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Tierra Whack Is Far From It With A Superior Freestyle

North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's Tierra Whack made one of 2018's more original and unconventional albums in Whack World. While that independent release was 15 songs at approximately one minute apiece, this lyricist has a reputation for going off the rails with freestyles. Stopping by Tim Westwood's Capital XTRA studios, Tierra's clever... Read more

Mac Miller’s 2013 Off The Top Freestyle Shows His True Love For Hip-Hop (Video)

The 26-year-old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania MC/producer Mac Miller passed away on Friday (September 7), leaving a handful of essential albums behind, and the Hip-Hop community in total mourning. Born Malcolm James McCormick, Miller had recently released his fifth studio album, Swimming, and was about to kick off a national tour on... Read more

Jay Rock’s Freestyle Shows What A Migos Beat Sounds Like With Some G-Funk (Video)

Jay Rock's sound seems to be evolving. In 2018, the Watts, California MC linked with producers Boi-1da, Vinylz, and CT for "Win." Working with some technicians known for a hand in Drake's discography (along with many other chart-toppers), the move showed some new range for an MC with a raspy... Read more

This Run-D.M.C. Beatboxing & Rapping Session Is Tougher Than Leather (Video)

It was 1988, and Run-D.M.C. were already four albums into a genre-defining discography. In May of that year, the Kings of Rock (who were previously raising hell on airwaves across the world) dropped what would become the platinum-selling Tougher Than Leather, home to fan favorites like "Mary, Mary" and "Run's House."... Read more

Elzhi-Era Slum Village Rip The Mic In A Never Before Released 2002 Freestyle (Audio)

Few Hip-Hop groups have experienced the setbacks of Slum Village. Two founding members, J Dilla and Baatin, died from health complications in the 2000s. Elzhi left the group, with reports of a less than amicable split between himself and anchor T3. Dilla's brother Illa J also had a stint in... Read more

Nick Grant Spits A Blazing Hot Freestyle That Melts Raekwon’s Ice Cream (Video)

At the top of 2017, Nick Grant released his major label debut album, Return Of The Cool. The Epic Records artist chose a bold title, but he's backed it up. South Carolina's own has made a name for himself through sheer skills above feature-driven guest-work. Through dope freestyle appearances, well-executed... Read more

A Newly Released ’96 Cypher Shows A Tribe Called Quest Schooling Phony Rappers (Audio)

This month, A Tribe Called Quest released their sixth and said to be final album. We got it from Here... Thank You 4 Your service appeared to shock to the music world, when it was revealed to exist, less than six months after Phife Dawg's March death. It had been... Read more

Craig Mack Kicked 10 Minutes Of Freestyle Flavor In This Just Released 2000 Video

By Y2K, Craig Mack appeared to be an illustrious MC who was on his way out of the game. Once one of the breakout acts of Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records, Mack would drop his gold-certified Project: Funk Da World in 1994 and then mysteriously leave the label, and the... Read more

Busta Rhymes Spits The Violence On A 1999 Freestyle (Audio)

In 1999, Busta Rhymes had most recently dropped E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front, his third platinum album in as many releases. With two more consecutive platinum-selling LPs in the chamber (2000's Anarchy and 2001's Genesis), the Flipmode Squad MC was at the top of his game at the turn of the... Read more

This Ghostface, Cappadonna & Jeru Freestyle From 1996 Still Does Damage (Audio)

In the mid-90s, there were few more dominant crews in Hip-Hop than Wu-Tang Clan and Gang Starr Foundation. Unlike today, however, where it's more common than not to have guest artists on tracks, in that era crews stayed more self-contained and collaborations outside of the collectives were more rare. As... Read more

Method Man, O.D.B., & RZA Proved That In ’97, Wu-Tang Could Freestyle Forever (Audio)

In June of 1997, Wu-Tang Clan kicked the summer off at the top of the Hip-Hop class. Whereas 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) just missed the Top 40 (to eventually reach platinum), its follow-up Wu-Tang Forever would debut at #1. A double album, the Loud/RCA Records release of the... Read more

This Unreleased ’95 Red & Meth Freestyle Shows How High They Truly Fly (Audio)

In the summer of 1995, Def Jam Records dropped The Show soundtrack. The Top 5 charting work featuring music by Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., and A Tribe Called Quest introduced a duo that was still years away from fully forming. On the song "How High," Def Squad's Redman and Wu-Tang... Read more

This 1998 Ma$e & Guru Freestyle Brings 2 Different Sides Of Hip-Hop Together (Audio)

Six months from each other Ma$e and Gang Starr moved the Hip-Hop needle in 1997-1998. To some, that needle went in two directions. Released on October 28, 1997, Ma$e's Grammy-nominated, quadruple-platinum debut Harlem World certified the newest Bad Boy Records superstar. On March 31, 1991, Gang Starr released its first... Read more

Big Boi Shows How To Truly Rock Off The Top In An Unreleased 2004 Freestyle (Video)

The vast majority of freestyles are not off the top rhymes. Instead, they are typically previously unheard verses, many of which ultimately make their way to albums. This is an occurrence that has shown itself time and time again, as many revered freestyles from the 90s and beyond resurface years... Read more

Jay Z’s 2000 Westwood Freestyle Portrays An MC In Stride For The Throne (Audio)

Right around the year 2000, Jay Z found himself in London, promoting his first #1 album, Vol. 2...Hard Knock Life. As the album was approaching 3 million units sold (it sits at more than 5 mill scanned in 2016), Shawn Carter hit Tim Westwood's radio show. In a new position,... Read more

Lil Dicky’s Music Is Fearless & So Are His Interviews (Video)

Less than one year ago, Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania MC Lil Dicky cemented his status on the national scene with Professional Rapper. The fast-flowing lyricist who first began with aspirations in stand-up comedy made an album unlike any other—and fans responded. Dicky's self-released LP hit the Top 10, while urging people... Read more

Here’s A Never Before Released Method Man Freestyle From 2004 (Audio)

Tim Westwood continues his Throwback Thursday series with a never before released Method Man freestyle from 2004. Meth kicks bars over Obie Trice's "The Set Up," a beat that sounds tailor-made for Tical's buttery flow. Method Man Ripped This 1995 Freestyle. Tim Westwood Considers It His Best Ever (Audio) Unlike... Read more

Eminem & D12 Go Off During A 25-Minute Previously Unreleased 2004 Cypher (Audio)

Tim Westwood continues his Throwback Thursday series with the release of an epic 25-minute cypher featuring Eminem, D12 and Stat Quo. While portions of the freestyle have surfaced over the years, this is the first time the entire session is being released in full. Featuring Eminem, Proof, Swifty McVay and... Read more

Guru & Common Flow Over Classic Dr. Dre Heat On A Rare Freestyle From 2000 (Audio)

Earlier this week, the sixth anniversary of Guru's passing allowed for a community-wide opportunity to reflect on the still-reverberating effects of the loss of such an influential MC and celebrated producer. The Gang Starr member and accomplished solo artist passed away on April 19, 2010 but his voice continues to... Read more

Here’s A Never Before Released Fugees Freestyle From 1995 That Settles The Score (Audio)

In 1995, The Fugees were in between Underground Hip-Hop obscurity and super-stardom. The year prior, they had released Blunted On Reality. In early '96, they would rake in the multiple platinum plaques with the aptly-titled The Score. According to mentor and producer Salaam Remi, it was in '95 that the New Jersey... Read more

This 25-Minute Redman & Method Man 1999 Freestyle Shows How High They Fly (Audio)

Just when it seemed the gems Tim Westwood pulls out of his vault could not get any better--with vintage freestyles from O.D.B. Eminem & Proof, Snoop Dogg, and more--he releases a 25-minute cypher from Redman and Method Man. In 1999, the "How High" pair were in London promoting their Blackout!... Read more

O.D.B. Put The “Free” In Freestyle In This 1995 Outburst (Audio)

Twenty years ago this week, O.D.B. was waiting to see if he would win the Grammy for "Best Rap Album." The 1995 debut, Return To The 36 Chambers (The Dirty Version) would ultimately lose to Naughty By Nature's Poverty's Paradise, but the unconventional Brooklyn, New York MC was clearly reaching... Read more

Snoop Shows Why He’s The Boss Dogg on This 20-Minute 1996 Freestyle (Audio)

1996 was a tumultuous year for the artist known as Snoop Doggy Dogg. The Long Beach, California Rap superstar was acquitted for a murder trial that had started shortly after his skyrocketing fame. In the exhalation of that, he was soon faced with the murder of close friend and collaborator... Read more

Eminem & Proof’s Legendary 1999 Freestyle Is Re-Released In Its Entirety (Video)

1999 was thee year for Eminem's career. Three years removed from Infinite, the Detroit, Michigan MC would team with Dr. Dre and Aftermath Entertainment to unleash The Slim Shady LP in February and things have only exploded since. That year, Em' would travel overseas, including making a stop to Tim... Read more

MCs Say They’re Freestyling…But They Ain’t Been Rhyming Like Common Sense (Audio)

Over the years, the definition of the term "freestyle" has blurred. The word initially referred to a rhyme, written or spontaneous, that was not about a particular topic but, instead, was "free of style." In the 90s, it came to mean a rhyme that was impromptu, or "off the top... Read more

In Y2K, DMX Freestyles Went Down Like Mike Tyson Victims. Here’s One. (Audio)

The barks, the growls, the yelling...DMX brought a totally different kind of anger to Rap music than peers like ONYX, M.O.P., or Tupac Shakur. The Ruff Ryders flagship MC was "rage in the cage," when he stepped in many studio booths. Tim Westwood was one DJ/Hip-Hop personality on the map... Read more

Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch & Last Emperor Freestyle In A Found 2001 Moment (Audio)

In 2001, things were taking off for Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch. As part of the Rawkus Records movement, these 1990s alums were paving the way for solo careers following extensive group success with the likes of Organized Konfusion, Black Star, and Reflection Eternal. Presumably doing the Hip Hop For... Read more

Raekwon Politics On Classic Breakbeats In This 1995 Tim Westwood Freestyle (Audio)

Tim Westwood keeps his newly-established tradition of weekly freestyles going strong. Just over one month after sharing his 1995 Method Man freestyle (that would later become elements of some compilation work), the London DJ moves over to another 20 year-old freestyle from Chef Raekwon. Here, Rae' hops on Marley Marl's... Read more

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Vintage Freestyle Is An MC & DJ Hallmark (Audio)

Sometime in the late 1980s, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince hit the London, England studio of Tim Westwood. In the same city where they recorded extensively as a duo at the time. Unlike MCs or DJs appearing on Westwood's show, this tandem could improvise vocally, and musically—and please... Read more

Method Man Ripped This 1995 Freestyle. Tim Westwood Considers It His Best Ever (Audio)

In 1995, Method Man was out marketing Tical. The Wu-Tang Clan MC had become one of the biggest new artists in Hip-Hop over the prior two years. However, the Staten Island, New York lyricist with the liquid flow was never so big that he was above dropping a freestyle. While... Read more

Oddisee Shows Why He’s One of the Best Out Right Now With This Freestyle (Video)

Praised for his productions, Oddisee is nice with the gift of gab. While this year's The Good Fight standout may appear more about substance than style in places, the Diamond District keystone can easily flip to fast. Appearing in Tim Westwood's Cribs sessions, the Prince George County, Maryland multi-threat shows... Read more

D12 Is Still Dirty, With Dozens & Dozens Of Punchlines In A New Freestyle (Video)

In early 2014, it was reported that D12 was back in the lab with Eminem for the first time in a decade. Later in the year, on Shady XV, the Dirty Dozen was back on "Bane," less Marshall Mathers (and Fuzz Scoota). Regardless of Em's involvement, and with the massive vacancy... Read more

Here’s a Look Back at the Amazing Talents of Biz Markie in 1988 (Video)

Biz Markie may be one of Hip-Hop's most underrated talents. Perhaps because he was a perennial jokester, people sometimes overlook his prodigious abilities as both an MC and a human beat box. However, with witty punchlines, far out sonics and a willingness to take on any subject matter, Biz stands... Read more

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

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

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

Logic Brings the Pain With a Freestyle Over a Method Man Classic (Video)

Several of the best freestyles of the past year have come courtesy of Logic. He's ripped mics for Sway, LA Leakers and even the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher. Part of what makes his verses so special is his seamless ability to flip from written to "off the top" rhymes.... Read more

Funk Volume Turns Up With Fresh, Thoughtful Dizzy Wright & Hopsin Freestyles (Videos)

Funk Volume continues to dig in their foot-hold in the Hip-Hop game. While Hopsin and Dizzy Wright are polar opposites in many ways, they both uphold this time-tested truth: say somethin' when you touch the microphone. Stopping through Tim Westwood's London booth at the BBC, each MC blazes up with... Read more

Tim Westwood’s Reggae, Dub & Classic Hip-Hop Vinyl Weighs A Ton (Video)

To younger Heads, Tim Westwood may be known for his wild enthusiasm during guest-stops from the likes of Eminem, Drake, and Jay Z. However, the London-based BBC DJ has nearly 30 years rooted in bridging the gap and crossing the oceans in making Hip-Hop, Reggae, Dancehall, Dub, and House mixes.... Read more

Danny Brown Gives One of the Realest Interviews Ever on the Perils of Drinking Syrup (Video)

Over the years, syrup (or lean) has been glamorized in Hip-Hop. Danny Brown recently sat down with Tim Westwood and gave one of the realest interviews ever on the negative effects of drinking the concoction. Though he is smiling throughout, the details he gives about the ill effects of the... Read more

Time Travel Back To Rap Radio’s Golden Days In This 1991 Gang Starr Interview & Tim Westwood Mix (Audio)

Take yourself back almost exactly 23 years to the date, to April 19, 1991, when London’s Hip-Hop radio prophet Tim Westwood links up with Gang Starr's DJ Premier and Guru (plus Caveman) as they take the world by storm promoting the release of their album, Step In The Arena LP.... Read more

Game Goes Into Battle Rap Mode on This Tim Westwood Freetyle (Video)

"Game ain't makin' amends with 50 Cent. Game still tryin' to find out where 50 went..." Game hit the Tim Westwood Show and dropped some greasy bars over the Threat beat that 9th Wonder crafted for Jay Z. He went at 50 Cent, Suge Knight and more. This is hardest... Read more

A 1990 Freestyle Surfaces From The Juice Crew’s Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Tragedy Khadafi & Craig G (Audio)

Earlier this year, Tim Westwood lost his longtime post at BBC Radio. The London, England-based radio/video personality has been spoofed by Afion Crockett for his enthusiasm and friendly-fire with guests. However, Heads in the know recognize that Tim Westwood's work in Hip-Hop goes back to the '80s. Need proof? UnKut.com... Read more

Kanye West Freestyles on the Tim Westwood Show in 2005 (Video)

Here's a 13+ minute freestyle session Kanye West did on the Tim Westwood Show back in 2005. Check out the video. Related: Kanye West Performs Black Skinhead & New Slaves on SNL (Video)... Read more

Eminem & D12 Freestyle on the Tim Westwood Show in 2001 (Video)

Tim Westwood dug in his treasure trove and pulled out another gem. Here's a true cypher with Eminem, Proof and the rest of D-12 from 2001. Each goes off the top. Bananas. Plus, the beats they rhyme over are straight craziness. Check out the video. Related: 50 Cent – My... Read more

Action Bronson – The Tim Westwood Freestyle (Video)

Action Bronson was recently in London and stopped by the Tim Westwood Show to drop a verse. Check out the video. Related: Action Bronson & Alchemist – Rare Chandeliers (Mixtape)... Read more

Kendrick Lamar – Tim Westwood Show Freestyle (Video)

Kendrick Lamar has verses for days. Here's a video of him dropping some flames on the Tim Westwood Show during his UK visit. Check it out below. Kendrick's album Good Kid Mad City drops on 10/2. Get ready. Related: Kendrick Lamar performs his first show in the UK (Video)... Read more

Slaughterhouse interview on the Tim Westwood Show (Video)

Slaughterhouse recently smashed the Tim Westwood Show with some blazing hot verses over the tracks for Stay Schemin' and I'm a Boss. Here's a video of the extended interview of Slaughterhouse by Tim Westwood that also took place that day. Check it out below. Related: Slaughterhouse Freestyle on the Tim... Read more

Slaughterhouse perform on The Tim Westwood Show (Video)

Slaughterhouse are the latest to blaze the mic on the Tim Westwood show. Check out Joe Budden, Crooked I, Royce and Joell Ortiz ripping through verses over the Stay Schemin' and I'm a Boss tracks and more. Hotness. Related: Method Man, U-God and Masta Killa drop verses on the Tim... Read more

Method Man dropped some ill verses on the Tim Westwood show with U-God and Masta Killa.

Now, it's Bun B's turn...Check out the Trill O.G. doing his thing in the UK. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=udMPsgJ0NUQ If you missed the Wu-Tang Freestyle, check it out here.... Read more