News Archives

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): MF DOOM vs. Elzhi…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 16, 2015 Fresh

Action Bronson Gives a Nod to Slick Rick Before a Journey Down the Rabbit Hole (Audio)

One of the Mr. Wonderful (March 24) moments Heads will hear next month is "Terry." While the jazzy arrangement isn't what Bronson records typically employ, the verses appeal to the breakthrough 2011 sound from the Queens, New Yorker. Sexual details, BMW references, and some menu mentions make this cut simple... Read more

February 16, 2015 Audio

Earl Sweatshirt Delivers 2 Soulful Cuts for 1 with Quest/Power (Audio)

Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt cannot be put in a box. He's capable of delivering shock rap over sparse beats, laid back flows over old soul, and everything in between. On his latest, "Quest/Power," he delivers two tracks in one, indulging his soulful side. Check it out. Related: Freddie Gibbs &... Read more

February 15, 2015 Audio

Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Big L with This Lord Sear Tribute Mix (Audio)

Big L Rest in Peace...Sixteen years ago today (February 15, 1999), the world lost a true lyricist in Lamont "Big L" Coleman. The Harlem, New York native, with just a lone album under his belt, was in the process of what many Heads believe, was a push to the top,... Read more

February 15, 2015 Throwback

Ever See This Real Hip-Hop Moment with Mos Def, De La Soul, Nas, Will.I.Am & More (Video)

Update: Here's an extended version of the clip, with additional performances from Nas and Mos Def (now known as Yasiin Bey). Sometimes the best moments in life are those that are unplanned. Here's a look back at what has to be one of the most epic after parties of all-time.... Read more

February 15, 2015 Video

Watch a 21-Year Old Eddie Murphy Talk About His Experiences on SNL (Video)

Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 40th anniversary tonight (2/15) with an all-star special involving several of its alumni and guests from the last several decades. One of the most highly-anticipated moments will be the return of Eddie Murphy, who has not been on the SNL stage since he left... Read more

February 15, 2015 TV

Raz Simone Runs Up That Hill With Some Of The Realest Bars You’ll Hear This Week (Video)

Raz Simone keeps rising. That idea inspires his latest video, "Macklemore & Chief Keef." Shot in a rocky desert in the magic hour, it's Raz's raps that are sharper than the landscapes, as he talks about the plight of the Internet artist looking for buzz and accolades in 2015. The... Read more

February 15, 2015 Video

Souls Of Mischief’s Opio Knows Something About Making Futuristic Jeep Music (Audio)

Of all the members of Souls Of Mischief, it often seems like Opio keeps the lowest profile. The Oakland, California veteran may play the background, but he's laid down some critical verses for Souls as well as the Hieroglyphics releases. With a handful of projects, Ope' showcases a 2015 cut,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

The Militia Is Coming…Hear 3 Snippets Of Big Shug’s Next Album, All Produced By DJ Premier (Audio)

Gang Starr Heads know all about Big Shug. A member of the Gang Starr Foundation, the Boston, Massachusetts-based MC would appear on all of Guru & DJ Premier's albums from Hard To Earn through The Ownerz. Hard-nosed, fly, and wise, Shug paid dues in the wings for years, before becoming... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

Pharoahe Monch Delivers Some Valentine’s Day Love with a Compilation Album (Audio Stream)

Pharoahe Monch has delivered a Hip-Hop Valentine's Day present in the form of a compilation album. Lost in Translation is a 12-song project featuring all-star contributions from Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Will.I.Am, Justin Timberlake, Phonte and more. According to Pharoahe's Bandcamp page, ""Lost In Translation" is a collection of previously... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio

88-Keys Has Helped Shape Sounds For Q-Tip, Kanye West & Black Star, Here’s His Story (Audio)

Whether he's breaking ground with artists like Theophilus London with "Can't Stop," putting heat down for Jay Z & Kanye West's Watch The Throne album or helping architect songs that remain heavy in conversation after more than 15 years (see: Black Star "Thieves In The Night") 88-Keys' production credits make him... Read more

February 14, 2015 Audio, Fresh

If You Love The Vid To The Furious 5’s The Message, F.Stokes Is Worth Your Time (Video)

F.Stokes is one of the best kept secrets of Hip-Hop right now. This Madison, Wisconsin native (who has spent a ton of time in Chicago) has a live show where he literally convinces showgoers to sit on the (dirty) floor sometimes. He is energetic, insightful, and original, with an array... Read more

February 14, 2015 The Bridge

CyHi The Prynce Offers A Second Semester Of Black Hystori Teaching (Mixtape)

Approximately 350 days later, CyHi The Prynce follows up his Kanye West-executive produced Black Hystori Project with a second volume. Eleven tracks deep, Black Hystori Project Vol. 2 (a/k/a BHP2: N.A.A.C.P.) maintains the theme of the first free installment. This one welcomes even more notable sound-providers to the fold though,... Read more

February 14, 2015 Mixes

The Blazers’ Damian Lillard is an All-Star on the Court & The Microphone. Watch Him RAP! (Video)

Basketball and Hip-Hop have always had a strong connection, and since it's NBA All-Star Weekend in New York City, the birthplace of Hip-Hop, what better time for a baller to showcase his MC skills? Two-time NBA All-Star and former Rookie Of The Year Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers... Read more

February 14, 2015 Video

One of Missy Elliott’s Star Pupils Celebrates Her with a Dance Tribute (Video)

After making a show-stealing appearance during the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show, Missy Elliott's presence is in full force, with her past hits leaping onto the iTunes charts. Missy's high profile return has sparked another unanticipated comeback. Alyson Stoner one of the little girls who showcased her dance moves in... Read more

February 13, 2015 Video

Whet Your Appetite With A Tiny Sampling Of Nas & Timbaland’s Latest Creation (Audio)

Dating back to 1998's Tim's Bio: Life From The Basement album, Timbaland and Nas have worked together nearly a half-dozen times. The Queens, New York MC extraordinaire called upon the Virginia producer/rapper for his Nastradamus single, "You Owe Me," in addition to work together alongside everybody ranging from Jay Z... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

Random New Yorkers Recite Raunchy Sean Price Lyrics for Valentine’s Day (Video)

It's been 10 years since Heltah Skeltah's Ruck redefined himself with Monkey Barz. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC went for broke (quite literally, as he tells it), and made a low-budget album that Heads loved. With production by 9th Wonder, Khrysis, "8-Off" Agallah, and others Monkey Barz may have missed the... Read more

February 13, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Rakim vs. Kool Moe Dee…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 13, 2015 Throwback

Puff Daddy & Snoop Dogg Symbolically Use 1995 Source Awards Footage To Put BEEF To Bed (Video)

In an evening that saw a surprise Drake mixtape, and two star-studded Kanye West events in Manhattan, Puff Daddy and Snoop Dogg may have scored the most historical moment, as far as Hip-Hop is concerned. At Madison Square Garden, the two veteran MCs, producers, and record executives co-headlined a New... Read more

February 13, 2015 News

Ras Kass Explains Why He Wrote How To Kill God. It’s Not What You Think.

One of the more celebrated independent Hip-Hop albums of 2014 was Ras Kass & Apollo Brown's Blasphemy. The Mello Music Group release returned Ras Kass to the studio album format, and—after work with O.C., Guilty Simpson, and The Left, gave Brown a West Coast collaborative full-length. Part of Blasphemy's charm... Read more

February 13, 2015 Fresh

An Upcoming Documentary Captures The Essence Of The Bronx In 1979 (Video)

A new documentary is on the horizons, exploring the year of 1979 within the setting of the Bronx, New York. In a borough that was literally burning, with buildings crumbling, Hip-Hop was burgeoning in a major way. Thanks to the controversial (within Hip-Hop purists and pioneers) hit "Rapper's Delight" by... Read more

February 13, 2015 TV/Film

If You’re Reading This Its Not Too Late To Stream Drake’s Newest Mixtape (Audio)

In addition to last night's (February 12) iTunes release of Drake's If You're Reading This Its Too Late mixtape, October's Very Own has now offered a stream of the project. Although there are no features, the Cash Money Records-backed work includes production from Noah "40" Shebib, Boi-1da, Partynextdoor, Travi$ Scott,... Read more

February 13, 2015 Audio

Drake Upstages Everybody With The Ultimate Sneak Attack Move

Despite all the major fanfare transpiring in Manhattan tonight with NBA All Star activities and the march to Fashion Week, Drake (who was in attendance at Roc City Classic) may be out for the gusto. Just as he did more than five years ago, Drizzy delivered a mixtape, cleverly titled... Read more

February 12, 2015 News

Kanye West Previews a Brand New Song Featuring Vic Mensa and Sia (Video)

This is a big week for Kanye West. He performed not once, but twice at this year's Grammy Awards, both solo and with Rihanna and Paul McCartney. He later created a bit of a firestorm by taking the awards show to task for not respecting true artistry. Today (2/12), he... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Here’s an Unbelievable Blend of Rakim’s In the Ghetto & Phil Collins’ In the Air Tonight (Video)

Here's a mind-bending blend of Eric B. & Rakim's "In the Ghetto" with Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight." The mix, which was put together by DJ not-I back in 2012, seamlessly combines both the audio and the video from the two classics. The cinematic tone and feel of Eric... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): DMX vs. Fabolous…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 12, 2015 Fresh

CyHi The Prynce Calls For Revolution & Points Out Fake Revolutionary Motives (Audio)

Gearing up for The Black Hystori Project 2, CyHi The Prynce is beyond fed up. The Atlanta, Georgia G.O.O.D. Music artist looks around at the Hip-Hop industry, and cries foul. From self-proclaimed gangsters eager to be interviewed on mainstream radio, to claiming to change lives only to spend seven figures... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Cannibal Ox Report Live From Across 110th Street (Audio)

"Harlem Knights" is the latest preview glimpse from Cannibal Ox's sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin (March 3). Not unlike 2001's "Stress Rap," the song is all about images, especially surrounding the uncovered sections of Uptown. Vordul kicks things off with one of his finer verses, before Vast pushes through... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Action Bronson Joins Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk and SMASHES It (Audio)

How does Action Bronson sound on a funk track? Kinda incredible...Mark Ronson was a guest DJ on NYC's Hot 97 and, during the course of his set, played a remix version of his number one song "Uptown Funk," featuring Bruno Mars. To great surprise, the remix featured Bronson on an... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

Curren$y Busts Colorful Raps From The Paint Shop (Video)

Curren$y is on a tear lately. The N'awlins veteran loves reminding Heads about his love of cars, and taking old schools (and foreigns) and customizing them with style. From his forthcoming Pilot Talk 3, Spitta taxis "Cargo Planes" in video form. The visual, with lots of cool colored light fills... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Zion I & Planet Asia’s Critical (Audio)

February brought some saddening news to many Heads. Zion I, the veteran duo of Zumbi (f/k/a MC Zion) and partner Amp Live are parting ways. The split is amicable, and seems more related to creative directions and geography than anything. However, the Oakland, California group stems out of the 1990s,... Read more

February 12, 2015 Throwback

Step Inside the Mind of Drake With This Moody and Introspective Film (Video)

Taking a page from the playbook of Childish Gambino (and perhaps Kanye West), Drake has released a dark and brooding short film. Jungle is more allegory than narrative and finds Drake playing a character in deep reflection as he experiences a series of seemingly unrelated events. While it is clear... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Mick Jenkins Has Nothing But Time, But No Time For The B.S. (Audio)

Mick Jenkins seems to capture the Windy City essence so well in his music. "Time," on paper, is just a compilation track (Chicago Sight n' Sound). However, the Cinematic Entertainment MC makes a deep record that's not about how he manages his time in a thirst-stricken industry, in a violent... Read more

February 12, 2015 Audio

David Banner’s Pen Literally Burns The Page In The Symbol-Driven Evil Knievel (Video)

David Banner has been championed by many for more than 15 years. The Jackson, Mississippi veteran MC/producer may be hitting some of his finest strides in the last five. Since late 2010's Death Of A Pop Star (with 9th Wonder), the Crooked Lettaz alum maintains his fervor and passionate deliveries,... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

Maestro Fresh Wes & Rich Kidd Unite The Toronto Hip-Hop Scene (Video)

Toronto's Hip-Hop scene has been making some noise lately, with Drake skipping the Grammy Awards to host a King Of The Dot battle-rap event, and now Maestro Fresh Wes and Rich Kidd releasing a new music video for "Born In Toronto". For those who don't know, Maestro Fresh Wes is... Read more

February 12, 2015 Video

25 Years Ago Today, Mike Tyson Falls & President Nelson Mandela Rises

Two historical figures. One instilled fear in the heart of hearts of his opponents in the boxing ring. The other instilled hope and passion for a new beginning for an entire nation. These men, "Iron Mike Tyson" and Nelson Mandela were very much in the daily conversation 25 years ago... Read more

February 11, 2015 Lifestyle

J-Live Finds The Smoothest Way To Say That He’s Out Of Eff’s To Give (Audio)

Like Eminem's first Aftermath Entertainment single, J-Live "just don't give a fuck." The Brooklyn, New York triple-threat released a new track today saying as much. However, in the case of Justice Allah, the track is about all the judges, perhaps in his personal life or in his musical life. He's... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

RZA Fires Up The Production Boards For Snoh Aalegra & It’s Funky (Audio)

Throughout the years, RZA produced tracks for a host of female crooners. In addition to the famed first mix of Method Man & Mary J Blige's "I'll Be There For You/You're All I Need To Get By" single, Bobby Digital laced cuts for Tekitha and Blue Raspberry, the two in-house... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

Phife Dawg Proclaims Himself Hip-Hop’s Biggest UNC Fan, Reflects On Dean Smith

In a recent interview with The Shadow League, A Tribe Called Quest's Phife Dawg shared his relationship with sports and how he eventually got into basketball after dabbling in baseball and football. Most could tell Phife was a sports fanatic by the many sports references in his raps, but Phife... Read more

February 11, 2015 Lifestyle

Joey Bada$$’s J Dilla & The Roots-Produced Cut Gets A DMX-Inspired Visual (Video)

With the Dilla Day spirit on high, Joey Bada$$ unleashes the visual for "Like Me." This is his B4.Da.$$ showpiece, boasting production by The Roots and a posthumous J Dilla credit. With the just-released video, it's especially interesting that Badman quite obviously presents his take on DMX's 1998 breakthrough video... Read more

February 11, 2015 The Bridge

GZA & Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello Rock Out Amidst The Dark Matter (Audio)

The Wu-Tang Clan's GZA has been working on his seventh solo album for a few years, and has now released the first single from the upcoming Dark Matter album. The song, "The Mexican", is a remake of Babe Ruth's 1972 song of the same name, and features Rage Against The... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kool G Rap vs. Ras Kass…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 11, 2015 Fresh

Slum Village Shock the System with the Visuals for E(I)GO (Video)

On the heels of Dilla Weekend, Slum Village release the video for "E(I)GO." T3, Illa J, and Young RJ and guest Rosewood 2055 carry on tradition for the group started by the late producer and artist. The black and white video features the group members interspersed with provocative images, including... Read more

February 11, 2015 Video

David Banner, N.O.R.E., Jon Connor & Sizzla Are Warriors Within DJ EFN’s All-Star Arsenal (Audio Premiere)

Less than a month away from his Another Time superstar-stacked album, DJ EFN premieres "Warrior" with Ambrosia For Heads. The song links longtime EFN affiliate N.O.R.E. together with another former Penalty Records star in David Banner, as well as Flint, Michigan Aftermath Entertainment MC Jon Connor. Jamaican Reggae star Sizzla... Read more

February 11, 2015 Audio

By The Time I Get To Arizona. KRS-One Blasts the State for Declaring His Teachings Illegal.

In 1991, Public Enemy released the song "By the Time I Get to Arizona", a scathing commentary on the state's reluctance to observe Martin Luther King Day. The state was infamously the second last in the country to celebrate the day, even forgoing an opportunity to host a Super Bowl... Read more

February 10, 2015 News

The Beat Junkies Honor J Dilla With A Scorching 2015 Remembrance Mix (Audio)

One of the subtleties that makes Dilla Day (February 10) so special in recent years is majorly due to The Beat Junkies and DJ J. Rocc. The Los Angeles, California DJ, who was the third—often uncredited—member of JayLib, finds new and innovative ways to praise his friend, collaborator, and Stones... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

J Dilla, Common & James Poyser Caught On Questlove’s Camera, Working In The Studio (Video)

One of the definitive albums of J Dilla's career was not his own, but rather, Common's Like Water For Chocolate. Comm's first LP out of the No I.D. and Dug Infinite pocket welcomed Jay Dee, Questlove, D'Angelo, James Poyser and the Soulquarians to the mix, along with DJ Premier and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Throwback

Ghostface Killah & BADBADNOTGOOD Deliver Tone’s Rap and a Bundle of Goodness (Audio)

Ghostface Killah's blatant disregard for convention has made him a true Hip-Hop original. Since his Enter To Wu-Tang flows, which stood apart from all others on the track, Dennis Coles proved he wasn't the typical rapper. Playing with a hot hand, he blesses "Tone's Rap" (as premiered at 2DopeBoyz) with... Read more

February 10, 2015 Audio

Jarren Benton & Hopsin Welcome Locksmith To Their Lyrical Lair (Video)

Jarren Benton's just-released digital EP, Slow Motion is nothing to sleep on. "Killin' My Soul" pairs Jarren with Hopsin, who co-founded the label Benton found success on. The tandem welcomes Northern California's Locksmith to the equation. In the polished visual, all three MCs show that place that they write and... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

Sadat X, General Steele & Channel Live’s Hakim Green Light Up A Roundtable Freestyle (Video)

With his Never Left album in stores (and available for snippet-stream), Sadat X is on an award tour. The Brand Nubian co-founder was a guest on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesday show. However, Derek was far from alone. Smif-n-Wessun's General Steele and Channel Live's Hakim Green were in on a roundtable... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video