freestyle Archives

Jadakiss Rips Into An O.D.B. Classic Instrumental With A Sharp Freestyle (Audio)

Jadakiss is restless when it comes to weekly throwback freestyles. He comes forth with some sharp witticisms, and clever wordplay on Ol' Dirty's 1995 classic, "Brooklyn Zoo" (as "Shame On You Rappers"). From Downtown to Uptown, 'Kiss hits this freestyle with his A-Game, and livens up another Friday. Should Jadakiss... Read more

June 19, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Kurupt Freestyle With DJ Quik Beatboxing in a Tuxedo? (Video)

Back in 2009, two of the West Coast's OGs teamed up for a collaborative album. DJ Quik and Kurupt's BlaQKout featured both MCs on the mic and Quik holding it down on the boards with his patented G-Funk. Here's a look back at a behind the scenes moment of the... Read more

June 13, 2015 Video

Lil Dicky TORCHES a Sway in the Morning Freestyle. Bars Like Federal Prison…(Video)

Lil Dicky is a funny MC. He smiles, cracks jokes and has a good time with his rapping. But, when it's about those bars, he is deadly serious. Many first saw Dicky in his hilarious video for "Ex-Boyfriend," a song where he comically vents about the insecurities he as about... Read more

June 13, 2015 Video

Are We Overdue For That Lil Fame Solo Album? Hear This Freestyle (Audio)

For nearly five years, there has been talk of M.O.P. pausing to do solo albums by Billy Danze and Lil Fame. The problem? The Brownsvillians simply love mashing out, together. After a series of albums, EPs, and even a joint effort between Fame and Termanology, the MC/producer also known as... Read more

June 8, 2015 Audio

Here’s a Cypher Between Nas & De La Soul From 1996 (Audio)

Tim Westwood digs in his massive vault and pulls out a 1996 freestyle featuring Nas and De La Soul. In an 11-minute cypher amongst true MCs, they pass the mic, trading verses, all off the top. Notably, this is well after each artist was firmly established, with De La Soul... Read more

June 6, 2015 Throwback

Chris Rivers Earns Every Instrumental, From Big Pun To LOX (Audio)

When you're constantly compared against your father, you have to make it count. Chris Rivers has massive shoes to fill as Big Pun's son. So when the Bronx, New York heir to the family microphone takes his dad's instrumental, it's a sign of confidence. In a quick strike, that's just... Read more

June 5, 2015 Audio

Styles P’s Fierce Flow & J Dilla’s Soultastic Beat Make A Musical Marriage (Audio)

In life, Styles P and J Dilla never got to work together. Presumably, the men respected each others' work. Both artists enjoyed big trucks, all-natural mind elevation, and making that knock amidst music that makes you feel weightless. In his weekly series, S.P. The Ghost has been going for some... Read more

June 5, 2015 Audio

Joell Ortiz, CyHi The Prynce & Jarren Benton Serve a Cypher for the Backpackers (Video)

Three animated lyricists come together for Team Backpack's latest cypher. Joell Ortiz, CyHi The Prynce, and Jarren Benton all have recent projects to promote. However, on stage together before a hungry, live audience, it's all about simply promoting skills. Jarren kicks things off with a mischievous mosaic of bars, combining... Read more

June 1, 2015 Video

When A$AP Rock Freestyles…Anything Goes. Witness an MC Who is Truly Fearless (Video)

A$AP Rocky is fearless. As sales of his just released AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP album will soon show, he is currently one of the most successful rappers in the game. That said, he is unafraid to freestyle, "off the top," say ANYTHING and have fun. Rocky joined the Sway in the Morning show,... Read more

May 28, 2015 Throwback

As Fabolous Snatches Throwbacks, Capone-N-Noreaga Resuscitate “Breathe” (Audio)

Fabolous and Jadakiss (as well as Papoose, Tony Yayo, and others) have been freestyling within the confines of 1990s New York Hip-Hop hit instrumentals (often recreating the original songs). All of those mentioned names were around in the decade, either making noise on a grand level, or getting their names... Read more

May 27, 2015 Audio

Hear Rakim Rarities, Pete Rock Freestyles From 1996 Future Flavors Set (Mix)

Just like in the late 1980s, Marley Marl and Pete Rock transmitted dopeness into radio waves in much of the 1990s. The Juice Crew founder and The Chocolate Boy Wonder brought their ear for excellence and supreme Rap mixing skills to airwaves for the HOT 97 Future Flavors radio show.... Read more

May 21, 2015 Throwback

Chris Rivers And Denzil Porter Mint Lyrical Gold on Lootchini (Audio)

Being the son of the highly-respected late MC Big Pun, it is no surprise that Chris Rivers is a lyrical wizard. With Denzil Porter alongside, the two New York MC's drop some catchy wordplay in a freestyle over Camp Lo's classic "Luchini" instrumental. Rivers and Porter show us that their rhyming capabilities are as polished... Read more

May 18, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Vintage Slick Rick Freestyle With Rahzel On The Beatbox? (Video)

Here's a look back at a vintage freestyle by Slick Rick the Ruler, accompanied by human beatbox extraordinaire and Roots-affiliate, Rahzel. The clip is from a promo campaign for an MTV Hip-Hop week that looks to have taken place in the late 90s. Rick is "fresh dressed like a million... Read more

May 16, 2015 Throwback

Why Did Jay Z Sign Vic Mensa? Watch His Blackout Freestyle Over Roc Boys (Video)

Less than halfway into 2015, it's already been a monster year for Vic Mensa. The multi-talented Chicago MC has collaborated with Kanye West twice, and was recently signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. To some, the signing may have been a surprising move, but for Heads who have followed Mensa... Read more

May 15, 2015 Video

It’s Hunting Season For Jadakiss on Bang Bang. Wack MCs, Beware…(Audio)

Jadakiss continues his winning streak in his weekly freestyle series. On his latest, he attacks Capone-N-Noreaga's 2000 riot-starter, "Bang Bang," from their album The Reunion. The track which was produced by Alchemist and featured Foxy Brown as a guest vocalist, coaxes one of the most aggressive performances from Jada in... Read more

May 15, 2015 Audio

Fashawn Takes An Above The Law Classic & Hits Freestyle Switches (Video)

Fashawn stopped by Tim Westwood's crib to freestyle. The mainstay British DJ knew just what to hit Fash' with. Beginning with Above The Law's "Black Superman," the Mass Appeal Records artist gets to work. Finding his own G-Funk lyrics, the Fresno, California MC seems to come off the dome in... Read more

May 9, 2015 Video

Tish Is the First Woman MC to Do the 5 Fingers of Death Freestyle. She CRUSHES It (Video)

Tish Hyman is a rare talent who is on the verge of exploding. The Bronx, NY artist is one of the select few who is equally and supremely gifted at both rapping and singing. Her single, "Subway Art," showcases the latter more heavily, but do not be fooled. As an... Read more

May 8, 2015 Video

Jadakiss Is Out To Top Everybody On The Throwback Freestyle Circuit (Audio)

Jadakiss continues to light up Fridays, handing Heads more than a paycheck with his freestyles. As L.O.X./D-Block partner Styles P is in the thick of it, Jada' clearly is out to shine in a classic of throw-back minded players including Fabolous (who recently tackled a LOX joint), Tony Yayo, and... Read more

May 8, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear This Extra-Large 1995 Method Man Freestyle? (Audio)

In 1995, things were reaching a boil for Method Man. The Wu-Tang Clan MC had a hit solo album in Tical, and an onslaught of classic verses with his band-mates. However, even with the presumed millions rolling in, the Iron Lung MC was not at all above ripping up bars... Read more

May 3, 2015 Throwback

20 Years Later…Mobb Deep Are Still Crushing Mics. Watch This Freestyle (Video)

As Mobb Deep celebrate the 20 year anniversary of their album The Infamous, Prodigy and Havoc make a pit stop at Tim Westwood TV while in the UK. As is customary, Westwood has the duo kick a Crib Session Freestyle and he cues up The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Going Back to... Read more

May 2, 2015 Video

Mac Miller Strikes Back, With Bars That Slash His Recent Silence (Audio)

For nearly six months, Mac Miller has been unusually quiet. The Most Dope front man has a new label home, production work, recording responsibilities, and plenty of material to let marinate on the minds of Hip-Hop Heads. "Boo (Interlude)" emerges from this quiet, reminding the world that the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

Jadakiss & Styles P Rock A Rhyme Routine For The Block (Audio)

For recent weeks, Jadakiss and Styles P have set the weekend off with borrowed beats and venerable verses. This time, holding Cam'ron and Prodigy's "Losin' Weight" for a second, they take on the task together. "Block Work" is street-focused, using images from the hustle to show the kind of strength... Read more

May 1, 2015 Audio

Step Back In Time With This Rugged MC Lyte Freestyle (Video)

Sometimes Hip-Hop is at its best when in its purest form. Few things are more satisfying than hearing a top notch MC shred a verse over nothing but a beat. Here's a look back at a vintage moment from Rap City: Tha Basement where MC Lyte crushes a freestyle over... Read more

April 30, 2015 Throwback

Sean Price Borrows Kanye West’s Breakthrough Beat and Spits The Truth (Audio)

In a career that's 20 years old, Sean Price has been very calculated with mixtape releases. Three times, the Brownsville, Brooklyn MC has offered up a non-album release, and starting with 2004's Donkey Sean, Jr., (before Monkey Barz) each time they have been a warning shot before an album that's... Read more

April 28, 2015 Audio

GQ & Locksmith Drive Rhymes From The Backseat Of A Lyft (Video)

In the latest installment of the increasingly popular "HipHopLyft" series, Bay Area MCs Locksmith and GQ (of Jamla Records) drop conscious gems in freestyle form as they are driven around the streets of San Francisco. The two spitters both represent Team BackPack, a musical conglomerate that is dedicated to connecting... Read more

April 25, 2015 Video

Ever See This Cypher With Snoop, Kurupt, Daz, Nate Dogg and Dr. Dre? (Video)

Ain't nuthin' like a gangsta party...Here's a look back at an amazing studio moment from The Chronic era. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kurupt and Daz conduct a crazy off the top cypher, with Dr. Dre holding down the melody on a piano and Nate Dogg in the background with the vocals.... Read more

April 18, 2015 Throwback

Jadakiss Jacks Jay Z for Another Beat. What’s His Name? JADA…(Audio)

Kiss the week goodbye, as Jadakiss hits Friday April 17 with not one, but two lyrical scribblings over Jay Z instrumentals. This time, Jada' takes the Swizz Beatz-helmed "Jigga My Nigga (What's My Name)" from the first (platinum-plus) Ruff Ryders compilation, which Jadakiss and The L.O.X. were a key part... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio

Jadakiss Takes Jay Z’s Beat and Gets Far From Jiggy With It (Audio)

In the 2010s, Heads may not realize it, but Jadakiss has released some of the coldest music that still carries the Roc-A-Fella Records logo on the back. That said, 'Kiss takes an In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 standout moment from Jay Z and makes it his own. "Where I'm From,"... Read more

April 17, 2015 Audio

Ever Hear This Rare Mos Def & Talib Kweli Freestyle? (Audio)

One of the most disappointing moments in Hip-Hop relates not to something that happened, but rather something that didn't. After releasing the nearly universally acclaimed album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star, Yasiin Bey (pka Mos Def) and Talib never united again for a follow up. At the... Read more

April 14, 2015 Throwback

Talk About Ambition… Charles Hamilton Freestyles… For Nearly 19 Minutes (Video)

Harlem, New York MC Charles Hamilton understands that it takes extraordinary measures to win back a fan-base after several years of hiatus, public mishaps, and some industry controversy. He seems to be rising to the occasion, simply through showing and sharing his love of rapping. Open interviews are one element,... Read more

April 12, 2015 Video

Ever See This Mos Def Freestyle From 1992? The Star Power is Already Clear (Video)

Long before his acclaimed collaboration with Talib Kweli, Mos Def was a star. Here's a look back at the then 19-year old MC (now known as Yasiin Bey), stepping to the mic and wrecking shop on Toronto's Power Move Radio show. The clip is an excerpt from the 1994 documentary... Read more

April 11, 2015 Throwback

Here’s Vintage Footage of Lauryn Hill Showing and Proving Her Freestyle Vocab (Video)

Before becoming mega-platinum stars with multiple Grammy Awards, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef used to actively go from school to school searching for worthy MCs to battle. One look at this vintage clip of Lauryn effortlessly flowing off the top over Wyclef plucking the acoustic guitar shows exactly why most MCs... Read more

April 9, 2015 Throwback

Rapsody Breaks The Backboard With A Freestyle, After Discussing Race & Complexion (Videos)

Rapsody continues to garner strong attention over the last month. Since appearing on "Complexion" from Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, the Jamla Records veteran (of sorts) has a story that everyone is curious about. Rap' appeared on HOT 97's Ebro In The Morning this week, to speak with E,... Read more

April 7, 2015 Video

How Many MC’s Could Freestyle Over This Black Moon Classic As Well As Lloyd Banks? (Audio)

G-Unit has been quite active throughout the last month. With their second EP, The Beast Is G-Unit and a number of freestyles from Kidd Kidd during his promotion for XXL's 10th spot in the 2015 Freshmen class, the Unit has been hard at work. While Tony Yayo recorded his own freestyle... Read more

April 7, 2015 Audio

Logic Squeezes Everything He Possibly Can Out Of This Freestyle Opportunity (Video)

Today's crop of artists really seem to love the moment. Logic is one of the nouveau stars who—no matter his place on the charts or the magazine covers, still hits the mic like he's fresh in the door. The Def Jam budding MC hit the BBC's Fire In The Booth... Read more

April 6, 2015 Video

Fabolous Flows Over a Wu-Tang Classic. It’s Not a Game (Audio)

When presented with a concept, Fabolous never falters. The Brooklyn, New York star follows up his freestyle rendition of Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones, Part 2," and stays in the mid-1990s zone. Here, he moves from Havoc's anthem to one of RZA's finest concoctions, in 1993's "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta... Read more

April 4, 2015 Audio

The Ghost Sightings Continue. Styles P Snatches ScHoolboy’s Beat & Comes Correct (Audio)

Springtime brings showers. Styles P has drenched Heads with lots of new content, between fully-produced songs with his D-Block affiliates, more cannon fodder with his protege Chris Rivers, and four straight weekends of freestyles on industry beats. The quickfire attacks continue, as this week, S.P. holds ScHoolboy Q's "It's True"... Read more

April 4, 2015 Audio

Ras Kass Meets DJ Premier’s Bars In The Booth With Those Classic Snaps & Punchlines (Video)

Since the very beginning, Ras Kass has had no fear with his verses. The Southern California MC loves a good joke at a peer's expense, whether it's Lil' Kim, Seal, or even Prince, and it's what's made the confident and cocky lyricist so punchy. Those good ol' jabs are at... Read more

March 31, 2015 Video

Styles P Snatches Drake’s Beat For An Energetic Freestyle (Audio)

Drake's given everybody "Energy" on If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Styles P has energy to give, and he takes the Boi-1da-produced beat, and gives a 90 second verbal massage. With emphasized bars and that signature cadence, S.P. The Ghost has really dazzled late March with a series of... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Joey Bada$$ Goes To Town With A Freestyle Over Dre & Premier Beats (Audio)

Joey Bada$$ seemingly never is too fatigued for a freestyle. The Brooklyn, New Yorker who emerged from hallway cyphers and throwback-minded Rap activities is true to form. Stopping through the L.A. Leakers radio show, the hosts throw down some plates of production from the era Joey pulls from. Nimbly, he... Read more

March 26, 2015 Audio

Sean Price Has Fun With Words. Check The Intricacy Of His Latest Verbal Scribble (Audio)

Sean Price, for 20 years deep in the game being arguably the sharpest lyricist within Boot Camp Clik, isn't somebody who loves grand explanations. After all, 10 years ago, the Heltah Skeltah MC made an incredible comeback with a straightforward, deadpan, and self-deprecating LP in Monkey Barz. While there were... Read more

March 25, 2015 Audio

Ever See This Show-Stopping Rakim Freestyle? (Video)

Imagine you're in a crowd on the street witnessing one of the greatest MCs of all-time unleashing a vintage verse. What would you do? If that MC's name was Rakim, you would probably join in the chant of "Go Ra" with those others fortunate enough to witness the event, creating... Read more

March 22, 2015 Throwback

Ever See Eminem’s Lyrical Explosion on This Classic Biggie Beat? (Video)

Here's a look back at a young Eminem going absolutely berserk on the classic "Kick in the Door" beat that DJ Premier produced for The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, Ready to Die. Although it's unclear when the footage was recorded it looks to be from the early 2000s. Marshall appears... Read more

March 21, 2015 Throwback

Styles P Calls In A Ghost Attack With 2 New Freestyles (Audio)

For the second consecutive weekend, Styles P refuses to go quietly. Following last week's "Still Bangin' Freestyle," the Yonkers, New York blesses some industry beats with his street-tested wisdom. Dropping two Friday efforts, "Ghost Pills" adds the D-Block touch to Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions." "Bad Ass Ghost" is a... Read more

March 20, 2015 Audio

Styles P Freestyles Over a Classic Dr. Dre Beat and PUMP PUMPS (Audio)

Styles P has a battery in his back! Fresh off of "Bring That Beat Back" with his LOX family earlier in the week, Holiday Styles lights up with a "Still Bangin'" freestyle. Often agreeable and humble in the 2010s, this is a flashback to the Interscope Records days, shortly after... Read more

March 14, 2015 Audio

Charles Hamilton Has Everything To Prove In A 5 Fingers Of Death Freestyle (Video)

Five years ago, Charles Hamilton was seemingly on top of the world. The Harlem, New York MC who happens to be MC Lyte's cousin had inked a deal with the dominant Interscope Records. Hamilton was releasing spotlight-grabbing mixtapes at a breakneck speed. Along with peers Wale, B.o.B., and Asher Roth,... Read more

March 12, 2015 Video

Black Moon Had a Lot on Their Mind In This 1999 Future Flavas Freestyle (Audio)

Six years after Enta Da Stage, Black Moon made a powerful return in 1999. War Zone would be a Top 40 debut for the Brooklyn, New York trio, and the last of the three studio B.M. albums produced entirely by DJ Evil Dee and Da Beatminerz. With all the hype... Read more

March 11, 2015 Throwback

Sky’s The Limit When Kendrick Lamar Crushes A Freestyle Over Notorious B.I.G. Beats (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar verses can perform miracles. It's easy to imagine The Notorious B.I.G. smiling big, 18 years to the day after he physically left the world, as Kendrick Lamar touches some of the same kicks and snares he helped make famous. Appearing on opening day of Big Boy's Neighborhood on... Read more

March 9, 2015 Audio

Even A Cappella Your Old Droog Has Nutty Bars (Video)

On tour with PRhyme and Boldy James, Your Old Droog is enjoying the opportunities of the road. In Chicago, Illinois, the Brooklynite blessed Windy City showgoers later on with a verse that's as cold as the air from Lake Michigan. This freestyle includes the usual Droog charms of childhood flashbacks,... Read more

March 4, 2015 Video

Fashawn Adds To A Major Week In His Career With A Dazzling Freestyle (Video)

With The Ecology out, Fashawn may be having the week of his career. The Fresno, California MC hit Statik Selektah's ShowOff Radio show. There, the 100 Proof collaborators linked up to allow Fash' to kick a quite-nice freestyle over beats by Souls Of Mischief and Gang Starr. With wit, impeccable... Read more

February 26, 2015 Video