News Archives

Whether It’s Fans or Friends, Game & Drake Only Want The Real (Audio)

With his highly anticipated album The Documentary 2 slated for a June 30 release, the Game is poised to drop a summer blockbuster of a record. The ardor surrounding the release has been satiated, albeit only slightly, with the release of a mini-documentary with behind-the-scenes footage of the recording process,... Read more

June 25, 2015 Audio

Skyzoo & Westside Gunn Have Luxury & Lyrics To Go (Video)

Just a month removed from his headlining performance at the 11th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, Barrel Brother Skyzoo is bringing Brooklyn and New York City back to life yet again with his latest video, "Luxury." Stark black and white visuals boast simple, yet flashy imagery of Skyzoo and the gutturally... Read more

June 25, 2015 Video

LL Cool J Classics Are Mixed While He’s Interviewed…by Marley Marl (Audio)

LL Cool J and Marley Marl go back. These two Queens, New York icons crossed paths in the late-1980s, when LL Cool J was widely touted as one of Hip-Hop's finest MCs, and Marley Marl was the go-to producer. From mixes of "Jinglin' Baby," to "Around The Way Girl," these... Read more

June 25, 2015 Audio

19 Years Ago Today Jay-Z & Biggie Smalls Showed Why They Were Brooklyn’s Finest (Audio)

Although it was never a Reasonable Doubt single, "Brooklyn's Finest" helped make Jay Z's debut album a milestone album. Released 19 years ago today (June 25, 1996) the moment would serve as the first collaboration between Jay and his fellow George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School attendee, The... Read more

June 25, 2015 Throwback

Erykah Badu & The Roots Perform The Ultimate Hip-Hop Medley (Video)

Erykah Badu and The Roots took the stage together at the 2015 Roots Picnic and performed the mother of all tributes to Hip-Hop. Black Thought kicked things off, ripping through "Act Too (Love Of My Life)," which segued perfectly into Badu's "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)," and... Read more

June 24, 2015 Video

Are Comedians the Only Ones Keeping It Real on TV? Larry Wilmore Takes Down the Confederate Flag (Video)

In the ongoing conversation about racial injustice in this country, public discourse is moving at a breakneck speed, with daily occurrences adding layers of complexity to what is already a contentious debate. The latest hot-button issue is the Confederate flag and its history, role, and purpose. Opinions on the issue... Read more

June 24, 2015 News

Pac Div Take A Risk & Roll The Dice With A Strong Return (Audio)

West Coast Rap group Pac Div (f/k/a Pacific Division) have not been in the spotlight in recent times, with occasional, yet promising singles appearing here and there. Pac Div member Mibbs grabbed a mic of his own, and released his debut EP, FREEBASS in 2013, and The Program in 2014.... Read more

June 24, 2015 Audio

This ’90s Hip-Hop Mix Reminds Fans Why They Were Ready to Die for H.E.R. (Mixtape)

In the mid-1990s, Hip-Hop underwent a bit of a transition. Some of the most skilled MCs on the scene (Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Grand Puba, Andre 3000, Scarface, etc.) started trading rowdy, raucous production for the laid-back cuts. Producers like Easy Mo Bee, DJ Clark Kent, Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz,... Read more

June 24, 2015 Throwback

Bun B, Styles P & Sean Price Are Top Tier MCs, On A Statik Selektah Track (Audio)

Last year, DJ and producer Statik Selektah released What Goes Around, an album featuring verses from Ab-Soul, Action Bronson, B-Real, Dilated Peoples, Freddie Gibbs, Joey Badass, Logic, N.O.R.E., Posdnuos, and Sheek Louch (just to name a few!). The album was his sixth since the Massachusetts native launched his solo career... Read more

June 24, 2015 Audio

Rick Ross Facing Assault, Battery, & Kidnapping Charges After Arrest

Rapper Rick Ross (a/k/a William Roberts) was apprehended outside of what is reported to be his Atlanta, Georgia home by a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force earlier today (June 24), along with his bodyguard. According to Jim Joyner, a task force supervisor, more details on the arrest would come... Read more

June 24, 2015 News

King Los Rips What May Be the Best Freestyle of the Year…Off the Top (Video)

King Los has been responsible for some of the best freestyle moments of the last several years. Just as Supernatural, J.U.I.C.E., Eminem, Crooked I, and Canibus helped certify The Wake Up Show in the 1990s, the Baltimore, Maryland MC legitimized Sway's latest platform with off-the-top bars that drove clicks, interest,... Read more

June 24, 2015 Video

Why Did Nas Sign Dave East? Because He’s Hungry. Just Listen (Video)

Every once in a while, you can hear the hunger in an MC's voice. Whether it's untempered desire for success or the unabashed quest for the throne, there's an edge that comes out, and it's palpable. It was audible in Kendrick Lamar's career-shifting "Control" verse. It manifested in King Los'... Read more

June 23, 2015 Video

Eric B. & Rakim’s Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em Turns 25 Years Old & Hits Just As Hard

June 19 marked the 25th anniversary for Eric B. & Rakim's third album, Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em. Perhaps forever in the shadows of Paid In Full, and to a much lesser extent, Follow The Leader, L.T.R.H.E. is a black sheep within a truly classic catalog from the iconic pair.... Read more

June 23, 2015 Food for Thought

Cereal Killa: Your Favorite Childhood Cereals Are Changing…

Whether you're KRS-One or just an average Joe, things are about to change when you "wake up every morning to your Lucky Charms cereal." Health consciousness has become a major concern for Americans as years of sedentary lifestyles and processed foods begin to manifest themselves into side effects like obesity,... Read more

June 23, 2015 Lifestyle

Puff Daddy Charged With 5 Crimes In UCLA Coach Altercation, Puffy’s Reps Respond

Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs was arrested on UCLA's campus yesterday (June 22), following an altercation with Bruins football coach Sal Alosi. The arrest came after attempting to strike the former New York Jets employee with a kettlebell, "nearly killing" Alosi according to some reports. The incident reportedly stemmed from a... Read more

June 23, 2015 News

DJ Premier Helps Canada’s First Division Go For The Pennant (Audio)

First Division are a Canadian duo, with some deeper history in Rap. One of the members, Shylow, may be familiar to Marco Polo album/mixtape supporters. Crossing the border for "This Iz The Time," F.D. teams with DJ Premier. Preemo laces the Soulspazm-backed pair with chops, cuts, and samples very much... Read more

June 23, 2015 Audio

The Internet and Kaytranada Look to the Stars for the Perfect Girl (Video)

Tyler, the Creator's Odd Future menagerie has given Heads a lot of quality music to knock, including his own discography and those of Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, Domo Genesis, and more. OFWGKTA producers Syd Tha Kyd (also the gang's DJ) and Matt Martians ventured into their own artistic detour, forming... Read more

June 23, 2015 Video

Out Of This World: Get Your Space Boogie On With Illa J’s New Single (Audio)

In a newly re-invigorated drive to continue his solo career, Illa J has embarked on new paths, both figuratively and musically. Now living in Montreal, the 28-year-old rapper spent the several years after the 2008 release of his solo debut, Yancey Boys, performing and touring with Slum Village, the Detroit-based... Read more

June 23, 2015 Audio

The Getback: Gmail Now Allows Users To Un-Send Emails

Years ago, Google played one of its signature April Fool's jokes on its users, boasting that there was an "undo-send" button for emails. That joke has now become a reality. According to The New York Times, Google's Gmail platform now allows the "undo." Following nearly five years of experimentation in... Read more

June 23, 2015 Lifestyle

E-40 Makes A Clever Yet Simple G-Code Anthem, Assisted By The Whole Industry (Video)

E-40 knows how to make catchy songs. Whether it's mid-2000s ringtone rap, Hyphy hits, or his Click tracks from the early '90s, 40 Water knows how to pen a hit. From 2014's Sharp On All 4 Corners, the Vallejo, California veteran releases "Choices (Yup)." On the surface, the song may... Read more

June 23, 2015 Video

Sit Back & Cool Out To Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals 2 (Album Stream)

Today (June 23), Pete Rock released Petestrumentals 2. The second installment in the series in 14 years finds the Mount Vernon, New York producer/DJ/MC now working with Tucson, Arizona-based Mello Music Group. As reported, the 10-tracks of the instrumental project are a balance between new musical creations, as well as... Read more

June 23, 2015 Audio

Timbaland Loves Double Threats. Tink Is Up Next (Audio)

Whether it was Lauryn Hill changing his life or he and Missy Elliott changing the world together, Timbaland has always loved double threats--artists who can sing and rap. It's no surprise then that his newest signee, Tink, is gifted at both. Having already collaborated with Andre 3000 and shared songs... Read more

June 23, 2015 Audio

Jay Rock Watches His Life Flash Before His Eyes in Money Trees Deuce (Video)

Earlier this month and seemingly out of nowhere, Jay Rock returned with "Money Trees Deuce," one of his finest songs in years. As the name suggests, the track picks up right where he left off on his stellar guest verse on Kendrick Lamar's "Money Trees" from good kid, m.A.A.d city,... Read more

June 23, 2015 Video

Puff Daddy Arrested For Reported Assault With A Deadly Weapon

Longtime rivals and foes, Suge Knight and Puff Daddy are both believed to be incarcerated in Southern California today (June 22). According to TMZ, the Bad Boy Records founder Sean "Puffy" Combs was arrested on the UCLA campus this afternoon, following a violent altercation today with one of his son's... Read more

June 22, 2015 News

Kendrick Lamar Gets Deeply Personal in New Interview. Says He Is Trayvon Martin.

President Barack Obama appeared on Marc Maron's podcast "WTF with Marc Maron" and spoke on the enduring racism prevalent in this country and, in a breathtakingly powerful statement, said "It's not just a matter of it not being polite to say n***** in public." Throughout his tenure as president, race... Read more

June 22, 2015 News

D’Angelo and Bobby Seale Look Backwards to Move Forwards in Race Relations (Video)

The city of Oakland, California, has served as the geographical genesis for much of African-American political history. As the home of the Black Panther Party, its decades-long presence in the consciousness of many Black Americans is inextricably linked to its contemporary socio-political climate. The city once again leaped into headlines... Read more

June 22, 2015 Lifestyle

Kendrick Lamar Proves He’s The Guy To Remix Jidenna’s “Classic Man” (Audio)

With the release of To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar returned to much of the Funk- and Jazz-infused sonic landscape set forth in Section .80, his 2011 studio debut. The two releases are punctuated in between with 2012's good kid, m.A.A.d city, a louder, more widely heard album with the... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Are BACK, 9 Years Later (Audio)

It has been seven years since Janet Jackson released a solo album. So much has happened since then. Ms. Jackson lost her brother, Michael. She got married, again. She launched her own Rhythm Nation Records. So at last, Janet is back with new music. After going in a different direction... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

Kool Keith & J-Live Make An Unlikely Pair. But They Are Great Travel Companions (Audio)

Mello Music Group's L'Orange is a quiet threat. The French producer chops down samples and breathes new life into dusty grooves. Pensive MCs, whether Blu or Gift Of Gab, thrive on his sonic textures. "The Traveler" extends L'Orange's collaborative history with Kool Keith, and welcomes J-Live to the fold. Two... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

Fight or Flight: What Would You Do If You Were Faced With The Real Terminator? (Video)

Terminator Genisys hits theaters next week (July 1). In the lead up to the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger recently put his talents to use to benefit After-School All-Stars, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive after-school programs that keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. He donned... Read more

June 22, 2015 TV/Film

Ghostface Killah & Vince Staples Get The Money and Never Have To Run (Audio)

Approaching next month's Twelve More Reasons To Die, Ghostface Killah and Adrian Younge share a third glimpse from the RZA-backed Soul Temple sequel. With some of the dirtiest drums heard as of late, G.F.K. makes "Get The Money" sound oh so literal. This is "Heist Rap," as Adrian and Starks... Read more

June 22, 2015 Audio

What Would A Nas And AZ Album Sound Like? This Is The Closest You’ll Get (Mixtape)

Ever since the Firm disbanded in the late nineties, Heads have voiced a desire for an AZ/Nas collaboration album, though one has never materialized. However, a new mixtape has been released which may prove to be the next best thing. Thanks to DJ Rhude (who is also a contributing writer... Read more

June 20, 2015 Mixes

Former LAPD Detective Proposes A New Theory Surrounding Tupac’s Murder

In 2003, author Randall Sullivan published a book called LAbyrinth: A Detective Investigates the Murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., the Implications of Death Row Records' Suge Knight, and the Origins of the Los Angeles Police Scandal. Much of the book centered around Russell Poole, a former LAPD detective... Read more

June 20, 2015 News

Lauryn Hill Pays Tribute Nina Simone Again & She SPITS This Time! (Audio)

Earlier this week, Ms. Lauryn Hill's cover of Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" (also a cover), drew worlds of attention and acclaim. From the Nina Revisited: A Tribute To Nina Simone soundtrack companion to upcoming Netflix documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone?, there are two other L-Boogie homages to Nina on the... Read more

June 20, 2015 Audio

Public Enemy’s 13th Album Is Inspired By Kendrick Lamar & Run The Jewels

After 28 years of releasing albums, Public Enemy aims to make a dent in 2015. The Long Island, New York Hip-Hop group's 13th studio album, Man Plans, God Laughs will arrive in less than a month. On June 16 via Facebook, the band announced the news, sharing the artwork. Additionally,... Read more

June 20, 2015 News

In The Wake Of Tragedy, Killer Mike Speaks Out About Gun Control & Domestic Terrorism

Rapper and activist Killer Mike has been in the news a lot recently, most prominently in relation to social and political events. After an appearance last month on HBO's "Real Time With Bill Maher," he announced just last week that he was running for Georgia State Representative. Combined with his... Read more

June 20, 2015 News

There’s A Lot Of Unreleased Biggie Music Left, Says Easy Mo Bee (Video)

Following the 1999 release of Born Again, many fans of The Notorious B.I.G. have been led to believe that the reserves of music were largely tapped. Unlike Tupac Shakur or James Yancey (J Dilla), Christopher Wallace did not record tirelessly, especially towards the end of his life. Additionally, it can... Read more

June 19, 2015 Video

Chris Rivers Releases a Video For His Scorching Big Pun & LOX Freestyle (Video)

Chris Rivers' "You Ain't Recognized" is one of his 2015 standout moments. The freestyle combines Rivers' dad's "You Ain't A Killer" with The LOX's DJ Premier-produced "Recognize" for a vicious showcase of bars. In the song, Christopher manages to deftly blend style and substance, in what—for many Rap peers—is a... Read more

June 19, 2015 Video

Big Sean’s Powerful New Video Shows How One Person Can Change the World (Video)

Big Sean's Dark Sky Paradise continues to be a highlight within the 2015 album landscape. With catchy anthems, thematic singles, and signature wordplay-driven cuts, there's more. "One Man Can Change The World" is the pensive ambition. The song, a Getting Out Our Dreams ensemble, with Kanye West and John Legend,... Read more

June 19, 2015 Video

No Jokes: Jon Stewart Speaks the Ugly Truth About the Terrorist Attack in Charleston (Video)

In a world full of click bait, desperate grabs for ratings and endless streams of information, it can be difficult to make sense of events like the tragedy that occurred in Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday night. So, when someone actually speaks the unfiltered truth about the horrific acts that... Read more

June 19, 2015 News

Jadakiss Rips Into An O.D.B. Classic Instrumental With A Sharp Freestyle (Audio)

Jadakiss is restless when it comes to weekly throwback freestyles. He comes forth with some sharp witticisms, and clever wordplay on Ol' Dirty's 1995 classic, "Brooklyn Zoo" (as "Shame On You Rappers"). From Downtown to Uptown, 'Kiss hits this freestyle with his A-Game, and livens up another Friday. Should Jadakiss... Read more

June 19, 2015 Audio

Kid Capri Blends 52 Of Hip-Hop’s Most Important Instrumentals & Breaks (Mix)

Kid Capri's body of work speaks for itself. The New York City mainstay DJ, mixtape pioneer, and accomplished producer does a strong job digitizing his gems from the past. In 1992, the D.I.T.C. affiliate (and later Sony Records artist) released 52 Beats. This mixtape featured the Kid cutting, scratching, and... Read more

June 19, 2015 Throwback

Talib Kweli, Boots from The Coup & Kool A.D. Team For Amazing Animation (Video)

Kool A.D. is among 2015's most versatile MCs. The former Das Racist cofounder has gone on to defy genre, style, and all around convention in recent years. For "Hickory," he links with Talib Kweli and Boots Riley (from The Coup). The song is jazzy, funky, and clearly rooted in Rap.... Read more

June 18, 2015 Video

Good Interview, Mad Questions. This 60-Second Kendrick Lamar Q&A is All Right (Video)

In a new mini-interview with Vevo, Kendrick Lamar managed to answer 14 questions in just 60 seconds. The MC, who just celebrated his 28th birthday, responds to the quotidian ("what was the first thing you did this morning?") to the philosophical ("who are you speaking to on 'Ain't Gotta Lie'?")... Read more

June 18, 2015 Video

Study Analyzes Who Gets More Rap Lyric Shout-Outs: Jordan, Kobe, LeBron Or Curry?

With the 2015 NBA Finals now complete, basketball fans are already eagerly awaiting the beginning of the next season, but until then, here is something to enjoy. While Oakland, California, prepares for tomorrow's Golden State Warriors victory parade, the folks at Genius decided to look into which baller has been... Read more

June 18, 2015 Lifestyle

Mo Money, Mo Problems: A Woman Will Adorn New Currency, But Only Slightly (Audio)

2020 will mark the centennial anniversary of women's suffrage, and while the idea of possibly having a female president during the landmark year seems to be growing more and more plausible by the day, there are other, more certain endeavors being undertaken to acknowledge the milestone. On today's Morning Edition... Read more

June 18, 2015 Lifestyle

JAY-Z’s First Record Ever Was in 1986…And It Was Not Hawaiian Sophie. Take a Listen (Audio)

1989's "Hawaiian Sophie" appearance alongside Jaz-O is often credited as Jay Z's first appearance on a record. While the video single captured a teenaged Shawn Carter, even his Wikipedia page overlooks something that crate diggers are very well aware of. While Jaz would sign an EMI Records deal in the... Read more

June 18, 2015 Throwback

The Awesome Two Are Radio Legends. Catch A ’94 Set With Jodeci, Freddie Foxxx & Slick Rick (Mix)

If you listen to KRS-One's "Outta Here," you know how influential The Awesome Two were on the Blastmasta. Since 1982, these radio mixmasters helped establish the Hip-Hop sound, and turn their 12" selections into certified Rap classics. DJ Eclipse shared a springtime 1994 mix from the duo's post at WNWK.... Read more

June 18, 2015 Throwback

Ghostface Killah Still Has That I-95 Connection With Wu Syndicate’s Napoleon (Audio)

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, anybody remotely associated with Wu-Tang Clan was signing deals, and fast-tracking albums. In all the hubbub, it was easy to lose focus on who the real skillful MCs were. In time, MCs like Killah Priest, 9th Prince, and Shyheim have proven to be... Read more

June 18, 2015 Audio

This PBS Documentary On Atlanta Music Reveals Killer Mike’s Daily Routine (Video)

Several weeks back, PBS' "Music Voyager" program took to Atlanta, Georgia. Host Tacuma Bradley hit Peachtree and beyond to spend time with Killer Mike, The Bush Brothers, and Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, hoping to better understand what makes the ATL such an artistic epicenter. Within the half-hour program, Bradley... Read more

June 18, 2015 TV/Film, Video