News Archives

Juvenile Backs That Thing Up, And Returns To Cash Money Records (Video)

Less than one year after he was reported to have signed with J. Prince's Rap-A-Lot Records, it appears that Juvenile may be back in business with Cash Money Records. MTV News received an exclusive with the multi-platinum star when asking him about his relationship with the former (now present) label.... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Snoop Dogg & DJ Premier Recall Making The Final Gang Starr Song, An MC Eiht Battle (Video)

Snoop Dogg's GGN interview series is reaching that whole other level. Tha Doggfather welcomes DJ Premier to the guest seat. Snoop and Premo, who have worked together a number of times, still find a way to unearth some really grabbing stuff here. Going back to the final Gang Starr album,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Pete Rock Salutes Nas & The Album He Worked On With Time Is Illmatic (Mixtape)

Back in 1994, Pete Rock notably contributed to the would-be classic debut album, Illmatic, by Nas. The Mount Vernon, New Yorker, who was fully entrenched in a highly-successful career with Pete Rock & CL Smooth stepped aside (with Large Professor, DJ Premier, Q-Tip, and L.E.S) to give some of his... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Think Everything Sounds Conventional? Try Theophilus London’s VIBES (Album Stream)

Theophilus London is one of the most original new voices in Hip-Hop. The Reprise/Warner Bros. Records artist debuted in the Top 30 back in 2011 with Timez Are Weird These Days. After working with Kanye West, Blood Orange, and Jesse Boykins III, Theo' is back with VIBES. The Brooklyn, New... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Black Milk Releases a New Video and a Full Stream of His New Album (Audio & Video)

Capping off what has been an incredibly strong month of music releases, Black Milk treats us to the full stream of his new album, If There's a Hell Below. The album finds Black Milk in top form as he is joined in verse by Blu, Sean Price, Pete Rock, Bun... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Reacts To His Third-Great Grandmother’s Bill Of Sale Into Slavery (Video)

As part of PBS' "Enslaved Roots" series, the camera turns its lens on Nas. The Queens superstar traces his DNA back to a Virginia slave plantation. Throughout his career, Nas has paid close attention to his ancestry, and African bloodline. The continent is a place that the iconic MC has... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Wu-Tang Clan Has A History Of Iconic Artwork. How’s A Better Tomorrow Stack Up?

Wu-Tang Clan's album artwork, collectively and as individually artists, has been that of pop culture. Re-popularized on t-shirts, posters, and the like, the images of the New York Rap collective are as timeless as the verses from RZA and the family. It's been revealed that W.T.C's sixth album, A Better... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh

Rah Digga Might Be Having Her Best Year Ever, Catch This !llmind Produced Cut (Audio)

Rah Digga's "Thinkin' Out Loud" is some high-grade, uncut stream of consciousness emceeing. As she's done in just about every month in 2014, Digga metaphorically spikes the ball with the mic in her hand. This track covers the lackluster music in the marketplace, police attacking civilians, and more, all while... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Havoc Makes A Charged Solo Cut With Those Hard Mobb Deep Drums (Video)

Havoc uses some hard, natural percussion to reintroduce his solo status in "Dirt Call." Presented in short film format, the visual finds Hav' goin' deep into the basement, flippin' his hat back, and zoning into that Infamy flow. Isn't it great to see and hear Havoc having fun again? This... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bambu Might Be One Of The Best, Smartest MCs You’re Missing. Hear His New LP (Album Stream)

The Bay area's Bambu is making moves. He's the latest mover and shaker of DJ Muggs' Soul Assassins, a lineage that includes Cypress Hill, Alchemist, Psycho Realm, and others. Bambu is making scorching political commentaries alongside Killer Mike. He's also on the road with Brother Ali, and making songs about... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Saigon Offers A Stripped-Down DJ Premier Remix Of His Big Daddy Kane Collab (Audio)

Following last month's original, DJ Premier-produced version of "One Foot In The Door," Saigon has a remix. Still maintaining the same opening intro, an early 2000s on-the-spot cosign from Jay Z, this mix has an organic, piano-driven beat. This allows Heads to hear the wrath of Kane, and Sai Giddy's... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq Search For The Lost Soul In The World (Audio)

With Cadillactica two weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T.'s Raphael Saadiq-assisted "Soul Food" hits the web. Ray sounds as a crisp as he has in 10 years, and as integral to a Rap song as ever, as Krizzle breaks down the missing soul, from the relationships, to the streets, to... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Michael Jordan First Hit The Court With The Chicago Bulls 30 Years Ago Today

Tomorrow night the NBA will tip-off, marking it's 69th season. However, it was almost thirty years ago to the day on October 26, when a Brooklyn-born, North Carolina-raised 21-year old exchanged his powder blue Tar Heels uniform for the red and white jersey of the Chicago Bulls to play in... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

For A Band As Colorful As Run The Jewels, Of Course There Would Be A Great Art Challenge…

Last week, Run The Jewels released their second album in as many years, both of which were available for free stream. In the case of RTJ2, the Mass Appeal Records retail release was also given away for free, open to the public, whether they opt to financially support or not. What... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Hear the Original Demo for Kanye West’s New Slaves (Audio)

Kanye West's ears have always been far-reaching. For Yeezus, that is an understatement. In making the album, and it's standout "New Slaves," 'Ye looked within his own circle. Benjamin Bronfman, son of former Warner Bros. Records CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr., has been a longtime friend of Mr. West. According to... Read more

October 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Universal Zulu Nation’s 41st Anniversary Is In November & Your Favorite Artists Are Involved…

On November 6-9, New York City will play host to the Universal Zulu Nation's 41st anniversary. Over the course of seven planned events (with possibly more coming), those involved include Afrika Bambaataa, Black Moon, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Pete Rock, Sadat X, Da Beatminerz, Psycho Les, DJ Jazzy Jay, Kool... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Cam’ron, Wiz Khalifa & Smoke DZA Can Touch The Sky Sitting Down (Video)

Following last week's (October 23) "Touch The Sky" release from 1st Of The Month, Vol. 5, Cam'ron, Wiz Khalifa, and Smoke DZA shared the visual. Thematically, all three independent Hip-Hop icons decided to sit this one down. From couches and chairs (Cam's notably being on top of a Harlem high-rise),... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels Makes Blockbuster Night A Double Feature (Audio)

On Friday (October 24) Killer Mike & El-P slammed down RTJ2 for full stream and free download. Available for purchase too, the Mass Appeal Records effort (what up, Nas!) garnered rapid acclaim from Heads who enjoyed Mike's fervor, El's sarcasm, Bigga's charisma, and Producto's futuristic beats. So why not have... Read more

October 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Busta Rhymes vs. Inspectah Deck…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

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Vic Mensa Says “Post-Racial Society” Is A Lie, Details Traffic Sound (Video)

While performing recently in Canada, Chicago, Illinois' Vic Mensa swung through Montreality. During the signature interview chronicling everything from video games to academic life, fetishes to romantic gestures, Vic opens up about his Traffic album. Around the 3:40 mark, the Save Money star declares that his full-length will be, in... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Jay Rock Explains Where It All Began, And What A Journey… (Video)

TDE's rise began with Jay Rock, who ushered the independent label to major distribution through a Warner Bros. Records deal nearly a decade ago. The Watts MC who was the youngin' around the old heads brought that acquired knowledge, respect, and that wisdom to his music, uncut Gangsta Rap at... Read more

October 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Food for Thought, Fresh, Video

After 15 Years Of Dope Tracks, A Jake One Beat Tape Beckons The Listen (Audio)

In addition to albums with Freeway, Brother Ali, and his own acclaimed White Van Music, Jake One's production discography extends back to the '90s, with heat alongside the likes of G-Unit, Evidence, Ghostface Killah, T.I., and Rick Ross. The veteran Seattle, Washington producer (once represented by Sha Money XL) has... Read more

October 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Did You Know Big Daddy Kane Produced Nearly All of His 1st Album? Kane Speaks (Audio)

Here's another incredibly dope interview from the archives of Shawn Setaro, former Editor-In-Chief of Rap Genius and current curator of TheCipherShow.com. Early last year, he had a super in-depth interview with Big Daddy Kane--so deep, in fact, that Kane openly said no one had ever asked him some of the... Read more

October 26, 2014 Throwback

Rick Ross & R. Kelly Keep Doin’ That Luxe Life Music (Video)

Earlier this month, Rick Ross dropped off the club banger "Keep Doin' That," featuring a velvety hook from R. Kelly. The two unite in the video which features cameos from Jeezy, T.I. and more. With Ross and Kellz, the theme is simple--it's all about that luxe life. Check out the... Read more

October 26, 2014 Video

Logic Does an Off The Top Freestyle Over Seven Minutes of Funk (Video)

Logic hit the Sway in the Morning show to discuss his new album, Under Pressure (easily one of the best of the year). While the album had hit number 1 overall on iTunes that day, Logic said his concern was not with short term success but with creating an album... Read more

October 25, 2014 Video

Planet Asia Makes a Short Horror Film for the Visuals to Mystique (Video)

Try not to nod your head to the vibrations emanating from the speakers on Planet Asia and Tzarizm's "Mystique." As P.A.'s laser lyrics start nearly a capella, it's almost impossible not to move once the beat kicks in. For the video, they take it up a level. Just in time... Read more

October 25, 2014 Video

Alchemist Digs in the Vault for Some Unreleased Mobb Deep Music (Audio)

Drake is not the only one celebrating his birthday this weekend by releasing new music. Alchemist turned 37 today and dug in his vaults to unearth this previously unreleased Mobb Deep gem. Check out "Biology." Related: It’s No Dream… Mobb Deep & The LOX Are Living Lush (Video)... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

New Music From KRS-One? That’s a Blessing (Audio)

Here's a new track from KRS-One, Cutty Ranks and Brooklyn MC/Producer, Grand Surgeon. Check out "The Blessings." Related: Ready for Some New KRS-One? BOOM (Audio)... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

Drake Celebrates His Birthday By Releasing 3 New Songs (Audio)

Drake has been celebrating his 28th birthday this weekend (10/24) and he's bringing his fans in on the party by releasing three brand new songs--one turn up, one mid-tempo and one ballad. The tracks are provided by longtime collaborators Boi-1da and 40. Check out "6 God," "How Bout Now" and... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio

Ever See This Cypher with Big Pun, DMX, Mos Def, Canibus, John Forte & Mic Geronimo? (Video)

Some moments are worth re-living...Like this cypher between Big Pun, DMX, Mos Def, Canibus, John Forte and Mic Geronimo. Back in the day, the 6 skilled MCs were at a table sharing a true Hip-Hop moment and decided to have a friendly cypher. Onlookers included Toure, Irv Gotti and others... Read more

October 25, 2014 Throwback

Can You Imagine Finding Rakim’s Lost Rhyme Book?? The God MC Speaks (Audio)

Here's a fantastic interview of Rakim by Shawn Setaro from earlier in the year. Setaro, former Editor in Chief of Rap Genius, has a podcast series called The Cipher, and he approaches the conversations with the intellect and depth of a true student of the game. He questions Rakim about... Read more

October 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

DJ Premier Unleashes A Gang Starr Tape Of B-Sides, Rarities & Remixes (Mixtape)

Today (October 24), DJ Premier opened up the online Gang Starr merchandise store through his PremierWuzHere website. With an assortment of shirts, hats, hoodies, and more—exclusively set up by the Texan-turned-New Yorker, sharing its proceeds with the family of late partner Guru, Preem got behind the wheels of steel to... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean Pay Tribute to Haile Selassie (Audio)

Lupe Fiasco and Nikki Jean pay tribute to Ethiopian leader and Rastafari hero, Haile Selassie. Check it out. Related: Lupe Fiasco is Feeling Lost In The Atlantic Ocean (Audio)... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio

Finding The GOAT: 50 Cent vs. DMX…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

October 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Run the Jewels Album Has Leaked. Listen to It Then Support Real Hip-Hop (Audio Stream & Download)

The gift and the curse...The digital era has provided unfettered access to music. You can have anything ever recorded--anything--with just a few clicks. For fans, this is the golden age. There has been no better time. For artists, it's a mixed bag. On the one hand the direct connection with... Read more

October 24, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Finding The GOAT: Kurtis Blow vs. Kool Moe Dee…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

October 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Tragedy Khadafi Remains An Intelligent Hoodlum On Free Thinkers 2 (Audio)

In addition to his integral role with Capone-N-Noreaga, Tragedy Khadafi (p/k/a The Intelligent Hoodlum) was an influential MC to the likes of Nas, Cormega, Mobb Deep, and Nature dating back to Juice Crew days. Signed to a major label, mentored by Marley Marl, blending smooth rhymes with highly-informed lyrics, Trag'... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

MC Lyte Makes The Perfect Visual For Her Latest Common Collabo (Video)

Following last month's "Dear John," MC Lyte & Common's latest collaboration gets a narrative video. The song about men taking on a greater role in their families amidst the stressful and demanding circumstances gets a video that highlights fatherhood, especially Black fatherhood, including some celebrity cameos. This concept is executed... Read more

October 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

If You Love When Ras Kass Challenges Organized Religion, Check This (Audio)

Ras Kass has challenged organized religion since Soul On Ice. The voracious reader proves that he's up on the sacred texts on "How To Kill God." For an MC once criticized for never getting great beats on his albums, Apollo Brown supplies this Blasphemy banger with an undeniable beat that... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Cam’ron Touches The Sky With Wiz Khalifa & Smoke DZA (Audio)

Cam'ron is one of the most influential MCs of the wave right now. Both Wiz Khalifa and Smoke DZA, who had loose ties to Dipset since battling J.R. Writer in the early 2000s, owe a lot to Killa Cam. The irreverence, the humor, the style of the Harlem, New York... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Phone Taps Into Some Faith Evans & Carl Thomas Heat (Audio)

Raekwon's TBT series rolls on, with an early '00s tilt. Chef looks to Faith Evans & Carl Thomas' "Can't Believe," which is not even his first Faith nod. The song notably swacked the basis of the beat to The Firm's "Phone Tap," made by Rae's friends and collaborators Nas, AZ,... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

M.O.P. and Busta Rhymes Bring the Ruckus in Broad Daylight (Audio)

Who talks tougher on wax than M.O.P and Busta Rhymes? The three hard-spittin' MCs link on a slow and deliberate track and commence to beat it up. Check out "Broad Daylight." Related: M.O.P. Wears 2 Crowns In The County Of Kings In 187 (Video)... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio

LL Cool J Wants to Tell Tha World He’s Back In a Great Way (Audio)

LL Cool J continues his return to Hip-Hop with another strong release. "Tell Tha World" is a song of hope and encouragement. Both the soulful track and L's words make this feel good music. Check it out. Related: LL Cool J is in Ripper Mode With Raekwon & Murda Mook... Read more

October 23, 2014 Audio

9th Wonder, Talib Kweli & Pharoahe Monch Join Forces to Distribute Independent Hip-Hop (Video)

You think Hip-Hop is dead? 9th Wonder, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch don't. The three like-minded guardians of the culture have come together to form an independent company to distribute Hip-Hop artists who they believe represent the ethos of the music they (and we) have come to love. The company... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

DJ Premier & Royce Da 5’9″ Release Their 1st Video as PRhyme (Video)

A few weeks ago, DJ Premier & Royce Da 5'9" released a teaser video that set the Internet on FIRE. Days later, they would reveal that Premier has teamed with Royce to form his first group since Gang Starr. Now, they release the entire version of that visual which turns... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Schoolboy Q Discusses His Scariest Moment as a Gang Banger on Highly Questionable (Video)

Schoolboy Q is a master of juxtaposition. In his music, the Black Hippy heavy often will say the rawest and darkest things in the most serene and detached ways (check "Hoover St" for example). Q exhibited this contrast on ESPN's Highly Questionable where he ranged from tongue in cheek humor... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Styles P Goes Back to Phantom and the Ghost For His Latest Visual (Video)

Styles P shows off the versatility of his flow on "Smoke All Day" from his Phantom and the Ghost album. Usually at home with a steely flow over grimy beats, this one finds Ghost rapping over a soulful and melodic track...right in the pocket. Check out the video. Related: Finding... Read more

October 22, 2014 Video

Finding The GOAT: Nelly vs. Ja Rule…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

October 22, 2014 Fresh

Logic Rocks The Multi-Syllabic Rhyme Scheme In His Backroom Freestyle (Video)

Logic's Under Pressure release date (October 21) has been an all out blitz of content. From free album streams, camera crews meeting his parents in the livingroom, interviews, and everything between, it would not be complete without a freestyle from the proven star of the free-form approach. Hitting the "106... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

DJ Vadim Lays Down That Supreme A Tribe Called Quest Megamix (Audio)

DJ Vadim and A Tribe Called Quest are contemporaries of one another. However, the London-raised DJ/producer (born in Russia) came into vogue in the mid-1990s, and 20 years later, his mixes are staples in highlighting the popular, under-the-surface, and downright rare moments from the culture, whether in the '80s or... Read more

October 21, 2014 Audio, Throwback