News Archives

Dilated Peoples’ DJ Babu Gets Blue-Eyed Soulful In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

With an album on the charts recently (very close to Dilated Peoples' all-time highest positioning at that, with Directors Of Photography), DJ Babu is next up to play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette. The Los Angeles, California-based turntablist/producer, who is also a Beat Junkies member grabs records ranging from The Association... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Do Remember: Original Flavor & JAY-Z’s Can I Get Open? (Video)

In the story of Roc-A-Fella Records, there is often an under-played element in the story: Ski Beatz. A Greensboro, North Carolina native, Ski (as he was known for more than a decade) hailed from the group Original Flavor. Previously, he was in The Bizzie Boys. Joined by Suave Lover, the... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Try On Joell Ortiz’ House Slippers (Album Stream)

A lot of anticipation surrounds Joell Ortiz' third solo album, House Slippers. On the revamped Penalty Records, the Brooklyn MC teamed with !llmind (Skyzoo, Boot Camp Clik, G.O.O.D Music) and Heatmakerz (Jim Jones, The Diplomats, AZ) for this LP. With the three-year hiatus between albums, the Slaughterhouse MC changed his... Read more

September 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Raekwon Has Faith In The Way You Used To Love Me (Audio)

Raekwon slides into the early '90s for this week's #TBT (his 13th overall) with Faith Evans' breakthrough 1995 single, "You Used To Love Me." Rae sounds slick on the Puff Daddy & Chucky Thompson-produced gold single, with a cocky verse about livin' good, and spoilin' the apple of his eyes.... Read more

September 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Wu-Tang Clan Heads & Film Buffs Know This Lyric Compilation Ain’t Nothing Ta F’ Wit (Video)

Wu-Tang Clan is currently gearing up for A Better Tomorrow. Well, this compilation of film dialogue certainly makes for a better today. Released a while back, this amazing cut-and-paste video recreates the exact lyrics to 1993's "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nothing Ta F' Wit." What's as impressive is that the editor... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

The Family Is In Tact, As Lil’ Kim & Jadakiss Are Sick With It (Audio)

Seventeen years after they were integral members of Puff Daddy & The Family, Lil' Kim and Jadakiss still have that bond on "Real Sick." Interestingly, The Notorious K.I.M is out to capture some of that Junior M.A.F.I.A-era mojo on tonight's latest mixtape, Hard Core. Kim is telling the Heads that... Read more

September 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Saigon & Kool G Rap Reunite, With Memphis Bleek & Lil Bibby (Audio)

A decade after "The Letter P," Saigon and Kool G Rap are back to their hard-hittin' double-dopeness on "Mechanical Animals (4 Generations)." Speaking to the subtitle, also on the cut is Memphis Bleek, and a surprising fourth (to some, anyway) in XXL freshman Lil Bibby. The song plays as its... Read more

September 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Lox Go to Work on That Rapper’s Delight Track With a Message…No Selfies (Audio)

More than many artists from their era, The Lox have evolved to embrace and harness the power of the digital age. They are mainstays in the blogosphere and even pulled a 'Yonce by releasing a surprise EP, strictly digitally. One thing they do not co-sign is self-taken photos. Their latest,... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio

Capone, Noreaga, Cormega & Nature Form Rap’s Mount Rushmore (Audio)

Capone, Noreaga, Cormega and Nature link on a Hazardis Soundz track to form Rap's Mount Rushmore. What's your ideal 4-person super group? Check out "Rap Rushmore." Related: Capone-N-Noreaga Talk Chasing Fame With Big L, Say AZ Stole Sugar Hill (Video)... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio

Logic Details the Concept Behind His Album Title & Its Artwork

After shredding mics through mixtapes and freestyles the last several years, Logic is on the brink of releasing his debut major label album. Today, he's revealed the artwork and title, as well as a detailed explanation of how Under Pressure came to be. Check out what Logic had to say... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh

Love Lives After Armageddon With L’Orange & Blu’s Need You (Video)

Producer L'Orange and MC Blu are no stranger to collaborating with one another and the duo continue to burgeon their musical relationship with their latest video for the single, "Need You," from L'Orange's upcoming album, The Orchid Days. The video itself is a three pronged attack of exceptional sight, sound,... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Yo Gotti & Bobby “Blue” Bland Evocatively Cover A Bill Withers Classic (Video)

Bill Withers' famed "Ain't No Sunshine" has been the basis, vocally and musically, for hits by DMX, 2Pac, and Kid Frost, among others. One of Bill's contemporaries, Bobby "Blue" Bland (of "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" and Gorillaz fame) took on the 1971 Sussex Records tune.... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Kendrick Lamar Employs a Poet’s Care On Chris Brown’s Autumn Leaves (Audio)

With snippets only surfacing in the past, Chris Brown's X album (September 16) collaboration with Kendrick Lamar surfaces in full. "Autumn Leaves" is just in time for the seasonal shift, as well as welcomed new music from two of the finest at their craft, living under the Los Angeles skyline.... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rick Rubin & Russell Simmons Remember The Beastie Boys’ Beginnings (Video)

In the second (of four) installment of the 30th anniversary Def Jam Records vignettes, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit down to remember Adam "MCA" Yauch. Interestingly enough, in recalling the pre-Licensed To Ill days of the New York City trio, Rick Rubin served as the Beasties' DJ, before DJ... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

DJ Clark Kent Remembers Junior M.A.F.I.A’s Player’s Anthem With A Funny LL Cool J Story (Video)

DJ Clark Kent is one of Hip-Hop's most consistent veterans. A DJ, a record executive, a producer, and a sneaker-head, Clark's hands (and more importantly, his ears) have shaped the careers of many, ranging from Jay Z and Rakim, to Saafir and Canibus. Sitting down with Hip-Hop Wire's Alvin Blanco,... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Nas Hops On ScHoolboy Q’s Studio & Gives Fans The Latest News (Audio)

The members of Black Hippy look up to Nas something fierce. All four members of the California collective have said as much over the last five years. With this in mind, Nasir pops onto the official "G Mix," or official Top Dawg Enterainment remix of ScHoolboy Q's "Studio," which also... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

M.O.P’s Billy Danze Recalls To The Death, How About Some Hardcore 20 Years Later

This year, M.O.P's debut album, To The Death, turns an astounding 20 years old. Released by Select Records on April 5, 1994, the LP was nearly entirely produced by fellow Brownsville, Brooklyn native D/R Period, who in addition to work with Smoothe Da Hustler, The Diplomats, and Shyheim Da Rugged... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

MC Serch Is Selling His 25-Year Sneaker Collection…For The Price Of A Porsche

So many Hip-Hop stars of yesteryear were freshly dressed. MC Serch is no exception, as the 3rd Bass MC/producer had that "Brooklyn-Queens" style from the fade, to the baseball jerseys, of course, to the kicks. That last part as it were, Serch's sneaker collection is now up for sale by... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

BJ The Chicago Kid Nods To James Brown In Real Love Never Dies (Video)

BJ The Chicago Kid pays homage to James Brown's famous drug outcry, "King Heroin." With the same instrumental and mood, "Real Love Never Dies" plays to another type of addiction, with the Motown Records star in the studio, pouring his heart out on the track. Is BJ's depth and range... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Joell Ortiz Shows His Childhood Alongside B.o.B In Music Saved My Life (Video)

Joell Ortiz' House Slippers look are in full fashion. For "Music Saved My Life," Ortiz and B.o.B rap from the present day, with massive joy on their faces. Inner-twined in the video, Heads can see dramatic flashbacks to a chubby juvenile Joell, and the pain and hardship that prompts his... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

B-Real & Snoop Make an O.G. West Coast Collaboration with a New Sound (Audio)

Shortly after the announcement of a new Cypress Hill album on the way, B-Real releases his latest solo effort. "Anybody" features Snoop and KingFly, and will be on B-Real's Dr. Greenthumb album. Check it out. Related: Cypress Hill’s Next Album Will Return To DJ Muggs Production... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio

Yelawolf Keeps Diggin’ In Rock Crates, Freestyling On A Doors Deep Cut (Audio)

Following last week's (September 2) freestyle over Pink Floyd's hit "Money" and another over Primus, Yelawolf keeps the Rock & Roll throwbacks coming, freestyling over The Doors' "Alabama Song." The deeper cut comes as a fitting choice for the Gadsden, Alabama native. On it, he talks extra slick, and engages... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bishop Lamont Invites DJ Quik & Quik’s Son To His Party (Audio)

Bishop Lamont's The Reformation is coming. The album—thee album, a first studio effort from the Carson, California MC once billed as a Dr. Dre protege. For "B-I-T-C-H," the MC who was reportedly managed by Dame Dash for a brief stint in the 2000s links with another Compton, Cali super-producer. DJ... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

A$AP Rocky Thrives On An Official Sam Smith Remix (Audio)

Sam Smith is killin' it in 2014. The 22 year-old British singer has dazzled fans of all kinds with his In The Lonely Hour debut. However, for the remix to "I'm Not The Only One," he looks to Harlem's resident star A$AP Rocky. Rocky, who's typically cool and hard to... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joell Ortiz Interviews Himself On A New House Slippers Look (Audio)

Back on one of Slaughterhouse's breakthrough songs, "Move On," Joell Ortiz set things off, knowing just what he thought media reporters cared most about concerning his career. After a hiatus from solo works, the Bushwick, Brooklyn MC tries his hand at that tactic again. "Q&A" addresses the things Heads may... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Dizzy Wright Looks At Headlines With Questions, He Needs Answers (Video)

After "State Of Mind" diverted its visual focus to the murder of Michael Brown, Dizzy Wright's latest video, "I Need Answers" pushes harder. The video follows police officers, with Dizzy (rapping in the church and also behind bars) speaking up for Black men being targeted, arrested, and murdered. Power, evocative... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

MC Lyte & Common Make A Powerful Concept Song Dedicated To Men (Audio)

In a week when discussions surrounding men-and-women's relations are especially strong, MC Lyte and Common are right and on time with "Dear John." Lyte, who has so successfully externalized in songs throughout the last 25 years, speaks to men with empathy and compassion, understanding the pressures faced, and the roles... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage, Fresh

Cypress Hill’s Next Album Will Return To DJ Muggs Production

Sometimes it's weird when legendary groups stop using their internal, amazing production. This has happened with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan (RZA), Black Moon (DJ Evil Dee/Da Beatminerz), and Jedi Mind Tricks (Stoupe), among many others. One group that's not about that life anymore is reportedly Cypress Hill. The three-man... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh

After An Intermission, The Incomparable Shakespeare Makes A Grand Return (Audio)

It's been a quiet six-month stretch for Brooklyn's The Incomparable Shakespeare. That changed this morning (September 9) with "High Stakes Remainz," a three-pronged instrumental and freestyle. Here, T.I.S breaks into a trifecta of Ahmad Jamal, De La Soul and Gang Starr. Within, Shakespeare kicks some wisdom with confidence about some... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Sir Michael Rocks Hits The Kill Switch In This Over The Top Visual (Video)

With Sir Michael Rocks' studio debut, Banco, hitting the Top 200, the Chicago native keeps pushing the LP featuring involvement from Too Short, Twista, DJ Mustard, and Mac Miller. Next up is the video to "Kill Switch." Within, Mikey Rocks seemingly plays on Illuminati iconography and hallucinogenic artwork. The beat... Read more

September 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

4 Out Of 5 G-Unit Members Freestyle On One Of Dr. Dre’s Finest Beats (Audio)

It appears as though G-Unit is on a bit of a freestyle tour. After some East Coast stops last week, the veteran, onetime platinum crew stopped through with the L.A. Leakers. While 50 Cent opted out, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Kidd Kidd flexed their vocal muscles over... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jim Jones Releases the Stream for We Own the Night Pt. 2 (Album Stream)

Jim Jones has released the stream for his 9-song album, We Own the Night, Pt. 2. The project features guest verses from Jadakiss, Yo Gotti, Hell Rell, Cam'ron and more. Jim and Cam haven't had the smoothest road, but over 15 years later, the Dipset stars are still being diplomatic... Read more

September 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

From CNN Headlines To NFL Storylines, Rapsody Uses It In This Freestyle (Audio)

Some artists have a nonchalant way of showing just how well-read they are. Today, Rapsody dropped a freestyle, "I'm A Beast" overtop the "Hoover Street" instrumental. Here, the Jamla flagship artist showcases her ties to the issues, ranging from the murder of Michael Brown to Tony Romo's missteps at quarterback... Read more

September 8, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Edo G & Chuck D Slam Lyrics Over A Chirped Up Rock Sample (Video)

Edo G's After All These Years album is sizing up. Going from Roxbury to Long Island, the O.G. slams a track alongside Chuck D of Public Enemy. "Fight" induces such an attitude, with a '70s Rock vocal sample (Ten Wheel Drive & Genya Ravan's "Ain't Gonna Happen," which was used... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nardwuar & Aziz Ansari Talk Master P, Hootie & The Blowfish and Much More (Video)

Nardwuar turned his offbeat interview style and impeccable research on Aziz Ansari. Rather than strictly talk comedy, the two also covered a broad range of musical topics spanning from Master P to Hootie & The Blowfish to Q-Bert and more. Check out the video. Related: Nardwuar vs. ?uestlove (Video)... Read more

September 8, 2014 Video

Childish Gambino Drops a Scorching Freestyle on Hot 97 (Video)

Childish Gambino does not get enough credit as one of the illest lyricists out right now. Whether its the Cypher, on wax or on radio shows, Mr. Glover shreds mics. After shutting down the Internet last year with his Sway in the Morning Pound Cake freestyle, he's back at it.... Read more

September 8, 2014 Video

Game Recruits Too Short & Problem in the Visuals for Or Nah (Video)

Too Short, Problem and more join Game in the video for "Or Nah." The song, interpolates Too Short's "Don't Fight the Feeling," and maintains the G-Funk bounce of the original. Check out the video. Related: Game Leads A Charge Against Police Brutality With More Than 10 All-Star Guests (Audio)... Read more

September 8, 2014 Video

20 Amazing Hip-Hop Projects From 2014, So Far (Videos)

2014 is entering its fourth quarter. As a whole, the year has seen some amazing musical developments in Hip-Hop. Mainstream artists like Common, The Roots, and Rick Ross (coincidentally, all Def Jam Records acts) have made statement albums, adding to respected and evolved catalogs. Veterans such as Cormega, Pharoahe Monch,... Read more

September 8, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

LL Cool J Showcases Some Storytelling On The Ills Of Street Life (Video)

In the '80s reign of Def Jam Records, LL Cool J was credited for many things: a ferocious delivery, the ability to engage both sexes as fans, and of course, this ability to put together stellar albums. However, storytelling was more label-mate Slick Rick's gift, not something regularly associated with... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Elle Varner & A$AP Ferg Stylishly Play The Wall In Don’t Wanna Dance (Video)

Released in early July, Elle Varner's A$AP Ferg collaboration "Don't Wanna Dance" served as the latest burden of proof that Ferg has tremendous crossover appeal. For the visual, the club works at the predicted setting. There, Elle and Ferg are wallflowers who still have the most fun, sending their message... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

Wale Is Weaving All Recent Controversy Into Album About Nothing (Video)

When Wale announced The Album About Nothing, many Heads likely thought of the MC's "Seinfeld"-inspired mixtapes, and thought it a progression back into the pocket that made him a star before his album. However, in an album trailer Album About Nothing may only be a title. In this three-minute vignette,... Read more

September 8, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Week in Video Brought New Redman, Camp Lo, Curren$y, Your Old Droog, M.O.P., Mac Miller & More (Video Playlist)

The week in video brought closure on the mystery of Your Old Droog, freestyles from Redman, G-Unit and Freddie Gibbs, and new music videos from M.O.P., Camp Lo, Mac Miller, Jhene Aiko, Lecrae and Curren$y. See it all and more in this video playlist. Related: Last Week in Video Featured... Read more

September 8, 2014 Playlists, Video

Killer Mike is a Member of the NRA. Here’s Why (Video)

Over the last several weeks, Killer Mike has established himself as one of Hip-Hop's most outstanding spokespersons. His intelligent and well-reasoned perspective regarding police violence against citizens has landed him spots on both CNN and FOX News. He recently spoke with OkayPlayer about his thoughts on the 2nd Amendment right... Read more

September 8, 2014 Video

Here is an Unbelievable Mix of 90’s Hip-Hop Remixes. Press Play and Get Ready (Audio)

SoulBounce's DJ Harvey Dent has put together an incredible mix of 90's Hip-Hop, featuring nothing but remixes. You'll hear music from Method Man & Redman, Common, Pete Rock & CL Smooth,The Fugees, Ice Cube, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Lil Kim, Craig Mack, The Luniz, The... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

1979-2006: A Hip-Hop Odyssey – 800 Tracks In A 48 Minute Mix (Audio)

Here is one of the craziest mixes you will ever hear. DJ Jaguar Skills blends 800 songs in 48 minutes, spanning from 1979-2006. Press play and prepare to have your mind blown. DJ Jaguar Skills - 1979-2006 A Hip-Hop Odyssey - 800 Tracks In A 48 Minute Mix by E... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Here’s a Mix Celebrating the Ruthless Villain Eazy-E on His Birthday (Audio)

As we celebrate the birthday of Eazy-E, here's a mix from DJ Diablo and KDAY's Julio G that covers several aspects of the Ruthless Villain's legacy. You'll hear music from N.W.A., the D.O.C., Michel'le, Eazy and more. Check out the stream below. Related: N.W.A.’s DJ Yella Speaks on the Last... Read more

September 7, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Raury Almost Whispers a Freestyle BUT IT BOOMS (Video)

Raury is an up and coming MC from Atlanta. Like fellow Atliens OutKast, Goodie M.O.B., T.I. and Cyhi, he is a SPITTER. He recently dropped a verse on the Sway in the Morning show unlike any you may have heard in a while. Barely speaking above a whisper, he proceeded... Read more

September 6, 2014 Video

Here’s a Playlist of the Best Hip-Hop of August 2014 (Audio)

August was a banner month for Hip-Hop. Not only was there good music but several artists used their talents to speak out against the killing of Michael Brown and the events that transpired in Ferguson, MO. Though the Summer is fading, the heat generated from the music in August lingers.... Read more

September 6, 2014 Audio, Featured-homepage

Beat-Master Paul Nice Makes An Ill Sade Blend With 3 Turntables (Audio)

Heads need to be up on Paul Nice. The Upstate New York veteran producer cut his teeth in Hip-Hop making breakbeat/battle-break records a la 45 King and DJ Rectangle. In the nearly 25 years since, Paul has accrued production credits with the likes of Biz Markie, Masta Ace, Cali Agents,... Read more

September 6, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Lecrae Celebrates the Lady in His Life on All I Need is You (Video)

When's the last time you heard a Hip-Hop love song? There are many that talk about sexual conquests but few that truly celebrate the qualities that manifest love--strength, support, loyalty...Lecrae touches on that and more in "All I Need is You," as he describes that special lady in his life.... Read more

September 6, 2014 Video