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9 Years Since J Dilla Left Us, Frank Nitt & Slum Village Have A Timely Message (Video)

Nine years to the day since James Yancey left us, Frank-N-Dank's Frank Nitt (f/k/a Frank Nitti) drops the visual for a tie-in song. "Money On Mind," joined by his Yancey Boys cohort Illa J (Dilla's brother) as well as Jay Dee's Slum Village cofounder, T3, the record looks at how... Read more

Follow Fashawn Home To Fresno, California As He Stakes His Claim (Video)

Two Tuesdays away from Fashawn's sophomore studio solo LP, The Ecology (February 24), the Fresno, California MC brings the cameras home. From the streets of the Central Valley, Fash' hops on his skateboard and hits the streets for "Guess Who's Back," showing that he's the same low-profile lyrical visionary from... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Lil’ Kim vs. Ghostface Killah…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

Raise It Up: Grasping The Entire Greatness Of J Dilla In Retrospect (Food For Thought)

On the heels of the first expanded Dilla Weekend, it is difficult to ignore the growth in posthumous fame that James Yancey (a/k/a Jay Dee or J Dilla) has accrued since passing away on this date, nine years ago. Like Amadeus Mozart's and Vincent Van Gogh's before him, Dilla's legacy... Read more

Joell Ortiz Drops Fiery Verses in Between Compliments From Kanye West (Audio)

During an appearance on NYC's Hot 97 in 2011, Kanye West spoke on what artists he liked at the time and one name was front and center: JOELL ORTIZ. Ye, spoke extensively about Ortiz's talent, elaborating on the Slaughterhouse member's rhyme technique and even referencing specific lines. Years later, Joell... Read more

Lord Finesse Freaks The SP-1200 & Offers 5-Minutes Of Delightful Instrumental Snippets (Audio)

Lord Finesse is a giant behind the boards. The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy knew it. Dr. Dre knows it. From 2001 to Ready To Die to Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous to Word...Life, the Bronx, New York legend has production credits on classic albums, not to mention his own three acclaimed releases. The... Read more

Kenn Starr & Black Milk’s Collaboration Says A Lasting Goodbye (Video Premiere)

Every so often, an MC completely captures the love of the art, with the jaded response of those who receive the music (fans and otherwise). Records like Main Flow & Talib Kweli's "Hip-Hop Worth Dying For," Little Brother's "The Listening," Torae & Marco Polo's "Crashing Down," catches the zeitgeist of... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Emerges With A Potent Commentary On Being Black In 2015 (Audio)

With "i" winning two Grammy Awards last night (February 8), Kendrick Lamar advances the conversation with the second song from his sophomore major label album. "The Blacker The Berry," is a dense, inward look at being Black in 2015. The song pulls no punches about hatred in the world, both... Read more

It’s A Backroads Drag Race For Yelawolf’s Down (Video)

In the Ghet-O-Vision days, cars added a ton to Yelawolf's videos. Now with the added value of Shady Records backing, ain't nothin' changed. For "Down," the Shady XV single, a lifted '70s K-series Chevrolet pick-up truck and a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle (as seen in other Yela' videos) lead the charge... Read more

Pro Era’s Kirk Knight Gets Rowdy On His First Album Single (Audio)

With Joey Bada$$ making maneuvers on the charts, Heads can expect the Pro Era team to be ramping up retail production. Kirk Knight, who's been a star within the circle, might just be next. Although details are extremely slim surrounding Kirk's album—including so much as a title, the Brooklyn, New... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Links with Dance Music Sensation Kiesza on Teach Me (Lyric Video)

Often times, an album's bonus cut is its rawest, most on the fringe inclusion—something that either the label or the artist was unsure about, for whatever reason. In the case of Joey Bada$$' chart-grabbing B4.Da.$$ debut, "Teach Me" was quite the opposite. The Kiesza-assisted song is among Joey's most Pop-leaning... Read more

Method Man Is In The Zone With The Ill Cadence In This 1995 Freestyle Relic (Audio)

Back in 1995, Method Man was having a banner year. His solo debut, Tical, grabbed a Top 3 debut, topping the Rap/R&B charts. The late 1994 Def Jam release made the Staten Island MC a premier grab into the following year, making guest appearances on single with Shaquille O'Neal, as... Read more

Eminem’s Marshall Mathers 2 LP Crowned Rap Album Of The Year, Take A Closer Look

At last night's (February 8) 57th Grammy Awards, Eminem's Marshall Mathers 2 LP grabbed "Rap Album Of The Year" honors. This is the fifth time Em has received these honors, in a career that has witnessed seven studio albums (not including Infinite). The Detroit, Michigan superstar MC/producer was not on... Read more

Kanye West Warns The Grammy’s That If True Artistry Isn’t Honored, He & Others Will Withdraw (Video)

Last night (February 8), the 57th annual Grammy Awards were held at Los Angeles, California's Staples Center. Kanye West was among performers, as well as nominees. The Def Jam Records superstar joined Rihanna and Paul McCartney on stage to perform "FourFiveSeconds," following a touching delivery of his "Only One" earlier... Read more

The Polished Trailer For “Straight Outta Compton” Features Dr. Dre, N.W.A. & Lots Of Subtleties (Video)

While Compton's Kendrick Lamar won big in the evening, during the 57th Grammy Awards, Heads did not see Dr. Dre or Ice Cube in the audience, or on stage. However, the Hip-Hop legends whose fates are forever tied starred in a lengthy trailer for Straight Outta Compton, the upcoming N.W.A.... Read more

Better Late Than Never. Kendrick Lamar Wins His First Grammy

After the 2014 56th Grammy Awards, there were many Hip-Hop Heads who were left frustrated after Kendrick Lamar left the Award Ceremony without a single statue after being nominated seven times and most notably in losing the "Best Rap Album" award for good kid m.A.A.d. city to Macklemore, Ryan Lewis'... Read more

A Hungry Rapper Steps To Kanye West Looking For A Deal & Might Get A Job (Video)

Last May, on the streets of New York, an aspiring rapper pushed through the masses and tried to rap for Kanye West on the sidewalk, with entourage in tow, headed home for the night. To the surprise of many, 'Ye not only listened, he complimented the assertive hopeful. Nearly a... Read more

Rah Digga Teaching Music & Hip-Hop Classes To Newark, New Jersey Youth

It's a great thing when MCs walk it like they talk it. Rah Digga is one of the greats at that. The Jersey City, New Jersey MC has signed on to teach 17-21 year-old locals in Newark, based on her more than 15 years in the music industry. Hip-Hop, Introduction... Read more

DJ Mister Cee Mix Will Rocks a Free-Form Mix for True Music Lovers (Audio)

No longer at his afternoon post at HOT 97, DJ Mister Cee is in transition. The iconic DJ for Big Daddy Kane, mentor to The Notorious B.I.G., and mainstay at tri-state radio reportedly left the signal to maintain his beliefs of what should be played, when, and not conforming to... Read more

Ras Kass Joins His Twin Sons, Davincci & SKAM2? For A Nonstop Bar Salute To J Dilla (Audio)

In honor of J Dilla's annual birthday weekends celebration(s), Ras Kass is one artist who joined in on the tributes. Running in some of the same circles back in the late '90s and 2000s, emerging MC Davincci laced "Dilla," a sharp-tongued salute to James Yancey with one of his bouncing... Read more

Planet Asia Keeps The Free Goodies Coming, Alongside DirtyDiggs (FreEP)

For the second time in 10 weeks, Planet Asia gives his faithful another free EP of music. This time, one-half of the Cali Agents teams with regular collaborator DirtyDiggs for 2010 A.D. The four-track effort is sparse beats, textured deliveries, and that sharp Fresno, California insight. Is Planet Asia one... Read more

Chris Rivers Joins Styles P & Vinnie Paz In A Visual That Would Make Full-A-Clips Proud (Video)

Long before the Loud Records deal, Big Pun was about the hard-nosed deliveries, the Horror imagery, and the grimy accounts of a life on the edge. Fifteen years to the day after Pun's tragic death, his son, Chris Rivers, carries on tradition. "War Room," with The LOX's Styles P and... Read more

Bad Day For Super Heroes, Black Dynamite TV Series Cancelled After 2 Seasons

"Black Dynamite," the Adult Swim animated adaptive series following the action film ran for two seasons. Film director and writer Scott Saunders joined actor Michael Jai White for the cartoon, including vocal contributions from Kym Whitley ("The Boondocks") and Tommy Davidson ("In Living Color"). After some cult acclaim—especially by Blaxploitation... Read more

Celebrate J. Dilla’s Birthday with a Look Back at an Extended Interview of Him (Video)

Happy birthday to J. Dilla, who would have turned 41 years old today. As the world continues to be blessed with a seemingly bottomless treasure trove of Dilla's beats, posthumously, looks back at the the man, himself, are much more rare. So, to celebrate the life of one of Hip-Hop's... Read more

Celebrate Dilla Weekend From Wherever, With A One-Hour Instrumental Mix (Audio)

February 7 is J Dilla's birthday. The Slum Village co-founder and iconic producer would have been 41 years old today, and Heads are still celebrating his life, his art, and his impact. With Dilla Weekend going down in Miami, and other events in Los Angeles and elsewhere, you can join... Read more

CyHi The Prynce Takes A Slice Of Jodeci & Leaves The Microphone Feenin’ (Audio)

CyHi The Prynce has many styles, but the constant aggressive flow. He takes a slice of Jodeci's "Forever My Lady," lets the vibe build, then slides in to deliver a syncopated flow akin to those heard on 2014's Black Hystori Project. So much conviction, as he takes the concept of... Read more

15 Years After Big Pun’s Life, Producer Domingo Shares Vivid Memories Off The Books (Interview)

Fifteen years ago today (February 7, 2000), Christopher Rios tragically died from a heart attack, leaving behind his family, friends, and millions of fans. At the time, the Bronx, New York MC known as Big Pun had only released a lone album, 1998's Capital Punishment, but with that body of... Read more

Missy Elliott Says She’s Spending Grammy Weekend In The Studio With Timberland, Praises Katy Perry (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's more interview-reclusive stars is Missy Elliott. While the last decade has afforded little new music from the Portsmouth, Virginia MC/producer, understanding why is even harder to gather, with the Atlantic Records artist shunning most press, despite her supremely approachable (miss)demeanor. Deeply connected to Heather B, as well... Read more

Eminem Rhymes Faster Than You Can Read. Just Watch…(Lyric Video)

With the true video already making its rounds from late last month, "Detroit Vs. Everybody" comes in lyrical form. If any artist or song is worth the closer, literal look, it's this Eminem, Danny Brown, Royce Da 5’9”, Big Sean & DeJ Loaf moment. Was 2014 Eminem's strongest year in... Read more

Curren$y’s Pilot Talk 3 is on the Way. Here’s the First Visual (Video)

Over the last 5 years, there is perhaps no artist more prolific than Curren$y. Spitta has averaged six mixtape/album releases per year for each of the last three years, and shows no signs of slowing. Pilot Talk is one of his most celebrated series. Volumes one and two of the... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ol’ Dirty Bastard vs. Redman…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

Will Smith & Jimmy Fallon Re-Create Rob Base’s It Takes Two With an iPad (Video)

Jimmy Fallon is winning these days when it comes to combining sharp comedy and Hip-Hop. In addition to the daily dose of dopeness from The Roots, The Tonight Show band, Fallon has done numerous skits, often involving Hip-Hop classics. His latest is another joint effort with Will Smith. He and... Read more

Check This Chronology Of Kickboxing That Goes Well Beyond “Bloodsport”

While combat sports and martial arts hit a pop culture pinnacle (especially in the United States) during the 1980s, many artforms date back decades prior. Kickboxing, the subject of a popular 1988 Jean-Claude Van Damme film Bloodsport, and a host of other Hollywood films to varying successes, goes back to... Read more

Prince Paul Throws Together An Ill Mix Of Ice Cube, Screwball, GZA & Young MC (Audio)

Part of what makes "The Devastating" Prince Paul great is his imagination. The Stetsasonic alum, and mastermind behind many hits for De La Soul, Gravediggaz, and Handsome Boy Modeling School sees no boundaries in music—whether he was sampling Children's records, implementing intricate skits, or making Hip-Hoperas with Chubb Rock, Michael... Read more

Remembering Bob Marley On His 70th Birthday, From Punk Rock To “Exodus” (Audio)

Bob Marley is being remembered all over the world on what would have been his 70th birthday today (February 6). To celebrate the occasion, Red Bull Music Academy Radio hosted an interview with one of the most qualified people to discuss Bob Marley's legacy: Vivien Goldman. Vivien is an accomplished... Read more

A Handwritten Letter from Tupac Confirms He Had Plans to Unify the Coasts.

A handwritten letter from Tupac has been unearthed that confirms he was seeking to do an album which would unify the coasts. In the letter, Tupac tells a friend he is working on an album titled One Nation, which would include Greg Nice, Buckshot, Smiff-N-Wessun, Scarface, E-40 and...OutKast. While the... Read more

Vince Staples Holds Open The Screen Door & Welcomes Us Into His World (Video)

Vince Staples made a big dent in 2014. His Def Jam Records debut, Hell Can Wait, was a critical and fan favorite of the year, as the Long Beach, California MC added to the emerging youthful narratives from his close associates Odd Future and Mac Miller. "Screen Door" was a... Read more

Problem Waves The Compton Flag Bigtime In 2015 (Audio)

Along with YG and Kendrick Lamar, Problem has been one of the 2010's laureates of the Compton class. With Hub City again living up to its reputation for the unpredictable, Problem makes "Compton." The record takes the eerie vocal from Eazy E's "Real Muthaphukkin' G'z," and flips it for 22... Read more

Slum Village Wax A Futuristic Sound For E(I)GO, Announce Next Album Guests (Audio)

Hitting the road as of this coming Dilla Weekend, Slum Village is feeling themselves. T3, Illa J, and Young RJ welcome Rosewood 2055 for "E(I)GO." The song all about swingin' some elbows at the haters is slowed down, keeping the brass involved, with that signature flow. Since 2005's self-titled LP,... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Phife Dawg vs. Posdnuos…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

Breakin’ is Back. Here Are Some of the Most Amazing Moves You’ll Ever See (Video)

Although Breakin' has always been a core element of Hip-Hop, its popularity was at its zenith in the mid-'80s. Movies like Beat Street and Breakin' took what had been a subculture to the mainstream and inspired legions of B-Boys and B-Girls around the world. Though the furor would subside from... Read more

Lord Finesse Went Up To Fat Beats In 1996 & Showed Why He’s One Of The Nicest (Video)

Nineteen years ago this month, Lord Finesse released his latest studio album. The Awakening, on the recently-relaunched Penalty Records, included scorching beats, almost all of which were created by the "funky technician" himself. However, the rhymes may have shined the hardest, with Finesse just in full Rap bravado mode, and... Read more

Spotlight: Dave East Shows Everything That He’s About On Around Here (Video)

Spanish Harlem, New York's Dave East is one of the artists who is making big noise in the last several months. His Black Rose mixtape is making its rounds, with involvement from Sean C & LV (The Hitmen), Smoke DZA, and Chinx Santana. "Around Here," which was released exclusively to... Read more

If You Heckle Ghostface Killah, You Will Be Sorry…(Video)

At 44 years old, Ghostface Killah is still no one to play with—on or off the mic. Although he may appear on VH1's "Couples Therapy," and be a fan of skydiving and hang-gliding, don't get it confused. One listen to 2014's 36 Seasons is a cold wake-up call that Tony... Read more

Do Remember: Cannibal Ox’s Painkillers (Video)

This month, after 14 years, a reunited Cannibal Ox announced a sophomore album, Blade Of The Ronin. The announcement after years of refuting the prospects of a follow-up to 2001's The Cold Vein debut. As time evolved, Vast Aire and Vordul Mega pursued solo careers, still making songs on each... Read more

One Producer Took AZ’s Whole A.W.O.L. Album & Gave It A Facelift (Album Stream)

Ten years ago, AZ Tha Visualiza left the major label system (after a decade in) and found an independent stride. After success under Kedar Massenburg's Motown Records with "Problems," The Firm lyricist was a blue-chip acquisition for eOne Entertainment. There, AZ made an album in A.W.O.L. seemingly apathetic towards radio support.... Read more

DJ Nu-Mark Makes His Worlds Combine In This Dope Pharcyde Vs. Jurassic 5 Mash-Up (Mixtape)

DJ Nu-Mark's career has been tied into Jurassic 5 and The Pharcyde. Quite obviously, the producer/DJ was a founding member of the Unity Committee (later J5), and in recent years, he's been releasing some strong product with SlimKid3 (Tre Hardson), a founding member of The Pharcyde. Thereby, if anybody has... Read more

A New Mix Comes To Light Of A Stellar Large Professor & MF Grimm Collabo (Audio)

Back in 2006, St. Louis, Missouri producer DJ Crucial released an album, Test Presses & Dub Plates that did not get the shine it deserved. The compilation-style album included strong guest-work from MF DOOM, MC Eiht, Slug, and others. One cut included was "United," from Large Professor and MF Grimm.... Read more

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Joe Budden vs. Jay Rock…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

Did DJ Mustard Just Give Rihanna, Kanye West & Paul McCartney’s Single The Boost It Needed? (Audio)

Despite all of its star-power, "FourFiveSecond," Rihanna's single, featuring Kanye West and Paul McCartney hasn't really been the sort of impact Heads may be used to from a RiRi opening look. Especially given that Unapologetic was three years ago, this is big stuff. Moreover, the single pushes Rihanna's booming vocals,... Read more