News Archives

Raekwon Breaks Down the Lyrics to Criminology & Details Some of Its True Stories (Video)

Raekwon sat down with DJ Booth as part of their "Inside The Verse" series and broke down the lyrics to Only Built 4 Cuban Linx's "Criminology." Rather than a standard word for word dissection of the song, Rae' chose select bars and talked about some of the realities on which... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Do Remember: AZ’s S.O.S.A. (Save Our Streets AZ) Album (Audio)

Like sports, what a musician does as a free agent often determines his or her future. Some artists privately seek out their next label home, and get right to work. Others use the event as a combine of sorts, publicly postulating where they would like to be, and what it... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Redman…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

April 30, 2015 Throwback

ONYX’s Latest Protest Song Advocates “No Justice, No Peace” (Audio)

ONYX (Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr) recently released "Against All Authorities," an outcry against the agencies that are not protecting nor serving all people. The New York City vets rallied up the troops and pointed fingers at law enforcement, courts, and legislators. Now, the stripped-down lineup of the 100 Mad... Read more

April 30, 2015 Audio

Scarface Calls The Diary His Dark Side of the Moon. Says He Found Himself With the Album (Audio)

Brad "Scarface" Jordan has emerged as an uncontested legend in Hip-Hop and one of the pioneers of the Southern sound. After 29 years, he is still actively engaged in the Rap community. From the release of his first solo album, in 1991, Mr Scarface Is Back, this Geto Boy's storytelling has... Read more

April 29, 2015 Audio

Take a Tour of Moscow With DJ Premier (Video)

Hip-Hop has taken DJ Premier a long way from his hometown of Prairie View, Texas. The iconic producer recently traveled to Moscow for a DJ gig and decided to share it with his fans. Throughout the video, Preemo was deeply thankful for Hip-Hop and the life journey it's allowed him... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Mister Cee Reveals Slick Rick Once Fully Stepped to Big Daddy Kane…Strapped (Audio)

DJ Mister Cee is the latest guest on Cipha Sounds & Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast/show. In Part 2 (Part 1 ran earlier this month), The Finisher speaks to his friends and former HOT 97 colleagues in depth about the two figures most closely associated with the Brooklyn, New York... Read more

April 29, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Tupac vs. Kendrick Lamar…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

April 29, 2015 Fresh

Mannie Fresh Recalls Big Tymin’ With First Check, DMX’s Dog Fancy (Video)

Mannie Fresh may be a lover of flaunting jewels, cars, and even helicopters on some of his album covers and in older videos. However, the New Orleans, Louisiana icon and Bounce music pioneer had some humble beginnings. In a recent interview, he reflected on how the music industry has evolved,... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Whatever Happened to That Jay Z & Raekwon Collaboration? Raekwon Speaks (Video)

Back in May of 2013, a photo of Jay Z and Raekwon in the studio leaked and set the Internet ablaze. The instagram photo was released prior to the announcement of Jay Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail album, leaving Heads to speculate wildly about what Hov and The Chef might... Read more

April 29, 2015 Video

Black Rob Reveals Rolling With Bad Boy Before Biggie, Debilitating Stroke (Audio)

With a new album in stores (Genuine Article), Harlem, New York's Black Rob recently checked in at the Combat Jack Show. The former Bad Boy Records MC opened up about the struggles he's encountered during his career, which pinnacled with 1999 crossover, "Whoa!" B.R. had no problem speaking candidly about... Read more

April 29, 2015 Audio

Agallah Gets A Career Highlight With A Fiery Big Daddy Kane (Audio)

While the EPMD family tree can quickly point to Redman, Das-EFX, DJ Scratch and Keith Murray as successful proteges, there are plenty more. As K-Solo was a verbal varsity "letterman," Craig Mack blossomed under the fold. Later on, in the '90s, "8-Off The Assassin" l/k/a "Agallah" was within the last... Read more

April 29, 2015 Audio

Bumpy Knuckles Releases Some Laid-Back Protest Music for Baltimore (Audio)

Bumpy Knuckles (aka Freddie Foxxx) has a vast catalog of aggressive music with enough energy to start a riot. However, in these times of unrest, he's released a laid-back, soulful song. But, make no mistake, this is protest music. "Can I Get a Break?!?" plays like an open letter to... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Breaks Down To Pimp A Butterfly’s Cover Art and Its Significance (Video)

Kendrick Lamar recently sat down with Mass Appeal for an interview, of which an excerpt was released on video of him explaining the album cover of his highly lauded To Pimp A Butterfly. He explains that all the people on the album cover with him are friends and family from... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Eminem vs. Busta Rhymes…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

April 28, 2015 Fresh

Dres & Jarobi Plug In, Amp Up & Rock Out (Audio)

Dres (n/k/a Black Sheep Dres) and Jarobi (A Tribe Called Quest) go way back. Before EvitaN (their group together), these two New York City MCs were founders in the Native Tongues movement, bringing knowledge for your mental over grooves for your backside. "Ain't No Day That The Sun Don't Shine"... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

Step Into Pete Rock’s Petestrumentals Kitchen & Watch Him Cook (Video)

Less than two months removed from Petestrumentals 2 (June 23), the Mount Vernon, New York living legend lets cameras catch him (dramatically) in action, breaking down some "Cosmic Slop" on the Akai MPC. The song features extensive percussion, and the kind of serious sounds that P.R. has offered Edo G.,... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Watch Scarface Perform A Different Verse Over His Classic Gang Starr Collaboration (Video)

One of the standouts on Gang Starr's classic album Moment of Truth was "Betrayal." The song featured a dark and moody track that evoked poignant performances from both Guru and featured guest MC, Scarface. The 1998 song would be the first time Face worked with Preemo. Seventeen years later, when... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Oddisee’s The Good Fight Battles To Be Among 2015’s Best (Album Stream)

Today (April 28), Oddisee released his seventh solo studio album, The Good Fight. The Mello Music Group release includes 12 tracks, featuring the Washington, D.C. native's verses, melodies, and production. The Diamond District member follows up 2013's Tangible Dream with an album, that based on its early singles, videos, and... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

This Will Make You Think Twice the Next Time You Walk By Someone Down on Their Luck (Video)

Tish Hyman has the kind of voice that penetrates souls. Part Stevie Wonder and part Roberta Flack, with a dash of Lauryn Hill, Hyman's vocals are filled with the type of raw and honest emotion that is rare these days--so much so that it's instantly stirring. Her song "Subway Art"... Read more

April 28, 2015 Video

Sean Price Borrows Kanye West’s Breakthrough Beat and Spits The Truth (Audio)

In a career that's 20 years old, Sean Price has been very calculated with mixtape releases. Three times, the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC has offered up a non-album release, and starting with 2004's Donkey Sean, Jr., (before Monkey Barz) each time they have been a warning shot before an album that's... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

The Knux Encounter A Mirage In Their Late Night Journey (Video)

On their upcoming album Eleven (April 28), The Knux duo consisting of members Kentrell "Krispy" Lindsey and Alvin "Joey" Lindsey, have released their first video for the album on their track "Mirage." The Brothers Lindsey made quite the entrance into the Hip-Hop scene with their electric Rock elements and flashy word play in songs such... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Curren$y Complements His Slow Flow With Lowriders (Video)

Even More Saturday Car Tunes continues to live up to its name. Curren$y releases "Cars," where he and his Jet Life cohorts cruise through the city in the twilight. Spitta spits about his favorite hobby, as the camera catches '60s, '70s and '80s Chevrolet Impalas, and a '76 Buick Regal.... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Selma Will Be Gifted To Every High School In America (News)

After the news that Paramount Home Movie Distribution started an education program to let high school students see the movie for free while in theaters, the production company has now announced that they will be releasing the award-winning Civil Rights film Selma to every high school in the nation. The news was reported today (April 27).... Read more

April 27, 2015 News

Rakim is Releasing His First Solo Album in More Than 5 Years (Video)

Montreality, with their original and spirited questions, spoke to Rakim, again (after his grabbing 2012 look). Sitting down with the God MC, a lot is covered in less than 10 minutes. Notably, Rakim confirmed that he is fast at work on his fourth solo studio album. "This is one of... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Ghostface Killah & Pharoahe Monch’s Latest Collabo Comes To Comic Book Life (Lyric Video)

Although they were running in very different circles in the early 1990s, Ghostface Killah and Pharoahe Monch have some amazing rapport over the last five or so years. The Staten Island and Queens, New York lyricists fill their deliveries with fervor, passion, and lots of unique wordplay. From late 2014's... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Ever Hear The Single From Dr. Dre & E-A-Ski’s Planned Collabo Album? (Audio)

To say things are "good" for Dr. Dre is a brutal understatement. The Compton, California impresario is breathing down the neck of being a billionaire (if he is not already there), he is the subject and producer of a major studio N.W.A. biopic, and he's got arguably Hip-Hop's best MCs... Read more

April 27, 2015 Throwback

De La Soul Defends Kickstarter Album: “This Is Not About Pocketing Money”

Last week, De La Soul released "God It," the Nas-assisted, presumed first single from their upcoming eighth studio album, reportedly called, And The Anonymous Nobody. For Hip-Hop fans, this is a benchmark album before Heads press play, due to the fact it is the largest crowd-funded album in the Rap... Read more

April 27, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 5): Rakim vs. Mos Def…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

April 27, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Here Are Your Top 10 MCs + 1

The polls have closed and, after a fiercely competitive and unpredictable Round 4, 10 MCs advance to Round 5 (along with Rakim who had a bye), making a grand total of 11 rappers remaining in the quest to name Hip-Hop’s greatest MC, as determined by you. Since Round 1 began... Read more

April 26, 2015 Fresh

From Groove Theory To Blackstreet, These Retro R&B Blends Welcome Summer (Mix)

In the 1990s, Hip-Hop and R&B flirted with each other in plenty of ways. The decade made an institution out of the cross-genre collaboration, making R&B albums all the more unpredictable, and Hip-Hop albums all the more versatile. Out of the decade, Mary J Blige, Jodeci, and R. Kelly were... Read more

April 26, 2015 Mixes, Throwback

Hip-Hop Myths: Here Are 5 Common Misbeliefs That Will Surprise You

During its nascent period, Hip-Hop was dismissed by many as simply a passing fad, much like Disco. As we all can see now, those critics were drastically mistaken, and it has not only grown, but has become the most influential cultural presence in fashion, dance, language, art, and of course... Read more

April 26, 2015 Fresh

Scarface Names More Than 15 MCs Better Than Him. Do You Agree? (Video)

The legendary Scarface stopped by the Sway in the Morning show in promotion of the release of his new book, Diary of a Madman: The Geto Boys, Life, Death, and the Roots of Southern Rap. Given the multi-decade history between Face and Sway, the conversation had the promise of something... Read more

April 26, 2015 Video

Ever See the Time will.i.am Went Back to the Underground in an Epic Battle of the Beats? (Video)

In 2002, things were getting interesting for will.i.am. Early Black Eyed Peas Heads know that while the group had a major label contract and were working with stars, they were up against the ropes at A&M Records. In two albums, Will, apl.de.apl, and Taboo had not found the success that... Read more

April 26, 2015 Throwback

From Yonkers to Brooklyn: Fabolous Has Got These 90s Freestyles on Lox (Audio)

After several weeks of stellar freestyles over 90s beats, Fabolous remains at the head of the pack. Loso has delivered some of his best verses in years over tracks by Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan and Puff Daddy and the Family. His latest strikes close to home, literally and figuratively. Fab... Read more

April 25, 2015 Audio

Never Before Released Footage From Friday Rehearsals Surfaces Featuring Ice Cube & Chris Tucker (Video)

Last week, was the 20th anniversary of the release of the film Friday. Starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, the movie has become a cult classic both because of the universal themes it addressed and the authentic feeling of the hilarious dialogue. However, like most things in life, greatness often... Read more

April 25, 2015 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: None of These MCs Have Made the Top 10…Yet

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 10+1 bye (Rakim, bringing the tally to 11) contestants. The MC who wins by the biggest margin in this... Read more

April 25, 2015 Fresh

Mobb Deep’s Infamous 20 Years Later is Still 1 of Hip-Hop’s Grittiest Classics (Food For Thought)

In the late 1980s, artists like Just-Ice, ScHoolly D, the Geto Boys, N.W.A., Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, and Public Enemy started testing the power of their words, profane and dense alike. The human condition was explored, and Hip-Hop planted a flag in the ground that stated—to quote Ice... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought, Throwback

A Love Jones: Still Getting By with Method Man & Mary J. Blige 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Released twenty years ago today (April 25, 1995), Method Man's “I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By” featuring Mary J. Blige was not the first duet in Hip-Hop, nor the first Hip-Hop love song, but it seemed to hit a particularly powerful nerve; one that reverberates... Read more

April 25, 2015 Food for Thought

GQ & Locksmith Drive Rhymes From The Backseat Of A Lyft (Video)

In the latest installment of the increasingly popular "HipHopLyft" series, Bay Area MCs Locksmith and GQ (of Jamla Records) drop conscious gems in freestyle form as they are driven around the streets of San Francisco. The two spitters both represent Team BackPack, a musical conglomerate that is dedicated to connecting... Read more

April 25, 2015 Video

Lloyd Banks Perfectly Matches The Pharcyde’s Flow on His Passin’ Me By Freestyle (Audio)

Lloyd Banks has released some of the best freestyles of the month, but he's outdone himself with the latest. Banks picks The Pharcyde's seminal "Passin' Me By" track, produced by J-Swift, and perfectly mimics the flows and cadences of multiple members of the group. As the G-Unit member tailors his... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

Styles P Has Got the Inner City Blues. What’s Going On in 2015? A Lot…(Audio)

From The D.O.C. to Scarface, Spice 1 to Yasiin Bey, Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" has been the source of some of Hip-Hop's most meditative songs. The dark chords from the original pulled one of Gaye's deepest performances from him, as he pondered the ills of ghettos across America. Styles... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Colorfully Lives The Good Life In His Latest Single (Video)

Curren$y's Even More Saturday Night Car Tunes keeps making its rounds. The New Orleans, Louisiana veteran takes the Cool & Dre-produced single "Rhymes Like Weight," and hustles the visual—a colorful portrait of his life at the top of the indie Rap scene. Career and fans have been kind to Spitta,... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Yelawolf & Eminem Serve Revenge Cold With Red Hot Flows (Video)

Yelawolf has released the official video for "Best Friend," his mournful prayer with Eminem. The song is part sorrowful reflection and part vengeful sermon about past transgressions each has suffered the forthcoming consequences for their enemies--a one way trip for a meeting with the Maker. Staying with the theme of... Read more

April 24, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 4): The Notorious B.I.G. vs. Andre 3000…Who You Got?

We have reached the final match up in Round 4 of the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 21 MCs remaining (with the largest winning margin, Rakim received a bye for the round), things came down to 10 match-ups, leading AFH’s bracket-style series towards... Read more

April 24, 2015 Throwback

Few MCs Can Flow on a Big Daddy Kane Classic. Jadakiss is One of Them (Audio)

"Raw," "Ain't No Half Steppin'," "Smooth Operator"...Those are Big Daddy Kane classics, for sure, but for many Heads there is no finer lyrical performance from Kane than the one he dropped on 1989's "Young, Gifted and Black." There was no hook, no smooth R&B, just BDK detonating a two minute... Read more

April 24, 2015 Audio

DJ Premier To Score Upcoming Film on The History of the Business of Hip-Hop (News)

The legendary DJ Premier has announced the next move in his already diverse and groundbreaking music career. VH1 has chosen the Gang Starr producer to compose, score and take on the role of executive music producer for their upcoming original movie The Breaks. The film will be written, directed and... Read more

April 24, 2015 News

Freddie Gibbs Delivers A Serpent Sermon In His Latest Visual (Video)

Freddie Gibbs unleashes a new video for his song "Pronto," the title song of his recent EP. The song offers an even more aggressive tone than usual from the Gary, Indiana native. The video shows Gansta Gibbs in a tub full of snakes and surrounded by tempting women. Possible metaphors... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Did You Know Erick Sermon Could Have Signed Biggie? The Green Eyed Bandit Speaks (Video)

2015 is shaping up to be a big year for Erick Sermon. The Green Eyed bandit has launched a new collection of Hip-Hop rugs called Def Rugs, and is releasing ESP, his first album since 2004's Chilltown, New York, in June. E Double sat down with Sway and covered a... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video

Fashawn’s Touching Single Is A Strong Vignette About Young, Black Fatherhood (Video)

Within Fashawn's The Ecology, "Higher" is one of the everlasting gems. Fashawn looks at fathers—as a parent himself, with some profound insights. The song is personal, heartfelt, and touching. To core fans of the Fresno, California MC, the DJ Exile-produced "Higher" is a deep extension of his Boy Meets World... Read more

April 23, 2015 Video