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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

Freddie Gibbs Sheds Tears In A Deeply Emotional Interview With Madlib (Video)

Last month, Madlib and Freddie Gibbs released their second collaborative album, Bandana. It stands as one of the best albums of 2019 so far. Plenty has happened to the two artists since 2014's Pinata, which also garnered its fair share of acclaim. Since then, the two veterans secured a major... Read more

Eminem & Kendrick Lamar Pay Their Respects To Prodigy By Spitting His Bars (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar and Eminem paid tribute to the late Mobb Deep co-founder Prodigy by rapping some of his verses for a segment on Peter Rosenberg's Real Late HOT 97 show. Both outspoken fans of the recently deceased New York MC, Em' and "Kung Fu Kenny" opened the show with portions... Read more

Eric B. & Rakim Are Reuniting To Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of Paid In Full (Audio)

Eric B. & Rakim are perhaps Hip-Hop's most revered duo. The Long Island, New York icons are partly responsible for defining the term "timeless classic" as it pertains to Rap music, not once slipping into obscurity since dropping Paid in Full in 1987. Thirty years have since passed, with as... Read more

Shia LaBeouf Goes At Rosenberg’s Neck & Saves Some For Lil Yachty (Audio)

Just weeks after earning the admiration of some - and the ire of others - thanks to his recent appearance on Sway in the Morning, actor (and apparently now, MC) Shia LaBeouf is back on the mic, this time taking direct shots at some of Hip-Hop's biggest names. Today (December... Read more

Erykah Badu Gives A Message Of Love & Inclusion. She Says There’s No Need For Alarm. (Video)

This week, Erykah Badu appeared on Ebro In The Morning. The veteran singer, producer, and DJ spoke about the world. She considers herself "an observer," and the mother of three had some hopeful sentiments to those who may be emotionally downtrodden, given current political, social, and environmental developments. Approaching the... Read more

Rakim Opens Up About Rivalries With Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, EPMD & More

Although he is revered as one of, if not the greatest, MCs of all time–Rakim typically shuns the spotlight. Even as rumors (and anonymously reported denials) linger about an Eric B. & Rakim reunion and corresponding tour, the 30-year professional musician has not come forward to confirm or waive off reports.... Read more

Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Earl Sweatshirt & Danny Brown Get Real On A Black Milk Beat (Audio)

More than three years ago, A$AP Rocky called the "1Train" to the platform. The moment unified many of the most exciting new artists of the 2010s, on one track, out to do lyrical damage. Taking some of that same crop of talent, Danny Brown—who appeared on the cut, does it... Read more

Hot 97 vs Joe Budden: An Interview Turns Into A Personal War Of Words (Video)

On August 12, Joe Budden visited Hot 97 in New York City to presumably promote his forthcoming album with AraabMusik, Rage And the Machine. However, what ensued was a nearly hour-long war of words that devolved to the point that Budden walked out of the studio. It all began when... Read more

The Beatnuts Confirm Onetime “Secret Group” Including Q-Tip, Posdnuos & Juju (Audio)

For 25-plus years, The Beatnuts have been Hip-Hop multi-threats. The Queens, New York duo of Juju and Psycho Les (that also at times included Fashion and V.I.C.) have stories to go with their hits. Beyond their own prominent recording career, the pair has made beloved songs for Ghostface Killah, Fat... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Says He Knew He Arrived When He Recorded With Snoop (Video)

For fans who have listened to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly album more than once since its release, the album has the rare quality of revealing new elements with each touch of the "play" button. Like a fine meal, the complexities of the LP's offerings take time to be... Read more

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

Flashback To Hot 97’s Very First Episode of Juan Epstein With Rosenberg & Cipha Sounds (Audio)

Due to the inclement, snowy weather in New York, Peter Rosenberg had to reschedule an episode of Juan Epstein that they had originally planned for, but fear not. Rosenberg decided to dig into his vault and reintroduce to the listening world, the first ever recorded podcast of Juan Epstein with... Read more

Professor Bun B Talks Rap, Religion and Oscars with Intelligence and Humor (Video)

What isn't Bun B a novice expert on? The UGK co-founder and Trill O.G. loves sneakers, sports, street-wear, cars, music, and even film. In preparation for tomorrow's 87th Academy Awards (February 22), the Bun Beata weighs in for The Fader on who he thinks will get Oscar gold. Claiming that The... Read more

Joey Bada$$ Is Taking A Big Step This Week. He’s Ready, With A Freestyle (Video)

Today (January 20) welcomes Joey Bada$$' debut, B4.Da.$$ to the marketplace and music shop shelves. Backed by Sony Red, the Cinematic/Pro Era release includes production contributions from DJ Premier, The Roots, and Statik Selektah, among others. The moment also capsules a five-year rise to prominence, since the Brooklyn, New Yorker... Read more

Your Old Droog Freestyles Over Some Vintage DJ Premier (Video)

Your Old Droog stopped by NYC's Hot 97 for his first interview with Peter Rosenberg. Droog spoke about his ethnic origins, raising his status this year, traveling to Europe and more. At a little over ten minutes in, Rosenberg put him to the test and Droog stepped up with nearly... Read more

Chris Rock Says Pootie Tang Is His Junior M.A.F.I.A. LP, Debates PM Dawn’s & J Dilla’s Impact (Audio)

If you enjoyed Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan naming their Top 5 MCs in honor of the film, Top 5, you'll love this. Chris Rock, joined by Questlove, swung through Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg's Juan Epstein podcast. There, the four Heads engage in a casual, very free-flowing discussion about... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Continues To Spread The Love With i (Video)

Kendrick Lamar continues his mission to save lives musically with the official video to his lead single, "i." Kendrick clearly understands the grasp his music has within the Hip-Hop realm and even more importantly, he understands that the people who listen to his music believe in it and look to... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Is On A Mission To Save Lives With His Music (Video)

You may see a bunch of catchy headlines about Kendrick Lamar's extended interview today with Hot 97. There will be talk about Lady Gaga, Macklemore, his upcoming appearance on SNL, how many kids he wants to have...All of that is accurate, but it's fluff compared to the jewels he drops... Read more

Does Action Bronson Have His First Mainstream Single In Easy Rider? (Audio)

In just two years, veteran underground MC Action Bronson has become damn near a household name. From his humor, unique physique, stage antics, and food insights, Bam Bam is a recognizable figure in the vain of Rap's 1980s character-driven personas. However, along the way, are new fans missing the fact... Read more

Discover The Origins Of ONYX Straight From The Source (Audio)

One of the first groups to show the East Coast exactly what wilin' out means was the fearsome foursome known as ONYX. Formed in 1988, Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr, Sonny Seeza, and Big DS would go on to create their critically acclaimed, Def Jam released, debut album, Bacdafucup in '93... Read more

Action Bronson, Schoolboy Q, Vic Mensa & More Blow The Roof Off Peter Palooza III (Video)

Blow out the candles with Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg as the radio personality kicks it behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop for his third birthday bash aptly titled Peter Palooza III. After snapping a few quick pictures with the likes of Chris Rivers, Retch, and... Read more

Action Bronson & Meyhem Lauren Kick A Freestyle At Peter Rosenberg’s Birthday Bash (Video)

In celebration of Peter Rosenberg's day of birth, Action Bronson and Meyhem Lauren hit the stage at Best Buy Theater for some never before heard bars over Mobb Deep's Alchemist produced single, "The Realest." With some decent footage behind it, fans get to hear some stellar lyricism that was once... Read more

Black Sheep Dres Breaks Down Ageism In Hip-Hop, Delivers HOT 97 A Message From DJ Kool Herc (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's true mainstays over the last 25 years has been Dres. Since his days building with Kool DJ Red Alert and former Black Sheep to his latest songs about marriage and flexing Bars In The Booth alongside DJ Premier, the Queens, New York-born MC has been a strong,... Read more

Chuck D Uses Acronyms & Wordplay To Talk About Race, Radio & Rosenberg (Audio)

Last week, HOT 97 radio host, DJ, and member of the Low Budget Crew, Peter Rosenberg publicly apologized to Public Enemy front-man Chuck D. The words followed a month-long social media debate, which bled its way onto airwaves and interviews, following HOT 97's 2014 Summer Jam. After the Long Island,... Read more

This Week in Video Brought Visuals of Jay Z & Jay Electronica, Talib Kweli, Phonte, Crooked I & More (Video Playlist)

This week in video brought lots of variety, ranging from Jay Electronica & Jay Z's first live performance of "We Made It," to a scaled down acoustic set by Phonte and his Foreign Exchange crew. Here's a video playlist of some of the best including a freestyle from Elzhi, Peter... Read more

Peter Rosenberg Apologizes To Chuck D (Video)

Throughout June, Public Enemy's Chuck D and HOT 97's Peter Rosenberg had a debate-possibly perceived as a war of words on social media. The Hip-Hop legend—who has long run an online radio platform, RapStation.com, called out the New York City station's 2014 Summer Jam event, in regards to the station's... Read more

Here’s an Amazing Mini-Documentary on Illmatic, Featuring Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne & More (Video)

There have been several amazing pieces of content surrounding the 20th anniversary of Illmatic. This is one of the best of them. Google Play has put together a mini-documentary about Nas and his magnum opus, featuring insightful commentary from Kendrick Lamar, Tech N9ne, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Peter Rosenberg, among... Read more

9th Wonder, Rapsody & Add-2 Stop By Juan Epstein To Show That Jamla Is The Squad (Audio)

Peter Rosenberg & Cipha Sounds Juan Epstein interviews are quickly ramping up in 2014. From 3rd Bass' MC Serch and A&R extraordinaire Dante Ross already (with conflicting views in some places), the radio duo hones in on 9th Wonder and two of his Jamla Records stand-outs, Rapsody and newer addition,... Read more

MC Serch Recalls The Early Days Of MF DOOM & Slick Rick In This Stellar Juan Epstein (Audio)

From his time with 3rd Bass, Rockaway, Queens' MC Serch is already an interesting figure of old school Hip-Hop. However, the MC-turned-record executive-turned-talk show host has been involved with so much more than his group with Prime Minister Pete Nice and DJ Daddy Rich (f/k/a Richie Rich). Serchlite was a... Read more

Should Drake Step Up and Name Kendrick Lamar’s Name in His Ongoing War of Words? Peter Rosenberg Weighs In (Video)

By now, EVERYONE in Hip-Hop knows Kendrick Lamar dropped bombs on an entire generation of MCs with his Control verse--and he named names. Since then, many of those mentioned have responded loudly and explicitly. Drake, however, has never responded on wax--or has he? Drizzy has spit many verses over the... Read more

Who’s Better, Jay Z or Nas? Here’s What Schoolboy Q Had to Say About It (Video)

Here's some extra footage from Schoolboy Q's recent sit down with Peter Rosenberg. In this installment, Q talks Jay Z vs. Nas. Check out what he had to say below. Related: ScHoolboy Q Might Be Having Some GQ Fun On His Version Of Man Of The Year (Audio)... Read more

Mike Tyson Discusses His Book, Film, Relapse and More with Juan Epstein (Audio)

Mike Tyson joined Peter Rosenberg and Cipah Sounds on the Juan Epstein show to talk about life. For Iron Mike, there’s a lot to discuss. Tyson touched on his new movie with Spike Lee, his new book, meeting Michael Jackson, his recent relapse with alcohol and much more. Take a... Read more

Kool G Rap Discusses Nas, Big Pun and His Top 10 MCs (Video)

When one of the most highly-regarded MCs of all-time discusses his top 10 MCs, the world listens. Kool G. Rap sat down on the Juan Epstein Show and discussed his first meetings with Nas and Big Pun, as well as his top 10 MCs of all time. Surprisingly, Biggie and... Read more

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

Joey Bada$$ Talks Voice Changes, Working With DJ Premier (Video)

In Peter Rosenberg's latest installment of The Process, Brooklyn's Joey Bada$$ breaks down his years (or year) of juggling a high school education with obligations, and those of a budding mainstream Rap career. Joey opens up about getting high for the first time, and penning one of his most-cherished songs,... Read more

Pusha T – Juan Epstein Interview

I bought my copy of My Name Is My Name late last night. I went for two (one was a gift), but they only had one. As I purchased from the clerk, he remarked how the album is his favorite of the moment, and he was going to tell all... Read more

Schoolboy Q – The Process (Video)

Schoolboy Q discusses growing up in LA, writing his first rhymes, the process for creating Oxymoron and more with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Schoolboy Q & Kendrick Lamar Perform Collard Greens (Video)... Read more

Jill Scott on the Juan Epstein Show (Audio)

The incomparable Jill Scott guested on the Juan Epstein Show with Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds and talk about how she got her break (amazing story), the early days of her career, which current day rappers she finds attractive, her new film Baggage Claim and more. Check out the interview... Read more

Peter Rosenberg Speaks in Support of Mister Cee (Video)

After 20 years, Mister Cee (legendary DJ to Big Daddy Kane) resigned from NYC's Hot 97 amid a swirl of controversy around his sexuality.  Today, he came on the Hot 97 morning show and openly addressed the issues.  Peter Rosenberg spoke in support of his former colleague. Check out the... Read more

Kendrick Lamar Speaks on His Control Verse and Working on a New Album (Audio)

Kendrick Lamar has now spoken at length about his Control verse. He clarifies that the King of New York line was misunderstood, talks of speaking with Diddy and Jay Z about it, discusses his favorite responses, reveals that he's been working on a new album and more. Check out interviews... Read more

Goodie MOB: The Process (Video)

Goodie MOB discuss recording their first song ever together, the process of making Cell Therapy, lyrical activism and more with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Goodie M.O.B. – Special Education ft Janelle Monae (Video)... Read more

Ab-Soul: The Process w/Peter Rosenberg (Video)

Ab-Soul talks with Peter Rosenberg about his loss of vision, the fact that he doesn't write down his lyrics (as complex as they are...), learning song arrangement from Kendrick Lamar, code switching, the loss of his girl Alori Joh and much more. Check out the video. Related: Ab-Soul Speaks on... Read more

Eve Recalls Time With The Ruff Ryders & Dr. Dre With Peter Rosenberg (Video)

Philly's Eve has an interesting story. From the days of the Bullworth soundtrack, her career began with Dr. Dre on then-fledgling Aftermath Entertainment (I always thought that '97-'99 roster was the best). Then, Eve made history with DMX, Swizz Beatz and the Ruff Ryders, keeping her success in the Interscope... Read more

Pharoahe Monch Breaks Down Simon Says and More with Peter Rosenberg (Video)

Pharoahe Monch decodes Simon Says, talks Organized Konfusion, breaks down his lyrical process and stresses the importance of being true to himself in this interview with Peter Rosenberg. Check out the video. Related: Pharoahe Monch – Haile Selassie Karate ft Denaun Porter (Video)... Read more

Nicki Minaj & Peter Rosenberg Discuss Their Differences Face to Face (Video)

Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg infamously dissed Nicki Minaj's music last year at Summer Jam...right before she was to hit the main stage. The comments lead to an avalanche, starting with Nicki's leaving without performing, a Young Money boycott of Hot 97, allegations of sexism and more. Ms. Minaj and Rosenberg... Read more

Peter Rosenberg – #DillaPun Mix

Since yesterday marked the anniversary of both J Dilla's birthday and Big Pun's passing, Peter Rosenberg celebrated both legends with a mix dedicated to their music. You can listen to and download the #DillaPun mix below. Related: Big Dilla (Big Pun and J Dilla Tribute Mixtape)... Read more

Wu Block interview on the Juan Epstein Show (Video)

Wu Block (Ghostface Killah & Sheek Louch) sat down and has a long conversation (an hour and change) with NYC's Hot 97 crew on the Juan Epstein Show. You can watch the entire interview below.  ... Read more

Here’s an in-depth interview with the mighty Ice Cube. He covers his expansive career, discussing everything from the NWA breakup and working with the Bomb Squad to Eazy-E’s death and much more (Video)

It's 40+ minutes of Cube. Check out the video. Related: Ice Cube discusses Detox, working with Chris Tucker on Friday, a new NWA album and more on The Sway in the Morning Show (Video)... Read more

Asher Roth freestyles on NYC’s Hot 97 (Video)

Asher Roth seamlessly flips from a written to a true off the top freestyle on NYC's Hot 97. Check out the video. Related: Nardwaur vs Asher Roth (Video)... Read more