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Locksmith Has Already Delivered The Freestyle Of The Year

Richmond, California's Locksmith is a decorated veteran MC who makes music with substance. He has made songs with Xzibit, KXNG Crooked, Ras Kass, Apathy, and others along the way. However, the East Bay lyricist is also known for being the source of incredible freestyles. Over the last decade and a... Read more

Rah Digga Celebrates Hip-Hop’s 50 Years On A Powerful Song

It is now 2024, which closes the book on a year-long campaign celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop. The August 11, 1973 birthday resonated throughout 2023, in the form of Grammy performances, incredible tribute songs (which also earned Grammy recognition), and a litany of concerts—including one at Yankee Stadium—just minutes from... Read more

Redman Has Released A Series Of Freestyles Over Hip-Hop Classics

Next month will make it eight years since Redman released an album. However, as the Def Squad MC plugs away at Muddy Waters Too and Blackout! 3 with Method Man, he frequently gives his devoted fan-base new music. In 2023, Reggie Noble has teamed with Royce 5'9, Logic, Tony Touch,... Read more

Vic Mensa Is 2 Years Sober But His Freestyle Is Still Dope

Last month, Vic Mensa released his latest album, Victor. The Roc Nation Records release features Common, Jay Electronica, Ty Dolla Sign, Chance The Rapper, Thundercat, Rapsody, D Smoke, among others. In the two years since the Chicago, Illinois artist released his last LP, I TAPE, Mensa transitioned his lifestyle. The... Read more

Ghostface Killah Is A 60 Second Assassin In His New Verse

Yesterday (August 25), Ghostface Killah teamed with Westside Gunn and DJ Muggs for "Sicilian Gold." The collaboration between members of Wu-Tang Clan, Cypress Hill, and Griselda appears on the new Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley album and is embedded below. GFK, who released a Remy Ma collaborative single "YUPP!" this month,... Read more

Coast Contra Returns With Another Breathtaking Freestyle

After years of paying dues, the Coast Contra group made major inroads during 2022. The quartet of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Eric Jamal, and Rioloz released their debut album, Apt. 505. That They promoted the self-released LP with a memorable performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a... Read more

LL Cool J’s Freestyle Shows He Is Still A GOAT MC

This weekend (August 5), LL Cool J is headlining the annual Rock The Bells Festival in his home borough of Queens, New York. L will be joined by The Roots and DJ Z-Trip as he shares the main event with the MC's longtime friends and peers Run-D.M.C. Other performers include... Read more

Vic Mensa Kicks The Year’s Two Best Freestyles Back To Back

Over the last decade, Vic Mensa has cemented himself as one of the most exciting freestylers of his generation. The Chicago, Illinois MC often uses the free-form opportunities to provide substantial commentary—whether notes about ugly Hip-Hop history, his personal conflicts, or systemic oppression. Just days after a fellow Roc Nation... Read more

Conway The Machine Gives Funkmaster Flex The Year’s Best Freestyle

Earlier this month, Conway The Machine released his first solo album of 2023. WON'T HE DO IT arrived on Conway's Drumwork Music Group label, and features Fabolous, Juicy J, Ransom, and Sauce Walka, as well as his longtime Griselda crew cohorts Westside Gunn and Benny The Butcher. To promote the... Read more

Alchemist’s Freestyle Shows He’s Magic On The Mic Too

This Friday (March 31), Larry June and Alchemist are teaming up for The Great Escape. After four singles ahead of Friday's Escape and a documentary video (embedded below), fans are anticipating the LP, which is slated to feature Joey Bada$$, Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Curren$y, Action Bronson, Ty Dolla $ign, Slum Village, Boldy James, Evidence... Read more

Black Thought Recaps 50 Years Of Hip-Hop History In An Epic Freestyle

Earlier this month, The Roots' Black Thought rocked the Grammy stage as part of a massive Hip-Hop 50th-anniversary tribute. The set was curated by Thought's band-mate Questlove (who played along from the drums) and featured Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Rakim, Big Boi, Posdnuos, Busta... Read more

Mickey Factz Freestyles Over Jadakiss’ Classic Like He Owns It

Veteran New York MC Mickey Factz has had a busy 2022. Just over one week ago, the Bronx lyricist partnered with producer Ayo Shamir to self-release It's Only Us Here, an album that features Sy Ari Da Kid and others. Earlier in the year, the artist assembled the conceptual Black History With... Read more

Ab-Soul Freestyles Over Tupac & Biggie Disses With Love For Both

Just days before releasing his first album in six years, Ab-Soul makes his first freestyle appearance on the LA Leakers. The TDE mainstay begins as Justin Incredible and DJ Sour Milk drop the beat to Tupac Shakur and Tha Outlawz' "Hit 'Em Up" (as produced by the late Johnny J).... Read more

Westside Boogie’s Freestyle Makes Other MCs Look this Big

Nearly four years ago, Westside Boogie made a major impression with his first album on Shady Records. 2019's Everythings For Sale joined the Griselda crew in expanding Eminem's roster with new depth and range. That move had been happening since both parties smashed a 2017 BET Cypher. While the Buffalo,... Read more

Symba Calls Funkmaster Flex Out While Freestyling For Him

This week marks the 26th anniversary of the death of Tupac Shakur. On September 13, 1996, the MC, actor, poet, and pop culture superstar died in a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital following a drive-by shooting one week earlier. While many Tupac affiliates, insiders, and law enforcement officials have opined who... Read more

Joyner Lucas Raps Forwards & Backwards On A Crazy Freestyle

Over the last five years, Joyner Lucas has gone from a standout independent lyricist to a Grammy-nominated artist. The Worcester, Massachusetts native MC released ADHD to a Top 10 charting response, following "Best Rap Song" and "Best Music Video" Grammy nods for Eminem collaboration "Lucky You" and "I'm Not A... Read more

Coast Contra’s Scenario Freestyle Is Scary Good

Coast Contra has been one of the most exciting breaking acts of 2022. The high-energy quartet has been around for several years—including an appearance on 2019’s acclaimed and charting Queen & Slim soundtrack. However, after a punctuating appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Apt. 505 album, alongside work... Read more

Lloyd Banks Freestyles Over A Classic Dr. Dre Beat & Crushes It

After years of crushing the streets with mixtapes, G-Unit released its major label debut in late 2003. Beg For Mercy was a commanding display from 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck. At the time, Tony Yayo was still locked up, though his image appeared projected on the artwork of... Read more

Megan Thee Stallion Regulates The Competition With A G-Funk Freestyle

In early 2019, Megan Thee Stallion's career was taking shape. The Houston, Texas MC had cracked the pop charts in late '18 with her Tina Snow EP. Meg had also previously worked with Wale. However, the 1501 Certified/300 Entertainment artist would use the year ahead to crack the code, and... Read more

Ras Kass’ Sons Destroy Mics Just Like He Does

This summer, the Hip-Hop quartet Coast Contra is on a rapid rise. The collective of Ras Austin, Taj Austin, Rio Loz, and Eric Jamal has been releasing songs alongside Tobe Nwigwe, Ciara, and BJ The Chicago Kid amid the release of their LP, Apt. 505. Dave Chappelle also personally requested... Read more

Conway The Machine & Funkmaster Flex Release A Freestyle But Have They Made Peace?

Earlier this month, Conway The Machine called out Funkmaster Flex on Instagram Live. The Buffalo, New York MC demanded new Hip-Hop gatekeepers. This came after the artist reportedly saw Flex publicly say he was not a fan of Griselda while speaking to Wallo, the high-profile podcast host who recently appeared... Read more

Black Thought Freestyles Over Benny’s Beat & Butchers It

Earlier this month, West Philadelphia played host to the 20th Roots Picnic. There, The Roots crew shared the stage with Mary J. Blige and welcomed artists including DJ Jazzy Jeff & Rakim, Freddie Gibbs, Masego, Babyface Ray, and others to their two-day event. On Saturday (June 4), Black Thought and... Read more

CyHi’s Freestyle Shows Why He Is A GOAT Ghostwriter

This month, Atlanta, Georgia veteran MC CyHi released a four-track EP, EGOT. No longer officially using "The Prynce" in his name, CyHi's latest release follows 2017's acclaimed No Dope On Sundays—named among Ambrosia For Heads' best of that year. Nearly five years removed from that major-label drop, the highly-respected writer... Read more

CyHi The Prynce Disses Joe Budden On A Blistering Freestyle

For three and a half years, there has been tension brewing between Joe Budden and CyHi The Prynce. The MC-turned-media mogul has been critical of the former G.O.O.D. Music artist. In 2018, Budden criticized CyHi's relationship with Kanye West. “CyHi just tweeted yesterday, ‘Uh oh, masta’ said, I’m gettin’ seven... Read more

Brandy Outraps Jack Harlow On His Own Beat

Earlier this month (May 10), Jack Harlow promoted his recently-released Come Home The Kids Miss You with a HOT 97 appearance. While appearing on Ebro In The Morning, the multi-platinum Louisville, Kentucky MC was asked to guess artists while hearing songs. As Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, and Laura Stylez played Brandy's... Read more

Nick Grant Shows Why He Is One Of The Best Freestylers Of His Generation

South Carolina's Nick Grant has been one of the most promising MCs to burst on the scene over the last five or so years. His major-label debut, Return Of The Cool, was a praiseworthy release back in 2017. Since then, Grant put his career on the independent route, where he... Read more

Benny The Butcher Uses A DMX Beat To Deliver A Punishing Freestyle

Over the last four years, Benny The Butcher has established himself as one of the hottest and most respected MCs in Hip-Hop. With projects like Tana Talk 3, Burden Of Proof, and two volumes of The Plugs I Met, Benny has adhered to the Griselda formula while transcending the underground... Read more

Cordae Freestyles Over Biggie’s Beat & Blacks Out

As 2022 gets underway, Cordae has delivered the freestyle to beat. Approaching his star-studded sophomore album, From A Bird's Eye View, releasing tomorrow (January 14), Cordae swung by the L.A. Leakers to demonstrate his skills. From the top, he warns that there should be a two-month waiting period before another MC... Read more

Damian Lillard Freestyles About His Real Life Hoop Dreams

Damian Lillard continues to be one of the all-time great double threats. With his tenth NBA season underway, the Portland Trailblazers' franchise superstar hopes to bring the team its first championship since 1977. As an artist, Dame D.O.L.L.A recently released his latest album, Different On Levels The Lord Allowed. The... Read more

Common Resurrects His Place As A Top MC With This Freestyle

Next month makes 30 years since Common received the coveted "Unsigned Hype" column in The Source magazine. As he would do with Biggie Smalls and Mobb Deep, journalist Matty C. found Common Sense a worthy inclusion for the highly-respected Hip-Hop publication. Unlike today, 1991 was a time when MCs from... Read more

Jadakiss Had A Career Defining Moment With LOX Verzuz Dipset

For the last 20-plus years, Jadakiss has long been revered as one of Hip-Hop's top MCs. The co-founder of LOX and D-Block went as far as naming his 2015 fourth solo album, Top 5 Dead Or Alive. The proclamation, taken from Jadakiss' frequent mention in such lists among Rap fans,... Read more

Kurupt Details The Classic Death Row Songs That Began As Freestyles

For more than 20 years, core fans kept hope that the HRSMN might release an album. As one of Rap's earliest super-groups, the quartet composed of Kurupt, Ras Kass, Killah Priest, and Canibus hurdled label challenges, leaks, bootlegging, legal woes, and all that comes with four separate lives and careers.... Read more

J. Cole Just Kicked The Best Freestyle Of 2021 (Video)

J. Cole's new album, The Off-Season, is aptly-titled, because he is not playing. After announcing last week that his project would be available on May 14, the Fayetteville, North Carolina MC/producer has wasted no time re-establishing he is one of the greatest rappers of his generation. J. Cole’s New Album... Read more

Black Thought Pops Up At Rapsody’s Show To Rip Another Incredible Freestyle (Video)

Last night (February 6), Rapsody performed at Elsewhere in Brooklyn, New York. After touring with Big K.R.I.T. in late 2019, the Jamla Records MC is headlining the A Black Woman Created This Tour (dates below), which also features Sa-Roc. Black Thought, who has worked with Rap' several times, appeared on... Read more

King Los Kicks The Year’s Best Freestyle. MCs Should Be Shook (Video)

When it comes to the freestyle, King Los is one of the most exciting artists of all-time. Although the Baltimore, Maryland native has made some potent songs and revered projects, his calling card has always been what he does on the spot. Following last month's standout showing at the 2019... Read more

This 1998 Black Thought & Common Freestyle Is An Incredible Hip-Hop Moment In Time

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's own DJ Cosmo Baker is known worldwide for his connection to Hip-Hop and Neo-Soul, frequently creating classic party series such as The Rub and The Remedy. The latter, which he hosted alongside DJ Rich Medina, helped to spotlight artists such as The Roots, J Dilla, Jill Scott, and... Read more

Rapsody’s Latest Freestyle Shows Why She Is Already In The Winner’s Circle (Video)

Yesterday (November 20), Rapsody expressed her disappointment following the announcement of the 2020 Grammy Award nominations. While late 2017's Laila's Wisdom earned two nominations, 2019's exceptional LP Eve was not included in Wednesday's list. In a social media post, the Jamla/Roc Nation MC admitted that she was "frustrated" and "disappointed."... Read more

Homeboy Sandman Is A True Original. Watch Him Spit A Freestyle Like No Other MC.

Fresh off the release of his Dusty album (embedded below), Queens, New York's Homeboy Sandman popped by Peter Rosenberg’s HOT 97 late show to converse about life, his artistic journey, the importance of uniqueness, and monotony in today’s Hip-Hop climate. The 39-year-old Elmhurst representative, who has solidified himself as one... Read more

DNA Is A Champion In Battle Rap & His Latest Freestyle Is A Victory Lap (Video)

Last week Battle Rap veteran DNA beat Geechi Gotti and T-Top in the URL battles that were held as part of the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards (embedded below). On top of the bragging rights, the Queens, New York MC walked away with $25,000 in prize money. DNA is clearly... Read more

Happy Birthday To Big Daddy Kane. Ever Hear His “Raw” Remix With Kool G Rap?

Today (September 10) marks Big Daddy Kane's birthday. Commanding audiences far and wide since he was a teenager, the now 51-year-old living legend continues to be among the culture's best performers. From collaborations with Ghostface Killah and Joell Ortiz, as well as new freestyles, King Asiatic continues to add to... Read more

Boogie’s Freestyle Questions Whether Buying Back The Block Is The Right Thing (Video)

Boogie made one of 2019's better albums in Everything's For Sale. The Long Beach, California native who was later raised in the streets of Compton, confronts the issues of our time with wisdom and witty cynicism. A young father who spent years grinding on Soundcloud on a path that's ultimately... Read more

Logic Runs A Pharcyde Beat In A Freestyle Announcing He’s About To Be A Dad

In May, Logic released Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. The MC/producer's fifth album topped the charts, including appearances from Eminem, YBN Cordae, Wiz Khalifa. However, the 29-year-old refuses to touch the brakes, even with some very exciting family news to share. Logic released "No Pressure Freestyle" today. The standalone video... Read more

Common Takes An MC From The Streets To The Tonight Show For A True Cypher

Anybody who has ever attended a Common concert knows that the Chicago, Illinois veteran is one of the best improvisers with the mic. For years, Comm' has impressed audiences with his knowledge of local landmarks, street names, and fun facts, no matter in what city he was performing. Meanwhile, even... Read more

Big K.R.I.T. Explains How Platinum Rappers Can Be Broke In A Complex Freestyle

Big K.R.I.T. released his latest solo studio album K.R.I.T. IZ HERE last month. The campaign began with a title track video that put the MC/producer's former major label in the cross-hairs, visually equating artist bidding wars to slave auctions. K.R.I.T. has done it on his own, and never relied on... Read more

YBN Cordae Freestyles Over 3 Generations Of Beats To Show He’s 1 Of A Kind

YBN Cordae has one of the most talked-about albums of the summer. The Lost Boy released less than a week and features Pusha-T, Anderson .Paak, and Chance The Rapper. Cordae realizes that he is still taking his sound new places. He stopped by Funkmaster Flex's freestyle platform to drop one... Read more

Marlon Craft Says He’s Mos Def, Talib Kweli & Nas Combined In A Fiery Freestyle

Marlon Craft is out to uphold a rich tradition of New York City Hip-Hop. From Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen, this MC put in work on last year's exceptional A Breukelen Story album from Masta Ace & Marco Polo—named one of Ambrosia For Heads' best of '18. Previously, Marlon has been behind... Read more

Freddie Gibbs Freestyles Holding His Baby & Crowns Himself The Best Rapper Alive

Freddie Gibbs is not playing. Just under one month after releasing Bandana with Madlib, the veteran MC from Gary, Indiana is in a very confident stride. After more than a dozen years on the grind, the lyricist appears on The L.A. Leakers' show to freestyle, with his baby on his... Read more

Common Joins A Street Performer In An Off The Top Cypher That’s GREAT!

Common is a Hip-Hop legend who carries his love of the art-form. No matter how many plaques, spokesman gigs, or hits that the Chicago, Illinois veteran achieves, he has never been too big to freestyle, participate in the culture, and spread awareness of its foundation. In the last month alone,... Read more

Lil Dicky Kicks A Freestyle With Comedy Without Sacrificing The Bars (Video)

This year, Lil Dicky took an Earth Day-themed song about saving the planet to the top of the charts. Even though the corresponding music video to "Earth" features Justin Bieber, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ariana Grande, and a host of others, the Greater Philadelphia native is still very in touch with his... Read more

The Game Freestyles Over Old Town Road. This Ain’t Country (Video)

The Game is officially in album mode. The veteran Compton, California MC formally announced his ninth outing, Born 2 Rap this week. What's more, the onetime Dr. Dre protege asserts that it will be his final album in a dominant 15-year career of provocative music and actions. A press release... Read more