News Archives

Finding The GOAT: Rick Ross vs. Fabolous…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 30, 2014 Fresh

For Devil’s Night, Get A Mix Of Esham, Brotha Lynch Hung, Tim Dog & More (Mixtape)

In many places, the night before Halloween means mischief, juvenile terror, and at the very least, smashed pumpkins (not of the Billy Corgan variety either). Instead of reeking havoc on your neighbors, or keeping an eye on your jack'o lanterns, why not just vibe out with some raps that are... Read more

October 30, 2014 Audio, Mixes

Do Remember: DJ Crazy Toones, Kurupt & Soopafly’s Gangbang Music (Video)

Heads need to be up on DJ Crazy Toones. A former member of WC & The M.a.a.d Circle, this South Central, Los Angeles-based DJ is nice on the turntables. Still touring with Dub (his blood brother) and Ice Cube to this day, Toones became an in-house producer at Mack 10's... Read more

October 30, 2014 Throwback

Rochelle Jordan Entered A Contest To Record With Timbaland. The Results BUMP (Audio)

Microsoft and Lenovo recently partnered for "Team Up With Timbaland," a contest that allowed regular folk to potentially work with the Virginia native super-producer/artist, and join the likes of Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, and Aaliyah. One such Top 5 finalist, Rochelle Jordan, proved that she's anything but ordinary. "So Good"... Read more

October 30, 2014 Audio, Fresh

DJ Craze Is A DMC World Champion Turntablist. Check His Kanye West New Slaves Routine (Video)

If you've seen the film Scratch, you're up on DJ Craze. The Miami, Florida-based DJ is featured amidst competition. Around the time of the Doug Pray film's production, Craze was an undisputed king of turntablism, winning the DMC World Championships in 1999, 2000, and 2001. In 1998, he was also... Read more

October 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ras Kass Flips A Classic Jay Z Lyric On Its Head In A Masterful Freestyle (Video)

Mello Music Group has been around for almost a decade. After acclaimed involving O.C., Oddisee, and Planet Asia, the just-released Blasphemy by Ras Kass & Apollo Brown seems to be reaching the furthest into the industry, just days in. After stopping through the "106 & Park" Backroom, Ras Kass appears... Read more

October 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Joe Budden Shifts Gears and Releases a Song That’s All About Those BARS (Audio)

"Still in my prime but this ain't Nickel or Primo..." Joe Budden takes a break from love-related songs and releases one that's all about those BARS--there's no hook, just lyrics. In fact, Joey says: "I Might Need More Than 16 Tho." Check it out. Related: Joe Budden Opens Up About... Read more

October 29, 2014 Audio

Faith Evans, The First Lady of Hip-Hop, is Back for a Good Time (Video)

Faith Evans, the First Lady of Hip-Hop, is making a return and it sounds so good...Her latest single, "Good Time," is a party-starter with big harmonies, a verse from Problem and tons of Soul. The video showcases the celebratory feeling of just living in the moment. Check it out. Related:... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

DJ Quik Laces Bishop Lamont With a Hypnotic Track That’s So Addictive (Audio)

One of DJ Quik's most radical and enduring tracks was "Addictive" by Truth Hurts. It caught your attention with the mystical chanting in the beginning and, once the rolling drums commenced, it was wrap. The iconic producer/MC returns to that drum pattern on Bishop Lamont's aptly-titled "Hypnotize You." The meditative... Read more

October 29, 2014 Audio

Joell Ortiz Has the Questions…and the Answers About Why He’s Real Rap (Video)

On his song "Q&A," Joell Ortiz has a very intense conversation...with himself. He addresses his motivations for rapping, his belief that he is underrated, how and why he lost weight and more. The visuals find him in multiple settings, donning several personas as he underscores the themes highlighted in the... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

Ice Cube Does Magic Tricks for Elmo and It’s ASTOUNDING (Video)

In 1988, would you have ever believed that Ice Cube, Amerikkka's Most Wanted, himself, would ever be on Sesame Street?? Times have definitely changed...Check out this video of Cube doing magic tricks for Elmo. It's guaranteed you will find it ASTOUNDING. Related: Ice Cube Has Some Furrowed Brow Follow-Up Fun... Read more

October 29, 2014 Video

Dr. Dre Becomes The First Hip-Hop Artist To Create An Entire College Degree

Earlier this year, Dr. Dre was reported to become Hip-Hop's first billionaire. The Compton, California native has come a long way from selling mixtapes at L.A. swap meets like The Rodium, in the 1980s: The #1 earning Forbes Hip-Hop artist in 2014 is doing big things with his fortune. Teaming... Read more

October 29, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Pimp C vs. Devin The Dude…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 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Rock & Kendrick Lamar Are Out To Make Opponents Pay For It (Audio)

In a year where so many are looking for heroes, Jay Rock is standing tall. Quietly, the Watts MC represents the perspective of an intelligent, strategic man, informed by some of the most cutthroat streets in the world, and a city not known to be merciful. "Pay For It" comes... Read more

October 29, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Lil Wayne Puts The LOX In The Spotlight With His Carter 5 Latest Listen (Audio)

In the first 10 years of the current millennium, few artists kept the streets fed like Lil Wayne and The LOX (t/k/a D-Block). All '90s alums, Weezy, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch all got better, sharper, and more ferocious on the microphone. Along the way, while they ran in... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

J-Live Turns An Open Letter Protesting Police Violence Into Song (Audio)

In the wake of ongoing deaths of Black men at the hands of police in America, J-Live has something to say. The Brooklyn, New York native wrote down his thoughts in an essay called "I Am A Man (American Justice)," focusing on the hypocrisy in the discourse around this issue,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Childish Gambino vs. Kendrick Lamar…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 28, 2014 Fresh

Logic Is “Just Havin’ A Good Time, Spittin’ This Rhyme” In A True Freestyle (Video)

Tomorrow (October 29), Heads can see if Logic's just-released Under Pressure is the #1 album in the country. For now though, the Gaithersburg, Maryland MC is just having fun. He rhymes about that light-hearted mood, just playing with words on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays. Whimsical with his direction, Logic seems... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ras Kass & Apollo Brown Allow All To Hear The Blasphemy (Album Stream)

Today (October 28), Ras Kass & Apollo Brown release Blasphemy. As label Mello Music Group likes to do, the album is available for free, full stream, enticing your support, should you feel so compelled. This MC/producer tandem brings the Carson, California veteran lyricist to the Michigan-based beat-master/member of The Left,... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

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