KnoX - Breathe ft. Mr. Gene Poole & Mike The Martyr [Music Video]

For those who didn't know, Minnesota is home to some great talent in Hip Hop.  Included among the ranks of underground kings Atmosphere and Brother Ali is Ghost Life leader KnoX.  To provide an introduction before his debut album hits us this summer, he's releasing the mixtape Martyr Muzik on February 24th.  

Check out the video to Martyr Muzik standout "Breathe" below, which features Mike The Martyr and Mr. Gene Poole of the Rhymesayers Crew, and let me know what you think of KnoX by hitting me up on Facebook and Twitter!

J Ka$h - Migos Bang Too [Music Video]

J Ka$h is putting everyone on game about his Latino family in this new music video.  The 7 time Freestyle Friday champ let's us know that "Migos Bang Too" in the visuals to this Kid Blaze produced track.  What are "Migos?" I'll let J explain:

“Migos in The Modern Day (New Millenium) is defined in the streets as ya spanish friend... So migos in the sense of my spanish people!!"

Previously: J. Ka$h - Halloween ft. Yung Popp [Music Video]

Rockie Fresh - How We Do ft. King Louie [Music Video]

With Driving 88 just days away, Rockie Fresh dropped off the visuals to the Lpeezy produced and King Louie featured "How We Do." Check out the Chi Town MC below, and get ready because Driving 88 drops 1.23.12!



Previously: Rockie Fresh - Driving 88 ft. Casey Veggies

Props to The Fader

Dre Write - Stay Schemin (Freestyle)

To warm you up for Mike Tape, Vol. 2, Dre Write, 1/2 of PenStation, took the Rich Forever standout "Stay Schemin" and made it his own.  Check out his freestyle below, which focuses on knowing who's really riding for you when you need it most.

Dre Write - Stay Schemin (Freestyle)

Download: Dre Write - Stay Schemin (Freestyle)

Mike Tape 2 coming this Wednesday 1.23.12!

Previously: PenStation - Get Ready

Nipsey Hussle - Forever On Some Fly Sh*t [Music Video]

Nipsey Hussle proves that he's literally "Forever On Some Fly Shit" on his new music video from The Marathon Continues. Watch below as he takes off to Japan to show just how far music has taken him.



Props to YHTN

Previously: Nipsey Hussle - A Million [Music Video]

Don Trip - The Life (Remix) ft. Yo Gotti, Juicy J & Young Dolph

Don Trip took the underground by storm with his revealing and heartfelt track "Letter To My Son," but he's showing off a completely different side of him on the remix to "The Life," which features fellow Memphis stars Yo Gotti, Juicy J, and Young Dolph.

Don Trip - The Life (Remix) ft. Yo Gotti, Juicy J & Young Dolph

Download: Don Trip - The Life (Remix) ft. Yo Gotti, Juicy J & Young Dolph

Props to OS

Previously:

• Don Trip Freestyles For Russell Simmons [VIDEO]
• Yo Gotti ft. Rick Ross - Harder [Music Video]
• Wiz Khalifa ft. Juicy J & Berner - G.F.U. Gang

Crooked I - Game Time

After ALL the freestyles and free tracks Crooked I has passed out the past few months, it's only right that you put the quarters down for this new single that he released on iTunes yesterday.  Stream and purchase "Game Time" below, and let me know what you think about it on Facebook or Twitter!


Purchase: Crooked I - Game Time

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously: Crooked I - LA Leakers Freestyle

Santigold - Big Mouth [Music Video]

I've been playing Santigold's debut album nonstop since it dropped in 2008, but I'm ecstatic that she's getting ready to drop her sophomore LP Master Of My Make Believe this year. Check out the animated visuals to her first single "Big Mouth" below, and look forward to more coverage of the Roc-Nation managed artist on G.U.E!




Download: Santigold - Big Mouth

Props to Rap Radar

Ski Beatz feat. Curren$y & C Plus - Fly By [Music Video]

Ski Beatz takes you inside the studio for the visuals to the latest 24 Hour Karate School Presents Twilight single "Fly By" featuring Curren$y.  Ski usually shies away from appearances in his visuals and lets the guest rappers command them, but he makes an exception on this one!



Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously:

• Ski Beatz ft. Freddie Gibbs - Illegal [Music Video] 
• ScHoolboy Q ft. Curren$y & Dom Kennedy - Groovline Pt. 1 

MeLo-X - Video Games (Lana Del Rey Cover/Remix) [VIDEO]

MeLo-X does it all. He is an emcee, DJ, photographer, and an genre-bending music producer.  To show off his talents in the production department, he created a live remix of Lana Del Rey's hit "Video Games." Watch and be amazed below, and hit the jump to download the MeLo-X remix!

Estelle - Thank You [Music Video]

Despite several push backs, Estelle's album All Of Me is set for a February 28th release this year, thanks in part to the success of her latest single, "Thank You."  Check out the visuals to the retroactively reflective song below, as she finds herself appreciative of the hurt her ex caused her.



Props to The Overfeed

Previously: Estelle Performs "Thank You" On Black Girls Rock [VIDEO]

Young Dro - We Outchea [New Mixtape]

If there's any rapper that can get you to Friday, it's Young Dro.  His word choice alone is enough to keep you attentive, but add bass-booming beats with a Southern signature and you've got a remedy to get you through this sluggish Thursday and Outchea to the weekend. Who else can sample Spongebob Squarepants and get away with it?

Check out the Grand Hustle rapper's new project We Outchea below, and let me know what you think about the mixtape by hitting me up on Facebook and Twitter!

Download: Young Dro - We Outchea [Mixtape]

Kendrick Lamar Explains Where It All Began [VIDEO]

AFH got a moment to sit down with Kendrick Lamar and discuss his influences in Hip Hop.  Watch the full interview below as the Black Hippy explains that he was moved by more than the expected influences of West Coast legends Tupac, Snoop, Dre, and Ice Cube.



Props to XZ

Previously: BJ The Chicago Kid ft. Kendrick Lamar - His Pain

Reek Da Villian - Can't Get Enough (Remix)

Here's a little warm up from Long Island representer Reek Da Villian.  Listen below as the Busta Rhymes protege adds a respectable sixteen to J. Cole's "Can't Get Enough" featuring Trey Songz.  Let me know what you think abou the track by hitting me up on Facebook and Twitter!

Reek Da Villian - Can't Get Enough (Remix)

Download: Reek Da Villian - Can't Get Enough (Remix)

Props to YHTN

Previously: J-Doe ft. Reek Da Villian, Busta Rhymes, Spliff Starr & N.O.R.E. - Passenger

Rain - It's Mine [Music Video]

Rain's been heavy on the supply lately with freestyles, but he's finally giving us a peek into his highly anticipated project Magic Hour 3 with the video to "It's Mine." Watch below and let the Fayetnam emcee take you into his world.



Props to XZ

Previously: Rain - No Church In The Wild (Freestyle)

Gangstas Use Emoticons Joins SOPA & PIPA Protest, Blacking Out 1.18.12

Tomorrow, January 18, 2012, Gangstas Use Emoticons will be blacked out in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), which threatens the very survival of blogs just like mine as well as Internet giants such as Google, YouTube, Wikipedia, Reddit, and Twitter. To join the protest or to learn more about the injustices of these acts, visit and SOPA Strike and let your voice be heard!

Teairra Mari - U Did That (Remix) ft. 2 Chainz

I couldn't close out the site for a whole day without leaving a 2 Chainz verse to entertain you in our absence! I liked the Teairra Mari single "U Did That" before this remix, but now the songs definitely more likely to make waves on the radio with a verse from the featured man of the year.

Teairra Mari - U Did That (Remix) ft. 2 Chainz

Download: Teairra Mari - U Did That (Remix) ft. 2 Chainz

Props to HHNM

Previously:

• Teairra Mari - U Did That
• Young Jeezy ft. 2 Chainz - SupaFreak [Music Video]

1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) - Rap & Bi**hes

Here's the second leak from Statik Selekt and Termanology's upcoming project 2012.  They switch it up a bit and sample Drake's "Rap & bitches" line from "Underground Kings" to show off the fact that 1982 can do mainstream just as well as the underground.

1982 (Statik Selektah x Termanology) - Rap & Bi**hes

Download: 1982 (Statik Selektah x Termanology) - Rap & Bi**hes

Props to 2dopeboyz

Previously: 1982 - Shining

B.J. The Chicago Kid - His Pain ft. Kendrick Lamar [Prod. by Sounwave]

You know how I know that this is going to be a beautiful week? BJ The Chicago Kid has a new song. To make it even better, he linked up with Kendrick Lamar, who have done work on each other's projects for the past few years now.

Pineapple Now-Laters drops Valentine's Day and I can't wait to get cozy with it.  Check out the emotional song "His Pain" below, and let me know if you're just as excited for BJ's new project!

BJ The Chicago Kid - His Pain ft. Kendrick Lamar

Download: BJ The Chicago Kid - His Pain ft. Kendrick Lamar

This is why I love music so much.

Props to AO!

Previously:

• BJ The Chicago Kid - Dream II
• Infamous Haze ft. Kendrick Lamar, Nu Jerzey Devil & Tools - I'm Ghost

Young Jeezy - Same Damn Time (Remix)

It's about that time for a BOW. BOW. BOW. BOW. moment. It's the evening and you're probably getting a little sleepy although you probably have a lot to do, so WAKE THE HELL UP to this Young Jeezy remix of Future's "Same Damn Time."

Young Jeezy - Same Damn Time (Remix)

Download: Young Jeezy - Same Damn Time (Remix)

Props to USDA

Previously: Young Jeezy - SupaFreak ft. 2 Chainz [Music Video]

Copywrite - Swaggot Killas ft. Jakki Da Mota Mouth [Music Video]

Copywrite brings his lyrical imagery to life with Jakki Da Mota Mouth in this directed music video to "Swaggot Killas." God Save The King is coming 2.28.12!



Props to Macmedia Promo

Previously: Copywrite - Swaggot Killas ft. Jakki Da Mota Mouth

Ab-Soul - Black Lip Bastard

Top Dawg Entertainment is working the music industry like a relay race.  Just as Schoolboy Q dropped Habits & Contradictions (GO GET IT!!), Ab-Soul, Kendrick, and Jay Rock are lining up to drop projects as well. Check out "Black Lip Bastard," the latest from "the highest ni**a at the bottom of the totem pole" below, and get ready for the TDE takeover to continue!

Ab-Soul - Black Lip Bastard

Download: Ab-Soul - Black Lip Bastard

Props to Nah Right

Previously: ScHoolboy Q ft. Ab-Soul - Druggys WitH Hoes Again

B.o.B - How Bout Dat ft. Future & Trae Tha Truth [Music Video]

B.o.B, Future and Trae Tha Truth are simply having a crazy night out on this new music video to the EPIC commercial track "How Bout Dat." Strange Clouds is coming this spring!



Props to XXL

Previously:

• B.o.B - Strange Clouds (Remix) ft. T.I. & Young Jeezy
• Future - Astronaut Status [New Mixtape]
• Trae Tha Truth - King Of The Streets Freestyles [New Mixtape]

Janelle Monae Performs At President Obama's Chicago Campaign Fundraising Event [VIDEO]

I'm so in love with Janelle Monae.  And say what you want about President Obama, but this great leader also happens to have amazing taste in music.  Recently, he invited Janelle to perform at his presidential campaign fundraiser rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago and she killed it as always.

Watch the performance below, and hit the jump to read Ms. Mayweather's reaction to the entire experience and to see President Obama thank her for her talent!

Infamous Haze - I'm Ghost ft. Kendrick Lamar, Nu Jerzey Devil & Tools

The Infamous DJ Haze has compiled quite the lineup on his new album Tha Color Purple, which is available on iTunes now.  Check out the standout track "I'm Ghost" which features the beast that is Kendrick Lamar along with Nu Jerzey Devil and Tools.

Infamous Haze - I'm Ghost ft. Kendrick Lamar, Nu Jersey Devil & Tools

Download: Infamous Haze - I'm Ghost ft. Kendrick Lamar, Nu Jersey Devil & Tools

Props to TTM

Previously: Schoolboy Q ft. Kendrick Lamar - Blessed

Trae Tha Truth - King Of The Streets Freestyles [New Mixtape]

Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth is proving why he's King Of The Streets on this new Don Cannon-hosted mixtape.  Listen below as he adds his hauntingly captivating voice to hit songs from 2 Chainz, Meek Mill, Future, Drake, Mystikal, Tyga and more!

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Donny Goines - The Declaration (Stream)

Donny Goines isn't holding back his opinion about how he feels about hip hop on his new single "The Declaration." Stream the new F.r.e.a.k. produced track where the New York emcee brings up artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, A$AP Rocky, and even Waka Flocka. Hopefully this doesn't cause a backlash or beef. Donny's just being real on this one.

Donny Goines - The Declaration

Purchase: Donny Goines - The Declaration

Props to okayplayer

Previously: Donny Goines - Champion's Anthem ft. Bun B & Pill

MadGibbs (Madlib x Freddie Gibbs) - Thuggin' [Music Video]

If you haven't checked out Freddie Gibbs and Madlib's EP, it's never too late for good music.  Check out the music motion picture for their title track, "Thuggin'" below, which requires no imagination whatsover . Just watch and enjoy!



Guns are bad, mmkay?

Props to HHDX

Previously:

• Ski Beatz ft. Freddie Gibbs - Illegal [Music Video]
• Black Star - Fix Up [Prod. by Madlib]

Kidz In The Hall - I Swear ft. Vic Spencer [Music Video]

Naledge is taking a stroll down memory lane with Vic Spencer in this music video to the Kidz In The Hall's introspective standout "I Swear." Watch below as Naledge visits his childhood home and reflects on how far he and Double O have come up over the years.  Occasion is in stores now!



Props to AO!

Previously: Kidz In The Hall - Won't Remember Tonight ft. Marsha Ambrosius & Anton Genius

J.A.E - My Time [Music Video]

"Drugs are bad, mmkay?"

Now that I've got that out the way, check out the latest Just My Time standout to get the visual treatment from J.A.E.  Watch the Mindbonics directed video to "My Time" below, and make sure you add this one to your greenery playlist on iTunes right NOW.



Previously: J.A.E - Deeznutz [Prod. by MG]

Napoleon Da Legend - Oxygen feat. Raekwon

Napoleon Da Legend "does REALITY RAP" and that's exactly what Hip Hop is about.  With a crazy beat by Unowned and a Raekwon feature, Napoleon's got all the ingredients for a classic.  Check out the lead single from his upcoming project Symphonies Of A Lost Soul below, and let me know what you think about "Oxygen" by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!

Napoleon Da Legend - Oxygen ft. Raekwon [Prod. by Unowned]

Download: Napoleon Da Legend - Oxygen ft. Raekwon

Props to XZ

Previously: Raekwon ft. Big Bub - Apologize + I Do (Freestyles)

Theophilus London & A$AP Rocky - Big $pender [Studio Session]

I bet you wouldn't have guessed that Brooklyn rapper and fashonisto Theophilus London and Harlem's most wanted A$AP Rocky would make some music together.  From the looks of this clip, the collaboration is going to be genius because the track GOES.  Let me know what you think of their song "Big $pender" so far by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!



Props to the family at Rap Genius

Previously:

• Theophilus London - Last Night (LVRS Anthem)
• A$AP Rocky - Celebration

Azealia Banks - NEEDSUMLUV (SXLND) [Prod. by Machinedrum]

2012 seems like it'll be the year for singer and spitter Azealia Banks, who has been co-signed by Kanye West and is set to perform at the sold out Coachella festival this spring. With a Twitter beef with Kreayshawn under her belt, it's obvious that the New Yorker doesn't back down.

Check out "NEEDSUMLUV (SXLND)" below, her newest collaboration with producer Machinedrum, and let me know what you think about 20 year old Azealia by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter. Word on the street is that she's announcing her label deal this week! I'll keep you posted!


Listened to this 3x in a row, btw.

Props to Stereo Gum & Rap-Up

Rihanna - We Found Love (Remix) ft. Flo Rida

Who better to add verses to Rihanna's dance smash "We Found Love" than Flo Rida, the current king of techno rap? Add this one to your fist pump playlist, and keep it movin'!

Rihanna - We Found Love (Remix) ft. Flo Rida

Download: Rihanna - We Found Love (Remix) ft. Flo Rida

Props to YHTN

Previously:

• Rihanna - You Da One [Music Video]
• Flo Rida - Good Feeling [Music Video]

Yelawolf - Far From A B*tch feat. Rittz, Young Struggle & Big HUD

Yelawolf is keeping it in the Slumerican family with his new track "Far From A B*tch" featuring Rittz, Young Struggle & Big HUD.  After the hook, the track should be perfectly clear. Hit me up on Facebook and Twitter to let me know what you think about the track!

Yelawolf - Far From A Bitch feat. Rittz, Young Struggle & Big HUD

Download: Yelawolf - Far From A Bitch feat. Rittz, Young Struggle & Big HUD

Props to YHTN

Previously: Yelawolf - Let's Roll feat. Kid Rock [Music Video]

Joi Starr - Change The World ft. Game + Nothing Even Matters ft. PJ Morton

Photo By Galen Hooks

Joi Starr is a prominent leader in the songwriting world who has helped pen hits with Kanye West, Estelle, Chris Brown and more.  She's been working as a solo artist for a minute, but she's finally getting the shine that she deserves thanks to her constant stream of new music every Monday.

Check out her latest track, "Change The World," featuring Game below, and hit the jump to download her mixtape Magic Monday and for to listen to her and PJ Morton's cover of Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo's classic R&B duet, "Nothing Even Matters!"

A$AP Rocky - Celebration

Here's another joint from A$AP Rocky that he had on the shelf for a few years.  Check out "Celebration" below and let me know if you think it was too good to go unreleased for so long!

A$AP Rocky - Celebration

Download: A$AP Rocky - Celebration

Props to Fashionably Early

Previously: The A$AP Mob Announces North American Tour [Dates]

Rain - No Church In The Wild (Freestyle)

Rain continues his freestyle onslaught with a freestyle over the Watch The Throne track "No Church In The Wild."  Expect to see more from the North Carolina emcee who's planning to drop both What's Yours Is Mine Vol. 2 and Magic Hour 3 real soon.

Rain - No Church In The Wild (Freestyle)

Download: Rain - No Church In The Wild (Freestyle)

Props to YHTN

Previously: Rain - Go Harder + Sweet (Freestyles)

Neako - The Inevitable

Neako's keeping his  ŁVŁYSŁ movement going with another leak from his upcoming project T.A.T.T. (These Are The Times).  Check out "The Inevitable," which the New Jersey spitter produced himself, and let me know what you think of the track by hitting me up on Facebook or Twitter!

Neako - The Inevitable

Download: Neako - The Inevitable

Props to Nah Right

Previously: Neako - 1-333-777-2323 [Music Video]

Mike Posner & Blackbear - Stay Schemin (Acoustic Cover)

Mike Posner and Blackbear perfected making a rap song into an awesome acoustic track with this cover of "Stay Schemin." LMAO that they cut out French Montana's verse. Guess everyone knows how terrible it is.  Check out their acoustic cover of Rozay's Rich Forever track below, and hit the jump for the download!  d(^_^)b Guaranteed on this one!

XV - Squarian Anthem feat. Sez Batters

"F**k yo circle!!"

XV has #Squarians all across the nation reppin' for him and now the Kansas emcee has a theme song for himself and all the original people left in the world.  Check out "Squarian Anthem" below, and let me know what shape you rep!

XV - Squarian Anthem feat. Sez Batters [Prod. by Odd Couple]

Download: XV - Squarian Anthem ft. Sez Batters

Props to HypeTrak

Cris Cab - One Thing [Prod. by Pharrell]

Miami talent Cris Cab has created a huge buzz that includes tons of fans called Echo Boomers and lots of attention from record labels and music big leagues.  On January 31st, Cris is planning to release his new mitape Echo Boom, which features the likes of Wyclef Jean and Pharrell.  Check out his Pharrell produced single "One Thing," below, and hit the jump to learn a little bit more about the project!

Cris Cab - One Thing [Prod. by Pharrell]

Download: Cris Cab - One Thing [Prod. by Pharrell]

Prodigy Speaks On Arrest & The Hip Hop Task Force [VIDEO]

If you haven't read Prodigy's autobiography and actually read all the details behind his life in hip hop, the Mobb Deep star can come off as a pretty paranoid person.  After reading My Infamous Life, however, it's clear that there's a valid reason behind his suspicions.

Check out his interview with Young Jack Thriller where he talks about his recent bid in jail as well as the Hip Hop Task Force that he claims imprisoned him.



Props to DLTDJ

Previously: Prodigy - Serve 'Em

Cherlise - Ground Zero [New Mixtape]

Before today, I'd never heard of Division 1 songstress Cherlise. Clearly, I've been sleeping because I'm only a few tracks in, and I'm digging what the Miami singer is bringing to the table.  Check out her new mixtape Groundzero after the jump, which features Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, the boss Rico Love, and more!

As a little collateral, check out the standout track "Love U Right" before downloading the tape!

Cherlise - Love U Right feat. Lil Wayne

Q Da Kid - It Was All A Dream ft. Dondria (MLK Edition)

So So Def recording artists Q Da Kid and Dondria are using this Martin Luther King Day to make a statement about how life is a huge learning experience that requires you to have a dream and live towards it.

“As we honor Dr. Martin Luther who stated "I HAVE DREAM," I think this is the perfect song to honor his life, his beliefs, that went from a dream to reality. Thanks to him, us as African Americans have a broader voice . Let's celebrate on this day.          -Q Da Kid

Q Da Kid - It Was All A Dream feat. Dondria (Clean)

Download: Q Da Kid - It Was All A Dream (Clean)
Download: Q Da Kid - It Was All A Dream (Dirty)

Trey Songz - Never Enough Time ft. Johnta Austin

This track from Trey Songz and singer-songwriter Johnta Austin leaked last year with tags, but the official untagged version of "Never Enough Time" has finally surfaced.  Check out the ballad below, and let me know if you think the ballad was worth the wait!

Trey Songz - Never Enough Time feat. Johnta Austin

Download: Trey Songz - Never Enough Time feat. Johnta Austin

Props to Diverse Hip Hop

Previously: Trey Songz x Big Sean - Anticipation 2our Dates

Common Performs "Sweet" Live & Shouts Out New Artists On Hip-Hop Nation [VIDEO]

Common stopped through SiriusXM's Hip Hop Nation and gave an impressive performance of his The Dreamer/The Believer single "Sweet." Watch below as he spits the controversial track and hit the jump to check out to hear him talk about new artists in Hip Hop!

Asher Roth Performs "Pabst & Jazz" Live In Boston [VIDEO]

Asher Roth recently hit up Boston's Middle East for a dope, intimate performance of his newest mixtape, Pabst & Jazz. Watch below to see highlights of the concert, including his performance of the project's title track!



Props to D Dot Omen

Previously: Asher Roth Talks NFL, Upcoming Album & Justin Bieber Collab [VIDEO]

Kid Cudi Debuts WZRD's "Teleport 2 Me" Live In Australia [VIDEO]

After getting us all hyped up for his joint album with Dot Da Genius, Kid Cudi pretty much let the project fade away in our minds.  He dropped a snippet of their single "Teleport 2 Me" early last month, but he debuted the full WZRD track during a recent show in Australia.  Check out the song below, and let me know what you think of the full track by hitting me up on Facebook and Twitter!



WZRD - Teleport 2 Me Lyrics

Props to HHNM

Previously: Kid Cudi x Daft Punk - Memories (One More Time)