The music video has taken on a new role and purpose in the hip-hop zeitgeist. In the current high-paced, disposable media landscape, videos have shifted away from the big-budget, atypical events they had developed into over the course of the prior two decades. You don’t need an accomplished director, a six-figure budget, or tropical backdrop to create an acclaimed rap video these days. That heightened accessibility for artists has given us a closer, more authentic look into their cities and their natural environments. (more…)

The songs listed here, in no particular order, represent the look and feel of hip-hop in 2013. A song hopes to capture a moment, in the same way that an album, more broadly, hopes to capture an experience. Some of the more complex emotions about luxury, love, loss, defiance, honesty, lust, ingenuity, politics and compassion sprouted from this year’s crop of rap moments. (more…)

For a deeply soulful, electronic and haunting mix, check out Xei The Ghost’s EP for free…on us.

Drake on a joint that he mentioned during his CRWN interview with Elliott Wilson. This Bey business is sounding a LOT like the hip hop album of the year. And that just screws everyone’s list.

I take back everything disparaging I ever said about Hov. He’s the champ forever. Beyoncé is his queen. They rule the world and their love looks better than mine. Jelly-monster pardon, please.

Is NY rap really as dead as everyone proclaimed? Roc Marci and Bronsolino have been appearing on great work throughout the year, as well as putting out their own formidable projects. Here they team up for the former’s latest album Marci Beacoup.

Mac Miller uses his charismatic, surprisingly-seasoned stage act to capture attention for his new project Live From Space. “Objects In The Mirror” is above. Check the rest after the jump. (more…)

Stream Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip’s Abstract & The Dragon, the tape that introduced us to “Thank You” and the still-bubbling potential of the long-standing duo’s collabs.

Dark gangster goth and car chase motifs dominate here. Cha$e tells us we’re not living if we’re not living well. Can’t help but agree when viewing the interior of the exclusive hotels in the vid.

The INNANETAPE by SAVEMONEY rapper Vic Mensa has made his year more intriguing by the week. From appearance at MTV’s Rapfix to impressive Five Fingers Of Death freestyles, the young genius is creating an indelible mark. Check the recap of his tour stops.

The Childish One got to the top spot on iTunes with his album Because The Internet. Surfing this buzz, here he is on Kimmel.

Big Apple banger Grafh premieres the video for his recently-released track.

The homey Khomari Flash directs this new CJ Fly joint, the only video so far from Thee Way Eye See It. Download it if you haven’t yet.

An unusual trio of rappers join drummer Travis Barker for this single. Yelawolf has a weird verse too.

Peace, God, I’m bout to pull a gun on you…