News Archives

Rest In Peace To Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou, one of our greatest poets, has passed away at the age of 86. Dr. Angelou was a poet, author, activist and influencer, having inspired everyone from Oprah to Bill Clinton to Common. Our condolences go out to her family, friends and all those she touched.... Read more

May 28, 2014 Featured-homepage, Video

Jim-E-O Weaves a Tale of Redemption in Word on the Street (Video)

Here's a refreshing take from Jim-E-O, an artist we spotlighted a couple of years ago. In a genre dominated by (often fake) talk from suburban rappers about hustling on the corner, Jim-E-O talks about cleaning up his act and becoming a better man. That's his Word on the Street. Check... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Vic Mensa Goes Back to Hollywood LA with a Dynamic Performance (Video)

Vic Mensa renders a dynamic performance of "Hollywood LA," one of the many standout cuts on his Innanet Tape, at Truth Studios in Los Angeles. His dynamic delivery emphasizes the intricate wordplay embedded in the deceptively laid back song. Check out the video. Related: Vic Mensa Releases One of the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Video

Here’s Another Timeless Blend of Marvin Gaye & Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) (Audio & Video)

Earlier this year, Amerigo Gazaway released Inner City Travelin' Man, one of the better projects of the year. The album blended the music and vocals of Marvin Gaye and Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def), under the collective name of Yasiin Gaye. Gazaway is readying part 2 of the release, Yasiin... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Video

Camp Lo & Ski Beatz Confirm A Reunion Album, Preview Some Joints From The Studio (Video)

For over three albums, Bronx duo Camp Lo closely worked with Ski Beatz. Ski, who hailed from Original Flavor, was also working closely with Jay Z and Roc-A-Fella Records at the time of 1996's Uptown Saturday Night album. Ski, Geechie Suede, and Sonny Cheeba have worked together again, into the... Read more

May 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

BADBADNOTGOOD Is The One Degree That Separates Ghostface Killah & Danny Brown In New Track (Audio)

The juxtaposition of Ghostface Killah's deep, gritty, guttural vocals and Danny Brown's high-pitched tones are the perfect combination to accentuate the storytellers' raw, uninhibited lyrics that float over seemingly simple, pacing production from Toronto Jazz trio BADBADNOTGOOD. "Six Degrees" may apply to the differing-but-similar styles between 'Face and D.B., and... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era Call For The Shift (EP Stream)

Through Scion A/V, Joey Bada$$ and his Pro Era clique surprised Heads with a five-song EP, The Shift. Released today (May 27), this release includes Joey, Kirk Knight, CJ Fly and the rest of the gang. As the group shies away from formal releases, how do you think this holds... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Mayhem Lauren & Buckwild Build Some Silk Pyramids In Stereo (Album Stream)

A day early, Mayhem Lauren's studio debut album, Silk Pyramids is available for free audio stream. The album is a joint effort with Bronx, New York producer/D.I.T.C. member Buckwild. Lauren is previously known for his Outdoorsmen work and touring alongside Action Bronson. He began recording album known as Self-Induced Illness... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Get To Know Jarren Benton Through His 2014 XXL Freestyle (Video)

Although he's hardly a new MC, Heads are just getting to know Jarren Benton. The Atlanta, Georgia-based MC is down with Funk Volume (Hopsin, Dizzy Wright), as well as R.A. The Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz, and other bully-mouth MCs from the Northeast. He's already got a Top 200 debut album... Read more

May 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Rest In Peace Father Shaheed, Of Poor Righteous Teachers

A news story from HipHopDX.com has quoted Public Enemy's Facebook account as confirming Father Shaheed dead. The Trenton, New Jersey native was a founding member of P.R.T., and a DJ/producer of the crew also including Wise Intelligent, Culture Freedom, and Mike Peart. Per P.E.'s reports, Shaheed died following a motorcycle... Read more

May 27, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Skyzoo & Torae’s Barrel Brothers Has Plenty Of Ammo (Album Stream)

After a sampler, a mixtape, and two singles, Torae & Skyzoo's Barrel Brothers album is available for free, full stream a day before it releases to the public. DJ Premier (who twice helped bring these two together in the collective consciousness), Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, !llmind, Oh No, and Sean... Read more

May 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

The Week in Hip-Hop Video Brought Hot Freestyles, Powerful Music Videos & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought 2 killer freestyles from Logic, strong new music videos from Ice-T, CyHi the Prynce, Buckshot & Pro Era, and Schoolboy Q, a mini-doc showing Erykah Badu tracing her roots, The Roots playing their new album with an orchestra, the definitive D'Angelo interview and much more.... Read more

May 26, 2014 Playlists, Video

It’s A Bronx Thing When Two Giants In The Mental, Kool Keith & A.G. Rock Out (Audio)

In the early 1990s, two of the finest, most innovative MCs in Hip-Hop were Kool Keith and A.G. From respected outfits Ultramagnetic MC's and Showbiz & A.G., respectively, these men found frontier rhyme patterns and regularly traced their verses back to Hip-Hop's origins. Such is the case for "Eldorado." Both... Read more

May 26, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Masta Ace Explains Transitioning From Masta Ace Inc. To The eMC, Making Slaughtahouse (Video)

Masta Ace's career spans three highly-respected crews. The Brownsville, Brooklyn MC came up alongside Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, MC Shan, and the rest of Marley Marl's Juice Crew. However, between 1990's Take A Look Around and 1993, The Juice Crew was largely dissolved, due to financial disputes and... Read more

May 26, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

As Easy as 213: How Warren G Launched the G-Funk Era

Here's a truly amazing piece from Pitchfork on Warren G's impact on the G-Funk era. While Dre's name is often the one most prominently associated with the genre, it quite possibly may not have existed without little stepbrother Warren. Check out the excerpts below and then head to pitchfork for... Read more

May 25, 2014 Throwback

Here Are Some of the Best Freestyles of 2014 (So Far) (Video Playlist)

UPDATED to include fiery verses from Lupe Fiasco, Lecrae, Remy Ma, Vic Mensa, Elzhi and more. The last few weeks have brought some killer freestyles. Here's a video playlist of some of the MCs dropping the heaviest bars so far in 2014. You'll see Logic, Papoose, King Los, Prevail and... Read more

May 25, 2014 Playlists, Video

Fire Up the BBQ and Let This Old School Mix Turn Up the Heat (Audio)

A few years ago, DJ Spinbad put together this short but killer Memorial Day BBQ Mix. Its Old School blends featuring The Jackson 5, Soul II Soul, Eric B. and Rakim, Main Source, Nas, Gap Band, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Biggie, Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince and much more... Read more

May 25, 2014 Audio, Throwback

Jeru The Damaja Tells the Story of the Making of The Sun Rises in the East (Audio)

Today (5/24), marks the 20th anniversary of the release of Jeru The Damaja's album The Sun Rises in the East. Here's a super dope podcast, by Up North Trips, featuring Jeru, himself, narrating the stories behind the making of the album, track by track. Check out the podcast below and... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Throwback

From Yeezus to God Level: New Music From Kanye West (Audio)

Update: Sources have confirmed the track is in fact called "God Level" and was produced by Grammy Award winning producer 88-Keys. Both friends and collaborators, this is not the first time Kanye and 88 have worked together. Most people know 88-Keys for his stellar production on Ye and Jay's "No... Read more

May 24, 2014 Audio, Video

Crooked I Joins Canibus in Wrecking a New Track (Audio)

Lately, there hasn't been a track Crooked I met that he didn't wreck. The trend continues on Canibus' new song, aptly titled Wreck Room, which also features Nino Graye and Flawless the MC. Check it out below. Related: Canibus Proclaims The End Of Days With His Latest Bass Heavy Relaease... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio

Nas & Journey? Sounds Crazy But It Sounds CRAZY. Check This (Mixtape)

There have bend some incredible blend mixtapes over the years from Danger Mouse's Grey Album fusing Jay Z's verses with Beatles music to the Keys Open Doors project which mixed The Clipse with The Doors. Here's another project that was brought to our attention by @djskinnykitchen. Journey with Nas, released... Read more

May 23, 2014 Featured-homepage, Mixes

D’Angelo Explains Delving Into Funk-Rock, Brotherly Bond With Questlove (Video)

D'Angelo takes the microphone in a much different capacity as the singer-songwriter hits the Red Bull Music Academy in New York for an hour-and-a-half-long talk with journalist/author/filmmaker Nelson George. In front of an energetic audience at the Brooklyn Museum, D'angelo discusses a wide variety of topics including his inspiration from... Read more

May 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Barrel Brothers Collide With Random Axe In All In Together (Audio)

All In Together Now was one of the pre-Wu-Tang names for the beginnings of the Wu-Tang Clan. Two established cliques made in the spirit of super-groups, Barrel Brothers (Torae & Skyzoo) and Random Axe (Sean Price, Guilty Simpson & Black Milk) cross paths on "All In Together." As expected, the... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Discover The Art Of Chill With Nitty Scott, MC (Mixtape)

Nitty Scott, MC unleashes her latest mixtape, The Art Of Chill. From the smooth, Electronic samples of "Apex" to the powerful, horn laden cut, "U.F.O.," this 15 track project is great way to kick off the long weekend. The Brooklyn, New York-based artist is definitely well on her way to... Read more

May 23, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

CyHi The Prynce Goes to South Africa For His Mandela Visuals (Video)

When Kanye West was named executive producer of CyHi The Prynce's Black Hystori Project mixtape, Heads may have been confused. After all, the G.O.O.D. Music founder who inked CyHi some years back was not a track-by-track producer on the project, or a guest. However, when it's come time to make... Read more

May 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Can You See Danny Brown in G-Unit? It Almost Happened…(Video)

Danny Brown keeps it as real as it gets in his interviews. His laid-back demeanor and complete "lack of filter" are magnetic and highly-engaging. He sat down for an extended conversation with The Breakfast Club and touched on several things, including being the unofficial "5th member of Black Hippy," choosing... Read more

May 23, 2014 Video

Jon Connor Hits His 2014 XXL Freestyle At 100 Miles Per Hour & Runnin’ (Video)

Among 2014 XXL Freshmen, Jon Connor appears to have the most exciting situation. The Flint, Michigan MC is inked to Aftermath Entertainment. While the world has yet to hear #ConnorSeason on a truly-produced Dr. Dre track, Jon has put his skills and output in high gear. So it's only natural... Read more

May 23, 2014 Fresh, Video

Domingo Sets The Table For 3 Legends In KRS-One, Kool G Rap & Greg Nice (Audio)

In the late 1980s, the notion of KRS-One and Kool G Rap on the same track was unheard of. In the midst of "The Bridge Wars," KRS-One was in the middle of a war of the boroughs, championing The Bronx against Queens' Marley Marl and MC Shan, surrounding the birthplace... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

D-Nice Recalls The Day Of Scott La Rock’s Murder, Reveals That After BDP, He Battled Homelessness (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's most resilient figures is D-Nice. The Human TR-808 came into vogue as an MC, down with KRS-One, Scott La Rock, and Boogie Down Productions. Rolling with one of the late '80s most ferocious Hip-Hop outfits, D-Nice became B.D.P.'s most prominent off-shoot, signing a solo deal with Jive... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Throwback

J Dilla’s Sought-After Collaboration With Supa Dave West Comes To The Light (Audio)

Not even at the halfway mark, 2014 has been especially big in unreleased J Dilla/Jay Dee music. The Slum Village co-founder's unheard gems continue to surface, this time by way of a collaboration with "Supa" Dave West. The De La Soul, Talib Kweli, and E-40 producer had a particular knock... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Logic’s Story May Be Even More Compelling Than His Verses. Here’s Why (Video)

Logic has been blistering microphones lately as he makes the rounds in NYC. Many are just starting to understand the talent the MC commands. It turns out, his story is every bit as compelling as his verses. He spoke to Sway about being biracial, growing up in an all Black... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

Give Some Wrek-ognition To New Tracks From Kap Kallous, ¡Mayday! & Murs (Audio)

Spirited, emotive instrumentals captivate listeners with an experimental single from ¡Mayday! and Murs that strays away from the stereotypical. "Here" boasts introspective lyrics from Murs, Bernz, and Wrekonize that may be a deeper look into their past, addressing the artists' attempt to find their place in life and in music.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Ab-Soul & Action Bronson Do Damage On Soulo’s New Track (Audio)

Ab-Soul's new album, These Days, is coming. Soon. As TDE readies the release for next month, here's a new song that features Soulo, Action Bronson and Asaad getting busy on a dark and moody track. Check out Stigmata below. Related: Ab-Soul Breaks Down the Tree of Life on His Latest... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

The LOX Reminisce on Working with The Notorious B.I.G. (Video)

Today, The LOX are giants in Hip-Hop. However, back in 1996, Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P were still on the come-up. Two years removed from an uncredited (pre-Styles) feature on Main Source's sophomore LP, F**k What You Think, the Yonkers, New Yorkers were the new acts on Puff Daddy's... Read more

May 22, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Here’s Yet Another Reason to Pick Up The Roots’ Dope New Album (Audio)

The Roots released their dope new concept album, ...and then you shoot your cousin, earlier in the week. It stands up to their finest work in quality and concept. They have released another single in support of the album. Check out The Dark (Trinity). You can pick up the full... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Kanye West Is Recording, But Who Is Involved & What Does It Sound Like?

All Heads know right now is that Kanye West is recording his seventh solo album, and it's allegedly going down in Florence, Italy. Early on, reports stated that Q-Tip and Rick Rubin were sitting in the executive producer's chairs, following Rubin's role in Yeezus, and G.O.O.D. Music inking The Abstract... Read more

May 22, 2014 Fresh

Ready for Another Ill Freestyle? eMC Abuse Some DJ Premier Tracks (Video)

Here's another ill freestyle session courtesy of Statik Selektah's Showoff Radio. Masta Ace, Punchline, Wordsworth & Strick (aka eMC) bless the mic over some DJ Premier goodness, off the top...Check out the video.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Video

Boot Camp Clik Meets Pro Era, As Buckshot Crosses Paths With Joey Bada$$ & CJ Fly (Video)

Whether it be with Black Moon, Boot Camp Clik, or just on his own two as the B.D.I. Thug, Buckshot Shorty has been dropping music for over two decades and has worked with a slew of notable artists including 9th Wonder and KRS-One. To add to his extensive catalog, the... Read more

May 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

De La Soul Presented With Webby Awards’ Artist Of The Year By Questlove (Video)

Only releasing a mixtape and a handful of loose tracks in the last 12 months, De La Soul received Artist Of The Year honors at the 18th annual Webby Awards. The Long Island, New York trio was presented with the award (by De La disciple, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson of The... Read more

May 22, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Video

Tim Westwood’s Reggae, Dub & Classic Hip-Hop Vinyl Weighs A Ton (Video)

To younger Heads, Tim Westwood may be known for his wild enthusiasm during guest-stops from the likes of Eminem, Drake, and Jay Z. However, the London-based BBC DJ has nearly 30 years rooted in bridging the gap and crossing the oceans in making Hip-Hop, Reggae, Dancehall, Dub, and House mixes.... Read more

May 22, 2014 Fresh, Video

GQ is Next Up in 9th Wonder’s Jamla Army (Audio)

10+ years after the release of Little Brother's debut album, The Listening, 9th Wonder is still making moves behind the boards and behind the scenes. His Jamla Records roster includes artists like Rapsody and one of the most talented producer corps in the game. GQ is another soldier in 9th's... Read more

May 22, 2014 Audio

Slaughterhouse Release a Surprise New Mixtape (Mixtape)

Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9, Joell Ortiz and Joe Budden take mics by force. On a somewhat sleepy week, the Shady Records lyrical quartet swarmed to claim the conversation with House Rules. The 10-track mixtape features no names (no gimmicks, either) featuring original production from Just Blaze, Nottz, Emanny, and... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Mixes

Erykah Badu Traced Her DNA to Determine Her Ancestry. Here’s What She Found (Video)

Erykah Badu took a DNA test to get a better sense of her full ancestry. OkayPlayer accompanied her on her journey and it yielded some fascinating results. Not only did Ms. Badu come away with a deeper understanding of her roots, she also learned that some of the things that... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

Logic Destroys the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. Did He Even Take a Breath?? (Video)

Logic took on Sway's 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle challenge and did what real MC's do...BODIED IT. Not only did he deliver some crushing off the top lyrics, it almost seemed like he didn't even take a breath. True lyrics of fury. Check it out. Related: Logic Shows Off His... Read more

May 21, 2014 Video

KRS-One Returns Alongside Domingo, Chris Rivers, Bamboo & R.A. The Rugged Man (Audio)

From the raw streets of East New York, Domingo is a veteran producer known for sharing an updated boom-bap sound with the likes of KRS-One, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, and Canibus. A frequent worker on major label and independent LPs, Domingo has also released an assortment of his own... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

M.K. Asante Recruits Talib Kweli, Ras Kass & Bishop Lamont For Godz In The Hood (Video)

Multi-talented M.K. Asante is an MC, author, filmmaker, professor, and scholar surrounding Hip-Hop and modern race relations in America. The Philadelphia native recruited MCs from Brooklyn to C-Arson in Talib Kweli, Ras Kass, and Bishop Lamont. "Godz In The Hood" is a song that explores the ulterior motives to some... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ice-T & Body Count Are Back To Making Threatening Rock-Rap. But Who’s Their New Target? (Video)

When some Heads talk about Ice-T's songs, they inevitably mention "Cop Killer." It's not a celebrated street-anthem like "6 'N The Mornin'," "Colors," or "New Jack Hustler." It's a song made by Tracy's Metal/Rock-Rap outfit, Body Count. The 1992 single about retaliation from police violence prompted strong reactions from everybody... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Roots’ Never Gets A Live Choral Flip, With DJ A-Trak On The Cut (Video)

Released yesterday, The Roots' ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin steps further in the direction that the group has been heading since parting ways with MCA/Geffen Records a decade ago. Dark, thoughtful, and often veiled in the perspectives and voices of others, the Philadelphia group is making quite different music... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

The Notorious B.I.G.’s Earliest Mentor, DJ Mister Cee Laid Down A Biggie Birthday Mix (Audio)

Before Puff Daddy, before Heavy D, before even Easy Mo Bee, it was DJ Mister Cee who took musical interest in a young Christopher Wallace. Mister Cee was a Brooklyn big-shot back in 1992, known as a fixture for DJ'ing and producing for Big Daddy Kane and others, as part... Read more

May 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Think You Know A Hard Rap Verse? Tech N9ne & Murs Raise The Ante (Video)

With Strangeulation making its round, Tech N9ne unleashed a rough-edged exterior video to his Murs-assisted "Hard." Strange Music's co-founder and the label's most recent signee link for this skills-forward single. Tech puts on his paint for this video, letting Heads know it's real, while Murs goes back to some of... Read more

May 21, 2014 Fresh, Video