News Archives

A Long Way Away From 21st & Lewis, How Does Warren G Regulate Today? (Video)

It has been more than 20 years since Warren G & Nate Dogg released "Regulate" in the film, Above The Rim. The storytelling track on a funktafied Michael McDonald sample gave a proper stepping out for Warren and Nate, after some strong assistance a year prior on their 213 homie,... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Chris Rock Dramatically Quotes Ice Cube & N.W.A. In This “Top 5” Clip (Video)

Clearly based largely on his own life and experiences, Chris Rock's Top 5, from title alone is built around opinions and rankings. Evident in the currently-screening film's roll-out, Rock loves ranking comedians, rappers, acts, albums, and more—as does his Andre Allen character in the film. The authenticity in this role... Read more

December 17, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yasiin Bey Takes Over Petite Noir’s Till We Ghosts and Shines (Audio)

Yasiin Bey slips into "Umi Says" mode on Petite Noir's "Till We Ghosts." More than just a featured appearance, Bey (formerly Mos Def) takes over at 1 minute in and closes out the ambient, string-driven track. He progresses from meditative verse to plaintive wail. This is the kind of free... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio

Planet Asia Pops Off Over Beats That Sound Straight Outta The Rhyme Pays Era (FreEP)

When Planet Asia eloquently stated "My mind shine harder than your chain" back in 2000, on Dilated Peoples' "Ear Drums Pop," it was clear that the Fresno, California MC was special. Trading an Interscope Records deal for full creative control, this Cali Agent has achieved strong independent success. Late in... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Bumpy Knuckles Liberates A Pete Rock-Produced Relic With Fresh Rhymes (Audio)

New York City O.G.'s Bumpy Knuckles and Pete Rock made history together on 2000's Industry Shakedown. "Bumpy Knuckles Baby" signaled the name-change, alter-ego from the Freddie Foxxx era. As Pete Rock was amidst his own transition from the Elektra Records era, into a strong solo career, he left the Long... Read more

December 17, 2014 Audio, Fresh

How Does Johnny Gill Handle the 5 Fingers of Death? Like a G…(Video)

Johnny Gill hit the Sway in the Morning show and became the first singer to tackle the 5 Fingers of Death challenge. When faced with five random beats, rather than freestyle as is customary for the MCs who step up to the test, Johnny did what he does best...He riffed... Read more

December 17, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar World Premieres a New Song on The Colbert Report (Video)

As The Colbert Report winds down, Kendrick Lamar had the distinct honor of being the show's last musical guest ever. Following in the footsteps of artists like Paul McCartney, R.E.M., Jack White and Nas, Kendrick stepped up with a world premiere of a brand new untitled song. Not to be... Read more

December 17, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Which MCs Motivate Big Daddy Kane Now? The Legend Speaks (Video)

Big Daddy Kane stopped by the Sway in the Morning show to discuss his new limited edition British Walker shoes. Still a smooth operator, Kane spoke about the kicks but also talked about going bar for bar with Kool G. Rap, the fashion influence of Run-D.M.C. and Public Enemy, and... Read more

December 17, 2014 Video

Waka Flocka Flame Snatches J. Cole’s Beat & Steps Up His Bars (Audio)

Now this is a surprise. Waka Flocka Flame hops on J. Cole's "Fire Squad" track and steps his bars up...way up. Whatever you may think of Waka, you have never heard him flow like this. Like his mentor-turned-foe Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame is among Hip-Hop's most polarizing figures. Upon... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch Fire The First Shot, It’s Wu Block Biznez (Audio)

More than two years removed from Wu-Block, the Wu-Tang Clan x The LOX connection was far from a one-off. Ghostface Killah and Sheek Louch have announced that they are waving the flag together again, in a hybrid album under the Wu-Block guise. Nature Sounds Records has announced that Hidden Gems,... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Large Professor, Diamond D, Nottz & Black Milk Rework Diamond District’s LP (Album Stream)

In October, Diamond District delivered another potent album in March On Washington. An ode to their home city, Oddisee, yU, and X.O. maintained their level of range and consistentcy on the Mello Music Group release. Two months later, it's the Redux. Mello's in-house squad of Apollo Brown, Quelle Chris, and... Read more

December 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding the GOAT: Who is Your Wildcard Pick for Round 2?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh

Ghostface Killah & The Wire’s Michael K. Williams Bring 36 Seasons To Life (Video)

In case you missed it, Ghostface Killah's just-released 36 Seasons is a cinematic, storytelling album. Coming home after nine "long" years, Ghost's character is out to restore his relationship, keep peace in the streets, and watch for Jake. The first video, "Love Don't Live Here No More," is the perfect... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

YG Displays His 2015 Flow Without Any Distractions (Video)

Often times, YG videos are driven to show the city of Compton, the place that's played such a strong role on the CTE/Def Jam artist's mixtapes, and especially his My Krazy Life debut. After nailing down 2014 as best he could, the California MC wants new things for 2015. From... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bogeda BAMZ Is Gifted With Slick Gab, Freestyling Over A B.D.K. Classic (Video)

Bodega BAMZ has been movin' for more than a minute. Stopping at Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays show, the New York MC gets a chance to show what he's about. Rhyming over a classic Big Daddy Kane instrumental (that seems to suit BAMZ well), the MC shines politely with some stellar... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

You’ve Never Heard Jean Grae Like This, In A Free-Form Groove With A Star-Studded Band (Video)

Early in her solo career, Jean Grae did not make many of videos. The format, which has opened drastically thanks to technology, fits the New York City MC veteran very well, given her charisma, sense of humor, and animation. From the recently-released, non-Rap #5 EP, Jean dropped the visuals for... Read more

December 16, 2014 Fresh, Video

GOAT: Which One of These MCs Deserves a Shot at Advancing to Round 2?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh

Pusha T Is Taking Lunch Money, Not Losses (Video)

Pusha T's new Kanye West-produced single "Lunch Money" is simply put, the raw uncut. For the video, the G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Records star took a similar approach. With some dancing intermissions, Pusha tells his tale to a handheld camera, which may be or simply look like an early '90s RCA... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean Make A Dedication To The Modern Madonnas (Audio)

Ten days from the Christmas holiday, Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean release a track that seems to examine the concept of Holy Mothers. Titled, "Madonna [And Other Mothers In The Hood]," this song uses lots of religious and spiritual imagery and lexicon, while chronicling a modern experience of how today's... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Erick Sermon Is Back To Giving Fans Some Green-Eyed Inspiration (Audio)

Erick Sermon stayed largely quiet in 2014. The EPMD co-founder did play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette, but the Long Island legend largely shunned output this year. In the last two weeks of the year, that suddenly changed with "One Shot." Almost 30 years deep in the game, E-Double offers up... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

22 Years Ago Today, Dr. Dre Fired Up The Chronic & We’ve Inhaled Ever Since

Twenty-two years ago today (December 15, 1992), Dr. Dre released The Chronic. Dre's solo debut, after parting ways with N.W.A., also marked the premiere release for Death Row Records, a would-be hundred-million-dollar label he founded with bodyguard-turned-manager Marion "Suge" Knight. Now boasting more than 3,000,000 copies sold, The Chronic may... Read more

December 15, 2014 Throwback

Diamond D Links with Evidence & Alchemist and It’s Magic (Video)

Diamond D keeps dropping jewels from his The Diam Piece album. Next up is the video for "It's Magic," Diamond's unfiltered offering featuring Evidence and Alchemist. Evidence and Alchemist flex verses over a raw beat, while Diamond mans the boards. Check it out. Related: Diamond D Remixes Diamond District &... Read more

December 15, 2014 Video

YG Bangs On Wax With DJ Quik, Mack 10 & Tha Relativez’ Big Wy (Audio)

YG's My Krazy Life, in many ways, feels like a mid-1990s Gangsta Rap album. The CTE/Def Jam Records experience (which YG felt was Grammy-snubbed), combines strong Compton neighborhood talk with storytelling, sex-centric tracks, and honest revelations of an early twenty-something just trying to live. "Bicken Back Bein Bool" is one... Read more

December 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Asher Roth Lyrically Bugs Out On Some Cutting Edge Nottz Production (Video)

Asher Roth's 2014 has been experimental, as has been the case surrounding the last three years of the Bucks County, Pennsylvania native MC. However, it also seems that the now-Def Jam-inked artist has really carved his way back into bending bars, witty wordplay, and thoughtful theses on things. This is... Read more

December 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

D’Angelo’s Black Messiah Hits Stores Tonight. Here Are Details and a Review.

The wait is over. After nearly 15 years since the release of his Voodoo album, D'Angelo and The Vanguard's Black Messiah LP will hit stores at midnight (12/15). We were fortunate enough to attend an intimate listening session held at the Dream Hotel in New York's Meatpacking District. The event,... Read more

December 14, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

And Just Like That…D’Angelo Releases His 1st Single from Black Messiah (Audio)

The Internets were set on fire late last week at the announcement that, after 15 years, D'Angelo was releasing his next album, titled Black Messiah, possibly as early as this week. The din is surely to grow louder as he premieres an official studio version of his song "Sugah Daddy"... Read more

December 14, 2014 Audio

Here’s an Old School Soul Mix from Biz Markie That Just Feels Good (Audio)

Biz Markie is a legendary MC and beatboxer but, over the last several years, he has relied on his formidable DJ skills perhaps more than anything else. If you've ever had the privilege to attend one of his sets, you know the Biz digs deep in the crates. Here's an... Read more

December 13, 2014 Throwback

TLC Send Some Holiday Cheer with a Gift Wrapped Kiss (Audio)

As the holidays approach, T-Boz and Chili from TLC have released some good tidings and cheer by way of "Gift Wrapped Kiss." Check it out. Related: TLC Perform What About Your Friends at the Vh1 Super Bowl Blitz (Video)... Read more

December 13, 2014 Audio

J. Cole Says Capitalism is Like Paid Slavery and It’s Time for Change (Video)

Remember the Occupy movement and all the energy around the imbalance between the 1% and all the rest? As passionate as many in the country were about those issues, the protests at the time have faded leaving little more than a footnote. Whether it's bills, family issues or just the... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Royce Da 5’9″, DJ Premier & Adrian Younge Takeover the Boiler Room (Video)

Royce Da 5'9", DJ Premier and Adrian Younge, the collective known as PRhyme, tookover the Boiler Room recently for a night for true music Heads. The event, which was held at New York's Chung King Studios, began with a DJ set by Younge, where he spun 45s of breaks used... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

J. Cole Delivers a Stunning Performance of Be Free on Letterman (Video)

"I'm letting you know that there ain't no gun they can make that can kill my soul." J. Cole is on a different level these days. He performed a powerful version of "Be Free" on Late Show with David Letterman that left everyone in the room stunned, including Dave (visibly).... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Kendrick Lamar Addresses Ferguson, Eric Garner and Instilling Self Esteem (Video)

Over the last five years, Kendrick Lamar as been one of Hip-Hop's leading social commentators through his music. Songs like "Vanity Slaves," "Keisha's Song" and "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" address various issues plaguing the community. So, when MTV recently asked Kendrick about the events around the country... Read more

December 13, 2014 Video

Bishop Nehru Brings a Breath of Fresh Air to Hip-Hop (Audio)

2014 has been a strong year for Bishop Nehru. In addition to releasing his Nehruvian DOOM project with DOOM, the talented MC also signed with Nas on his Mass Appeal records. His latest release chops up a vintage Erykah Badu sample. Check out "Breath." Related: Bishop Nehru Makes His Sway... Read more

December 13, 2014 Audio

Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier Shut Down The Backroom With a Hot Verse & Beat (Video)

PRhyme (Royce Da 5'9" and DJ Premier) were the latest to hit The Backroom on 106 & Park, and the dynamic duo shut it down. Royce kicked a blistering verse that was part new and part from PRhyme's song "To Me, To U," all over a custom-made Premier beat. Press... Read more

December 12, 2014 Video

It’s Been 15 Years Spent Waiting. Now We MAY Have A D’Angelo Album Next Week… (Video)

Rumors have been swirling surrounding a third D'Angelo album since shortly after 2000's Voodoo. Even those rumors are teenagers now, and D'Angelo Heads have sometimes seemed to abandon all hope that the Soul sensation could, or would ever offer up another LP. Out of thin air, a new album, Black... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Timbaland Unearths A Petey Pablo Track That Puts The NC Vet In New Light (Audio)

Petey Pablo may seem like a blast from the past. In the closing days of 2001, the Greenville, North Carolina rapper put on for his state (and the South) with smash hit, "Raise Up." As a result, the Jive Records artist scored a gold-certified album, Diary Of A Sinner: 1st Entry,... Read more

December 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jhene Aiko Shows Her Sultry Side Next To Martial Arts In Wading (Video)

As her full length retail debut, Souled Out, is considered with some year-end lists, Jhene Aiko is far from done promoting the Def Jam release. "Wading," the Dot Da Genius (Kid Cudi) produced single from the album gets its visual. Jhene seduces the lens just like her vocals allure the... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq Time Travel Back To Soul Food Dinners (Video)

From Cadillactica, "Soul Food" is an evocative center-piece. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, the veteran crooner's transcending soulful sound colors the way for Big K.R.I.T.'s strong commentary on the changing times, and how that has effected family, love, and togetherness. For the video, symbols of simpler times are captured, from long... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Treach vs. Xzibit…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

N.O.R.E. & Royal Flush Make A Joint That Sounds Straight Off A ’90s Blend Tape (Audio)

Before the Roc La Familia run, the Def Jam days, and the Reggaeton rally, N.O.R.E. was just a dope MC. There is a reason why Capone-N-Noreaga's The War Report is an enduring gem of an album. Noreaga's infectious personality, aggressive cadence, and authentically New York experience have made him a... Read more

December 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

One Of Ghostface Killah’s Hardest Cuts Gets Remixed By An X-Ecutioner (Audio)

So much can be said about Ghostface Killah's "Mighty Healthy." The Supreme Clientele stunner was a timeless reminder why G.F.K. links the '80s Rap bravado with futuristic slang and style. Produced by Allah Mathematics (the Wu-Tang Clan's DJ), the break-beat driven track inspired the name of a hit clothing line,... Read more

December 12, 2014 Audio, Throwback

For The Second Time In 15 Years, El-P & Zack De La Rocha Will Be In The Lab Extensively

In May, 1998, Rawkus Records released Lyricist Lounge, Vol. 1. The double-album featured a host of great artists, including De La Soul, Kool Keith, Q-Tip, O.C., and Bahamadia. Notably, the Top 200 charting release also included El-P, who with his Company Flow cohorts, J-Treds, Queen Heroine, and The Juggaknots was... Read more

December 12, 2014 Fresh

Chris Rock Names His Top 5 Comedians From a Battle of 10 (Video)

Chris Rock stopped by the Sway in the Morning show to promote his film Top Five (in theaters on December 12th). Ever insightful, he gave some thoughtful commentary on Eric Garner and why there might be less activism in Hip-Hop now as compared to in the 80's and 90's. Rock... Read more

December 11, 2014 Video

Snoop’s Latest Guest on GGN? The Kool-Aid Man…Red, Of Course (Video)

This is hilarious. Snoop Dogg's latest guest on his GGN show is none other than the Kool-Aid Man (red, of course). Snoop talks to Kool-Aid about him being in the White House now that its occupied by President Obama, his being for all races despite the stereotypes, the bad rap... Read more

December 11, 2014 Video

Cam’ron Announces Purple Haze 2, Plans To Retire Afterwards

Based on who you ask, Cam'ron's late 2004 album, Purple Haze, is the Harlem, New York MC's best work. The second of Cam's two Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam releases, this gold-certified album featured the Diplomats' General in top lyrical form. Beyond his emerging Dipset collective, the LP featured Roc label-mates Kanye West,... Read more

December 11, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Pete Rock vs. J. Dilla…Who You Got?

As we continue 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 in a sequence not... Read more

December 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Ice-T Gives Mobb Deep An Amazing Interview, From Police To Hip-Hop (Audio)

Did you know that Ice-T is one of the biggest Mobb Deep Heads out? The O.G. is a big fan of the M-O-B-B. If you didn't know, it becomes abundantly clear in this recent Final Level Podcast episode (#24). Ice welcomes Prodigy and Havoc into his sponsored podcast. Joined by... Read more

December 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Do Remember: Beanie Sigel, Grand Puba & Sadat X’s Bread & Butter (Audio)

With Beanie Sigel currently in our hearts and on our minds, this week's "Do Remember" seemed fitting to dedicate to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC born Dwight Grant. Following two Top 5 charting albums (2000's The Truth, 2001's The Reason, respectively), Beanie Sigel took a break from the catalog. A gold-certified... Read more

December 11, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Your Old Droog Paints a Vivid Lyrical Picture with His Toca Tuesday Freestyle (Video)

"Musicians acting like mobsters. That's Steven Van Zandt." Your Old Droog stopped by Tony Touch's Shade 45 show and kicked a Toca Tuesday Freestyle. Ever long on colorful metaphors, Droog painted a vivid picture with clever references like the above Soprano's nod. "Your Old Pal" will have another performance at... Read more

December 11, 2014 Video

Nipsey Hussle & Rick Ross Enjoy The Perks Of The Spotlight On A Hit-Boy Track (Audio)

Following the precise wordplay and honesty of "50 Niggaz," Nipsey Hussle returns to his (other) form on "1 Hunnit A Show." The sophomore Mailbox Money (December 20) look also incorporates numbers, as the Crenshaw District MC joins Rick Ross on a thumping Hit-Boy track. The two MCs have found fame... Read more

December 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh