News Archives

Kid Cudi Takes The Pain & Loneliness To Make A Charged Message Of Hope (Audio)

For as much as he's evolved, Kid Cudi seemingly keeps coming back to his smash hit 2009 breakthrough, Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. Cleveland, Ohio's own MC/singer takes that amazing, original, and Electronically-informed sound and applies it to his life now. Making a rare new song release,... Read more

March 3, 2015 Audio

Yelawolf is a True Son of Anarchy With His Whiskey in a Bottle (Video)

Last year, Yelawolf got a high profile song placement in the final season of Sons of Anarchy, with his song "Till It's Gone." With the video for "Whiskey in a Bottle," Catfish Billy shows some of the many sides of his real-life rebel mode. The visuals find Yelawolf seemingly going... Read more

March 3, 2015 Video

Are You Really Ready for Some Super Dynamite Soul? DJ Cosmo Baker is on the Job (Mix)

In the DJ world, Cosmo Baker is a giant. Whether in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Philadelphia, or pretty much any part of the globe, Cos' can seemingly spin any genre, with style and finesse. Swinging through Drexel University's WKDU Eavesdrop Show, Baker brought nothing but a box of 7" 45's, and got... Read more

March 2, 2015 Mixes

Kanye West is Back to Rapping and He’s Spitting Harder Than He Has in Years (Audio)

Kanye West has garnered a lot of attention this year, but none of it has been for rapping...The talented Mr. West has released three songs on which he is singing, he's released the hottest line of sneakers in the World, and he's embarked on a media tour that has shown... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson & Chance The Rapper? Mark Ronson Makes It Work (Audio)

From Wale to Rhymefest, Bruno Mars to Ghostface Killah, Mark Ronson is gifted in pushing musicians to their outer limits. For Mr. Wonderful (March 24), Action Bronson called upon the British producer who was once a Roc-A-Fella Records affiliate. "Baby Blue," featuring Chance The Rapper is not far from the... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Chuck D vs. Lord Finesse…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

March 2, 2015 Throwback

Ludacris’ Ludaversal Might Have The Coolest Album Cover Of The Last Year

For all of his bragging on his raps, did you know Ludacris still (often) drives the same exact car he owned when he first broke through? The 1993 Acura Legend sedan is actually Chris Bridges' first car, before a career that would yield multi-platinum albums, recurring film franchise roles, and... Read more

March 2, 2015 Fresh

Michael Jordan Is Now A Billionaire. If Only We Could Be Like Mike…

Two hundred and ninety billionaires are reported to have joined the elite club in the last year, according to a new report from Forbes magazine. One of those tycoons is six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. MJ made a reported $90 million alone from his Air Jordan Nike-backed brand between 2013... Read more

March 2, 2015 Lifestyle, News

Denitia and Sene Are Severely Slept On. This Latest Single Beckons Mainstream Attention (Audio)

Synth Pop and R&B are as close as they've been in 25 years. Artists like Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), Solange Knowles, and SZA are chipping away, bringing the Dance-inspired diaspora to the masses. For years now, Denitia and Sene have been consistently great, releasing poignant, versatile music on relations, emotions,... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

dead prez, Juvenile & Trick Daddy May Seem Like An Unlikely Team, But They Are Survivalists (Audio)

DJ EFN's been bringing all sorts of worlds together on his Another Time album, which releases tomorrow (March 3). The Miami, Florida-based DJ is fusing generations, styles, and coasts on his Empire-distributed studio LP. "Survival" is no exception. EFN orchestrates a team of Juvenile and Dade County's own Trick Daddy,... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Wale & Usher Make A Song About Making Plans For Mature Relationships (Audio)

Although it was never part of his early rise, Wale has found great success in making songs about love, romance, and the complexities of relationships. Teaming with an R&B master of love ballads, Wale and Usher look at the transition from the fun-loving no strings attached life into the plans... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Spotlight: After Years of Putting in Work, It’s NameBrand’s Time to Blow (Audio)

NameBrand stands as a tall hopeful in West-Coast Hip-Hop. The recent Epic Records signee is preparing his debut album after a very busy and successful 2014, which included the release of The G.R.E.A.T. Tape II, and the signing of his record deal. The Long Beach, California MC got his first... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

Curren$y’s Pilot Talk 3 Approaches The Runway, With Styles P On Board (Audio)

Still without a release date, Pilot Talk 3 must be getting close. Curren$y & Ski Beatz's latest tandem has several tracks which have surfaced online. "Alert," with The LOX's Styles P is a collaboration that's a bit out of the norm for the guest, but floats nicely into the weed-induced... Read more

March 2, 2015 Audio

ELHAE Makes a Beautiful Hip-Hop Love Song with Some Help from Michael Jackson (Audio)

Atlanta Hip-Hop artist ELHAE (pronounced LA and an acronym for Every Life Has an Ending) released an EP titled Aura in February, that is steeped in melody and soul. His music features thoughtful lyrics and music anchored in lush, dark chords that will draw comparisons to Drake, The Weeknd, Childish... Read more

March 1, 2015 Audio

A Fan Gets On Stage To Try & Battle A Geto Boy? Willie D’s Not Havin’ It! (Video)

Back in year 2000, the Geto Boys were on one of their many hiatuses. However, the famous lineup of Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were all busy pursuing their own solo interests. 'Face was hard at work on Last Of A Dying Breed, his final Rap-A-Lot Records LP before... Read more

March 1, 2015 Throwback

Chris Rivers Maps His Path To The Top Of The Class (Video)

Chris Rivers never seems to sleep. Baby Pun, as he was formerly known, works as hard on videos, songs, and mixtapes as he does when he's in the booth. It's all calculated moves, and "The Statement 2.0" seems to prove it. Shot with some black-light effects, the visual shows Rivers... Read more

March 1, 2015 Video

Kanye West Asks For Help On His Seventh Album Title & Releases Artwork

The cat is out of the bag...or in other words, "Mike Douglas out the car now." After a one-month media cycle, Kanye West has finally released the most pertinent detail surrounding his seventh solo album—its title. So Help Me God, will reportedly be the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records superstar's release name.... Read more

March 1, 2015 News

Blu & MED Release a Mixtape Strictly for the Underground. No Fakers Allowed (Audio)

While they're both old soul MCs, both Blu and MED utilize the digital age to the fullest. The two sunny Southern California lyricists release music at a pace that would make 2Pac proud. Whether the albums are on major labels, legendary indies, or bootlegged by the men who made them,... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Raekwon Explains Ghostface’s Biggie Diss on The Purple Tape. Goes Deep on Wu History (Video)

After more than 20 years in Hip-Hop, Raekwon has some stories...lots of them. He sat down with Sway and had as deep of a conversation as you will ever hear from the Wu-Tang Clan killer bee. The OGs covered a lot of ground, starting with how the Wu changed the... Read more

February 28, 2015 Video

Like Father, Like Son. Watch Stephen Curry Light Up Dell in 8th Grade (Video)

By now, it's crystal clear the apple did not fall far from the tree when it comes to Stephen Curry's NBA skills. His father, Dell, spent 16 years in the league and was one of its most feared sharp-shooters. But, when did the talents of young Stephen, a leading candidate... Read more

February 28, 2015 Lifestyle

Ab-Soul Sets an Alchemist Track on Fire with 47 Bars (Audio)

Ab-Soul spits some of the most complex rhymes in Hip-Hop these days. The TDE all-star's labyrinthian lyrics often play out like a Davinci code of insider references and hidden messages for those willing to go deeper and step outside the trap. Alchemist laces Soulo with a spaced out track and... Read more

February 28, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Big Daddy Kane Freestyle with Biz Markie Beatboxing? (Video)

The history between Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie runs deep. As Cold Chillin' Records label-mates, the two were featured on some classic collaborations in the late 80s and early 90s, including "Just Rhymin' with Biz" and "Erase Racism." They also did countless shows together during this period and a... Read more

February 28, 2015 Throwback

Kid Rock Gives the Real Story on His Fight with Tommy Lee and Kicks a Verse (Video)

Few artists have been as successful and versatile as Kid Rock. The Detroit artist has excelled at Rock, Country, Bluegrass and more, but his roots are in Hip-Hop. Rock recently visited the Sway in the Morning show to promote his new album, First Kiss. They touched on the album, his... Read more

February 28, 2015 Video

Logic & Big K.R.I.T. Show Why The Future of Hip-Hop is Blindingly Bright (Audio)

Logic and Big K.R.I.T. are two of the most talented MCs in Hip-Hop, currently. Each artist consistently raps about a litany of subjects from raw and authentic points of view, and both can flow with the best of them. The Def Jam label mates have united on Logic's new song... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): T.I. vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 27, 2015 Fresh

Common Speaks on Why He Left Oprah Hanging at The Oscars (Video)

Common has deservedly received a lot of attention this week after winning his first Oscar, along with John Legend and Rhymefest, for Best Original Song for "Glory," from the movie Selma. His performance and acceptance speech were highlights of the Academy Awards. However, something that occurred immediately prior to his... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Is The Wizard of Oz. Take A Look Behind the Curtain (Video)

Action Bronson's five-year plan has paid off. Once an underground New York Hip-Hop MC, Bam-Bam is now a major label artist, hitting the charts, and starring in an HBO-distributed food series. He's working with Rap's elite veteran class, and still has the humor, charm, and gritty imagery that brought him... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

Method Man Lays Down a Buttery Verse with Mr. Cream on Change Your Mind (Audio)

Amidst the high volume chatter about last week's Method Man vs. Common GOAT battle, many Heads commented about Meth's scene-stealing guest verses. From LL Cool J to A$AP Mob to Biggie, Meth consistently has shown he can hang with the best when he's in his zone. He's back with another... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Watch Wayne Brady SMASH This Sway Freestyle on the Craziest Topics (Video)

Wayne Brady is an unbelievable talent. The comedian/actor/singer/host/MC returned to Sway in the Morning to promote his recent gig as host of BET Honors. Though he is not a full-time rapper, Brady is known for his ability to get busy on the mic, "off the top." In fact, Brady was... Read more

February 27, 2015 Video

G-Unit Still Makes Ski Mask Music. Press Play and Duck (Audio)

Next Tuesday (March 3), G-Unit will release their second EP in as many years. The Beast Is G-Unit is a six-track short player from the quintet. "Boy Boy" is one of the center pieces from the work, boasting a song produced by Seattle, Washington's Jake One (De La Soul, Freeway,... Read more

February 27, 2015 Audio

Diamond D Gets Some Super Hero Theme Music From DJ Scratch (Video)

Diamond D is an iconic Hip-Hop producer. So who does he turn to when he needs a beat? Another legend, of course. DJ Scratch (EPMD, Jay Z, Method Man & Redman) laces Diamond with an anthemic track fit for a super hero on "Superman," from Diamond's The Diam Piece album.... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

The Breakfast Club Puts Chance the Rapper to the Test. He Passes with Flying Colors (Video)

Chance The Rapper and his bandmate Donnie Trumpet recently stopped by The Breakfast Club to chop it up with DJ Envy, Charlamagne Tha God and Angela Yee. While he does give some more detail about his upcoming album (which is revealed to not exactly be his—as first thought), the interview... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Get to Know the Kinder, Gentler Kanye West in this Candid Interview (Video)

On The Low End Theory, Q-Tip famously rapped about "the way things work in cycles." That being said, Kanye West is hitting specific media spots, and doing complete 180's from his late 2013 campaign. Once perceived as angry, arrogant, and easily aggravated during his post-Yeezus run, 'Ye is righting his... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Pharcyde Hit-maker J-Swift Facing Deportation From USA

Back in January of this year, members of The Pharcyde were on tour, doing a show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was all good, until they tried to return home to Los Angeles, California and producer J-Swift was denied entry into the United States. The 43-year-old was born in... Read more

February 26, 2015 News

Dame Dash & Kanye West Share A Glimpse Of Their Film In Segments Starring The LOX, Smoke DZA & More (Video)

In Hip-Hop, film and music videos are often of blurred lines. From Krush Groove to Murder Was The Case, plots often pause to show artists expressing themselves in cinematic vignettes. Loisaidas, the new film executive produced by Damon Dash and Kanye West is no exception. In a 17-minute reel-style "episode,"... Read more

February 26, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Tech N9ne Might Have A Lyrical Radio Hit, Alongside 2 Chainz & B.o.B. (Audio)

Tech N9ne has kicked down the doors of the music industry the last five years. The Strange Music co-founder has elite sales, jaw-dropping revenue streams, and everybody imaginable in his Rolodex. Although his video numbers thrive on YouTube, one thing that has evaded the Kansas City, Missouri O.G. often appears... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big K.R.I.T. vs. ScHoolboy Q…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 26, 2015 Fresh

Cannibal Ox Share Their Long-Awaited Second LP. Is The Blade Still Sharp? (Album Stream)

Nearly one week prior to its release, Cannibal Ox's Blade Of The Ronin (March 3) is available for authorized full audio album stream. The sophomore LP from Vast Aire and Vordul Mega comes nearly 14 years after The Cold Vein, without Def Jux as the backer, or El-P on the... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Redman, Talib Kweli and Wrekonize Bring a Slice of Pardise on a Super Soulful Track (Audio)

In terms of star power and interesting, thought-out collaborators DJ EFN's Another Time (March 3) rivals albums by Funkmaster Flex, DJ Clue, and DJ Khaled—just see the tracklist. Heads delight, as "Paradise" unites Redman with Talib Kweli, joined by ¡Mayday!'s Wrekonize. The three MCs describe idyllic places, from romantic partners,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Adds To A Major Week In His Career With A Dazzling Freestyle (Video)

With The Ecology out, Fashawn may be having the week of his career. The Fresno, California MC hit Statik Selektah's ShowOff Radio show. There, the 100 Proof collaborators linked up to allow Fash' to kick a quite-nice freestyle over beats by Souls Of Mischief and Gang Starr. With wit, impeccable... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video

Friday Is The New Tuesday…Albums Will Now Drop In Time For The Weekend

An age-old tradition for music consumers is about to change. For Heads who waited outside record stores on Tuesday mornings, or stay up way too late waiting to buy from digital retailers on a work/school-night for a particular anticipated release, times, they are a changin'. Billboard has reported that effective... Read more

February 26, 2015 News

Do Remember: Rhymefest’s This Is How We Chill (Audio)

Early this week, Rhymefest joined Eminem and Common (simultaneously) at becoming one of three Hip-Hop artists to have won a Grammy Award and an Oscar Award. The Chicago, Illinois MC and former J Records sensation co-wrote "Glory," joining John Legend and Comm' in the Academy Award receipt. In both cases,... Read more

February 26, 2015 Throwback

Jodeci Are Back to Making Ballads for That Special Moment (Video)

After a high profile reunion at the 2014 Soul Train Awards, Jodeci have been hard at work on their first new studio album in nearly twenty years. The LP, titled The Past, The Present, The Future, is slated to hit stores on March 31 and, by the sounds of the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

A Rakim Quick Mix Is Always Welcome…Especially By The Master DJ Revolution (Mix)

DJ Revolution is not a DJ who constantly feeds Heads with artist-driven mixes. Instead, much like his personality, the Wake Up Show alum/Malcolm and Martin-backer picks his spots. The West Coast DJ took a long look at Rakim's impact on Hip-Hop throughout the ages, and made a mix on the... Read more

February 25, 2015 Throwback

Onetime Eminem Affiliate SKAM2? Teams With M1 To Redefine “Gangsta” (Video)

Record-buying Heads from the late '90s know SKAM2? Even if you weren't hittin' the crates, chances are, you do too. The Miami, Florida native designed the cover art for A Tribe Called Quest's Beats, Rhymes & Life album, along with various artwork for Eminem, Naughty By Nature, and others. But more... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

There’s Not Much To Show For K-Solo’s Time On Death Row…Except This Rare Freestyle With Kurupt (Audio)

By mid-1996, Suge Knight's record label started calling themselves "The New & Untouchable Death Row Records." From 12" singles to posters, the branding was widespread—especially on the label's (first, of way too many) Greatest Hits compilations. Inside the double-album compilation's inserts, Heads saw the expanded roster of the reigning Rap... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio, Throwback

Rapper Big Pooh Flips Through His Rhyme Book While Apollo Brown Digs In The Crates (Video)

A month from yesterday (March 24), Rapper Big Pooh & Apollo Brown will release Words Paint Pictures on Mello Music Group. The Virginia-to-Michigan tandem got together to record the LP, and to film "Augmentation." The soulful cut finds each artist in their first loves, rapping and diggin', showing the culture... Read more

February 25, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): E-40 vs. Dr. Dre…Who You Got?

We have reached the second round in the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). 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 consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

February 25, 2015 Fresh

Watch Marlon Wayans Give a Gut-Wrenching Portrayal of Richard Pryor (Video)

Last week, Mike Epps had one of the realest conversations in recent memory, with Sway, about the ruthlessness of the comedy business. As part of the discussion, he also touched on his portrayal of Richard Pryor in the upcoming biopic about the tortured comedic genius, directed by Lee Daniels (Precious,... Read more

February 25, 2015 News

Rah Digga Quick-Strikes On A Vintage MF DOOM Instrumental (Audio)

In less than two minutes, Rah Digga is one of the MCs in Hip-Hop who can command attention. "Stories From The Ambassador" is a simple tale about dealing with police in the streets of the 2-0-1, and the challenges of life in these times. "It's tough growin' up in this... Read more

February 25, 2015 Audio