News Archives

De La Soul Explain Their Criteria For What Makes a Great MC. Do You Agree? (Video)

Many have opinions about what criteria makes a great MC, but few have the credentials to back them up like De La Soul. As Hip-Hop survivors and thrivers for more than 20 years, Posdnuous, Dave and Maseo are among Rap's most influential artists, and when they speak, Heads listen. As... Read more

May 7, 2015 Video

Chuck Chillout Spins De La Soul, Gang Starr, MC Lyte & EPMD in a 1988 Mix (Audio)

The late Mr. Magic is widely considered one of Hip-Hop's greatest radio mix-masters. DJ Marley Marl's mentor dropped the needle on seminal records in the late 1970s, throughout the 1980s, and the early 1990s, helping give many Heads would-be classic songs that he personally deemed important. The same week boogieknight... Read more

May 7, 2015 Throwback

Dynas Gets Busy On ‘Em, Putting His Skills Above All Else (Premiere)

Following his stellar, storytelling collaboration with Slick Rick ("Who U?"), South Florida's Dynas returns with his sophomore single from his EMPIRE-distributed Big and Tall, with producer Tony Galvin. "Busy" welcomes DJ Klassik's aggressive scratching, and Tony's Bomb Squad-influenced beat. Over-top, Dynas uses the moment to describe where he fits within... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio, Exclusive

Keith Murray, Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers & SKAM2? Vow No Sleep Til’ Success (Audio)

It can be incredibly easy to set a goal for yourself, and rest once you've achieved it. However, the music industry does not sleep—nor can many of those we live in it. Joell Ortiz has a group personally handled by one of the biggest personalities in all of music. Keith... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: The Nonce’s Mix Tapes (Video)

2015's Los Angeles, California Hip-Hop scene includes a plethora of colorful figures. It is now cool (and accepted) to be unconventional. Whether Kendrick Lamar, Earl Sweatshirt, or Blu, plenty of MCs from Southern Cali have come to creative forks in the road, and blazed trails by simply going straight. In... Read more

May 7, 2015 Throwback

D12’s dEnAuN Empties His Backpack & The Contents Slam (FreEP)

Producer/MC dEnAuN (a/k/a Mr. Porter) released a new six-song EP today (May 7), Stuff In My Backpack. The EP offers a refreshing and crisp sound that displays the evolution of the Detroit, Michigan native's lengthy career (despite several name-changes) Compelling lyricism along with gritty beats gives dEnAuN a chance to shine apart... Read more

May 7, 2015 Audio

Emilio Rojas Nods To Nas & Kurtis Blow, Imagining If He Ruled The World (Audio)

"If I Ruled The World" is a powerful idea. That is precisely why Kurtis Blow made a hit out of it. Nas followed, honoring Kurtis and the America single 11 years later, on 1996's It Was Written. Now, 19 years later, Emilio Rojas takes the underlying makings of both songs,... Read more

May 7, 2015 The Bridge

CyHi The Prynce Makes A 2-Song Tape That Rocks ‘Til The Tape Pops (Audio)

Even with only mixtapes available, CyHi The Prynce continues to deliver great album-quality music. The G.O.O.D. Music sensation is also among the 2010s' best freestyle performers, making many consider him a total package talent. Teaming with SMH Records (which includes Wake Up Show co-founder King Tech), CyHi unveiled a cool... Read more

May 7, 2015 Fresh

Time is Almost Up for Biggie or Tupac. Who Will Go Forward In Finding The GOAT?

Tuesday (May 5) kicked off Round 6 for "Finding The GOAT" with a monstrous showdown. Tupac vs. The Notorious B.I.G. is a battle of epic proportions, as these Rap martyrs were constantly compared in life as they are in death. In less than 48 hours, this Round 6 match-up garnered... Read more

May 7, 2015 Fresh

Capone-N-Noreaga, Tragedy Khadafi & The LOX Play 3-On-3 On The Rhyme Court (Audio)

Fresh off of the news that Capone-N-Noreaga was reuniting with mentor Tragedy Khadafi, Capone and N.O.R.E. recruit their War Report special ops role-player for a worthy cause. "3 On 3" is some MC ish, as The L.O.X. trio joins C-N-N and Trag' for a little showmanship with the mic. All... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio

Rah Digga Reaches For That Raw, Alongside William Cooper (Audio)

Celebrating the just-released God's Will, Black Market Militia member William Cooper drops the high-energy "Closer to God." As a harrowing Gospel-laced backdrop plays, Cooper calls forth the assistance of New Jersey Rap queen Rah Digga, and the spirited lyricists devour the beat with explosive efficiency. Produced by Cooper's longtime right-hand... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio

Think Suicide Doors Are Rap Lyric Cliche? Skyzoo Unlocks The Freshness (Audio)

Skyzoo Heads know that the Brooklyn, New Yorker lives in two worlds. On one hand, the onetime Jamla/Duck Down Records MC is a product of the underground. Sky' has a grassroots career that was built off of hot 12" singles, circulating his name through mixtapes, and working with a vast... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio

Redman Reflects On MTV Cribs and What It Said About Who He Is

Whether you're a Def Squad Head or a lover of pranksters, Redman's episode of "MTV: Cribs" is that of legend. At a time when celebrities—especially rappers were showing gold-leaf wallpaper, infinity pools, personal chefs and garages that looked like Italian car dealerships, Reggie Noble was the antithesis. In year 2001,... Read more

May 6, 2015 Throwback, TV

Joey Bada$$ & Nyck Caution Kick The Truth to the Youth Over New School Boom Bap (Audio)

Nyck Caution is the latest member of the Pro Era crew to step towards the spotlight. With help from the original break-out Joey Bada$$ and a nostalgic beat from Chuck Strangers, the rising Rap talent delivers “World in Your Pocket." This cut encourages today's youth to choose their friendships and... Read more

May 6, 2015 Audio, The Bridge

Diddy Says Can’t Nobody Hold Him Down. Tops Dr. Dre on Forbes Hip-Hop List (Video)

After it was widely-speculated that Dr. Dre had become Hip-Hop's first billionaire, following Apple's purchase of his Beats by Dre headphones line, it appears Diddy remains Hip-Hop's wealthiest artist. Forbes has released its 2015 Forbes 5: Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artists list, along with a quick video detailing key revenue streams for... Read more

May 5, 2015 News

The Original Jedi Mind Tricks Lineup Reunites In This Dark Visual (Video)

Jedi Mind Tricks have reunited and are gearing up to release their eighth album, The Thief and the Fallen on their Enemy Soil label on June 2, 2015. This album will see original JMT members Vinnie Paz & Stoupe The Enemy of Mankind working together for the first time since... Read more

May 5, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 6): Tupac vs. The Notorious B.I.G.…Who You Got?

With now only 6 MCs remaining, we have entered Round 6 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only two match-up’s—both running this week—remain until the final 4 are revealed. Since the elimination, bracket-style tournament was launched in September of 2014, including more... Read more

May 5, 2015 Throwback

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

The month of April 2015 in Hip-Hop brought some welcomed surprises. A slew of artists released high quality freestyles over classic 90s beats, including Fabolous, Jadakiss, Styles P and Lloyd Banks, to name a few. Raekwon laid the groundwork for his F.I.L.A. (Fly International Luxurious Art) album, with releases featuring... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

25 Years Ago, Pete Rock Was DJ’ing On Airwaves. Listen In (Mix)

On May 20, 1989, Pete Rock was just 18 years old. The Mount Vernon, New Yorker was Marley Marl's right-hand-man on WBLS' "In Control" show. Two years before he would be making hits alongside CL Smooth for Elektra Records, Pete Rock was a heralded sound-selector, moving New York City and... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio, Throwback

From Philly To Your Hood, STS x RJD2 Feels Like Home (Album Stream)

Ever since the release of their 2013 jam “See You Leave” (From RJD2's More Is Than Isn't), it was clear that RJD2 and STS had musical chemistry. Two years and several collabs later, the West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based “Sugar Tongue” wordsmith (and Roots affiliate) and world-renowned producer have finally released an... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

Snoop Recruits Rick Ross & Kendrick Lamar on the Soulful I’m Ya Dogg (Audio)

Snoop Dogg's album BUSH is set to hit stores on May 12. The LP will be Snoop's first since signing his new deal with Pharrell, and it will be produced by the hitmaker. Snoop has released several tracks from the album, many featuring Charlie Wilson, and all with a distinctly... Read more

May 5, 2015 Audio

Finding the GOAT: The Final 6 MCs Have Been Decided By YOU. Who Will Be The 1?

Round 5's polls have closed today (May 4). Although there was a late push, the definitive margins (and projected winners) held, by and large. With that, Ambrosia For Heads' "Finding The GOAT" series has its final 6 MCs. The Round 5 bye (Big Daddy Kane) returns to competitive combat for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Fresh

Q-Tip & The Chemical Brothers Still Know How to Make the Party Get Up and GO (Video)

As an MC, a DJ, and as a producer, Q-Tip knows how to inject the rhythm into the people. The Abstract is quite concrete in his ability to exterminate wallflowers, making grooves, melodies, and choruses that send everybody to the dance-floor. Tip was called upon by The Chemical Brothers for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Vic Mensa’s Down On My Luck Gets Chuck Inglish’s Groovy Reconsideration (Audio)

Almost to the week, it's been a year since Vic Mensa brought out some modern-day Hip-House with "Down On My Luck." Complete with a psychedelic video, the Chicago, Illinois MC touched on pain, release, sadness, and catharsis in a song that was more R&B and Deep House than traditional Rap... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Ever Been a Sucker for Love? Jill Scott’s Done Chasing Fool’s Gold (Audio)

Jill Scott's new music has a ton of punch to it. Following up March's pained "You Don't Know" video, Jilly From Philly reflects on mistakes with more pep to her step. "Fools Gold" looks back at chasing the wrong situations, even when the writing was on the wall. Moreover, the... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Camp Lo Re-Team With Luchini Producer Ski Beatz on Black Jesus (Audio)

Camp Lo is in tact with their original mentor/producer Ski Beatz. However, the upcoming Ragtime Hightimes (May 19) is not a regurgitation of that Uptown Saturday Night sound. Instead, "Black Jesus" is just the latest example of Sonny Cheeba and Geechie Suede's ability to flex new styles. The 20-plus-year pair... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Capone-N-Noreaga Reunite With Tragedy Khadafi, Penalty Records For 5th Album

In 2010, Capone-N-Noreaga were out to recapture the magic of their 1997 debut, The War Report. '10's The War Report 2: Report The War boasted Raekwon's executive production (and Ice H20 label backing), along with beats by Alchemist, and appearances by Busta Rhymes. However, five years later, it seems that... Read more

May 4, 2015 News

Black Thought & J.Period Honor James Brown Making A Tape, LIVE! (Mixtape)

When it comes to showmanship in Hip-Hop, The Roots' Black Thought is one of the greatest to ever do it. The South Philadelphia MC can rap, he can sing, and he can play with an ensemble—and he does it all, nightly on television. So much of Tariq Trotter's on-stage persona,... Read more

May 4, 2015 Mixes

Raekwon Discusses His New Album & Wu-Tang Clan’s Complicated History With Ice-T (Audio)

In his recent Final Level Podcast episode (#34) Ice-T (joined by co-host Mick Benzo) welcomes Raekwon to the show. The Wu-Tang Clan co-founder previously made an appearance in Ice's touted Hip-Hop documentary Something From Nothing: The Art Of Rap. The podcast begins with small-talk, as the three discuss their favorite sports teams,... Read more

May 4, 2015 Audio

Yasiin Bey Explains His New Creative Process and Worldview in Detail (Video)

Yasiin Bey is a true creative anomaly. The artist formerly known as Mos Def spent the late 1990s and early 2000s churning out material, basking in the collaborative spirit, and touring relentlessly. The world responded, and the onetime Brooklyn, New York underground MC garnered gold plaques, Top 5 debuts, and... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Chris Rivers’ Latest Visual Examines The Battle for Greatness (Video)

As Heads may know, New York MC Chris Rivers is an avid boxer and is just as passionate about the sport as he is about his music. He participated in the 2014 Golden Gloves and has a goal of becoming heavyweight boxing champion of the world someday. The visual for... Read more

May 4, 2015 Video

Masta Ace Discusses Sittin’ On Chrome 20 Years Later & How It Redefined His Career (Video)

Masta Ace sat down with Watch Loud to discuss the 20th anniversary of his album Sittin' On Chrome, which was released on May 2, 1995. Ace spoke in-depth about the album and how it redefined his career. Specifically, he talked about his attempts to create a new sound on the... Read more

May 3, 2015 Throwback

Ever Hear This Extra-Large 1995 Method Man Freestyle? (Audio)

In 1995, things were reaching a boil for Method Man. The Wu-Tang Clan MC had a hit solo album in Tical, and an onslaught of classic verses with his band-mates. However, even with the presumed millions rolling in, the Iron Lung MC was not at all above ripping up bars... Read more

May 3, 2015 Throwback

These MCs Are Nearing Elimination in the Finding The GOAT Competition. Round 5 Ends Tomorrow.

Ambrosia For Heads’ Finding The GOAT series, the search for the Greatest Of All Time MC (as determined by you), began in September, 2014 and is soon down to its final 6 contestants. At 4:59pm EST on Monday May 4, Round 5 polls will close, and Round 6 will kick... Read more

May 3, 2015 Fresh

One 1990s NYC Underground Hip-Hop Outfit Drops First Visual In Years (Video)

For vinyl-buying fans of 1990s New York City street Rap, Tru Criminal Records was a trusted imprint. Whether the early days of Tonedeff or underground veteran F.T. (a/k/a Fuc That), the label believed in lesser-known acts, and gave them the shine to get heard. F.T.'s group, Street Smartz was a... Read more

May 3, 2015 Video

Kxng Crooked Remakes A 1990s Rock Power-Ballad (Audio)

Slaughterhouse MC Kxng Crooked (a/k/a Crooked I) and Shalé pair up in “I Didn't Mean to Treat You Bad”, a single from the recently dropped collaborative effort When Music Worlds Collide. In this experimental jam, producers DJ King Tech (The Wake Up Show) and company create a fresh interpretation of... Read more

May 3, 2015 Audio

Lauryn Hill Sends Out a Short & Sweet Serenade to the People of Nigeria (Video)

Lauryn Hill was recently scheduled to perform in Lagos, Nigeria, but due to unforeseen circumstances was forced to cancel her trip. While Hill promised she would make it there as soon as she could, she sent out a short and sweet special message to the people of Nigeria. In a... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

20 Years Later…Mobb Deep Are Still Crushing Mics. Watch This Freestyle (Video)

As Mobb Deep celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their album The Infamous, Prodigy and Havoc make a pit stop at Tim Westwood TV while in the UK. As is customary, Westwood has the duo kick a Crib Session Freestyle and he cues up The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Going Back to... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

Ever See This Rare Cypher With Tupac and Warren G Over a Classic Dr. Dre Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at some amazing footage of Tupac, Warren G, Big Syke and Richie Rich holding a spur of the moment cypher in the studio, over the "Gz and Hustlas" track Dr. Dre produced for Snoop's Doggystle LP. Tupac and Warren G are the more commonly known of... Read more

May 2, 2015 Throwback

From the 70s to the 90s…There’s No Beat Styles P Can’t Wreck (Audio)

Styles P continues his streak of weekly freestyle with a double feature. "Give Me Your Ghost" features Styles flowing over Curtis Mayfield's ultra-soulful "Give Me Your Love" from the Superfly soundtrack. Ghost sounds right at home over Mayfield's laid back groove. For the 2nd release of the day (third if... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

Mac Miller Strikes Back, With Bars That Slash His Recent Silence (Audio)

For nearly six months, Mac Miller has been unusually quiet. The Most Dope front man has a new label home, production work, recording responsibilities, and plenty of material to let marinate on the minds of Hip-Hop Heads. "Boo (Interlude)" emerges from this quiet, reminding the world that the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

N.O.R.E. Speaks For the First Time on Squashing His Beef With Nas (Video)

While being known as one Rap's lighter personalities, N.O.R.E. (f/k/a Noreaga) has had his share of rifts. From Nas to Prodigy, Cormega to partner Capone, the Lefrak City, Queens MC has had cold periods with several of his closest associates. Speaking with Doggie Diamonds TV, the onetime Def Jam Records... Read more

May 1, 2015 Video

Jadakiss & Styles P Rock A Rhyme Routine For The Block (Audio)

For recent weeks, Jadakiss and Styles P have set the weekend off with borrowed beats and venerable verses. This time, holding Cam'ron and Prodigy's "Losin' Weight" for a second, they take on the task together. "Block Work" is street-focused, using images from the hustle to show the kind of strength... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

Lupe Fiasco’s Visual Is 9 Years Late, But Right On Time (Video)

Part of what made Lupe Fiasco's 2006 Food & Liquor debut such a captivating album was its insightfulness. Although never an official single, "Just Might Be Okay" was a grabbing album cut. The Gemstones-assisted (t/k/a Gemini) joint was an examination of where Lu' was at with his career in the... Read more

May 1, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): KRS-One vs. Nas…Who You Got?

With just 11 MCs remaining we have reached the critical Round 5 in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Now, only five match-up’s—all running this week—separate Round 5 from the final six MCs, including Round 4 bye winner Big Daddy Kane. Since the elimination,... Read more

May 1, 2015 Fresh

Nina Simone’s Career, Activism, & Fiery Spirit Examined In New Documentary (Video)

Although Nina Simone only had one single enter the Top 40 (1959's "I Loves You, Porgy"), the iconic singer, songwriter, and political figure has demonstrated impact on music and culture that transcends the charts. The Tryon, North Carolina native, who died in 2003, is the subject of a new documentary... Read more

May 1, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Step Back In Time With This Rugged MC Lyte Freestyle (Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop is at its best when in its purest form. Few things are more satisfying than hearing a top notch MC shred a verse over nothing but a beat. Here's a look back at a vintage moment from Rap City: Tha Basement where MC Lyte crushes a freestyle over... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Yasiin Bey Will Perform a Special Tribute to J. Dilla For One Night Only in London (News)

It's been more than 9 years since Hip-Hop lost J. Dilla. Each year in February, Heads celebrate the late great producer and the tributes have extended from Dilla Day to Dilla Weekend. For Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), however, who was fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of some of... Read more

April 30, 2015 News

Erick Sermon Makes Room For Joell Ortiz & Sheek Louch on One Star-Studded Track (Audio)

Erick Sermon has been teasing the arrival of a new album for several months, but the moment is almost here. On a recent interview with Sway, E-Double said fans could expect ESP to arrive in June, and listed off a host of guest MCs featured on the album, including Method... Read more

April 30, 2015 Audio

Wale Marches With Baltimore High School, Urges Media To Look Closer (Video)

This week has brought global news out of Baltimore, Maryland. The April 19, 2015 death of Freddie Gray, a 25 year-old local man who suffered a severed spinal cord while in police custody, before dying one week later has raised great concern, outcry, and debate surrounding the Baltimore Police Department. Gray’s... Read more

April 30, 2015 Video