News Archives

Talib Kweli, Marco Polo & DJ Premier Honor Guru (Video)

Guru has been gone for three and a half years. However, the man also known as Baldhead Slick will never be forgotten. Marco Polo enlists Guru's Gang Starr partner DJ Premier, as well as late in life collaborator Talib Kweli for "G.U.R.U." This is heartfelt, and the latest tribute, following... Read more

November 1, 2013 Fresh, Video

Mac Miller Has 10 Examples Of Delusional Thomas (Mixtape)

After a relatively quiet year in mixtapes (save for Rapsody, Chance, and K.R.I.T.), this week has been downright monstrous. Fans of free Hip-Hop music rejoice. Following yesterday's Halloween onslaught, Mac Miller hits fans with Delusional Thomas. Always having fan with titles, the Rostrum Records MC/producer drops 10 songs (under the... Read more

November 1, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Action Bronson Completes a Day of Mixtape Madness with the Release of Blue Chips 2 (Mixtape)

Action Bronson completes what may be the best Halloween ever for mixtapes by releasing his Blue Chips 2 sequel just before the stroke of midnight. The mixtape has guest verses from Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Meyhem Lauren and more. You can stream and download Blue Chips 2 below. Click here to... Read more

October 31, 2013 Mixes

Mary J. Blige and Nas’ Rise Up Shepherd & Follow is the First R&B and Hip-Hop Christmas Collabo of the Season (Audio)

It's way too early for Christmas music, right? Not when it comes courtesy of Mary J. Blige and Nas...Nasir and the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul have come together for an inspirational and soulful Christmas song that is more anthem than carol. Check out Rise Up Shepherd and Follow from the... Read more

October 31, 2013 Throwback

Lil Kim Gets Her Reggae On With Dead Gal Walking (Audio)

Lil Kim follows in the footsteps of Snoop Lion and gets her reggae on with her latest song. Dead Gal Walking is the first release from Kim's forthcoming Hardcore 2K13 mixtape. Take a listen below and let us know your thoughts. Related: DJ Doo Wop - Halloween Candy (Mixtape)... Read more

October 31, 2013 Audio

Lloyd Banks is Back With a Hot New Mixtape F.N.O. (Failure’s No Option) (Mixtape)

Hot off the presses is a brand new mixtape from Lloyd Banks. F.N.O. (Failure's No Option) has guest verses from Style P, Vado and Raekwon, Banks' steely flow and a gang of hot tracks. Stream and download the mixtape below. Download Mixtape Related: Lloyd Banks – V6: The Gift (Mixtape)... Read more

October 31, 2013 Mixes

Kool G Rap & Necro Pull Back The Hammers On Trigga 4 Hire (Audio)

Kool G Rap is often pigeonholed to the innovative lyricism of his Cold Chillin' years with DJ Polo. While those albums, singles, and individual verses cannot be overstated for their importance to the craft of Rap, sometimes the Queens, New Yorker is overlooked for his straight-up gangsterism. As G pointed... Read more

October 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Stalley Lights Up Paris With Gettin’ By (Video)

Few artists in 2013 can rival Ohio's Stalley in terms where they started the year, and here they ended up. After years of tapes and feature work, Honest Cowboy seemed to really cement Stalley's status as a star in the making. From that project, the video to "Gettin' By" really... Read more

October 31, 2013 Fresh, Video

Xzibit, B Real & Demrick Are Halloween Serial Killers (Mixtape)

Delegates from the Likwit Crew, Cypress Hill, and Tangled Thoughts link up for Serial Killers. The trio drops a self-titled mixtape featuring Hospin, Jon Connor, and Tha Eastsidaz' Goldie Locc. Ill Bill, Nottz, DJ Khalil, and (get this!) Sir Jinx as well as DJ Lethal provides beats. Click here to... Read more

October 31, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Kendrick Lamar Joins Fredo Santana on Jealous (Audio)

Here's the 2nd featured appearance for Kendrick Lamar in 2 days. Fredo Santana releases his song Jealous, which features a trap beat and him and Kendrick Lamar lamenting the crab in a barrel mentality that accompanies success. Kendrick puts perspective on "rap beefs" by contrasting them with real life problems... Read more

October 31, 2013 Audio

Onyx Reminds Listeners That They Still Get Live, With A Hand From Statik Selektah (Audio)

Arguably, Onyx has not made a new studio album since 2003's Triggernometry. The Cold Case Files series balanced new recordings with old recordings in the digital format. However, Sticky Fingaz, Sonsee and Fredro Starr have all stayed busy in various forms. Now working on Cuzo the mad-face is back at... Read more

October 31, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Theophilus Martins Pops That Mid-Tempo With Balloons (Video)

Theophilus Martins is one of the breaking MCs that has displayed many styles in his burgeoning career. What's particularly interesting about Martins is that he lets his music do all the talking, with very little interview press or revelation on his own site. The approach to "Balloons" is especially catchy,... Read more

October 31, 2013 Fresh, Video

DJ Doo Wop Doesn’t Trick Us But Instead Gives Us Treats With Halloween Candy (Mixtape)

DJ Doo Wop is among the most influential 1990s mixtape-makers in the world. This Uptown representative made mixtapes a Rap commodity, and became one of the early mixmasters to work directly with artists and labels to secure exclusive content. "Da Bouncemaster" remains strong in 2013, after years working with Flip... Read more

October 31, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Yelawolf & DJ Paul Drop The Metal-Inspired Black Fall EP (Mixtape)

Yelawolf linked with one of his biggest influences, Three 6 Mafia's DJ Paul for a series of studio sessions. The pair claimed to have bonded in the overlay between Hip-Hop and Heavy Metal. As a preview to bigger release plans, the duo dropped Black Fall EP in the last 24... Read more

October 31, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Action Bronson & Party Supplies Set Up A Screen For Blue Chips 2 (Mixtape Trailer)

Fans of Action Bronson often debate between Blue Chips and Rare Chandeliers. Bam Bam announced sequels to both projects following 2012. With the November 1 release date coming, Rik Cordero directed Bronson's trailer to Blue Chips 2. Ever the charmer, A.B. sports the brick cell phone, a dreadfully-bad suit, and... Read more

October 30, 2013 Fresh, Video

Vic Mensa Delivers One of the Best Backroom Freestyles Ever and the First Rap Genius Version (Video)

Vic Mensa is a microphone killer. He gave a taste of his freestyle capabilities last week on The Sway in the Morning Show and he's upped the ante with his Backroom freestyle. Mensa combines an unorthodox flow with complex metaphors to to deliver one mind-bending line after another. To give... Read more

October 30, 2013 Video

Crooked I Releases the Video for His Tupac-Inspired Against All Odds (Video)

Crooked I has been on a tear lately. First he smashed the Cypher. Then he blistered the mic on The Wake Up Show. Now, he releases the video for his Tupac-inspired song Against All Odds. Check it out below. Related: Crooked I Slaughters The Mic On The Wake Up Show... Read more

October 30, 2013 Video

Curren$y & Smoke DZA Release The Stage EP (Prod. Harry Fraud) (Mixtape)

Fellow Smoker's Club alums, Curren$y and Smoke DZA have come together on The Stage EP, a free project produced entirely by Harry Fraud. Big K.R.I.T. and French Montana also make guest appearances on the 4-song EP. You can stream and download The Stage EP below. Related: Curren$y – Jetflix Documentary... Read more

October 30, 2013 Mixes

Mister Cee Pays Tribute to Jam Master Jay with a Mix (Mixtape)

As has become customary on the anniversary of the loss of Hip-Hop icons, Mister Cee has put together a mix celebrating the legacy of Jam Master Jay. You can stream and download the collection of Run-D.M.C. classics below. Related: EPMD’s DJ Scratch Speaks About His Friend and Mentor Jam Master... Read more

October 30, 2013 Throwback

Tragedy Khadafi Freestyles Over Drop A Gem On ‘Em (Audio)

History sometimes forgets. Tragedy Khadafi, by way of 25 To Life, was indeed part of the East-West Coast beef. A descendant of the Juice Crew, the Intelligent Hoodlum remains one of Marley Marl's last great proteges. So understanding the "L.A., L.A." subtext, it's tongue-in-cheek to see Traj hop on the... Read more

October 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Alchemist & Evidence Pay A Step Brothers Homage To Ron Carter (Audio)

“The beat kinda reminded me of 'We Are The World'—especially the drums. If you listen to 2:12 of 'We Are The World,' you will hear what I'm talking about. The rap style was inspired by a group called Big Fortune that recorded a classic album in 1987, but unfortunately had... Read more

October 30, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Here’s Love Game, the Much Anticipated Collabo Between Eminem & Kendrick Lamar (Audio)

As the release date for Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP 2 draws near, arguably the most anticipated song from the album has hit the 'nets. Em, one of the illest ever, teams up with Kendrick Lamar, one of the illest of the now school. The track is built on a playful... Read more

October 30, 2013 Audio

EPMD’s DJ Scratch Speaks About His Friend and Mentor Jam Master Jay (Video)

Rest in Peace to Jam Master Jay who we lost 11 years ago today. Jay was a friend and mentor to EPMD's DJ Scratch while Run-D.M.C. and EPMD toured together. Scratch recently sat down to discuss their friendship and how Jay looked out for him in the beginning of Scratch's... Read more

October 30, 2013 Video

Lantana Spits an Adrenaline-Fueled Freestyle on Sway in the Morning (Video)

Few things in Hip-Hop get the heart beating like a killer verse...especially when it's unexpected. That's precisely why Kendrick's Control verse created an explosion for nearly 2 months in the Hip-Hop universe. We recently learned of a Cincinnati MC named Lantana. He spit a verse on Sway in the Morning... Read more

October 30, 2013 Video

Young Buck Drops a Quick Freestyle to Let Everyone Know He’s Gettin’ Back (Video)

Young Buck has only been back from his stint in prison for a couple of weeks, but he's already going hard in the studio. Here's a quick verse and video from Buck to let everyone know he's Gettin' Back. Related: Young Buck – RAGE ft Marvin Gaye (Video)... Read more

October 29, 2013 Video

Snoop Dogg Releases That’s My Work 2 (Mixtape)

Outta nowhere, Snoop Dogg releases the sequel to his That's My Work mixtape with DJ Drama. The cover art says it all. You can stream and download That's My Work 2 below. Download Mixtape Related: Tha Dogg Pound – U Don’t Know Me Like That ft Snoop Dogg (Audio)... Read more

October 29, 2013 Mixes

Boogie Down Productions’ Duck Down Alternate Version, Possibly Battling Another Crew? (Audio)

The final Boogie Down Productions album, 1992's Sex & Violence doesn't always get the love that the other B.D.P. albums get. However, with Freddie Foxxx, Prince Paul, DJ Kenny Parker and Heather B involved, this joint was instrumental of many things to come. S&V's second single "Duck Down" (reportedly where... Read more

October 29, 2013 Fresh, Throwback

House Shoes Honors J Dilla With King James Version Mixtape, Also On Vinyl (Mixtape)

DJ House Shoes was J Dilla's longtime right-hand-man. Shoes has helped tell Dilla's story of life and music since that tragic day in 2006. Always outspoken, Shoes (who's got impressive catalog in his own right with Danny Brown, Roc Marciano, and Quelle Chris) has also who has and who hasn't... Read more

October 29, 2013 Fresh, Mixes

Quelle Chris Hits Us With Ghost At The Finish Line (Album Stream)

Detroit, Michigan MC/producer Quelle Chris has had a busy 2013. Following up the first half's Niggas Is Men, Black Milk's tour partner and Mello Music Group unleash Ghost At The Finish Line. The LP features Chris' homies including Alchemist, Oh No, Denmark Vessey, B.M., and Guilty Simpson. Per usual, the... Read more

October 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Common Shines on Another Incredible J. Dilla Beat with Yancey Boys’ Quicksand (Video)

J. Dilla blessed a lot of great artists with his beats over his too short career, but there were some with whom he had a special connection. A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and, naturally, Slum Village instantly come to mind. He and Common, however, had a mind meld... Read more

October 29, 2013 Video

Bun B Is A Symbol Of Freedom, Like The Eagle (Audio)

In his words, he's "Fly like the eagle," but UGK's Bun B is much more. Port Arthur's finest is gearing up for his fourth solo album, Trill O.G.: The Epilogue. Rap-A-Lot Records' biggest star of the moment makes a song about his endurance. From indie labels, moving from the trunk... Read more

October 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Rapper Big Pooh Has A Cajun Reunion With 9th Wonder On Jambalaya (Audio)

Did not see this coming, but thrilled it did. Out of the blue, Rapper Big Pooh released new music with his Little Brother co-founder 9th Wonder. From Fat Boy Fresh 3.5, "Jambalaya" reunites the pair for the first time in nearly three years, musically. Despite an impressive catalog with a... Read more

October 29, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Eminem and Rihanna Team Up on The Monster (Audio)

Eminem and Rihanna connect again on his latest single, The Monster. Related: Mister Cee’s Eminem Birthday Mix (Audio)... Read more

October 28, 2013 Audio

DJ Quik Calls Production Quits?

Moments ago, DJ Quik announced that he's selling his drum machines and production equipment. The Compton icon has produced for 2Pac, Jay Z, Hi-C, Suga Free, Penthouse Players Clique, AMG, 2nd II None, Mausberg, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Debarge, Raphael Saadiq, and a host of others. It's official. I'm selling all... Read more

October 28, 2013 Fresh

Jhene Aiko Makes A Lazy Day Anthem With Childish Gambino In Bed Peace (Video)

In time for cold season, when it's often harder to get out of bed in the morning, Def Jam's Jhene Aiko makes a jam about her ideal day. This plays like a modern day version to LL Cool J's "The Doo Wop" kinda, as she talks about a day filled... Read more

October 28, 2013 Fresh, Video

T.I. Shows How He’s Living in His Video for The Way We Ride (Video)

T.I.'s video for the G-Funk-inflected song The Way We Ride is a picturesque tour through the city with Tip. Related: Juicy J – Ain’t No Comin’ Down Remix ft T.I. (Audio)... Read more

October 28, 2013 Video

RJD2 Explains His Ethos Of Crate Digging & What He Looks For In Records (Video)

Fuse's Crate Diggers series continues with Philly-based RJD2. A founding member of the MHz with Copywriter, Camu Tao, and others, RJ became famous in the early 2000s for his solo works on Def Jux. Since those days, RJ's laced joints for Little Brother, Aceyalone, and Cage, among many others. His... Read more

October 28, 2013 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson Goes to Work on Practice, the First Release from Blue Chips 2 (Audio)

Action Bronson goes in on a vintage Isaac Hayes soul sample on the first release from his Blue Chips 2 mixtape. Check out Practice. Related: Alchemist Refreshes With A Coke-Inspired Joint Featuring Action Bronson (Audio)... Read more

October 28, 2013 Audio

Planet Asia Gets Downright Scientific On Go You Slavia (Audio)

Planet Asia has had quite a run in the last two years. After resonating with many on Black Belt Theatre, Fresno's finest formed Durag Dynasty with Alchemist, and made a hazy LP earlier this year. Now teaming with Frank The Butcher & Paul Mighty for "Go You Slavia," the MC... Read more

October 28, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Take a Look Back at the Best Video Content of the Past Week (Video Playlist)

The past week in video brought new music videos from Ice Cube, Schoolboy Q and DJ Khaled featuring Scarface, Jadakiss, Meek Mill, Akon, John Legend & Anthony Hamilton, dope freestyles from Crooked I and Childish Gambino and pieces on Mike Tyson, J. Cole, Ab-Soul and more. Check out the video... Read more

October 27, 2013 Featured-homepage, Playlists, Video

Janelle Monae Performs Dance Apocalyptic on SNL (Video)

Janelle Monae brought her quirky soul, funk fusion to SNL last night with a typically high energy performance. You can watch Dance Apocalyptic below. Related: Janelle Monae – Prime Time ft Miguel (Audio)... Read more

October 27, 2013 Video

Redman Releases a New Video from Muddy Waters 2 and a New Remixxes Mixtape (Video + Mixtape)

Redman announced he is releasing Muddy Waters 2, a follow up to his 1996 classic LP. To kick off the campaign, he has released a video for Pump Ya Brakes, the first single from the project, AND a new Remixxes mixtape. You can watch the video and stream and download... Read more

October 27, 2013 Mixes

Needle To The Groove: The Return Of The True Free-Form Mix (Food For Thought)

With less than 10 weeks left on the year, it can be challenging to make sense of 2013 in Hip-Hop. From the conversations I'm having with fellow fans, there isn't a runaway favorite for Album Of The Year, Mixtape Of The Year, or even Artist Of The Year. The biggest... Read more

October 27, 2013 Food for Thought, Fresh

Common and Marsha Ambrosious Join Robert Glasper Experiment on the Mesmerizing Song Trust (Audio)

Here's yet another amazing song from Robert Glasper Experiment. This one pairs Marsha Ambrosious and Common. Press play and vibe out to Trust. Related: Robert Glasper Experiment - Calls ft Jill Scott (Video)... Read more

October 26, 2013 Audio

Amel Larrieux Brings the Funk on Orange Glow (Audio)

Amel Larrieux ditches the neosoul sound in favor of some good old-fashioned funk on her latest. Check out Orange Glow. Her new album ice cream everyday is in stores now. Related: Amel Larrieux - I Do Take (Audio)... Read more

October 26, 2013 Audio

Nipsey Hussle Gives the Real on Growing Up in Crenshaw on The Juan Epstein Show (Video)

Nipsey Hussle is one of the most authentic cats in the game right now. During a trip to NYC this week, he connected with Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds and discussed his African heritage, the grind as an independent artist, the new West Coast movement, first generation West Coast MCs... Read more

October 26, 2013 Video

Game & Nipsey Hussle – Red and Blue Make Green (Mixtape)

Here's a mixtape that compiles the various collaborations between Game and Nipsey Hussle from over the years. You can stream and download Red and Blue Make Green below. Related: Nipsey Hussle Releases Crenshaw & Slauson Video With Crenshaw Mixtape (Video & Mixtape) + The Game – OKE (Mixtape)... Read more

October 25, 2013 Mixes

Schoolboy Q Releases a High Energy Video for Banger (MOSHPIT) (Video)

Schoolboy Q takes a "less is more" approach to the new video for his song Banger (MOSHPIT). Q releases a video that is all black and white and which mostly features him performing in a black hoodie and black pants. Q's animated performance reinforces the high energy of the song.... Read more

October 25, 2013 Video

Ice Cube Calls Himself Sasquatch In A New Single Right In Time For Halloween (Video)

Twenty years ago, Ice Cube was flat-out "Wicked." Now, the N.W.A/Westside Connection alum is aligning himself with Sasquatch. In a straightforward Trap-influenced song, Cube lets the video do the talking. Always dabbling in Horror, this comes seemingly out of nowhere and in time for Halloween. Tales From The Hood soundtrack-meets-2013.... Read more

October 25, 2013 Fresh, Video

R.A. The Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz & Sadat X Honor Sam Peckinpah In Style (Video)

In addition to his knowledge of Hip-Hop, R.A. The Rugged Man is a boxing enthusiast and huge film buff. On his 2013 acclaimed LP Legends Never Die, R.A. linked with frequent collaborator Vinnie Paz (of Jedi Mind Tricks) and Brand Nubian's Sadat X for "Sam Peckinpah." For those who might... Read more

October 25, 2013 Fresh, Video