News Archives

J-Live Salutes All The O.G. Mixtape DJs On Impacting His Direction (Audio)

J-Live is a lover of concept. A DJ (and producer, and MC), the triple-threat honors the DJ, which predates the MC, on "Red & The Kid." The song title is a tribute to DJ Red Alert and Kid Capri (as forever attached thanks to Greg Nice's booming voice). Justice recalls... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

The Very First Time Jay Z Performed On TV, They Didn’t Even Say His Name (Video)

Before 1990, Jay Z was not on too many radars. The guest on The Jaz' "Hawaiian Sophie" was in the place that a lot of hopeful artists can relate to. He had a moment in the sun (of a whimsical EMI Records single of his then-rhyme mentor), and was trying... Read more

February 18, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Bun B vs. Mystikal…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 18, 2015 Fresh

Lil Fame Remixes M.O.P.’s Welcome 2 Brooklyn & Works In A Handful Of Classics (Audio)

M.O.P. bridged the gap with "Welcome 2 Brooklyn." The Street Certified EP video single merged Mash Out with Maino, and showed the made shades of BK. Still hard at work on the Nature Sounds release (executive produced by longtime M.O.P. affiliate DJ Premier), Lil Fame (a/k/a Fizzy Womack) reworked the... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Scarface, Stalley & Troy Ave Over a DJ Premier Beat? That’s Crazy (Audio)

DJ EFN is on the precipice of releasing one of the year's best compilation albums. The LP, titled Another Time, features a smorgasbord of artists including MC Eiht, Sean Price, Joell Ortiz, Kxng Crooked (pka Crooked I), Juvenile, Masta Ace, Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, Black Milk, Kurupt, M.O.P., Inspectah Deck... Read more

February 18, 2015 Audio

Dizzy Wright Trains Your Mind For The Growing Process (Video)

Dizzy Wright has officially begun promotion for his upcoming sophomore album with Funk Volume, The Growing Process, as he just dropped the first single with a video for "Train Your Mind". The video features a more energetic Dizzy rapping in an empty room with his back turned to a mirror,... Read more

February 18, 2015 Video

Rare Juggaknots Demo Recordings To Release, Showing The Crew’s Magic (Audio)

If you're not up on The Juggaknots, you need to be. Back in Bobbito's Fondle 'Em Records days, the crew morphed into Underground Hip-Hop luminaries, alongside MF DOOM, The MHz (RJ2, Camu Tao, Copywrite, Tage Proto, Jakki Da Mottamouth), Kool Keith, and Cage. Originally signed to Elektra/EastWest Records, New York... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Rick Rubin Goes From Boom-Bap To Dance-Hop, Turning His Attentions To GoldLink

T La Rock. Run-DMC. LL Cool J. Beastie Boys. Public Enemy. Geto Boys... For more than 30 years, Rick Rubin has stood on the cutting edge, in Hip-Hop alone. The Def Jam Records co-founder can spot a humongous talent wave out in the ocean, from Rock & Roll to Metal... Read more

February 17, 2015 News

Some Unreleased Vic Mensa Surfaces on the Heels of His SNL Debut (Audio)

Vic Mensa's having quite a week. With the world television stage on "SNL40" (well, those not watching the NBA All-Star Game), Mensa joined Sia and Kanye West for a highly-stylized, deeply choreographed performance of "Wolves." With folks running to their social media to ask more about the versatile MC/singer with... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Raz Simone Catches Inspiration From Tupac’s Words In Lighting Up The Industry (Video)

Fresh off of "Macklemore & Chief Keef," Raz Simone devotes his attentions to "Drake & Macklemore's Platform." Here, the Seattle, Washington MC uses some poignant and prophetic interview footage from Tupac Shakur to explain just how lofty his goals are with the microphone, and just how hungry he is to... Read more

February 17, 2015 Video

Watch De La Soul Play A Dutch Game Show In Their Earliest Days (Video)

Twenty six years ago, De La Soul was bringin' brand new funk. The Long Island, New York collective had just released 3 Feet High And Rising on Tommy Boy Records, which was a Top 25 debut on its March 3 release. Posdnuos (or Posdnous), Trugoy, and Maseo were still getting... Read more

February 17, 2015 Throwback

Black Thought Says The Roots Are Free Agents. Will They Go Independent?

In a recording career that's nearly 25 years long, The Roots have really dealt with only two labels: Geffen Records and Def Jam Records. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hip-Hop band has released 11 studio albums, along with handfuls of EPs, collaborative works, and side projects dating back to 1993's Organix. After... Read more

February 17, 2015 News

Inspiration Is The Theme Behind Big Sean, Kanye West & John Legend’s Next Hit (Audio)

Things may look pretty easy for Big Sean these days. The G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam sensation is living the good life, running at the top, with more industry movers and shakers in his corner than ever before. However, Sean is from Detroit, Michigan, and not so many years removed from just... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Kendrick Lamar vs. Royce Da 5’9″…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 17, 2015 Fresh

Yelawolf Continues His Blues Rock Romp with Whiskey in a Bottle (Audio)

Yelawolf's sound continues to evolve. "Whiskey In A Bottle," his official new single, employs the hard percussion Heads heard in Yela's work with Travis Barker and the bluesy rock for which the MC has had a taste as of late, but the Gadsden, Alabama MC maintains his prickly flow, chip... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Flip Flips Ill Beats With Elzhi, Edo. G, A.G. & Guilty Simpson Flipping Bars (Album Stream)

Australian producer Flip is the latest beat-maker from "down under" to distribute dope sounds with a plethora of his influences. On the just-released Ill Adrenaline Records (Neek The Exotic, The Legion, Confidence) effort Reflections. Included are respected vets such as A.G. (Showbiz & A.G.), Phat Kat, Kev Brown, Edo. G,... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Fashawn & Exile Add Busta Rhymes To Their Sound, Getting Trunks To Rattle (Audio)

Between Boy Meets World and The Ecology (February 24), Fashawn experimented with an array of sounds and styles. The Black Bart Simpson came from a place where not just introspective or personal raps were the method. With DJ Exile still right beside him, The Ecology embraces this dichotomy. "Out The... Read more

February 17, 2015 Audio

Scarface Goes Off the Deep End With Roosh Williams (Video)

Roosh Williams gets a rare appearance from fellow Houston-native, Scarface, in the video for "Deep End." Roosh and the O.G. keep it simple, letting the lyrics and bass-driven track do the heavy lifting. Check it out. Related: Roosh Williams Reminds All That Mortal Kombat Is Always Relevant (Video)... Read more

February 16, 2015 Video

Here’s a Flawless Blend of Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige on President’s Day (Audio)

For decades, the president's most mentioned in Hip-Hop are the late ones...So, on Presidents Day here's a look back at a flawless blend of Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige by Heretic East Productions, from 2011. "Dead Presidents Remix" combines Jay's first verse from the original "Dead Presidents," with Nas'... Read more

February 16, 2015 The Bridge

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... 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