News Archives

Homeboy Sandman, J-Live & Kurious Jorge Run An MC Clinic (Audio)

Elmhurst, Queens' Homeboy Sandman released Hallways, his fifth album, on September 2 via Peanut Butter Wolf's Stones Throw Records. The loquacious MC teamed with two New Yorkers who blazed his trail that he's followed and adapted with. J-Live and Kurious (f/k/a Kurious Jorge) joined H.B.S on "Enough." The sweet, melodic... Read more

September 24, 2014 Audio, Fresh

50 Cent & Snoop Dogg GET REAL About Rap Crews & Money, With G-Unit Sitting There (Video)

For all the reality TV shows, the Snoop Lion campaign, and the family-friendlier Snoop, there's still reminders of what Heads heard on "Deep Cover" 23 years ago. One of the platforms for this side of Snoop is the GGN. Interviewing all five members of G-Unit, Snoop begins in true G-fashion,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Buddy & Snoop’s Crime of the Century Sounds Like a West Coast Coming of Age (Audio)

Buddy's "Crime of the Century" sounds like a West Coast version of Jay Z and Memphis Bleek's "Coming of Age" from Jay's Reasonable Doubt album, mixed with a dash of "Deep Cover." Similarly to how Jay and Bleek did on "Coming of Age," Buddy and Snoop go back and forth,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio

Kendrick Lamar Discusses His Control Verse 1-Year Later (Video)

Kendrick Lamar dropped by Power 106 and while there was reminded the 1-year anniversary of the verse that shook up the Hip-Hop world had recently passed (8/13). 13 months removed from the furor, Kendrick put the song in perspective and spoke on his relationships with many of the artists he... Read more

September 23, 2014 Video

Dr. Dre Estimated To Have Made More Than Next 24 Wealthiest Hip-Hop Stars, Combined

It's Dre Day, and everybody's celebratin'. Following 2013's announcement that Jay Z and Puff Daddy were the Forbes Cash Kings (top earners) of the year, they can watch the throne now. As anticipated, Dr. Dre assumes the pole position—following a year where Apple bought his Beats By Dre Electronics line... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

Nitty Scott, Chris Webby, Smoke DZA & CJ Fly Cypher With Conviction (Video)

One day after the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards' Digital All-Stars Cypher (Emilio Rojas, Andy Mineo, Dreezy, Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, Conceited) premiered, RAW rolling papers' shows another healthy, talented crop of MCs. Nitty Scott, MC, Pro Era's CJ Fly, Chris Webby, and veteran Smoke DZA represent the NY tri-state lovely,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Diamond District Really Has Something In Their March On Washington (Audio)

After sharing their "First Step" towards sophomore album, March On Washington (October 14) a month ago, Oddisee, yU, and X.O are back for more. "Lost Cause" is a very experimental beat from Oddy, with some powerful lyrics on the hopelessness and recklessness in society, this song really leaves marks. With... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Yelawolf Reworks Jimi Hendrix As A Modern Man’s Voodoo Chile (Audio)

Yelawolf's freestyle diggin' in the Classic Rock continues. This time, the pride of Gadsden, Alabama salutes the pride of Seattle, Washington. Catfish Billy goes down to some old Electric Blues, sketching out lyrics about some evil tendencies on the mic, covering the Jimi Hendrix Experience's 1968 Electric Ladyland album single,... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Pro Era Gets Industrial In Their Incredibly Polished Hail Razor Visual (Video)

CJ Fly, Dessy Hinds, and A La $ole show some Pro Era depth in the complex visual to "Hail Razor." The video features additional bandmates, as they go to an abandoned mill/assembly line to show just how rooted in the grit they are. This from the Scion A/V-backed The Shift... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rapsody Brings The Drama (Audio)

On her upcoming Beauty & The Beast EP (October 7), Rapsody is trying new things. After more than five years patiently waiting in the Hip-Hop independent crosswinds, Rap' is downright taking hers by force. The Khrysis-produced "Drama" (which Heads got a glimpse of last week) lives up to its name.... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T’s Cadillactica Gets Its Release Date, And It’s Coming Soon

As anticipated from last week's video series premiere and See Me On Top, Vol. 4 mixtape release, Big K.R.I.T took to video today (September 23) to announce the release date for his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica. The Cinematic/Def Jam Records release, due on November 11, is the follow-up to... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

AZ, Freeway, Havoc & Kids These Days’ Macie Stewart Bolster A-Villa’s Message (Audio)

Chicago's A-Villa is a Closed Sessions producer coming up on the scene. Like anybody behind the boards, he's likely dreamed of big concepts, executed by lyrical giants. That dream is a reality on "Day In The Life." AZ Tha Visualiza, Havoc, Freeway, and Macie Stewart (Kids These Days) punctuate the... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A 30 Year Salute To The Cosby Show From A 30-Something (Food For Thought)

Thirty years ago this past weekend (September 20, 1984 to be exact), "The Cosby Show" premiered in NBC's Thursday night lineup. Followed by "Family Ties," "Cheers," "Night Court" and "Hill Street Blues," the show would join what would prove to be one of the most championed, and most enduring programs... Read more

September 23, 2014 Food for Thought, Fresh

Kendrick Lamar’s New Single is One Of The Realest Records For The Streets (Audio)

After hinting at it last week, Kendrick Lamar has released what is perceived as the first single of his sophomore major label album. Although it was forecast by some to feature Black Hippy band-mate Jay Rock, "i" is a solo set, produced by Rahki ("Black Boy Fly"). Based around a... Read more

September 23, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

No Matter How Much You Know About Biggie, You Will Learn Something From This Discussion (Video)

As a part of last week's 20th anniversary coverage of The Notorious B.I.G's Ready To Die album, NPR "Microphone Check" assembled a panel in Brooklyn. Hosts Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) and Frannie Kelley were joined by dream hampton (author, The Source), Matty C. (The Source, A&R), Biggie... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Says There Are No Lies On Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt (Video)

After a titillating first chapter, Hip-Hop Wired returns with a second segment of "Off The Record" with DJ Clark Kent. HHW's Aqua Boogie asks Clark about a more obscure cut, in Mad Skillz' (n/k/a Skillz) 1995 single, "Move Ya Body." Interestingly enough, while LL Cool J had hoped to swack... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Jay Electronica Joins Common & Vince Staples On Stage for the Kingdom Remix (Video)

As reported, Jay Electronica joined Common and Vince Staples on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta for a powerful remix to Common's Kingdom. Last night, the trio did another performance of the remix at the AAHH! Fest in Chicago and footage of Jay Elec's verse was captured.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Video

Childish Gambino Rips Another Verse on Free at Last (Video)

Childish Gambino is quickly becoming a feature favorite. Mr. Glover consistently delivered high-quality verses that are energetic and highly original. When you combine that with producer S-X's cinematic production...you have a winner. Check out "Free at Last." Related: Childish Gambino Sings a Sober Love Song (Audio)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio

Foreign Exchange Goes Above The Clouds In Dreams Are Made For Two (Video)

From Love In Flying Colors (released one year ago this week), Foreign Exchange showcases their Carlita Durand assisted single, "Dreams Are Made For Two." As the song has been to the album, the moment is warm, euphonic, and tender. So what better setting than the mountaintops for Phonte and Carlita... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

XXL Magazine Says Farewell To Print Edition

After more than 17 years, XXL magazines will no longer be in book stores and magazine stands. The Harris Publications property, which at one time, was the leading print Hip-Hop publication announced today (September 22) that it will be available exclusively in digital format, at XXLMag.com. The Manhattan-based magazine, which... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh

Ab-Soul is the Consummate Storyteller in the Latest Episode of CRWN (Video)

Ab-Soul is the latest participant in the CWRN interview series, hosted by Elliott Wilson. Soulo showed himself to be a master storyteller as he touched on multiple topics ranging from the disease that severely damaged his eyesight to the roles each member of TDE plays in the collective to discussing... Read more

September 22, 2014 Video

Jay Electronica Says He’s Sitting On Many Albums Worth Of Music, Elaborates On Drug Use (Video)

The always elusive Jay Electronica hit the 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards red carpet leading up to his performance of "Kingdom Remix," alongside Common and Vince Staples. MTV News was able to speak to the Roc Nation artist about the latest developments surrounding his long-awaited Act II: Patents Of Nobility (The Turn)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

TDE Meets G.O.O.D, As Benny Cassette Links With Isaiah Rashad (Audio)

Fans know that Isaiah Rashad seems to release less music than anybody on Top Dawg Entertainment—well, almost anybody. However, when he does, the Volunteer State MC makes it count. This is true on the topical "Virgo Season," alongside G.O.O.D Music producer/writer Benny Cassette. With his own project, Apocalypse, on the... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

E-40 Is The Focal Point Of A New Jam By Ya Boy, Droop-E & Earl Himself (Audio)

Like UGK and Three 6 Mafia, E-40 is a major influence on the artists of today. The slangistical Vallejo vocalist has nearly 30 years in the game, changing his beats with the times, all while being committed to dazzling raps. Re-popularized through the likes of DJ Mustard and YG, Game,... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Digital Stars Of 2014 Show Out In This BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher (Video)

The first of many 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers has hit the web. Curated as a "Digital All-Star" grouping, this includes the Top 15-selling Andy Mineo, veteran Emilio Rojas, Common-cosigned Dreezy, De La Soul-cosigned Dillon Cooper, Retro Jace, and Conceited. With the exception of Mineo, who rang bells last year... Read more

September 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

G.O.O.D Music’s Hudson Mohawke Lays Down A Mix Featuring Madlib, Rah Digga & D.I.T.C (Audio)

Hudson Mohawke is one of the plethora of artists in the G.O.O.D Music ensemble. Heads who like "Mercy" and "Blood On The Leaves" are familiar with his handiwork within the fold of hits, however the Glasgow, Scotland producer/DJ has a decade of work in the game, with ties to (other)... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mary J Blige Makes A Song That Brings Chills The Whole Damn Year (Audio)

If there is one constant in Mary J Blige's music throughout her career, it's pain. Whether produced by Puff Daddy, Dr. Dre, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, or Tricky Stewart, M.J.B's LPs always lead with the heart, which has made her a fixture in music for more than 22 years.... Read more

September 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Week in Hip-Hop Video: Royce Da 5’9″ & DJ Premier, Common, Styles P, Cormega, Joey Bada$$, Jeezy, Big KRIT & More (Video Playlist)

The week in video brought an incredible teaser from Royce Da 5'9", DJ Premier & Adrian Younge, dope freestyles from Joey Bada$$ and Murda Mook, videos from Styles P & Chris Rivers, Cormega, Mursday, Jeezy and Apollo Brown & Ras Kass, conversations with Big K.R.I.T. and Ab-Soul, and an amazing... Read more

September 21, 2014 Playlists, Video

Here’s a Long Lost Duet from Michael Jackson and Queen’s Freddie Mercury (Audio)

More than 30 years ago, Michael Jackson and Queen's Freddie Mercury began working on a duet called "There Must Be More to Life Than This." For whatever reason, they never completed the song and Mercury went on to release it with only his vocals as part of his 1985 solo... Read more

September 21, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here Are Highlights From the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in 5 Tweets

The 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards were taped in Atlanta and they brought some epic moments, including an appearance by the parents of Michael Brown. Here's a summary of what's to come in 5 tweets. RT @Daydog: Murda Mook just stole the whole #BEThiphopAwards!! Too many barz!! #Eazy!!— Julia Beverly... Read more

September 20, 2014 Fresh

Murda Mook Drops a Killer Verse on Sway in the Morning (Video)

Murda Mook is most famous for chopping heads on stage during his hard-scrabble battles. But, rest assured, when he steps out of the arena and behind the mic, he still gets busy. Mook paid a visit to the Sway in the Morning show and delivered a blistering freestyle, all while... Read more

September 20, 2014 Video

Like Hip-Hop and 80’s Music? These 2 Mixes Will Blow Your Mind (Audio)

DJ Scene had a love for Hip-Hop turntablism and 80's music. So...why not put the two together? His 2080s Mixes (Vol. 1 & 2) do just that, blending a wide-range of 80's music with some of the illest scratching you'll hear. Volume 1 covers the spectrum including Michael Jackson, Prince,... Read more

September 20, 2014 Audio, Throwback

DOOM & Bishop Nehru Breathe Life Into Hip-Hop Through Caskets (Audio)

DOOM and Bishop Nehru (Nehruvian DOOM) jump on a groovy psychedelic soul track and proceed to black out. There's no hook and barely even mention of the title. But, there are enough nimble linguistics to make your head spin...again and again. This is Hip-Hop purely for nothing but the love.... Read more

September 19, 2014 Audio

Murs & ¡Mayday! Deliver Blistering Freestyles While Having Fun (Video)

Sometimes even the best content slips through the cracks...A little over 3 weeks ago, Murs and ¡Mayday! (¡Mursday!) burst into BET's Backroom and CRUSHED it with 3 killer verses. What's more? They had fun. You can see it in their delivery. If you missed this (like we did) it is... Read more

September 19, 2014 Video

Styles P & Chris Rivers on a 3-Part Alchemist Beat? FIRE (Video)

Styles P and Chris Rivers (Big Pun's son) team up on an Alchemist track that twists and turns on "The Myth & The Omen." The beat changes 3 times, shifting from grimy to boom bap to incredibly soulful. Check out the video. Related: Chris Rivers (aka Baby Pun) Goes 0... Read more

September 19, 2014 Video

Ras Kass & Apollo Brown Takeover the Backroom for a True School Verse (Video)

Ras Kass and Apollo Brown took over The Backroom on 106 & Park to deliver some True School Hip-Hop. Ras dropped a vintage verse while Apollo manned the wheels of steel with an original track. Check out the video. Related: Ras Kass & Apollo Brown Slice Down That Humble Pi... Read more

September 19, 2014 Video

Time Travel Back To 1987 With This Rare Taped DJ Red Alert Radio Show (Mix)

The site Medium is cookin' up some great content. Less than a week after their breakdown at 2Pac's breaking records (literally) at the short-lived Suge Knight-owned Club 662, Medium liberates some ephemeral greatness from 10 years prior. One of the true juggernauts of Hip-Hop radio, DJ Stretch Armstrong (of Stretch... Read more

September 19, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Snoop & Tha Dogg Pound Release That’s My Work 5 (Mixtape)

Ahead of his hosting gig for the BET Hip Hop Awards, Uncle Snoop Dogg releases the 5th installment of his That's My Work mixtape series, along with Daz Dillinger, Kurupt and DJ Drama. Check out the stream and download below. Download Mixtape Related: Out Of Seemingly Thin & Smoky Air,... Read more

September 18, 2014 Mixes

Eminem Releases a Lyric Video for Guts Over Fear and Shows His Skill are Still Sharp (Video)

It's easy to take Eminem for granted. Marshall Mathers has been one of the illest to ever touch the pen for more than 15 years. Even his sub-par work (by his standards) is better than the vast majority of MCs could ever aspire to be. On "Guts Over Fear," Em... Read more

September 18, 2014 Video

Prince is on a Roll…A Funky One. Check Out His Latest Jam (Audio)

Having torn the roof off the mutha in 5 decades, Prince is a master of re-invention. His latest jam incorporates present day drums and samples with his trademark guitar shredding and good old-fashioned FUNK. Check out FUNKNROLL. Related: Prince Heats It Up With a Slow Jam Like U Know Only... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio

Who’s Part Of The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cyphers? See The List!

The 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards will air on October 14 at 8pm. Hosted by "Uncle" Snoop Dogg, the affair will reportedly include performances by Jay Electronica, Common, T.I., Mike WiLL Made It, and others. The annual music event will also continue the honored tradition of the annual cyphers. While specifics... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh

Common & J Dilla’s The Light Was Part Of The Love Movement. Get The Backstory (Video)

Common's career took a tremendous turn on 2000's Like Water For Chocolate. At the perceived pinnacle of the Okay Player artist movement, Common and MCA Records made what is rarely considered the MC's best album, but may very well be his most important. Transitioning from the critical acclaim of 1997's... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Is Flying Lotus The 2014 Equivalent Of Parliament-Funkadelic? Hear The Latest (Audio)

Based on the upcoming work with Kendrick Lamar alone, chances are Flying Lotus' stock is about to skyrocket. The Los Angeles, California native producer/musician/DJ has put in a decade making music that defied genre limitations, and just thrived off that nod factor. This is true of "Coronus, The Terminator." From... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Denitia & Sene Get Electrified On The Catchy side fx (Audio)

Denitia & Sene may have began as a side project of sorts, but this Brooklyn, based-duo may have found their respective knacks. Gearing up for an EP, side fx, the pair let off the title track today. "side fx" is SynthPop, Electro, and Soul all blended together, with some charged... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Your Old Droog Gets The lllest Remix From J-Zone & Sacha Jenkins (Audio)

If anybody's able to remix Your Old Droog, it's J-Zone and Sacha Jenkins. The former, a Queens veteran with productions for Akinyele, R.A. The Rugged Man, and The Juggaknots, hits the drum pads with precision, while O.G. journalist/musician Jenkins (ego trip!, Mass Appeal, The White Mandingos) hits the guitar licks.... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Do Remember: Geto Boys’ Bring It On, The Ultimate Rap-A-Lot Posse Cut (Audio)

Plenty of Hip-Hop groups have seen lineup changes. Ice Cube famously (and rather loudly) exited N.W.A in 1990 to pursue solo interests away from Ruthless Records. After a fast-track to stardom, Young Jeezy departed from Boyz N The Hood to become a Corporate Thug at Def Jam. Cee-Lo, and later... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

Raekwon Revisits Stevie Wonder on His Throwback Thursday Hey Love Freestyle (Video)

From De La Soul to Kwame, MCs have gravitated toward Stevie Wonder's classic, "Hey Love." So, it's not altogether surprising that Raekwon has chosen the sweet and soulful ditty for his latest Throwback Thursday freestyle. Check out Rae's take on the timeless track below. What throwback would you like to... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio

Dawaun Parker Worked A Lot On Dr. Dre’s Detox. He Says The Concept Is Scrapped (Video)

Within Dr. Dre's inner-circle at Aftermath Entertainment throughout the last 10 years, Dawaun Parker is a key member. The Boston, Massachusetts native who cut his teeth working with artists like T.I. on King would subsequently work alongside guys like Dre, J Dilla, and Eminem on albums by Busta Rhymes, 50... Read more

September 18, 2014 Fresh, Video

ScHoolboy Q Joins Disclosure & Sam Smith To Remix Latch (Audio)

Last year's platinum single "Latch" by Disclosure featuring Sam Smith set the table for further UK Synthpop in 2014. As Sam Smith is currently winning over (and working with) Hip-Hop Heads, Disclosure invited ScHoolboy Q to their party. Groovy Q comes in late on the track to talk to the... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Remember The Knicks’ John Starks? He’s Got A Story To Tell About Biggie Smalls (Video)

From 1990 to 1998, John Starks was a rugged Shooting Guard for the New York Knicks. The same year Starks earned an All-Star nod amidst a New York Knicks push to the top of the Eastern Conference, The Notorious B.I.G released his debut, Ready To Die. By the time Biggie... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback