News Archives

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Copies Wu-Tang Clan’s Million Dollar Idea

With Wu-Tang Clan's sole copy of Wu-Tang: Once Upon A Time In A Shaolin drawing mid-seven figure offers, a new revenue model for cult-championed artists has emerged. In less than four months, another early 1990s Hip-Hop outfit is reportedly following suit. Per a TMZ report, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is planning to... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh

U Better Recognize OVO, When PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake Come Together (Audio)

This week, October's Very Own PARTYNEXTDOOR announced PARTYNEXTDOOR Two. With the pre-release, the OVO singer offered up two cuts, with one being "Recognize." Teaming once again with Drake, this slow and teased out simple song, which spans over five minutes. Like a vocal jam session, this record employs a few... Read more

July 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh

As I Look Up at the Sky, Snoop Drops a New Mixtape (Mixtape)

As he's been known to do as of late, Snoop drops a new mixtape seemingly out of nowhere. That's My Work 4 is another project with DJ Drama and The Eastsidaz, and features many of Snoop's past collaborators, including Scoop Deville and Battlecat. Check out the stream and download below.... Read more

July 15, 2014 Mixes

It’s Hard to Stay Calm When You Read This Lyrical Explosion from Busta Rhymes & Eminem (Lyric Video)

Two weeks ago, Busta Rhymes and Eminem unleashed a bombastic lyrical attack. Titled "Calm Down," with its chopped "Jump Around" sample and lyrical gymnastics from Busta and Em, the song is anything but soothing. But, if you want some good old-fashioned, smash-mouth Rap, this is it. The lyric video helps... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Hollow da Don & Joe Budden Square Off On Total Slaughter (Video)

After a few minutes squaring away the sound from the microphones (4:00) the official Total Slaughter battle between Joe Budden and Hollow da Don kicks off on stage at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Joe, the man who began his career as a battle rapper turned record selling artist... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

How Does Kanye West Avoid Snapping on Fans? Watch and Learn (Video)

So, it turns out Kim Kardashian was not Kanye West's entry point into the world of reality TV. TMZ has unearthed some old footage from a Kanye reality show that never made the air. Though the clip is only a couple of minutes long, it shows Kanye giving a hilarious... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Celebrate Illmatic Again With A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of Visuals for Nas’ Represent (Video)

The 20 year anniversary celebration of Nas' Illmatic continues. In addition to the release, Nas has held a contest to choose one lucky fan to collaborate and produce an official music video for his cut, "Represent." Mass Appeal takes you to the set of the music video shoot at YouTube... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Join The Party As Ab-Soul & Schoolboy Q Throw A Hunnid Stax (Video)

Less than a month after the release of his third studio album, These Days, Top Dawg Entertainment's Black Lip Pastor, Ab-Soul releases slick visuals to his bumping single, "Hunnid Stax." Ab gets luxurious as he whips through sunny California in the back seat of a limousine before hopping out and... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Michael Jordan, Jay Z, Action Bronson, & Billy Crystal Show Respect 2 Derek Jeter (Video)

After 20 seasons in a New York Yankees uniform, the 2014 All-Star break marks the home-stretch for Derek Jeter's career. One of the greatest Yankees, greatest Shortstops, and greatest ball-players to ever lace up, #2 has been in pinstripes since it was a very different New York, and a very... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

MC Eiht & Outlawz Shut Em Down, West Coast Style (Video)

After collaborating with Snoop last month, MC Eiht lends the assist to Outlawz on "Shut Em Down." Though the song bears the same title as Public Enemy's 1991 classic, the similarities stop there. This is a straight West Coast thang. Check out the video. Related: Two Former Death Row Factions... Read more

July 14, 2014 Video

Ransom & Astro Take You Around The World (Audio)

It's been almost a year since Ransom put out his project, The Proposal, but today the New Jersey artist continues his trend of producing high quality works with his latest cut. Ransom links up with Astro (formerly The Astronomical Kid) to take listeners across the lyrical highway on a journey... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Marsha Ambrosius’ Friends & Lovers Features Dr. Dre & Uncle Charlie Wilson (Album Stream)

Marsha Ambrosious' sophomore solo album, Friends & Lovers is officially upon us. The RCA Records release features but two guests, Marsha's dear friend/onetime mentor, Dr. Dre as well as The Gap Band's "Uncle" Charlie Wilson. Making some of the most heart-felt, and Hip-Hop Head-savvy R&B as of late, Marsh' offers... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Dilated Peoples & Aloe Blacc Have Been Showing Heads The Way For Years (Audio)

Dilated Peoples' comeback/reunion album, Directors Of Photography, is now due on August 12. The trio's departure from the major label system and simultaneous arrival at Rhymesayers Entertainment seemingly changes nothing. Evidence, Rakaa, and DJ Babu are still about a slow-flow underground Hip-Hop beach-side vibe all their own. Teamed with Emanon... Read more

July 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Diamond D’s Got An August Album Featuring Pete Rock, The Pharcyde, Rapsody & Kurupt

Founding D.I.T.C. member Diamond D has announced his first album since 2008. The Bronx, New York-born MC/producer/DJ credited with discovering Fat Joe will release his fourth studio LP, The Diam Piece on August 26, 2014. After 25 years of making music (dating back to his Strong City Records outfit The... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh

This Week in Video Brought Visuals of Jay Z & Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Phonte, Crooked I & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought lots of variety, ranging from Jay Electronica & Jay Z's first live performance of "We Made It," to a scaled down acoustic set by Phonte and his Foreign Exchange crew. Here's a video playlist of some of the best including a freestyle from Elzhi, Peter... Read more

July 13, 2014 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Here’s the Full Video of Jay Electronica & Jay Z Performing at The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

Some early footage surfaced yesterday of a snippet of Jay Electronica and Jay Z performing together at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Now, here's the full video, which includes Jay Z doing his own version of Big Daddy Kane's "Young, Gifted & Black" as well as the full performance of the... Read more

July 13, 2014 Video

Elzhi Drops a Hot Verse in The Backroom. Prepare to Press Rewind (Video)

For more than a decade, in a storied Hip-Hop and 'dolo, Elzhi has been a lyrical force to be reckoned with. Almost exclusively an independent artist, the Detroit, Michigan MC was a welcomed guest to "106 & Park's" Backroom for a freestyle. Kicking those verbal smart-bombs that Elz' has been... Read more

July 13, 2014 Video

Ready for Some New KRS-One? BOOM (Audio)

Domingo drops another gem featuring the Blastmaster KRS-One. The Teacher issues a call to action for Hip-Hop to unite. Check out "Hip-Hop is One," off Domingo's forthcoming Sessions Vol. 1 LP which features music from KRS and Channel Live. Related: Domingo Sets The Table For 3 Legends In KRS-One, Kool... Read more

July 13, 2014 Audio

Jay Electronica & Jay Z Perform We Made It Together For the First Time at Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)

The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary today in style. In addition to having Raekwon as the headliner, Jay Electronica made a rare appearance, and he brought friends. Mac Miller and J. Cole joined him, and then Jay Z took the stage with Jay E for their first ever... Read more

July 12, 2014 Video

A VA Bounce Battle Begins With This Timbaland Vs. Neptunes Mix By Five Deez’ Pase Rock (Mixtape)

In the late 1990s, Cincinnati, Ohio was a keystone tributary to the Underground Hip-Hop movement's pinnacle. The River City produced DJ Hi-Tek (Reflection Eternal, Mood, Black Star), as well as Anticon co-founder Dose.One and others. Blueprint would relocate to Cincy from nearby Columbus, Ohio, along with Illogic, forming the Greenhouse... Read more

July 12, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joe Budden, Hollow da Don, Murda Mook & Loaded Lux Prep For Total Slaughter (Video)

WatchLOUD's film series Bright Lights gets down to the nitty gritty with a behind-the-scenes look as Joe Budden, Hollow da Don, Murda Mook, and Loaded Lux prepare to hit the stage for the live Pay Per View main battle rapping event, Total Slaughter. Joe, who's portrayed as the "old dog"... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Three Notorious Cities Are Chronicled As Freddie Gibbs, Chill Moody & Apollo The Great Link (Video)

Through his work with everybody from PaceWon and Young Zee (The Outsidaz), Vinnie Paz and Planetary (Army Of The Pharaohs) and Malik B (The Roots), New Jersey's Mr. Green has made quite a name, and quite a catalog. The sample-savvy producer was behind a dope video today. Combining the ill... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

SZA’s Living In Color With Her Standout Uptempo Pop Single Julia (Video)

One of the standout records from SZA's debut, Z, is "Julia." Influenced by '80s/'90s, and present-day Synth-Pop, the melodic song's video presents some abstract glimpses into SZA's life. The song is moody, soaring, and transient. Related: What Do You Get When You Mix SZA & Jill Scott? Divinity (Audio)... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Here’s a Video Playlist of Some of the Hip-Hop & Soul Classics Touched by Bob Power (Video)

Here's a video playlist inspired by a recent interview with Bob Power, the legendary producer/engineer, who for more than 30 years has worked with some of Hip-Hop and Soul's most iconic acts. You'll see videos from A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, De La Soul, Me'shell Ndegeocello, The Roots,... Read more

July 11, 2014 Throwback

Joey Bada$$ Has No Regrets In New Film Trailer (Video)

Joey Bada$$ and Green Label Sound release their official trailer for the Rik Cordero directed short film, No Regrets, today via Complex. No Regrets, scored entirely by Statik Selektah, features Bada$$ in the future as a billionaire philanthropist who uses time travel to relive his youth and find out what... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Enjoy Independence Day Again With The Roots (Audio)

It's Independence Day again. The grill is hot, the sun is shining, and the flags are waving. Then like a flash of a firework, DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Roots appear, set up, and smash a killer live performance of their single, "Web," all in your backyard. This may not... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Hear Some Rare, Early ’70s Demo Versions From Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Catch A Fire (Audio)

#126 on Rolling Stone magazine's "Top 500 Greatest Albums Of All-Time," The Wailers' Catch A Fire is a benchmark Reggae album. Released in April of 1973, the album written primarily by Bob Marley, with two penned efforts by Peter Tosh featured a carefully-crafted concoction of hope, seduction, and social chronicle.... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

REKS Teams With Saigon & N.O.R.E. For Some Message Music With Garvey (Audio)

The revolutionary comparisons drive the musical car, as REKS links with Saigon and N.O.R.E. on "Garvey," named after the Jamaican leader of the Black Star Line. N.O.R.E.is in form, Saigon stamps down one of his signature thought-provoking verses, while REKS shows one of his many sides—in a lengthy career that's... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Neptunes’ Chad Hugo Remixes A Bouncy New Joint From Little Dragon (Audio)

Swedish band Little Dragon have been on Heads' radar for some time. If the four albums made by the Electronic/Rock outfit haven't stood on their own, Yukimi Nagano's vocals (with the band's thumping basslines) have been heard alongside Big Boi in videos since before even Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors,... Read more

July 11, 2014 Audio, Fresh

With Grammys Stacked On The Shelf, The Roots Are Nominated For An Emmy Award

2014 marks 15 years since The Roots crew grabbed their first Grammy Award alongside Erykah Badu for the Things Fall Apart smash hit, "You Got Me." In the time since, Black Thought and company have received a bevy of nominations, and grabbed two more statues for their 2010 WAKE UP... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh

Dice Raw Captures The Essence of Animal Through Vintage Civil Rights Footage (Video)

Twenty-year Roots affiliate and collaborator Dice Raw utilizes vintage footage of numerous Civil Rights events from years past to capture the essence of his latest single, "Animal." The harsh visuals and vaudeville vocals cast a grim reflection on today's prison system and other institutions that lead to systemic inequities. The... Read more

July 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Casey Veggies Gets a New Track From Hit-Boy and It’s a Banger (Audio)

After releasing one of the better mixtapes of the year in 2013, Casey Veggies returns with some new heat, courtesy of Hit-Boy. This is a departure from some of the more melodic and soulful tracks on Life Changes, but it goes hard. Check out "The Boy." Related: Casey Veggies Shows... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio

Chris Crack Is Cold Blooded With A Body In The Trunk (Audio)

Atmospheric production from Born Ready lays low like a dry ice haze underneath Chris Crack's cold blooded lyricism on his new cut, "Body In The Trunk." The New Deal Crew captain, who recently released his latest project, #JackedTape, announced an upcoming collaboration with Fool's Gold artist Danny Brown just a... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Scarface & Akon Plot Their Exit Plan (Audio)

Scarface, who recently announced that an album with Nas is a 99.99% done deal, is dropping his first since 2008 in the form of his 12th studio album, Deeply Rooted. In addition, the Geto Boys rapper is writing a book of the same name in which he talks about multiple... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ab-Soul Comically Morphs Into The Black Lip Psychic (Video)

Ab-Soul gives viewers his best Miss Cleo impression as the Black Lip Psychic on Mass Appeal's segment, Ill Time. Hilarity ensues when Ab, who recently released his album These Days, takes calls from paying customers like "MC Chicken" requesting the card reading sage's advice. Who wants their future read next?... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Final Battles Are In On The Road To Total Slaughter’s Main Event (Video)

Two days away from the official Total Slaughter event, where Joe Budden will battle Hollow Da Don and Loaded Lux will battle Muda Mook, house guests prep themselves to battle each other in order to secure their spot on stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom July 12. In this episode, T-Rex... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Crooked I Goes Back To His Days Of Struggle For A Skillful & Personal Song (Video)

Crooked I Heads know that the Long Beach MC has a speckled past. Before a string of mostly-fruitless label deals, Crook' grew up with bouts of hunger and homelessness. The product of Sway & King Tech's Wake Up Show would later earn the success that allows him to travel the... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Join Raz Simone On His Journey To Become King Of The Jungle (Video)

Adventurous black and white animated visuals of a cult-like forest tribe and a magical lone ranger's journey through it all set the stage for Raz Simone's latest visuals to the cut, "Bow Down." Drums imagined from the deep jungle lace the bellowing Electronic production as Seattle's Raz boasts a tale... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Spend One Last Day With The GTW & His Woman In Calling Cards (Video)

Nigerian born artist The GTW borrows bubbling, xylophone laden Electronic production and love lost lyricism for the fresh single, "Calling Cards." The video itself, which takes viewers through the last day before The GTW's girlfriend moves away, is muddled in between the sadness of loss and blissfulness of love that... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

What Do You Get When You Mix SZA & Jill Scott? Divinity (Audio)

Here's the 2nd release of the week from TDE's SZA. It's another moody track and it's infused with the vocals of the one and only Jill Scott. The result? Divinity. Check it out. Related: SZA - Moodring (Audio)... Read more

July 10, 2014 Throwback

With The Biggest Wedding Song On Playlists, John Legend Makes The Visual Companion (Video)

Making a warm embrace about "perfect imperfections" will go far these days. With his own supermodel wife, Sports Illustrated cover-girl Chrissy Teigen, John Legend made what is perhaps 2014's most played love song in "You & I (Nobody In The World)." The slow-dance smash now has a video, suggesting and celebrating all... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Raekwon Vibes Out Overtop A Teena Marie Classic (Audio)

While Lauryn, Pras, and Wyclef gave Teena Marie's '80s jam "Ooo La La" a classic brush-up back in 1996, another early '90s alum had to carry on tradition. Raekwon's recent rhyming over yesteryear's R&B hits continues, as he flexes his mandible on Teena's 1988 #1 R&B chart-topper. The results are... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Royce Da 5’9″ Releases New Song, Talks with Joe Budden & Jalen Rose About Total Slaughter (Video)

The Slaughterhouse crew stays on the grind, together and solo. Even as they are gearing up for the release of their new album, Joe Budden is preparing to battle Hollow Da Don on Saturday and Joell Ortiz is readying a new solo album. Now, Royce Da 5'9" has announced he'll... Read more

July 10, 2014 Audio, Video

Pigeon John Makes One Awesome Love Song In All The Roads (Video)

Pigeon John is one of Hip-Hop's more enigmatic figures. A veteran co-founder of L.A. Symphony, this Southern California MC/singer (Inglewood, to be exact) would also work with Quannum Projects in the mid-2000s, amassing a list of collaborators ranging from Murs, to Blackalicious, to RJD2, to J-Live, and so forth. A... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Curren$y Tries Out A Pepped Up Flow With Thelonious Martin On House Shoes (Video)

On the slightly controversial (from a legal standpoint) release Muscle Car Chronicles, Curren$y worked extensively with live musicians, placing his flow in multiple pockets along the way. Especially with live drumming, Spitta Andretti has a style and presentation that just says New Orleans. On "House Shoes," Curren$y stays in his... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

March Through The Desert With B.o.B. In Follow Me (Video)

Hours after the release of his mixtape No Genre 2, B.o.B. unleashes visuals to his anthemic cut, "Follow Me." Dressed in all white, the Grand Hustle affiliate takes to the open road as he marches physically and lyrically through the desert over spirited guitar samples produced by B.o.B. himself. Feel... Read more

July 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

Cyhi The Prince References an OutKast Classic on the Remix to Goodnight (Audio)

Cyhi The Prynce flips up OutKast's SpottieOttieDopaliscious on the remix to Goodnight and brings in Scotty ATL for the assist. Check it out. Related: Shady Records and G.O.O.D. Music Link On CyHi The Prynce’s Huey Remix (Audio)... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Ever Heard of Bob Power? He’s Worked on Some of the Best Hip-Hop & Soul Albums Ever. Here’s His Story (Audio)

For more than 30 years, Bob Power has been one of the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop, R&B and Soul. The producer, engineer and composer has worked with many of the most respected and influential artists during that time period, including A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Stetsasonic,... Read more

July 9, 2014 Audio

Blood Orange & Skepta Take To Downtown London For High Street (Video)

Blood Orange, a.k.a Devonte Hynes, and grime rapper Skepta take to their hometown streets of London for the cascading, beautifully subtle visuals from director Lucy Luscombe. "High Street," which falls off Dev's second studio album, Cupid Deluxe, delivers soft piano chords that accentuate Hynes' ominous vocals and Skepta's smooth rhymes.... Read more

July 9, 2014 Fresh, Video

Talib Kweli Flexes a New Flow and Sound on What’s Real (Video)

It's refreshing to see veteran MCs like Talib Kweli continually evolving. After more than 15 years in the game, the revered MC flexes a new flow over a Dub Step-influenced track that is a new sound for him on "What's Real," featuring Res. Check out the video for the song... Read more

July 9, 2014 Video