Locksmith is one of the Bay Area's most prolific MCs. Since the early 2000s, the Richmond, California rapper has laid forth a slew of mixtapes, albums, and freestyles to bolster his catalog and put his expert lyricism on full display. In 2018, Locksmith kept especially busy, releasing full-length Ali, and... Read more

Jarren Benton has built a career around outlandish raps, circus-like stage-shows, and cringe-worthy comical similes. It is easy to understand why the Decatur, Georgia MC has worked with guys like D12's Bizarre and R.A. The Rugged Man. He is in that lineage. However, the onetime Funk Volume sensation now makes... Read more

In Hip-Hop, there are few things more exciting than watching an MC get on the mic and spit a freestyle. The definition of the word "freestyle" has been fluid over the years. Originally, the term was used to denote any rhyme, written or off the top, that was not about... Read more

2015 has been the year that Chris Rivers has stepped out of the shadow of being Big Pun's son and shown the world he shines on his own. For the last few months, Rivers has owned Fridays with a series of blistering freestyles and videos. While many of his weekly... Read more

The year 2015 has seen a re-emergence of "beef" or diss records on wax in the world of Hip-Hop. While Mos Def a/k/a Yasiin Bey had a video leaked of him calling out MCs earlier this year, only for him to retract his challenge, 2015 has seen much hype around... Read more

California-based independent label Funk Volume is presently home to a roster of MCs that includes Hopsin, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, and SwizZz. The label, launched by Hop' and Damien "Dame" Ritter has challenged the charts through a series of releases, also while steadily touring and releasing mixtapes, videos, contests, and... Read more

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

Fresh off of February's "Killin' My Soul" video connect between Jarren Benton and Locksmith (with Hopsin), the pair come back with another tandem. This time, Futuristic joins the foray in "Blinded." The song talks about the distractions—whether social media comment sections, industry pressures, or significant others clawing that challenge focus.... Read more

Jarren Benton's just-released digital EP, Slow Motion is nothing to sleep on. "Killin' My Soul" pairs Jarren with Hopsin, who co-founded the label Benton found success on. The tandem welcomes Northern California's Locksmith to the equation. In the polished visual, all three MCs show that place that they write and... Read more

Funk Volume's pedigree for bigger than life lyricism is strong—especially on a label co-founded by Hopsin. One to watch though, is Georgia's Jarren Benton. A true Rap outcast/cool-guy hybrid, Jarren, in many ways, is a callback to early D12, R.A. The Rugged Man (who he's worked with), and Sticky Fingaz.... Read more

In XXL magazine's ultra-expanded Freshmen roll-out, so comes the DJ Drama-helmed mixtape. While Chance The Rapper notably sat out the tape, other high-profile 2014 Freshmen including Isaiah Rashad (who is the only freshman this year who can claim a Top 40 album under his belt), Vic Mensa, and Jon Connor... Read more

Jon Connor has so much energy. The Flint, Michigan MC sets it off with DJ Drama on the turns, as the tireless Aftermath Entertainment sensation ramps up the final of three 2014 XXL freestyles. Then Jarren Benton is true to form, with his odd-ball humor, and vivid references. Lil Bibby... Read more

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

XXL has revealed its 2014 Freshman Class. Past years have generated TONS of controversy and this year's likely will follow suit. Take a look at the class below and weigh in on who your favorite MCs are from the list, as well as who you think got left off that... Read more

Murs' Varsity Blues was produced by Aesop Rock and I'ma Murder was produced by SMKA.  Both showcase lyrics first but the tracks are still official.  I might blow up but I won't go pop... Murs - Varsity Blues Click here to download. Jarren Benton w SMKA - I'ma Murder Click... Read more