan superstar follows his "Phenomenal" single with a song that also fits nicely for a boxing film. "Kings Never Die" teams Em' with his Interscope family label-mate, Gwen Stefani. Produced by Self-Scientific's DJ Khalil, this record has pop appeal, with... Read more

July 2, 2015 Audio

Has President Obama Done Right By The Hip-Hop Community? Killer Mike Shares His Views (Videos)

Killer Mike (born Michael Render) has been making moves in his music career for more than a decade, working alongside the likes of Outkast, Ice Cube, Funkadelic, and of course El-P, with whom he performs as Run the Jewels. The success of RTJ, for many, is what has launched Render... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

This Father/Daughter Beatbox Team Will Blow Your Mind. Watch Them Battle (Video)

Nicole Paris has uploaded a handful of videos on her YouTube channel in which she showcases her phenomenal beatboxing skills, but the latest installment is an inter-generational tête-à-tête featuring Paris and her father. The latest addition to her catalog is a follow-up to Round 1 of the Daddy-Daughter battle, which... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

A Graphic Novel Draws On Hip-Hop’s Earliest Days For Inspiration (Old School)

Earlier this month, a documentary called Rubble Kings was released, which chronicled some of the turbulent history of the Bronx in the '70s. Plagued with virulent gang activity, street warfare, and systemic poverty, much of the Bronx was considered to be a wasteland, one that tourists (and even other New... Read more

July 2, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: Black Star’s K.O.S. (Determination) (Audio)

1998's breakthrough album, Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star introduced the Hip-Hop masses, and eventually the mainstream, to two brilliant Brooklyn, New York creative visionaries. The Rawkus Records release followed a season of 12" singles, compilation appearances, and in the case of Mighty Mos, some high-profile features (De... Read more

July 2, 2015 Throwback

Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Are Back To Back-And-Forth Character Raps (Audio)

Few MCs can break into character quite like Ghostface Killah and Raekwon the Chef. The two Staten Islanders, and Wu-Tang Clan lyrical mercenaries have played the parts of a man battling his diamond-encrusted watch, a just-released convict home after three years up-state, or adding to their favorite Martin Scorsese or... Read more

July 2, 2015 Audio

Meek Mill Pops A Wheelie & Rides Through His 5 Fingers Of Death Freestyle (Video)

Meek Mill may be an acquired taste to some. However, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania veteran brings an impassioned delivery without failure, no matter what the track's vibe is. That's what makes the Maybach Music Group MC's appearance on Sway In The Morning so interesting. Meek Millie takes 5 Fingers Of Death... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

Common Names His 5 Most Autobiographical Songs…They’re Deep (Audio)

In a career spanning 10 albums, and a plethora of powerful feature, soundtrack, and compilation appearances, Common's catalog is staggering. Speaking with Tim Einenkel's The Library Podcast, the MC formerly known as Common Sense was asked to select his five personal songs that would "make up an autobiography." This year's... Read more

July 2, 2015 Audio

Big Daddy Kane, Whodini & The eMC Headline 38th Rocksteady Anniversary

The 38th annual Rocksteady Anniversary concert has been announced. The free Sunday July 26 event at New York City's Central Park Summer Stage will be headlined by Hip-Hop legends Big Daddy Kane, Whodini, and The eMC (Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Stricklin). Additional performers include Your Old Droog, Queen Herawin (The Juggaknots)... Read more

July 2, 2015 News

Action Bronson Curses The Mic On Alchemist’s Voodoo Beat (Audio)

Action Bronson and Alchemist have historic chemistry. Hazy, humorous, and hardcore Hip-Hop Heads, this pair comes together to grab the spotlight. From ALC's upcoming Retarded Alligator Beats (July 10) project, "Voodoo" goes down to the bayou to listen as Bam Bam Bronson recounts a tale of sex, smuggling, and staying... Read more

July 2, 2015 Audio

Big K.R.I.T. Shows His Inspiring Life Journey in a New Short Film (Video)

It has been a wondrous five years for Big K.R.I.T. From Kritwuzhere to the Top 10 of the charts, the Meridian, Mississippi MC/producer is proof that hard work and persistence can make dreams tangible. Anyone familiar with the music and passion of Justin Scott knows that the journey has been... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

Rihanna Throws Caution, Clothes & Everything Else to the Wind in the Video for BBHMM (Video)

On the heels of becoming the biggest selling singles artist of all-time, Rihanna is not resting on her laurels. Not one to play it safe, she releases the visuals for her boundary pushing song, "Bitch Better Have My Money." With the same theme of the song, the visual is a... Read more

July 2, 2015 Video

Stephen Colbert Takes Over Local TV In Monroe, MI and Makes It the Eminem Show (Video)

Monroe, Michigan (pop.20,733). 25 miles south of Detroit, the small town's glory days during the war of 1812 make it an important American city for history buffs, and as the home of La-Z-Boy, it enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in the '70s. Today, it has become a city buzzing with... Read more

July 1, 2015 Video

10 Years After His Death, There Still Is Never Too Much Luther Vandross (Mix)

On July 1, 2005, one of music's most beloved voices was silenced when Luther Vandross passed away at the painfully young age of 54. Celebrated as a frontman, solo performer, and record producer, the eight-time Grammy winning singer and songwriter managed to remain relevant throughout his 25-year career, winning 4... Read more

July 1, 2015 Audio

Locksmith Freestyles So Hard He Scares the Beat Away…And He Has A Message (Videos)

Richmond, California's Locksmith, a rapper who established himself early on as a vicious lyricist while partaking in MTV's MC Freestyle Fellowship, has served up not one, but two helpings of nasty freestyling. In celebration of yesterday's release of his Lofty Goals album, he took to the airwaves to remind Heads... Read more

July 1, 2015 Video

Action Bronson & Ab-Soul Join Elle Varner For Differing Perspectives On Relationships (Audio)

Amidst the 2010s finest crop of MCs, Action Bronson and Ab-Soul have both succeeded in rapping about relationships, from the devoted to the dissolved. "All You Need" is a Statik Selektah-orchestrated moment from Lucky 7 (July 7) that shows that range. While Bam Bam celebrates a trist-turned-true love, Soulo looks... Read more

July 1, 2015 Audio

Don’t Stop the Music: Rihanna Makes History With 100 Million Gold & Platinum Singles

Somewhere, Jay Z is saying "I told you so." Rihanna has secured herself a permanent place in the annals of music history. The good girl gone bad has now gone into legendary status, becoming the first artist to cross 100-million song certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).... Read more

July 1, 2015 News

Prince’s Latest Tells “Rappers Tryna Be Singers” That They Can’t Satisfy (Audio)

Guitar in hand, Prince has been a Rock & Roll juggernaut just as much as R&B or Pop. Throughout his nearly 40-year career, Prince has merged the genres in establishing a sound of his own that's been hard to pin down. For "HARDROCKLOVER," Prince amps up and plugs in with... Read more

July 1, 2015 Audio

Eminem Helps Signal The Return Of Epic Blockbuster Visuals, But Can All Enjoy? (Video)

Eminem has released a 30-second trailer for his "Phenomenal" video. Part music video, part short-film, the moment alludes to its place as the latest big budget, high concept visual from an A-list artist. Kanye West, Drake, and Vic Mensa have been doing this throughout recent years. Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" video,... Read more

July 1, 2015 Video

Redman & Erick Sermon Re-Team To Make An Anthem For Deebo Tactics (Video)

Redman knows what really goes on. The Brick City MC releases a new video, clowning at misfortunes of those who get stuck-up in today's dog-eat-dog world. "Somebody Got Robbed" is that gutter Reggie Noble, where the song moves and grooves, but still bases itself on Everyman experiences. Even mentioning Nia... Read more

July 1, 2015 Video

Brother Ali Makes An Incredibly Soulful Song About Love, Life & Suffering (Audio)

Brother Ali is a bull in the booth. From his government indictments to good ol' battle-rap bravado, the Twin Cities Rhymesayer can move the crowd through shock and awe with the microphone. However, the independent mainstay can also show a ton of vulnerability in his songs, and make the kind... Read more

July 1, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Just Released the Video of the Year. Alright Is Truly EPIC (Video)

Remember when music videos were artistic statements that could immediately shift the cultural zeitgeist? Kendrick Lamar has released just such a tour de force in his epic visual for "Alright." The nearly seven minute black and white short film is stunning both visually and in its symbolism. The video starts... Read more

June 30, 2015 Video

Joell Ortiz & !llmind Unveil The New Sound They’ve Been Creating In The Lab (Audio)

New Jersey native !llmind was a critical part of Joell Ortiz' 2014 album, House Slippers. Moving into 2015, the producer for Kanye West, Scarface, and Sean Price takes on Ortiz' whole project, for an equal billing. "Lil' Piggies" is the first glimpse from the July 17 project, Human. !llmind lays... Read more

June 30, 2015 Audio

What Do Cole & Kendrick’s Hair Have to Do With Progress? Talib Kweli Explains In A New Essay

With a long history of being socially and politically critical, not only in his lyrics but also outside of the studio, Brooklyn, New York MC Talib Kweli has shared his strong beliefs on a vast array of topics including racism, police brutality, and the prison industrial complex. In addition, he... Read more

June 30, 2015 Lifestyle

Stretch & Bobbito’s Highlight Reel Features Slick Rick, Big L & Mobb Deep (Mix)

Throughout the 1990s, Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito The Barber created a radio program that may as well have been the farm club to the Rap hall of fame. These two New York City DJs honored Hip-Hop 12" singles of the day, while welcoming would-be stars like Nas, Mobb Deep, Pharoahe... Read more

June 30, 2015 Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. & David Banner Take Aim Against The Corrupt System (Audio)

David Banner and Big K.R.I.T. will not go quietly, or unarmed. The Mississippi MC/producers make their latest union on "My Uzi," a Pimp C-sampling song about protecting ourselves, symbolically and literally, from terror and attackers. Presumed to be one of the first looks from David Banner's The God Box album,... Read more

June 30, 2015 Audio

Sheek Louch, Billy Danze, Trae Tha Truth & Joell Ortiz Represent Their Hoods & You Can Too (Audio)

Sheek Louch has announced his September 18 album, Silverback Gorilla 2. A sequel to his LP released in 2008, Sheek rolls with Tommy Boy Entertainment for this outing. "Hood Nigga" is the album's lead single, featuring M.O.P.'s Billy Danze (a fellow 20-year veteran), along with Trae Tha Truth, and Joell... Read more

June 30, 2015 Exclusive

Wild Styles: Jean-Michel Basquiat & Jacob Lawrence Make History in The New York Times

The worlds of fine art and Hip-Hop have collided ever since Fab 5 Freddy served as the cultural liaison between the two in the '80s. More recent forays like Wu-Tang Clan's decision to sell the only copy of Once Upon a Time in Shaolin (which, by the way, is adorned... Read more

June 30, 2015 Lifestyle

Even At 14 Years Old, Amy Winehouse’s Voice Could Bring Down The House (Video)

Amy Winehouse only lived to be 27 years old. The London, England songstress' 2011's death came as a major tragedy, following two breakthrough albums at the time of her passing. However, Amy's skills were honed long before she inked a deal with Island Records, and got in the studio with... Read more

June 29, 2015 Video

Blu Addresses Passing On A Death Row Deal On The Thriller (Audio)

It has been a quiet three months for Blu. The MC/producer known for a relentless appetite for releasing music may be quiet for good reason. Today (June 29), the Los Angeles, California native announced a Nature Sounds maxi-single, The Return. With some remixes and DJ-goodies, Johnson Barnes delivers "Thriller." Featuring... Read more

June 29, 2015 Audio

Puff Daddy & Pharrell Get Loose on the Latest Bad Boy Release (Audio)

Over the last 20 years, there are few hitmakers who have impacted the sound of Hip-Hop music more than Puff Daddy and Pharrell. With collaborations like Busta Rhymes' "Pass the Courvoisier," and countless solo contributions, their combined hit list is unrivaled. After taking the stage together at last night's BET... Read more

June 29, 2015 Audio

Lost Ones: Common & Eminem Recorded Tracks For DJ Jazzy Jeff’s LP. Why Didn’t Sony Release It? (Video)

In a new interview with Polish Hip-Hop outlet Popkiller, DJ Jazzy Jeff shares details about much of his career, including history into his solo debut (2002's The Magnificent), his early work with Eminem, his role as the face of Starter jackets and hats, his definition of a real DJ, the... Read more

June 29, 2015 Video