News Archives

Eazy-E & Bone Thugs-N-Harmony 1994 Interview Surfaces…Glimpse The O.G.’s (Video)

In many ways, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony was Eazy-E's final act of greatness. The Compton Gangsta Rap mogul looked to Ohio to find a quintet that sounded like nothing else in the space. Krazyie, Layzie, Wish, Bizzy, and Flesh-N-Bone combined G-Funk with Gospel with Midwest choppin' to provide a style that stood... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

It’s An Aftermath Party…Dr. Dre & Black Hippy Come Out For Game’s 10th Anniversary

Game has had a curious relationship with the label who helped bring him to stardom—and that doesn't mean G-Unit. Only one of Game's albums was an official Aftermath Entertainment release—the 2005 major label debut that turned 10 years old yesterday: The Documentary. While Jayceon Taylor has remained a flagship act... Read more

January 19, 2015 Video

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Owes A Lot Of Thanks To Stevie Wonder, Read Why…

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is a lot to remember and think about in the first place. One of the items, is making the holiday in the first place. Following Dr. King's 1968 assassination, one of the millions of people whose world was rocked was... Read more

January 19, 2015 Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Nas vs. Big L…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

January 19, 2015 Throwback

What If The Wire Was Set In Gentrified Brooklyn? Kevin Hart Illustrates… (Video)

HBO's "The Wire" awakened a multitude of viewers to the grittiness of Baltimore, Maryland's underbelly. The hit show magnificently highlighted the total characterization of the drug trade, from corner-boys, to kingpins, henchman, to police officers, media, government, and transporters. David Simon's crime drama has been off the air for almost... Read more

January 18, 2015 TV

Sadat X Is Making Moves With King T, Black Rob, Cormega & Skyzoo. Sample His New LP (Audio)

In less than 48 hours (January 20), Sadat X will release his tenth solo album, Never Left on CD and digitally. The Loyalty Digital effort features the Brand Nubian MC (who is also part of Trinity) making his first LP since 2012's Love, Hell Or Right. 'Datty X teams with... Read more

January 18, 2015 Audio

10 Years Ago Today, The Game Released The Documentary. Consider It A Classic?

Ten years ago today (January 18, 2005), The Game (n/k/a Game) released The Documentary. His major label debut would garner double-platinum status, and afford Dr. Dre his first star protege from the same Compton, California streets—more than six years before Kendrick Lamar. Game's debut quite definitively remains his highest-profile and... Read more

January 18, 2015 Throwback

Rest In Peace To A$AP Yams, A$AP Mob Co-Founder

This morning (January 18), the Hip-Hop world has been rocked with confirmed news of another tragic death. Twenty-six year-old Steven "A$AP Yams" Rodriguez, a co-founder in the A$AP Mob, and critical force behind the breakthrough of A$AP Rocky has died. Members of the Harlem, New York collective have confirmed the... Read more

January 18, 2015 Fresh

Masta Ace Kills Sounds Sharp Alongside DJ Rob A on Put to Paper (Audio)

If you look at Masta Ace's complete discography, you will likely note that the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC/producer gives the same attention to detail and craft in guest work that he does on his own acclaimed releases. Kid Tsunami's "TwoThousand40," DJ K.O.'s "Ladder Of Success," and R.A. The Rugged Man's "The... Read more

January 18, 2015 Audio

J Dilla’s Donuts Gets The Ultimate 44-Minute Fan-Made Visual Companion (Video)

Besides the posthumously-released "Last Night Of The Donut," J Dilla's 2006 album Donuts was not the kind of album that yielded videos. Stones Throw Records, who are independent greats at making compelling, cool visuals to match their extensive, dynamic discography, let the music do the talking when it came to... Read more

January 18, 2015 Throwback

Joey Bada$$ Drops Wisdom While DJ Premier Drops A Scorching Beat (Audio)

"B4.Da.$$" is the title of Joey Bada$$' studio debut, releasing this coming Tuesday (January 20) on Pro Era/Cinematic/Sony Red. The Brooklyn, New York MC reflects this title, not just as a conveniently clever time-capsule of his rise to stardom, or an ah-ha to the doubters and skeptics. Rather, the Pro... Read more

January 17, 2015 Audio

Murs Is Feelin’ Himself On A Groovy Track From Company Flow’s Mr. Len (Audio)

Murs and Mr. Len have long run in adjacent circles. When Murs started to make his ascent to being one of the premier MCs in Hip-Hop, it was through his Def Jux work (End Of The Beginning, Murs 3:16). Definitive Jux was launched by El-P, the former musical partner of... Read more

January 17, 2015 Audio

The Roots Reflect On The 20th Anniversary Of do you want more?!!!??! (Video)

January 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of The Roots official major-label debut album, do you want more?!!!??! (there is a discrepancy as to whether the release date was January 10th or January 17th). The album marked a shift in how Hip-Hop sounded at the time. While Stetsasonic were known as a... Read more

January 17, 2015 TV/Film, Video

Ever Heard This Nas, AZ & Foxy Brown Freestyle From 1997? It’s Firm Business (Audio)

Back in 1997 when Nas, AZ and Foxy Brown announced they were forming a super group called The Firm and their album would be released on Dr. Dre's then new label Aftermath Entertainment, Heads went crazy with anticipation for the project. Though they would only release one album, which for... Read more

January 17, 2015 Throwback

Frank Ocean Sings a Beautiful Version of At Your Best on Aaliyah’s Birthday (Audio)

Happy Birthday to Aaliyah. The talented and beautiful singer and actor would have been 36 years old yesterday (1/16). To celebrate her lasting legacy, Frank Ocean has released an amazing cover of "At Your Best." The song, which was originally written and performed by the Isley Brothers in 1976 as... Read more

January 17, 2015 Audio

It’s Official. Jay Z is Under Attack by Funkmaster Flex AND Dipset (Audio)

Funkmaster Flex set the Internet on fire today with his ten minute tirade against Jay Z and his web site Life + Times. The site's request for an interview with Flex opened up an old wound and the veteran DJ did not mince words about how he felt. Part of... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Kurupt Takes Stalley’s Always Into Something All the Way West Coast (Audio)

Stalley's "Always Into Something," featuring Ty Dolla $ign, was already heavily West Coast in sound and title. Kurupt the Kingpin and Casey Veggies jump on the remix of the song and take it all the way Left. The remix is part of the LA Leakers 2015 Draft Picks mixtape which... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Here’s the Story of How KRS-One & Scott La Rock Met…Comic Book Style

Here's something incredibly dope for fans of Comics, Hip-Hop or both. Ed Piskor, renowned cartoonist and author of the Hip-Hop Family Tree graphic novel, has released the account of how KRS-One and Scott La Rock met, in the form of a comic. The story was assembled from several of KRS-One's... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Waka Flocka Flame Is Out to Prove He CAN Rap But Does He Get Any Love? (Video)

"Time to kill this "Waka can't rap sh**" Just a year ago, Waka Flocka Flame had the reputation as a rapper who wasn't good at rapping. Though accomplished at moving units and rattling clubs, few considered him lyrical. Things have changed though. Last Summer, he released his I Can't Rap Vol.... Read more

January 16, 2015 Fresh, Video

Tupac’s Life and Legacy Will Be Celebrated with an Exhibit at The Grammy Museum

With more than 40 years of existence, Hip-Hop has undeniably earned its place in the history books. As such, several institutions have started to honor the culture. Last year, The Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture carved out a place for J. Dilla's production equipment and it also... Read more

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Funkmaster Flex Drops Some Nuclear Bombs on Jay Z. Says He Can Ruin Him (Audio)

Whoa. Funkmaster Flex fears no man. Last night, he went completely nuclear on Life + Times and, seemingly, its owner...Jay Z. Flex referenced several issues that had him upset. He felt disrespected by an interview of him by Life + Times a few years ago, ostensibly about his mobile app,... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ & Action Bronson Show Why They’re 2 of Hip-Hop’s Most Promising MCs (Audio)

Thus far, Joey Bada$$'s forthcoming and long-anticipated album, B4 Da $$, sounds like it will be more than worth the wait. Joey has released multiple burners from the LP, which will hit stores on January 20th, showcasing his versatile range. Records like "Christ Conscious" feature Joey tapping into his Boot... Read more

January 16, 2015 Audio

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Big Pun vs. RZA…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

January 16, 2015 Throwback

Stacy Barthe & Common Show How Beautiful Music Makes Us Live for Today (Audio)

Stacy Barthe is a supremely talented vocalist and songwriter. While she might not be a household name (yet), she has written songs for some of the biggest artists in the world, including Rihanna, Kelly Rowland, Britney Spears and Katie Perry. She's also worked with the likes of Melanie Fiona, Akon... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio

Your Old Droog Gets the Paper with a Killer Beastie Boys Sample (Audio)

If 2014 was Your Old Droog's coming out party, 2015 looks to be the year where he proves to all the naysayers that he's here to stay. His latest song, "Get the Paper" produced by El RTNC, is an ode to the Beastie Boys which features a groove Dr. Dre... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio

Skyzoo & Torae Are The Latest To Rap On DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth Series (Video)

With previous sessions featuring Jakk Frost, Dres, A.G., and Loaded Lux, Session 7 of DJ Premier's "Bars In The Booth" video series features the Barrel Brothers duo, Skyzoo & Torae. Now a true duo, this pair found success in the late 2000s, working collaboratively with Premier, on 12" singles also... Read more

January 15, 2015 Video

Jay-Z’s Pre-Reasonable Doubt Demo Tape Surfaces, Ch-Check It Out (Audio)

Before he was regarded in Rap's most elite lyrical circles, and long before he was a sports agent, franchise owner, or mega-million executive, Jay-Z was just another rapper hungry for an opportunity. Before the Brooklyn, New Yorker would form his own Roc-A-Fella Records imprint with Dame Dash and Kareem Biggs,... Read more

January 15, 2015 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Ice Cube vs. Too Short…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

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Common & John Legend Receive Oscar Nomination For “Glory”

After winning this year's Golden Globe Award for "Best Original Song," Common & John Legend's "Glory", from the film Selma, has been nominated for the Academy Award in the same category. They could potentially be just the third Hip-Hop/R&B act to win the award, along with Three 6 Mafia's "It's Hard Out... Read more

January 15, 2015 Fresh

Warren G Hilariously Explains Regulate for Funny or Die, Line by Line (Video)

As part of its Rap Chronicles series, Funny or Die caught up with Warren G to have him decode "Regulate," his G-Funk classic with Nate Dogg. Despite fellow 213 member Snoop's admonition, the "G Child" told the game for free, to great satisfaction. In a little over two minutes, he... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Spotlight: Salomon Faye Brings “Luv” To Hip Hop & Gets It In Return (Video)

Salomon Faye may be under the radar for now, but given the quality and originality of tracks like "Luv," he's going to have a hard time staying undetected. For those that feel the passion of spoken word and the fire of hot metaphorical bars, Salomon Faye delivers both in this... Read more

January 15, 2015 Video

Action Bronson Rips the Mic So Hard He Loses His Headphones on This Freestyle (Video)

"I'm gonna keep it official today. Yo, this boy Action Broson is the nicest in the game right now." That was Funkmaster Flex's response after Action Bronson ripped a freestyle so hard that he lost his headphones halfway through. Technical difficulties didn't stop the action man, though. He did the... Read more

January 15, 2015 Video

Do Remember: Haze Presents…NY Reality Check 101 (Mixed By DJ Premier)

This week, it was announced that 2015 will see the release of DJ Premier's first solo album, Last Session @320. The album and its title are an homage to the closing of HeadQCourterz Studios (f/k/a D&D Studios), which had been Premier's professional home for nearly 25 years. As fans eagerly... Read more

January 15, 2015 Throwback

Cormega Confirms 2015 EP, Produced Entirely By Mobb Deep’s Havoc

Following 2014's critically-acclaimed Mega Philosophy album by Cormega (now available on colored 2LP vinyl), it appears as though the Queens, New York veteran MC is well underway into a follow-up. Yesterday (January 14), 'Mega announced, via Twitter, that he is currently planning his first EP, produced entirely by Havoc, of... Read more

January 15, 2015 Fresh

Freddie Gibbs Hits The Hard Drums With A Verse To Match (Audio)

After making a jam with Wu-Tang Clan's GZA late last year, Hanni El Khatib teams up with Freddie Gibbs. Commissioned by Converse, "Satin Black." Boasting that he gives two curse-free verses, Gangsta Gibbs still finds PG ways of describing his garage full of old-school's, his "by any means" approach, and... Read more

January 14, 2015 Audio

2 Chainz Eloquently Argues the Merits of Legalizing Marijuana on CNN (Video)

Many may not know that before his Rap career, 2 Chainz finished number two in his high school class and attended college. The resilient MC has a strong command of the language both on and off the mic. He donned his debate hat on CNN recently and had a substantive... Read more

January 14, 2015 Video

Beanie Sigel To Make A Follow-Up To Public Enemy #1 Mixtape

Just over one month since he was shot in New Jersey, Beanie Sigel has new material on the table. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC survived what is believed to be a near-fatal shooting, at least the second such attack in his lifetime, and has returned to work. What's more, according to... Read more

January 14, 2015 Fresh

Childish Gambino Tears Up The Stage On Jimmy Kimmel Live (Video)

Last night (January 13) Childish Gambino gave a truly amazing performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." He performed his song "Sober" off his new double EP, STN MTN / Kauai with flawless vocals and energetic dance moves. The song sounds more peppy when performed with the live band. Gambino also later... Read more

January 14, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Lil Wayne vs. Game…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

January 14, 2015 Fresh

Joey Bada$$ Rocks His Dilla & Roots-Produced Track With The Roots (Video)

Quite curiously, Joey Bada$$'s debut album, B4.Da.$$ (January 20) includes a track co-produced by The Roots, and the late J Dilla. While the snippets of the Sony Red-distributed LP were promptly pulled from YouTube, many Heads are curious how the Brooklyn, New York millennial would sound alongside the iconic collaboration... Read more

January 14, 2015 Fresh, Video

Malik B & Mr. Green Spread The Love From Philly’s Love Park (Video)

Malik B, who was a member of The Roots from the early '90s to the early '00s, is gearing up to release his first solo album in 10 years: Unpredictable. The album, set for a February 24 release on Vinnie Paz' Enemy Soil imprint, will be entirely produced by Mr.... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Blu & Large Professor Come Together For That Signature Extra P Remix (Audio)

Back in 2012, Blu teamed up with W.A.R. Media's Mela Machinko for a Coalmine Records single, "Kiss The Sky." Johnson Barnes was in his pocket, and dropped some smooth stream of consciousness on a chopped down beat that paid homage to '70s Soul and scratch DJs at once. Nearly three... Read more

January 13, 2015 Audio

Termanology, Skyzoo, Torae & REKS Celebrate The Downtime (Video)

Termanology just dropped a new music video for "Get Away," a highlight off of his new album Shut Up And Rap, which was just released last month. The song features guest appearances from some dope MCs, all of whom released new albums in 2014: Skyzoo & Torae, who released Barrel... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Phonte & Oddisee Channel Pain Into Beautiful Art, Reacting To The World Today (Audio)

In the wake of the 2014 murders of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, and so many other Black men at the hands of law enforcement, there was a large outcry for artists to react, reflect, and somehow find the words we, the people, could not. Those expressions are indeed... Read more

January 13, 2015 Audio

Wu-Tang Clan’s Once Upon A Time In Shaolin Going To January Online Auction

Even after a reported (by RZA) $5 million offer, the Wu-Tang Clan wants to see if their guarded, completed album, Once Upon A Time In Shaolin can draw more interest. Dazed Digital reports that the Clansmen will take the single-copy LP, recorded in Marrakesh, Morocco, produced by Cilvaringz, will appear... Read more

January 13, 2015 Fresh

Erick Sermon Speaks Openly About Earnings, Helping Create Atlanta’s Scene (Video)

Erick Sermon does not do a ton of interviews. However, when the EPMD and Def Squad co-founder speaks, he's never big on canned, diplomatic answers. E-Dub opens up in a major way when speaking with This Is 50's Jack Thriller. The Brentwood, Long Island MC/producer breaks down his 2000s-era comeback... Read more

January 13, 2015 Throwback

Common & John Legend Capture The Glory Of “Selma” (Video)

Less than 48 hours after Common and John Legend carried Golden Globe trophies (presented by Prince) off of the stage for their song "Glory," they offer up the video. The "Best Original Song" winner from the film Selma cross-promotes Ava DuVernay's latest work in the visual. Along the way, there... Read more

January 13, 2015 Video

Finding The GOAT (Round 2): Jay-Z vs. AZ…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

January 13, 2015 Fresh

This Might Be Grand Puba’s Best Song In 10 Years & It Resonates (Audio)

Unlike Sadat X and Lord Jamar, both of whom stay incredibly active in songmaking and social media, respectively, Grand Puba plays the background. Stud Doogie is the faction of Brand Nubian who often wants his silence and privacy, taking an extended break since 2009's Retroactive. However, recent events and world... Read more

January 12, 2015 Audio

Crooklyn Dodgers ’94 & Crooklyn Dodgers ’95 Trade Uniforms In This ILL Blend (Audio)

DJ Hellee Hooper (a play on famed Soul II Soul/Bjork/No Doubt producer Nellee Hooper), swapped the vocals of Special Ed, Masta Ace, and Buckshot from "Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers" with the instrumental to the 1995 original (Chubb Rock, O.C., Jeru The Damaja). The results (thus "94.5") trick your mind,... Read more

January 12, 2015 Throwback