News Archives

Chance The Rapper Confronts Suicide, Consults ‘Mr. Happy’ In Short Film (Video)

In his lead acting debut, Chancellor Bennett (a/k/a Chance The Rapper) takes the role as a nervous supply store employee in the short film, Mr. Happy. The mini-movie itself is exceptionally shot by director and friend to Mr. Bennett, Colin Tilley. The plot captures a deeply sad Chance The Rapper... Read more

March 26, 2015 Fresh, Video

Styles P Snatches Drake’s Beat For An Energetic Freestyle (Audio)

Drake's given everybody "Energy" on If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Styles P has energy to give, and he takes the Boi-1da-produced beat, and gives a 90 second verbal massage. With emphasized bars and that signature cadence, S.P. The Ghost has really dazzled late March with a series of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Eternal E: Remembering Eazy-E’s Massive Contributions 20 Years Later (Food For Thought)

Eazy-E, who was only 31 when he died 20 years ago today (March 26, 1995), was considered one (if not the) progenitor of West Coast Gangsta Rap. As a record label executive, he established a blueprint for future young, Black entrepreneurs. As a member of N.W.A., he helped lend a... Read more

March 26, 2015 Food for Thought

Rediscover Madlib’s Yesterdays’ New Quintet Thanks To Stones Throw (Audio)

Madlib. Quasimoto. The Loop Digga. The man born Otis Jackson, Jr. has many names, identities, and personas. Back in the early 2000s, one of Madlib quietly emerged with one of his most illusive groups, Yesterday's New Quintet. A consummate sampler, Madlib began experimenting with a Fender Rhodes keyboard. As Stones... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Dr. Dre Says Straight Outta Compton Will Clarify N.W.A.’s Perceived Misogyny (Video)

Among N.W.A.'s legendary tracks are "Just Don't Bite It," "Findum, Fuckum & Flee," and the interlude, "To Kill A Hooker." Nearly 25 years after the group famously disbanded, Dr. Dre says that the perceived misogyny behind the lyrics and music by himself, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Audio Two’s Milk Dee Is Still Top Billin’, With Sean Price & Murda Mook (Audio)

Not only is Audio Two's 1987 "Top Billin'" a Rap/Hip-Hop classic, Milk Dee and Gizmo's moment in the sun remains an early and critical representation of Brooklyn, New York. From Big Daddy Kane to Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G. to Foxy Brown, top billin' is a style, an attitude, and... Read more

March 26, 2015 The Bridge

Joey Bada$$ Goes To Town With A Freestyle Over Dre & Premier Beats (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ seemingly never is too fatigued for a freestyle. The Brooklyn, New Yorker who emerged from hallway cyphers and throwback-minded Rap activities is true to form. Stopping through the L.A. Leakers radio show, the hosts throw down some plates of production from the era Joey pulls from. Nimbly, he... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

J. Cole & Cozz Showcase That Dreams Can Come True (Video)

Buzzing Dreamville signee Cozz drops the visual for the “Knock Tha Hustle Remix," a single off of his Cozz And Effect project, adding two standout verses to the inspiring visual. As on the digital album, the South Central Los Angeles MC gets his man J. Cole to spit the imagery of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Wale & Jerry Seinfeld Chat About Nothing…Or The Significance Of White Sneakers (Video)

After acclaimed mixtapes, Wale's first "Seinfeld"-inspired LP, Album About Nothing is less than one week away (March 31). The comedian behind the hit 1990s NBC sitcom, Jerry Seinfeld, has been in Wale's corner the last year, after the two met way back. In concept, "album about nothing" pulls from the... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Did You Know DJ Premier & Large Professor Share A Birthday? DJ Eclipse Does (Mix)

While DJ Premier remixed plenty of classic artists spanning three decades and nearly every genre, when it came to Gang Starr, remixes weren't typically the move—especially by another beat-maker. There were some exceptions however, and one trusted person who remixed one particular rare a la carte 1992 single ("Gotta Get... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Do Remember: DJ Yella & Kokane – 4 Tha E (Eazy-E Tribute) (Video)

Today (March 26) marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Eric "Eazy-E" Wright. The founder of N.W.A. and Ruthless Records left a crater on the face of modern music as we know it. The Compton, California native not only made the SoCal city a household name 25 years before... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): LL Cool J vs. DMC…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

Run The Jewels & Zack De La Rocha Fight Back Against Police Brutality (Video)

You may have recognized the song in recent Under Armour commercials, now Run The Jewels have released an official music video for "Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck)" featuring Zack De La Rocha. While neither Killer Mike, El-P or De La Rocha are actually in the video, their song... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Lauryn Hill’s The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill Is Off To The Library Of Congress

Every year, the Library Of Congress Archives deems select works of art worthy of immortal preservation. Musically, these elite few are the albums, songs, scores, and compositions worthy of timeless consideration, analysis, and curation. Just 17 years old, Lauryn Hill's solo debut, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill now carries this... Read more

March 26, 2015 Throwback

G-Unit With The Roots? Why Hasn’t This Happened Before? (Video)

For the last 15 years—and pretty much always—G-Unit and The Roots have been across the room from each other in Hip-Hop. While 50 Cent and Questlove are two of the more outspoken voices in the genre, the Philadelphia Grammy Award-winning band and the Queens, New York multi-platinum collective are really... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

Kurupt’s In A Foul Mood. He, J. Wells & Roscoe Make A Groove About It (Audio)

Sometimes MCs benefit from having a chip on their shoulder. Nearly 15 years ago, Kurupt took his frustrations with people trying to holler at his girl (then Foxy Brown), feeling neglected as a West Coast artist, and not feelin' the 2Pac imitations, and made "Callin' Out Names." While the song... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson & Chance The Rapper Get Blue On Letterman (Video)

As part of his media runs promoting the new album Mr. Wonderful, Action Bronson stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman to perform. He was joined by Chance The Rapper, and together they performed the single "Baby Blue", with Bronsonelli getting a little soulful with the vocals. Check out... Read more

March 26, 2015 Video

A Kendrick Lamar/Jerry Seinfeld Mashup? So Wrong…But Hard Not to Listen (Audio)

You know an album has impact when mashups of its songs are being created just a week after its release. Last week, in a sneak attack, Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album took critics and fans alike by storm. The album has been nearly unanimously praised for the depth... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Emilio Rojas and Joell Ortiz Rap About Growing Up with Nada…and Overcoming (Video)

Emilio Rojas released a new music video for "Nada" featuring Joell Ortiz, off his upcoming project L.I.F.E.. The song features Emilio and Joell rapping about their living situations while growing up and their everyday hustle to make ends meet. Meanwhile the video, directed by A New Vision, follows two kids... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Hit-Boy Is Not Your Average Producer/MC. His Lessons From Early Kanye Show (Video)

Fifteen years ago, Kanye West came into Hip-Hop producing for MCs who had very different surroundings and inspiration than him (Beanie Sigel, Jay Z, Dilated Peoples). By the time it came to record his own music, the same quality sounds were there, but 'Ye's message and story stood apart in... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Ludacris Says Don’t Get It Confused, He Keeps It Realer Than Most Rappers (Video)

Although Heads are only learning it weeks before the album, Ludaversal (March 31) appears to be Ludacris' stripped down album. Like the 22 year-old "daily driver" Acura on the album cover, Ludacris seems to be all about being himself on his ninth Def Jam Records effort. Yesterday (March 24), Heads... Read more

March 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Method Man vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 25, 2015 Fresh

Tink Reworks A Biggie Favorite With A Timbaland Beat & Big Budget Visual (Video)

Tink has been an eye and ear-grabbing sensation in R&B/Pop for nearly a year. Timbaland's singing pupils rival, if not eclipse some of his Rap proteges over the last 20 years. Tink is a bit of both, delivering an amalgam of genres, attitudes, and styles in one dynamic musical package.... Read more

March 25, 2015 The Bridge, Video

Action Bronson & Earl Sweatshirt Are The Talk Of Rap. Alchemist Got ‘Em Together (Audio)

This week saw the release of Action Bronson's Mr. Wonderful and Earl Sweatshirt's I Don't Like Shit: I Don't Go Outside. Joined by last week's To Pimp A Butterfly album by Kendrick Lamar, and March will be a hard month to top for 2015 Hip-Hop. Rather notably, all of these... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Sean Price Has Fun With Words. Check The Intricacy Of His Latest Verbal Scribble (Audio)

Sean Price, for 20 years deep in the game being arguably the sharpest lyricist within Boot Camp Clik, isn't somebody who loves grand explanations. After all, 10 years ago, the Heltah Skeltah MC made an incredible comeback with a straightforward, deadpan, and self-deprecating LP in Monkey Barz. While there were... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Big Daddy Kane Names His List of the Greatest MCs of All-Time. Who Made the Cut? (Video)

"Me, KRS and Rakim changed the whole way people rhymed..."--Big Daddy Kane Big Daddy Kane is widely considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all-time and, for many, he is the GOAT. So, when Kane speaks about his list of Hip-Hop's best lyricists, it takes on a different... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

There’s a Reason Why Nas Signed Bishop Nehru. Just Listen (Audio)

Imagine you're an 18-year old up and coming MC and you get the opportunity to work with DOOM...and Nas decides to sign you. Those dreams come true represent just a portion of the good tidings that have come to Bishop Nehru over the last few years. The Rockland County, NY... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

The LOX Tear Down a Classic Gap Band Beat (Audio)

In seemingly any situation, The LOX show up. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch give emerging MC/producer Duane DaRock all the right moves on Da Resume, Vol. 2 mixtape cut "That Money." The song, which basically lifts a timeless bassline from Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band has that blend-tape... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Big Daddy Kane vs. Kool G Rap…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Rapper Big Pooh Releases His Finest Music Since Little Brother (Album Stream)

Rapper Big Pooh has had a host of quality releases since his days with vaunted group Little Brother with Phonte and 9th Wonder. From 2005's Sleepers to his entire Fat Boy Fresh series, Pooh has stayed working. However, his recent union with Apollo Brown has produced some of the best... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

Celebrate Above The Law’s 25-Year Anniversary With This Killer Mixtape (Audio)

It's been 25 years since Above The Law, the group comprised of Cold187um, Laylaw, the late KMG, Go Mack and DJ Total K-Oss, released their debut album, Livin' Like Hustlers, on Eazy-E's Ruthless Records. This Thursday (March 26) will also mark 20 years since Eazy-E's death. In honor of these... Read more

March 24, 2015 Throwback

Chris Tucker is Doing His First Ever Full-Length Stand-Up Comedy Special (News)

Long before he was one of the biggest box office draws on the planet, Chris Tucker was a stand-up comedian with gut-wrenching skills. Sharing the stage on Def Comedy Jam with other legends in the making like Dave Chappelle, Robin Harris and Bernie Mac, Tucker more than held his own.... Read more

March 24, 2015 News

Michel’le Says Suge Knight Protected Her, After Dr. Dre Broke Her Nose (Video)

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Eazy-E-'s tragic death (March 26, 1995). With Ruthless Records on the minds of many Heads, the consideration ramps up. Michel'le was an R&B star on a Hip-Hop more than a decade before that become a standard. Her multi-platinum self-titled 1989 LP was a... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Talks Visual Cookbook & Menu, How His Mom Laced Alchemist (Video)

Just one day old, Action Bronson's major label full-length debut Mr. Wonderful appears to be met with early praise. Speaking on the HOT 97 Morning Show on release day (March 23), Action Bronson, joined by friend/collaborator Alchemist expounded on the VICE/Atlantic Records album's culinary component. Bronson revealed that three highly-touted... Read more

March 24, 2015 Video

Ludacris Deploys A Slow Flow To Talk About The Smoke & Mirrors Of The Rap Game (Audio)

Ludacris' ninth solo LP, Ludaversal (March 31) is one week away. Within the album, the Rap mainstay has one song that reflects on his journey, and the stresses that come with a sustainable career in the industry. Listening to a superstar whine might not be appealing or original in theory,... Read more

March 24, 2015 Audio

yU & Slimkat’s 1978ers Get Celestial While Tracking The Distance In Far (Video)

Diamond District is a heralded group with two celebrated studio albums, and a remix effort that excites as much as any in the last few calendars. However, outside the group, Oddisee, X.O., and yU beautifully exercise their individually. For the last of the three, yU, he regularly channels a Spoken... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Yazz The Greatest aka Hakeem from Empire is a Real MC. Just Watch His Freestyle (Video)

Many do not know the name Yazz the Greatest, but the name Hakeem Lyon, along with the hit show Empire, has taken the nation by storm. Before embodying Hakeem, Bryshere Gray was an MC from West Philadelphia who went by the name Yazz the Greatest. Yazz recently visited the Sway... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 3): Andre 3000 vs. Q-Tip…Who You Got?

We have reached the third round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). With 42 MCs remaining, we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into... Read more

March 23, 2015 Throwback

Action Bronson & Chance Let Their Soul Glow In Spoofing “Coming To America” (Video)

An homage to the Eddie Murphy led film, Coming To America, Action Bronson and Chance The Rapper take their version across the Atlantic to Albania in visuals for Bronsonelli's single, "Baby Blue." After an inexpensive haircut and a jabberjawing session about the upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao fight, Bronson flips his script in... Read more

March 23, 2015 The Bridge, Video

J. Cole Leads a Slave Uprising in His Latest Visual. The Revolution is Televised (Video)

J. Cole has released a new music video for "G.O.M.D." off of his 2014 Forest Hills Drive album. While the song itself may put Heads in a party vibe with the bouncy beat and catchy hook, the visual is more thought-provoking, as it's set during slavery times in the South.... Read more

March 23, 2015 Video

Producer J-Zone Speaks on Classic Break Beats and How to Chop Samples (Video Premiere)

For more than 15 years, Queens, New York's J-Zone has had a career in music that is as unconventional as his sound. A lover of records, both old Funk, R&B, and other sources of breaks, as well as rugged Hip-Hop (Ultramagnetic MC's, Mob Style, C-Bo), Zone's entrance into the industry... Read more

March 23, 2015 Exclusive, Video

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

RZA Has Some Controversial Views On Sample Lawsuits In 2015. Do You Agree?

Since even before 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), RZA has been a producer who liked to sample. From Janet Jackson to Al Green, Mary Poppins to The Electric Prunes, The Abbott's crates go deep, and unpredictable. However, after nearly 25 years of writing and composing music sold at retail,... Read more

March 22, 2015 News

The Cold Crush Brothers Defined MC’ing As We Know It. Hear Them Rock A 1982 Set (Audio)

The Cold Crush Brothers (a/k/a The Cold Crush IV) are an iconic Hip-Hop group. In the era leading up to first 12" singles, and later, full-length albums, founder DJ Tony Tone, Almighty Kay Gee, Dot-A-Rock, Grandmaster Caz, Supreme Easy A.D., Whipper Whip, DJ Charlie Chase, and other members in and... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Kool G Rap & Mic Geronimo Support Nutso On A Hardcore Queens Cut (Audio)

Kool G Rap may have the Midas touch of cosigns. From Nas to Papoose, Large Professor to MF Grimm, the Kool Genius has an ear for fellow lyricists on the come-up. Fellow Queens, New Yorker Nutso is far from new, having worked with G, along with Trae Tha Truth, Psycho... Read more

March 22, 2015 Audio

Snoop Dogg Developing New HBO Series With Makers Of Menace II Society & Boondocks

In the last 15 years, Snoop Dogg has launched two television series: the 2002-2003 MTV-spawned "Doggy Fizzle Televizzle" and the 2007-2008 two-season go for E!, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood." Neither show made it past 18 episodes, respectively. However, the Long Beach, California Hip-Hop icon is not done. According to The... Read more

March 21, 2015 News, TV

Ever See Eminem’s Lyrical Explosion on This Classic Biggie Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at a young Eminem going absolutely berserk on the classic "Kick in the Door" beat that DJ Premier produced for The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die. Although it's unclear when the footage was recorded it looks to be from the early 2000s. Marshall appears... Read more

March 21, 2015 Throwback

From Beats To Rhymes, Breakin’ To Graffiti, The Latino Contribution To Hip-Hop Is Explored (Audio)

One of the more anticipated pieces of Hip-Hop coverage over the last week was Latino USA's (an NPR-backed podcast show) "A Latino History Of Hip-Hop." As promised by video trailer, part 1 premiered yesterday (March 20), with part 2 reportedly coming online by late April. Producers Daisy Rosario and Marlon... Read more

March 21, 2015 Audio, Food for Thought, Fresh

The Fresh Prince Might Enjoy This Prank Call Into C-SPAN Live (Video)

Since 1979, C-SPAN (Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network) has been a channel that many TV-goers may surf right over on their way to reality TV, prime-time drama, sports, and other remote destinations. However, the Washington D.C. based network is a media mainstay, covering U.S. Congress and other major political and social... Read more

March 20, 2015 Fresh

Styles P Calls In A Ghost Attack With 2 New Freestyles (Audio)

For the second consecutive weekend, Styles P refuses to go quietly. Following last week's "Still Bangin' Freestyle," the Yonkers, New York blesses some industry beats with his street-tested wisdom. Dropping two Friday efforts, "Ghost Pills" adds the D-Block touch to Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions." "Bad Ass Ghost" is a... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio