News Archives

Cannibal Ox Make A Rare Visual…In Front Of Big L’s Harlem Mural (Video)

Part of Cannibal Ox's mystique surrounding The Cold Vein came in the fact that its presentation relied almost entirely on the music. Vast Aire, Vordul Mega, and then-producer El-P were not about the video components (just one, really), photo shoots, and over-the-top interviews. The Def Jux hallmark spoke for itself, and... Read more

July 8, 2015 Video

This Man Saved NYC From an Epic Gang War & Helped Plant the Seeds for Hip-Hop (Audio)

It's often said that nostalgia for a particular era comes around every 20 years or so, and today's obsession with all things '90s adds a ring of truth to that idiom. However, there are particular eras that for whatever reason remain palpable and attractive decades and decades later. In recent... Read more

July 8, 2015 Audio

Foreign Exchange Announces Sixth Album & It’s Coming Really Soon

A step removed from 2013's Love In Flying Colors, Foreign Exchange has announced their sixth album. On August 21, Phonte and Nicolay will release Tales From The Land Of Milk And Honey. This release, presumably on their own +FE Music imprint, follows 11 years of material, garnering Grammy nominations and appearances on the... Read more

July 8, 2015 News

Janet Jackson’s No Sleeep Is A Wake Up Call (Lyric Video)

Last month, Janet Jackson revealed her first single in years, "No Sleeep" (don't slumber on that third 'E'). Miss Jackson's awakening, came courtesy of a reunion with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, producers regularly associated with her greatest successes. Following a late June BET Icon Award reception, Janet moves forward... Read more

July 8, 2015 Video

Is Chris Tucker Back? Watch The Trailer To His First Stand-Up Special (Video)

In late March, it was revealed that comedian/actor Chris Tucker was preparing the first stand-up comedy special of his career. Two days (July 10) until it premieres on Netflix, fans can catch the trailer for Chris Tucker Live. Just one minute long, fans will sample several bits, and see that... Read more

July 8, 2015 Lifestyle

Hopsin Lyrically Attacks Higher Education, Reality TV & Chemical Addictions (Video)

Set as a classroom final project, Hopsin's "Fly" is a lyrical thesis. The Funk Volume co-founder sets up Pound Syndrome (July 24) with a verbal exposé on things that he sees in this world that are designed to hold us back. Despite the academic setting of the visual, Hop' begins by calling... Read more

July 8, 2015 Video

Legacy: Why Going Back Is Best For Puff Daddy & Bad Boy’s Future

Following last month's Bad Boy Records 20th anniversary set at the 2015 BET Awards, Puff Daddy announced that he is planning a tour with some of the artists he shared the stage with. Only mentioning Lil' Kim by name (who, many know, was never an official Bad Boy Records artist), the... Read more

July 7, 2015 Food for Thought

Chance The Rapper Promises To Take Chicago Kids To The Museum…And Delivers

Chance The Rapper took giving back to a new level this week. One day after announcing that he would surprise a series of 6-11 year-olds in the Chicago, Illinois area with a trip to a local museum and Cole Field, C.T.R. delivered. Proud to announce I'll be surprising a few... Read more

July 7, 2015 Fresh

We’re All In The Same Gang…When Wearing Kendrick Lamar Sneakers

Compton, California star Kendrick Lamar has spoken frequently in lyrics about gang tensions. Whether the MC Eiht-assisted "m.A.A.d city" or the recent single, "i," the TDE/Aftermath MC aims to unify Crips, Bloods, and multiple neighborhoods in the interest of life, love, and survival. Lamar's Reebok collaboration, the Ventilators, are an... Read more

July 7, 2015 Lifestyle

Guilty Simpson Eviscerates New Track In Less Than Two Minutes (Audio)

Since his appearance on Slum VIllage's 2002 album Dirty District: Vol. 1, Guilty Simpson has aligned himself with the grimey boom-bap of Detroit, even after signing to the West Coast-based Stones Throw label. Two solo and five collaboration albums later, the Motor City native has released "Vanguard Organization," a song... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio

Papoose Plugs Into DJ Premier’s Amped Up Track And Goes Off (Audio)

Papoose and DJ Premier go back. When the Brooklyn, New York MC was famously a top-dollar signing at Jive Records, he reportedly called upon Preemo. After those delays led into The Nacerima Dream, the Works Of Mart producer was there to support Pap's idie foray. Coming up to next week's You Can't... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio

J Rocc Pays Homage to Pete Rock with a PeteStrumentals 2 Megamix (Audio)

Almost 15 years after releasing PeteStrumentals, Pete Rock released a follow-up album on June 23, and with it came an infusion of the sampling and hard-hitting beats for which the Hip-Hop icon is revered. Released by Mello Music Group, PeteStrumentals 2 serves as not only a reminder of why the... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio

Scarface Has Been Recently Hospitalized, Willie D Comments

In the midst of the latest Geto Boys reunion, Scarface has been hospitalized. The Houston, Texas MC icon was taken to area hospital following June 29's Geto Boys concert in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Today (July 7), a representative for Sony Red (Rap-A-Lot Records' current distributor) confirmed the reports. Beginning June 30,... Read more

July 7, 2015 News

Listen to the Best Hip-Hop of June 2015 in One Playlist (Audio)

June brought a number of welcomed surprises in Hip-Hop. Method Man announced he would be releasing a new album in August and dropped three new songs. Jay Rock also revealed his new album was coming this Summer, and returned with some of the best music of his career. Chris Rivers... Read more

July 7, 2015 Audio, Playlists

Sole Survivors: A New Documentary Explores the Cultural Obsession With Sneakers (Video)

On the heels of the release of Fresh Dressed, a documentary film examining the marriage of Hip-Hop culture and fashion, a new film being released this summer will extend the examination, albeit with a narrower focus. An exploration of those obsessed with kicks, Sneakerheadz premiered at SXSW earlier this year... Read more

July 7, 2015 TV/Film, Video

South Carolina Senate Takes Major First Step Towards Removing Confederate Flag

In a historic and overwhelmingly favored step, the South Carolina Senate voted 37-3 for the removal of the Confederate flag from the State House earlier today (July 6). The Republican-controlled state senate took up the vote after the June 17 slaughter of nine African-Americans at a historical Black church placed... Read more

July 6, 2015 News

Follow the Leader: A$AP Rocky Got More Than a Name From Rakim (Video)

A$AP Rocky (born Rakim Meyers), shared his first album-buying experience, an experience younger generations of Heads may never have. For most, buying one's first C.D. or cassette tape was an almost religious experience; the ritual of getting to the store, hoping it hadn't sold out, unwrapping the plastic, removing the... Read more

July 6, 2015 Video

Hear the Greatness of Nina Simone as Interpreted by Lauryn Hill, Common, Mary J. Blige & More (Album Stream)

Later this week (7/10), RCA will release Nina Revisited...A Tribute to Nina Simone, celebrating one of the most enigmatic and acclaimed voices of the last century. Ahead of the album, NPR has made a full stream of the album available, via its First Listen series. Ms. Simone's reach extended to... Read more

July 6, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Big K.R.I.T. Hope That You’re Listening To These Jewels (Audio)

Tomorrow, Statik Selektah will release his Lucky 7 seventh album—on 7-7, no less. One of the ShowOff Records/Duck Down Music release's highlights is "In The Wind." This moment is the latest run-in between Joey Bada$$ and Big K.R.I.T., alums from A$AP Rocky's "1 Train" as well as the obvious connection as... Read more

July 6, 2015 Audio

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