mass appeal Archives

Follow Fashawn Home To Fresno, California As He Stakes His Claim (Video)

Two Tuesdays away from Fashawn's sophomore studio solo LP, The Ecology (February 24), the Fresno, California MC brings the cameras home. From the streets of the Central Valley, Fash' hops on his skateboard and hits the streets for "Guess Who's Back," showing that he's the same low-profile lyrical visionary from... Read more

February 10, 2015 Video

Run The Jewels Are Some Rap Role Models, Even If They Don’t Want To Be (Video)

The sound of Run The Jewels is jarring, fragmented, and explosive in the ears—in the best way possible (for lovers of energetic, forceful Hip-Hop, anyway). For the latest Run The Jewels 2 video, Killer Mike and El-P captured that grit, attitude, and vibe in the visual to "Lie, Cheat, Steal."... Read more

January 28, 2015 Video

Fashawn Unleashes A Captivating Ecology Single, With A Release Date Too (Audio)

Over five years removed from Boy Meets World, Fashawn solo product may feel estranged from record store shelves, but the Fresno, California MC has been anything but stagnant. Ranging from charting joint efforts with Murs to two Alchemist-assisted mixtapes, to a host of videos, singles, and Grizzly City projects, Fash'... Read more

January 27, 2015 Audio

Run The Jewels Get All The Way REAL With This Amazing Teen Love Advice (Video)

On their two albums, Run The Jewels are arrogant, violent, uncompromising, and domineering. Oh yeah, they're thoughtful, informed, and socially responsible too. But part of what makes this group great is that, they have no pressure, concern, or fear to be anything other than themselves. R.T.J. can be gentle, sensitive,... Read more

January 20, 2015 Video

Jurassic 5’s DJ Nu-Mark Cooks Up Some Funk With 5 Random Records (Video)

As one-half (with Cut Chemist) of the production team inside Jurassic 5, DJ Nu-Mark has made some scorching tracks, that sound vibrant and dusty at the same time. The Los Angeles, California native has additionally produced for J-Live, Large Professor, and Bumpy Knuckles, beyond his projects with The Pharcyde's Skimkid3... Read more

December 19, 2014 Fresh, Video

Fashionably Late Into 2014, Fashawn & Alchemist Give Up Some Goods (FreEP)

Just over one week after Fashawn & Alchemist hinted at their "Dreams," the FASH-ionably Late EP is here. 2014 was a game-changing year for the Fresno, California MC—even if he did not drop an album. Secured at what is now is Mass Appeal Records, Fash' went from making an Ode... Read more

December 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

Fashawn Finds His Boy Meets World Form Alongside Evidence (Audio)

Now with Nas in the fold, things look especially interesting for Fashawn's studio sophomore LP, The Ecology (February 24). After two tracks have rolled out in the course of the last year and a half, Mass Appeal Records dropped off an ear-grabber in "Dreams." This track, touted to be an... Read more

December 9, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Run The Jewels’ Blitzing Single Hits The Eyes As Hard As The Ears (Video)

Run The Jewels' RTJ2 could be heard on the horizons before it arrived in October. The free Mass Appeal Records album (also available for purchase) rung in from the mountains with cacophonous second single, "Oh My Darling Don't Cry." Killer Mike and El-P's decimation of "F-boys" got real with dazzling... Read more

December 2, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Killer Mike vs. Cee-Lo Green…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 26, 2014 Fresh

Wale’s Lyrics Come To The Forefront In The Followers (Video)

Although Wale is not tied to Mass Appeal Records, he has a fan in Nas. Reports state that Nasir specifically wanted "The Followers" on his upcoming label compilation. Thereby, the Maybach Music Group/Atlantic Records star spilled the video to the track, featuring a number of people besides the MC driving... Read more

November 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Action Bronson & Killer Mike Battle Each Other On A Treadmill & Stuff Gets Broken (Video)

Adult Swim is highly in-tune with Hip-Hop. That's probably why the show-turned-network-turned-label released Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music back in 2012, which ultimately led to Run The Jewels. With that said, Adult Swim's "The Eric Andre Show" premieres tonight, at 12:15am (which, is really tomorrow morning). The comedic variety show shared... Read more

November 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Killer Mike & El-P Are Bringing Out The Dead, Making Them Run The Jewels (Video)

Killer Mike and El-P seem to have so much fun together as Run The Jewels. From the sheer on-album chemistry to the side-projects, the monstrous stage presence on tour, down into the visuals. First single, "Blockbuster Night, Pt. 1" finds Bigga and El-Producto working as EMT, without much tact for... Read more

November 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Boldy James Takes A Long Look At The Pain That Made Him On A Harry Fraud Track (Audio)

With Nas in his corner, Boldy James is getting a lot of extra attention. On "50 Foot Razor Blade," the Detroit, Michigan MC asserts that it's been no overnight phenomenon. The onetime Alchemist protege links with Harry Fraud for this track, looking back at his life, from jumping bond, to... Read more

November 20, 2014 Audio, Fresh

King Los Goes To TOWN, Freestyling Over Alchemist Beats For 15 Minutes (Video)

This is a cool, refreshing concept... Baltimore, Maryland's King Los has earned a reputation for being one of the longest winded, most durable freestylers in the game today. His Backroom appearance, his Sway In The Morning spot, and his Toca Tuesday stop remained three of the most talked about, most... Read more

November 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels Crashes The Party On Until The Ribbon Breaks’ New One (Video)

'Cause Heads can't get enough... Beginning with 2013's self-titled album, Until The Ribbon Breaks worked with Run The Jewels ("Job Well Done"). Now, just following the last 10 days' bum-rush of RTJ2, Killer Mike and El-P return the favor, and collide with the British Electronic band for their single, "Revolution... Read more

November 3, 2014 Video

Nas Is Recording Over J Dilla Donuts Beats. Now In CDQ (Video/Audio)

Nasty Nas is a rebel to convention. Since investing a stake in Mass Appeal (the magazine), the Queens icon has been making some really interesting, Hip-Hop culturally-minded moves. Deeply involved in Mass Appeal Records, Nas reportedly hand-picked signings of Fashawn, Bishop Nehru, and Boldy James...three artists that have been making... Read more

October 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Reacts To His Third-Great Grandmother’s Bill Of Sale Into Slavery (Video)

As part of PBS' "Enslaved Roots" series, the camera turns its lens on Nas. The Queens superstar traces his DNA back to a Virginia slave plantation. Throughout his career, Nas has paid close attention to his ancestry, and African bloodline. The continent is a place that the iconic MC has... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

For A Band As Colorful As Run The Jewels, Of Course There Would Be A Great Art Challenge…

Last week, Run The Jewels released their second album in as many years, both of which were available for free stream. In the case of RTJ2, the Mass Appeal Records retail release was also given away for free, open to the public, whether they opt to financially support or not. What... Read more

October 27, 2014 Fresh

Run The Jewels Makes Blockbuster Night A Double Feature (Audio)

On Friday (October 24) Killer Mike & El-P slammed down RTJ2 for full stream and free download. Available for purchase too, the Mass Appeal Records effort (what up, Nas!) garnered rapid acclaim from Heads who enjoyed Mike's fervor, El's sarcasm, Bigga's charisma, and Producto's futuristic beats. So why not have... Read more

October 27, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Follow Jay Electronica Into The Light In The Second Trailer In 5 Years (Video)

Nearly five years ago, Jay Electronica's skills and popularity grew immensely through a string of Just Blaze-produced singles, a Reflection Eternal feature, and an overall mystique surrounding the New Orleans, Louisiana native who was then-attached to Erykah Badu. Around that time, Jay played a lengthy excursion through India, Nepal and... Read more

October 13, 2014 Fresh, Video

Run The Jewels Rage Against the Machine with Zack De La Rocha (Audio)

Rap's Robin Hoods deliver another jarring glimpse from their upcoming sophomore group effort, RTJ2. Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) have seemingly found the pocket of some of their most passionate, pungent, and disarming music to date. Joined by Zack De La Rocha (who kicks an extremely rare MC... Read more

October 13, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Your Old Droog Gets The lllest Remix From J-Zone & Sacha Jenkins (Audio)

If anybody's able to remix Your Old Droog, it's J-Zone and Sacha Jenkins. The former, a Queens veteran with productions for Akinyele, R.A. The Rugged Man, and The Juggaknots, hits the drum pads with precision, while O.G. journalist/musician Jenkins (ego trip!, Mass Appeal, The White Mandingos) hits the guitar licks.... Read more

September 18, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Bishop Nehru Says Nas’ “I Can” Is Real, Makes A Case For Abstinence (Video)

Like his big brother MF DOOM, Bishop Nehru is a bit mysterious, if not misunderstood. The Rockland County New Yorker begins an interview with HOT 97's Ebro In The Morning show breaking down his neighborhood, between Hip-Hop's absence, to the misnomer about his being from Brooklyn. Midway through is where... Read more

September 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Dilated Peoples’ DJ Babu Gets Blue-Eyed Soulful In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

With an album on the charts recently (very close to Dilated Peoples' all-time highest positioning at that, with Directors Of Photography), DJ Babu is next up to play Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette. The Los Angeles, California-based turntablist/producer, who is also a Beat Junkies member grabs records ranging from The Association... Read more

September 11, 2014 Fresh, Video

Nas Hops On ScHoolboy Q’s Studio & Gives Fans The Latest News (Audio)

The members of Black Hippy look up to Nas something fierce. All four members of the California collective have said as much over the last five years. With this in mind, Nasir pops onto the official "G Mix," or official Top Dawg Enterainment remix of ScHoolboy Q's "Studio," which also... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

You’re In For A Blockbuster Night With Run The Jewels (Audio)

Just days after Killer Mike spoke out on the tragic events in Ferguson, the Atlanta artist sheds his humanitarian cape for a moment and morphs like Voltron into the Hip-Hop duo, Run The Jewels, with Brooklyn's own El-P for the cut, "Blockbuster Night Pt. 1." In anticipation of their upcoming... Read more

August 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Apollo Brown Makes A Beat On The Spot In Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Apollo Brown, the Detroit native who grew up in a family that listened to the Seals and Crofts far before he was spinning J Dilla, hits The Record Graveyard in his hometown and randomly selects three vinyls to sample for an improvised beat on Mass Appeal's series Rhythm Roulette. On... Read more

July 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

20 Years After Illmatic, Represent Gets Official (Video)

Just one day removed from Mass Appeal's release of the behind-the-scenes footage, Nas unveils the first ever official music video for the 20th anniversary Illmatic release, "Represent." The video itself is representative of the 20 years that have passed since his debut album release, utilizing old footage of a much... Read more

July 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

Celebrate Illmatic Again With A Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Making of Visuals for Nas’ Represent (Video)

The 20 year anniversary celebration of Nas' Illmatic continues. In addition to the release, Nas has held a contest to choose one lucky fan to collaborate and produce an official music video for his cut, "Represent." Mass Appeal takes you to the set of the music video shoot at YouTube... Read more

July 14, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ab-Soul Comically Morphs Into The Black Lip Psychic (Video)

Ab-Soul gives viewers his best Miss Cleo impression as the Black Lip Psychic on Mass Appeal's segment, Ill Time. Hilarity ensues when Ab, who recently released his album These Days, takes calls from paying customers like "MC Chicken" requesting the card reading sage's advice. Who wants their future read next?... Read more

July 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Digga, The Producer Responsible For Cam’ron’s Earliest Hits & Children Of The Corn, Plays Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Although Cam'ron's music is commonly associated with the Roc-A-Fella Records-era sounds of Just Blaze, Kanye West, and The Heatmakerz, he came into vogue under the musical guidance of Darrell "Digga" Branch. The fellow Harlem native was the sound-source for Children Of The Corn, an early '90s group which included Big... Read more

June 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Want to Make a Music Video with Nas? Here’s How (Video)

Nas has partnered with Mass Appeal and Maker Studios to make a new video for Illmatic's Represent, and they are looking for ideas from YOU. If your idea is selected, you will have the opportunity to work with Nas and acclaimed director, Jason Goldwatch, to bring the video to life.... Read more

April 16, 2014 Video

EPMD’s Green-Eyed Bandit Erick Sermon Freaks Some Sheena Easton When He Plays Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Erick Sermon isn't an artist who is always running for the spotlight in the digital age. The EPMD co-founder and producer/MC double-threat stays busy at his craft, and does interviews, releases songs and videos as he feels necessary. However, Mass Appeal got the Brentwood, Long Island Def Squad delegate to... Read more

April 10, 2014 Fresh, Video

Black Milk Gives Herb Alpert A Hit Of Tronic For Rhythm Roulette Challenge (Video)

Black Milk is on a roll. Fresh off of some major acclaim for 2013's No Poison No Paradise, the Detroit beat-master launched into 2014 with a fresh, low-key release in Glitches In The Break. The Random Axe member, who's made full albums in his career with Slum Village, Danny Brown,... Read more

March 27, 2014 Fresh, Video

Bun B Interviews Himself and Asks Some Totally Inappropriate Questions (Video)

Mass Appeal has launched a new series called Time Alone where artists interview themselves. First up, is Bun B who WENT IN on himself...He asked himself about how he felt after Pimp C's death, how to save the inner cities of America and why he's such a bad rapper. You... Read more

March 20, 2014 Video

Is Nas About To Sign Boldy James? Check This South By Southwest Show Of Support (Video)

Nasty Nas has had a few labels in his career, from Ill Will Records to The Jones Experience. Along the way, Nas oversaw a few critical projects from his brother Jungle and The Braveheartz, to the QB's Finest compilation aligning legends with Queensbridge emerging voices. Nas famously inked a deal... Read more

March 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Isaiah Rashad Speaks on the Work Required to be a TDE Artist and More (Video)

As one of TDE's newest artists, Isaiah Rashad is quickly establishing himself. He spoke with Mass Appeal about how he got signed, the work he had to put in as a member of TDE, being away from his son and more. If you haven't gotten familiar with him, this is... Read more

February 27, 2014 Video

Nas Speaks on the Impact of Nelson Mandela and More (Video)

Many in Hip-Hop have spoken about what Nelson Mandela meant to them since he passed away yesterday. Hip-Hop's ambassador, Nasir Jones, dropped a few jewels about Mandela and more in this brief interview. Check out the video. Related: Nas Talks Being in the Game for 20 Years, Turning 40, Why... Read more

December 6, 2013 Video

Raekwon Freaks The Classic Gang Starr Funk On Lion’s Paw Freestyle (Audio)

Gang Starr and DJ Premier have longstanding ties to the Wu-Tang Clan, from the days of Premo lending equipment to RZA in the Tommy Boy Records days, to Inspectah Deck on "Above The Clouds," and Method Man's appearance on the "In Together Now" remix. Interestingly enough, Staten Island's Raekwon has... Read more

December 2, 2013 Audio, Fresh

Who’s Better, JAY-Z or KRS-One? Here’s What Brother Ali Had to Say (Video)

Brother Ali connected with Mass Appeal and weighed in on many debates including KRS-One vs. Jay Z, Rakim vs. Melle Mel, Erykah Badu vs. Lauryn Hill and more. Check out what he had to say about each below. Related: Brother Ali – Left In The Deck (Free Album)... Read more

November 16, 2013 Video

Dom Kennedy Explains His Place In Hip-Hop To Mass Appeal (Video)

Dom Kennedy is so West Coast, and it's part of what's made his music in 2013 (and before) so resonant with fans from Cali and beyond. Speaking with them Brooklyn boys at Mass Appeal Dom explains the void he fills, the Biggie Smalls and Bobby Womack influence, and his unique... Read more

November 15, 2013 Fresh, Video

Does Marco Polo Have What it Takes to Make a Hot Beat from 3 Completely Random Records? (Video)

Marco Polo is on a pretty epic run this year, having released tracks with Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Lil Fame, Large Professor, Das EFX, The Artifacts, Organized Konfusion, King T, MC Eiht and more. His production skills were recently put to the test when he played Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette... Read more

November 7, 2013 Video

DJ Premier Explains the Meaning of the Gang Starr Logo (Video)

After more than 20 years, the Gang Starr logo remains one of the most iconic brands in Hip-Hop. DJ Premier spoke with Mass Appeal about the symbolism and evolution of the logo. Check out the video below. Related: Shop Talk With DJ Premier (Video)... Read more

September 5, 2013 Video

Rhythm Roulette: El-P (Video)

El-P is the latest to participate in Mass Appeal's Rhythm Roulette series where a producer is blindfolded, picks 3 records then makes a beat from the 3. If you like El-P, beat-making, crate digging or just watching talented people at work, this one's for you. Related: Killer Mike & El-P... Read more

August 31, 2013 Video

Redman Speaks with Mass Appeal (Video)

Redman talks New Jersey, Brooklyn, how he got his name, favorite music growing up and more in this interview. Check out the video. Related: Redman Performs Time 4 Sum Aksion, I’ll Bee Dat and Da Rockwilder at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (Video)... Read more

July 22, 2013 Video

Wale – Mass Appeal Freestyle (Video)

Wale kicks some verses over DJ Premier's classic track. Check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EM4GHzYstGA&feature=player_embedded... Read more

November 8, 2011 Video

With no G.O.O.D. Friday (or Saturday) it's been a slow weekend in hip-hip. Here are some blasts from the past that you may not have heard in a minute to help get you to Monday.

Speaking of G.O.O.D. Friday, what do you think happened? Kanye promised new music each Friday through Christmas. Do you think it had something to do with his album leaking, the Matt Lauer interview or something else altogether? In the absence of a new Kanye joint, here's some good music. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCbwHN07L10... Read more

November 21, 2010 Audio, Video